Mon, June 6th, 2022: James in Globe & East Valley Urology, Becky Skousens' Dad passes, Ruth & Naomi, Scarlett, Cindy Brown RS teacher on Sunday,

 

Rexburg, Idaho

125th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Feb 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Matthew 26:64

Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Book of Mormon

Alma 12:1-19

"Come Follow Me"

Ruth; 1 Samuel 1-3 "My Heart Rejoiceth in the Lord" Ruth 1

AprGenCon

"Steady in the Storms"

President Henry B. Eyring

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

The perils of greatest danger come to us from the forces of wickedness. Those forces are increasing. And so it will become more difficult, not easier, to honor the covenants we must make and keep to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For those of us who are concerned for ourselves and for those we love, there is hope in the promise God has made of a place of safety in the storms ahead.

Up at 5 a.m. At 7:00 James and I had family prayer and then he left for Globe and then East Valley Urology in Mesa. 

A week or two ago Becky Skousen's mother passed away. Today her dad passed away. Her husband Chris is having surgery on Wednesday. Our compassionate service leader, Tina Allen, has arranged three meals to come in to Becky's home. Becky is the Young Women's president and is an amazing woman whom I love dearly!

As I was studying the story of Ruth and Naomi as part of the "Come Follow Me" lesson I wondered why Naomi's husband and sons died.  According to ancient Rabbanic writings found in the Targum of Ruth, the death of these men was actually a judgment from God for leaving the holy land and marrying outside the covenant. I wonder if this is true. Food for thought.

 As I walked today I listened to "A Case for the Book of Mormon" regarding the testimonies of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon and how none of them never denied their witness.

I am so grateful that Cindy Brown said she would teach on Sunday. I missed the last time she taught so I am looking forward to being their on Sunday. The lesson is based on Elder Bednar's talk, "But We Heeded Them Not." 

I texted Catherine Halcomb to see if we were going to the temple tomorrow as we had planned. Catherine was not at church on Sunday so I was a little concerned. I got a text back that she has a cough and that Kerri will be going in her place. Great, we will make our appointment for the 11:00 session tomorrow.

 I worked on getting my cake file set up this afternoon. Courtney has over 150 cake recipes and I am making a file to put them in, along with all of my other cake recipes.

I listened to Morgan Jones interview Robert Millet today about his book on the Holy Ghost. I was really good. I looked for his book on Deseret Book Plus but I couldn't find an audio version.

James and I listened to "The Sport of Matchmaking" while we walked this evening. I think he is more in to it than I am. I can't decide if I like it or not.

DiAnna Elmer, a fellow

temple worker

Ruth & Naomi

Sun, June 5th, 2022: Fast & Testimony Mtg, Sunday School, James's PS scores, Facetime with J,K, Ch, Jared's raise, Jackie Hall, Jael & Sisera

 

Helsinki, Finland

124th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Oct 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Daniel 7:13

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Book of Mormon

Alma 11:21-46

"Come Follow Me"

Review Judges 2-4; 6-8; 13-16 "The Lord Raised Up a Deliverer"

AprGenCon

A Mighty Change Of Heart: "I Have Nothing More To Give You"

Elder Eduardo Gavarret

Of the Seventy

"And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit."

I thought of the people's reaction to King Benjamin's words:

"Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us . . . , which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."

"Ladder of Faith"

Elder Larry S. Kacher

Of the Seventy

The simple faith we have in Jesus Christ as we first begin to learn about Him can remain in our hearts as we confront life's challenges. Our faith in Him can and will guide us through the complexities of life. Indeed, we will find that there is simplicity on the other side of life's complexities as we remain "steadfast in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope."

For some reason I had a dream about Sheri and Tiffany last night. I don't think there was any meaning to the dream but I'm just wondering why I thought of Tiffany and Sheri. 

I was up at five to do some journal "catchup." As I was thinking back over the past few weeks I was reminded of my friend Jackie Hall from Chandler. She has lost her husband and her sister in a matter of weeks. I miss Jackie and I am reminded of the time I spent with her. She and Janis Willis were my visiting teachers and we would meet at Serrano's in Chandler for lunch and a visit. We always ordered a chili relleno ala carte. Jackie's husband, Elliot was a non-member and he never joined the church because he promised his mother he would not. He did attend church with Jackie. He was well liked by everyone. I did not know Jackie's sister Linda who recently passed away,  but I know that Jackie named a daughter after her so I imagine that they were close. I hope Jackie will stay close to the Lord and that He will strengthen her through this difficult time. Jackie has always been an example to me of patient faithfulness and quiet strength.

James got his recent PSA scores which indicates what is occurring with his cancer. When he started doing radiation his score was 12. After radiation it was at 2. Three months ago it was 1.3 and now it is 1. He is progressively getting better. He faithfully drinks pomegranate juice and cranberry juice everyday. We are so happy with these results!

Brother Allen conducted our fast and testimony meeting today. Brother Judd has been bringing his boys to pass the sacrament but we have not seen Amber of the rest of the family in weeks. I have her on my prayer roll but I think I might need to reach out to her and let her know we miss her.

These are the people who bore their testimonies today:

Steve Allen, Sister Vaught, Sister Sayer, the Tesarek's including their daughter Dagny. Parker Harris who is six and Pierce's granddaughter. He was not here today to hear her and she did an amazing job all by herself. Wes Smith, and Johnny Wilhelm. Johnny gave a very grown up, sweet testimony. I felt the Spirit during the Tesarek's both of them, who talked directly to Amber Brown who was baptized yesterday and confirmed today. They are converts of seven years and Michelle said she never knew what joy was until she joined the Church. Travis talked about his first year after baptism and how much he learned.

For children both Parker and Johnny's testimonies were amazing and I felt the Spirit. I also enjoyed the Tesarek's, Brother Smith's, and Brother Allen's testimonies. All of the testimonies were good but these were my favorites. 

Neither one of us felt very good today and considered going home after sacrament meeting but thought better of it when we realized we would be missing Brother Applegate's Sunday School class. We were glad we stayed!

James fasted today for better health. I prayed for moisture. This afternoon we FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. They had spent the week in Bentonville, Arkansas and had a great time. Lots of bike trails and outdoor activities. Beautiful and green. They said they wouldn't mind living there. Jared got a phone call while he was in Bentonville. He got a job offer from a business in Longview offering him a $17,000 raise. Right now he works in Tyler and drives 40 minutes to work. He was tempted to take the job so he called his work and told them about the offer. They came back with a counter offer of $30,000 and Jared took it because he loves working there. Since starting 3 1/2 years ago he is making $90,000 more than when he started. Wow! Congratulations Jared!

One of my favorite stories interpretations this week from the "Come Follow Me" lesson was the story of Jael and Sisera. Jael drove a nail through Sisera's head. According to Dave and Emily, Jael stands for Jehovah and Elohim and Sisera means sin.  Jehovah and Elohim conquered sin with a nail.

 

 

Sat, June 4th, 2022: Happy 17th Emmy! $200 gift cards, J leaves for Globe, boys swim, Josh & Stacy here, Chikfila, I leave for home,

  

Sacramento, California

123rd operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sep 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Ezkiel 21:27

I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him.

Book of Mormon

Alma 11:1-20

"Come Follow Me"

Judges 2:10 Family scripture study & FHE. Judges 15-16

AprGenCon

"Following Jesus: Being a Peacemaker"

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The Lord taught how to live, then and now, in a contemptuous world. "Blessed are the peacemakers," He declared, "for they shall be called the children of God."

By the shield of our faith in Jesus Christ, we become peacemakers, quenching - meaning to calm, cool, or extinguish - all the fiery darts of the adversary.

  James indexed this morning and then went to a resort presentation and brought back $200 in debit gift cards which he gave to me. I appreciate him so much!

I listened to an "All In" podcast where Morgan interviews my cake lady, Courtney Rich. Courtney tells about her bouts with depression which were triggered by the divorce of her parents. She says that cake making and Christ have brought joy to her life.

After family prayer, and fixing breakfast for the boys, James left for home. He is going to work in Globe for a few hours. Rowan and Max went down to the pool. Evan stayed here because he says Joshua is coming and he's waiting for him. I begin packing and cleaning the condo, or villa as they call it here in the southwest. Stacy and Joshua arrive. Of course Evan and Joshua immediately go down to the pool. Stacy went grocery shopping at Fry's Marketplace on north Hayden Rd. 

When Stacy gets back she said Joshua texted her and said he is starving and would she please go get Chikfila. I told her the other boys were probably hungry too. I said I would pay for their lunch with my debit gift card. I bought each of the boys lunch. Stacy didn't want anything because she says she is not eating until 3:00. I had four chicken nuggets. 

James took my suitcase and all of the hanging clothes down to my car earlier when he left. Stacy and I loaded most of the things from the kitchen onto the suitcase carrier and took it down when we went to Chikfila. When we got back Stacy took a suitcase and some other items down for me. When I left all I had was my makeup bag and my drink. My purse was already in the car.

It was around 2:00 when I left. The boys never came back to have lunch before I left so I didn't get to say goodbye. James had already filled my car with gas and paid for it. I stopped in Payson for a potty break and some snacks. I got a drink, some cherry Nibs, and a Caramello bar. My rationalization was that they would help keep me awake. What a copout.

I got home around 5:30. James got here about an hour later. After unloading the car and putting all of the stuff away I walked. James indexed. I listened to "A Case for the Book of Mormon" by Brother Callister on the way home and while I walked. When James walked with me we listened to "The Sport of Matchmaking."

I should have mentioned on our anniversary what our songs were back in the day. Our first song was "More" by Vic Dana. I played it for James and then a rendition by Andy Williams and we decided we liked Andy better. 

Another of our songs was "You're the One." I was reminded of this when a memory came up on Facebook. In June of 2013 we were at the Taco Bell in Silver City, New Mexico and they had an oldie's station on. The station played "You're the One."

This is the dessert we had at Lois's

I'm going to make this for our

next CFM at our house.

My go to breath mints

Happy Birthday Emmy!

Fri, June 3rd, 2022: Newport Beach California Temple, Boys breakfast, swim, boys dinner, dinner & dominoes at Lois & Dawn's, Chelsie Hightower, cake, Jared Ammon, Shayna,

 

Newport Beach, California

122nd operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 133:46

And it shall be said: Who is this that cometh down from God in heaven with dyed garments; yea, from the regions which are not known, clothed in his glorious apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength?

Book of Mormon

Alma 10:17-32

"Come Follow Me"

Judges 13-16 Strength comes from faithfulness to my covenants with God. Judges 13-14.

AprGenCon

"But We Heeded Them Not"

Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I pray that the Holy Ghost will bless and enlighten each of us as we consider together how we can be strengthened to "heed not" the evil influences and mocking voices of the contemporary world in which we live.

Scriptures and prayers with James and then with the boys. James went to the store and got sausage, a watermelon, and a cantaloupe and some other things to fix the boys some breakfast. They ate a little and then went down to go swimming.

Sheri sent me $100 this morning for which I am grateful. The pizzas and garlic knots last night were over $60. 

James took a nap after breakfast and I walked and blogged. I also watched "Teaching with Power" and listened to an "All In" interview with Chelsie Hightower, "What My Battle with Anxiety in Hollywood Taught Me About God's Love." After listening to the interview I had to watch Chelsie and Mark's dance on "So You Think You Can Dance" to the song, "Bleeding Love." It's still good.

At 3:00 James and I left for Lois's to play dominoes with her and Dawn, Cathi & Terry, and Dave & Laura. I gave each of the boys $20 to buy dinner at the Splash Grille. We hadn't gone too far down the freeway when we got a text from Rowan. The Splash Grille doesn't take cash? What? I was quite surprised. We immediately got off the freeway, turned around and met Rowan back at the resort and I gave him my credit card. 

Before playing dominoes at Lois and Dawn's we had dinner. There was taco soup, cornbread, chips, a salad which Cathi made from the produce from her garden, and a delicious banana split dessert. 

Let the game begin! We start out with the double 12 and go to the double zero so this game takes several hours. James had said we would leave by 7 but it ended up being after 8. We stayed until the end. Lois was the winner, which some how seemed appropriate. I enjoyed the game because I sat by Cathi. She is so much fun. She and Dave banter back and forth with each other and I'm always on Cathi's side. I really do miss her. As we were leaving Laura came up and put her arm around me and apologized for talking on the phone so much, she kept having to leave the game. She said it was Kevin calling her. He has a custody battle going on with Alena. I guess Alena is trying to turn the girls against him. He is pretty stressed. So sad.

We got back to the resort at 9 and the boys were still at the pool. We went down to see them and say hi. We did some walking and listening to our new book, "The Sport of Matchmaking" before going to bed.

Courtney's son, Westin's cake:

Dark chocolate cake, peanut butter

cookie dough, chocolate fudge frosting

chocolate covered graham crackers on top

Do you like this one Charlie?

My go to gum

Kilee and Shayna

Sean & Stefani's grandbabies 

Thur, June 2nd, 2022: Aba Nigeria Temple, James & Dave in Globe, Burger House burros, pickup Ro, Ev, and Max, shopping, NYPD pizza,

 

Aba, Nigeria

121st operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Isaiah 60:2

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

Book of Mormon

Alma 10:1-16

"Come Follow Me"

Judges 6-8 The Lord can work miracles when I trust in His ways.

Judges 7-8

 

AprGenCon

"We Are The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints"

Reyna I. Aburto

Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

 My fellow disciples of Christ, let us not underestimate the marvelous work the Lord is doing through us, His Church, despite our shortcomings. Sometimes we are givers and sometimes we are receivers, but we are all on family in Christ. His Church is the structure He has given to guide and bless us as we worship Him and serve each other.

I said family prayer before James left to pick up Dave and then go on to Globe to work. Dave helped with some electrical problems.

As I was walking and working on my blog, I listened to several "All In" podcasts. #23. Wendy Ulrich, "How God Expects Women to suse Priesthood Power. #30. Tad Callister, "The Case for the Book of Mormon". (I am now listening to his book by the same name.) #26. Sheri Dew, "Lessons Learned from Following the Prophet."  #33. Barbara Morgan Gardener, "How Women and Men Misunderstand the Priesthood and What We Can Do About It."

I'm not feeling well. My feet hurt so it's going to be hard to get all my steps today. I left a little after nine to pick up Rowan. Darrel, Addy, and Lola were all home. I left the popsicle puzzle for Lola to do. Later Darrel sent me this picture: 

I love the smile on her face!

Next stop, Sheri's to pick up Max and Evan. They both got their hair cut or should I say their heads shaved, but Max still has his beard.

We went through the Chikfila on Chandler Blvd. to get some lunch. Evan got a spicy chicken sandwich with fries and Rowan got a regular chicken sandwich with fries and I got some nuggets. Max didn't order anything.

Once we got to the resort it wasn't long before the boys decided it was time to go swimming. Evan mentioned he forgot his sunscreen so I told him I would go to the store and get him some. I also got a couple of pool balls, lots of rootbeer, and some grape Zevia. I also bought some sandwich stuff for the boys. I asked them what they wanted from the store and all they said was rootbeer so I didn't buy any snacks. Oh yes, I also bought three gallons of water. James hates the water at the resort. I had to make four trips up and down the stairs, or in the elevator to carry everything in. The boys were swimming so they couldn't help. The first trip a couple of guys had a hose and they were spraying the walkways right in front of my door. I told them I needed to get in and they moved out of the way. I almost tripped on the hose once which was a little frustrating.

When I finally finished carrying in the last load I needed to sit down and cool off. I was sweaty and exhausted.

James brought me back a green chili mixed burro from Burger House.  This evening the boys wanted NYPD pizza. We ordered a large pepperoni pizza and 12 garlic knots for the boys and a thin crust veggie pizza for James and I. I had one piece of pizza and James had four. We saved the other three pieces for tomorrow. 

This evening I blogged and walked while James indexed. We had family prayer with the boys before they went swimming again and we went to bed.

Evan and Ben in Nana & Papa's pool