Wed, May 18th, 2022: Perth Australia Temple, James hooksup pump to water yard, Michael got the job!, James hits his head, Cheese Danish cake with Kim,

 

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Comforter

2 Nephi 31:14-21

14 But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, uea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me.

15 And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.

16 And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.

17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.

19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 2:1-18

"Come Follow Me"

Deuteronomy 15  "Beware Lest Thou Forget the Lord."

AprGenCon

"Love, Share, Invite"

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Imagine with me, for a moment, standing on a mountain in Galilee, witnessing the wonder and glory of the resurrected Savior visiting His disciples. How awe inspiring to consider personally hearing these words, which He shared with them, His solemn charge to "go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Surely these words would empower, inspire, and move each of us, as they did His Apostles. Indeed, they devoted the rest of their lives to doing just that.

James checked with Kim and I this morning regarding turning the water off so he could hook up the yard pump to the well. We all agreed that 9 a.m. would be the time the water would go off. He said it could be off an hour, or if he has to go into town and get a part three or four hours. We are all praying for one. Our prayers were answered. James said he had a tender mercy, or a little miracle when the cross-threaded pipe didn't leak.

I mentioned to Kim that I wondered if Michael got the job he interviewed for. She said that he told Joe that he did get the job and would be making $60,000 a year which is a substantial, what Michael calls, life-changing raise. I texted Michael and congratulated him and he seemed very happy and excited. I hope he does well.

Kim and I made our Cheese Danish cake today. After getting the cake layers out of the pans I decided I would make a trip to Dollar General to see if they had any powdered sugar. I got ready and left and when I was getting out of my car at Dollar General I heard a woman yell at me, "They aren't open." I looked up and saw the big banner across the building, "Closed for remodeling." At this point I wonder if Stanford Store would have powdered sugar. On the way in I saw a guy with a pink mohawk. Interesting. They don't have powdered sugar but they do have an interesting array of people.

Back home, Kim makes the cream cheese filling for our cake adding a small amount of Eagle Brand milk. I make the frosting. The cake, the filling, and the frosting all have cream cheese in them. We can't go wrong with this cake.

Here is Kim frosting the cake and then the finished product. We didn't decorate or worry too much about how it looked because we were just going to eat it anyway and no one would see it. I forgot about taking pictures. Next time we will freeze for 15 minutes before putting the final coat of frosting on.

Kim cutting the two cake layers

horizontally in half in order to get

three layers of filling.

Finished!

I think this cake is my all-time favorite. Kim loved it too. James would have liked it more if I had added almond extract. 

James had an accident while working outside today. He came to the door and calmly asked me for a damp rag. I did not know the seriousness of the situation and said, "Just a minute." When I took the damp rag to him I noticed that he was standing outside the back door and blood was dripping profusely from his forehead. Here is the culprit:

This came down and hit James on

the forehead.

It doesn't look bad now that the bleeding

has stopped. My man is a real man and

he's got the scars to prove it!

This evening Kim and I watched a Hallmark move, "The Nature of Romance" starring one of our favorite Hallmark actors, Brandon Daughtery. His wife played the role of the leading lady. As much as we like Brandon we did not feel like his wife was a very good actress.

Cute couple,

One we like, the other, not so much.

 

Tue, May 17th, 2022: Guadalajara Mexico Temple,

 

Guadalajara, Mexico

105th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Apr 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Comforter

2 Peter 1:10-11, 19

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:15-33

"Come Follow Me"

Deuteronomy 6:4-7; 8:2-5, 11-17; 29:18-20; 30:6-10, 15-20

The Lord wants me to love Him with all my heart. Deuteronomy 8

AprGenCon

"Christ Heals That Which Is Broken"

Amy A. Wright

Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

While the Savior was teaching in the temple, a woman was brought to Him by the scribes and Pharisees. We do not know her full story, just that she was "taken in adultery." Often the scriptures give only a small portion of someone's life, and based on that portion, we sometimes tend to exalt or condemn.  No one's life can be understood by one magnificent moment or one regrettable public disappointment. The purpose of these scriptural accounts is to help us see that Jesus Christ was the answer then, and He is the answer now. He knows our complete story and exactly what we suffer, as well as our capabilities and vulnerabilities.

When I pray I pray for every member of my family by name. I also pray for the Relief Society presidency, all of the sisters I minister to, my brothers and their families, aunt Gene and Rita, the members of our Come Follow Me group and those families that James ministers to. Each month or for a few weeks, I choose people with special needs and pray for them. Those on my "special" list for this month are: The people in Ukraine, the Bowen's, the Grombach's, Sue Hubble's daughter Tabitha who has an inoperable brain tumor, her husband Jason and her daughters Kaylynn and Skylar. The Patrick's, the Skousen's, the Willis's, Amber Judd, Jackie Hall, Jeanie Gentry, Judy Hunter, Millie Scott, Shelly Applegate, and Pat Teddar.

This is what I am wondering today: Why did we put a planter over our basement? James and Owen Peeler went to Globe today to remove the kitchen cabinets in the home the Peeler's are remodeling. 

Kim said more water has come into the basement. I went down and ran the wet vac over the areas where water was puddled, which were minimal. There are two fans and a small space heater drying out the floor and the carpet, which is pulled up off the floor.

Kim and I had an interesting discussion about the healing powers of water this morning. She told me about a YouTube video I should watch.

I called Ruth Wilhelm today to get a ministering report. We also talked about Sue's granddaughter's coming to Primary. She was Kaylynn's teacher. She asked me if Kaylynn made it home with her brass serpent. I told her I wasn't sure because I didn't see her after church. She said Sky went in Rosa's class and they both did fine and would be welcome back anytime. I told her the situation and that I wasn't sure when they would be here, probably only when Sue is babysitting them.

I also texted Kathy Crane to see how she was doing. She is still having stomach issues and is going to see Dr LeSueur this week.

Today I am scheduled to go to the temple with Ruth Gale. I called her this morning to see if we could change our appointment to next week, but she said she would be in the valley. I told her I would be there today.

I left the house at 1:30, thinking our session was at 3. I arrived at the temple at 2:30, or I should say, the wind blew me in at 2:30. It was very windy today. Sister Kim Seaman, the temple matron, and my dear friend, opened the door for me. She asked if my husband was parking the car and I said no, he is not here today, I am meeting a friend. She said, oh, even better. 

When I got upstairs there was no one else in the dressing room. The sister on duty did not know when the next session was so I went and asked in the office. The session is at 3:30, not 3. Well, I would rather be early than late. I went and put my white dress on, grabbed my packet and sat upstairs and read some scriptures before going in to the endowment room. 

There were three other sisters and three brothers when I went in. Ruth came in a few minutes before the session started and that was it. 4 sisters and 3 brothers. The smallest session I have ever been in. 

After the temple Ruth and I went to Streets for dinner. I had the Chinese chicken salad and Ruth had the crispy chicken salad. Both of our salads had crispy chicken on top and they were both good.

As we were visiting we discovered that we both have granddaughters graduating from Mesa high schools, hers Red Mountain, and mine, Desert Ridge. They are both going to Flagstaff to school. I told Ruth about Addy's situation of living with her cousin who is inactive and won't be attending church or institute. She said we should arrange to have Addy and her granddaughter, I think her name is Katy, meet. I like that idea.

After saying goodbye to Ruth I went shopping at the Taylor Walmart, a much nicer experience than shopping at the Show Low Walmart. Kim and I are making Courtney's Heavenly Cheese Danish cake tomorrow and I needed to get more cream cheese. In all of my buying I forgot powdered sugar. I have enough left to do the Cheese Danish cake but I'm making a cake for Pam Giles on Thursday so I will need to go back to the store to get more before then.

I got home at 7:30. James had been home since 2:30. I bet you can't guess what he was doing when I walked in and asked him if he would please carry my groceries in. Yes, you guessed it, he was indexing. Kim was working on her puzzle but had to stop because she felt dizzy. 

James and I listened to a couple of chapters of our book before going to bed.

Happy Anniversary President Beeler

and Amber. I imagine this is

a newlywed picture.

Yay!!

 

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