Thursday, Jul 14th, 2022: Globe, Inklings, Rosa's Tamales, Rain, "Come Follow Me Made Easier", Trina, Ruby, Kreed, Dallin, Scarlett, Charlie, Lola, Max, Josh, Evan

 

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

163rd operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Apr 2019

By: Dale G. Renlund

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 54:10

And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 32:21-43

26 Now, as I said concerning faith - that it was not a perfect knowledge - even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge.

27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.

"Come Follow Me"

2 Kings 21-23 "The scriptures can turn my heart to the Lord"

Kings 20-21

AprGenCon

Introductory Message

President Dallin H. Oaks

First Counselor in the First Presidency

We honor the daughters of God in this special session by concentrating on their concerns and those of their organizations.

"Lessons At The Well"

Susan H. Porter

First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

Sisters, the power is in us to bring to pass much righteousness!

President Russell M. Nelson testified, "Every woman and every man who makes covenants with God and keeps those covenants, and who participates worthily in priesthood ordinances, has direct access to the power of God."

Inklings Live

Emily Belle Freeman & Heather Smith

James went to Globe again this morning, this time by himself. 

I listened to Emily Belle Freeman and Heather Smith this morning on Inklings. They discussed Sister Porter's talk from the last conference about the Woman at the Well. We also talked about the little maid in the story of Naaman. 

As part of my study this morning I read a couple of entries in Dave and Emily's devotional book. This is part of the entry for 2 Chronicles 20:15 The battle is not yours, but God's.

Think of the greatest trial you face right now; consider your multitude of burdens. Have you set yourself to seek God? Our God is mightier than any multitude of burdens we could ever face. Only He can fight our battles, because only He knows what it will take to conquer them. We must never forget - the battle is not ours, but God's, and He is with us. -EBF

This afternoon I went to get the mail where we received a thank you card from Barbara Bartels. As I picked up this card I remembered my text to Pierce this morning where I told him that we celebrated two Barbara's birthdays this week. I told him I loved his Barbara and missed her so much. Her birthday was on the 9th of July. 

After getting the mail I picked up the dozen tamales I ordered from my friend from Mexico City, Rosa Westbrook. Rosa is a good friend and I used to be her visiting teacher. She turned 75 on the 2nd of July and is a tiny little thing as I realized when I gave her a hug. She says she still remembers me bringing her a little cake for her birthday last year. I thought about doing it again this year and now I wish I had. I asked her if she still had her little daschund "Spikey" and she said no, he passed away. 

On the way home I saw more clouds coming from the east. 

When I got home I took out six rolls from the freezer and put them out to rise. James got home an hour or so after I did and he had a small watermelon and some cranberry celebration with him. 

Tonight we didn't watch the sunset because we couldn't see if because of the clouds. We did listen to the last of our book and now we are ready to start a new one. 

I listened to a new "Come Follow Me" podcast called "Come Follow Me Made Easier." The co-hosts are two people I have never heard of, Sam Castor and Lynda Cherry. I really liked them. I didn't finish but will finish tomorrow morning during my study time. 

Kacey got to Zoom with Tanner today. He looks well and seems to be doing really well. He will stay in California until the end of the month.

I like this quote from a Christmas movie I watched today call "Switched for Christmas." This is from one of the male characters who is a high school history teacher: "The thing I like most about teaching is showing the kids how passed events influence today's decisions, beliefs, and actions."

My sweet little Dallin

I can't believe this is Lola!

Tanner

 

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!