Friday, April 21, 2023:Lime juice for James's voice, J 3 trips to town for waterline at Barbara's, Stew, Strawberry cake for RS activity, Walk, Study, Pray

 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

95th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 July 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

Mormon 9:25

And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:17-13:4

Come Follow Me

Luke 10:38-42 We choose "that good part" by making daily choices that lead to eternal life.

Jesus' Name

Good Samaritan

Words

Seven/Compassion

Phrase

Humble yourself as a little child to become great in the kingdom of heaven.

AprGenCon

A Voice of Gladness

Elder Kevin R. Duncan

Of the Seventy

"The building of temples has been one of the highest priorities of all prophets since the Prophet Joseph Smith.

I need more and better sleep. I am a slug in the mornings. It used to be my peppy time. Must do better...I must feel better to do better. I guess I need to make a new schedule. Maybe 4 is too early for me in my old age.

James could hardly speak this morning. He tried some vinegar which did not help. I made him some hot lime juice with honey. He let it cool a little and then drank it down and magically he could speak again. I guess I need to always have limes or lemons on hand.

I spent most of the day in the kitchen and James spent the day working at Barbara's. Something about waterlines and three trips to town. He is not happy. He said he wasted a lot of time. I said solving problems is not a waste of time. I encouraged him and said he was a great problem solver. He said I was his greatest cheerleader. I am glad I could help. 

Here are some of my accomplishments in the kitchen today. 

I made a stew. James said it was delicious but that I made too much. I may have but I bet we eat it all.

I baked a strawberry cake, three layers. The layers did not rise very well so I made some strawberry filling and then frosted the cake with Courtney's strawberry buttercream frosting. 

I worked all afternoon and well into the evening and the kitchen was a mess. James helped me to clean it. I was so grateful. Here is a picture of my cake today. Tomorrow it will look different.

James longing looking at the cake.

He never got a piece so I am going to have

to make another one.

James and I walked this evening and finished our book, "Scotland's Melody". Our new book will be a Jennie Hansen book called, "The Topaz."

Elder Uchtdorf ministering in Jerusalem

Come again please!

The day the greenhouse died

No Alex or Max but we do have

Oliver & Ziggie

My beautiful mother

Sweet Charlie

Bishop Hunsaker's family about 8-9 years ago

Thursday, April 20, 2023: Inklings Elder Andersen's talk, prayer journal, study for my lesson on ministering, Elder Pyper has Covid, Thin crust ham & pineapple pizza, Crane's missionary back

Baton Rogue, Louisiana

94th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 July 2000

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

Alma 30:41

But, behold, I have all things as a testimony that these things are true; and ye also have all things as a testimony unto you that they are true; and will ye deny them? Believest thou that these things are true?

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:1-16

Come Follow Me

Luke 10:25-37 To obtain eternal life, I must love God and love my neighbor as myself.

Jesus' Name

The Good Samaritan

Words

Seven/Compassion

Phrase

Humble yourself as a little child to become great in the kingdom of heaven.

AprGenCon

My Mind Caught Hold upon This Thought of Jesus Christ

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"As you continue to attentively catch hold of the thought of Jesus Christ, I promise you not only heavenly guidance but heavenly power."

I need to go to bed earlier if I want to get up at 4. I need at least 7 hours of sleep. 

I listened to Inklings today. It was Elder Andersen's talk and Rio and Sharma led the discussion. Here are some notes I took:

Elder Andersen - By focusing our attention on Jesus Christ, all else around us - while still present - is viewed through our love for Him. Less important distractions fade, and we remove those things that are not in keeping with His light and character. As you continue to attentively catch hold of this thought of Jesus Christ, trust in Him, and keep His commandments, I promise you not only heavenly guidance but heavenly power - power that brings strength to your covenants, peace to your difficulties, and joy to you blessings.

Scripture - Alma 36, Word - Mercy, Phrase - I remembered ... to have heard my father prophesy ... concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ. Affirmation - I am directed by the words and teachings of Jesus Christ. I come unto Him, and worship Him, by turning to the scriptures regularly. I trust in the answers I receive and believe in His power to comfort and heal.

Rio and Sharma: 

 I am the gatekeeper of my heart and mind.

Gentle cushion (a term Elder Andersen used)

I'm worth fighting for.

He is always there to help me but will not overpower my agency.

I am yoked to Him through my covenants. We instead of me.

Backward Look - The power of remembering. Write it down.

Rivet ourselves to Him.

Children's book by Max Lucado, "You Are Special" (I ordered it)

Catch it. Check it. Change it.

"Caught hold upon"

Acting in faith upon Christ's mercy and grace. Rescued from despair and filled with hope.

Use affirmations from my patriachal blessing.

Reasons for keeping a prayer journal as President Nelson encouraged us.

My reasons for keeping a prayer journal: It helps me to stay focused. I can look back and see what I prayed for. I think before I write and I find my prayers are more meaningful.

We are scheduled to feed the missionaries this evening. I texted them this morning asking if they were coming. I am not going to fix a big dinner if no one is coming. Elder Higginson texted back and said the Elder Pyper has Covid so they won't be coming. I asked him if they would like me to bring them a pizza. He said yes and ordered a thin crust ham and pineapple pizza. 

James and I went to pick up the pizza this afternoon. We left our house around 4:25 to pick up the pizzas at Dominoes at 5. I ordered us a thin crust veggie pizza which is James's favorite. I also ordered a couple of salads for the elders. 

We used our map app to find their apartment. I was surprised to find that their apartment was not in our stake. It was across the street from the high school on 4th street. James delivered the ham and pineapple pizza and said that there was at least three missionaries in the apartment. I felt bad and wish I had known. I would have gotten an extra large pizza. 

We decided to eat our pizza at the Show Low park. We found a table and sat down. It was a nice day and there was no wind but it was getting a little chilly. We were going to go for a walk on their trails but decided not to.

Our neighbors the Crane's are gone to the valley. Their granddaughter, Clarissa, has returned home from her mission in the Sacramento area of California. She will be reporting on Sunday. She is such a source of joy for Kathy and Chuck. Brother Peeler is feeding their dogs.

James and I have a debate about what is going on in our book, "Scotland's Melody." He is taking the man's view and of course I am taking the woman's. It is a fun way to express our views without being threatened or to feel like we are offending the other person. 

Charlie memory

 

Wednesday, April 19, 2023: 1 Nephi 4, Seventies, Good Samaritan, Wind, Walmart, Anne Johnson, "Follow Him", "Scotland's Melody", Mopped Kitchen,

 

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

Alma 7:13

Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 11:16-29

Come Follow Me

Luke 10:1-20 Who Are the Seventy? Luke 10:21-22 The Father and the Son.

Jesus' Name

The Good Samaritan

Word

Compassion

Phrase

Humble yourself as a little child to be great in the kingdom of heaven.

AprGenCon

When To Receive Your Partriachal Blessing

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita

Of the Seventy

"When you receive your blessing, you will realize and feel how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you and how They focus on you individually."

I am still studying 1 Nephi 4. Once I get in square in my mind why Nephi had to kill Laban and why he cut off his head I will share my feelings and findings with my family. 

In Come Follow Me I studied about Seventies and what they were called to do in Jesus' time and what they do today. I also read the parable of the Good Samaritan.

James and I went to town today. I am buying food because we are feeding the missionaries tomorrow. While I was shopping at Walmart James went to Home Depot to look for electrical supplies for Barbara's. He also was supposed to get diesel, but he forgot and then berated himself for forgetting. I tried to encourage him saying that we are all human and make mistakes all of the time. I'm not sure it did any good.

While I was waiting in the wind for James to pick me up I saw a recent convert from our ward, Anne Johnson. She was going in to Walmart. I said hello and we mentioned the wind. She said she promised herself she wasn't going to complain about the wind because the wind dries up the mud. I agreed and said the wind was good for something. Secretly I'm still going to complain about it.

When I got home and put away the groceries I took a break and then worked on my blog. My life is quite predictable. I walked and finished my book, "My Dearest Love" by Sarah M. Eden. It was a short book. 

I mopped the kitchen floor just before James got home from Barbara's. Luckily I was in the kitchen and could remind him to take off his shoes. We walked and listened to "Scotland's Melody."

Kim's birthday

The Show Low heron

Ruby the Red River hog and her babies

The Robles' are trying to dig a trench line for their

septic system. This is what they are up against.

Objects are bigger than they appear here

Love this!

Tuesday, April 18, 2023: J leaves @ 3:30 concrete pour Glendale Airport, I go to the Snowflake temple with Ruth Gale, Eva's for dinner, James home early

 

Meridian, Mexico

92nd operating temple

Dedicated: 8 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

Alma 6:8

And Alma went and began to declare the word of God unto the church which was established in the valley of Gideon, according to the revelation of the truth of the word which had been spoken by his fathers, and according to the spirit of prophecy which was in him, according to the testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who should come to redeem his people from their sins, and the hoy order by which he was called. And thus it is written. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 11:1-15

Come Follow Me

Matthew 18:21-35 "I must forgive others if I am to receive forgiveness from the Lord."

Jesus' Name

Good Samaritan

Word

Compassion

Phrase

Humble yourself as a little child to be great in the kingdom of heaven.

AprGenCon

Followers of the Prince of Peace

Ulisses Soares

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"As we strive to develop attributes like the Savior's, we can become instruments of His peace in the world."

James left this morning for the valley at 3:30. He thought I was asleep, and I was, about half anyway, as he knelt by my bed and offered a prayer before he left. I got up around 4:30. 

I had a busy night last night. Just as I was going to bed I saw a woman in a white dress, holding a baby and flying on a broomstick come in through our open door that leads to the rest of the house, and disappear. Later I saw an ugly man with a mean look on his face and he was dressed in black. He soon disappeared too.  They were like opposites. For the rest of the night I kept being interrupted by deliveries being made. It was a weird, bizarre night. At one point when a delivery came in I told James he could take it this time.

It's the third Tuesday of the month and I have a standing temple date with my friend Ruth Gale who lives in Snowflake. I left the house around 2:15 for the 3:30 session. Once I got out on Highway 60 I called James to see when he was coming home. He said he was at the Vernon post office so I must have passed him without even knowing it. He said his pour at the Glendale airport went well and that everyone showed up. It takes about 12-15 people to do a pour that big.

That is a lot of concrete!

Ruth and I were two of six sisters in the 3:30 session. There were 2 brothers. Of course they had to call in more brothers for the prayer circle. Mine was young and tall. 

After our session Ruth and I decided Streets had the best food in Snowflake so that's where we headed for dinner. When we got there they had a sign on the door that said, "Closed for Vacation." Hmmm, it's a little early for vacation I thought. We went to our other choice, Eva's which is just down the street. We both had taco salads. We are watching our waistlines. 

We had a nice visit like we always do. Ruth has three grandchildren getting married this summer and the first one is in May. She makes quilts for all of her grandchildren when they marry so she is very busy. She also does a lot of babysitting for great grandchildren and grandchildren. She is 83 years old and still going strong. She drives back and forth to the valley by herself and basically does whatever her kids ask her to do. She is quite amazing and she has always been one of my mentors. Her and Suzanne Kempton.

James and I walked this evening while listening to our book. I also finished the book I started called "Eyes Like Mine." What would I do without Deseret BookPlus.

The Chaffin girls, Taylor and Huntleigh

Travis, Tanna, and baby Ryker

Addy's post

2017 Kim mowing our grass

Monday, April 17, 2023: 1 Nephi 4, CFM, Ministering, Town w/ James, Culver's, Lowe's, HD, CVS, forgot diesel, "Wedding Cottage", "Eyes Like Mine", "Scotlands Melody"

Suva, Fiji

91st operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

 

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

Alma 4:19-20

And this he did that he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty, and that he might pull down, by the word of God, all the pride and craftiness and all the contentions which were among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them.

And thus in the commencement of the ninth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, Alma delivered up the judgment-seat to Nephihah, and confined himself wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to the testimony of the word, according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 10:1-22

Come Follow Me

Matthew 18; Luke 10 "What Shall I Do To Inherit Eternal Life"?

Jesus' Name

Good Samaritan

Word

Compassion

Phrase

Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

AprGenCon

My Mind Caught Hold Upon This Though of Jesus Christ

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"As you continue to attentively catch hold of the thought of Jesus Christ, I promise you not only heavenly guidance but heavenly power."

I am slowing working my way through 1 Nephi 4 in the Book of Mormon so I can share my thoughts with my family. This is the chapter where Nephi slays Laban by cutting off his head and had always been a difficult chapter for me. I have worked my way through the chapter and finally have come to terms with why Nephi had to kill Laban and why he did it by chopping off his head. I will posting more on my Book of Mormon blog and then will share my findings and feelings with my family.

Some quotes I gathered from my gospel study today:

"Our love for God must be written in our hearts."

"True greatness is a daily process of giving one's life to the Savior." - Howard W. Hunter

"I must forgive to be forgiven."

James asked me to go to town with him. Although I had no reason to go other than being with my sweetie. I said yes. The first place we went was to Culver's to get some lunch. I got a grilled Reuben sandwich and James got a fish sandwich. My sandwich was delicious but I couldn't eat all of it and gave half of it to James. James said he was coming to town to get diesel fuel for the Cat. First he needed to get a nozzle for his gas can. He went to Home Depot and Lowe's and neither place had just the nozzle. Next he went to CVS to pick up a prescription. We went right home, listening to our book and did not get any diesel. I ordered James a nozzle on Amazon since he couldn't find one here in town.

I watched the latest Hallmark movie, "The Wedding Cottage" starring Erin Krakow and Brendan Penny. It was sweet. I like both Erin and Brendan and they definitely had onscreen chemistry.

Fake

Real

I paid James's credit card today and finished my bird puzzle. Here is the finished puzzle:

I started a new book, "Eyes Like Mine." A pioneer woman travels through time to help the family of her 5th great granddaughter. 

James and I listened to "Scotland's Melody."