Mon, May 2nd, 2022: Melbourne Australia Temple, over 20,000 steps, James & Peeler's have a cabinet meeting, I go grocery shopping, James's purple toe, LIttle Mermaid

 

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

2 Nephi 6:17

But thus saith the Lord: Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for the Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord: I will contend with them that contendeth with thee-

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 21:9-27

"Come Follow Me"

Tabernacle and Sacrifice; Exodus 35-40; Leviticus 1, 16-19 "Holiness to the Lord"

AprGenCon

"We Are The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"

Reyna I. Aburto

Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

From the beginning, God has sought to gather and organize His children "to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life." With that purpose in mind, He has instructed us to build places of worship where we receive knowledge and the ordinances of salvation and exaltation; make and keep covenants that bind us to Jesus Christ; are endowed with "the power of godliness"; and gather together often to remember Jesus and strengthen each other in Him. The Church organization and its buildings exist for our spiritual benefit. "The Church ... is the scaffolding with which we build eternal families."

Up at 6. I had a restless night. James and I had a good scripture study session this morning. Because I got up late I got behind on my walking. Whenever I get behind it is always a challenge to catch up. 

The last toe James had worked on by Dr. Hall has an infection and is turning purple. He took a picture of it and sent it to the doctor.

It looks like it hurts.

We found out the doctor called in a prescription after we had returned from town. James will have to go back into town and pick it up tomorrow.

James also called Cathi and talked to her about neuropathy since he is always complaining about his foot that has neuropathy. She gave him some ideas as to what to do to bring some relief.

James cooked us some shrimp for lunch. I was hoping he would make a salad but he did not. I also had an Atkin's bar.

The All In interview I listened to today was with Ed and Wanda Willis: From Black Panthers to Latter-day Saints. It was really good and I told James he should listen to it too. I also listened to a chapter from "The Holy Secret" and Saints volume 3. 

James left for town with the Peeler's for a 2:00 appointment at Lowe's for cabinets. I wanted to finish walking before going to town so I didn't leave until a little after 3. I downloaded some Judd's songs to listen to while I was getting ready to go. 

The first thing I was going to do when I got to Walmart was get my thyroid prescription but the line was long so I told myself I would come back after doing a little shopping. Well I forgot,  so when James goes into town tomorrow to pick up his prescription he will pick up mine too. He also forgot the new plug he was going to buy to replace the one in the kitchen that burned out. We are both so forgetful. If I didn't make a list I would forget everything.

While I was shopping James texted me to see where I was. He came over to Walmart after finishing with the Peeler's and he will come home with me. He bought some wings while I was checking out and we ate them on the way home. 

This evening while fixing some cauliflower for dinner I finished cleaning out the freezer with a little help from James. Our refrigerator and freezer looks better than it has since it was new. 

Paul lost his wallet and Stacy asked if we would look for it. She told me where he was sitting and asked me if I would also check downstairs. While I was looking under the bed downstairs I found his pain meds. She says he's going to need them and asked me if I would send them to him. We did not find the wallet and neither did Stacy or Paul at home. I thought maybe it got lost in the car.  

I called about my vacuum bags today and they are in Kansas. It's been two weeks and they haven't gotten very far. 

I want to close with a couple of quotes from "The Holy Secret".

"All that is ungodly within us must be put to death or we will not be able to enter God's presence."

"The earth was made in order to bring mankind back into the presence of God, or into God's rest." (His presence).

"The sacrament prayers remind us of our brokenness."

James was cold while making 

the bed

She was on sale
 

Sun, May 1st, 2022: Adelaide Australia Temple, bad electrical plug in the kitchen, church meetings, Elder Bednar and Ardeth Kapp, Morgan Jones interview, Patricia's burial, Charlie, Scarlett

 

Adelaide, Australia

89th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

1 Nephi 22:12

Wherefore he will bring them again out of captivity, and they shall be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance; and they shall be brought out of obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 20:12-21:8

"Come Follow Me"

Review Exodus 24; 31-34 "My Presence Shall Go With Thee"

AprGenCon

"Preaching the Gospel of Peace" 

President Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Brothers and sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ has never been needed more than it is today. Contention violates everything the Savior stood for and taught. I love the Lord Jesus Christ and testify that His gospel is the only enduring solution for peace. His gospel is a gospel of peace.

"Missionary Service Blessed My Life Forever"

President M. Russell Ballard

Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

As I have looked back over my life, I have been able to see certain experiences that made a significant difference. One of those experiences is how my full-time missionary service as a young man in England blessed my life and shaped my spiritual destiny.

Inklings

1.) press on. hold fast. heed not - David A. Bednar 2.) "But We Heeded Them Not" & 1 Nephi 11 3.) remembering, honoring, strengthening, prayerfully, earnestly, consistently 4.) Look! 1 Nephi 11:8 5.) First - have a firm testimony of the Father's plan.

The refrigerator and stove and oven are off. There must be a bad plug or a short somewhere. James spent the morning taking food out of the refrigerator and freezer and putting it in the frig/freezer in the garage. I got ready to go do church. When I came into the kitchen ready for church James asked me what time it was. I said it was 8:45 and I was going to church. I told him to come in the truck and I would save him a place. I looked at James and he looked sad so I said, hurry and go get ready, I will wait for you. He ran to the bedroom. We sat down in the chapel before Pierce got up to begin the meeting. We were grateful. At the other end of our bench were our friend Theresa and Wes Smith. They are back from their 6 months in the valley. Chris Skousen was also here today!

Bishop Hunsaker was not here today and neither was his family or Cody and LeeAnn Snyder. Cody and LeeAnn were sealed in the Gilbert temple yesterday. I am so proud of LeeAnn and I am so grateful I have been able to be a part of her life.

 Testimonies: Pierce Goodman, Lorraine Vaught, Theresa Smith, Sean Bowen, Tamara Applegate, Becky Skousen, Brother Gilbert, Owen Peeler, Barbara Sayer and several children and a young woman. There was a sister who got up with two girls so the older girl could bear her testimony and the young woman was someone I did not know. So many new people in our ward!

I would say that one of the themes for the testimonies offered today was "miracles." It reminded me of my miracle last Easter and how I feel like Charlie was a part of that healing. She was my companion and my caregiver.

Brother Applegate's Sunday School lesson was amazing. He talked about the Covenant Pattern and we did a comparison from Exodus and the Doctrine and Covenants. The last part of the lesson he had a Power Point presentation of the ancient tabernacle. He bore testimony of the importance of temple covenants and how they bring us to Christ. As much as I loved his lesson today I feel like my real learning this week came from my study of the tabernacle, it's parallel meanings and how it brings us to Christ. I am loving the Old Testament!

Stacy, Paul, Adam, and Joshua were just leaving to go to Trish's burial at the Snowflake cemetery. I quickly took a picture of their car since I had forgotten to take one of them earlier just as I did Dallin, Jared, and Michael.

 James called David, his brother and asked him how to determine which plug was bad on the kitchen breaker.  Dave told James what to do, and James did it, and he figured out that the plug to the toaster is the one that is bad. Before putting food back in the refrigerator and freezer both need to be cleaned out. I told James I would do it tomorrow but when I came back in for my nap, James was cleaning the refrigerator.  At first I was upset and told him I was going to do that tomorrow. He said, but I didn't want to put food back in while it was dirty. He had done said a good job, I didn't complain anymore. I will clean the freezer tomorrow. 

Jared suggested that we listen to an All In interview with Elder David A. Bednar about personal revelation. James and I listened to it and really liked it. I told him I had listened to Elder Bednar's new book, "The Spirit of Revelation." All In is a podcast associated with Deseret Book and LDS Living. The interviewer is Morgan Jones. Now she is Morgan Jones Pearson. After Elder Bednar's interview I listened to one featuring Ardeth G. Kapp. Karen Schneider and I met Ardeth when we went to England on the Deseret Book Harry Potter tour. She was very friendly and one evening she even invited us to have dinner with her and her two sisters. I love Ardeth Kapp. She has never been able to have children. She is now a widow and is 90 years old. She is still like a ray of sunshine and I so enjoyed this interview. 

This evening James made some baked apples. They were good but not quite as good as the last ones he made.

Patricia Gonzales's family at her burial site

Snowflake Cemetery

Miss Charlie is over this picture taking thing

The only photo I got of the Gonzales's at our house

Scarlett

Frank Bates and Annie Laurie Lambson

Morgan and Benjamin

Sat, Apr 30th, 2022: Fukuoka Japan Temple, Temple shift, upset with James, dinner with Stacy & Paul, a small toothless Sophie attacks me, our dinner together

 

Fukuoka, Japan

88th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

1 Nephi 21:26

And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 20:1-11

"Come Follow Me"

Exodus 34

Moses hews new tables of stone - He goes up into Mount Sinai for forty days - The Lord proclaims His name and attributes and reveals His law - He makes another covenant with Israel - The skin of Moses' face shines, and he wears a veil.

AprGenCon

"Now is the Time"

President Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Now is the time we can learn. Now is the time we can repent. Now is the time we can bless others.

Today we work at the temple because it is the 5th Saturday. We take turns with shift A in working on the 5th Saturday. We had separate preparation meetings today. The brothers went with President Toronto and Brother Hamblin and the sisters were trained by Sister Hamblin. Sister Toronto was not here today because she was sick. We also had 7 sisters absent and most of those were sick. I said the closing prayer and Sister Hamblin asked me to pray for the sick, so I did. 

My first assignment was to sit in the locker room and greet patrons and answer questions. I did not get good sleep last night and I am so tired and I also forgot my watch so I am a little "out of sorts." My next assignment was to be the sister follower in the 8:00 endowment session. Brother Roberts is the officiator and Brother Gentry is the other brother in this session. Kayla Whiting's twin sister is in this session. Her name is Moriah. Kayla comes in and gives her a hug before the session starts. Oh, I need to tell about Brother Gentry. He is what I would call a "music man." He is conducting the music in Show Low High School's production of "The Little Mermaid." I am good friends with his wife Jeanie. She is the one that has eye problems and has to have surgery. She knows my friend Becky Skousen and she asked me to get Becky's address for her. Jeanie and Brother Gentry will not be here for any temple assignments in May. They have two children who live in the eastern part of the United States, one in Provo, and two or three in northern California. They have mission farewells and graduations to attend. They have no children that live in Arizona. 

I was assigned veil 3 at the end of the endowment session. James was the presenter so that was fun! 

During my break I went down to the break room to eat my Atkins bar. I visited Julia Skousen who is subbing for Sister Marilee Neff. She just lost 50 pounds using a keto diet. We had an interesting discussion and I learned some things as she ate her cucumbers for lunch and then said she was no longer hungry. Wow! If cucumbers make you that full, I need to get some. Jeanie Gentry was also at our table. She had made an egg salad sandwich for her lunch. She said she remembered when we did potluck one of the Neff couples (there are 3 brothers and their wives on our shift) made a big platter of egg salad sandwiches for us every week and how much she loved them. I remember them too. They were so delicious and filling!

I had initiatory two times today. I always love initiatory because I love hearing the blessings bestowed upon us as we prepare for the endowment. 

My friend Elwanda Reidhead has the cutest hairdo and I noticed today how shiny her hair was. I asked her what she puts on it and she said oil that her daughter got her. She couldn't remember the name but will get it to me later. 

There was a wedding today. The couple was so cute but they looked so young to be getting married. Is 12 too young? I'm sure they were older but the older I get the younger these couples who come to get married look. The girls last name was Papa. Donald Papa was a witness at our wedding. I wonder if this is one of his granddaughters.

I was finished with my assignments at 12:30. I told James earlier I would be finished at 12:30 and he told me he thought he would be through then too. I waited for him like other spouses waited in the break room. Finally when he didn't show up I asked Brother Roberts if he had seen him and he said, "oh he got out 45 minutes ago." I was embarrassed and said, "Well I wish he would have told me", and then I left. When I went outside I saw him walking around the parking lot. I am afraid I was quite grouchy. I get grouchy when I am tired and hungry and when I think someone has taken advantage of me. I had all three of those today.

James suggested we stop at Sonic for lunch, which we did. I did feel better after eating my hamburger. We were pretty quiet on the way home. We listened to our book, "The Gents, Book Two: Lily of the Valley." Stacy, Paul, Adam, and Joshua were just a few minutes behind us. Patricia's service was at 10 in Snowflake and then were was a luncheon afterwards. Dallin, Michael, and Jared left for home after the service. Michael texted us, it was so cute! He told us how much he loved us and that if we ever needed help with something to let him know.

As soon as I got home I put a roast in the crockpot. It was 2:00. 

James disappeared and went on a horseback ride. Stacy and I watched a show about Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. It was very interesting although I didn't get to watch all of it. Desi told about how his dad was mayor of the city they lived in in Cuba and his uncle was the chief of police. He said, we owned the city,  until there was an insurrection and within 48 hours we lost all of our possessions and my dad and uncle were thrown in prison. He tells how he and his mother were refugees and they came to America. He loved America and said he could never have had the life he has had in any other country in the world. 

While we were waiting for the roast to be done Stacy and I were sitting in the family room and talking. At one point Sophie, the little chihuahua, came running across the room, jumped up on the couch I was sitting on and began attacking me. It scared me because I wasn't expecting it. As I thought about it I realized she could do me no harm. She is the size of a large rat and she has no teeth. But boy that bark is piercingly loud and she has the attitude of an attacker. I don't like her very well and obviously she doesn't like me. Shipley on the other hand, loves me. Vader was jumping as high as the counter when James was shredding the roast. He is just like a little kid. I think Sopie and Shipley rule over him, especially Shipley.

Finally our roast was done around 8:00. The Gonzo's made mashed potatoes, Joshua peeled the potatoes, Stacy cut them up and put them in the water to cook, Paul added the other ingredients and mashed them, and Adam washed the pot afterwards.  I made rolls and green beans and Red Lobster biscuits so we had a feast and I must say,  it was quite delicious.

After dinner and cleanup I was tired and Stacy was going downstairs to go to bed,  James was indexing, so I went into the bedroom and watched part of the Up movie I had already started. When James came in to go to bed I turned it off and we went to bed. I couldn't sleep so I got up and studied about the Israelites tabernacle, how it was arranged and what everything was for and symbolized. Finally I was tired and so I went back to bed.

So sad. Stacy and I love the Judd's. Stacy sang "Love is Alive"

and "Grandpa" when she was part of a singing 

group several years ago. Naomi had mental illness

and she evidentally commited suicide.

Fri, Apr 29th, 2022: #87 San Jose, Costa Rica Temple, Stacy, Paul, five boys and 3 dogs are all here, Goodbye to Chelsea and Jared, James's offer of food,

 

San Jose, Costa Rica

87th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Savior

1 Nephi 13:40

And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 20:12-21:8

"Come Follow Me"

Exodus 33

AprGenCon

"Our Heartfelt All"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

If we want the Savior to lift us heavenward, then our commitment to Him and His gospel can't be causal or occasional.

 I changed my walking schedule to 3,000 steps an hour so I can be done walking before noon. 

I have been listening to Anthony Sweat's "Seeker's Wanted." There is a section about Holy Patterns that has the reader ask questions to themselves. 1. How can I better consecrate my time? 2. How can I better consecrate my money and possessions? 3. How can I better consecrate my talents?  4. How can I better myself and my life. 

Loyalty, selflessness, dedication, obedience, sacrifice and consecration.

I took a Luke 1:37 plaque to Chelsea today. I wasn't expecting to see Jared too. He flew home to fly back with Chelsea and the kids. At first I asked him if he was Jared's brother. When he said no, I knew it was him. 

I cleaned off the deck and patio this afternoon in anticipation of our company. The views aren't great but I can see that James is making progress on getting rid of the rocks in the backyard.

Tomorrow is Trish's memorial service so all of the Gonzales's are coming up today to stay at our house. Michael, Dallin, and Jared arrived first in Dallin's car. They brought Shipley with them. Jared gave each of us a hug and then we never saw him again. He stayed upstairs for the rest of the day, at least until we went to bed.  We had a nice visit with Michael and Dallin about their jobs. A little while later Stacy, Paul, Adam, and Joshua, Vader, and Sophie arrived. They had stopped and gotten a pizza for dinner but Michael, Dallin, and Jared hadn't eaten. James offered to heat them up some ham, scalloped potatoes, and green beans. It was so cute to see how grateful Dallin was, He said: "Thank you so much grandpa." Michael went into town with Paul to get something to eat and Jared was still asleep. James made Jared a plate and it sat on the table for a long time. Adam ate some food and he and Dallin both loved it. I'm so glad that James did this for them. It's something they will remember for a long time.

Stacy went to bed early so I came into the bedroom to work at the computer and get ready for bed as we work at the temple tomorrow. I'm grateful we have a home to accommodate so many people. Everyone had their own bed. 

Thur, Apr 28th, 2022: Montreal Quebec Temple, RGS how to receive personal revelation, Ruby runs fast, Addy's grad photos, Charlie, Ginger's granddaughter

 

Montreal, Quebec

86th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

1 John 4:14

 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to ber the Saviour of the world.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 18:17-35

"Come Follow Me"

JST Exodus 34:1-2 (Bible Appendix) What was the difference between the two sets of stone tables Moses made?

Read also Exodus 32

GenCon365

"The Sabbath Is A Delight"

Elder Russell M. Nelson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

April 2015

How can you ensure that your behavior on the Sabbath will lead to joy and rejoicing?

AprGenCon

"Come into the Fold of God"

Elder Randy D. Funk

Of the Seventy

Within the fold of God, we experience the Good Shepherd's watchful, nurturing care and are blessed to feel His redeeming love.

Liahona

"We Testify of Him"

Up at 4:47. The missionaries are coming for dinner tonight and Tanna won't be here. She says she is sick but wants to reschedule. How many times can you reschedule? 

Sam and Debbie Goodman had a 3 year old grandson drowned recently. GoFundMe has raised over $25,000 for the family. Sam is Pierce's cousin. The Halcomb's are going to his funeral in Tucson tomorrow. Pierce wants to go but he is subbing for someone in the temple. 

I think fresh strawberry pie is my favorite pie and Catherine's that she made for James, is delicious! 

I fixed scalloped potatoes and put them in one of my crockpots. The Ham is in another crockpot on warm. Green beans, croissants, and ice cream sundaes will round out the rest of the meal. 

While walking this morning I listened to Brother Anthony Sweat's book, "Seeker's Wanted." I especially loved chapter 7. 

I listened to Inklings live today with Emily and her friend Tanna. Emily is very excited because she is leaving to go to Israel today for "Don't Miss This." Today we discussed Becky Craven's talk, "Do What Mattereth Most." We also discussed Brother Richard G. Scott's method for studying the scriptures. There are two talks Richard G. Scott gave where he discussed how he studies. One of these talks was given in 2009 and the other in 2012. Here are some notes I took today: Tanna's Instagram site is live.right.nutrition. Consistency and frequency can turn my weakness into a strength. Conversion doesn't come without doing something. Do something to center yourself everyday. "It takes effort to stay focused on what is truly essential for lasting joy." Prayerfully consider what is distracting me. "Boss your brain." My brains is so rebellious. Repetition perfectly brings perfection. Control self-talk. Book, "Mind Over Mood." We must come out of obscurity and share the gospel light. Strengthen the 99 and seek out the one. Penguins, Planet Earth, what they do when they are cold. They huddle together with one in the middle. They take care of each other. Stay close to the Prophet. The 99 are the saving place for the one. Elder Scott's seven-part pattern. Emily uses it in her book, "And These Words." Example - Study: "The Rising Generation". Get 15 scriptures and study. The following is from Emily's book: "And These Words" a scripture study journal.

The Process Of Study - "In April 2012, when Elder Richard G. Scott began speaking in general conference of his process for receiving revelation, I was instantly intrigued. What are the steps an Apostle of the Lord uses to prepare his heart for a message from heaven? Expecting a lesson on asking and answers, I was surprised to see a process of scripture study instead. As I listened to his words, it didn't take long before the realization settled in - prayer is our asking; scripture is His answering. Most times that is how revelation comes in a life.

"In that talk, Elder Scott listed several steps that became a cyclical process for him. Those seven steps have influenced my own process of study. 

"When I am faced with a very difficult matter, this is how I try to udnerstand what to do. I fast. I pray to find and understand scriptures that will be helpful. That process is cyclical. I start reading a passage of scripture; I ponder what the verse means and pray for inspiration. I then ponder and pray to know if I have captured all the Lord wants me to do. Often more impressions come with increased understanding of doctrine. I have found that pattern to be a good way to learn from the scriptures" ("How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life," Ensign, May 2012).

"Maybe you would like to experiment with his process. Here is one way you might use those steps as you study.

1. Begin by defining your "difficult matter." What is your question, your need, your situation? Where do you need heaven's help? Could you narrow that asking down to one word? What would that word be?

2. Read passage after passage of scripture. Take your one word into the scriptures. Turn to the Topical Guide, the Guide to the Scriptures, the Bible Dictionary. Make a list of verses that seem to fit your need, your situation, your question.

3. Ponder what those verses mean. Choose several to become your favorites. Look for patterns, for promptings. Follow footnotes. More knowledge will come. Keep adding to your list as it does.

4. Pray for inspiration. Look at the verses, notes, and promptings contained within your list. Ask the Spirit to open your eyes to see the common thread, the important concepts, the learning that has been captured on that page.

5. Now pause. Ponder and pray to know if you have captured all the Lord wants you to do. Listen for different words, impressions, phrases, promptings that might come. Write those down.

6. Seek for more doctrine you could study about this topic. Turn to general conference talks, commentaries, lesson manuals. Continue to add your fresh insight to your list.

7. Ask, is there more?

"This cyclical process of pondering and seeking continued insight must have been a lesson that Elder Scott felt very impressed to teach, because he described the same process in October 2009. Twice in two separate general conferences. Repetition often suggest importance.

In his words: 'I was prompted to ask, 'Is there more I should know?' And there was. Had I not responded to the first impressions and recorded them, I would not have received the last, most precious guidance" ("To Acquire Spiritual Guidance," Ensign, Nov. 2009).

"Here is what I love the most - between the first instance when this study pattern was taught and the last time the topic was mentioned again, there are four years. Four years when an Apostle of the Lord was practicing. At the end of those four years, he was still as passionate about this pattern of study as he was at the beginning."

Whew! That was long, but I wanted to have a record of it in my journal. I need to use this method. I have done it once but then I quit.

The dinner with Elder Johnson and Elder Goodwin went well. They seemed to really enjoy the food. Elder Goodwin left a message with us and shared a talk he listened to by Elder Holland. Here is a picture I took. I finally remembered!

Elder Goodwin on the left is

from Idaho and Elder Johnson

on the right is from

Magnolia, Texas.

"My success is measured by my commitment"

-Elder Alan D. Haynie

Ginger's daughter and granddaughter

Mackenzie Mae

Addy's grad photos

My personal favorite