Friday, July 22nd, 2022: Endowment session with Grombach's, Darrel picks up Rowan, Kim's puzzle, Brian's biscuits and sausage gravy,

 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

171st operating temple

Dedicated: 8 May 2022

By: Gary E. Stevenson

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 36:8

I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I will suddenly come to my temple. Even so. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 37:11-25

11 Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me; therefore I shall forbear.

12 And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved for a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God; for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round. 

"Come Follow Me"

Ezra 7 Nehemiah 8 "I am blessed when I study the scriptures."

Nehemiah 4-5

AprGenCon

"To Heal The World"

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

 The Prophet Joseph Smith stated:

"I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the ... Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves.

"It is a love of liberty that inspires my soul - civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race."

James and Rowan went to Thompson's this morning to work. James came back before 8 but he left Rowan there. We are going to the temple with the Grombach's today who are receiving their endowments in the 9:30 session. Greg Anderson will bring Rowan back here where Darrel is coming to pick him up. James left Rowan a check for $350. 

The 9:30 session was almost full. There were several ward members besides us there: Bishop, Alicia, and Stefani Hunsaker, Pat (Janna's mom), Gary and Maxine Thompson, Chris and Becky Skousen, Ralph and Cheryl Sedig, Al and Sally Sedig, and Michelle Tesarek.

An old friend from high school, Pete Whipple and his wife Chris were there. Pete is Janna's uncle.

We gave both Willie and Janna a hug in the celestial room and they were so grateful to us for teaching them about the temple. Willie had tears in his eyes. They are such an awesome couple.

We stopped at Sonic on the way home and when we got home Brian had made sausage gravy and biscuits. I had to have some...delicious.

James and I took a couple of pieces of cake over to the Thompson's. I had made this cake for Maxine's birthday, but the curd had not turned out so that's why I took them a piece.

Kim finished her puzzle today. Well actually it's my puzzle but she is the first one to put it together so she has somewhat of a claim on it.

I loved this puzzle so much I told Kim to leave it on the table under the flower centerpiece.

We enjoyed the sunset on the front porch with Kim and Brian, although the sunset was not photo worthy. Earlier we enjoyed watching a couple of squirrels on the grass in the backyard. Kim and Brian brought Harkins popcorn, the already popped in a bag, and it is the best!  

Christmas movie, "May Your Days Be Merry". Quote: "Don't borrow trouble from tomorrow. Each day has trouble enough of its' own."

Catherine Halcomb sent me the address for the Grapp's in Ohio. Now I need to decide if I am going to send the letter I wrote to Thomas.

Is this true Kacey?

Citrus Honey

Thursday, July 21st, 2022: Thompson's Greg Anderson, Rowan, and James, Orange Almond Poppyseed cake with Kim, Spaghetti for Ro and Ruby, Charlie

 

Pocatello, Idaho

170th operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Nov 2021

By: M. Russell Ballard

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 35:27

Fear not, little flock, the kingdom is yours until I come. Behold, I come quickly. Even so. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 36:25-37:10

25 Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors;

26 For because of the word which he has imparted unto me, behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of these things of which I have spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God.

"Come Follow Me"

Ezra 4-6; Nehemiah 2; 4; 6. "I can help the work of God advance despite opposition." Nehemiah 1-2

AprGenCon

"For God So Loved Us"

Elder Michael T. Ringwood

Of the Seventy

Many years later, Judah and his brothers needed to take their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt. Initially their father resisted. But Judah made a promise to Jacob - he would bring Benjamin home.

In Egypt, Judah's promise was put to the test. Young Benjamin was wrongly accused of a crime. Judah, true to his promise, offered to be jailed in Benjamin's place. "For," he said, "how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me?"
Judah was determined to keep his promise and return Benjamin safely. Do you ever feel about others the way Judah felt toward Benjamin?

James and Rowan left to work at Thompson's early this morning. Back at home Kim and I started our cake around 11 a.m. We had finished the batter and put it in the oven and were working on the curd when we realized that the curd needed to be in the refrigerator for 4 hours. We wish we had made the curd yesterday or at least made it first today. Oh well, I guess we are in no hurry. 

Brian made chicken fettucini alfredo this afternoon. Brian and Kim eat one big meal a day, around 2 p.m. Brian makes homemade alfredo sauce and it is delicious! I ate with them. James wasn't here so he missed out.

Kim and I finished our cake in the late afternoon, just before I started dinner. 

When the cake was finished we had some orange curd left over. It was soo good, I used it as additional frosting on my piece. Delicious!

James took Ruthie Wilhelm her birthday gift this evening when he was told she would be home. No one was home so he left it on the porch. Hopefully Ruthie will get it. Today is her 12th birthday.

Happy Birthday Ruthie!

James had told me he would get the oil changed in my car today but it turns out he was too busy working at Thompson's. I was a little disappointed. Now he will have to do it tomorrow after we go to the temple.  

I asked Rowan earlier if he would like spaghetti for dinner and he said yes, so I made him some. He filled his entire plate. I did not take a picture of him eating his spaghetti but I have one of Ruby eating spaghetti here a few years ago.

One of my favorites!

I was tired by the time this day came to an end. James and I walked and listened to our book, but I was lucky to get my 10,000 steps.

Wednesday, July 20th, 2022: Ro works at Thompson's, James Globe Dr. Memon, K&B here, Clean the temple w/24 other people from our ward

 

Winnipeg, Manitoba

169th operating temple

Dedicated: 31 Oct 2021

By: Gerrit W. Gong

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 34:6

To lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump, both long and loud, and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation, preparing the way of the Lord for his second coming.

Book of Mormon

Alma 36:1-24

3 And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.

"Come Follow Me"

3:8-13; 6:16-22 Temples can bring me joy. Ezra 6-7

AprGenCon

"Love, Share, Invite"

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The first thing we can do in missionary work is love as Christ loved.

Our hearts are heavy with the human suffering and tensions that we see throughout the world during these tumultuous times. However, we can be also inspired by the outpouring of compassion and humanitarianism that has been demonstrated by people everywhere through their efforts to reach out to the marginalized - those displaced from their homes, separated from their families, or experiencing other forms of sorrow and despair.

James and Rowan left for the Thompson's this morning. Later, James comes home, takes a nap, and then leaves to see Dr. Memon in Globe where the doctor praises him for how good he is doing. He tells him to keep doing whatever it is he is doing to take care of his health.

Kim and Brian were here when Rowan got home from work.  They had an extra cheeseburger and they gave it to him before he goes upstairs to hibernate. I cooked and pizza and made cookies for him because I knew we would be gone tonight to clean the temple. 

James went grocery shopping for me on the way home from the doctors. Kim wants to make the Orange Almond Poppyseed cake of Courtney's and I needed him to get some oranges. 

James and I left a little before six to pick up Tamara Applegate at the church. We are giving her a ride to the temple which our ward is assigned to clean tonight. 

The service missionaries in charge of the cleaning are amazed at how many people we had there to clean. There were 26 of us. Here is hte list:

Richard & Cress Miller, Barbara Bartels, Pierce Goodman, Rick and Rosie Lauritzen, Greg and Kim Anderson, Wes and Teresa Smith, Cody and LeeAnn Snyder, Fred and Barbara Klug, Bishop, and Alicia Hunsaker and a friend, Todd and Jessica Crane, Tamara Applegate, Lorraine Vaught, Virgil Cooper, Cheryl and Ralph Sedig, and James and I.  Whew! What a turnout! I love our ward!

President Seaman was there and I shook his hand and gave Kim a hug.

When we returned home Kim and Brian were in the family room watching TV. There was no sign of Rowan so we had family prayer without him. Today was Chandler's first day of school. Joshua and Evan are the only ones left in Chandler schools. They go to Chandler High and they both are sophomores. They have several classes together, including seminary.

I barely got 10,000 steps today.

 

 

Tuesday, July 19th, 2022: Cleaning for company, wasps, bat poop, and bugs in the tubs, Temple with Ruth Gale, Rowan here working for James

 

Durban, South Africa

168th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Feb 2020

By: Ronald A. Rasband

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 29:11

For I will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years, and the wicked shall not stand.

Book of Mormon

Alma 35:1-16

14 And Alma, and Ammon, and their brethren, and also the two sons of Alma returned to the land of Zarahemla, after having been instruments in the hands of God of bringing many of the Zoramites to repentance; and as many as were brought to repentance were driven out of their land; but they have lands for their inheritance in the land of Jershon, and they have taken up arms to defend themselves, and their wives, and children, and their lands.

"Come Follow Me"

Ezra 1 The Lord inspires people to bring about His purposes.

Ezra 4-5

AprGenCon

"Christ Heals That Which Is Broken"

Amy A. Wright

Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

The Lord teaches us that forgiving others is a universal commandment: "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." Extending forgiveness can take tremendous courage and humility. It can also take time. It requires us to put our faith and trust in the Lord as we assume accountability for the condition of our hearts. Here lies the significance and power of our agency.

Family prayer this morning before James left for Globe. Darrel is bringing Rowan to meet him there to work. 

I cleaned downstairs because I thought Kim and Brian were coming today but now they aren't coming tomorrow. It was pretty clean anyway. 

I went upstairs to clean and that was a different story. Beds made by kids needed to be fixed, dead wasps on the floors, and bat poop on the couch. Yikes! I hate it! I don't mind living in the boonies but bats in the house is just too much, even if I never see them, they leave their evidence. Oh, did I mention, bugs in the bathtub. It took longer than I thought to clean upstairs and when I was finished I was sweaty and hot so I had to take a shower before going to the temple, which I should do anyway I guess.

This is the week I go to the temple with my friend Ruth Gale. We go to the 3:30 session. I got a family name, Avry Mae Strickland, to take but she needs her initiatory done too. I left in time to arrive at the temple a little before 3:00 so I would have time to do her initiatory. 

It all worked out well and I was waiting in the endowment room when Ruth came. We had just enough people in our session for the prayer roll. We were finished by 5 and again I had to wait in the dressing room for my locker. I just don't pick them very well. 

When Ruth and I met up at the prayer roll, she said to me, "I'm not very hungry. Shall we just go to Trapper's and get some pie and ice cream." I'm always up for dessert so away we went, Ruth following behind me.

Ruth told me about her granddaughter who has adopted two little black boys whose mom was on drugs and now they are going to adopt a baby that has not been born that will have downs syndrome. They could never have children of their own and they said they would take any race with any physical issues. What a great couple, but how could they not be, related to someone like Ruth Gale.

Ruth told me about one of Janis's daughters who went to NAU and decided she wanted to be a boy. She is taking hormones to lower her voice, etc. and she gets them at the school. I hate the direction that education is taking in our country right now. It is so scary. 

Ruth has family coming up for the 24th of July Pioneer Celebration in Snowflake. She said they would be watching the parade and if any of our family wanted to come over she would save us a place. I told her we would be in the temple working and Kim and Brian were coming up but they would be leaving for home on Saturday morning.

When I got home I had a piece of ham and sat down in the bedroom to watch a Christmas movie. James was in the kitchen frying ham and making some pot pies in the microwave for him and Rowan. 

It was a lazy evening for me since I already had all of my steps. 

 

Monday, July 18th, 2022: Work at Thompson's in the 90's, scattered showers, gospel study King Cyrus, Charlie, Steps, Case Lueck, Aurora's bday,

Arequipa, Peru

167th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Dec 2019

By: Ulisses Soares

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 1:12

Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh;

Book of Mormon

Alma 34:17-41

17 Therefore may God grant unto you, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;

"Come Follow Me"

Ezra 1; 3-7; Nehemiah 2; 4-6; 8 I am doing a great work. Ezra 1, 3

AprGenCon

"Our Relationship With God"

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Our repentance and obedience, our sacrifices, and our good works do matter. We want to be among those described by Ether as "always abounding in good works." But it is not so much because of some tally kept in celestial account books. These things matter because they engage us in God's work and are the means by which we collaborate with Him in our own transformation from natural man to saint. What our Heavenly Father offers us is Himself and His Son, a close and enduring relationship with Them through the grace and mediation of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.

James brings me a shake for breakfast, we have family prayer, and he leaves for the Thompson's. I read scriptures alone and I also read from my book, "The Redemption of the Bride."

My computer is so slow when I try to post pictures. It makes blogging a chore rather than the joy it should be. I do my 20 minutes increments this morning: 20 minutes of scripture study, 20 minutes blogging and walking in between while watching a Christmas movie. I ended up getting 15,020 steps today. It's a good way to start the week. 

James said it was hot working at the Thompson's, around 90 degrees. We had some scattered showers. 

I was disappointed that "Come Follow Me Made Easier" did not have a podcast this week. I looked back over their history and it looks pretty random. It looks like they already have one posted for next week's lesson on Esther. I watched Tyler and Taylor on "Book of Mormon Central" instead. 

It was after 5 pm when James got home. I fixed him some dinner while he showered, shrimp, peas, and rolls. He does his sales taxes for the month of July and then he comes into the bedroom and we watch a movie together. We watched "My Christmas Family Tree" starring Aimee Teegarden and Andrew Walker. It is about a girl who registers her DNA and finds a father and his family that she never knew she had. It was sooo good and we enjoyed watching it even though we had seen it before.

We listened to two chapters of "A Faithful Proposal" so we could walk before going to bed.

Charlie waiting for her Daddy

Case Lueck leaving for his mission in Brazil

Replica of Cyrus's Cylinder at the U.N. 

in New York

James left his frozen water jug on the table.

This was what was left behind.