Thursday, March 23, 2023: James gets his money for his truck, Sheri & Ben run, Whole wheat pancakes w/ pecans, Two puzzles, "Unexpected Grace", Evan drives J's truck, Pasta dinner

 

Billings, Montana

66th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

John 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:28-60 Third Visit

Come Follow Me

Matt 13:24-30, 36-43 The righteous must grow among the wicked until the end of the world.

Jesus' Name

Teacher/Sower

Word

Parable

Phrase

He who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

OctGenCon

Overcome The World And Find Rest

President Russell M. Nelson

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

My plea to you this morning is to find rest from the intensity, uncertainty, and anguish of this world by overcoming the world through your covenants with God. Let Him know through your prayers and your actions that you are serious about overcoming the world. Ask Him to enlighten your mind and send the help you need. Each day, record the thoughts that come to you as you pray; then follow through diligently. Spend more time in the temple, and seek to understand how the temple teaches you to rise above this fallen world.

100 Favorite Verses - "The Savior's Mercy & Love"

3 Nephi 10:6

O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart.

Inklings

"The Answer Is Jesus" by Elder Ryan K. Olsen

I got up at 5:30 this morning and checked our bank account. James needs to call Horne Auto and let them know when his money comes in. It came in and so later he called and told them. He had to finance $10,000 so we will have truck payments for awhile. Sad, because we just got his other truck paid off.

Sheri and Ben both ran this morning, in spite of cold weather. Ben ran in the mud, Sheri drove into Vernon and ran on the pavement.

They are dedicated!

I made whole wheat pancakes this morning. I chopped up pecans and added them to Sheri's and James's pancakes. James said they were like IHOP's harvest nut and grain pancakes. Sheri said they reminded her of her childhood. Ben said they were "pretty good." Evan slept through breakfast. 

Sheri finished her M&M puzzle and helped me a little with mine. When we needed a break from doing puzzles we watched one of my favorite March Hallmark movies, "Unexpected Grace" starring Erica Durance and Michael Rady. It was just as good the second time as it was the first. 

James just couldn't stop eating today. He made himself eggs and toast this morning, then he had whole wheat pancakes without nuts and then he roasted some pecans and put them in his pancakes and had them. While we were watching the movie he came in with some Black Raspberry Chip ice cream. How does he do it and not gain any weight?

This afternoon while Sheri was making chocolate chip cookies James and I went in to Dollar General with Evan to get some snacks. We took James's truck and Evan drove. He did a pretty good job except when turning to get on the 61 he went into the oncoming lane (no one was coming), and he got confused going in to the Dollar General parking lot and went on the wrong side of the road. That was James's fault because he confused Evan with his backseat driving.

When we got back home Sheri and Ben were playing Yahtzee. I asked them if they wanted me to make Michael's pasta and Italian sausage, and they said yes. 

Ben loved the pasta. He did ask me to add more sauce, which I did. Sheri liked it too. I'm not sure if Evan had any. He went upstairs with his snacks I bought him at Dollar General and I didn't see him again for quite awhile. Does this boy eat real food?

James, Sheri, Evan and I did "Come Follow Me" this evening. We read and talked about the parable of the Sower. It was good but James wanted to do more. Afterwards James said the family prayer. 

James was scurrying around tonight getting ready to go to the valley early in the morning. Sheri and I watched the movie, "We Wish You A Married Christmas." I warned her it wasn't that good but she likes Kristoffer Polaha and he was in it so we watched it. Afterwards she said: "Yeah, you were right, we should have watched something else. Next time I will trust your judgment."

I worked on my lesson before going to bed and earlier in the day I listened to "Teaching with Power." I love Ben Wilcox.

That ear is so funny!

Kacey, Your neighborhood is gorgeous!

How would you like to receive a "bunny bag"

full of these cookies!

I want some!

Love!

This picture reminds me of a younger Ruby!

Ben Wilcox's 

I love this picture!

Wednesday, March 22, 2023: James diverts water from basement, J new accountant, new truck, Sheri, Ben, Evan here, Mayor of Dork Town, Smores

 

Regina, Saskatchewan

65th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Nov 1999

By: Boyd K. Packer

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

John 8:32

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:15-28

Come Follow Me

Matt 13: 24-35, 44-52; Luke 13:18-21 Jesus' parables help me understand the growth and destiny of His Church.

Jesus' Name

Teacher/ Sower

Word

Parables

Phrase

"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

OctGenCon

Put On Thy Strength, O Zion

Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

As we appropriately seek for the spiritual gift of eyes to see and ears to hear, I promise that we will be blessed with the capacity and judgment to strengthen our covenant connection with the living Lord. We also will receive the power of godliness in our lives - and ultimately be both called to and chosen for the Lord's feast.

100 Favorite Verses - "The Fulness of The Father"

D&C 93:19-20

19 I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in dure time receive of his fulness.

20 For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace.

So much rain and water. James diverted water from the back yard to keep our basement from flooding. There is a stream running through the yard that looks like a little river.

This afternoon James met with the new accountant in Lakeside. Her name is Cheri Witt. We got her name from the Hunsaker's. He said he really likes her and that she is going to be less expensive that Oliver & Spencer.

After meeting with the accountant he went over to Show Low and met with the salesman at Horne Auto. A couple of hours later he came home with the Silver 2021 Silverado that he wanted. It is beautiful and has sideboards that come down when you open the doors. I love it!

While James was gone Sheri, Ben, and Evan arrived. Sheri had asked me which way to come and I hold told her through Payson. She said between Payson and Heber she went through a terrible snowstorm. I apologized but said it was better than coming through Salt River and having a big rock hit the top of your car. She agreed.

James sent me a picture of Show Low creek which is flowing over its banks. There is water flowing everywhere and he told me to tell Sheri to be careful coming down the Hunsaker's road because it is flooded out it at least two places. I told Sheri to stay in the middle of the road just like James said. She made it without even getting her car muddy.

Once Sheri got "settled in" she got out the M&M puzzle I got and began doing it. I had the 1,000 Easter Egg puzzle already out, the border pieces put together and the other pieces in four piles, A, B, C, D. The letters are written on the back of the pieces.

We worked on our pieces for awhile and then James and I went back to town to get my car which James left at Horne Auto. We stopped at Sonic and got Slingers and mozzarella sticks. We also got Evan a lemonade. When we got home Sheri had made hamburgers and hotdogs for the boys for dinner. She cooked them outside on the grill even though it was freezing outside. 

Sheri, Ben and I played Five Crowns. Ben won with only 3 points the entire game. He got the points in the King round. I had 165 points and Sheri had 156. What a game. Sheri had been trash talking Ben before we started playing but it did her no good. 

Evan got his drivers license this week and Ben is moving to Texas next week to work for a pest control company. He will be in Dallas which is only about 2 1/2 hours from Jared & Kacey. I hope he gets to see them.

James got a call from St. Joseph's hospital today. It was someone names Celeste and she said she had the results of his biopsy. I thought we had already receive the results when the doctor called last week and when the operating doctor said he could find no signs of cancer. Anyway, James missed the call and will call back tomorrow.

James built a fire so Sheri and the boys could make smores. Ben said he was too full so it was just Sheri and Evan. I actually roasted a marshmallow so I guess you can count me as part of the group.

Sheri and I were watching a Christmas movie, "Merry Measure" and James was watching it with us. He called someone a dork and Sheri said, "Hey, I'm the mayor of Dork Town." It was funny. .. I guess you had to have been there.

Lemon Bar Cake

Our Friends, The Hatch's

The narrator of the "Fire & Steel" books

He can do any voice.

He is amazing!

Triple Berry Cake

The Sneskos' in Seaside

I went there with Dennis & Denise

and my Mom

Looks Amish and is beautiful!

Memory: James's truck on fire

Coconut Raspberry Lemon Cake

This is the one Kim is making for 

her ward party

Love!

Tuesday, March 21, 2023: Rain on the 1st day of spring, BM text Addy, Good blood sugar, Lesson, Check, DG drinks, J's mtg, Follow Him, Index

 

Halifax, Nova Scotia

64th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

John 8:17

It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:1-18

Come Follow Me

Matt. 13:3-23; Luke 8:4-15; 13:6-9 My heart must be prepared to receive the word of God.

Jesus' Name

Teacher/Sower

Word

Parable

Phrase

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

OctGenCon

Patterns Of Discipleship

Elder Joseph W. Sitati

Emeritus Member of the Seventy

Like the Lord's living prophets and apostles, we can go forth with "bowels . . . full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, with virtue garnishing our thoughts unceasingly; . . . and our confidence waxing strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood . . . distilling upon our souls as the dews from heaven."

Lasting Discipleship

President Steven J. Lund

Young Men General President

I know that through trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ and His covenant path, 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. May we each move ever closer to those warming fires and, come what may, remain.

100 Favorite Verses - "Whatever is Expedient Shall Be Given"

D&C 88:64

Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;

The first thing I noticed when I got up this morning was a text from Addy regarding a scripture passage from the Book of Mormon. In this text she basically testified of the importance of prayer and relying on God like Nephi did. Wow! This really made my day that one of my grandchildren would read something from the Book of Mormon, feel inspired, and share that inspiration with me. I am so grateful.

We had rain, snow and sunshine today but mostly rain. This for the first day of spring.

I had a good blood sugar today so I ate my last waffle with real sugar. My weight is staying the same which is not a good thing. I do need to eat less.

I worked on my lesson today. It's about keeping covenants and commandments. As part of my preparation I listed all of the commandments and covenants we make. The list was lengthy as I included those things mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount as well as the Ten Commandments. 

I made a stew today and it tasted delicious! The ideal meal for a cold, rainy day. 

James went to the post office this afternoon to see if his check came, and it did. As part of the celebration for this great event, he went to Dollar General and bought me a couple of drinks. 

This afternoon we listened to "Out of the Smoke" while walking. Hitler is more conniving, manipulative and evil than he has ever been up to this time. He burned down a government building and blamed it on the Communists and had 4,000 people arrested. Hans is sickened by his actions but can't quit because Hitler is paying him so well and unemployment in Germany is at 50%. This is in 1933. It's kind of like James always says about UPS...it's the golden handcuffs.

I watched the Robles YouTube channel today, "Off the Grid." They are transplanting pinion pine trees to line their new driveway.

While listening to "Follow Him" today Hank Smith mentioned BibleHub.org and their guest mentioned NetBible.org, two websites that explain the Hebrew/Greek Bible.

James had an Elders Quorum/Relief Society meeting tonight at the stake center. When he left it was raining and when he returned after 9 o'clock it was still raining. So much rain!

While James was gone I indexed 50 names. I also filled out the forms Stacy sent to me, scanned them, and sent them back to her. She is trying to sell my life insurance policy for me. 

When James got home I was just getting out of the shower and was ready for bed. We had prayer together and then he went into the other room to finish his walking. I went to bed.

Lovie

Sheri's office

 

Monday, March 20, 2023: Up @ 4:30, Fernie's BM shipped, James loses truck, no check, rain, snow this week, Amer. Fidelity, "The Way Home"

 

Detroit, Michigan

63rd operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

John 7:17

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 4:1-18

Come Follow Me

Matt 13; Luke 8, 13 "Who Hath Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear."

Jesus' Name

Teacher/Sower

Word

Parable

Phrase

"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

OctGenCon

Happy and Forever

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The Lord, who sees and understands perfectly, forgives whom He will; we (being imperfect) are to forgive all. As we come to our Savior, we focus less on ourselves. We judge less and forgive more. Trusting HIs merits, mercy, and grace can free us from contention, anger, abuse, abandonment, unfairness, and the physical and mental challenges that sometimes come with a physical body in a mortal world. 

100 Favorite Verses - "Service to God"

2 Nephi 2:3

Wherefore, thy soul shall be blessed . . . and thy days shall be spent in the service of thy God.

Up at 4:30. After prayer, gospel study, breakfast, and my blog I put my testimony in the triple combination that I am sending to Fernie. I explained to her that I couldn't find a Spanish Book of Mormon so I had to buy a triple combination. I encouraged her to read the Book of Mormon. James took it to the post office this afternoon when he went to see if he got his check. He didn't.

This morning James called Horne Auto in Show Low and they brought the price down on the truck to $46,000 and something.

James was ready to buy when the salesman came back and said someone else had sold the truck for the $51,000. He was too late.

We are taking this to mean this was not the truck for us.

For breakfast this morning we had whole wheat waffles with Nutella, butter and syrup with a side of blackberries. Yummy!

For lunch I made bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches along with some vegetable beef soup. After lunch James and I watched the latest episode of "The Way Home." Now we know what happened to Colton when he had his wreck and died. It was because of Kat and Alice. Oh my.

I got a digital copy of my life insurance policy sent to Stacy and she in turn sent it to the possible buyer. Hopefully he will want to buy!

This afternoon I worked on my lesson and walked. After reading President Eyring's talk I think I have the direction I want to go. He discusses Moroni 7:38-48 which is about faith, hope and charity. I want to focus on this scripture and discuss the gifts of the Spirit and always having the Spirit to be with us.

Our latest Fire & Steel book is called "Out of the Smoke" and much of it is about how Hitler came to power.

This sweet boy committed suicide

when he was 12 years old

English cottage or she shed