Sunday, May 21, 2023: Chuck conducts sacrament mtg & James is on the stand, High council Sunday, SS, Bridget Jordan, Autumn gets her card, Puzzle mania, Donna Peeler,

 

Rexburg, Idaho

125th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Feb 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

Moses 7:62

And righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of min Only Begotten; his resurrection from the dead; yea, and also the resurrection of all men; and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem.

Book of Mormon

Alma 3:20-4:4

Come Follow Me

Review & "Don't Miss This" Joseph Smith-Matthew; Matt 24-25; Mark 12-13; Luke 21.

AprGenCon

When To Receive Your Patriarchal Blessing

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita

Of the Seventy

Your patriarchal blessing is a message from your Heavenly Father and will likely include promises and inspired counsel to guide you throughout your life. A patriarchal blessing is not going to map out your life or answer all your questions. If it doesn't mention an important life event, do not take that to mean you won't have to opportunity. Likewise, there is no guarantee everything in your blessing will come to pass in this life. A patriarchal blessing is eternal, and if you live worthy, promises that are not fulfilled in this life will be granted in the next.

The bishop is out of town in New Mexico with family, Brother Allen is in Canada and Brother Skousen has Covid. Chuck was asked to conduct sacrament meeting. James was asked to sit by him on the stand. It reminded me of when he was the bishop. 

Sue Hubble wasn't here today. Bridget Jordan sat by me. We sat in front of Michelle Tesarek and when Bridget asked if the youth went to the temple once a month, I referred her to Michelle. 

Pam Wood is back in town and she caught me before sacrament meeting and asked me if I was up to feeding the missionaries. I told her yes and signed up for Thursday, June 22 before I realized that was the Thursday before my Relief Society lesson. I well, I guess I can handle to assignments in one week.

Today was high council Sunday. Aaron Webb was our high councilman speaker and Melinda Gardner who is the second counselor in the stake Young Women's presidency was his partner. Sister Gardner said that they are cousins.

Here are some notes I took during Sister Gardner's talk:

The youth are amazing. I interact with them at church and as a teacher at school They aren't perfect but they are good. They invite others to church. Charity, the pure love of Christ is essential in dealing with conflict. We can't control others but we can control ourselves to end conflict. Matthew 22:37-40: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 

When in a conflict, take away the fuel, cease to be contentious. The gospel of Jesus Christ is what is needed in this contentious world. 

"It is only in and through our individual loyalty to and love of Jesus Christ that we can hope to be one."

Aaron Webb

Overcome contention through charity, the pure love of Christ. "Contention never leads to inspired solutions. You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always." - RMN

Elder Ulisses Soares: "As we strive to develop attributes like the Savior's we can become instruments of His peace in the world. As disciples of the Prince of Peace, we have been instructed to live with hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another."

We had a good discussion in Sunday School. My favorite part of the reading material this week was Matthew 21:22 - And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

After Sunday School I spoke with Donna Peeler about her cancer surgery on June 2nd at St. Joseph's hospital in Phoenix. I asked if there was anything we could do for her or for her husband Owen. She said no. I want to do something. She is such a dear friend. 

James made us some lunch when we got home, potstickers, asparagus and a salad. Afterwards we took naps.

Autumn finally received her birthday card. I guess Palmer picked it up from Kacey last night when he went to get Scarlett and forgot to give it to Autumn until today.

Autumn's card

James and I worked on the cupcake puzzle this afternoon and evening. I am deciding that this is not a good Sunday activity for me because it keeps me from my blog, from indexing and from doing other important Sabbath activities. From now on, no Sunday puzzles.

I did listen to Dave and Emily on "Don't Miss This."

This past week's "Come Follow Me"

cards.

Charlie making a heart or "love sign" for us

Michigan peonies

Paul's nephew Tryzden needs a

new foster home.

James working on the cupcake puzzle

Saturday, May 20, 2023: J helps the Hipps', I go to Scoty's game, Walmart, Carl's Jr., Nap, Scott's 60th anniversary party, "Love in Zion's National, Blog, Wal, Puzzle

 

Helsinki, Finland

124th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Oct 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

Moses 7:27

And Enoch beheld angels descending out of heaven, bearing testimony of the Father and Son; and the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion.

Book of Mormon

Alma 3:1-19

Come Follow Me

Matt 22:41-46; Luke 20:39-44 What think ye of Christ? Matt 23:1-39; Luke 20:45-47 Scribes & Pharisees are blind guides.

AprGenCon

Followers of the Prince of Peace

Elder Ulisses Soares

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

As disciples of the Prince of Peace, we have been instructed to live with "hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another." Our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, recently stated, "Contention violates everything the Savior stood for and taught." Our prophet also implored that we do all we can to end personal conflicts that are currently raging in our hearts in in our lives.

James went to help Brother Hipps this morning to put a roof on his garage. James took his Cat over and showed Brother Hipps and his son-in-law how to put the pieces of the roof up. 

While James was helping the Hipps' I was on my way to Show Low to Scotlyn MacArthur's T-ball game. I left around 8:30 and Chelsea passed me on the way. We got there about the same time. The game was at the Nicholas Homestead Park. Chelsea's in-laws were there too.

Jarred's mom, Stacy MacArthur came over and sat by me and introduced herself to me. She was very friendly and it put me right at ease. We enjoyed each other's company during the game. When I told her I was Dennis and Harold Maxwell's sister she was so excited. She mentioned that they coached Jarred and Trevor, her younger son, in football. She said that she loved Dennis and Denise and missed seeing them. She wanted to make sure that I told them hello for her. 

They quit the game a little early so the team could go to the Mountain Meadows park in Lakeside to get pictures taken. Chelsea had just gotten back from Mountain Meadows and now she had to go back again. It's at least ten miles away. 

Scotlyn MacArthur

4 years old

Watching the ball

As I left I turned to Stacy MacArthur and told her I appreciated her being so friendly. I told Mike MacArthur it was nice to meet him too.

I stopped at Walmart on the way home to do a little shopping and to pick up my prescriptions. On the way out I order a Carl's Jr. burger with no cheese. It cost me $7.45 and was not worth it. Meh.  Way too much mayo. Since when is a hamburger over $7.00. Next time I will order a Santa Fe chicken sandwich. 

James was back from the Hipps' when I got home. We both took a quick nap and then got ready to go to the Scott's 60th anniversary party at the church. 

The church parking lot was almost full. When we walked in I was surprised to see a food table set up with lots of main dishes. I thought there would only be cake and felt a little uncomfortable that I had not brought anything to share. James and I filled out plates and sat by Lorraine Vaught and Holly Gordon. Kathy Crane told me to have one of her chocolate covered strawberries. James and I each had one. These were much bigger than the ones she made for our ministering sisters. 

Amber Judd gave me a big hug when I went over to talk to the Scott's. She loves Millie and considers her as her grandmother. Millie is a sweetheart and everyone loves her. When I gave her a hug she said, "I want to be just like you when I grow up." 

When we came into the cultural hall we were asked to fill out a memory of the Scott's. Here is what I wrote:

When the Howard's passed away I called their daughter Deana and asked if I could bring them dinner. She said, "Oh Millie Scott has been bringing us dinner every night." That's the way Millie is. She loves doing things for people and one dinner would not be enough.

I added that the Scott's were some of the nicest people I had ever known.

When we returned home I worked on my blog, walked and worked on the cupcake puzzle. I watched the newest Hallmark movie, "Love in Zion National" starring Cindy Busby. I liked it but James reminded me that they took a lot of liberties. I reminded him that it was only a movie, not a documentary. Now I want to go to Zion's, but not in the summer time when it is hot.

I finished my book, "A Heart Worth Stealing" by Joanna Barker. I really liked it. James and I walked and listened to "What Dreams May Come" by Dana LaCheminant.

A beautiful day!

On their way to Hot Springs, Arkansas

for family graduations

Charlie & Scarlett

Jesus and Zacchaeus

I have never used an alarm

Scott's 60th Anniversary

Jerry & Millie

Janna Grombach made the cake

and did a great job!

Friday, May 19, 2023: James goes to Glendale, Rain, Luna the lawnmower, RS lesson, initiatory cards, blog, walk, puzzle, James home with cake, Carrot Cake Mystery

 

Sacramento, California

123rd operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sep 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

D&C 138:60

Thus was the vision of the redemption of the dead revealed to me, and I bear record, and I know that this record is true, through the blessing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, even so. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 2:19-38

Come Follow Me

Matt 22:34-40 The two great commandments are to love god and love others as myself.

Jesus' Name

Savior

Word

Hosanna!

Phrase

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

AprGenCon

Jesus Christ is Relief

President Camille N. Johnson

Relief Society General President

What more do we know of the friends who provided care for the man with palsy? We know that the Savior recognized their faith. And having seen and heard the Savior and being a witness to His miracles, they were "amazed" and "glorified God."

Jesus Christ had provided the hoped-for healing - physical relief from pain and the crippling consequences of chronic disease. Significantly, the Savior also provided spiritual relief in cleansing the man from sin.

James left for Glendale this morning after our prayer. I stayed in bed a little longer. 

The little heater we use in our bathroom isn't working. When it is working it makes going into the bathroom in the middle of the night a pleasant experience. Now it is cold. If we can't fix this heater, I want another one just like it.

So sad

I was walking in the dining room this morning when I noticed that Luna was in our yard. I investigated further and saw that James had left the gate open when he brought the Cat in to level the yard. I called him and told him about the situation and he said to just leave her there and he would take care of her when he returned home. I guess Luna is the lawnmower today. 

I had a good day here at home. I worked on my Relief Society lesson that I will be giving on the 28th. The conference talk is President Henry B. Eyring's, "Finding Personal Peace." I also ran off some temple cards for James and I each to do some family initiatories, five each. We will be going around our anniversary and will also do some sealings.

I studied Come Follow Me and read from the Book of Mormon. I blogged, and walked, and listened to my book, "A Heart Worth Stealing." I worked on the cupcake puzzle and watched some TV. I prayed James would get home safely, and he did, around 8:30 this evening. He met with the countertop people at the 51st avenue job. James says that Armando is way behind in hanging drywall and he, James, cannot install the cabinets and hang the doors until he is finished. 

James stopped by Kim's before coming home. She had some lemon bar cake for us and also a strawberry's and cream individual bundt cake for me. I took a bite of each before going to bed. Something to look forward to tomorrow.

I watched a Hallmark movie this evening while James took my phone in the other room to walk and to listen to our book. I already had my 12,000 steps before he came home. When he was finished with my phone I had over 16,000. I feel like such a cheater.

Best buds!

Oh Yes!

Ollie

Thursday, May 18, 2023: James's mega brkfst, My kitchen torch, Inklings w/ 2 Emilys, James works here & @ BB's,Terry takes Barbara to buy a dress, Ruby wins!

 

Newport Beach, California

122nd operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Testimony of

D&C 138:12

 And there were gathered together in one place an innumerable company of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality;

Book of Mormon

Alma 2:1-18

Come Follow Me

Matt 21:1-11;Mark 11:1-11;Luke 19:29-44;John 12:1-8,12-16

Jesus Christ Is My King.

Inklings

Jesus Christ is Relief by Camille N. Johnson

Mosiah 18

Word - Relief - attend, aid, serve, minister

Phrase - "Be a conduit through which He can provide relief.

Affirmation - Jesus Christ is my relief. My relationship with Him relieves me from the weight of sin and provides everlasting strength to endure. I partner with my Savior to provide that same relief and strength to others.

AprGenCon

One In Christ

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The evening before the trials and crucifixion that awaited Him, Jesus joined in a Passover meal with His Apostles. At the end of this Last Supper, in a sacred Intercessory Prayer, Jesus petitioned His Father in these words: "Holy Father, keep through thine own name mine Apostles whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are."

James made one of his "Mega" breakfasts this morning. This is a mixture of eggs, onions, potatoes, ham, cheese, and green chilies into a delicious dish. I love it when my hubby cooks.

I forgot to mention that with all of the puzzles I got this week I also got a kitchen torch. It is so cool looking, I can hardly wait to use it.

It shoots flames!

Now I want to make the Smores cake again.

I listened to Inklings this morning with Emily and Emily Snyder. They discussed Sister Camille N. Johnson's talk, "Jesus Christ is Relief." Here are a few notes.

It can't be a Relief Society if no one receives relief.

Jesus Christ has chosen me first.

He will magnify or decrease my efforts as needed.

Jesus Society.

James worked outside while waiting for me to finish Inklings. He is getting ready to plant grass in the backyard. When he came in we studied "Come Follow Me", Jesus Christ is My King.  After our study I cut James hair. It was like sheering a sheep I suppose. Gray hair all over the bathroom floor. After his shower and combing his hair he looked like a new man. I did a pretty good job. Better every time.

While James was showering I went in and fixed us some lunch. Refried beans with chips and a nice salad. After lunch we went into the bedroom to take naps. 

After our naps James went over to Barbara's and pulled up a tree so she would have room to put up a new conex container. He drove the Cat home and I took him back to get his truck. This evening he did some leveling in the backyard to get ready for planting. 

I started a new book today to listen to while I am walking by myself:

"A Heart Worth Stealing" by Joanna Barker. James and I are listening to "What Dreams May Come." Hopefully I don't get the two stories mixed up. 

Tonight Ruby won the East Valley Conference Championship with a PR of 5:52 for the mile. She ran in windy and rainy weather. Yay Ruby!

Ruby is not only the nicest girl I know, 

she's the fastest!

The Sedig's new home

Saw Debbie at the Gilbert temple

Ruby & Trina's trip to Disneyland