Mon, June 13th, 2022: James's concrete pour in Casa Grande, Study, Movie, No internet of phone until this evening, "CFM" at the Peeler's, My Garden Walk with the Lord"

 

Gila Valley, Arizona

132nd operating temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 45:51

And then shall the Jews look upon me and say: What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet?

Book of Mormon

Alma 15:5-19

"Come Follow Me"

1 Samuel 8-10; 13; 15-18 "The Battle Is The Lord's" 1 Samuel 8-9

AprGenCon

"Introductory Message"

President Dallin H. Oaks

First Counselor in the First Presidency

We have asked President Jean B. Bingham, General President of the Relief Society, to conduct this session Future Saturday evening sessions may be conducted by one of the other General Officers of the Church, such as members of the General Presidencies of Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary, designated by the First Presidency.

"Lessons At The Well"

Susan H. Porter

First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

No matter our circumstances, our lives are sacred and have meaning and purpose. Each of us is a beloved daughter of God, born with divinity in our souls.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, made it possible for us to be cleansed and healed, enabling us to fulfill our purpose on earth regardless of decisions of family members, our marital status, physical or mental health, or any other situation.

James left for Casa Grande at 4 a.m. this morning. We still have no internet or phone service so he cannot let me know when he arrives safely. We said a family prayer together before he left. 

What am I going to do with my day with no phone or internet? Walk, study, and watch some movies. I watched "The Groom's Sisters." 

I looked at the webinar information Stacy sent me on selling e-books on Audible. It looks interesting but I cannot do anything without James's approval. Stacy is very excited about it. Right now she is delivering foor on GrubHub and trying to earn some money so she can start the e-book business. Right now she makes about $50 a day.

James got home around 5. I was already ready for our Come Follow Me meeting at the Peeler's but James had to hurry and shower so we could be there on time. Everyone was present except for Barbara Bartels who went on a roadtrip to visit her sister in Casper, Wyoming. Our phones work and the internet is back on!

After the lesson, we had rootbeer floats for dessert. Owen asked James to give him a blessing. He said that he is losing his strength and is concerned. Owen is 85 and his wife, Donna, is 79. When Owen told about his ailments, the rest of the men started talking about theirs, Chuck, James, and Pierce. It's not fun wearing out when you get old. Donna looked very concerned as James gave Owen the blessing. She depends so much on Owen. He is the physically strong one in their relationship. They are on my prayer list.

James told Pierce that he met his brother-in-law, Brother Whetton. Brother Whetton, and his wife, Pierce's sister were building a house next to Pierce. It has not been worked on for quite sometime now. Pierce's sister is dying of pancreatic cancer. 

Something I read today by Elder Uchtdorf:

My Garden Walk with the Lord, Changing the Shape of My Day

"This time of introspection is an opportunity for recalibration. It is a garden of reflection where we can walk with the Lord and be instructed, edified, and purified by the written and spirit-revealed word of our Heavenly Father. It is a sacred time when we remember our solemn covenants to follow the gentle Christ."

And this by Emily Belle Freeman:

"When I am finished, I want my life to be holiness to the Lord. I want to find in Him my refuge." - Emily Belle Freeman

Carly

 

Sun, June 12th, 2022: D's flat tire, Church mtgs, clean and goodye, still no internet or phone service, Study the gospel, Peacegiver and The Hidden Christ

 

Vancouver, British Columbia

131st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Zechariah 13:6

And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

Book of Mormon

Alma 14:23-15:4

"Come Follow Me"

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

AprGenCon

"Conversion to the Will of God"

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Over a lifetime of service and spiritual experiences, I have come to understand that true conversion is the result of the conscious acceptance of the will of God and that we can be guided in our actions by the Holy Ghost.

Inklings 

"Weak Things Become Strong"

Elder Hamilton

& 

Mosiah 26-27

We still have no internet of phone. This has never happened before so I am beginning to wonder what went wrong. Later we found out that someone shot out a green box causing Verizon and Frontier internet to go out. No internet until Monday evening.

We thought Darrel, Trina and kids were right behind us on the way to church. When we arrived we waited for them and even saved them a row, but they were no where to be found. After the sacrament was passed they came in and sat way in the back overflow. We found out later that they had a very low tire and had to put air in it before they left. 

The older Sedig's, Ralph's parents, were the speakers in sacrament meeting today. Sally, Sister Sedig, was very entertaining, yet left a great gospel message.  Her talk was based on Elder Ringwood's conference message and she shared the scripture he shared, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. The Sedig's served a mission in New Zealand and she shared some stories from that mission. She made the point that Heavenly Father knows each of His children by name. James said he could have listened to her talk all day and I agreed.

Brother Al Sedig is a retired aeronautical engineer who worked Sky Harbor, now called Phoenix International Airport. He spoke about President Nelson's talk on Spiritual Momentum. We need to learn to control ourselves, end conflict in our lives, be obedient to God's commandments, love others, and be humble. We must get on the Covenant Path, turn to Him through daily repentance, learn about God through the scriptures, seek and expect miracles, and seek to end contention in our lives. I love this talk by President Nelson.

I had hoped that Darrel's family would stay the second hour but they did not. They need to get home and before leaving Trina has everyone take the sheets off their beds, wash them, then put them back on their bed again. This takes lots of time and I am grateful that she is so thoughtful to do this but I think I would rather have had her and Addy in Relief Society with me.

Rowan took the girls on a Razr ride. Lola wanted to look for antlers since I told her they were worth money. They didn't find any but she pointed out that grampa had some antlers hanging up in the garage. 

Trina told me a little about Rowan as we were gathered around the puzzle table where Addy had started the 1,000 piece ice cream puzzle. She said Rowan is very much in to history and knows about so many countries. I asked Rowan if he had considered being a history teacher. I guess he is going to attend EVIT (East Valley Institute of Technology) and learn how to weld. 

Ruby didn't get the memo to not smile.

I love this picture because it shows

Ruby's true character, goodness and 

kindness.

Elder Goodwin, one of our missionaries, has a new companion. He passed the sacrament to us but I did not catch his name. I pray everyday for our missionaries, including Elder Applegate who is serving from our ward in Florida.

Normally I would say to Trina or Darrel, please let us know when you get home. I can't say that today because we have no phone service or internet. 

We rested after our company left then it was time for gospel study. We can't index or I can't blog so I began reading "The Hidden Christ" and "The Peacegiver", both books by James L. Ferrell. I read to James about David, Abigail and Nabal from "The Hidden Christ". The story is also in "The Peacegiver." 

We watched part of a Hallmark movie and then we went to bed because James has to get up at 3:30 to leave for Casa Grande where there is a concrete pour at 7:30.

Trezise boys B-Ball at Nana & Papa's

Evan won!

Captain Crunch Cake

Courtney's favorite food is cereal

(Don't tell this to cake)

Happy 50th Birthday Ian!

Sat, June 11, 2022: Temple Shift, Rain, Finish S'mores cake w/Ruby & Lola, Addy's puzzles, Razr Ro, D's dinner, Charlie, Lola's hair, Sunset

 

Oquirrh Mountain, Utah

130th operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 Aug 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Zechariah 12:10

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. 

Book of Mormon

Alma 14:6-22

"Come Follow Me"

FSS & FHE and Samuel 3

AprGenCon

"Is The Plan Working"

Elder Adrian Ochoa

Of the Seventy

If you look back on your life, I believe you will see that you have exercised faith many times. Joining the Church is an act of faith. Speaking with Heavenly Father in prayer is an act of faith. Reading the scriptures is an act of faith. Listening to my message in this general conference is an act of faith. As President Russell M. Nelson has said, "Do not minimize the faith you already have."

"Then Will I Make Weak Things Become Strong"

Elder Kevin S. Hamilton

Of the Seventy

While it is indeed good to be authentic, we should be authentic to our real, true selves as sons and daughters of God with a divine nature and destiny to become like HIm. If our goal is to be authentic to this divine nature and destiny, then we will all need to change. The scriptural word for change is repentance. "Too many people," President Russell M. Nelson teaches, "consider repentance as punishment - something to be avoided except in the most serious circumstances. . . . When Jesus asks you and me to 'repent,' He is inviting us to change."

I believe my most favorite assignment today was sealings. As I came into the room a brother came up to me and said, are you Sister Lambson from Chandler. Yes. My family was in your ward when your husband was in the bishopric, I am Kirk Zoellner. Val Gale was the bishop and two of his sons lives here in Snowflake. I said that I knew they lived here and there mother lives here too. 

Brother and Sister Zoellner, Brother Colter, a temple worker, and Sister DeSpain the sealers wife were the proxies. Brother DeSpain was the sealer. I was assigned to do sealings for one hour, which was an entire session. I have not done sealings for a couple of years and it was such a nice change.

Now we are taking not only appointments for ordinances but walk-ins too. Once when I was assigned in initiatory there were no appointments but we had a sister who missed the endowment session so she decided to do initiatory. Nancy Bowen who comes nearly every time I am here was not here today but a friend of hers was here doing Nancy's Scandinavian names.

James is the assistant baptistry director. He was finished at 11:00. I was scheduled until 12:30 with one break. After my last assignment in initiatory I had a break and then the celestial room was my last assignment. I asked my coordinator, Mindy Hamblin, if someone could cover the celestial room for me so I could leave at 11:30. I told Mindy that James had been off since 11 and that I had company at home. Her response was, "Get out of here." 

I texted James when I got outside not knowing if he was in the parking lot or had gone to get food. He met me on the walkway and I was so glad that I didn't have to wait. I had ask for a burro from El Cupido's but he had gone to the Chinese food place instead and gotten me orange chicken. It was hot and delicious but difficult to eat in the car without a knife because the chicken chunks were huge. We stopped at Walmart to get some marshmallow creme to put in Ruby's cake and James bought a pocketknife for me to use. 

When we got home I told Ruby I was going to take a nap and that I would meet her in the kitchen at 3:00. I also told her she did not have to help with the cake but she insisted. 

There are more components to this cake than any other cake I have made. The graham crackers, the cake, chocolate ganache, marshmallow filling, marshmallow fluff, and the buttercream frosting. 

There was rain around us and some lightning this afternoon. The internet went out while James was indexing and it never came back. The satellite part of the television worked but our phones did not. 

It was taking so long for Ruby and Lola and I to finish the cake, Trina came in to help us. When the cake was finished I asked Trina if she wanted us to wait until after dinner before we ate it, but she said she didn't care. We all got a piece and went outside to eat. We all decided that there was too much marshmallow fluff on the top of the cake and it was too sweet. 

Addy loves math and this is one of the reasons that she wants to be an electrical engineer, they use lots of math. Ruby's birthday is next week. She is going to the beach for the day. 

Lola found some animal bones while out on the Razr today. Now she wants to find some antlers because I told her they were worth money.

 

 

Thur, June 9th, 2022: Emily's Western Wall Thoughts, James works in Globe, Cake, Steps, White Mtns, Erik's family,

 

Twin Falls, Idaho

128th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Micah 1:3

For, behold, the Lord cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. 

Book of Mormon

Alma 13:10-20

"Come Follow Me"

1 Samuel 2:1-10 My heart can rejoice in the Lord 1 Samuel 1

AprGenCon

"Lift Up Your Heart and Rejoice"

Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis

Of the Seventy

Certainly, there are many worthy causes in the world. It is impossible to name them all. But wouldn't you like to participate in a great cuase within your reach and where your contribution makes a vital difference? The gathering of Israel makes an eternal difference to all. People of all ages can participate in this cause regardless of their circumstances and where they live. There is no other cause in the world more inclusive.

Speaking specifically to the youth, President Nelson said that "our Heavenly Father has reserved many of His most noble spirits - perhaps . . . His finest team - for this final phase. Those noble spirits - those finest players, those heroes - are you!"

Inklings Live!

Emily shared with us some insights she learned when she was in Israel. I want to share some of the insights I learned from Emily:

"Conversion to the Will of God"

Elder Quentin L. Cook

A seminal event is an event of great influence in one's life.

What qualifies me for a seminal event? 

I am one of His Chosen. I must never forget that.

True conversion is trusting in God, no matter what, even if it feels uncomfortable or illogical.

Acts 9

What was Saul/Paul's seminal event on the road to Damascus?

Saul said to the Lord, "What wilt thou have me to do?"

Emily then shared some of her thoughts and feelings regarding the Jewish people and how they want to stand out and be different because of their beliefs. They are a community living their story. Israel is fighting for the right of religious freedom and their story of living different. The Western Wall is the only part of the ancient temple that is left in Jerusalem. In preparation for the Sabbath the people go to the wall to worship on Friday evening for the Jewish Sabbath is on Saturday. The write letters declaring their faith in Jehovah and put them in the cracks of the wall. They wear their best clothing for their God and it is a time of singing and celebration. The young people, even into their 20's come. There is an effort to Reclaim their young. This is what they want them to know:

1. You are a part of something grander than yourself. You are Chosen of the Lord and God has a purpose for you.

2. Your history and where your come from is important. You need to ponder your story and your seminal moments.

As Emily observed the worship of these people she asked herself, "What is my story?" What do I want to be known for. What are my seminal moments?

Emily began pondering the Doctrine of Christ and how she incorporates it's principles, faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end, into her life. Here is what she came up with, a list of questions to ponder and action steps to take:

1. How do I practice faith everyday, recognizing Him in my story?

2. Repentance - Do I turn to Him daily, especially to ask forgiveness when I have done something wrong?

3. Am I honoring my baptismal and temple covenants. Am I living a covenant life. Do I listen to the sacrament prayers each week and recommit myself on a daily and weekly basis?

4. Am I worthy of the Holy Ghost each day and do I respond to His promptings? Do I Hear Him?

5. Am I remaining firm as I strive to endure to the end? What does the doctrine of Christ look like in my daily life?

I felt the Spirit so strongly as Emily was teaching. I want to use these questions and thoughts as part of my daily morning devotional.

 James left for Globe this morning after morning family prayer. 

There were monsoon clouds in the sky today, but still no rain. 

Today I changed the sheets on our bed, emptied the trashes in the bedroom, bathrooms, laundry room, and pantry. I also vacuumed our bedroom. I listened to Upshaken Saints. It's only four hours long this week. Darrel and Trina and the kids are coming tomorrow so I will be cleaning upstairs and downstairs in the basement. 

James got home around seven this evening. He was so tired and spent much of the day in the Peeler's hot attic. He was glad to be home and spend the night in his own bed.

James hoeing weeds

Erik & Amelia's family at Universal Studios

I guess it rained somewhere