Monday, March 13, 2023: Barnett, Delaney, Perkins, Dr. Palmer, Circle K carwash & vacuum, Walmart - ward members, Sonic, "The Way Home", Brian's podcast, Asked to speak Easter Sunday

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

Mark 6:11

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 31:1-21

Come Follow Me

Matthew 11-12; Luke 11 "I Will Give You Rest"

Jesus' Name

Lord of the Sabbath

Scripture

Matthew 11:29 - Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

OctGenCon

The Doctrine of Belonging

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Thus, the doctrine of belonging comes down to this - each one of us can affirm: Jesus Christ died for me; He thought me worthy of HIs blood. He loves me and can make all the difference in my life. As I repent, His grace will transform me. I am one with Him in the gospel covenant; I belong in His Church and kingdom; and I belong in HIs cause to bring redemption to all of God's children.

100 Favorite Verses - "The Power of Good Parenting"

3 Nephi 22:13

And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

James drove me in to town this morning for my eye doctor appointment. My appointment was at 8:50 and we arrived at 8:35. We passed Sister Vaught in her blue truck just before we turned in to Barnett-Delaney-Perkins.

I checked in and within five minutes I was called back. The girl who called me back examined my eyes, which took about five minutes and then she left and said Dr. Palmer would be right in. I waited at least 15 minutes and wondered how he could be so far behind in his appointments this early in the morning. He finally came in, he spent about five minutes or less examining me and we were done.   I told him I had an appointment at Chandler Eyecare for new glasses. He told me I didn't need to check out but could just exit, so I did.

James picked me up and I was getting into the car I noticed Sean Hunsaker coming out of the building and said hello to him. I asked him if he was getting his eyes checked and he said he had gotten a piece of metal in his eye and the doctor had removed it and he was doing fine. I told him I was glad and we said goodbye. 

James had washed the car while I was in my appointment but he said they didn't have vacuums at Circle K. I told him they did so we headed that way. James bought some vacuum time and we went to work. Circle K has the weakest vacuums ever and we did very little good with our vacuuming. My little portable vacuum at home is better. 

Next we went across the street to Walmart. James picked up my prescription while I did a little shopping. I happen to see Theresa Hine from our ward and Jacob Robles with his kids back at the water machine.  After doing my little bit of shopping I went to the front of the store to look for James and to check out. I saw James across the front of the store talking to Kerri and Catherine Halcomb. I walked towards them but when I got there James was gone. I spoke to Kerri and Catherine a few minutes and then went to look for James. I couldn't find him so I ended up calling him and told him I was ready to check out. Funny thing, I saw Sean Hunsaker again, this time in the prescription line at Walmart.

James and I checked out and I ordered Sonic while we were checking out. We headed right there when we were finished. It took about 15 minutes from the time I called until we drove into their lot.  When we got there they had not even started our order. I was a little frustrated but tried not to complain too much. 

On the way to town this morning we read from the Book of Mormon and then read the intro to the Come Follow Me lesson and all of the scripture chapters associated with the lesson. On the way home we listened to our Fire & Steel series, volume 4, The Proud Shall Stumble.

James carries in the groceries and put the perishables in the refrigerator while I went in and changed in to my comfy clothes. 

During our rest time we watched the next episode of "The Way Home." Only two more episodes to go. I wonder if we will ever find out what happened to Jacob.

I also watched a new Hallmark Movie & Mystery movie, "Unexpected Grace." It was really good. I also did two blog posts. 

It was a beautiful sunny day with the high in the mid 50's. 

This evening James called Pierce to see if we were still on for "Come Follow Me." Pierce said 12 guests just arrived at his house so I guess we won't be meeting tonight. 

Later Pierce called James back and asked if he and I could speak in sacrament meeting on Easter Sunday. James answered for me and  said we would be glad to. The only direction Pierce gave was that our talks need to be about 12 minutes long and they should be Christ-centered. Now I have a lesson to prepare, a cake to bake for a ward party, and a talk to prepare. It's nice to be busy doing worthwhile things.

James spent part of the day trying to put the Razr back together. He said some screws were missing and he may have to go into town tomorrow to get some more. If he buys them at Show Low Motorsport they cost $5 a screw. 

Brian started a life improvement podcast. So far he has done two episodes. I listened to both of them. They were good.  He quoted Dr. Kim D'Armo about loving yourself. He said: Don't "should" on yourself.

My 500 piece egg puzzle

Asa River Hoose

My Book of Mormon Blog

I started a Book of Mormon blog. Mainly it is questions and answers, principles and truths I feel are important. Sunday will be a review day where I evaluate what I have learned for the week.

  

 

Sunday, March 12, 2023: James goes to ward council & Sunday meetings, I stay home, Work on my blog for the first time in a week, Egg salad sandwiches, "Don't Miss This"

 

Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua

55th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

Matthew 16:17

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my father which is in heaven.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 30:1-18

Come Follow Me

"Don't Miss This" for the coming week

Jesus' Name

Deliverer

Scripture Phrase

"He that findeth his life shall lost it and he that loseth his life for my sake shall lost it. - Matthew 10:39

OctGenCon

And They Sought To See Jesus Who He Was

Elder James W. McConkie III

Of the Seventy

The four emphasize the spiritual importance of community and fellowship. In order to bring their friend to Christ, each of the four must carry their corner. If one lets go, things get more difficult. If two give up, the task effectively becomes impossible. Each of us has a role to play in the kingdom of God. As we fill that role and do our part, we carry our corner. Whether in Argentina or Vietnam, Accra or Brisbane, a branch or a ward, a family or a missionary companionship, we each have a corner to carry. As we do, and if we will, the Lord blesses us all. As He saw their faith, so will He see ours and bless us as a people.

Building A Life Resistant To The Adversary

Elder Jorge F. Zeballos

Of the Seventy

I pray that we may continue to build our lives following the plans and technical specifications of the divine design authored by our Father and achieved through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thus, because of the grace that reaches us through the Atonement of our Savior, we will be successful in constructing a life resistant to sin, resistant to temptations, and strengthened to endure the sad, difficult times in our lives. And furthermore, we will be in a condition to access all the blessings promised through the love of our Father and our Savior. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

100 Favorite Verses - "Contention Is Not Of The Lord"

D&C 136:23

Cease to contend one with another; cease to speak evil one of another.

James left for ward council this morning before 7:30. We had family prayer before he left then I went back to sleep for a little while. Right after he is finished with ward council it will be time for Sacrament meeting and then Elder's Quorum where he is conducting. Chuck and Gary are both home with ailments or sickness.

I went on YouTube and watched a talk by Sheri Dew and then one by Wendy Watson Nelson. I felt spiritually fed. I also watched the first episode of Season 3 of The Chosen and part of the second episode.

When James got home he fixed us some egg salad sandwiches for lunch. They were yummy! After we ate and he cleaned the kitchen, he came over to the couch where I was and laid his head in my lap and took a nap. I am feeling better today but still not 100%.

This afternoon I went in to the computer and worked on my blog. I posted for Tuesday, March 7th and Wednesday, March 8th.

James had a struggle this afternoon. He was doing indexing and realized he needed more help or he was never going to meet our ward goals. He tried to go onto LDS Tools to get phone numbers but he messed up his password and it started a chain of most unfortunate events. I tried to help him but I'm afraid I wasn't much help. He even got a message that said; "Have your parent help you with your password." He finally gave up and said he would try again tomorrow. He is also having some internal pain from his procedure.

This evening I watched next week's episode of "Don't Miss This."

My friend Catherine checked on me today to see how I was doing. When I told her earlier I had a sore throat she gave me a home remedy that seemed to help. Today I told her I had a cough and she gave me another home remedy. Honey with a touch of cinnamon warmed so it slides down your throat.

I slept in my own bed tonight with my sweetheart. It feels so good.

Earthquake in Turkey

Saturday, March 11, 2023: Jarred MacArthur leaves, Kacey & Jared's weekend adventures, James goes to Joe Vaal's, Kathy C. has Covid, Last night on recliner

 

Anchorage, Alaska

54th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

Luke 9:20

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 29:1-14

Come Follow Me

Videos: Jairus' Daughter; A Woman of Faith is Healed.

Jesus' Name

Deliverer

Phrase

"Arise Damsel, I say unto thee, arise."

OctGenCon

In Partnership With The Lord

Elder Ulisses Soares

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Brothers and sisters, the Savior set the perfect example of unity and harmony of purpose and doctrine with our Father in Heaven. He prayed in behalf of His disciples, saying, "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: . . . that they may be one, even as we are one."

 Jarred MacArthur left today for Alaska where he is a Hot Shot jumper. I guess they anticipate fire season starting early this year because he usually doesn't leave for another month or so.

Kacey texted to see how we were doing today. She knows I have been sick. I told her I was better and I asked how they were doing. She said she and Autumn went to TOFW and the temple with her sisters and they had a wonderful time. She said she finally got to see the changes in the endowment session and really loved them.  

Kacey told me that Jared had gone to San Antonio with Charlie to see his other girls. He had lunch with Anna and Shaun and then went to Emmy's soccer game. He and Charlie stayed in a motel and Molly joined them. I guess it was a wonderful weekend for Kacey, Jared, and Charlie. 

This afternoon the missionaries asked James to go to Joe Vaal's with them. When James returned home I asked him how it went and instead of his usual "great" he said, "not so good." When I asked what happened he said the doctor had told Joe he could not get his feet wet for fear of infection. He doesn't see how he can be baptized without getting his feet wet. James tried to encourage him with a couple of ideas but Joe was still skeptical. We are praying that he will find a way to keep his feet dry while being baptized. All things are possible with the Lord.

The news from our next door neighbors, the Crane's, is not good. Not only does Chuck have Covid but so does Kathy. Kathy just had pneumonia around Christmas time so we are concerned about her. Chuck has breathing problems and also heart problems too. 

I have decided that I am so much better that tonight will be my last night sleeping on the recliner. This made James happy.

Storm over the Grand Canyon

Friday, March 10, 2023: Tanner's 19th bday, Food to MacArthur's, Prescriptions & Amazon orders, Needy family, Sleepless in Seattle

 

Monticello, Utah

53rd operating temple

Dedicated: 26 July 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

Matthew 16:16

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 28:17-32

Come Follow Me

Matthew 10:34-39 What did Jesus mean by "I came not to send peace, but a sword"?

Jesus' Name

Deliverer

Scripture

He that findeth his life shall lost it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. - Matthew 10:39

OctGenCon

Be Perfected In Him

Elder Paul V. Johnson

Of the Presidency of the Seventy

Our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, love us and have graciously offered to change us and perfect us. They want to do this. It is central to Their work and glory. I testify They have power to do this as we come to Them in faith. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Greetings and salutations! I say that although my sickness continues. 

Happy 19th Birthday

Tanner!

That looks like Kacey's famous

banana pudding!

I finished preparing dinner for the MacArthur's this morning and James took it over to them around 2 p.m. I heated up the chicken enchiladas, made some refried beans, and some cheese dip with chips and tortillas. I made some strawberry brownies as dessert. 

Chelsea sent me a thank you. Tomorrow Jarred leaves for Alaska. I am sorry we didn't get to have them over for dinner like we had originally planned. Hopefully we will be able to do that sometime soon.

Stacy checked on me today to see how I was doing. I appreciate her concern. 

After leaving the MacArthur's James went in to town for me. What would I do without him? He stopped at the post office and picked up several things I had ordered from Amazon,  then he went to Walmart to pick up prescriptions I had ordered. He came home with three prescriptions instead of four. He picked up Tramadol, Levothyroxin, and Metoprolol. Hydrochlorothiazide was missing so I went to Walmart's online site to order it. It showed that it had already been filled so I called the store. I told the person I spoke to my situation and she said, "Oh that's a new prescription." I told her no, it wasn't. It needed doctor approval for a refill but it was not new. She apologized that they had overlooked it when James came in for pick up today. I told her we had to come from Vernon which is a 60 mile round trip. She apologized again. I guess there isn't anything else she can do. It's just frustrating.

Paula Johnson sent out a plea for help on Faceboo for a family whose roof caved in and left an 8'by8' hole. James and I donated some money, but Paula said one gentleman bought all of the supplies to fix the roof and then went over and helped two of the family members do the repairs. Paula told him she had other donations that would cover his cost of materials and he said no, keep it for the family. The family was so very grateful for all that was done for them and promised they would help others who were in need.

When I told James about this I asked him if he thought we knew the person who donated the supplies and fixed the roof. He said: "It was probably Pierce Goodman." He is probably right but of course we don't know for sure.

I watched another old movie today, "Sleepless in Seattle." It would be a good one if not for some of the language and inappropriate conversations.

Sweet Scarlett

Snow on the Tucson temple

Thursday, March 9, 2023: Started dinner for MacArthur's but they won't be home so I stopped, Inklings w/ Rio & Courtney, "Secretariat",

 

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

Luke 21:13

And it shall turn to you for a testimony.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 28:1-16

Come Follow Me

Matthew 10:17-20 When I am in the Lord's service, He will inspire me with what to say.

Jesus' Name

Deliverer

Phrase

He that findeth his life shall lost it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. - Matthew 10:39

OctGenCon

Beauty For Ashes: The Healing Path Of Forgiveness

Sister Kristin M. Yee

Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

To all who are brokenhearted, captive, bruised, and perhaps blinded by hurt or sin, He offers healing, recovery, and deliverance. I testify that that healing and recovery He offers is real. The timing of that healing is individual, and we cannot judge another's timing. It is important to allow ourselves the necessary time to heal and to be kind to ourselves in the process. The Savior is ever merciful and attentive and stands ready to provide the succor we need.

Another sick day. I put a roast in the oven this morning and I thought I was supposed to cook it at 200 degrees for 10 hours but the recipe said 375 degrees so I put it on 325. When I took it out 8 hours later I saved it from burning to a crisp. I should have listened to my intuition and put it on 200 degrees. The outside has a hard crust but the inside is okay. 

I made some chicken enchiladas with white sauce. A batch for us and a batch for the MacArthur's.  Just after I finished the enchiladas I got a  text from Chelsea saying: We ended up having to come to town and we probably won't be home till late tonight. So sorry as this messes up the drop off of dinner.

I responded with the following:

Can we bring it by in the morning and you can have it for lunch?

No answer. I quit cooking for the day, did the dishes and went back to my bed on the couch. 

I slept on the recliner again tonight. After James went to bed I turned on Disney Plus and discovered the old movie "Secretariat." I stayed up and watched it all. What an amazing horse story! Tomorrow I am going to have James watch it with me.

I started watching Inklings today but when I found out Emily wasn't on, I turned it off. I really wasn't feeling up to it anyway. Rio and Courtney were taking her place. I love both of them but because I don't feel well it's hard to get into anything that requires any thinking. 

Sheri's puzzle

First he snarls and then he licks Max's face

Sweet Charlie

Lots of memories!

Blueberry lemon cake