Sun, May 29th, 2022: Accra Ghana Temple, Record attendance of 323 in Vernon sacrament mtg, Emer. Prep, Leave for SDO, Arrive and go to bed, Charlie, Scarlett, Lola

 

Accra, Ghana

117th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Jan 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 88:104

And this shall be the sound of his trump, saying to all people, both in heaven and in earth, and that are under the earth - for every ear shall hear it, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, while they hear the sound of the trump, saying: Fear God, and give glory to him who sitteth upon the throne, forever and ever; for the hour of his judgment is come.

Book of Mormon

Alma 8:1-17

"Come Follow Me"

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

AprGenCon

"Our Heartfelt All"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."

With this simple observation, the Savior taught us how offerings are measured in His kingdom - and it's quite different from the way we usually measure things. To the Lord, the value of the donation was measured not by the effect it had on the treasury but by the effect it had on the heart of the donor.

Inklings

1) Walking the Covenant Path, coupled with daily repentance, fuels positive spiritual momentum 2) Larry S. Kacher "Ladder of Faith", 

Alma 4-5; John 2:1-11, 3) Trust - Hebrew: Chacah - to confide in, have hope, make refuge 4) We recognize that obedience to God's commands enables us to be trusted of Him. With His trust comes increased light. Luke 5:9.

We had 323 people in our sacrament meeting today. Both overflows were opened and all of the chairs in the building were used. Even though the room was this full, there were still some seats upfront. The Grombach's asked us to sit by them, which we did.

It took so long to pass the sacrament that there was only 20 minutes left for speakers. Tina and Steve Allen were the speakers.

Tina was assigned to speak on Becky Cravens talk, "Careful vs. Casual". She spoke about being committed to the Savior. She told about Steve's accident in January 2019 when he fell off a roof he was working on and then Jackson's accident where he suffered a traumatic brain injury which did not allow him to go back on his mission. When she prayed to the Lord to ask him why these things were happening she said she was told that the Lord had told Steve not to get on that roof and he had prompted Jackson not to get on that ATV. Tina said that through a friend, Trudy Rawlings, she has learned how to draw closer to the Savior, to forgive, and to let go.

Steve used Elder Lynn G. Robbins talk, "Seventy Time Seven" as the basis for his talk. Brother Allen told about Jackson's experiences getting beat at wrestling and what he learned from his defeats. The Savior always allows us second chances. The Savior's boundless love and mercy is available to us as we repent. 

Since this is a fifth Sunday, the bishopric was in charge of the second hour. They ask Brother Ken Johnson, the stake preparedness "expert" to come and speak to us. It was excellent. He named some recent disasters around the world and then asked us what kinds of disasters we could experience in our area. Our biggest potential disaster is fire. He mentioned several websites including providentliving.org and ready.gov. He said we could go to the Apache county website and sign up for disaster alerts at Ready, Set, Go. He said that one of the most important ways we could prepare is to have a 72 hour kit for everyone in our family. Part of our 72 hour kit should be important documents which can be downloaded onto a flash drive, kept in a notebook or a fireproof container. 

 James fixed us some shrimp for lunch and then we both took naps. I needed one since I didn't get much sleep last night. 

We got ready to go to the valley after our naps. James is taking his truck and I am taking my car. It was around five when we left. James followed me until we got to Payson where he said he needed to stop to get gas. I am sorry he has to buy gas on Sunday. That is something we usually avoid doing. 

As we dropped down into the valley their was lots of either dust, or smoke from a fire. I arrived at the resort first with James right behind me. He went inside to check in. We have been assigned room 2061-62 in the Palm Court. The resort is packed and it was difficult to find a parking space close by. James carried most everything up from both vehicles while I tried to create some semblance of order by putting things away. It was after ten when we went to bed. We were both very tired, but the bed is wonderful.

Sheri was not able to get us a temple time to take the boys to do baptisms this week, but she scheduled one one the 14th so I guess we are coming back down.

Sat, May 28th, 2022: Redlands California Temple, Temple shift, James go to the ER, Pain meds relieve his bowel blockage, Lola in Cali, Charlie, Addy

 

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Sept 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Isaiah 45:23

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Book of Mormon

Alma 7:14-27

"Come Follow Me"

Judges 2:13 Who were Baal and Ashtaroth? Judges 6

AprGenCon

"Come Into the Fold of God"

 Elder Randy D. Funk

Of the Seventy

Alma's baptismal covenant invitation to those gathered at the Waters of Mormon begins with this phrase: "Now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God." 

A fold, or sheepfold, is a large enclosure, often constructed with stone wall, where the sheep are protected at night. It has only one opening. At the end of the day, the shepherd calls the sheep. They know his voice, and through the gate they enter the safety of the fold. 

We left for our temple shift at 5:30 this morning. Our goal was to leave by 5:20. We still made it in plenty of time for preparation meeting. President and Sister Perkins are presiding today. President Perkins is very soft spoken. I remember President Seaman saying one time that he is the humblest man that he knows. He seems very kind. 

We were short-handed today and it was a very busy day. All three endowment sessions were full, there were sealings and several own endowees. I am not sure who all works our shift anymore but I have not seen Sister Kayla Whiting, Sister Crandall, or Sister Cochran for a long time. 

I was the first follower in the 9:30 session. We had two own endowees in this session, a brother and a sister. I was the presenter for 8 sisters at the veil. President Van Winkle was our receiver. I know him because he was in the stake presidency when we were in the Show Low stake. 

The Hamblin's are such awesome coordinators. Today they allowed the Cureton's to go home early. The Cureton's live on the other side of Williams and it takes about two and a half hours for them to get here. 

When I was working in initiatory I asked one of the sisters where she was from. She said, California and then she added: "Wherever I am, I always go to my temple." I loved this.

Here are some of the sisters and brothers I worked with today: The Hamblin's, the Elmer's, the Reidhead's, the Cureton's, Sis Darolyn DeWitt, Sister Wilkins, Sister Neff, Brother Nichols, Cory Webb, the Scotts' who are subbing in the baptistry for the Frei's who are camping near Vernon with their grandchildren. The Willis's who are subs. Kerry Ballard, an old friend from high school who works on the afternoon shift came over and spoke to me this afternoon before his shift started. He said his granddaughter graduated from Snowflake High School this week and he attended her graduation. He said our pictures were still up on the wall in the gym. I asked him what he meant and he said they have been up there since we graduated. I guess they put up the graduating classes photos for all to see. I feel sad for Kerry. He has skin cancer and his face is very scarred. He has very little hair, just a few long strands randomly on his head. 

On the way home we stopped at Sonic, got a hamburger and shared it on the way home. James complained of a stomachache. He is not feeling very well. When we get home he goes straight into the bedroom to take a nap. I settle in to the recliner in the family room. 

After an hour or so, James came out of the bedroom and announced that he was going to go to the hospital emergency room. He said his stomach was bloated and it was very tender to the touch and he was miserable. I told him that if he was going, I was going too. I went into the bedroom and got ready to go. I drove because James was so uncomfortable that he did not feel like driving. We arrived at the hospital and got James registered and then we had to sit and waiting for almost an hour. He was finally called back and assigned a room, Room 11. A P.A. came in and asked him several questions as James laid on a very uncomfortable bed. While we were waiting for someone to come in and give James some pain meds, the phlebotomist came in and drew some blood. She did not seem very proficient and I was a little worried. Someone had to come in and help her enter the information into the hospital computer. I left at this time to go wash my car. I went across the street to Circle K and bought the $15 wash. James would not approve but I want my car to be clean when I go to the valley on Monday. I also went to Walmart and got some snacks to take with me on Monday since I am driving down by myself. All this, of course, is based on the fact that James will be okay and they will be able to help him get over this pain. 

When I returned to the hospital, he had an IV and he seemed so much happier. They had given him some pain meds and they definitely worked. They did a CT scan and while they were gone the kids were asking me how he was doing. I did not know how to explain what was going on so I asked James. This is what he said: 

The swelling from the ulcer caused by the radiation treatments for cancer, caused an obstruction that trapped gas in his system, which caused serious pain. The pain killer allowed him to relax and everything is back to normal and he can go home.

What a relief, in more ways than one.

 It was around 11:30 when we settled in to bed. I could not sleep. I got up and went to the recliner in the family room but I couldn't sleep there either. I was pretty miserable most of the night. I read some of the history of the Basha family in Arizona. I read an article about The Ostrich where Jared Ammon works. The author interviewed Jared and it was interesting to read his answers regarding why he likes being a bartender.  I listened to the song "More" which James and I call our song. I listened to Nathan Pacheco and I also watched a movie all designed to help me fall asleep. I also listened to Bobby Vinton's love songs and it reminded me of when I was in high school. I finally got a couple of hours sleep before it was time to get up.

 

Lola and Ivy

Lola and Minnie

Polaris

Addy & friends

 

Fri, May 27th, 2022: Brisbane Australia Temple, James's bloodwork, Panda seared shrimp, cut James's hair, Jennifer Long, Puglia, Italy, West Fork Black River,

 

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Isaiah 40:5

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Book of Mormon

Alma 7:1-13

"Come Follow Me"

Joshua 6-8 Obedience brings God's power into my life. Joshua 7-8.

AprGenCon

"In Awe of Christ and His Gospel"

Elder Ulisses Soares

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

When we truly are in awe of Jesus Christ and HIs gospel, we are happier, we have more enthusiasm for God's work, and we recognize the Lord's hand in all things. Our study of God's word is more meaningful; our prayers, more intentional; our worship, more reverent; our service in God's kingdom, more diligent. All these actions contribute to the Holy Spirit's influence being more frequent in our lives.

I had cake for breakfast. James had some too. He had to cancel his concrete on May 31st and isn't allowed to order more yet. It is a frustrating system the concrete company has. 

James made another trip to town today to have bloodwork done. On the way home he stopped at Panda and instead of getting orange chicken like I asked, he got wok-seared shrimp. He said they were out of orange chicken. Interesting. We mixed the shrimp with the package of Taylor Farms noodles and veggies. After eating and then nap time James went outside to work on the sprinkler system for the backyard. 

I am going to make a scrapbook of all the cakes I have made and so I began running off pictures today of the cakes I have made and of Courtney's cakes that I want to make. 

I've been a little concerned because the last couple of cakes I have made have been quite crumbly. I began doing some research to find out why. Too much flour, overbaking and overmixing are all reasons for crumbly cakes. Hmm, I could be guilty of all of these things. I must give more attention to detail. 

I cut James's hair tonight. He wants to look good for our temple shift tomorrow. We were in bed before 10.

 

Thur, May 26th, 2022: The Hague Netherlands Temple, James in Globe, green mixed burro, 54th Anniversary Cake - Lemon Velvet, baby elk,

 

The Hague, Netherlands

114th operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Sept 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Isaiah 40:3

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:53-6:8

"Come Follow Me"

Joshua 3-4 I can experience God's "wonders" if I have faith in Jesus Christ. Joshua 5-6

AprGenCon

"Conversion Is Our Goal"

Mark L. Pace

General Sunday School President

"The aim of all gospel learning and teaching is to deepen

our conversion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ."

Inklings Live!

Emily & Chase

President Oaks's talk 

Yesterday James went on a horseback ride. He mentioned to me that the reason he went was to look for cow elk who are bedded down and have given birth to babies. This is the time of year to give birth of you are a mama elk. 

James left for Globe before 6 this morning. We had family prayer before he left and I prayed for his safety. He always calls when he arrives at his destination but for some reason he did not today. I try to call him several times and to text him and when I get no answer, I become worried, imagining him in the bottom of Salt River Canyon. I finally call Brother Peeler and ask if he will call his daughter who is staying at the house where James is going, to see if he is there. A few minutes later James calls and I know he is okay. He is very apologetic and I tell him I was very worried that something had happened to him. I don't think he will forget to call me again. Oh yes, he said his phone was turned off and that's why he didn't hear my calls. He brought me home a green chili mixed burro from Irene's as a peace offering. It was different than Burger House but good.

Today I made a lemon cake, but not one of Courtney's. This cake is called a Lemon Velvet Cake and the creator is Melissa Diamon @ mycakeschool.com. The cake took me all afternoon and evening to finish. Of course I took walking and watching breaks. Why would I make a cake with no one here to eat it except James and I? I have a need to create and making these cakes has filled this need. I have never considered myself a creative person. Most of the time I make cakes for other people. I am calling this cake our 54th Anniversary Cake.

54th Anniversary Cake

 lemony delicious

James had a busy day and he is tired and "worn out" when he gets home. He does some indexing and walking while we listen to our book, "Until the Dawn", he walks and then we go to bed.

Addy's graduation from Desert Ridge

High School

Max graduates from Chandler High School

as Sheri and Ben look on. Sheri and Alex

also graduated from Chandler High.

Ben went and graduated from Hamilton High.

Life can be a piece of cake

More cake. I wanted to show the

whipped cream, lemon curd filling.

 

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