Wed, May 11th, 2022: Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Temple, Found Paul's wallet, Sue & Tabitha, Sweet Charlie & also Addy, Quintan a state champion

 

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

99th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

Habakkuk 3:13

Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 27:18-37

"Come Follow Me"

Numbers 13-14 With faith in the Lord, I can have hope for the future. Numbers 20

AprGenCon

"Conversion to the Will of God"

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"In a remarkable discussion with my wise and exemplary older brother, we concluded that his decision on whether to serve a mission and delay his education depended on three questions: (1) Is Jesus Christ divine? (2) Is the Book of Mormon the word of God? and (3) Is Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration? If the answer to these questions was yes, it was clear that Joe could do more good taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world than becoming a doctor at an earlier date."

When I got up at 4 this morning the kitchen breaker was off including the refrigerator. I pushed the red button on the outlet to turn it back on. 

While I was walking this morning James asked me if I could Zelle some money for Armando. For some reason Armando can't accept large amounts of money so he sends money to us when he gets paid. This time it was $23,000. He wants us to send $5,000 to when subcontractor and $1,150 to another. The first time I tried to send the $5,000 they locked our account. We talked to three different people before we got it unlocked again. They ask you questions to determing that you are legit. They give three addresses and ask which one you have been associated with. One was Kim and Brian's address and another was the house in Mesa on Elm St. that we owned. When the account was unlocked I tried sending the first amount and then the second. The second would not go through because they said $5,000 was our limit. I changed the date for the second transaction to go through to tomorrow, May 12th. I thought we were good. We shall see tomorrow.

James left after we thought we had the problem resolved for an appointment about Peeler's cabinets. After lunch I began watching an old movie from 1962, "Rome Adventure," starring Susan Pleshette and Troy Donahue. I forgot how cute Troy was. I really enjoyed the movie. I need to watch more movies on TCM. In 1962 I was a sophmore in high school and I am sure I saw this movie back then although I didn't remember much from it.

Later this afternoon I went downstairs to put sheets on the bed and make sure everything was in order. Kim is coming on Sunday and staying until Saturday and I want the room to be ready for her. I couldn't vacuum because I'm still waiting for my vacuum bags. I checked on them and they should be delivered by tomorrow. I hope FedEx knows where we live.

While I was downstairs I decided to look in the couch one more time for Paul's wallet. I took both cushions out and walla! I found it! I took a picture and sent it to Paul. He was so excited. He asked me if I would overnight it and I could have the money in the wallet to pay for it. I told him I would. 

When James got home from his Elder's Quorum presidency meeting this evening we listened to a couple of chapters from our book, "Roxbury Heirs, Facing the Enemy." Afterwards he went in to index and I went in the bedroom to work on my blog. While I was in the bedroom I got a call from Sue Hubble. I am Sue's ministering sister. Sue's daughter Tabitha has a brain tumor and has been doing treatments at St. Joseph's hospital in Phoenix. When the treatments were finished Sue asked Tabitha if there was anything she would like to do or anywhere she would like to go. She said that she had always wanted to go on an Alaskan Cruise so Sue booked one for them. On the cruise Tabitha fell out of bed and cut a huge gash across her forehead. When the cruise was over and they were back in Phoenix, which was today, Sue called the hospital and told them all that had happened while they were gone. The doctor at the hospital asked Sue to bring Tabitha in so they could check her out before they came home to Show Low. Sue is so glad they did this. Tabitha had fluid on her brain and they immediately took her in to surgery. She was still in surgery when Sue called me. She said Jason, Tabitha's husband, prayed for the first time today. Sue told him it was a good thing that he did because they needed his prayers and Heavenly Father is the best partner you can have. Jason has no one else in his corner. He has no family or religious background. I thought Tabitha was a member but she is not. Sue found out that they live inside the boundaries of the Linden ward. She found this online. She tried to contact the bishop but so far she has not heard back. Not only do they need a walk-in shower but they need a wheelchair ramp as Tabitha is not walking on her own now. Hopefully the Linden ward will come through for them. This is Harold and Dennis's ward and I'm pretty sure that they would help.

I listened to BMC while working on my blog. I really like Tyler and Taylor. They are becoming one of my very favorite "Come Follow Me" presentations. I found my notebook today where I wrote down the headings of all of the chapters in the Bible. 

I listened to two All In podcasts today. The first was with a judge, Thomas B. Griffith. The podcast was labeled, "Politics, Religion and the Lab of Christian Living. According to Brother Griffith the news on TV is not the news we should be listening to. He says we need to read The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and the Washington Post. He said that Deseret News is another good source.

The second podcast was with Jon and Michelle Schmidt and was titled, "Grace Found in the Search for Annie." Their daughter Annie was hiking in the Oregon wilderness and never came home. They never gave up until they found her body. Their faith and perseverance were incredible. Michelle, Annie's mom, bore a powerful witness of the Book of Mormon. Jon is one of the Piano Guys. I didn't think I would like this one because I thought it would be too sad but I was wrong. I loved it.

My friend Pat Tedder fell recently and hurt her back. I called her today to see how she was doing. She says she is doing great, but I wonder. Pat is Janna Grombach's mom. Maybe I need to check with Janna.

James brought me ginger lemon tea before bed. It was delicious.

State Champ in shot put

Quinton Maxwell

Apostles and Prophets

 

Tue, May 10th, 2022: Birmingham Alabama Temple, Autumn's news, Catherine H. Globe, Elrey's, Fry's, Home again,

Birmingham, Alabama

98th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

Moses 5:15

And as many as believed in the Son, and repented of their sins, should be saved; and as many as believed not and repented not, should be damned; and the words went forth out of the mouth of God in a firm decree; wherefore they must be fulfilled.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 27:1-17

"Come Follow Me"

Numbers 11:11-17, 24-29; 12 Revelation is available to all, but God guides His Church through His prophet.  Numbers 13-14.

AprGenCon

"Is The Plan Working"

Elder Adrian Ochoa

Of the Seventy

Recently I had a conversation with a young adult who served a mission several years ago and was now involved in his professional work. In some ways, his life was going well. But his faith was in decline. He was sinking into a sea of doubt about the Savior and His Church. He explained that he wasn't receiving the blessings he expected from the restored gospel. He didn't feel that the plan of happiness was working in his life.

My message today is for all those who might have similar feelings. I speak to those who at one time "felt to sing the song of redeeming love" but do not "feel so now."

"Then Will I Make Weak Things Become Strong"

Elder Kevin S. Hamilton

Of the Seventy

One of Satan's greatest lies is that men and women cannot change. This untruth gets told and retold in many different ways as the world says that we simply cannot change - or worse yet, that we should not change. We are taught that our circumstances define us. We shoudl "embrace who we really are," the world says, "and be authentic to our true selves."

When I got up this morning at 4 the refrigerator was off. I went over to the switch and pushed it and the electricity came back on. I wonder how long it had been off.

My favorite place to walk is around the dining room table. I can walk at a good pace and listen to my conference talks. This is all before James gets up. Once he gets up and takes his place at the table, I need to find another place to walk. The kitchen island is another place but if James comes into the kitchen, I am in the way again. I went into the high table near the entry way. That is a good place to walk but it messes up the floor and I usually have to redo the finish when I am finished, which I did today. Another place I walk is in the bedroom on the carpet. I usually take my shoes off. I like to walk in the bedroom when my feet hurt. It isn't as good as the other places but I probably do most of my walking here because it is private when James is in the other room.

I got text from Kacey this morning. This is what it said:

Autumn was accepted to ASU and will begin working toward her Masters in Family and Human Development. this summer! Go Devils!!

I responded: That is so awesome! I assume she will be taking online classes. 

Yes, online.

I am excited for her!

They found out yesterday that Palmer will be transferring to Dallas with his job. Jul 5th is his starting date. She has a lot going on with getting the house ready to sell and moving and all. She may stay with us for a while until they can find a place. Palmer has a sister in Dallas that he may stay with through the week and come here on the weekends. Not really sure yet what's going to happen. All of it came at the same time so she's stressed!

Wow! She has a reason to be stressed! That is a lot. Extra prayers for Autumn, Palmer, and Scarlett.

I also got a phone call this morning from Catherine Halcomb. She wanted to talk about the Grapp's moving. She is mourning the loss like I am. She felt like a gramma to those kids just as I did. She is upset because she had them over for general conference and because Thomas had given some things to Kerri, old troughs, etc., so Catherine had asked him if they were moving. He said no. That was a month ago. Cammy did not come for conference. Thomas said she was at a friends house in Eagar. Catherine was also making a new dress for Tildy. She just finished it and she is going to act like she doesn't know they have moved and ask Cammy to come and pick up the dress. She put the entire family's names on the prayer roll at the temple. She is just as upset as I am, if not more. 

While I was talking to Catherine, James came in and asked if I wanted to go to Globe with him. Even though he was there yesterday he forgot to get one cabinet measurement. I told Catherine I needed to go because James wanted me to go with him. We said goodbye and I began getting ready to go. It was 9 a.m. and I already have 15,000 steps. 

James was so excited that I was going with him. That in itself made it all worthwhile. About 10 miles the other side of Show Low he announced that he had forgotten the key to the house.  My first thought was, don't we need to turn around and go get it, but he just kept going. He said every time he has been there the door has been open and he was going to take a chance that would be the case today. He was right, the door was open when we got there. I waited in the car while he did his measurements. I brought my new Mother's Day book with me. It's called, "Cake by Courtney."

Courtney's story, tips, and recipes

James was only gone about 15 or 20 minutes. Our next priority was to get some lunch. Globe is famous for their Mexican food. Instead of going all of the way to Miami to get burros at Burger House, we went to Elrey's and parked in the shade of a big tree, probably one of the only big trees in Globe. The last time we were here was about 18 years ago. James, Paul, and I were on our way to the cabin to work on it, it was not finished. We stopped at Elrey's and James got a toastado mundo, which is a huge, loaded toastado. He mentioned it as we were going in but I didn't see it on the menu. I ordered a taco and a chicken enchilada with  red sauce. The taco was better than LaCasita's but the enchilada paled compared to theirs. James got a green chili burro and refried beans. He liked them both.

Before going home we stopped at Fry's for gas and then to get some cranberry celebration, a watermelon, Twizzler Bites for me, and tea for James. On the way home we listened to our story and I slept. 

When we got to Show Low we drove to Walmart to pick up some prescriptions and do a little shopping. James goes over to Lowe's to make another cabinet appointment for the Peeler's. 

When we get home James carries the groceries in and then head's to the bedroom for a nap. I put the groceries away and then get a piece of German chocolate cake and a glass of milk and watch part of the movie, "Yellowstone Ranch" on Up TV. For dinner I steamed some broccoli, which was delicious, almost as good or even better, depending on how you look at it, than the cake. This was around 6 p.m. and was the last thing I ate today. Tomorrow I won't eat until around noon.

James called bishop tonight and told him about Sue's daughter and Sue's request for a walk in shower. Bishop said he would call the bishop of the ward Tabitha is in.

Courtney's Oreo cake

Sheri's friend Kylee

Mother's Day cards from Kim

and Sheri and my General

Conference Journal

Quinton Maxwell is state champion in the

Division 3 shot put with a throw of 63'

breaking a long held record.

 

Mon, May 9th, 2022: Houston Texas Temple, Flying Dishwasher, Owen's German chocolate cake, CFM, Charlie, Addy, James rubs my feet

 

Houston, Texas

97th operating temple

Dedicated: 26 Aug 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Savior

Moses 1:6

And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth; but there is no God beside me, and all things are present with me, for I know them all.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 26:14-39

"Come Follow Me"

Numbers 11-14; 20-24 "Rebel not ye against the Lord, Neither Fear"

AprGenCon

"We Each Have a Story"

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Do you know your story? What your name means? World population grew from 1.1 billion people in 1820 to nearly 7.8 billion in 2020. The year 1820 seems to be an inflection point in history. Many born after 1820 have living memory and records to identify several gamily generations. Can you think of a special, sweet memory with a grandparent or other family member?

Inklings

"Covenants with God"

Sister Jean B. Bingham

Jude 1

I got a message from Sue Hubble this morning. I am her ministering sister. She sent the message at 10:30 last night. I was already asleep.

This is what the message said: 

Hi,

Tabitha's health is declining, 

looking into home health care.

Looking for someone to redo the tub/shower into

a walk-in shower. If you

know of anyone, let me know.

Thank you

Sue's daughter Tabitha, a young mother with two children, has unoperable brain cancer and is not expected to live too much longer. She has been doing cancer treatments in the valley and is coming back up to her home in Show Low for awhile. I told James and he said she should look up contractors in the Yellow pages or on Google. I told him this was a good opportunity to do some service and missionary work. Tabitha is a member, but she is not active. He said he would talk to Chuck, our elder's quorum president.

After scriptures and prayer this morning James left to go to Globe with Owen Peeler. They are taking down appliances to Owen and Donna's house. They loaded in the back of James's truck a stove, dishwasher, sink, and faucet. They did not get very far with the dishwasher. It flew out of the back of the truck and bounced across the ground as soon as James got up to 60 mph. James offered to pay for it but Owen said, "no way, you've already saved me thousands of dollars."

When James got home this afternoon I was in the middle of making Owen a German chocolate birthday cake. The Come Follow Me group is coming over tonight and this is what we are having for refreshments. It's the Crane's turn but they are still in the valley.

James loaded up the trash and said he had to pick up the dishwasher too and take it to the dump. 

At 6:00 this evening our friends Donna & Owen Peeler, Barbara Bartels, and Pierce Goodman came over for "Come Follow Me." 

Of course James and Owen had to tell the story about losing the dishwasher off the back of James's truck. Pierce had a story of his own. He said he was out in his storage building and saw a plug that he didn't recognize plugged in, so he unplugged it. It was plugged to three freezers the Bowen's had stored there. He says he defrosted about $2,000 worth of meat.

We had a good gospel discussion and then James and I served the cake, serving Owen first. Everyone seemed to like it. James told me it was the best German chocolate cake he had ever had and Pierce went home with a second piece. I did not have any cake this evening but will have my sometime tomorrow afternoon. I have lost 10 lbs. since I weighed at the doctor in April.

Owen's cake

The Peeler's and their daughter Sarena

James gives the best foot massages

Campe of Israel with the Tabernacle

in the middle.

  

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.