Saturday, July 9th, 2022: Temple Shift, President Seaman & Kim, Gospel symbolism, Baptistry, Sonic, "Games in a Ballroom", Scarlett & Charlie,

 

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Nov 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Revelations 22:7

Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Book of Mormon

Alma 30:29-45

37 And then Alma said unto Korihor: Believest thou that there is a God?

38 And he answered, Nay.

"Come Follow Me"

2 Kings 7

AprGenCon

"Lift Up Your Heart And Rejoice"

Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis

Of the Seventy

As President Nelson said: "Anytime you do anything that helps anyone - one either side of the veil - take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that."

Today's preparation meeting at the beginning of our temple shift was the best one that I have ever attended because of the things that President Seaman shared. He told about a young girl with downs syndrome who came in to do baptisms with her father. When she got into the water, she was so small that it came clear up to her chest. President Seaman said he felt something, there was a reverence in the room and when he looked up there was a throng of people from beyond the veil looking on. Those being baptized had a special joy on their faces. He said he realized that he felt close to heaven and it was because of the purity and cleanliness of this young girl.  

President Seaman asked us what the arch represents and then asked if we remembered the new logo that President Nelson introduced with the living Christ and His arms outstretched. An arch is also in the picture and it looks as if Christ is coming out of the arch. The arch represents the empty tomb. He said in many churches built in the last 20 years there is an arch at the front of the chapel.

He then asked us if we had noticed the squares with the circles within throughout the temple. He pointed out the decorative trim around the doors in the room where we were, the endowment room. 

He said the square represents the earth, such as is mentioned regarding taking the gospel to the four corners of the earth. The never-ending circle within the square represents eternity or heaven. The temple is the place where heaven meets earth. As I worked in the baptistry today I noticed the windows in the chapel near the baptistry,  three squares with circles within, the circles made of beautiful cut glass. They could also represent the three degrees of glory. I love gospel symbolism. 

President Seaman also said that our little temple does 6,000 baptisms a month and he is amazed by that number. 

Those attending our preparation meeting this morning:

President and Kim Seaman, Steve and Mindy Hamblin, the Curetons, the Elmers, Sister Owens, Sister Richardson, Sister Bigler, Brother Webb and Sister Flake who are young return missionaries who hold hands during the meeting. The older Hamblins, James and I, the Reidheads, Brother Farr, Brother and Sister DeSpain, Brother Bushman, Five Neffs, Brother and Sister Wilkins, the Gentry's, and a brand new young brother, Brother Neat. 

I worked in the baptistry the entire shift. James is the assistant baptistry coordinator so it was nice to be working near him. We were quite busy today. Our first group was a group of young men and women who were from Mesa, staying in Heber for a family reunion. 

The next group was 16 young women from St. Johns. I visited with one of the young women leaders as I was assigned to stay in the dressing room. She was very friendly and we had a nice visit. It's one of the places in the temple where you can actually talk out loud. Their ward attended girls camp at the Wallace's which is called Diamond W Ranch. I told this sister that the Wallace's were in our ward and we had ward parties at their place.

The last group were four Navajo sisters from the reservation. They wore masks until Sister Neff, the sister baptistry director, told them it wasn't necessary. James was in charge of confirmations and really enjoyed these sisters. He said one of them told a story about being in the temple with her daughter and they both heard a choir singing while no one else did.

I was finished a little after noon and went outside to wait for James. I forgot to get the car key so I just enjoyed being outside. It had rained and was nice, no wind. I looked out over the ledge towards Vernon and this is what I saw:

Before going to the lookout I had to take a

picture of the flowers.

Rain just east of Greens Peak.

Rain clouds starting to form.

Rain coming together

Rain in Vernon!

Yay!

Too tired to go to a restaurant so we went to Sonic and listened to our book on the way home. We got into rain between Show Low and Vernon and sure enough it had rained in Vernon earlier. The air is so fresh and clean after a rain.

Rest, a Christmas movie, "My Grownup Christmas List" starring Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace. Also watched a movie I had seen before but one that I really enjoy, "Christmas Town" starring Candace Cameron Bure. 

James and I listened to a couple of more chapters from "Games in a Ballroom" while we walked. I finally got my 10,000 steps.

Best Friends

Love this!

Friday, July 8th, 2022: Thompson's, Truck oil change, shopping, errands, steak dinner, James rides Luna, Charlie & Scarlett,

 

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Aug 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Revelations 2:16

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Book of Mormon

Alma 30:12-28

19 Now this man went over to the land of Jershon also, to preach these things among the people of Ammon, who were once the people of the Lamanites.

20 But behold they were more wise than many of the Nephites; for they took him, and bound him, and carried him before Ammon, who was a high priest over that people. 

"Come Follow Me"

2 Kings 6:8-23 They that be with us are more than they that be with them. Kings 6

 

AprGenCon

"He Is Risen With Healing In His Wings: We Can Be More Than Conquerors"

Elder Patrick Kearon

Of the Presidency of the Seventy

To Those Who Are Surviving

. . . I want to speak directly to those who feel as though there is no way out of their own survival story because of the trauma inflicted by the cruel actions of others. If this is your survival story, we weep with you. We yearn for you to overcome the confusion, shame, and fear, and we long for you, through Jesus Christ, to conquer.

James's aches this morning as he wakes up: neuropathy in one foot, internal pain, congestion, and his back.

James and I went to town this morning to get the oil changed in the truck. We left a little after 7 because we weren't exactly sure when Walmart's Auto Center opened. We stopped on the way to town at the Thompson's where James has had water running on the area where he is pouring the pad for their new home. He wanted to check the moisture level and to tell Gary to keep it watered. They have not gotten any rain in their area. The live about 8 miles from us.

James drops me off in front of Walmart while he takes the truck around to the auto center. Walmart always says they have no more bulk oil and they have to take oil off the grocery shelf and then they charge $20 more than the listed price for an oil change. They did it again today and James was pretty upset, but what could he do?

I got two t-shirts for a total of $4 today. I got some mascara and everything I bought after that was unnecessary snacks. James walked to Home Depot to get some drywall mud for the Peeler's. In Walmart he picks out a watermelon, and some pomegranate juice. After Walmart James had to go to Lowe's to take back something and I waited in the car. I guess there was quite a line because I waited a good 20 minutes.

On the way to the Show Low post office to mail Palmer's birthday card and one other bill, James stopped at Circle K to get me a drink. 

He came back with a XXtra large. It was so big it took two hands to lift it out of the carrier. He is always trying to impress me. Such a sweetie.

We had an early dinner, or a late lunch. James grilled the steaks I got. I made some baked potatoes and corn and heated up the baked beans I made yesterday and walla, a nice dinner. It was delicious.

James went on a Luna ride this afternoon/evening. I think it is one of the ways he relaxes, and looks for elk. 

Some other things I did today, worked on my "Don't Miss This" workout where I listed the heroes for this week's lesson. Here are the heroes: Elisha, the "pour out woman", the "great" woman, and the "Little Maid" and the servant. As I have studied this lesson I think I could explain the story behind each of these heroes. I learned that "out of small things proceedeth that which is great". It's one of my "take aways" from this lesson.

I watched a few Christmas movies while walking and blogging, "Nantucket Noel", "A Christmas Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Colorado" and my favorite, "The Christmas Waltz" starring Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp who are so great together. I loved watching them dance!

James has a "quail" top knot

Time for a haircut

Tonight's sunset from our chairs on

the front porch

Courtney's daughter Avery's

4th birthday cake

My friend Sherry Cosper Byars who still

has it!

I'm going to have James make

a bat box!

Best Friends!

Thursday, July 7th, 2022:Inklings, Don't Miss This, James home early from Globe, Fireplace glass, Charlie & Scarlett, Mike Tomlinson turns 50,

 

Paris, France

156th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Revelations 2:5

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Book of Mormon

Alma 29:8-30:11

29:9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

"Come Follow Me"

2 Kings 5 If I am humble and obedient Heavenly Father can heal me. 2 Kings 5

AprGenCon

"Fear Not: Believe Only!"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

In our present day, tremendously difficult issues face any disciple of Jesus Christ. The leaders of this Church are giving their lives to seeking the Lord's guidance in the resolution of these challenges. If some are not resolved to the satisfaction of everyone, perhaps they constitute part of the cross Jesus said we would have to take up in order to follow Him. It is precisely because there would be dark days and difficult issues that God promised He would, out of a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, guide prophets, give an iron rod, open a narrow gate leading to a strait path, and above all grant us the power to finish the course.

James left for Globe yet again. This time he honks as he passes my window. I guess it was his way of saying goodbye. He said to me "back to the salt mines." I said, "It's a good thing that you like salt."

Did I tell the sad story about our fireplace glass. The new glass cost $350 and when James tried to put it in, it broke. He says it was not the right size and it should not have broke because it was tempered glass. He says he's going to talk to Pierre, the owner of Demer's glass and also our neighbor.

I listened to Emily and her daughter Grace on Inklings Live this morning. Here are some notes that I took:

How do I cast Satan out of my life?

Increase my capacity and my greater understanding.

Confidence comes from doing things you told yourself you would do. 

What great things does the Lord want me to accomplish?

A double dose of Emily today as I finished up "Don't Miss This" and read from my "Don't Miss This in the Old Testament" Devotional book. In 2 Kings 5 I read about the story of Naaman who had leprosy and was told by the Prophet Elijah to wash seven times in the Jordan River. This scripture in Alma 37:6 applies: ...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

While working and walking in my bedroom I watched some Christmas movies, including: "A Lot Like Christmas" starring Maggie Lawson & Christopher Russell, "A Christmas Gift for Daisy" starring Jill Wagner & Nick Bateman.

I never did get around to making my cookies and cream cake but I did make cornbread and Pioneer Woman baked beans for dinner. It was a delicious yet simple dinner. James says he likes my calico beans better but these are so much easier to make.

Best Friends  

The best Young Men's President ever while

James was the bishop.

   

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022:Globe, Deven Crane, Errands, Panda, Sarah Hinze, Walk, Blog, Index, new audio book, Charlie & Scarlett, Carmen's Patrick cake

 

Hartford, Connecticut

155th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Revelations 3:11

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Book of Mormon

Alma 28:9-29:7

29:1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

"Come Follow Me"

2 Kings 4:8-17; 7:1-16 The words of the Lord through His prophets will be fulfilled. 2 Kings 4

AprGenCon

"Steady in the Storms"

President Henry B. Eyring

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

King Benjamin's prophetic words are applicable to us in our day. He knew from his own experience the terrors of war. He had defended his people in combat, relying on the power of God. He saw clearly the terrible powers of Lucifer to tempt, to try to overcome, and to discourage God's children.

He invited his people and us to build on the only sure rock of safety, who is the Savior. He made clear that we are free to choose between right and wrong and that we cannot avoid the consequences of our choices. He spoke directly and sharply because he knew what sorrow would come to those who might not hear and heed his warnings.

James left for Globe again this morning after our family prayer. It is critical for me to pray for his safety so I can put my trust in the Lord with confidence that He will take care of him. James took Deven Crane with him to Globe to work. Deven is one of the priests in our ward and he was excited when James told him he earned $110 today.

I finished reviewing a batch of new Jersey birth records, 71 entries and then started another one. It feels good to be back to indexing.

I read an article this morning on Meridian Magazine by Sarah Heinze. "On Friday, June 24th, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the nearly fifty-year-old decision of Roe V. Wade, thereby sending decisions on abortion restrictions back to the states. It is being called the most monumental judicial event of our time." (In Remembrance of the Unborn, Sarah Heinze 7/5/22).

The following is for my grandchildren who feel that the overturning of Roe vs. Wade is an injustice perpetrated against women. 

"Who we are is a soul, and the soul has knowledge, and wisdom, and can communicate. It has a life of its own. You can't kill it by having an abortion. You can make a course change, or postpone its coming, but basically, its operating in a spiritual dimension..., and in that dimension (before birth), it is no surprise that a soul can think and plan and even have a purpose for being with a certain mother or a certain family. 

(Research by Dr. David Chamberlain, "Windows to the Soul: Revealing the Conscious Baby from Conception to Birth")

Brent and Sarah Hinze have written a couple of books:

"Life Before Life"

"The Castaways: New Evidence Supporting the 

Rights of the Unborn Child"

I went shopping this afternoon in Show Low, leaving the house around 1:30 and returning around 4, which seems like record time for me. Normally it takes me at least 3 hours. My first stop was Sonic for a Happy Hour 1/2 price drink then on to the Show Low post office to mail Jared Ammon's birthday card. I took the "shortcut" to Walmart but before going to Walmart I stopped at the Circle K across the street to fill up with gas. 

My friend, Tamara, said they fed the missionaries ribeye steak then on Facebook Sherry Cosper said she and her kids had steak, corn on the cob, baked potato, and baked beans for the 4th of July. Now I want that meal! I found the ribeye steaks but I couldn't find any corn on the cob. I guess the 4th of July crowd wiped it out. I remembered I had a bag of corn in the freezer and could use that. I got everything I needed to make The Pioneer Woman baked beans, and got a bag of potatoes to make baked potatoes. James is supposed to get a watermelon on the way home. Watermelon sounds like the perfect dessert for this meal. I also got some croissants because James likes them better than rolls.

Before leaving the Walmart parking lot I stopped at Panda and got a couple of chow mein bowls with Bejing beef for dinner. I got home around 4 and James got home around 5. We actually ate dinner together and we both had leftovers for tomorrow. 

I stopped at the post office in Vernon on the way home. I have a package from a Lambson with $2.94 due so I went back to the car to get my purse to pay for it. It was a card kit from Dawn. She is inviting me to join her, Lois, Laura, Cathi, Rebecca, Connie, and Carmen via Zoom on Friday to work on cards and visit. This is the second kit she has sent. On my way out of the post office I spoke with my friends Shelly and Tamara Applegate. Shelly is a former young woman of mine who has come home to live for awhile. She just got her hair cut and it looked so cute I had to comment on it. She said she's getting ready to be a bridesmaid on Saturday for our mutual friend Shaelyn Smith who is getting married. Tamara talked to me a little about the recent ministering changes we made and said she was going to try to finalize them with the bishop tonight. 

Stacy called to tell me that her car broke down on her today. This is not good because she has been delivering meals for Grub Hub to help make their rent since Jared Ammon and Michael have both moved out. She now can't make deliveries and doesn't have the money to get her car fixed. It's a double whammy. If I lived closer she could borrow my car. She called Kim to see if she could use her car only to find out that Joe drives it now.

This evening I walked and blogged while James indexed and then he came in and walked with me while we listened to our new book, "Games in a Ballroom."

Old-Time Chandler friend.

Darr her husband, was in a 

wheel chair. Dave, her son, worked

for James.

Best Friends

James's sister Carmen made this cake