Monday, September 5th, 2022: Happy 44th Birthday Darrel, Sunday drive, Charlie on head, Happy Labor Day, Steps, James's productive day

 

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Seed of

Moroni 7:19

Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:1-18

4 And he did raise the standard of liberty in whatsoever place he did enter, and gained whatsoever force he could in all his march towards the land of Gideon.

"Come Follow Me"

Isaiah 1-12 "God Is My Salvation" Prophets & Prophecy

AprGenCon

"A Mighty Change Of Heart: "I Have Nothing More To Give You"

Elder Eduardo Gavarret

Of the Seventy

How do we maintain a mighty change of heart?

1. When we partake of the sacrament weekly and renew the covenant to take upon us the name of Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments.

2. When we turn our lives toward the temple. Regular temple attendance will help us maintain a new and renewed heart as we participate in the ordinances.

3. When we love and serve our neighbors by ministering activities and missionary work. 

"Ladder Of Faith"

Elder Larry S. Kacher

Of the Seventy

Please consider a few questions posed by God's prophets as you strive to climb your ladder of faith:

Am I stripped of pride?

Do I give place in my heart for the word of God?

Do I allow my afflictions to be consecrated for my gain?

Am I willing to let my will be swallowed up in the will of the Father?

If I have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, can I feel so now?

Do I let God prevail in my life?

Happy 44th Birthday Darrel!

 

I guess Darrel changed his mind

about not wanting a cake.

James and I had scriptures and prayer together this morning before we started our day. James put in new lights over the kitchen sink. They bring a lot of light to the kitchen and were very much needed. I am grateful.

I am blogging, walking, and listening to Inklings. Emily did a great job of reviewing President Nelson's talk on spiritual momentum.

James made a trip to town today to get supplies for Peeler's. While he was gone I was hoping he would bring me a taco. When he came home I was resting in the bedroom. He said there was a very long line at Taco Bell so he went to Jack-in-the-Box and got one of their tacos. He says he really likes them. It's been awhile since I've had one but I must admit I enjoyed it and was wishing he had brought me two. 

I began planning my trip to the valley on September 26-27th. I have an infusion at 10:30. I want James and I to go to lunch at Cheesecake Factory. I want to go shopping at Hobby Lobby and Costco and visit with his mom and Dawn. We will spend the night, probably at Darrel & Trina's and then Tuesday morning at 8 go to the temple with Sheri and afterwards do initiatories with Stacy and then go home. 

James and I began watching the new Hallmark movie, "Love's Portrait."  It is filmed in Utah and Ireland. The name of the town in Ireland is, Inistioge. Kim wants to go there and take pictures when they go to Ireland next month. She says they are already going to Kilkenny which is close by. I asked Kim if she saw it, if she would take a picture of this church for me:

Blurry because I took a picture of

the TV screen.

James had a very productive day. He put in new lights over the sink, went to town to buy supplies for Peeler's and to get me a taco, and he fixed the shroud under my car. 

I listened to a talk by Elder Rasband that was in the Ensign today. The name of the talk was "Hope and Comfort in Christ." In this talk Elder Rasband lists several protection scriptures: Isaiah 25:8; Isaiah 53:45; Matthew 11:28; John 16:33; Alma 7:11-12; Moroni 7:41; D&C 68:6; and D&C 101:36. I need to look these up and add them to my gospel study journal.

I am grateful for a son like Darrel in my life. He has always been obedient and studious in his preparation for life.

In spite of pain, he works hard to support his family. He is a good son, husband, and father.

Sunday Drive

Trina & Darrel

Rowan, Darrel, Trina, Addy, Ruby,

Lola

Sunday, September 4th, 2022: Holiday crowd at Fast & Testimony meeting: Testimonies, Sunday School, Visit Donna Peeler in the hospital, Joshua Crosscountry (Saturday)

 

Portland, Oregon

42nd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Aug 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Seed of

Ether 3:14

Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters.

Book of Mormon

Alma 61:6-21

6 And behold, I have sent a proclamation throughout this part of the land; and behold, they are flocking to us daily, to their arms, in the defense of their country and their freedom, and to avenge our wrongs.

"Come Follow Me"

Ecclesiastes 1-3; 12 Mortal life is temporary. Prophets and Prophecy.

AprGenCon

"Following Jesus: Being A PeaceMaker "

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Each time I read John chapter 13, I am reminded of the Savior's perfect example as a peacemaker. Jesus lovingly washed the feet of the Apostles. Then, we read, "he was troubled in spirit" as He thought about one He loved preparing to betray Him. I have tried to imagine the thoughts and feelings of the Savior as Judas left. Interestingly, at that sobering moment, Jesus spoke no more about His "troubling" feelings or about betrayal. Rather, He spoke to His Apostles about love, His words cascading through the centuries:

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you....

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Since I am giving the talk by President Nelson, "Preaching the Gospel of Peace", I decided to get out my copy of the book by Clayton Christensen, "The Power of Everyday Missionaries." I read a few stories and got excited about my talk, just for a minute. 

We get to church just a few minutes before starting time and it is packed. Luckily we find room on the second row, left side, right behind Lorrain Vaught. James pointed out that Danny White was sitting across from us.

Brother Allen conducted the meeting with our bishop presiding. 

There were several announcements, including a ward campout on the 24th of September at Buckelew Springs, 3 miles from our house. They are asking people not to come home to sleep, so in order not to disappoint them, I don't think I will be going.

Testimonies

Brother Allen - He just returned from Canada and traveled through some beautiful places but he doesn't think there is anywhere prettier than Vernon, Arizona is right now. I have a deep testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Children - Dagny Tesarek, George Wilhelm, Hipps's granddaughter.

Owen Peeler My heart is full, this chapel is full, a preacher's dream, and you all know how I love to preach. Bore testimony of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon.

Paula Johnson Heavenly Father blesses each of our lives everyday. I am grateful for Jesus Christ who died for my sins.

Tamara Applegate I have seen the Savior in my study of the Old Testament. I am grateful that our missionary son, Ty, has found joy in the work.

Greg Anderson I am grateful that God can fix me, a broken vessel. I am excited about missionary work here in Vernon. 

Bishop Hunsaker Shared a dream or thought he had early this morning regard an all-thread. Represents life where it needs to be filed and oiled just as I need to be filed and oiled through the Savior's Atonement. Jesus Christ loves everyone of us.

Jeff McCamy I am grateful to have found this Church and to have the Spirit of the Holy Ghost in my life. We have something that is very special.

Doug Brown Remembers a time when he was helping in George Wilhelm's Primary class and George said: I just love Primary. I am grateful for the hope found in Christ's Atonement.

Pam? Visitor staying at the Whiting homestead. Share how her 15 year old son at the time visited the Vernon ward on June 30th 2019, and heard a sister speak who was a convert and how he was touched by her talk and took notes on his phone. She read his notes about how this sister found joy in the gospel. He even went up to her afterwards and thanked her. (What 15 year old does that?). This son has passed away since then. She said knowing that he had a spiritual experience while attending church here brought her comfort and peace.

Jimmie Applegate Shared how Ty met another missionary serving in Florida who is from Gilbert, Arizona. They got to talking and realized this missionary had attended church in Vernon several times in his life while his family was visiting in the summer.

Tim? Visitor, Naegli family, grateful for the Savior.

Mel Wilhelm I am grateful for the beauty around us and the beauty within us. 

Jennifer Golly People placed in our lives for a reason. Two years ago our family was sealed in the temple and I am so grateful for that. 

Michelle Tesarek I am the new convert who gave that talk that influenced Pam's son in 2019. I remember him coming up to me and thanking me afterwards. I remember talking about how we found joy in the gospel and how thankful we were for the missionaries who taught us.

Such a wonderful testimony meeting and Sunday School was just as good. We felt like we were spiritually fed today. 

Sunday School

Brother Applegate started out by giving us an opportunity to share our favorite Psalms. Here are a few that were shared:

Psalm 25:4-6: Tamara Applegate

4 Whew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.

Psalm 85:10: Teresa Smith

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Psalm 85:11: Karen Lambson

Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

Psalm 23: Wes Smith

The 23rd Psalm brought him comfort and peace at the time of his brother's unexpected passing.

Psalm 63: Owen Peeler

The heading: David thirsts for God, whom he praises with joyful lips.

Psalm 107:23-30

23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;

24 These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep

25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.

27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.

28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Psalm 16: Sister Hipps

1 Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.

2 O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;

3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell' neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

The Psalms are a template for prayer.

What is a Proverb? A wise saying. We discussed, "Spare the rod, and spoil the child." Rod is the word of God. Great discussion. Brother Applegate's Powerpoint slides are amazing and this is the best Gospel Doctrine class I have ever attended.

We went home, had some lunch and a short rest time and then got ready to go to the hospital to see our friend Donna Peeler. She was not at our meetings today so James, their ministering brother, asked where she was. Owen said she was in the hospital. I guess she was sick so he took her to see Dr. Moffat who did a Covid test. She did not have Covid but Dr. Moffat said she was very sick and needed to go to the emergency room. It was determined that she was extremely low on sodium and they put her in intensive care with a slow sodium drip. She is now in a regular room, room 103. 

When we got to the hospital we of course had to put on masks. After each of us gave Donna a hug James went over and sat by Owen and they began to talk. I pulled up my chair to Donna's bed and visited with her. Donna is 79, soon to be 80, and is such a dear friend. We get along so well. She loves to watch Hallmark movies but she mentioned how they are having more and more gay couples in their movies. I told her about Bill Abbott leaving Hallmark to start GAC for that very reason. She's going to look in to getting the package with GAC. Before we left James and Owen gave Donna a blessing. Donna asked that James be the voice for the blessing. We left right after the blessing and so did Owen. 

We took the Porter Mountain Rd. home so we could take pictures of flowers. I made cheese crisps when we got home and later James made shrimp. He did indexing and I did blogging. 

Yesterday Joshua had a cross country meet.

He had several fans in the crowd, his parents, 

and two of his brothers who are former cross

country runner.

Saturday, September 3rd, 2022: George Washington, Nancy's grandson, Meatloaf, Fast, New bed ensemble, James a haircut

 

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 1987

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, Seed of

Mosiah 27:25

And the Lord said unto me: marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, chanted from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;

Book of Mormon

Alma 60:29-61:5

60:34 And now behold, I, Moroni, am constrained, according to the covenant which I have made to keep the commandments of my God; therefore I would that ye should adhere to the word of God, and send speedily unto me of your provisions and of you men, and also to Helaman.

"Come Follow Me"

Proverbs 31:10-31 "A woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." Ecclesiastes 11-12

AprGenCon

"But We Heeded Them Not"

Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"I witness that fidelity to the covenants and ordinances of the Savior's restored gospel enables us to press on in the work of the Lord, to hold fast to Him as the Word of God, and to heed not the allurements of the adversary. In the fight for right, may each of us wield a sword, even "the mighty sword of truth," in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

Brent Lambson posted something about George Washington on Facebook. It basically said that George read the Bible and prayed two hours every day, one in the morning and one at night. I was so impressed with that it created in me a desire to study the gospel even more.

I got a call from Sheri this morning. She said Nancy Van Vleet's grandson, Tom's son, committed suicide. So many youth are filled with anxiety and part of it is, I think, because of social media and the condition of the world right now. 

I made a meatloaf, baked potatoes, and green beans for lunch. It's one of James's favorite meals. He had just gotten home from the Thompson's and we had lunch together and then said our fast prayer. 

We are fasting for the war in Ukraine and to end personal conflicts in our lives. James also mentioned our health in the prayer.

I washed the inside of the windows that I washed the outside of yesterday. I also did two blog posts one for Monday and one for Tuesday. 

I watched an older Hallmark movie, "A Valentine's Match" starring Bethany Joy Lenz and Luke MacFarlane. I liked this quote:

"Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder."

I didn't do any painting today but I did order our new bedspread. This is the one I chose:

James's favorite

James and I watched a GAC movie this evening. It is an older one starring Trevor Donovan and an actress I am not familiar with. The name of it, "A Prescription for Love." I also gave James a haircut tonight which he was in much need of. It was one of the best I have every given him if I do say so myself. 

We had a little storm pass through this evening with wind and some rain. Totally unexpected. 

Pierce and his grandson,

Elder Sierra

Friday, September 2nd, 2022:Charlie loves chickens, trip to town, Mail D's card, Window washing, Paint for our room, Thompson's, Front door, Chelsies sister,

 

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Oct 1986

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, Seed of

Mosiah 5:7

And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.

Book of Mormon

Alma 60:14-28

26 And this because of their exceeding faith, and their patience in their tribulations - 

"Come Follow Me"

Proverbs 15:1-2, 4, 18, 28; 16:24-32 "A soft answer turneth away wrath." Ecclesiastes 1-3.

I love this quote!

AprGenCon

"We Are The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints"

Reyna I. Aburto

My dear sisters and brothers, let us follow Jesus Christ's invitation to bring ourselves and our afflictions to Him. When we come to Him and bring those we love to Him, He sees our faith. He will make them whole, and He will make us whole.

James sleeps in this morning. He needs the extra rest. I spend over an hour posting pictures for Charlie's birthday blog. 

Brother Allen from the bishopric called James today and told him we need to switch talks. I am to give the one on President Nelson's opening address and he needs to give "Steady in the Storms" by President Eyring. Okay, I am fine with that although I did already start preparing the one on steady in the storms. Confusing!

Kacey and Charlie took Tanner to Arkansas today, to Kacey's sisters, April's house. April and her husband Moe live out in the country and Moe owns his own welding business. They have fixed a trailer up for Tanner and want him to come and stay with them. What a kind and generous offer! Charlie had a great time while she was there!

A farm girl at heart. Now she wants chickens!

 James is working at the dining room table and I am in the bedroom. That's the way we do it. We get together and go to town around 10:30. The town of Vernon is covered in yellow daisies or sunflowers and lavender lantana everywhere you look. It is so unbelievably beautiful! 

I put in a Sonic order on my app so we can get 1/2 price drinks, although James ordered a drink and I didn't, which is a switch. We both order chicken slingers. We love that little sandwich. I'm so glad we ordered ahead because the line was clear out to the street. We parked in a stall and our food was delivered immediately and we enjoyed our sandwiches as we drove across town to Home Depot.

I picked out a Behr paint chip from the one coat section. It is called platinum, and is kind of a smoky white color. I order the paint and leave James to pick it up while I walk over to Walmart. James is going to Lowe's next. 

The main reason I am at Walmart is to get some cash for Darrel's birthday. I brought his card with me to mail. When I finished shopping I went outside to mail the card and the mail person was just picking up the mail so I gave it to her.

James picks me up and home we go. After taking a short rest break I went outside to wash the windows by the fireplace and the patio. There is grease on one of the windows by the grill and it bothers me every time I open the blinds. I found a recipe for cleaning outside windows on Pinterest. Eight cups of hot water, two cups of white vinager, and 1/8 cup of Dawn soap. I put that in a bucket, use a long handled mop to apply, hose it down, and then squeegie it dry and the windows look great. It was nice being outside and I really enjoyed my work.

James goes over to the Thompson's to finish up some work but the Cat keeps dying on him. Because he didn't finish he has to go back tomorrow. 

When I got inside I started painting one of the walls in our bedroom. The lighting isn't very good this time of day and it's hard to tell how it's going to look, but it is going to definitely lighten up the room. 

I finally finished blogging August 28th!

Chelsea's sisters family