Wed, May 25th, 2022: Nauvoo Illinois Temple, Mexican pizza, Miller's in Kansas, Show Low Airplane crash, Guard at School, Sunflowers, Lady Bug rocks

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Psalms 102:16

When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:43-52

"Come Follow Me"

Joshua 2 Both faith and works are necessary for salvation. Joshua 3-4

AprGenCon

"Valiant Discipleship in the Latter Days"

Elder Jorg Klebingat

Of the Seventy

Moral agency is God's precious gift to each of His children. We are "free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil." God won't force us to do good, and the devil can't force us to do evil. Though some may think that mortality is a contest between God and the adversary, a word from the Savior "and Satan is silenced and banished. ... It is our strength that is being tested - not God's."

Inklings

"Divine Love in The Father's Plan"

President Dallin H. Oaks

First Counselor in the First Presidency

D&C 76

Matt 22:36-40

At 5:30 the sun is up and so am I. 

My greatest accomplishment today was walking over 20,000 steps. Walking, blogging and fixing patty melts is the list of my accomplishments.

James went to town to get bloodwork done for his three month cancer checkup only to find out there was no order for him. Now he has to call East Valley Urology and request a standing order. He did bring home a Mexican pizza from Taco Bell for me. Taco Bell stopped serving Mexican pizzas a couple of years ago but on May 19th they were brought back by popular demand.  It was good, but I think I would have rather had my two crispy tacos.  I did not like the Crunch Wrap I had yesterday at all.

James worked outside today on the sprinkler system for the backyard. He also went on a horsey back ride. His life is more interesting than mine. 

Addy's graduation announcement came today. I hung it on the wall near my desk next to Max's. 

I reviewed 24 names today for indexing. I also listened to chapters 16 and 17 of Volume 3 of Saints. Listened to "Teaching with Power." After reading Joshua 14:12 Brother Wilcox said: "The hardest challenges yield the greatest blessings." Is that always true? I am not sure.

Sunflower memories from last year

 

Tue, May 24th, 2022: Ascuncion Paraguay Temple, Walmart, Grombach's, Shumway's, Ruby's 3rd birthday, James's bedmaking, Ulvade, Texas

 

Ascuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Psalms 24:7

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:26-42

"Come Follow Me"

Joshua 1:1-9 God will be with me if I am faithful to Him.

Joshua 1 & 2

AprGenCon

"The Covenant Path: The Way to Eternal Life"

Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran

Of the Seventy

 Dear brothers and sisters, each of us is a prince or princess. We have been sent to mortality by a loving Heavenly Father to enjoy the blessing of a body that would become immortal through the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are expected to prepare to return to God's presence by proving that we will "do all things whatsoever the Lord our God shall command us" (Abraham 3:25).

I woke up at 5 but didn't feel like getting up until 5:30. The sun was already up. It shines through the window on our door if I don't pull the curtain over to the wall and lay it over the push pin in the wall.

This weeks cake is to celebrate our family birthday or more traditionally called our anniversary. I think it is going to be lemon with lemon curd and whipped cream filling. I can hardly wait until Thursday.

I went to town today with James and got all of the things I need to make my lemon cake on Thursday. I can hardly wait!

James was going in to get his bloodwork done for his 3 month cancer check. The girl at the hospital said there was no order for his bloodwork, which surprised him because he thought East Valley Urology had a standing order. He was told to go home and call E.V. U. and ask them to send a standing order. 

Before going to town I fixed lunch, leftover salad and scalloped potatoes, shrimp, and asparagus. It was yummy.

I listened to a couple of chapters from Saints and a couple of All In interviews, one with David Butler and one with Elder Gerald Lund.

 I also listened to a chapter from my book, "Oil in Our Lamps." Here is a quote from that book: 

Let us drink from the Goblet of Gratitude

rather than from the

Bottle of Bitterness

This sounds like a quote from Elder Uchtdorf, but I'm not sure, I'm only sure that I've heard it before.

Luna got in the yard today. I guess James is not putting the chain on the gate tight enough. When he yelled at her to "get out" it startled her and she went clomping through the mud, making huge and deep footprints for James to cover up. They have a love, love not so much, relationship.

 A national tragedy today in Ulvade, Texas. 19 children at Robb Elementary School and 2 teachers were killed by an 18 year old shooter. I am feeling both heartbreak and anger. Here is a statement made by Elder Bednar:

"Sadly, the news of our day is filled with heartache - including the tragic events and the loss of life most recently in Texas. We mourn with those who mourn and pray for all those impacted by this senseless act of violence. My prayer and my blessing is that we will be guided, comforted, and helped in our important work, and that victims, families, and nations might be granted the peace that surpasses all understanding - the peace that comes from Jesus Christ."

I think schools need to build fences and hire guards and arm teachers. I don't think banning guns will work because a criminal will always find a way to get a gun.

President Shumway is the President of the

Chicago, Illinois mission and he is our

former stake president who called everyone

in the stake on their birthdays.

This is how James makes the bed:

His side

My side

Mon, May 23rd, 2022: Campinas Brazil Temple, sugar cookies for breakfast, WCTH finale, CFM at Crane's, Amazon order here!, "Rip in Time,"

 

 Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple 

Dedicated: 17 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Job 19:25

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:1-25

"Come Follow Me"

Joshua 1-8; 23-24 "Be strong and of a good courage"

TTKIM Historical Books in the Old Testament.

AprGenCon

"Divine Love in the Father's Plan"

President Dallin H. Oaks

First Counselor in the First Presidency

 The gospel plan shows our Heavenly Father's love for all His children. to understand this, we must seek to understand His plan and His commandments. He loves His children so much that He gave His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior and Redeemer, to suffer and die for us. In the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have a unique understanding of our Heavenly Father's plan. This gives us a different way of viewing the purpose of mortal life, the divine judgment that follows it, and the ultimate glorious destiny of all of God's children.

Sugar cookies are my favorite. I had a few today in spite of my good intentions to stop. 

I made patty melts for lunch for James and I. They were good.

After lunch I watched the "When Calls the Heart" season 9 finale.

So good. Rosemary is finally having a baby and Lucas asks Elizabeth to marry him. Hopefully there will be a season 10.

Barbara Bartels called me asking for help. She is flying out on Thursday via Boutique Airlines to Phoenix International. From Phoenix she is flying to Chicago, Illinois. From Chicago she is going to Nauvoo. Her granddaughter will pick her up. She is being sealed to her deceased husband in the Nauvoo temple. Here is her concern. 

She was talking to Catherine Halcomb and Catherine told her that Boutique Airlines is known for cancelling flights at the last minute. 

Barbara is calling me asking me what she should do. I told her to call the airlines and ask what are the chances of them cancelling and then we will go from there. I am seriously thinking about going down on Thursday for Addy and Max's graduation and I could take Barbara to the airport. She said none of her friends will drive in the airport of it came to that. I can get Barbara down to the valley but how will she get back?

We had "Come Follow Me" at the Crane's this evening. We talked about expecting miracles and Joshua 2:5 - And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. As we were talking about miracles I said I thought the entire gospel of Jesus Christ was based on miracles. The fact that we can take the sacrament and have our sins be forgiven as we repent is a miracle to me.

Kathy served a yellow cake with lime frosting for dessert. It was good. James "ran" home and I drove the car. 

I got my Amazon order today. Puzzles for the condo and graduation gifts. 

Willy and Janna Grombach on

their Alaskan cruise.

 

Sunday, May 22nd, 2022: Monterrey Mexico Temple, Gifts for YW ready, Sacrament mtg, Relief Society, Zemira's birthday, Deliver gifts Cleo, Allie, Zemira, James is the TeaMeister

 

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Comforter

D&C 131:5

(May 17th, 1843.) The more sure word of prophecy means a man's knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood.

Book of Mormon

Alma 4:5-20

"Come Follow Me"

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

AprGenCon

"The Power of Spiritual Momentum"

President Russell M. Nelson

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

None of us can control nations or the actions of others or even members of our own families. But we can control ourselves. My call today, dear brothers and sisters, is to end conflicts that are raging in your heart, your home, and your life. Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others - whether those inclinations be a temper, a sharp tongue, or a resentment for someone who has hurt you. The Savior commanded us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us.

I got up at 6:00 this morning. I have four plaques to make before going to church so I started right after saying my prayers. I had one made and made three more and put them in frames. I also wrote notes to each girl that went something like this:

Congratulations!

We are so proud of you!

Now you have wings to fly!

(There is a butterfly on the 

front of the card).

When I got to church I realized something I forgot. I forgot it is Zemira Wilhelm's birthday and I left his card and gift at home. I told his mom we would bring it buy later this afternoon.

Sue Hubble sat by us again. This time she did not have her granddaughters. Her daughter and son-in-law are at home with them.

Lannie and Curt Gillespie were the speakers in sacrament meeting today. Pierce played the organ again this week. Here are some notes I took from their talks: 

Lannie - Covenant - God trying to have a relationship with His children. One of my favorite scriptures is Mosiah 18:8-11, which is the baptismal covenant. "As we choose to make covenants and keep them, we will be blessed with more happiness in this life and a glorious eternal life to come." What is my anchor? How secure is that anchor? We have no idea how far He can take us. Rough draft vs. Final. (Based on Sister Bingham's talk about covenants).

Curt - Not our will, but His be done. President Eyring's talk, "Steady in the Storm." Curt said this talk was made for him. We live in increasing perilous times. If we stand steady in the storms we face, we will have peace in our hearts. Forces of wickedness are everywhere. We must honor and keep our covenants. There is hope in the promises of God. Helaman 5:12 - Build on a sure foundation, the Rock and you cannot fall. Curt had an experience on January 3rd this year with a cow that taught him a lesson: "I need a course correction so I can touch the gate." There are storms coming and I need to be prepared. Mosiah 3:19 - Submissive, meek, humble, full of love, willing to submit to all things the Father sees fit to inflict upon me. He will meet us where we are. Curt bore a powerful testimony, I think it's the first time I've heard him bear his testimony.

I conducted Relief Society and recognized the graduating young women, even though none of them were there. 

Rosie Lauritzen led our discussion today based on these two conference talks: "Fear Not: Believe Only" by Elder Holland, and "He Is Risen with Healing in His Wings" by Elder Patrick Kearon.

Rosie always does a great job of bringing the Spirit. We had a good discussion with lots of participation.

When Relief Society was over delivered graduation gifts to Marci Westbrook, Tanna's mom, and Alicia Hunsaker, Haley's mom. James and I drove to the Judd's and delivered Cleo and Allie's gifts. We went home and I wrapped a cookie for Zemira and we signed his card and put a little money in it and then went to the Wilhelm's to deliver it. Zemira was at the church having an interview with the bishop so James gave his cookie and card to Ruthie. Zemira is 16 today. He is one of my favorite Wilhelm's because I had him in Primary for two years.

We had a relaxing Sunday afternoon and evening, working on indexing and blogging. No T.V.

One of my favorite duos!

Charlie & Scarlett

Amy Reynolds is a delightful member of our ward

who recently had to move out of the house they

were renting. They moved into another home temporarily

because the rent was too high for them.

Someone from our ward (Pierce Goodman) bought

the house and is renting it to them at a fair price.

Photos of the White Mountains

Sat, May 21st, 2022: Lubbock Texas Temple, Kim & Brian leave, Sugar Cookies, McNary Rd, Wlmart, DG, TCM, YW High School Graduates,

 

Lubbock, Texas

109th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Comforter

D&C 93:1

Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;

Book of Mormon

Alma 3:20-4:4

"Come Follow Me"

Deuteronomy 34:5-8 What happened to Moses? Deuteronomy 30 & 34

AprGenCon

"Teaching Self-Reliance to Children and Youth"

Elder Hugo E. Martinez

Of the Seventy

I will speak about self-reliance and how it can be taught to children and to youth. Self-reliance may be perceived as being subject matter for adults. I've come to know that adults can best be on the path toward self-reliance when they have been taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and have practiced its doctrine and principles since childhood and as youth in the home.

Kim and Brian left for home this morning. Kim said she had a good time and was glad she came. We are glad too.

Kim & Brian

As soon as Kim and Brian left I went in to the kitchen and mixed up some sugar cookie dough. I put it in the refrigerator so it could chill.

James and I had some lunch, ham and scalloped potatoes, before leaving for town. We stopped at Dollar General so I could get some frames for the scripture plaques I am making for the graduating young women. I got two frames, that was all they had.

On to Walmart where James drops me off while he goes to Home Depot to get more cement. At Walmart I bought some cute paper plates, some small boxes, and some cute cards with a butterfly on the front. 

Today was supposed to be the day that we did some exploring. James suggested that we go home on the McNary Road, which we did. Although it was a dirt road, it was in good condition and was a nice drive through the pines. James pointed out a place where Jared shot an elk. The road goes straight into Vernon. James took me by where the Grombach's live. 

Sheri called me and asked if I was coming down for Max's graduation on the 26th. First I said I had not received an invitation and she said it was in the mail. I told her we were coming down on the 29th to stay in our timeshare and I thought I would bring down Max's and Addy's gifts at that time. She said that would be fine. I would really like to come down on the 26th but with gas prices as they are, I'm not sure that two trips in one week is advisable. Sheri also mentioned that Ben is trying to get his recommend so he can go to the temple when we take the kids to do baptisms. She said the only day he has off is Wednesday, June 1st. I told her that was fine.

This afternoon while James was outside either working on the pump for the yard or pouring concrete for footings for the stable, I baked the sugar cookies and put cherry almond frosting on them. I then put them on the cute plates I bought and wrapped them in Saran Wrap. I then put purple cellophane around them and tied them with ribbon. I'm not sure why I didn't take a picture or even a picture of the plaques either. Sometimes I'm just "off my game."

I also watched a movie this afternoon on Turners Classic Movies. I don't know the name of the movie or when it was made but Katherine Hepburn looked awfully young and so did Cary Grant. James came in while I was watching and he said, "They don't make actors like that anymore."

Tomorrow I am recognizing graduating young women in Relief Society even if they do not attend. I have heard back from Tanna Westbrooks' mom and Haley Hunsaker's. The other two graduates are Allie and Cleo Judd. So far their mom, Amber has not answered my text. 

James's work project right now