Thur, June 16th, 2022: James works in Globe, Mail Ruby's card and Andy's, "CFM" study, Sugar cookies, "Flower Girl", Mark Butler, Sandy Bear both pass away

 

San Salvador, El Salvador

135th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2011

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Malachi 3:2

But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap;

Book of Mormon

Alma 17:18-39

"Come Follow Me"

1 Samuel 13:5-14; 15 "To obey is better than sacrifice" 1 Samuel 16

AprGenCon

"Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny"

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The second truth is that we have heavenly parents, a father and a mother. The doctrine of a Heavenly Mother comes by revelation and is a distinctive belief among Latter-day Saints. President Dallin H. Oaks explained the importance of this truth: "Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them."

James left for Globe around 7, after family prayer. His alarm didn't go off at 5. My hit and miss sleep pattern left me a bit groggy this morning. 

The most important thing I need to do today is to mail Ruby's birthday card. Her birthday is Saturday.  

I listened to Tyler and Taylor on "Book of Mormon Central" today. I have really enjoyed them lately. Here are some notes I took:

1 Samuel is about Kingship. Samuel sets his two sons up as judges and the people reject them. They are unrighteous. The people want the world's model of a king, not the Lord's. The Lord tells Samuel the people have rejected Him, not Samuel. This is a turning point in the whole biblical narrative moving forward for generations to come. There is much tragedy connected to unrighteous kings and most of Israel's kings are unrighteous. This is an important book if you want to see how humans have struggled throughout the ages to choose the right king. The "right" king is Jesus Christ. He is King of Kings. 

I also listened to Inklings today. Emily had Courtney Rich, as in "Cake by Courtney" on today. It was really good. 

I also listened to part of Jared Halverson's "Unshaken Saints." It's over four hours long so I won't finish today. 

I made 30 sugar cookies today and I need 35 so I will have to make another batch tomorrow. James stopped at Home Depot and Walmart before coming home this evening. 

After working on my blog and walking this evening I watched a movie, "Flower Girl." It's an old one I have seen before but I still really enjoyed it. 

Mark Butler lived across the street

from me when I was growing 

up in Show Low

I wonder if they would come

and do our yard.

Wed, June 15th, 2022: Town w/ James for a taco and shopping, "Color My World with Love", "Philippa Holds Court", Deep Blue, Letter to Thomas Grapp

 

Kyiv, Ukraine

134th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Aug 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 133:20

When the Lamb shall stand upon Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand, having his Father's name written on their foreheads.

Book of Mormon

Alma 17:1-17

"Come Follow Me"

1 Samuel 9:15-17; 10:1-12; 16:1-13 God calls people by prophecy to serve in His kingdom. 1 Samuel 13 & 15

AprGenCon

"Covenants with God Strengthen, Protect, and Prepare Us for Eternal Glory"

Jean B. Bingham

Relief Society General President

Life's experiences can range from humorous to heart-wrenching, from grim to glorious. Each experience helps us understand more about our Father's encompassing love and our capacity to change through the Savior's gift of grace. Keeping our covenants allows the Savior's power to cleanse us as we learn through experience - whether it is a minor misjudgment or a major failing. Our Redeemer is there to catch us when we fall if we turn to Him.

I finally settled to sleep around 2:41 am. listening to "Don't Miss This." I woke up on the family room recliner and crawled into bed next to my sweetheart. I slept in until after 8 a.m. because I couldn't sleep anymore. I woke up thinking of the Grapp's and sat down at the computer and wrote a letter to Thomas Grapp. I finished and will now review it and then determine how to send it. 

James and I went to town today. We had lunch at Aliberto's. I love their shredded beef tacos. James said their refried beans were not as good as La Casita's. I said there tacos were 100x better. When we want refried beans or enchiladas or a green chili burro, we will go to LaCasita. We used the last of our debit gift cards on lunch today.

James drove over to Home Depot and parked and I walked to Walmart. James is buying a pressure tank for the sprinkler system. My main goal was to buy a birthday card for Ruby, a graduation card for Andy Wilhelm, a sympathy card for Becky Skousen, and a Father's Day card for James. I also looked for magnesium citrate but Walmart is out so I went home and ordered on Amazon along with some lens cleaner and some black dress socks for James which I also could not find at Walmart. 

Today I watched a movie on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel. The movie is called "Color My World with Love." It is about the relationship of two young people who have downs syndrome and the affect it has on the ones who love them. It was really good and I want James to watch this one. The young man in the story works at a t-shirt shop and he wears a t-shirt that says: "The Homie with an Extra Chromie." 

I told Brian I needed some Deep Blue cream and asked if he would order me some and I would Venmo him the money. He said no he was going to pay for it. I am grateful for his generosity but I certainly did not expect it in this situation.

Today I communicated with the following people: Alicia Hunsaker - I told her how much I enjoyed having Haley in Relief Society. Catherine Halcomb - I missed her at church on Sunday. Ruby, Kim, Brian, and Stacy. James and I finished "The Sport of Matchmaking".

We started another book, "Philippa Holds Court." This second book is by the same author and should have been read before "The Sport of Matchmaking." 

I listened to Elder Uchtdorf's talk

on the newly revised "Teaching

in The Savior's Way"

Tue, June 14th, 2022: Mesa Temple w/ Sheri, Ben, Evan, Joshua, James, IHOP, Erik, Globe, Armando, Trip home, Brian & Dallin's bday

 

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Zechariah 14:4

And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

Book of Mormon

Alma 16:1-21

"Come Follow Me"

1 Samuel 8 Jesus Christ is my King. Samuel 10.

AprGenCon

"Do What Mattereth Most"

Rebecca L. Craven

Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency

 I had a sweet experience with a darling young woman who asked a very sincere question: "Sister Craven, how do you know that anything about the Church is true? Because I feel nothing."

Before jumping to an answer, I first asked her some questions. "Tell me about your personal scripture study. "She replied, "I don't read the scriptures." I asked, "What about with your family? Do you study Come, Follow Me together?" She said, "No." I asked about her prayers: "What do you feel when you pray?" Her answer: "I don't pray." My response to her was simple:

"If you want to know anything, you will have to do something."

We got up at 2:45 this morning and left an hour later for the valley. Sheri scheduled baptism at the Mesa temple for Joshua, Evan, and Rowan with Ben doing the baptisms, at 7:30. 

When we got close to Rowan's Darrel texted and said he wouldn't be going because now he says he does not have a recommend. Before he said he lost it and he would just have to call his bishop from the temple. We will miss Rowan and I am sure Evan and Josh will be disappointed. 

We arrived at the temple before our appointment time of 7:30. We had a few minutes to enjoy the weather this early in the morning and the peace and beauty of the temple grounds. Sheri and the boys arrived about 10 minutes later.

The temple workers were so nice and welcoming. I gave each boy 10 baptisms to do. Only one was my family member. The other were Maxine Thompson's names. 

Ben baptized both Joshua and Evan. Afterwards He confirmed Evan and James confirmed Joshua. James also confirmed Ben as Maxine had 11 names that needed confirmation. They had already been baptized. 

After we were finished, I suggested we go to breakfast and asked if anyone had any ideas. Evan said IHOP. Sheri asked Siri where the nearest IHOP was and she said Dobson and University. About 3-4 miles away. Sheri and I had the lemon blueberry crepes, James had the breakfast sampler, Joshua had chicken and waffles, Ben had french toast. Evan had pancakes and hashbrowns. I used by debit gift card to pay for breakfast. I used the entire $100, but it was worth it! I am so grateful to these boys for meeting us at the temple. This will be the highlight of my week and James's too. 

Lots of goodness at this table, good food,

good people!

 After our goodbye hugs James and I headed for Chandler to see Erik. The check engine light keeps coming on in my car and James is concerned. Erik was working at Chandler Radiator so that's where we went. It's right next to the old Val's Service Center. Erik check our engine with some computerized tool he had and said we had no worries. It was something to do with the exhaust but was not a problem. It's great to have a mechanic in the family.

James needed to go by Darrel's to give him something regarding getting registered for a hunt. James tried to register him, Darrel, and Rowan but we had not internet this weekend so Darrel is doing it. Today is the last day. While James ran in to drop off I stayed in the car and saw Addy dashing off to the dentist. Darrel was at the dentist with Ruby who has to have two of her baby teeth pulled. Rowan was at home with Lola so James gave the information to him.

We went on to Globe to buy gas where the price is $4.69 instead of the $5.69 in the valley. I left James at the Peeler's house while I went back to Fry's to do some shopping. James wanted some cranberry celebration and chicken tenders but they had no tenders so I bought him a couple of pieces of roasted chicken. I also got him some pomegranate juice and myself some coconut shrimp along with a few other items. 

When I got back to pick up James he said Armando was on his way to pick up some checks that James had forgotten to drop off to him when we were in the valley. While we were waiting for Armando in the Fry's parking lot we went next door to get a Sonic drink with lots of ice. I love their ice.

When Armando comes James gives him his checks and they spend a few minutes talking about Boy Joye's pour from yesterday. I guess there was some kind of a problem and Armando needed to discuss it with James. 

It was early evening when we got home. It is always great to be home even if you've only been gone a short time.

Dallin right after he graduated 

from high school. He is now 27.

 

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!