Wednesday, October 26th, 2022: Debbie Macomber prayer journal, trip & fall, meeting w/ new RS presidency moved to our house, My blessing,

 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

94th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 July 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Son of Man

Luke 9:22

Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. 

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 13:1-15

"Come Follow Me"

Ezekiel 33:10-19 The Lord wants to forgive. Ezekiel 33

OctGenCon

"The Answer Is Jesus"

Elder Ryan K. Olsen

Of the Seventy

No matter how difficult or confusing the challenges may be, you can always remember that the answer is simple: it is always Jesus.

"That They Might Know Thee"

Elder Jonathan S. Schmitt

Of the Seventy

My earnest desire is that you will come to know Jesus by His many names and that you will become like Him.

I read an article this morning from Guidepost magazine written by the author Debbie Macomber. The article was about keeping a prayer journal. Debbie says she gets up at 4 a.m., reads from the Bible and then begins her prayer, and writes it in her journal. She writes down all of the things that are going through her head. What she is thankful for, what she is worried about, who she is praying for, and what she is dreaming about, and what she is unhappy about. She says she wouldn't be where she is today - as a mom, a wife, a grandmother, a writer, a child of God - if it weren't for this spiritual practice. She says is has formed her. I quote from the article:

"My journals are personal to me - unlike the books I publish. They're so precious that I've stored the old ones in a safe. They are a witness to the prayers I've said, the many prayers God has answered and the prayers I'm still saying. I recently wrote a book to help people jump-start their journaling. 'Be a Blessing,' I titled it. Journaling is a blessing. No, you don't have to get up at 4 a.m. You don't even have to do it in the morning. Just do it."

Here are six journaling tips from Debbie:

1. Make it a habit. My journals come with me wherever I go. I might skip a day here or there, but that's it. Never skip two days in a row. Why? Because when you make something a daily habit, you're agreeing to open yourself up to the Spirit. Every day. It's as though God knows exactly where to find me each morning. Here's what's on my mind, I can say. It's right there on the page in ink.

Why write it down? Doesn't God know what's on our hearts? Of course God does. But it helps us to verbalize it. I think about how Jesus often asked people to explain what they wanted before healing them. Not because the Lord didn't know but because Jesus wanted them to articulate it. When I put down a prayer, it becomes more tangible to me. And when I write, I discover things about myself I might not have acknowledged without a journal.

2. Use pen and paper. Research has shown that we're more likely to remember things when we write them down by hand. I'm glad to have a computer to compose my novels. It sure makes revisions easier to do. But journal keeping is something else. Every week I pick a different Bible verse to memorize. And every day I write it down to help me remember.  Recently I was learning Isaiah 41:13: "For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'" I've had carpal tunnel syndrome in the past, and I was worried that it might be coming back. I depend so much on my right hand. Each time I wrote those words down, I felt them etched in my heart.

3. Be grateful. Declare your gratitude. Don't just say it to yourself' make a record of it. There are plenty of mornings when I wake up feeling out of sorts. I've faced devastating losses and wondered how I could go on. Reminding myself of what I'm grateful for is essential. Every day I write down five things. And if I can't think of five things, then I'm not being grateful enough. As you put down your gratitude, it becomes more real and changes your whole perspective on life. You will become a more grateful person.

4. See your dreams come true.  I took up journaling when I was struggling to become a writer. While the kids were in school, I'd pound out one novel after another on a rented typewriter - one we could barely afford. I sent those novels out and they came back, with one devastating rejection letter after another. What kept me going were those prayers I wrote in the morning: "Please let me publish one book." "Just one book, God." When we give our dreams over to God - and let go - there's no telling what will happen. All I wanted was one book published. I could never have guessed that there would be many, many more. Putting down a prayer is not only a way of recording it. It is also a way of giving it over to God and getting out of the way. Sometimes what happens is beyond our wildest dreams.

5. Put down the hard stuff. All my life I struggled with my weight. So put stuff down in your journal that's hard to talk about, things that are impossible to share with anyone but God. 

6. Thank God for the time together.  When the kids were younger, they'd come into the kitchen for breakfast and see me at the counter, writing in my prayer journal. "Mom," they'd say with a yawn, "I've got a big test today. Pray for that." I did, writing it down. I can't tell you how many thousands of prayers I've recorded over the years, for friends, for my children, grandchildren, and other relatives. Thumbing through old journals, I can see prayers that looked like they'd never be answered. I prayed for a brother to be healed of alcoholism, to no avail. Nothing seemed to help. I might have felt hopeless, but I didn't give up. Today he's sober. And I have written proof of how hard I prayed for him! Think of how journaling could change your spiritual life.

At the end of my morning session, I always thank God for our time together. It's like signing off at the end of a letter: "Love, Debbie"

The words I've put down might pale in comparison to what God does with them, but it starts there. Every day.

Debbie Macomber is not a member of our Church but she is certainly a devout Christian.

Today as I was puttering around, moving things in and out of my closet, I caught my toe on something and was propelled into the bathroom and landed hard on the floor, landing on my right side.

I managed to get myself up off the floor but it wasn't graceful or pretty. I'm glad no one was watching. My right knee hurts. James wasn't home, he had been working at Barbara Bartels, henceforth known as Barbara. He came home for lunch and I told him my woes. We had some lunch and then went into the bedroom to take a nap. Before my nap I texted Tamara and told her about my fall. I told her I would still be at the meeting tonight but that I would be limping. After my nap I went over to the computer and worked on my blog for awhile. When I got up my knee was so painful and stiff I needed the walker to walk. It was 4:30 and I texted Tamara and told her I would not be able to be at our meeting at six. About an hour later she called me and ask if it would be all right if we had the meeting at my house. I said yes, that would be fine but give me a few minutes to get ready. A few minutes. it was. I put some makeup on and combed through my hair. I didn't change my clothes as I intended because there wasn't time. I lead the sisters into the family room hobbling along on my walker. Cheryl and Natalie have never been here and they both said how beautiful our house was. Cheryl said we must do a lot of entertaining. I said no, only with our kids and grandkids and an occasional Church meeting or party.

The new presidency consists of Cheryl Sedig, President, Rosie Lauritzen first counselor, and Natalie Robles, second counselor. Tamara and Kerri were also here. Tamara had already met with Cheryl and gone over responsibilities with her so it was just Kerri and I. Rosie said the opening prayer and Tamara the closing. Cheryl wants Natalie to be over teaching, activities, and Just Serve. She had Rosie over missionary work, family history and temple work. I think it says somewhere in the handbook that one counselor is over missionary work and activities and the other one over teaching and family history. They meet with the stake tomorrow so they will find out from them. Cheryl says it's not in the handbook so I guess I was wrong.

Brother Lauritzen was sitting by the fireplace and when we talked about a sister he knew something about he would come over and talk to us. He also asked me if I wanted a blessing for my knee. I told him thank you but I would ask James when he got home and he could have Chuck come over to help him. Everyone left except Tamara. We would talking when James and Chuck came in. I had texted James and asked him to have Chuck come over and help give me a blessing. Tamara stayed for the blessing. Chuck sealed it and James gave the blessing. It help me to feel peaceful and that everything would be okay even though my knee was giving me a great deal of pain. I slept on the recliner in the family room again.

I found out that the Sedig's lived "off the grid" in the valley, for fifteen years. I have a new respect for them. She and Natalie should get along great. Natalie and her husband have a YouTube channel, "A Boulder Life, Off the Grid."

Protein Belgian waffle with strawberries & stevia

and Coolwhip. Waffle also has butter & sugar free syrup.

Kyah, one of my former Young Women.

My friend Debbie's business

Congratulations!

Jordin Sparks & Brandon Armstrong

My second favorite DWTS couple

Courtney's candy corn cake

Tuesday, October 25th, 2022: Bellowing Bovines, J in Globe, Errands & shopping, Bovines are back, Books upstrs, Walk, Blog, Feed Luna, J home after dark

 

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Son of Man

Mark 8:31

And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 12:25-48

"Come Follow Me"

Ezekiel 1-3 Thou shalt speak my words. Ezekiel 2-3

OctGenCon

Legacy of Encouragement

President Henry B. Eyring

Second Counselor in the 1st Presidency

I encourage you to continue striving to qualify to return to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

I heard bellowing bovines when I woke up this morning. I looked out the bedroom window facing the front of our house and there I saw three black cows, one with a white face staring at me. I remembered that James told me last night that when he and Chuck were getting the cows out there was a stray left inside. I guess her friends came back for her. This is going to be a fun day. 

James and Greg left this morning for Globe around 7. Greg has been sick and is still not 100% hence the reason they are leaving later. We were able to have prayer and read from the Book of Mormon before James left. James has already been through the "Come Follow Me" lesson so I told him I would read the section of the lesson we would normally do today on my own. I told him to make sure he has read Ezekiel 2 and 3.

Around 8 a.m. I decided to go into town and do my errands. The first thing I did was put in a Sonic order to be picked up at 9 and then I got ready to go. It felt good to get dressed and put on makeup and do my hair and go somewhere. I'm back among the living!

I picked up my Sonic order and realized right away they had gotten it wrong. This looked like a small burrito, not what I ordered. I had to turn around, almost hit another car, to get back in the drive-thru. As soon as I saw the look on the boys face I knew he knew he had gotten it wrong. He apologized profusely as we exchanged bags. I smiled and told him it was okay as I drove away with my chicken Slinger sandwich.

My car dashboard kept telling me that I had a low tire, back tire on the passenger side. After getting gas, and washing my car at Circle K I drove up to the air hub. I needed to run my credit card and would be charged $2 if I wanted some air. I tried sticking the end in my tire but it didn't work so I left. My tire looks fine and I'm just going to wing it. Another thing, the cheapest carwash is $11. What happened to five or six dollars?

Across the street to Walmart. I get tired of shopping with a few more items on my list. I will have to save them for next time. I check out and head home. My trip to town lasted over four hours and now I have to go home and put everything away. After turning on to the Vernon road from the highway I looked to the right to check out the field for antelope as I always do and walla! The herd is there so I take a picture. 

My babies! I love antelope the best!

Nothing like a herd of cows lying around in your front yard to bring you down from your antelope high. My dander is up, my blood is boiling at these bovine napping in my yard. Since the Razr is down I'm going to use my car to chase these cows. As they rise from their napping position most of them relieve themselves right in front of me. Disgusting! Honking, driving, and yelling in my car I push them off our property. Some of them went over to Chuck and Kathy's, I hope they don't mind.

Black cows and a champagne colored Charlet bull.

When James saw this photo he recognized the bull.

He had some dealings with him before.

In this picture he's about ready to charge

James.

I'm calling him Pierre.

Rest time and then walking, something I haven't done in awhile, and blogging. I'm also organizing and I'm inventoring my books and moving some of them upstairs. James was late getting home so I fed and watered Luna and guess what? There were three cows out by the watering trough. I chased them away but I know they will be back.

I listened to "Consider the Cross", and my Hillsdale College lecture. 

James got home after dark.

Courtney's Ultimate Chocolate Cake

thosefarmhouseideas

Bear Hug

Ghostie Macarons

Monday, October 24th, 2022: First snow, Diesel Mechanic ripoff, Cow or elk, Hemmed curtains, Sonic, Panda, Cow chasing, DWTS, CFM, "The Bride & the Bachelor"

 

Merida, Mexico

92nd operating temple

Dedicated: 8 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Son of Man

Matthew 17:12

But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 11:1-24

"Come Follow Me"

Ezekiel 1-3;33-34,36-37;47 "A New Spirit Will I Put within You"

Ezekiel 1

OctGenCon

"Put On Thy Strength, O Zion"

David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Each of us should evaluate our temporal and spiritual priorities sincerely and prayerfully.

We had our first snowfall during the night. It came a little early this year.

Snow and those pesky cows!

We are yet to split ours too Kate!

James had a couple of diesel mechanics come out this morning to look at his Cat. They were here around two hours with James assisting while the mechanic's assistant sat in the truck with the heater on. He wrote them a check for $500 after the mechanic said he couldn't find anything wrong. He suggested James get a lift pump and a selanoid which cost another $365. James keeps telling himself, It's okay, I made $9,000 on the last job using this piece of equipment. Everything requires upkeep.

As I was walking through the entryway I looked outside in the back and saw an animal the color of an elk. I told James and he said, "Oh, it's probably just a cow the same color as an elk." I told him I thought I could tell the difference between a cow and an elk and that was an elk. There were several of them, including this guy:

Females are so under appreciated. Especially

in the world of elk.

I actually had some energy today. I still have my cough and I move at about half speed. I decided I wanted to hem the new curtains on our bedroom door that goes outside to the deck. I took them down, cut them off, and went upstairs in my office to hem them on my sewing machine. This is the final result:

I always forget to do the before picture

James and I went to town today to indulge ourselves in fast food. Nothing we have to eat here sounded good. I am grateful to have a husband who tries to satisfy my every whim. 

Our first stop was Sonic. We were extra hungry and thirsty so we ordered four chicken Slingers and a 44 ounce diet Dr. Pepper. I ate one and a half Slingers and James ate the rest. We shared the Dr. Pepper. 

Next we went to Panda to order our dinner. I got orange chicken with chow mien noodles. James ordered mushroom chicken with chow mein. As we were traveling we finished our book, "The Bachelor and the Bride." This was not my favorite Sarah Eden book and I am rather glad it is over. 

Back at home it was rest time. James went into the bedroom to take a nap and I went into the family room to lie on the recliner and watch a Christmas movie. 

This afternoon those pesky cows are still in our field drinking our sweet little Luna's water. If we don't get rid of them she may start thinking that she is a cow. James called Chuck and ask for his help. As is Chuck's style he was ready to help. He brought over his side by side and his "cow" dog Anya and away they went. It was almost dark when they left.

I sat down with my dinner and began watching "Dancing with the Stars." It starts at five here. When James came in he didn't really have time for dinner as he is going to "Come Follow Me" at the Peeler's. He showered and left after telling me that one cow got left behind in the field. They couldn't get her to go out. I still have a cough and don't want to cough on everyone. I wondered if Pierce's new wife, Susan, would be there. 

It's Michael Buble night on DWTS which means the songs the dancers danced to were smooth and easy. Derek and Haley, his finace performed, and as always when they perform, it was awesome. My favorite part of the show was when Charli and Mark danced and Jordin Sparks and Brandon. I voted for both of them. I have never voted before but they make it so easy, even for an old gramma like me. I really wanted Vinnie to go home but even though he is at the bottom of the leader board he is a fan favorite and so far has never been in the bottom two. Jesse James Decker and Allen and Emma and Trevor were the bottom two. The judges voted to keep Trevor so Jesse went home. She didn't seem too upset and said she was glad she would be able to take her kids trick or treating next week.

James brought me home two cupcakes from the Peeler's. I ask him if Susan was there and he said yes. She seemed nice but was rather quiet because she doesn't know anyone. I am anxious to get to know her. James said that Kathy said a sweet prayer for me praying that I would get well and be able to join with them next time. I am grateful for good friends.

This afternoon I swept and mopped all of the tile floors on the main floor. It took me awhile especially when I got to the bathroom. That took a little while to clean. All in all it was a good day.

Trina is in this picture, that's why it's here

Congrats to Colee and her dad for running

a half marathon.

Really?

 

Sunday, October 23rd, 2022: David's 76th bday, Gospel study, Sacrament, Lunch, Rest, Charlie sick misses her program, Christmas movies,

Suva, Fiji

91st operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Son of man

Mark 9:9

And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 11:18-41

"Come Follow Me"

Review

OctGenCon

"Patterns of Discipleship"

Elder Joseph W. Sitati

Emeritus Member of the Seventy

Learning about Christ and HIs ways leads us to know and to love Him.

"Lasting Discipleship"

President Steven J. Lund

Young Men General President

We can find spiritual confidence and peace as we nurture holy habits and righteous routines that can sustain and fuel the fires of our faith.

I was able to type the six month lesson schedule for Tamara to give to the new presidency this morning. She was so excited when I told her I would be sending it with James to church. My left hand is still swollen but I can actually bend my fingers this morning.

James wanted to stay home with me but he knew he needed to go to his meetings. He was uplifted and moteivated, especially by the discussion in elder's quorum led by Brother Tesarek. It was President Nelson's talk, "Overcome the World and Find Rest", that they were discussing. 

The new Relief Society presidency was set apart before the lsson in Relief Society. I wonder if Rosie even hard time for the lesson discussion.

James didn't come directly home after the block. He visited with Virgil Cooper whom he now ministers to. Virgil is a little older than we are and is single. He told James that he had a heart attack three weeks ago. He went to the ER and had to wait a long time. He told the attendant at the window that he was in a great deal of pain and she told him she would have a doctor look at him. The doctor said, "this man is having a heart attack" and they took him right in.

When James returned home I had lunch ready for him, potstickers, mixed veggies, and Nutella croissants. 

After lunch James administered the sacrament to me. I am very grateful that he is able to do this for me under the direction of our bishop.

This morning I watched the Zoom broadcast of our sacrament meeting long enough to hear our presidencies release and the sustaining of the new presidency. The new Vernon ward Relief Society president is Cheryl Sedig. First counselor, Rosie Lauritzen and second counselor, Natalie Robles. No secretary yet.

I tried to listen to the speakers, Natalie and Jacob Robles, but the audio was not good. Natalie's talks was based on Elder Renlund's talk, "The Framework for Personal Revelation" and Jacob's was based on Elder Bednar's talk, "Put on Thy Beautiful Garments, O Zion." I listened to both of these talks along with President Nelson's talk. I felt like I was spiritually fed. 

Charlie was sick today and missed being in the children's sacrament meeting program. I know there will be others but this still makes me sad. I hope she feels better soon!

After lunch it was rest time. James took a nap and I watched a Christmas movies, "Destined at Christmas." 

Anthony called James this afternoon and was shocked to hear the news about Pierce getting married. He said, "That sly devil."

While James did some indexing I worked on my blog and watched another Christmas movie " A Kismet Christmas." James fixed me some shrimp and brought it into the bedroom for me to eat. 

We went to bed at 9:30 but I didn't fall asleep until 2:36 a.m.