Tuesday, July 26th, 2022: Overcast & rainy, Town & tacos, Pickup rebar, Alibertos, "Dreaming Beauty", James works inside, I clean frig, Voted & mailed my ballot

 

Logan, Utah

2nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 May 1884

By: John Taylor

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 43:29

For in mine own due time will I come upon the earth in judgment, and my people shall be redeemed and shall reign with me on earth.

Book of Mormon

Alma 40:1-14

4 Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth from the dead. Now when this time cometh no one knows; but God knoweth the time which is appointed.

"Come Follow Me"

Esther "The Lord can make me an instrument to bless others."

Esther 3-4

AprGenCon

"The Covenant Path: The Way To Eternal Life"

Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran

Of the Seventy

The Savior Himself invites us to come unto Him and take His yoke upon us that we may have rest in this tumultuous world. We come unto Christ by "exercising faith in Him, repenting daily, making covenants with God as we receive the ordinances of salvation and exaltation, and enduring to the end by keeping those covenants." The path to perfection is the covenant path, and Jesus Christ is the center of all ordinances and covenants.

Overcast and rainy most of the day. I went to town with James on a whim because he said we could get tacos. We went in the truck because James needed to pick up some rebar for Thompson's at White Mountain Steel from Brian Toon's grandsons who own the place. James has done business with Brian for years when he owned Southwest Rebar in Mesa. After we picked up the rebar was headed for the Aliberto's in Wagon Wheel because they have a drive-thru. There are 13 Alibertos in Arizona, 8 of them in the White Mountains from Payson to Eager. I got two shredded beef tacos and they were yum!

James and I are now listening to "The Dreaming Beauty" since we finished "A Faithful Proposal". We dropped the rebar off at the Thompson's where it is too muddy and wet to work. 

It rained some more this afternoon so James stayed indoors, which isn't his favorite thing to do. I cleaned out the refrigerator and was surprised at how much Snapware I have. James and I both had bean burros for dinner.

I voted in the Arizona Republican Primary today and James mailed my ballot. The election is next Tuesday.

Tristan and Zed

Trina and her girls

Two of the houses that James built for me

Monday, July 25th, 2022: Drop James off in Globe and then my Infusion, lunch with Sheri, Kim, Stacy, back to Globe, Home Again

 

St. George, Utah

1st operating temple

Dedicated: 6-8 Apr 1877

By: Daniel H. Wells

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 39:20

Go forth baptizing with water, preparing the way before my face for the time of my coming;

Book of Mormon

Alma 39:1-19

15 And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the coming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come to take away the sins of the world' yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people. 

"Come Follow Me"

Esther "Thou Art Come . . . For Such A Time As This" 

Esther 1-2

AprGenCon

"Divine Love In The Father's Plan"

President Dallin H. Oaks

First Counselor in the First Presidency

We are sometimes asked why we send missionaries to so many nations, even among Christian populations. We are also asked why we give enormous humanitarian aid to persons who are not members of our Church without linking this to our missionary efforts. We do this because the Lord has taught us to esteem all of His children as our brothers and sisters, and we want to share our spiritual and temporal abundance with everyone.

We have gotten so much rain! I wish I knew exactly how much. We had scriptures in the car this morning as we left for Globe and then the valley at 6:30. We took the car, so James had to put the toilet he put in the truck yesterday, back in the car. He took it out of the box and left it in pieces so it would be easier to carry in when he got to the Peeler's in Globe.

We stopped at Speedway in Globe so I could get a drink and James could get a tuna sandwich, his favorite gas station food.

I dropped James and the toilet off at Peeler's and off I went to AARA in Mesa, arriving at 10 a.m. for my 10:15 appointment. After just a few minutes Frances came out to get me. My weight is up 3 lbs. since last month and my blood pressure was higher than it's ever been, 166/76.  Maybe it was because I hurried to get here and hadn't had time to "cool down."  

Ang put my infusion in and while I was just sitting in my chair I watched part of Hoda and Jenna then Live with Ryan and Kelly.

After an hour my infusion was complete and I headed out to pick up Kim. After picking Kim up we headed to Sheri's work and told her we were outside waiting for her. Sheri got in the back seat of my car and we drove down Chandler Blvd. to Cafe Rio across from the Chandler Mall. I thought it was a Costa Vida, but obviously I was wrong. 

Sheri ordered a pulled pork taco with a side of black beans. I ordered the same thing except I had pinto beans instead of black beans. Kim had a salad with green chili beef. As we were eating Sheri told us more about her trip to Europe, especially Italy. She said two months before they left Michael downloaded an Italian language app and learned to speak a few phrases which was very helpful. She said none of boys complained. It was a great trip and she would like to go again, especially to Florence and Lake Cuomo. 

Stacy joined us while we were eating but she did not eat. She doesn't eat until the afternoon. When we were finished with our lunch we went next door to an ice cream place called Boba Cutea, I think it was Japanese and the two people working their were Oriental. I ordered something and Stacy ordered something to take home to Josh. The ice cream was okay but way overpriced and I don't see us ever going there again. I had Sheri drive back to her office so I could eat my ice cream. 

It was Ben's first day at Chandler Eyecare and he came out and gave me a hug. Sheri gave me a leather bookmark and a change purse that she got in Florence. She also got James some raspberry filled dark chocolate. After taking Kim home I headed back to Globe to pick up James. I got there at 3:00, the time I told him I thought it would be. 

We stopped at Speedway for gas and James's tuna sandwich. 

We got home in time to walk a couple thousand steps before going over to the Crane's for "Come Follow Me" with the Crane's, Barbara Bartels, and Pierce Goodman. The Peeler's are in Tooele, Utah visiting their son for his birthday. 

After our lesson this evening Chuck shared his concern for the Tunzers' whom he visited yesterday. He said he has never seen such deplorable living conditions and was wondering if the Relief Society could do anything to help. Then on second thought he said he wouldn't want any sisters going their by themselves. He said he couldn't sleep last night worrying about it. I told him we would do whatever the bishop asked us to do. Pierce told us about his and Rick Lauritzen's visit to Debra Brewer and how now she has a restraining order against anyone from the Church. This is so sad to me because Debra was so excited about the gospel when she first joined and when she went through the temple. 

Kacey texted me today and said Charlie loved the Minnie Mouse cake I posted on my blog. She always says she wants whatever cake I post for her birthday but she added, "in real life" to this one. I'm going to try to make it for her.

I don't have the directions for making this cake, but I

think I can figure it out.

When I first got home this afternoon I had 1500 steps and I got 12,000 before going to bed. It was raining when we went to bed.

They were so sweet at this age

Lola and Remmy

Scarlett and her friend

This cake is over the top

Temple memory

Minerva K. Teichert, Trudy Lamb's

grandmother

Sunday, July 24th, 2022: Jameson's speak in church, Rosie teaches about family history & temple work, Rain, Charlie, Molly, Scarlett, Jared, Autumn, Palmer

 

Praia Cape Verde

173rd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 June 2022

By: Neil L. Andersen

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 38:3

I am the same which spake, and the world was made, and all things came by me.

Book of Mormon

D&C 38:1-15

9 And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.

"Come Follow Me"

FSS & FHE

AprGenCon

"The Power Of Spiritual Momentum"

President Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying. Positive spiritual momentum will keep us moving forward amid the fear and uncertainty created by pandemics, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and armed hostilities. Spiritual momentum can help us withstand the relentless, wicked attacks of the adversary and thwart his effort to erode our personal spiritual foundation.

It rained off and on during the night making the morning cool and nice.

Kathy Crane needed a ride to church so James took the toilet he bought for the Peeler's out of my car and put it in the truck. That was not an easy task!

The Jameson's spoke in sacrament meeting today. They have six children the oldest being 16. She actually bore her testimony and then played the violin. Her name is Abigail but she goes by Abby.

Jeanette Jameson spoke first. She goes by Jeanie and is pretty amazing. She lives with her husband and six children, the youngest being two, in a camper.   She is musical and has been called to play the piano in Primary. Her talk was based on Elder Renlund's conference address given in the women's session of General Conference. The name of the talk is: "Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny" and is based on the Young Women's Theme. You are a child of God. We have heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them. Reason cannot replace revelation. We have a divine nature and an eternal destiny. 

Abby played the violing and her mother accompanied her on the piano. 

Devin Jameson - Devin and Jeanie met when they were both counselors at Anasazi, a wilderness experience for young people with addictions. They lived in Utah 11 years, and in the valley and now here in Vernon. They love Vernon. Devin has some disappointments as a child and ended up living on the street and had addictions for 10 years when a returned missionary took him under his wings and got him back into the gospel. He is very grateful for all of the blessings he now enjoys. Devin's talk was based on Elder Cook's conference address, "Conversion to the Will of God." 

What is Heavenly Father's will for me? To return to Him. Is Jesus divine? Is the Book of Mormon the word of God and is Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration? I turned my life from darkness to the light. We each knew each other before, an old native American legend. We need to share love, kindness, joy, and the gospel with others. We must gather Israel.

I conducted Relief Society today and had all of the visitors introduce themselves. There were quite a few. I saw Kim Tarwater at the end of sacrament meeting but neither she nor Tammy Montgomery attended Relief Society.

Cheryl Sedig announced the next Relief Society activity on August 9th. She also handed out invitations, "Everything Canning With Wendy DeWitt." Meats, vacuum sealing and jar cakes. Get your questions answered and get motivated! 

Cheryl shared that she went on YouTube and watched all of Wendy's videos and went out and bought the canner Wendy recommended. Cheryl canned 200 jars of meat, nuts, etc. I was blown away by the 200 jars of meat and very impressed!

Rosie Lauritzen taught our lesson today. It was based on Elder Gong's talk, "We Each Have a Story." This was what the chalk board looked like:

Lots of people shared family history and temple stories. Willie's sister shared the experience in the temple yesterday after Janna and Willie's sealing and how their parents were sealed and then she and Willie were sealed to them. 

I was inspired today in two ways. One was that I need to get more serious and organized about food storage and the other; I need to get more serious and organized about family history research. Two big goals that I have.

Kathy came home with us because Chuck and Gary went to visit a new family in the ward, the Tunzer's.

We had the last of Rosa's tamales for lunch. James doesn't usually like tamales but he loves these because they have lots of meat. 

The electricity was off for over an hour again today. We had lots of thunder, lightning and rain this afternoon. In spite of the weather James met up with Dave Westbrook and they went to visit the Snyder's. Cody was home but LeeAnn left to go babysit for Cody's sister who is pregnant and having some problems. Cody stayed because of the ministering appointment with James and Dave. They talked to him about how to give his sister a blessing so it was a good visit. His sister nor any of Cody's family are members of the Church.

I texted Rita today to find out how she and Aunt Gene are doing. This is the message I got back from Rita:

We came down to the valley at the end of May to babysit for Gena and she hurt her back somehow and had to go to the ER. She stayed there for 3 or 4 nights, then we moved her to a Rehab in Gilbert. She's had everything go wrong that you can imagine.  Pneumonia 3 times, UTI twice, gout, and Cdiff. (Not sure what that last one is).

She is fighting to try and get back home. She isn't quite ready but has to be out of here by Aug 4th so we're probably going to put her in an assisted living place in Queen Creek. This is so sad to me.

James and I watched "Picture a Perfect Christmas" starring Merrit Patterson and Jon Cor. Jon Cor reminds me of Devin Jameson. I also watched "Angel Falls Christmas" starring Jessica Loudes and Chad Michael Murry. Here is a quote from this movie from one angel to another: "The ultimate act of love is, to put aside pride, giving everything to the other person."

Kaeli and her kids attended our ward today.

Sheri and friend

 

Saturday, July 23rd, 2022: Temple Shift, Grombach sealing, Pioneer Days in Snowflake, Kim & Brian gone, back to town, antelope,

 

Yigo, Guam

172nd operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2022

By: David A. Bednar

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 133:2

The Lord who shall suddenly come to his temple; the Lord who shall come down upon the world with a curse to judgment; yea, upon all the nations that forget God, and upon all the ungodly among you.

Book of Mormon

Alma 37:26-47

9 Yea, I say unto you, were it not for these things that these records do contain, which are on these plates, Ammon and his brethren could not have convinced so many thousands of the Lamanites of the incorrect tradition of their fathers; yea, these records and their words brought them unto repentance; that is, that brought them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and to rejoice in Jesus Christ their Redeemer.

10 And who knoweth but what they will be the means of bringing many thousands of them, yea, and also many thousands of our stiffnecked brethren, the Nephites, who are now hardening their hearts in sin and iniquities, to the knowledge of their Redeemer?

"Come Follow Me"

Review and Book of Mormon Central

AprGenCon

"Teaching Self-Reliance To Children And Youth"

Elder Hugo E. Martinez

Of the Seventy

How can we teach the doctrine and principles of self-reliance to our children and youth? One important way is to regularly apply the principles of the Children and Youth program. Parents and children learn the gospel of Jesus Christ, participate in service and activities, and work together in four areas of personal development that are unique for each child. It is no longer the same prescribed program for all.

Today is our last day as temple workers. It is bittersweet. I will miss the people I work with, and listening to President Seaman share spiritual experiences in our preparation meeting.

The Frie's did not show up to work in the baptistry so although they weren't scheduled to preside or work, President Seaman came in and became the baptismal coordinator. He also came upstairs and joined in a prayer circle when there were not enough patrons in the session. I stood beside him in that prayer circle. 

Kim Seaman helped in initiatory, did a session, and helped wherever she was needed. We had lots of substitutes today because of the Pioneer celebration. 

The highlight of the day was Willie and Janna's sealing with President Toronto officiating. It was so wonderful. After Willie and Janna were sealed his parents were sealed and then he and his sister were sealed to their parents. I have never seen this done in a live sealing before but Sister Toronto says it happens quite often. 

Those who attended the sealing that I knew:

Pat Tedder and Ralph Sedig were the witnesses. Pierce sat by an "old friend" a woman. Sean, Stefani, Bishop, and Alicia Hunsaker, Cody and LeeAnn Snyder, Jon and Linda Finnell, Michelle Tesarek, Becky Skousen, Ralph and Cheryl Sedig, Al and Sally Sedig, Greg and Kim Anderson, Pete and Chris Whipple. Willie's sister, niece and her husband and daughter. There were others whom I did not know.

As I hugged Janna she said, "None of this could have happened without you guys." 

I saw another member of our ward in the temple today, Katie Hahn.

My last assignment was the Celestial room. I will always remember this. Workers I am going to miss: Elmers, both Hamblin couples, Dean and Elwanda Reidhead, Scott and Jeanie Gentry. They were not here today as Jeanie is recovering from eye surgery. The Farr's, Cureton's, Wilkins, Heidi Howcroft, and Darolyn DeWitt. I will miss seeing Sister Flake and Brother Webb, our returned missionaries holding hands. Hopefully we will use the time we would be working in the temple to do family history research. I want my friend Maxine to come over and show me how she gets so many names.

I had some dizziness today, probably from taking 3 Tramadol's and not eating enough. We stopped at Sonic on the way home where I got a drink and a chicken slider. After eating I immediately felt better. 

There was rain all throughout the area today. Ours didn't come until after dark. Kim and Brian left earlier today and took a picture on the front porch for me. 

Our electricity went off this afternoon so we headed back to town. James had to pick up a toilet to take to the Peeler's on Monday. While he was in Lowe's I walked around the parking lot. When I said goodbye to Kim Seaman today she told me she had always loved me and that she loved Dennis too. They had their 50th high school reunion last night and she visited with him a few minutes. She said he had a great wife and I agreed. I called Dennis and Denise and Denise said she works with the Seaman's daughter Kirsten at the hospital. That is so weird that Kim has a daughter named Kirsten. I had a little girl in my class when I taught school named Kirsten and that was almost Stacy's name. I was afraid if I named her Kirsten people would call her Kursten.

Back at home James's truck was dead. He charged it and asked if I wanted to go for a ride on the mountain to charge it. I'm glad I went because we saw these cute guys:

Antelope are my favorite. They are so curious and you can

almost always get a good picture.