Wednesday, November 23, 2022: Studied the Abrahamic Covenant and felt sad, Turkey takes a bath, wood floors, New chainsaw, Netflix movies

 

Newport Beach, California

122nd operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Son of man

Luke 6:22

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 5:1-12

"Come Follow Me"

Jonah 1; 3-4 "All of God's children need to hear the gospel." 

Micah 1-2

OctGenCon

Overcome The World And Find Rest

President Russell M. Nelson

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

 My dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior's power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns "with power and great glory," He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful.

Up at 3:55 ahead of the game by five minutes! After doing my planning and prayer journal I studied a talk given my Kent P. Jackson called, "The Abrahamic Covenant." I thought about our posterity and passing the gospel covenant down and it made me sad because none of our grandchildren are getting married or passing the gospel covenant to the next generation except Autumn and Palmer. There is hope for the younger ones though and there is hope that the older ones can change.

After scriptures and prayers James left for work at Barbara's. He forgot to put the turkey in the sink so I lugged him in for a cold bath. I started the rolls rising. I also swept, cleaned and polished the wood floor today. It looks beautiful and will stay that way until someone walks on it. 

James came home for lunch, corndogs and tacos and a nap. I guess I didn't let the rolls rise long enough because they did not get as big and soft as I would have liked. They look like they belong in the Hard Rock Cafe. I started a new book today by Robert Millet called "When a Child Wanders." I wanted to listen to "Rescuing Wayward Children" but the only audio they had was in Spanish. I wonder why.

James came home early because he wanted to go into town to get a chainsaw. We are out of cut wood and he wants to cut some more but his chainsaw is kaput.  He asked me to go with him and since Kim and Brian aren't coming until tomorrow because Brian is sick, I said yes. While James was in Ace Hardware getting the chainsaw I ordered two Slingers and a cherry limeade from Sonic. James said the woman who waited on him said that the chainsaw had to be started before he could leave. She called a guy over and he couldn't start it so she called another guy over and he couldn't start it either. She was a little frustrated by this time and she took the chainsaw, gave a couple of pulls on the chain, and it started right up. James thought this was pretty funny. I told him he should have gotten her phone number in case he couldn't start it when he got home. Girl Power!

Sheri says they are having Thanksgiving at Ian's parents because John, Ian's dad, can barely walk. She says it is very sad and Betty is upset about it. 

James indexed this evening while I watched a Netflix movie, "Falling for Christmas" starring Lindsey Lohan. What started out to be lame turned out to be a pretty good movie with a good message.

A teenaged Dallin

 

Tuesday, November 22, 2022: James's truck registration, Circle K, Walmart, Dominoes, Food Processor, Veggie pizza, Christmas movies, Trenda's address

 

Aba, Nigeria

121st operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Son of man

Luke 24:7

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 4:1-23

"Come Follow Me"

Jonah 1-4; Micah 7:18-19 The Lord is merciful to all who turn to Him. Jonah 3-4.

OctGenCon

Put On Thy Strength, O Zion

Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The intended meaning or message of a parable typically is not expressed explicitly. Rather, the story only conveys divine truth to a receiver in proportion to his or her faith in God, personal spiritual preparation, and willingness to learn. Thus, an individual must exercise moral agency and actively "ask, seek, and knock" to discover the truths embedded in a parable.

Early morning prayers are the best. I also had a good blood sugar this morning so I am off to a good start. I had pie for breakfast and then worked on my blog. While I was working at my computer I got a phone call from James. He was on his way to town pulling a trailer and realized that he had no new tags on his truck. He said they expired October 15th. I went online and paid for his registration, 35 days late. Well, at least if he gets stopped when they check they will see that the fees have been paid.

Darrel texted me asking me for my sweet potato recipe. He's the second to ask. Sheri asked last week. 

I told Sheri I had made several batches of chicken tacos for people and she said I needed to make some homemade salsa to go with them. I told her it was a good idea but I didn't have a food processor yet. 

I left for Show Low to do some errands around 1:20. Before leaving I ordered a thin crust veggie pizza from Dominoes to be picked up at 3:30. My first stop was a Circle K for gas. I finally got my Easy Pay card to work which means gas is 10 cents less than the regular price for each gallon of gas. Across the street to Walmart to do my grocery shopping. 

The first thing I did at Walmart was return the $50 digital hearing aid I bought last week for James. To take its place I bought a food processor which cost $70. Now I can make salsa! I also bought another Christmas blanket, a pair of pajama pants for me and a $10 watch for me. After loading up my car I was backing out of my parking space when I saw that my gas tank lid was off. I'm glad I noticed. I would hate to have gone all the way to Vernon with it off. I picked up my pizza right at 3:30. In stead of turning left into traffic I turned right and went up Central Street to see the address on the house I lived in when I was in high school. 560 N. Central. That's the same address Trenda's mom gave me for Trenda's address. Trenda lives in my old house. It's a small world in Vernon and Show Low, Arizona.

James loved the pizza. It's been awhile since we had one and it really did taste good. I finished walking before going to bed. Of course James had to listen to a couple of chapters of our book while he walked.

Two Christmas movies today: "Christmas Lucky Charm" and "My Favorite Christmas Tree."

Beautiful Ben

Harry Potter trip to England

2005

Monday, November 21st, 2022: J alone @ Barbara's, Tacos to Virgil, New kitchen accessories, Christmas movies, DWTS, Walk, Rowan's text

 

San Antonio, Texas

120th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Son of man

Luke 9:44

Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 3:1-22

"Come Follow Me"

Jonah; Micah "He Delighteth in Mercy" Jonah 1-2.

OctGenCon

Patterns Of Discipleship

Elder Joseph W. Sitati

Emeritus Member of the Seventy

Whenever we care to notice, we see that Heavenly Father has given us sufficient witnesses of truth to govern our lives so we will know Him and have the blessings of peace and joy.

Lasting Discipleship

President Steven J. Lund

Young Men General President

Like brightly hulled steel ships at sea, we live in a spiritually corrosive environment where the most gleaming convictions must be mindfully maintained or they can become etched, then corrode, and then crumble away.

I got up at 4:02 this morning. After prayer and some gospel study I had ham & cheese, cooked until the cheese was melted, and a piece of pumpkin pie for breakfast. James and I had scriptures and prayer together. James went in to do some indexing and then do some paperwork. I wasn't feeling well so I took some Tramadol and laid on the recliner in the bedroom and finished a Christmas movie I had started earlier. It was a Hallmark movie starring Taylor Cole and Benjamin Ayres, "A Long Lost Christmas". It reunited a brother and sister that had not seen each other for over 50 years. It was good. Hallmark, so far this year, has the best Christmas movies. I watched a couple of other movies while working on my computer, "Inventing the Christmas Prince", another good one and "Three Wisemen and a Baby." All of them have a good message. The three wisemen were Andrew Walker (my favorite), Paul Campbell and Tyler Hynes. 

I made two dozen chicken tacos today. I use a roasted chicken from Walmart. I have to heat it up, skin it and pick all of the chicken off. I use my hands and it is pretty messy, the worst part of making these tacos. Half of them go to Virgil Cooper who just got out of the hospital after heart surgery. He had another stent put in. Virgil is older than we are and he lives alone. When James delivered the tacos Virgil was very appreciative and said he had not eaten all day. 

When James got home from work later in the day he had gone to the dump and picked up the mail. I got the rest of my kitchen accessories. Here is a picture:

I re-made James's Key lime pie. I took the filling out and put it in a bowl. In another bowl I mixed a can of Eagle Brand milk with 8 oz of cream cheese. I added the juice of one lemon and then added the filling from the old Key lime pie, the one we got from the Wilhelm's which came from Village Inn. I got out a new pie crust. Poured this new filling in and put it in the refrigerator for 3 hours. I was going to put on the whipped cream I took off the old pie but it was to stiff so I just sprayed some out of a can of whipped cream I had. When James tried it he said it was ten times better than the original one and that he loved it! Mission accomplished. 

I made a salad for dinner and there were chicken tacos in the frig so I didn't worry about making anything else. Tonight is the finale for "Dancing with the Stars." At first I couldn't get on Disney+ so I got the log in from Paul. Once I had the show on I voted for Charlie ten times. The finales for this show are always drawn out and very long. Each of the four finalists did a redemption dance determined by one of the judges. A redemption dance is a dance they did earlier in the season and the judge wants to see if they can improve on it. After the redemption round every does a freestyle. Freestyle means anything goes. Some are big productions involving other dancers but Charli and Marks was just them doing all different styles of dance. They were awesome!

They also bring back all of the contestants and have them dance plus there are other special numbers. Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert  were supposed to dance but Hayley hurt her shoulder so they had to cancel. Selma Blair came back and danced a freestyle dance with Sasha and it was beautiful. She danced to Jordan Sparks song, "No Air" while Jordan was singing the song. 

When it came time to choose the winner the four couples, Charli & Mark, Gabby & Val, Witney & Wayne, and Gleb & Shangela were on the stage. In fourth place was Gleb and Shangela. Third place Witney & Wayne. That left Charli & Mark and Val & Gabby. Both couples had a perfect score for the night. Finally they announced Charli & Mark as the winners!

Everyone on the show was so happy for them!

I almost forgot that I got a text from Rowan today. He met one of Rita's grandsons who just moved here from Texas, in his finance class. His name is Degan Greenlaw. Rita told me that he has never been baptized, Emily, Rita's daughter, and Degan's mom is inactive and doing things she shouldn't be doing and Degan's dad is anti. I am wondering if I should tell Rowan or if he will find out on his own. It's a small world.

Sunday, November 20th, 2022: Stake Conference, Addy's ?, Lunch, Rest, Blog, Index-Review, Family History, Facetime J, K, Ch, 2 new temples dedicated

Manhattan, New York 

119th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Son of man

Mark 10:33

Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:

Book of Mormon

Mormon 2:17-29

Come Follow Me

Review Amos & Obadiah

OctGenCon

"Happy and Forever"

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"Happy and forever" are not the imaginary stuff of fairy tales. True, enduring joy and eternity with those we love are the very essence of God's plan of happiness. His lovingly prepared way can make our eternal journey happy and forever.

Up at 5:30. Yes, I slept in because I went to bed so late. 

Two temples will be dedicated today, the 174th and 175th temples.

Quito, Ecuador by Elder Quentin L. Cook and Belem, Brazil by Elder Dale G. Renlund.

We had stake conference again this morning. We got there early enough to listen to the choir's prelude but not early enough to sit in the chapel. Instead of leaving at 8:45 James wasn't ready and we didn't leave until 8:55. We sat in the overflow next to Kim and Greg Anderson. James and Greg sat together and chatted about work before the meeting started. Sue Hubble sat next to me. The choir sounds beautiful. They even had a harp, a cello and several flute to accompany them. We had five members of our ward in the choir. Pierce and Susan Goodman, Jennifer Golly, Tamara Applegate, and Anne Johnson. When we first arrived Pierce and Susan were in the foyer while the choir was taking a break and I introduced myself to Susan. She has a nice smile.

Here are some of the songs the choir sang: "Come to Me", "Heavenly Father, Are You Really There?", "The King of Love, My Shepherd Is", "It Is Well with My Soul". Songs we sang with the choir: "Come Ye Thankful People Come", "Redeemer of Israel", and "How Firm a Foundation".

Here are some notes I took:

President Alder - I am a Dodger's fan. He wonders why. He remembers going to the Dodger's games with his grandfather. He remembers spreading Dodger's peanuts over his grandfather's grave. Why does he love the Dodger's. It's not the players, it's the memories and feelings of love he received attending those games with his grandfather. We might ask ourselves the question: Why am I here today and what are my feelings towards Jesus Christ and His gospel? Joseph of Egypt, Pahoran to Moroni. Does conflict with others change our faith in the Lord? 2 Ne. 26:24. Jesus sacrificed His life for all men. Why am I where I am? Jesus Christ is the reason I am where I am.

Ethan Cavey - 17 year old priest. How my relationship with the Savior has helped me to prepare to make temple covenants and prepare for a mission. After his sophomore year he decided he needed to make the Savior more a part of his life. If we are near Him and know Him it is easier to share the gospel. 

Sister Best - A fulltime missionary now serving in Lakeside. Jesus Christ changed my heart about serving in Arizona. He has the power to change us. I feel closest to God in the temple. Trials of faith prepared me for my mission. My dad died two years ago. God prepares us for our trials.

Shana Atkinson (Counselor in the Stake Primary Presidency)

Talked about a Dystopian Society. We chose God's plan. We have the power to choose. For the Strength of Youth helps youth to make inspired choices. Jesus Christ is the way to eternal joy. You are a beloved spirit child of God. Your Father in Heaven trusts you. Decisions determine destiny. Brent Nielsen was her stake president in Idaho. "Fear not". "Doubt not." "Be of good cheer." "Let not your heart be troubled."

Elle Burgess - Just returned from a mission in Colorado. Worried about where she would go. Called to Sydney, Australia but served in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It doesn't matter where you are called, you are called to the work. She loved helping people come closer to Christ. She loved the people of Colorado. D&C 80:3. The Book of Mormon is one of the most powerful tools a missionary has. Read the Book of Mormon! The Book of Mormon changes lives. Love-Share-Invite. Who needs the gospel? The Atonement of Jesus Christ can change anyone's life. Return with Honor. Bore her testimony.

President Beeler - Grateful for the choir, and the missionary stories. We want to increase Covenant Consciousness in this conference. We want to become more like Him. What have I learned that wasn't said? D&C 43:7-9. Know how to act. Doing or Becoming. Sanctified - Bind ourselves to act in all holiness. Pay attention to the Spirit. Grandfather was color blind and so am I. Purple suit story. Mark 10:17-22. Savior to the young man. Go, give all to the poor, take up your cross and follow me. The young man turned and went away.

We must take up our cross and follow Him. We need to give up worldly things and bind ourselves to Him. Transformational. Overcome and Become. Our God was a covenant making God from the very beginning of time. Prayerfully plan and align our plans with God's will. Always ask ourselves: How will this decisions affect my ability to serve God.? Testimony of his son Trenton who is serving a mission in Chile. "It was a grind and a half ( I think he means it was hard). I couldn't have done it without the Savior and His Atonement. Why can't everyone understand this. The gospel is simple and simply wonderful." We need to take a "daily walk with Jesus" to truly get to know Him. 

Goodbye to Susan. Her daughter has an appointment in the valley tomorrow with a new doctor trying some new medicine. I told her that I would pray that things would go well for her. 

I got a text from Addy during conference. 

I was talking to my non-member friend about the plan of salvation and I told her that only those who knew God and still denied Him would go to hell like the sons of perdition and she asked what it meant to know God and if since she used to believe in God but doesn't think she does anymore would she go to hell. I know knowing God in this sense doesn't meant faith but I wasn't sure how to explain. How would you explain it?

Me: I looked up what a Son of Perdition is in the guide to the scriptures and unless your friend is a follower of Satan and has turned utterly against God, she will not be going to hell. Here is part of the list I found under Sons of Perdition:

The followers of Satan who will suffer with him in eternity. Sons of perdition include (1) those who followed Satan and were cast out of heaven for rebellion during premortality and (2) those who were permitted to be born to this world with physical bodies but then served Satan and turned utterly against God. Those in this second group will be resurrected from the dead but will not be redeemed from the second (spiritual) death and cannot dwell in a kingdom of glory (DC 88:32, 35). Sons of perdition deny the HOly Spirit after receiving it, DC 76:35. Sons of perdition deny the Son after the Father has revealed Him, DC 76:43. 

I hope this helps. I would tell her she needs to learn more about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to decide how she feels about them. She is a child of God and is loved by Them.

I also wrote: What is the desire of her heart? Would she be willing to pray to know if there is a God? To see who inherits a kingdom of glory and what you have to do to qualify for one, read DC 76.

Followers of Christ who have repented will not have to suffer for their sins. Those who don't repent will have to suffer for their sins to inherit a kingdom of glory. When I think of Jesus suffering and dying for my sins I am overcome with love for Him. I just want everyone to love the gospel as much as I do! Have a great day and if you tell me your friends name I will pray for her.

Her name is Hannah.

This afternoon I blogged, indexed, and did some family history.

This evening Sandra Wilhelm and two of her younger kids, George and Nellie delivered our pies that we ordered from them. We got four pies, key lime, pumpkin, cherry, and triple berry. I ordered the key lime pie for James and he doesn't like it. I told him I would remake it tomorrow and add some Eagle Brand milk and cream cheese. He seemed excited.

This evening we FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. Charlie was very friendly and showed me both of their Christmas trees, the small one in her bedroom and the family one. She said the family tree has white lights because that's what her mom likes. Jared put some colored lights outside on their house. There are white lights in with the colored lights. When he asked Charlie if she liked them she said, Yeah, all except the white ones.  Charlie also sang Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to us. She talked about spending the night at Scarlett's and how Scarlett has a Barbie doll and a Skipper doll. I told her that Skipper was Barbie's little sister.

Kacey has been called to be their ward's Young Women President. Jared, as part of his high council calling, is a counselor in the Stake Young Men's Presidency. Jared told about something their stake is doing. They discussed Alma 8:10: Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city; that he would also grant that he might baptize them unto repentance. The entire stake is praying at 8:10 everyday to have this scripture realized in their area so they might have more baptisms. I love this idea. I know there is power in group prayers!

This evening I made my temple appointments for December and had a piece of pumpkin pie with lots of Coolwhip. It's my favorite. 

Sweet Charlie