Thursday, March 16, 2023: Inklings, Follow Him, Blog catchup, J & Collin bless Crane's, Trip to Town - Truck title, look @ trucks, Vacuum, Walk

 

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

John 1:34

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 1:1-19

Come Follow Me

Matthew 12:34-37; Luke 11:33-44 "My words and actions reflect what is in my heart.

Jesus' Name

Lord of the Sabbath

Scripture

Matt 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

Are You Still Willing?

Elder Kevin W. Pearson

Of the Seventy

The most powerful spiritual influence in the life of a child is the righteous example of loving parents and grandparents who faithfully keep their own sacred covenants. Intentional parents teach their children faith in the Lord Jesus Christ so that they too "may know to wehat source they may look for a remission of their sins." Casual and inconsistent covenant keeping leads to spiritual casualty. The spiritual damage is often greatest on our children and grandchildren. Parents and grandparents, are we still willing?

Courage To Proclaim The Truth

Elder Denelson Silva

Of the Seventy

The challenges of life can knock us down, but know that when we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, "our afflictions shall be but a small moment" (D&C 121:7) in the grand scope of eternity. Please do not create a deadline for the end of your difficulties and challenges. Trust in Heavenly Father and do not give up, for if we do give up, we will never know how the end of our journey would have been in the kingdom of God.

100 Favorite Verses - "A Sure Foundation"

Helaman 5:12

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Up at 5 this morning. It was cold and rainy today, half the sky was cloud and the other half the sun was shining. It reminds me of what Pierce said once: "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change."

I spent the morning studying the gospel and working on my blog. I did two blog posts and watched Emily and her friend from high school and college on Inklings. The talk we are discussing is "The Virtue of the Word" by Elder Eddy. It was a great discussion about scripture and prayer to get closer to God.

For lunch I made green chili meat and beans which we ate with corn tortilla chips. After lunch I was in the bedroom when James came in and said he was leaving. When I asked him where he was going, he said to the Crane's. Chuck had called and asked if he would come over and help Collin to give them each a blessing. 

James put on a white shirt and tie, Sunday pants and shoes. I told him I didn't think Collin would be dressed up but he said that didn't matter, that this is what he was taught, when you perform a priesthood ordinance you dress appropriately. 

Stacy is trying to sell my life insurance policy. I took pictures of the policy and sent them to her. I told James that whatever we get from the policy, if we sell it, he can have to put towards his truck. 

James ask me to go into town with him this afternoon. He picked up the title to his truck at Desert Title and sent it to the insurance company so he can get his check from them to buy another truck.

While we were in town we looked at a couple of trucks. One was white and the other was red, the only two colors of cars/trucks that I like. Both were too much but maybe with the life insurance policy money we could afford them. We shall see.

This evening I walked and watched Reba and then James came in and we listened to Hitler in our book. He's the devil.

Jaclyn Smith and her son Gaston, his partner,

and friends

Wednesday, March 15, 2023: RS Temple Day, 16 members of our ward at the temple!, Tender moment w/ the Barbara's, James's stress w/ computer

 

Guaquil, Ecuador

58th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

D&C 75:20

And in whatsoever house ye enter, and they receive you not, ye shall depart speedily from that house, and shake off the dust of your feet as a testimony against them.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 33:1-15

Come Follow Me

Matthew 12:1-13 "Do well on the sabbath days."

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

Wholehearted

Sister Michelle D. Craig

First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency

 When hard times come, I try to remember that I chose to follow Christ before I came to earth and that challenges to my faith, my health, and my endurance are all part of the reason I'm here. And I certainly should never think that today's trial calls into question God's love for me or let it turn my faith in Him into doubt. Trials do not mean that the plan is failing; they are part of the plan meant to help me seek God. I become more like Him when I endure patiently, and hopefully, like Him, when in agony, I pray more earnestly.

100 Favorite Verses - "He Is Risen"

Luke 24:5-6

5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

I got up at 5:20 this morning thinking, today is the day I go to the temple with my friends in the Vernon ward. It was something for me to look forward to.

I am a little concerned about my cough, but I am going to exercise my faith and press forward. 

I left our house at 9:30 this morning to pick up Catherine and Ruth. As I passed the church I saw two cars there, Barbara Bartels and Barbara Sayers. I picked up Catherine and we were on our way down the 60 when I suddenly realized I had passed the Crossroads, 3148, where Ruth was waiting for us to pick her up. I immediately turned around and came back. Just as I drove up Ruth was calling me. She saw me and ended the call. I apologized when she got in.

It rained off and on all the way to Snowflake. I dropped Ruth and Catherine off at the door while I found a parking space. The wind was blowing hard, but that goodness no rain as I hurried up the sidewalk leading to the temple doors. Inside I shared the elevator with a brother who was a temple worker.

I saw Natalie Robles in the dressing room and she asked if she could have a ride home with us. I told her yes that we had one seat left in our car and she was welcome to have it.

We had 16 members of the Vernon ward in the temple today. There were 8 sisters and 3 brothers in our session: Barbara B., Barbara S., Kristine Hipps, Tamara Applegate, Linda Diewald, Catherine Halcomb, Ruth Wallace, and myself. Jimmie Applegate, Jim Diewald, and Brother Hipps. Natalie Robles did initiatory and Rick and Rosie Lauritzen, Theresa Hine, and Kristy Ellsworth did baptisms. 

Two other of my dear friends were in our session, Kim Seaman and Karen Gilliland. Two friends from high school, Charles Patterson and Darlene Palmer. Wow, this was a great day at the temple. 

There was a tender moment during our session that absolutely touched my heart. I was finished putting my ordinance clothes on and I turned around to see the two Barbara's. Barbara Sayer has had two strokes and has difficulty walking and with her coordination.  Barbara Bartels was dressing Barbara Sayer in her ordinance clothes and she had not even started dressing herself. It was just the sweetest thing. Barbara B. is an 88 year old temple worker who comes here often. Barbara S. hasn't been in a long time but she has a sweet friend who wants her to feel warm and comfortable so she will come back again. This was the highlight of my day. Barbara Bartels is one of my spiritual heroes!

One the way home we all voted to go to Sonic instead of meeting at a restaurant. We each got our Slinger sandwich and away we went. The closer we got to Vernon the more it rained. We dropped Natalie off at Dollar General where her husband picked her up, then it was Ruth and then Catherine. 

When I got home the first thing James asked me was, "Did you get the mail." No I did not. I was just to anxious to get home after being gone for five hours. He went into to Vernon to get the mail because he is expecting a check, which he didn't get. 

James had some frustrations with the computer this evening. I tried to help but he just kept getting more frustrated. I'm afraid I didn't react very well and as a result we went to bed without a kiss goodnight. I got my feelings hurt because I thought he was upset with me. He says he wasn't upset with me but just angry at the situation. Big misunderstanding. I just remember our commitment to have no contention in our home and it breaks my heart when something like this happens.  

Scarlett at a kite flying contest

Pi Day

What's your favorite?

Charlie flying her kite

Sheri & Ben waiting for pizza
 

Tuesday, March 14, 2023: Elder Corbridge's talk, "The Way", Errand for Kathy, J takes Virgil to Stake Center & shopping, "Follow Him w/ John Hilton III

 

Bogota, Columbia

57th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 April 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

Luke 9:5

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 32:1-9

"Come Follow Me"

Matt. 11:28-30 Jesus Christ will give me rest as I rely on Him. 

"Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease" - David A. Bednar

"Come Unto Christ-Living as Latter-day Saints" - John A. McCune

"The Way" - Elder E. Corbridge

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 y shall find rest unto your souls.

OctGenCon

Our Earthly Stewardship

Bishop Gerald Causse

Presiding Bishop

As disciples of Christ, we have a solemn duty to work tirelessly for peace and harmony among all nations of the earth. We must do our very best to protect and bring solace and relief to the weak, the needy, and all those who suffer or who are oppressed. Above all, the greatest gift of love we can offer our fellow men is to share with them the joy of the gospel and invite them to come unto their Savior through sacred covenants and ordinances. 

100 Favorite Verses - "The Savior's Intimate Atonement"

D&C 18:11

Ask the Father in my name in faith, believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men.

John 12:32

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

I woke up at 4:41 and said, "I will sleep until five." The next time I woke up it was 6:09. I need to get up when I wake up!

I think I found the conference address that I want to base my talk on Easter Sunday. It is from the October 2008 General Conference and is called, "The Way" by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge. It is a powerful testimony of Jesus' words and a powerful testimony of Jesus as the only Way to return to the Father. It brought tears to my eyes and a chill down my back. I listened to it more than once.

I also began studying Sister Michelle D. Craig's talk from this last conference, "Wholeheartedness", as it is one of the talks our Relief Society discussion on March 26th will be based on. 

James took a nap in his sauna blanket today and when he got out he was soaked! He took a shower and felt so much better than before!

Since I didn't see my friend Sue Hubble at church on Sunday I texted her today to remind her of our trip to the temple tomorrow. She texted me back with the following message:

Oh my, I sure am glad you texted me. I ended up coming to New Mexico to visit sisters and I brough the two granddaughters. We also went to Truth or Consequences to see my husbands siblings. So no, I won't make it.

I talked to Catherine yesterday at Walmart and told her I would be going unless she heard from me, and Ruth called me today to make sure I was going. I'm going even though I still have a cough. I'm going to take lots of cough drops with me and exercise some faith. I remember President Monson saying, "When you are on the Lord's errand you will receive the Lord's blessing."

I texted my friend Kathy Crane who has Covid and asked her if she needed anything in town.  I thought James was going in to get screws and I was either going to go with him or ask him to do a little shopping for the Crane's. Kathy asked for corn tortillas and two dozen eggs from the MacArthur's. I called Chelsea and arranged for the eggs later on this afternoon when she gets home and I asked James if he was going to town. He said no. I said what about the screws. He said Rowan knew where the old ones were and he texted Rowan and got the information and he now has screws. I told him my dilemma and that I was going to go to Dollar General first to see if they have any corn tortillas. He said he needed to stay home and work because he is going to town this evening to take Virgil Cooper to get his temple recommend signed by a member of the stake presidency. 

I stopped at the post office and mailed Kaitlyn Judd's wedding card and then on to Dollar General. They had absolutely no tortillas but I did find a drink, some ice cream and a centerpiece for James's bedroom desk. Don't judge.

They had a big package of corn tortillas at Safeway, no smaller ones so that's what I got. I also found my favorite bodywash that they don't have at Walmart anymore, Softsoap Honeysuckle and Orange Burst. I love that it smells just like fresh orange blossoms!

Of course I had to make a Sonic run, two slingers, small mozarella sticks, and a medium diet Dr. Pepper.

I get back home around 5 and James doesn't have to leave to pick up Virgil until 6. James goes over to Chelsea's and gets the eggs, and deliver eggs, corn tortillas, and empty food containers to the Crane's. Kathy asks how much she owes us and James says there is no charge. Thanks Honey for making this delivery.

While James was gone with Virgil I called him and told him he should invite Virgil out to dinner with him. He said that Virgil wanted to go shopping at Walmart after his interview so that was probably what they would do. 

James said Virgil bought pomegranate juice because the doctor told him it was good for his heart and his arteries. James drinks it every morning. I tried it and I don't see how he does it, it was nasty tasting to me. I don't understand because pomegranates are so good. Anyway James buys the cheapest brand he can get. He happened to be running low and bought a bottle. He said Virgil bought the expensive Pom brand, the one in the "sexy" bottle. Hmm, I never thought of a bottle being "sexy", but okay, I know which one you mean.

I finished my book, "Timeless Waltz" and start a new one, "Secret of the Sonnets" by Samantha Hastings.

James and I listen and walk this evening. We are almost finished with volume 4 of Fire & Steel. The story is about the crash of the stock market in 1929.

Carol Ray's grandson is getting married

My two great friends Carol and Sue!

Asa River Hoose

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