Sun, May 8th, 2022: Caracas Venezuela Temple, James's gift, Pronger's speak, Bishop Hunsaker's fruit salad and RS lesson, Venison gravy & biscuits, Mother's Day greetings,

 

Caracas, Venezuela

96th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Aug 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

D&C 43:34

Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 25:15-26:13

"Come Follow Me"

Tabernacle and Sacrifice; Exodus 35-40; Leviticus 1, 16, 19

"Holiness to the Lord."

AprGenCon

"He Is Risen with Healing in His Wings"

Elder Patrick Kearon

Of the Presidency of the Seventy

I marvel at the astonishing survival of individuals and families victimized by war, imprisoned in camps, and those who become refugees who heroically and courageously keep alive the flame of hope for fellow sufferers, who impart goodness in the face of brutality, and who somehow manage to help others endure just one more day.

"LIft Up Your Heart and Rejoice"

Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis

Of the Seventy

Speaking to Thomas B. Marsh, a recent convert, the Lord said encouragingly, "Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come" (D&C 31:3).

I believe this invitation can serve as an inspiration for all members of the Church. After all, we have each received from our Heavenly Father the mission of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil. 

Happy Mother's Day. I miss my mom and wish she was here. James wrote me a sweet note and gave me a $100. I'm excited because I'm a little behind on my budget and this will help. I already ordered my Mother's Day gift, the book, "Cake by Courtney."

Jean and Tom Howard's daughter Deana attended our ward today. Pierce played the organ because Sister Rosen was not here. 

James passed the sacrament. When he came to John Wilhelm's row, John reached out his hand and shook James's hand. 

The Pronger's spoke in sacrament meeting. Jesse Pronger, the teenage daughter spoke on using social media to spread the gospel. The gospel can influence how we think and act throughout the day. You never know who you are influencing.

Cyndi Pronger spoke on Elder Holland's conference talk, "Fear Not, Only Believe." Children are the faces of our future. Begin you search for happiness by embracing the bounty we have already receive from the giver of every good gift. President Russell M. Nelson has said that this generation of young people has the capacity to have "more impact for good on the world than any previous generation."

God is love. We must commit ourselves fully to the gift of life and run to the aid of those who are at risk of giving up this sacred gift. Listen and love. 

Chris Pronger is a convert. He is a former drug addict. He was so genuine and honest as he shed his story. His topic was, "A Mighty Change of Heart." This change of heart is not an event; it takes faith, repentance, and constant spiritual work to happen, The Savior has said: "And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit." 3 Nephi 9:20. How do we obtain that mighty change of heart? We study the scriptures, we cultivate that desire through prayer and fasting. When we act, according to the word studied or received and we make a covenant to surrender our hearts to Him we are acting as King Benjamin's people. Mosiah 5:5 - And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by the angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God.

Bishop Hunsaker conducted Relief Society today. We had fruit salad and watched the talk by Sheri Dew, "Are We Not All Mothers." It was a great meeting. Brother Allen spoke about his mother and his mother-in-law. Pierce talked about his mom. His mom is Cathy Arnett's twin sister. 

Sister Dew: "Motherhood is more than bearing children, it is the essence of who we are as women."

After the meeting as I was leaving I spoke with Amy Reynolds. She asked me if I knew that the Grapp's had moved. She said Cammy does her friend's hair and when her friend called for an appointment Cammy said she no longer live there, that she had moved to Ohio. Amy went on to say that she and Cope drove past the Grapp's place and everything was gone. James and I took a drive out that way after church and sure enough everything is gone except for one old vehicle. The dogs, horses, chickens, etc. are gone. There are no curtains at the windows. It looked so empty, it made me sad.  Why would they leave without telling their friends?

I texted Cammy and she confirmed that they moved. I asked for her address because I have a Mother's Day gift for her. She said they don't have a mailing address yet. I told her I would be waiting for it and to give all of the kids a hug for me.

James made venison gravy for me today. It was so delicious! 

We called James's mom and wished her a Happy Mother's Day. She got our card and gift. She was playing dominoes so we didn't talk long.

We FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. They got new flooring and there are already some concerns. They also found black mold which may be affecting Charlie and Kacey's health. I asked Jared if the house was a money pit and he said it was. Charlie wished me a Happy Mother's Day. She sang in their church today with the rest of the Primary. She was disappointed because she wanted to sing by herself. She also asked if she could give a talk. I love this!

I got Mother's Day wishes from: Kacey, Sheri, Brian, Kim, Jared, Stacy, Adam, Michael, Addy, Darrel, Trina, and Autumn. It was a good day.

Sat, May 7th, 2022: Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple, James cooks brkfst, 20,000stepsby 11, Panda, Up movies, John Wilhelm, Kitch flr, fasting

 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

95th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 July 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Savior

D&C 3:16

Nevertheless, my work shall go forth, for inasmuch as the knowledge of a Savior has come unto the world, through the testimony of the Jews, even so shall the knowledge of a Savior come unto my people

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 24:16-25:14

"Come Follow Me"

Leviticus 19 & Book of Mormon Central

AprGenCon

"Fear Not: Believe Only!"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Given our current times, it is understandable if the idealism of the young is waning a little. Dr. Laurie Santos, a professor at Yale University, recently created a class titled Psychology and the Good Life. "The first year the class was offered, nearly one-quarter of the entire undergraduate student body enrolled." Over 64 million people then visited her podcast. Writing about this phenomenon, one journalist noted how painful it is to see so many bright, young students - and adults - desperately "looking for something they've lost" or, worse yet, longing for something they never had.

Up at 4:10 ... and the walking and praying and studying begins. I didn't eat until 9:30, my goal was 11:00 but James made potato patties and I just couldn't resist. He used mashed potatoes, an egg, onion, and cheese, and seasonings. It was delicious. I got 20,000 steps before 11:00.

James went to town to get some plumbing supplies and to get a new plug for the kitchen outlets in case the electricity went out again. He brought back some Panda. The new shrimp bowl meal with chow mein noodles for each of us. He also got me a container of orange chicken, and some milk from the store. I ate the shrimp bowl and saved some of my noodles and the orange chicken for another meal.

While I was working on the computer this afternoon I watched a couple of movies on the Up channel. The first one was called "The Charm of Love" and the second, "Love in Whitbrooke."  

James had an interaction with John Wilhelm this afternoon on the way to town that was quite hurtful. John is supposed to report to James regarding his ministering. James had not answered any of James's texts and so James wanted to talk to him. He also wanted to buy some dirt from him for the backyard and to look at his horses and see if he had any for sale. He drove over to John's place and when John saw him he said, "What are you doing here? I am very busy and don't have time to talk. He said he had a fence to fix. James said I could just walk over with you if that's okay. John said it was not okay and to get off of his property, so James left. The thing that is most hurtful is that James is John's ministering brother. John said his family does not need visits so instead of visits we have been taking birthday gifts to family members. Lanel is his youngest daughter and James just took her a little mermaid costume. When James got home he wrote John a text apologizing to him if he offended him in any way. He came home feeling pretty bad, especially because John's 10 year old son Johnny was with him. 

This evening James and I watched a movie, "Aloha in Love." It was relaxing and nice to spend some time together.

I got over 30,000 steps today which is about 13 miles.

Such a difference six years makes.

Happy Birthday Autumn!

Scarlett helped her mom bake her

birthday cake.

Friday, May 6th, 2022: Baton Rouge Temple, Jordyn's graduation, Mailed Lois's card, Grombach's sixth lesson, Trina's hike, Up at 4

 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

94th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 July 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

Mormon 3:14-15

And when they had sworn by all that had been forbidden them by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that they would go up unto their enemies to battle, and avenge themselves of the blood of their brethren, behold the voice of the Lord came unto me, saying:

Vengeance is mine, and I will repay; and because this people repented not after I had delivered them, behold, they shall be cut off from the face of the earth.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 24:1-15

"Come Follow Me"

Leviticus 1 & 16

"The Heart and a Willing Mind"

Elder James M. Paramore

Of the Seventy

April 1998

You can do so much good that it will astound you as you are changed and as you see others changed.

AprGenCon

"Steady in the Storms"

President Henry B. Eyring

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

My dear brothers and sisters, we have been blessed today to hear inspired servants of God give counsel and encouragement. Each of us, wherever we are, knows that we live in increasingly perilous times. My prayer is that I might help you stand steady in the storms we face with a peaceful heart.

The place to begin is to remember that we are each a beloved child of God and that He has inspired servants. Those servants of God have foreseen the times in which we live. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."

Inklings

Live with Rio and Grace

Elder Bednar and 1 Nephi 11

Up at 3:59. The refrigerator is off. James fixes it again. It takes him about two hours and he is a little discouraged. Thank goodness he can call Dave and get some answers. By 9 a.m. I have 15,000 steps.

I am loving all of the things I listen to while I walk. Today I listened to two All In podcasts, one with Steve Young and the other with Tim Ballard. Steve has just written a book called "The Law of Love" and he stressed the importance of love in all of our relationships. Tim Ballard's podcast was one done in October 2018 after he had written a book. Here is a brief synopsis of his podcast. Tim Ballard shares with "All In" host Jamie Armstrong the miraculous story of how two of the children he rescued became his own. Ballard explains how he discovered a passion for rescuing children from sex slavery, his gratitude for the influence of his wife and how he is able to bring light into the darkness because of the faith that carries him. Brother Ballard has rescued 1,600 children but it is estimated there are 6 million who need to be rescued.

I finished the book "The Holy Secret" by James E. Ferrel. I am going to go back and transcribe all of the information in chapters 20 and 21 about the oath and covenant of the priesthood and the importance of temple covenants. I started another book, "Oil in Our Lamps,"

James mailed his mom's Mother's Day card and framed scripture I made her. "For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1:37.

Why am I always hungry? Stacy does intermitten fasting and has lost 28 lbs. She inspired me. I am not sure I can fast everyday for any length of time, but I am going to give it a try.

I cleaned and polished the living room floor today. It looks beautiful, until someone walks in from outside with their dusty shoes.

Some questions I ask myself from time to time. Do I think good thoughts? How do my thoughts influence me in the decisions I make?

The Grombach's came over this evening for Temple prep lesson #6. This lesson was on preparing physically for going to the temple. The first thing that needs to be done is Willy needs to receive the Melchizedek priesthood. They need to make appointments with the bishop and with President Beeler to get their recommends. After they have their recommends they need to go buy garments and their temple clothing. They also need to make an appointment with the temple. Our last lesson will be on May 15th and then Willy and Janna are going on an Alaskan cruise. They will probably go to the temple sometime in June. They may want us to be their escorts. We would be honored. Somehow in our discussion tonight we had a conversation about blacks and the priesthood and going to the temple. Janna thought because of the curse of Cain they were banned from the temple. That was true in the earlier history of the Church but it is no longer considered doctrine. There is an essay in the Gospel Topics Essay called "Race and the Priesthood" that I would encourage Janna to read. 

Tamara sent me a picture of Jordyn in her cap and gown.

That is the card I gave her.

James enjoying a snack

Trina doing what she loves to do.

Thursday, May 5th, 2022: Veracruz Mexico Temple, James saves Peeler's $3,000, Dollar General for frames, Charlie, Dennis, Gentry's, Pat Tedder, Grombach's

 

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Savior

Helaman 14:15

For behold, he surely must die that salvation may come; yea, it behooveth him and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the Lord.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 23:16-39

"Come Follow Me"

Leviticus 1:1-9; 16 Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I can be forgiven. Exodus 39-40.

AprGenCon

"A Mighty Change of  Heart:"

Elder Eduardo Gavarret

Of the Seventy

On Friday, October 28, 1588, having lost its rudder to being governed solely by oar, the ship LaGirona, belonging to the great Spanish Armada, collided with the rocks of Lacada Point in Northern Ireland. The ship capsized. One of the castaways struggling to survive wore a gold ring given to him a few months earlier by his wife with the inscription, "I have nothing more to give you." "I have nothing more to give you" -a phrase and a ring with the design of a hand holding a heart, an expression of love from a wife to her husband.

"Ladder of Faith"

Elder Larry S. Kacher

Of the Seventy

How will life's challenges affect our faith in Jesus Christ? And what effect will our faith have on the joy and peace we experience in this life?

 I forgot to mention something that happened last Saturday on our way to the temple at 5:30 in the morning. We saw Jared Ammon out running on Highway 60. It reminded me of what a good runner he was in high school and college. I am glad he is still running.

I woke up at 4 this morning. I started my walking routine. My goal is to be finished with 20,000 steps by 11 a.m. I also did some indexing, and some household chores. 

This afternoon I went to Dollar General.  I bought five 4x6 frames for $3.00 a piece. On the way home I stopped at the post office and mailed Paul's pills. Still no wallet. 

When I got home James was ready for a rest so we sat down on the recliners in our bedroom and watched the movie "Jane and Emma" on my phone. The movie is about the relationship between Jane Manning James and Emma Smith. Jane was never allowed to be sealed to her husband but she was sealed to Joseph and Emma as a servant. I wonder how that will work out.

Kacey sent me a talk given by Sister Marriott at BYU. The name of the talk is "Pointing Our Souls to Christ." "We gain divine help and develop a closeness to Him that strengthens us on our journey to our Heavenly home."

I loved chapter 20 and 21 of "The Holy Secret". It talks about the oath and covenant of the priesthood as found in D&C 84 and how it applies to the temple. I am transcribing it to see if I can use it in teaching the Grombach's the last temple lesson.

I am also reading the Saints. Jane Manning James was mentioned. She lived in Salt Lake City. When she passed away a huge crowd came to her funeral. She was such an amazing, faithful woman.

James went with the Peeler's today to pay for the cabinets they picked out. James ended up saving them $3,000. Owen was so happy he took him to lunch at Firehouse Subs. He even brought a sub home for me. 

When James gets home I was gone to Dollar General. He called me and I told him what I was doing. It's so sweet that he always wants to know where I am.

We had temple prep class with the Grombach's this evening. This is lesson #5 which talks about the importance of symbols in the temple. When Janna first came in she told us that her mother fell again and this one hurt her back. She injured her back a few years ago when she took a bad fall at the temple. She was working in the laundry room when it happened. She had to have surgery and it took her a long time to recover. Janna's mom is my friend Pat Tedder. I immediately put her on my prayer roll, our family prayer roll, and the prayer roll at the temple. 

Charlie says the people are lined up 

waiting to get into the city. 

Happy Birthday to my brother Dennis!

The Gentry's

We work with them at the temple

Wed, May 4th, 2022: Meridia Mexico Temple, Orange Poppy Seed Almond cake at presidency meeting, Evan's basketball game, James helps the new Crane family

 

Meridia, Mexico

92nd operating temple

Dedicated: 8 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Savior

Mosiah 3:20

And moreover, I say unto you, that the time shall come when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. 

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 22:10-23:15

"Come Follow Me"

Exodus 35:4-36:7 The Lord asks me to make my offerings with a willing heart. Exodus 37 & 38

AprGenCon

"Following Jesus: Being a Peacemaker"

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Social media posts of thoughtfulness and goodness are often quietly under the radar, while words of contempt and anger are frequently thundering in our ears, whether with political philosophy, people in the news, or opinions on the pandemic. No one or no subject, including the Savior and His restored gospel, is immune from this social phenomenon of polarized voices. 

James and Chuck took James's Cat and went to the new Crane family's place to haul gravel closer to their driveway. They thought it would take 30 minutes but it ended up taking 3 hours. They live in a mobile home with five boys and they have to haul water. James says he is going to ask one of their boys to come over and help him put in our backyard.

Right after noon I made the orange curd for my cake: sugar, orange zest, orange juice, three eggs and 4 egg yolks. I cooked it just as it said to do, covered it with Saran wrap and let it sit in the frig for about five hours. Evidentally I didn't cook it enough because it did not set up. It was just like orange juice. I put some of it in the cake anyway. 

I froze the cake layers because they are easier to frost but I should have taken them out sooner than I did. I finished the cake at 5:30 and our presidency meeting is at 6. Why do I always finish things right down to the wire?

Orange Almond Poppy Seed cake

James helped me get everything into the car and he also put the orange slices on the cake. 

Maxine, Kerri, and Tamara were all waiting for me in the foyer when I arrived at the church. I didn't see anyone else in the building. We all walked back to the Relief Society room. I asked if they wanted cake now or later in the meeting. They all said later. 

Tamara said the opening prayer and then asked us to go to LDS Tools. Go to the three dots on the bottom where it says more then go to reports. Second from the bottom is quarterly report, click on that and then go to Indicators of Conversion and Church Growth. Here we found the following statistics: Individuals who are sealed to a spouse in the temple; Endowed members with a current temple recommend; Males ages 18-25 serving or who have served a full-time mission; Average sacrament meeting attendance; Adults and youth who submitted ancestor names for temple ordinances in the last 12 months. I didn't list all of the statistics but this gives you an idea of the kind of information available on Tools. I never knew.

We also looked for new move-ins which is available on Tools. This app can really help us in our callings and I thought it was just a directory and a calendar. 

We discussed our council on preparedness and Kerri said that the next RS activity would be based on the council. We will have gardening information, and how to use food storage. We have a great resource in our ward as far as food storage is concerned and her name is Wendy DeWitt. We also have many people who grow a garden. I am looking forward to the activity. 

Kerri told us a story about Elder Haynie who was the visiting general authority at our recent stake conference. She said he had afib Saturday night and his blood pressure was 220/111. President Smithson, who is a doctor picked up some medicine for him at one of the pharmacies and they took him to President Beeler's home and gave him a blessing. He got a good night's sleep and was fine on Sunday morning. 

Tamara is leaving tomorrow for Jordyn's graduation from UVU in Provo. I gave her a card to give Jordyn. She was one of the young women I taught in 2012-2015 when I was in Young Women's. I am very proud of her!

Some other things we talked about: Young Women transitioning into Relief Society, and Amber Judd. We want Millie to fellowship her and invite her to Relief Society. Amber told Catherine Halcomb that she does not like RS. We want Millie to tell her that things have changed and she should come and see what she thinks. 

Some exciting news from Sheri. The boys had a basketball game tonight. It was towards the end of the game and the score was 53-51, their favor. The other team was putting the pressure on our two best players when one of them, Hewitt, passed the ball to Evan. Evan shot and made a three pointer and the crowd went wild. Evan sealed the game for them! It wasn't a "lucky" shot, it was sheer skill!

Where are the smiles?

Charlie chooses her own clothes.

She loves wearing dresses with tennis shoes.

I think they look great together.

Tue, May 3rd, 2022: Suva Fiji Temple, Temple w/ Catherine, Elliot Hall passes, August & the eggs, 100 years old, twins, Jupiter & Venus

 

Suva, Fiji

91st operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

2 Nephi 31:13

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism - yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 21:28-22:9

"Come Follow Me"

Exodus 35-40; Leviticus 19 The Lord wants me to become holy as He is. Exodus 35-36.

AprGenCon

"But We Heeded Them Not"

Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

One hymn that has blessed my life in remarkable ways is "Let Us All Press On." Recently I have been pondering and learning about a specific phrase in the refrain of that hymn. "We will heed not what the wicked may say, but the Lord alone we will obey."

Up at 5 after a late night study session. I had 12,000 steps before leaving for the temple at 9:30. In reading Exodus 35 and 36 this morning I have to ask myself: "Am I wise hearted?" I also listened to a talk by Sister Bonnie D. Parkin a former General Relief Society President. The talk was about covenants. Sister Parkin says that "Covenants connect us to the Divine." I also listened to a talk about holiness by Sister Carol F. McConkie. Sister McConkie shared a story about a girl named Evangeline in Ghana. Ghana is a Laurel president and she goes to the homes of the inactive girls in her ward and helps them do chores so they can attend church. 

I listen to a lot of things while I am walking. Morgan on All In interview Kerry Muhlstein about his new book on the Abraham.  Dr. Matthew Grey was on "Follow Him." 

The wind was so strong today I pulled up as close as I could get to the temple to let Catherine out. I was afraid it might blow her over, but it didn't. 

We were in an almost full session, 18 sisters and 14 brothers. The Thompson's and the Klug's from our ward were in the session and sat right behind us. After our session Catherine bought me lunch at Ava's. We both got green chili burros enchilada style with rice and beans. The food was meh. Very bland. I do like one of the signs in the restaurant, "As for me and my house we will serve tacos." I should have gotten a chicken enchilada. On the way out of town Catherine needed to stop at Compass Health Center. 

James was putting in the new plug in the kitchen when I got home. I thanked him and also thanked him for getting my prescription. 

I rested, blogged and walked the rest of the afternoon. I made potstickers and a salad for dinner. I walked with James while listening  to "Deep Waters." James, true to form, did some indexing this evening. I started making the cake I am taking to presidency meeting tomorrow evening. It is an Orange, Almond, Poppy Seed cake. It was 10:30 before I got to bed. James was asleep.

I just heard the news that Elliot Hall passed away yesterday. He was 89 years old. His wife Jackie is a good friend of mine.

Sheri's photo

James's photo