Wednesday, July 13th, 2022:James in Globe, Laura's birthday card, Lola's scriptures, The most gorgeous sunset ever!

 

Rome, Italy

162nd operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Mar 2019

By: Russell M. Nelson

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 41:4

And I will be your ruler when I come; and behold, I come quickly, and ye shall see that my law is kept.

Book of Mormon

Alma 32:1-20

12 I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble.

"Come Follow Me"

2 Kings 19:20-37 All things are in the Lord's hands. 2 Kings 18-19

AprGenCon

"Conversion To The Will Of God"

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The revelation contained in the 76th section of the D&C provides a glorious vision of the degrees of glory where the vast majority of Heavenly Father's children who were valiant in their premortal estate are profoundly blessed following the ultimate judgment. The vision of the three degrees of glory, the lowest of which "surpasses all understanding," is a direct refutation of the strong but erroneous doctrine that the majority would be doomed to hell and damnation.

James left before 5:30 this morning to pick up Deven Crane and then go on to work in Globe.  

I studied from the Book of Mormon and the Old Testament this morning before working on my blog. While working on my blog I alternate every 20 minutes with walking and listening and watching a Christmas movie. The first movie was "Let It Snow" starring Candace Cameron Bure and Jesse Hutch. 

This afternoon I made a birthday card for Laura whose birthday is on the 15th. It took me awhile and was based on the card class Lisa at Hand Letter Design taught. Here was the final result:

Once I was finished with the card I got ready and went to the Vernon post office to mail it. The mail was just being picked up when I got there so I think my card went out today. I had a package to pick up and I was excited to discover that it was the scriptures that I had ordered for Lola's baptism. She wanted "hot" pink. This is what they look like:

Six colored ribbons to divide the different 

scriptures, a Baptismal Covenant bookmark,

and erasable colored pencils all came with

the scriptures.

When I got home I began preparing dinner for James. I put a ham in the crockpot, got six rolls out of the freezer to rise, and put two baked potatoes in the small oven. I also got a can of green beans out of the pantry and that will be our dinner. I wish I had asked James to bring home some cranberry celebration, but it's probably too late. It was 4:00 when I had everything set. I went back into the bedroom to work on my blog. I did Monday this morning and now I was ready to do Tuesday. Again I alternated blogging with a "CFM" presentation on, and walking and watching a Christmas movie. I had not been in the bedroom very long when James walked in. He was a little early and I was surprised. He took a shower and said he was going to go find something to eat and then take a nap. I told him I had put dinner on but it needed another hour or so. Could he take a nap first and then we would eat together. I took a nap too because I had not had one today. At 6:00 I began heating the green beans with some butter and a little bacon grease. The ham was nice and warm and the baked potatoes were soft and ready to eat. The rolls needed to rise another hour but I put them in the oven anyway because I wanted to eat them with dinner. 

We sat down at the table and James offered a blessing and we actually had dinner together. Everything was delicious and it was one of the highlights of my day to share this time with James. Something so simple as sharing a meal together can be so important. Why don't we do this everyday? Because I am not prepared, that's why.

After dinner I went outside to sit on my chair on the front porch and enjoy the sky and the sunset. James came out right after I did. The sky was amazing, the best I have ever seen! Rain, clouds, beautiful colors that light up so much of the sky. We enjoyed the sunset and took so many pictures for probably 20 minutes. Certainly this was the highlight of my day, enjoying this beautiful world that Heavenly Father has created for us.

I just couldn't stop taking pictures.

It began raining here after we came inside, another blessing for this day. Also, Stacy called and wants to somehow involve James and I in her new business. It was very sweet of her, but honestly, I don't think we are interested. We shall see.

Janna Grombach called me today asking for help for this week's Sunday School lesson. She teaches the 12 and 13 year olds. I told her about "Don't Miss This" with Dave & Emily. She said she would watch. I also mentioned "Book of Mormon Central", and "Teaching with Power." Hopefully she can get some ideas that will help. 

James and I walked and listened to our book before going to bed. He also did some indexing.

 

Tuesday, July 12th, 2022: James works at Thompson's with Greg Anderson, Walmart, Taco Bell, Gentry's, Overcast 74, No sunset too many clouds,

 

Barranquilla, Colombia

161st operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Dec 2018

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 33:18

For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly. Even so. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 31:24-38

31 O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have  strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people.

"Come Follow Me"

2 Kings 18-19 I can stay true to the Lord during challenging times 

2 Kings 17

AprGenCon

"Then Will I Make Weak Things Become Strong"

Elder Kevin S. Hamilton

Of the Seventy

The blessing of receiving God's power to help us change is also conditional. The Savior, speaking through the prophet Moroni in the Book of Mormon, taught: "If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

James worked at the Thompson's this morning along with Greg Anderson who is digging the footings. James came home for something and took a piece of the cookies & cream cake back to Greg and apologized for smushing it into a snap & take. Greg said he didn't care how it looked, only how it tasted and that it was delicious.

Thanks Greg, you're nice.

This afternoon James and I went into town. I went to pick up my Tramadol and pick up a few things at Walmart. James went to get gas in the truck, which cost him $127.00 by the way. He also wanted to get something at Home Depot, not sure what, but he couldn't find it. We stopped at Taco Bell for dinner. I had a couple of tacos and he had a bean burrito. I talked him into taking me down Whipple Street passed the Gentry's house. Jeanie asked me to come by some time and see her "fairy" garden. I hadn't called ahead so we didn't stop but I knew I could find their house because she said it was right next to the Elks lodge. I remember going to the Elk's lodge with Aunt Gene when I was growing up and I remembered where it was. 

We took a card and a gift by to Barbara Bartels today. I made her a Luke 1:37 plaque and gave her some lotion and bodywash. She seemed happy to see us. She lives alone and is very excited that her son and his family will be moving next door to her.

There was not much rain at our house today but it was overcast and 74. James and I have started to sit out on the front porch to watch the sunset in the evening. Tonight I was a little early but you couldn't really tell where the sun was because there were so many clouds. 

Stacy called today to ask her dad about a business she is starting selling notes. She wanted to know if she should do an LLC. She is back to selling notes, something she has done before.

"Do not destroy a life Christ died to preserve." Jeffrey R. Holland

"Life has taught me that often the truest charity comes at the cost of greatest sacrifice." - Emily Belle Freeman

"I think of charity that comes as we open our eyes to see suffering, even in times of our own distress, moments when we go and do, just as the widow of Zarephath did." - Emily Belle Freeman

"Our God is a God of sacrifice, offering himself completely." - David Butler

This quote is from a Christmas movie I watched today, "Chateau Christmas":

"In the willingness to fail, the extraordinary will often appear."

This evening I listened to our audio book with James, walked, and blogged and watched Christmas movies.

Monday, July 11th, 2022: Happy Birthday Palmer, Cookies & Cream Cake for CFM & Barbara Bartels Birthday, James works @ Thompson's,

 

Concepion, Chile

160th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Oct 2018

By: Russell M. Nelson

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Revelations 22:20

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus.

Book of Mormon

Alma 31:1-23

5 And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just-yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them-there Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.

"Come Follow Me"

2 Kings 17-25 "He Trusted in the Lord God of Israel" Thoughts to Keep in Mind "Jesus Will Say to All Israel, 'Come Home'"

AprGenCon

"Is The Plan Working?"

Elder Adrian Ochoa

Of the Seventy

As he walked toward the Savior, Peter was frightened by the wind and began to sink. But when Peter realized what was happening, he did not try to tread water on his own or swim back to the ship. Rather than let go of his faith in Christ, he held on more tightly, crying, "Lord, save me."

"And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him."

All of us face boisterous winds that can shake our faith and cause us to sink. When this happens, please remember that Heavenly Father's plan of happiness has another name-the plan of redemption. The plan was not for us to glide easily through life, never stumbling, never sinking, with a smile always on our face. Heavenly Father knew that we would need to be redeemed. This is why He prepared the plan of redemption. This is why He sent a Redeemer. When we struggle-for any reason-that does not mean the plan isn't working. That is when we need the plan the most!

Courtney has some new cake recipes. One pina colada and the other white chocolate raspberry brownie cake.

I spent the day making one of Courtney's cakes, the Cookies and Cream cake. I baked three layers of chocolate cake in the morning and in the afternoon I made the filling and the buttercream frosting. It took most of the day, with a few breaks. 

Tomorrow is Barbara Bartels 87th birthday and she is coming to our house tonight with our "Come Follow Me" group. This cake is to celebrate Barbara and her birthday. Here is a picture of Courtney's cake and then my Cookies & Cream cake:

Courtney's cake

My cake. I was too chicken to do the drip.

Next time.

James worked at the Thompson's getting the rebar delivered to the site. Tomorrow Greg Anderson is coming to start digging the trenches for the footings.

It rained for a few minutes this afternoon and was overcast most of the day. I love these kind of days!

At 6:30 the Peeler's, Barbar Bartels, and Pierce Goodman arrived for "Come Follow Me." The Crane's were a little late because their dog, Oliver, ran off. He is afraid of the lightning.

This lesson tells the downfall and scattering of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the downfall of the Southern Kingdom. It is rather sad with a few happy highlights because of Hezekiah and Josiah. Chuck had a difficult time keeping up and after the lesson Owen teased him about having a bad arm, a bad back, and a bad attitude. 

We sang Happy Birthday to Barbara and had cake and ice cream. We ended the evening on a good note. 

James did the dishes and I went from 6,000 steps to 10,000 before going to bed.

My view on our deck.

Love it!

 

 

Sunday, July 10th, 2022: New ministering assignments, Elders speak in Church, RS Natalie Robles is awesome!, Sister Wood's quiche, Facetime with Texas,

 

Cedar City, Utah

159th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Dec 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Revelations 22:12

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Book of Mormon

Alma 30:46-60

48 Now Korihor said unto him: I do not deny the existence of a God, but I do not believe that there is a God; and I say also, that ye do not know that there is a God; and except ye show me a sign, I will not believe.

"Come Follow Me"

Review and "Don't Miss This" for next week's lesson

AprGenCon"We 

"We Each Have A Story"

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The question "Where are you from?" also invites us to discover our divine identity and spiritual purpose in life.

We each have a story.

We handed out new ministering assignments today. There were just a few changes and we added the new people who have recently moved in. 

I ran off copies of a handout for Sister Robles this morning. I enjoyed my interaction with Lorrain Vaught, the librarian. She has been known to be a little grumpy, but she was so nice today.

The elders spoke in sacrament meeting today. 

Elder Goodwin spoke on a talk given by President Monson called "Finishers Wanted." Here are some notes: In life, as in business, there has always been a need for those persons who could be called finishers. their ranks are few, their opportunities many, their contributions great. Shall I falter, or shall I finish? 

Elder Goodwin shared with us his favorite scripture, Enos 1:27-And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen. The last sentence is the favorite part of this verse for Elder Goodwin. Back to President Monson's talk:

1. Have the capacity to visualize

2. The Lord loves effort

3. The Mark of Faith

4. The Mark of Virtue

5. The Mark of Courage

6. The Mark of Prayer.

Elder Goodwin bore his testimony of the Savior. It was beautiful.

 "I Believe In Christ" (One of my favorites!)

Elder McPhie:

Elder Holland's talk, "Are We Not All Beggars". Rich or poor, we are to "do what wee can" when others are in need. Luke 4:18- The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach to gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these ye have done it unto me." - 

Mosiah 4:19-20-Are not we all beggars.

We all need the Lord, His Atonement, forgiveness and Resurrection. If we don't help other our prayers are in vain.

Personal story of President Monson giving away his shoes and coat and flying home in his house slippers!

Amber Judd was at sacrament meeting today. Afterwards she came up to the front to give Millie Scott, who she calls gramma, a hug. I was right behind Millie and I got a hug too. I have not seen Amber at church in months. Her husband comes and brings the boys who pass the sacrament but Amber and the girls have not come for a long time. I saw one of Amber's daughters with her. The Judd's had four boys help pass the sacrament today. Now if we can only get Amber to come to Relief Society!

Sister Natalie Robales taught Relief Society today. She is new in our ward and she did tell me when I asked her to teach, that teaching Relief Society was her favorite calling. The lesson was based on President Eyring's, conference address, "Steady in the Storms." 

Natalie got a good discussion going and Tamara and I were both very pleased with the lesson. We are going to pray about her being called as one of our teachers.

President Steve Shumway and his wife Heidi are back from their three year mission as mission president and matron in the Chicago, Illinois mission. They spoke in the Aspen ward today in Lakeside and Brother Rhoton sent everyone in the stake a Zoom link. We received the link but were not able to watch because their meeting was the same time as our sacrament meeting. I do love President Shumway so much! Best stake president ever!

Written by a former missionary.

Pam Wood's made James and I a quiche and we brought it home from church and had it for lunch. It was delicious. It was her way of saying thank you for the birthday cake and gifts we gave to her.

After our rest time this afternoon, actually more towards evening, we Facetimed with Jared and Kacey. For one or the other screens kept freezing up so for awhile we just talked on the phone. We shared with them our experiences in working in the temple yesterday. They shared some experiences with us and we enjoyed each other's company. At the end we went back on screen so we could see Charlie. I so look forward to these visits!

This evening James and I went out on the front porch together to watch the sunset. It's our new tradition. I want to try to do it every night. 

Before I went to bed I texted my friend Sue Hubble who was not at church today. She said she had been babysitting her two grandkids and she was exhausted. Her daughter is going back to the valley this week for more cancer treatments. Her cancer is terminal so I'm not sure what the treatments are.