Mon, May 16th, 2022: Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple, the Crane boys, Brian and Kim here, Rolls, cake to Judd's with Millie's stew and fruit salad, Hope missing

 

Winter Quarters, Nebraska

104th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Apr 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Comforter

Hebrews 12:21-24

21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:1-14

"Come Follow Me"

Deut. 6-8; 15, 18; 29-30; 34 "Beware Lest thou Forget the Lord"

Deuteronomy 6-7

AprGenCon

"Our Relationship with God"

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Some misunderstand the promises of God to mean that obedience to Him yields specific outcomes on a fixed schedule. They might think, "If I diligently serve a full-time mission, God will bless me with a happy marriage and children" or "If I refrain from doing schoolwork on the Sabbath, God will bless me with good grades" or "If I pay tithing, God will bless me with that job I've been wanting." If life doesn't fall out precisely this way or according to an expected timetable, they may feel betrayed by God. But things are not so mechanical in the divine economy. We ought not to think of God's plan as a cosmic vending machine where we (1) select a desired blessing, (2) insert the required sum of good works, and (3) the order is promptly delivered.

Inklings

"Our Heartfelt All"

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Mark 12:41-44

Luke 21:1-4

I got up at 5 this morning and so did James. He said he was up at 4 and the water was off. He filled Luna's water trough last night and forgot to turn the water off. Luckily this was easily remedied.

Deven and Brandon Crane came to work for James today. I think Deven is 15 and Brandon is 13. They were good workers and very polite. 

I turned the air conditioner on today. Kim and Brian arrived this afternoon. Brian discovered there was a leak downstairs because the floor was wet. James went down and pulled back the carpet and took a couple of fans down and our little space heater. He also admitted that he had turned the water on in the planter which is above Kim and Brian's room, and left it on because he forgot. Oh dear.

I made rolls and a box cake to help Millie Scott take dinner to the Judd family. I dropped them off to Millie around 5:30 and she took them over to the Judd's. She made stew and a fruit salad. Millie takes lots of meals to other people. She took two weeks worth of meals to the Bowen's when Brother Bowen's father and brother passed away.

Brian cooked Kim some eggs and ham. She has type 2 diabetes and has gone off of her meds so she really needs to watch what she eats. While Brian was cooking Kim was working on a 2,000 piece puzzle that Joe gave her for Mother's Day. 

For dinner James and I had asparagus and corndogs.

After dinner James did some indexing and I blogged and walked. 

I listened to the "Sunday on Monday" podcast today and really enjoyed it. She did a scripture chain and called the discourses of Moses, Moses' love letters to his people. 

James and I listened to a chapter of our book, Roxbury Heirs, Facing the Enemy before going to bed. I think Brian slept downstairs and Kim slept upstairs on the recliner.

A former young woman when I was

in Young Women

 

 

Sun, May 15th, 2022: Montevideo Uruguay Temple, Sacrament meeting, Sue Hubble, Kaylynn, Sky, Sunday School, Primary, Temple Class, Kim tomorrow, Lunar eclipse, Nelson fireside, Suns lost

 

Montivedeo, Uruguay

103rd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Mar 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Comforter

D&C 130:3

John 14:23 - The appearing of the Father and the Son, in that verse, is a personal appearance; and the idea that the Father and the Son dwell in a man's heart is an old sectarian notion, and is false.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 29:33-47

"Come Follow Me"

Review

AprGenCon

"Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny"

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The Spirit plays a pivotal role in communicating God's love to us. Yet the influence of the Holy Ghost can be obscured "by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, ... or fear, ... like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeno pepper. ... One flavor completely overpowers the other." So too, behaviors that distance us from the Holy Ghost, including sin, make it difficult for us to perceive God's love for us.

Up at 2:45 this morning after going to bed at 11. I tried sleeping on the bed, the recliner in the bedroom and then the recliner in the family room but nothing worked. It was a difficult morning, but I made it to church. We sat by Sue Hubble and her two granddaughters. Kaylynn is 4 and Sky is 2. I didn't get to take many notes as I was sitting by Kaylynn trying to keep her entertained. 

We had two speakers from the stake, Brother Platt from the high council and Sister Belnap, his speaking companion.  

After sacrament meeting was over Sue and I took the girls to Primary. They were together for singing time and then when they went to class Kaylynn went in the older class with the Wilhelm's, Ruth and Mel, and Sky went in the younger class with Rosa Westbrook. They seemed to do fine because Sue was able to attend Sunday School and no one ever came to get her with one of the girls. 

Again, Brother Applegate's lesson was awesome. We talked about the life size tabernacle in Syracuse, Utah. Brother Applegate had pictures of it on his Powerpoint presentation. 

After class was over James, Brother Virgil Cooper, and I had a discussion with Brother A. regarding what priesthood Aaron and Moses had.  Everything that I have read indicates that Moses had the Melchizedek priesthood and Aaron had the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood. 

When we got home I had my leftovers from Asian Bistro, orange chicken and noodles. James had some shrimp.

I tried to take a nap, but no luck. I finally got up and began studying for the Temple prep class this afternoon with the Grombach's. Kim and Brian are not coming until tomorrow because Kim is not feeling well. 

We met with the Grombach's at four this afternoon. We changed the time because we thought Kim and Brian were coming at six, our normal meeting time for this temple class. We covered the lesson in the book. James wanted me to lead the discussion because he is having voice problems. I also included some things Brother Sweat thinks people need to know before attending the temple. We also watched a church video about the garment and ceremonial clothing. 

I think Janna and Willy are as prepared as they can be to go to the temple. Willy gave the closing prayer. It was very sweet and sincere and he got a bit teary-eyed.

James got a call from John Wilhelm this evening apologizing for the way he acted when James went over to see him the other night. I am grateful he did this because I know it made James feel better.

The Nelson's did a fireside for young adults this evening. I watched most of the fireside. It was great. There were over 21,000 young adults gathered in the conference center. The Church News had a list of places on temple square for them to go and take selfie's. It is impressive that so many young people would come to hear and see the Prophet.

Sheri texted us and asked if we had seen the lunar eclipse. We did not know about it but we ran outside and watched it. Through James's binoculars the moon looked like a huge ball. It was fun to watch the moon totally disappear.

I also watched the "River of Time" celebration of Naomi Judd's life. "Why Not Me" is my favorite Judd song.  I felt like it was appropriate to watch a memorial service on Sunday but James questioned my judgment. 

I did not watch the Suns game but I'm glad I didn't. They lost to the Dallas Maverick's and they are out of the playoffs. How can they do so well in the season and play so lousy in the playoffs. I am quoting someone else.

One of my favorite duos

Family room at 2:45 a.m.

Sat, May 14th, 2022: Porto Alegre Brazil Temple, Temple shift, Seaman's, Initiatory, Baptistry, Front Desk, Excused early, Asian Bistro, Ward Party, Cherry Chip Cake, Sue's grandkids, Catherine

 

Porto Alegre, Brazil

102nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Comforter

D&C 67:10

And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am - not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 29:16-32

"Come Follow Me"

Numbers 23-24

AprGenCon

"Covenants with God Strengthen, Protect, and Prepare Us for Eternal Glory"

Jean B. Bingham

Relief Society General President

Those who have been baptized covenanted on that never-to-be-forgotten day to take Jesus Christ's name upon them, to always remember Him, to keep His commandments, and to serve Him to the end. When we do these things, Heavenly Father promises to forgive our sins and give us the companionship of the Holy Ghost. These blessings start us on the path that, if we press forward and endure to the end, will allow us to live with Him and His Son in the celestial kingdom. Every baptized person has the promise of these privileges if she or he keeps the covenant made that special day.

Today we left for the temple a little before 5:30. Our prep meeting starts at 6:30. My favorite, the Seaman's are presiding today. I had the opportunity to be in initiatory three times today. It is my favorite except it is difficult for me to stand that long. I told Sister Howcraft if I could do clothing first, where I could sit a few minutes, it would be great. She said she would make a note and she would allow me to be in clothing first as much as possible.

I was in the baptistry first thing this morning but the sad thing is the group that had scheduled did not show up. I don't think people realize that when they schedule a time in the temple, the temple workers look forward to serving them and it is kind of a heartbreak when they don't come. While I was in the baptistry I did get to talk with Sister Frei. When she found out I lived in Vernon she said they loved to go camping near Vernon up near Gillespie Flat. She said they were planning on camping there Memorial Day weekend. I told her they might want to check and make sure the forest is open. 

At 11:30 I went down to be the greeter near the front desk. Sister Seaman was at the front desk which was quite unusual. Someone was called away to help at the veil so she was filling in. I helped her for a few minutes until one of the brethren showed up. I then went to the greeter position in front of the stained glass window, behind the recommend desk. 

James came out of the dressing room with his street clothes on, ready to go home. I told him I had to finish here and then help at the veil. About that time Sister Hamblin, the sister coordinator for our shift, came over and said to me, go, your husband is leaving, you go too. 

I asked, "Are you sure?"  She said yes, and sat in the greeter's chair as I went to the dressing room. When I left I gave her a big hug and told her I would give her a kiss but it might not be appropriate in the temple.

James and I had decided we wanted to try the Asian Bistro over across from Walmart. I was there when it first opened a few years ago but I really couldn't remember much about it. It has a big variety of choices for such a small place. I ordered orange chicken with noodles. The noodles are $3 more than rice. James got scallops with a garlic sauce, vegetables and noodles. Our food was great. I took half of my food home. Although we loved the food, it was quite expensive. It cost us almost $40 for lunch which included the tip.

We also stopped at Walmart so James could get some juice. 

As soon as we got home James and I both took a nap. There is something about working in the temple, as much as we love it, that wears us out. 

The first thing I did when I got home was take a nap. When I got up from my nap I made some frosting and frosted my cherry chip cake.

Here is what it looked like when it was done.

 We arrived at the ward party at the Wallace's after six. Most people were either in line getting food or sitting down and eating. We got in line next to Sue Hubble. Her granddaughters, Kaylynn 4 and Sky 2 were already eating. We had bbq pork and beef and lots of sides and desserts. When I looked over at my cake on the dessert table it was half gone. James said it went very quickly. I guess he was keeping an eye on it. Catherine came over and wanted to talk about the Grapp's. She said on the way home she is going to stop at Thomas's grandmother's. Her name is Rikki. She did stop by and Rikki told her she did not know they were moving until right before they left. They are in Ohio. Catherine kept telling me she didn't think they were in Ohio but now she knows they are.

I took Kaylynn and Sky over to the playground so Sue could eat her dinner. Kaylynn kept calling me grandma. James came over and she called him grandpa. 

The Wallace's is the perfect place to have a party. There is plenty to do, there are big shade trees, a pavillion for food and even a place to dance. It was beautiful weather and we are so glad we came. James visited with Brother Greg Anderson and the bishop told them both that the fireside last night where they both spoke, was the best he had ever attended. I am sure they were glad to receive the bishop's approval.

Scallops with veggies and noodles

Orange chicken and noodles

The Wallace's

Volley ball court

 

Fri, May 13th, 2022: Recife Brazil Temple, James a town boy, two pkgs, Cherry chip cake falls so I make another, Prsthd Comm talk by James, Bishop says the best!

 

Recife, Brazil

101st operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Comforter

John 14:21-23

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 29:1-15

"Come Follow Me"

Numbers 22-24 I can follow God's will, even if others try to persuade me not to. 

AprGenCon

"Do What Mattereth Most"

Rebecca L. Craven

Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ involves more than just hoping or believing. It calls for effort, movement, and commitment. It requires that we do something, being "doers of the word, and not hearers only."

Up at five this morning. I had scriptures and prayer with James before he left to go to town. He's becoming what I like to call a "town boy." He just can't seem to stay away. He would not like me saying this because he definitely considers himself a "country boy."

On the way home from town James picked up the mail. I had two packages, one with some 5x7 notebooks I ordered and the other was the vanilla bean paste I ordered for my cake baking. I used my credit card rewards points to buy the notebooks and the vanilla bean paste. 

For lunch today I made James potstickers and snow peas. I had my leftover orange chicken and noodles from Panda. 

This afternoon I made a homemade cherry chip cake. It's for the ward party at the Wallace's tomorrow night. I used a SugarandSparrow recipe instead of Courtney's because it seemed like more of a recipe I would like. The hardest thing about this cake is cutting up 32 maraschino cherries. I got cherry juice all over my hands and the thought occurred to me, what if I can't get this cherry juice off before I go to work at the temple tomorrow. 

After baking, one layer kind of fell apart when I tried to take it out of the pan. This is an indication to me that it was not done and I should have kept it in the oven a little longer. 

James left for the Priesthood Commemoration fireside at the Wallace's this evening with Chuck around 6. While he was gone I decided to make another cake.  Making another cake meant cutting up 32 more of those cherries, which I did, and the juice washed off of my hands quite well.

These cake layers looked so much better than the others. Another thing I did was to use the whole egg instead of just egg whites like the original recipe said. I think the eggs add some needed structure to the batter.

James said there were very few boys at the fireside. The Crane boys were there and Colter Hunsaker. He used his talk to ask the boys questions. He said that the oldest Crane boy, Deven, answered all of the questions. After the fireside was over Bishop Hunsaker thanked him for his talk. He felt pretty good when he got home although he was disappointed more of the boys from the ward weren't there.

We went to bed somewhere between nine and ten because tomorrow we get up early to go to the temple to work.

Thur, May 12th, 2022: Boston, Massachusetts Temple, Ruby & Lola, Kim's pic of the Savior, Tea Party Memory, Luna Memory, Sheri & Ollie, Max Memory, Addy

 

Boston, Massachusetts

100th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Comforter

John 14:18-19

18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 29:1-15

"Come Follow Me"

Numbers 22-24 I can follow God's will, even if others try to persuade me not to. Numbers 22.

 

AprGenCon

Introductory Message

President Dallin H. Oaks

First Counselor in the First Presidency

Our Saturday sessions have a history of different purposes and different audiences. This evening we add to that history as we embark upon a new purpose and procedure for the foreseeable future. The gospel of Jesus Christ does not change. Gospel doctrine does not change. Our personal covenants do not change. But over the years, the meetings we hold to communicate our messages do change and very likely will continue to change over the years.

"Lessons at the Well"

Susan H. Porter

First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

Five years ago my husband, Bruce, became seriously ill when we were serving with the consecrated Saints in the Europe East Area. We returned home, and he passed away only a few weeks later. My life changed overnight. I was grieving and felt weak and vulnerable. I pled with the Lord to direct my path: What would Thou have me do?"

I was up four times during the night. I turned the breaker switch back on two times. This is why I don't have any ice for my drinks during the day. 

James went into town this morning and mailed Paul's wallet and Jackie Hall's sympathy card. He had a meeting at Lowe's about the Peeler's cabinets. Owen had a doctor's appointment in town and afterwards he came over and was a part of the meeting. James brought me home wok seared shrimp, noodles and orange chicken. He got a Firehouse Sub for himself. 

I watched a new movie today, "Vineyard Romance." I also cleaned upstairs and called Millie Scott. I told Millie we were concerned about Amber and asked if she would talk to her about coming back to church and to Relief Society. She said she would and then she would report back to me. 

James figured up how much Rico still owes on her Deming account and it's a lot. I sent it to her via text. I hope she understands it better than I do. 

I started "Unshaken" today and finished it. It was over six hours long, but he covered every chapter. 

James worked outside this afternoon trying to connect the pump for the backyard to the well. I guess it's a process and is going to take some more time. 

I got a text from Sue Hubble one of the sisters I minister to.  This is what it said:

"So, an update. After 6 weeks of chemo/radiation the tumor has doubled in size. So it's very aggressive, 3 to 6 months. I am heartbroken."

Sue's 40 year old daughter Tabitha has a brain tumor and is only expected to live 3 to 6 months."

James came in for a break and we listened to a chapter from our book, "Roxbury Heirs, Vol. 1: Facing the Enemy.

I went upstairs and cleaned this evening. James put a new plug in the kitchen. Hopefully it will work and our refrigerator will quit going off.