Thursday, June 22, 2023: Gail's birthday, Dawn asks for German chocolate cake recipes, Trip to town Walmart & Firehouse Subs, Elder Higginson & Elder Bragor come for dinner

 

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Aug 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Anticipation

Exodus 16:15

And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.

Book of Mormon

Alma 20:1-18

Come Follow Me

Matt 27:46; Mark 15:34 Jesus Christ suffered alone so I don't have to.

Jesus' Name

Son of God

Word

Love

Phrase

Truly this was the Son of God.

Inklings Affirmation:

I am united with my Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ each day. I choose to honor, understand, and commit to my covenant connection with Them. Through this bond I am promised Their transforming power and enduring protection.

AprGenCon

Peacemakers Needed

President Russell M. Nelson

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

The Savior's Atonement made it possible for us to overcome all evil - including contention, Make no mistake about it: contention is evil! Jesus Christ declared that those who have "the spirit of contention" are not of Him but are "of the devil, who is the father of contention, and the devil stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another." Those who foster contention are taking a page out of Satan's playbook, whether they realize it or not. "No man can serve two masters." We cannot support Satan with our verbal assaults and then think that we can still serve God.

Kim finished the heart stamp puzzle today. I am still working on the 35 umbrella puzzle. 

Happy Birthday Gail. I wonder if Dawn made him a German chocolate birthday cake.

The missionaries are coming for dinner this evening.  They called this morning to confirm. James and I went to town around noon to buy groceries. James asked me to fix a lemon creme pie. I am also doing baked ziti, garlic bread like Jared fixes it, and a green salad.

James went to Home Depot and then got in the lunch line at Firehouse Subs. I did something I always dread that I will do. Sunday when we went to the valley I put my wallet in my purple purse and when I grabbed my black purse I didn't even think to check to see if my wallet was inside. I had no wallet when I checked out and no way to pay for my groceries. I was sent over to the customer service line and waited for James to bring his credit card to pay for my groceries. He was stuck in the line at Firehouse so it took awhile. Have you ever had this happen to you? I always check my purse before leaving the house, except for today.

Back at home I took a quick nap and then made the lemon creme pie because it has to chill for at least two hours. Next I made the baked ziti, using Marci Coombs' recipe. I made some garlic bread the way Jared made it when he was here and Kim and I made a salad while James set the table and poured some ice water.

When the elders arrived I asked Elder Bargor where he was from. When he said Montana that was an ice breaker for Brian to tell him about applying for a job in Montana and to ask him what part of Montana he was from. Elder Higginson has been here before and we knew he was from Idaho. 

Everyone seemed to like the ziti and all went back for seconds except for Kim and I. Kim and Brian excused themselves early to go for a "Bruce" ride. Bruce is Brian's Bronco. They took off the top and when they returned they said it was the best ride ever. They saw turkey, deer, elk, antelope, and even a squirrel. 

The elders are very quiet, especially Elder Higginson. He did do an object lesson and we had a nice gospel discussion. I took a picture of them before they left.

Elder Bargor and Elder Higginson

James and I cleaned the kitchen and just as we were finishing up Kim and Brian returned. They told us about their ride and then asked if we wanted to play dominoes. We said yes.

In between rounds I did some walking so I could get my 10,000-12,000 steps. We didn't finish the game but left the dominoes out because we will finish it in the morning before Kim and Brian leave for home.

I've seen them all

Wednesday, June 21, 2023: Hook & Ladder, 50's puzzle finished, Talk w/ Kim & Brian on the front porch, CFM notes & quotes, payment from Briarcliff,

Paris, France

156th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Anticipation

Revelation 5:6

And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

Book of Mormon

Alma 19:22-36

Come Follow Me

Matt 27:27-49, 54; Mark 15:16-32; Luke 23:11, 35-39; John 19:1-5 Mocking cannot change the truth.

Jesus' Name

Son of God

Word

Love

Phrase

Truly this was the Son of God

Affirmation

With unwavering faith I declare that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I find strength and peace in my testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

AprGenCon

A Voice of Gladness!

Elder Kevin R. Duncan

Of the Seventy

The Prophet Joseph had been teaching about baptism for the dead. This was indeed a glorious revelation that was received with great joy. When Church members first learned that they could be baptized for their deceased loved ones, they rejoiced. Wilford Woodruff said, "The moment I heard of it, my soul leaped for joy!"

Here are a few notes I took while listening to "Don't Miss This" and "Follow Him." 

"Someday, somewhere, every human tongue will be called upon to confess as did a Roman centurion who witnessed all of this, "Truly this was the Son of God." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"What have you learned about Jesus recently? He met the criminal on the cross. He meets people where they are." - Emily Belle Freeman

Jack Welch was on "Follow Him." He has a book called: "The Parables of Jesus Teaching the Plan of Salvation."

James got another payment for the 51st Avenue job. I like it when $30,000 shows up in our bank account. One more payment and we will be paid in full. Hopefully we pass all of the week's inspections.

Kim brought the cutest umbrella puzzle for me to do. I am excited to start it even though this is the week I teach Relief Society. Puzzles are a good was to unwind.

I was craving a sub sandwich today. Brian had one from Firehouse that he got for free for his birthday. When I saw the container yesterday my appetite was triggered and I asked James if when he went in to town he would go to Firehouse. I wanted a Hook & Ladder.

This afternoon Kim and Brian were sitting on the couch and Kim was reading to Brian from a book called: "How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One" by Dr. Joe Dispenza. It sounds like an interesting book and I just might have to get it.  

This evening, the most beautiful time of the day, we went outside on the front porch to enjoy the cool night air. We began talking to Kim and Brian about what their plans were regarding buying the cabin.    

I think this all came about when we were talking about selling the cabin to pay off debts so James could retire. Kim and Brian do not want us to have to do that. Brian wants to buy the cabin, pay us, and then allow us to live here. He seems to know how much it is worth. He says that their house appraised for $450,000 and so he figures that the cabin and the land is worth between 2-3 million dollars. He is right. We talked a little more and everyone was given an assignment and then we will meet again and talk. Kim and Brian are going to be the executors of our will so I have to get all of our financial information in order for them. We also need to update our will. It was a good meeting and I was impressed with Brian and his desire to take care of not only his family but us too.

Maks with his son Rio John

"Puppy Love" on the way to

Bentonville, Arkansas

Scarlett picking berries

Perfect!
 

 

Tuesday, June 20, 2023: Video of crucifixion, my heart hurts, flat tire on Pierce's Cat, 51st Ave almost finished, Your Endowment, Shadows of Swanford Abbey, Cancel temple w/ Ruth, KB here, They love the kitties

 

Hartford, Connecticut

155th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Anticipation

Exodus 12:21

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go be day and night:

Book of Mormon

Alma 19:12-21

Come Follow Me

Matt 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19 Jesus Christs willingness to suffer shows HIs love for the Father and for all of us.

Jesus' Name

Son of God

Word

Love

Phrase

Truly this was the Son of God

Affirmation

With unwavering faith I declare that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I find strength and peace in my testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

AprGenCon

"My Mind Caught Hold Upon This Thought"

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Filling our mind with the power of Jesus Christ does not mean that He is the only thought we have. But it does mean that all our thoughts are circumscribed in His love, His life and teachings, and His atoning sacrifice and glorious Resurrection.

During scriptures this morning James and I watched a Church video of the crucifixion. It made my heart hurt. Even though I know it was necessary, it is so difficult to watch the Savior being ill-treated, bruised, broken and torn and left on a cross to die.

I read from my book, "Your Endowment" this morning. I love this book so much and have learned so much from it. It is written by a brother named Mark A. Shields who lives in Mesa, Arizona. I have always wondered what the enmity was that the Lord placed between Satan and the seed of the woman. Brother Shields says it is the Light of Christ, which, if I think about it, makes perfect sense. We are given the Light of Christ when we are born into this world to protect of from the evils of Satan.

James was using Pierce's Cat at Barbara's and it got a flat tire. It took him forever to get the tire off. He had to take the tire into town to get it fixed but it was necessary. 

This week the job at 51st Avenue will be completed and James should get his final payments. Hopefully he will pass all of the inspections.

I cancelled my trip to the temple with Ruth Gale because Kim and Brian are coming this afternoon. They didn't end up getting here until after six so I probably could have gone. Now it will be another month before I see my friend Ruth.

We all watched a Crossword Puzzle Mystery this evening starring Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliot. It was good.

I am finishing up my 50's puzzle and Kim is doing the Love Stamp puzzle. She brought her umbrella puzzle and I'm going to do it next. 

Kim and Brian love the kitties and they are concerned that dad needs to give them water. 

I talked to Brian about why he didn't take the Montana job where he would have managed six hardware stores. He went to the temple two times and he just didn't feel good about the job. I'm glad he didn't take it. James and I are going to talk to he and Kim while they are here about buying the cabin.

Young Women temple trip

Alice Wilhelm, LeeAnn Hunsaker,

Jordyn Applegate, Kelly Reynolds

My 50's puzzle

Ireland puzzle Kim wants except it only

has 500 pieces

Miss Scarlett

This week Autumn, Scarlett, Jared, Kacey

and Jared all went to the Bentonville, Arkansas

temple open house.

Monday, June 19th, 2023: Juneteenth, Brkfst, Prayer, puzzle, Trip to town, Longview, Texas call, Charlie's song, Sue's daughter in ICU

 

Star Valley, Wyoming

154th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct 2016

By: David A. Bednar

Jesus Christ, Types of, Anticipation of

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Book of Mormon

Alma 18:24-19:11

Come Follow Me

Matt 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19 "It Is Finished"

Jesus' Name

Son of God

Word

Love

Phrase

Truly this is the Son of God

Affirmation

With unwavering faith I declare that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I find strength and peace in my testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

AprGenCon

When To Receive Your Patriarchal Blessing

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita

Of the Seventy

As members of the Church, we are children of the covenant. We receive the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant as we obey the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

Preparation for your patriarchal blessing will help you increase your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. And when you receive your patriarchal blessing and read and ponder it, you can focus on Them more often.

Kim and Brian were supposed to come today but Kim isn't feeling well so she is going to rest and come tomorrow. 

I got an advertisement from Sonic this morning about tropical slushies. There are two new flavors and I talked James into going into town to give them a try. I placed our Sonic order for 11:40 and we arrived exactly on time. We got our slushies, a small Polynesian Punch for me and a small Tropical Colada for James. We each took a sip and immediately got brain freezes. So cold, and so sweet, and so good.  We were careful as we ate our lunch and sipped our slushies very slowly and carefully.

I watched two movies today while walking and working on my computer. One had Stephanie Powers in it. She played a fortune teller called Madam Rue. It reminded me of the song, "Love Potion Number Nine" from the 60's. "I took my troubles down to Madam Rue, you know that gypsy with the gold capped tooth. She's got a little pad down at 34th and Vine, sellin' little bottles of Love Potion Number 9." Rachel Boston is also in the movie and the name of it is "A Ring by Spring." The other one was a more recent Hallmark summer movie, "Love is Greek to Me." This movie was filmed in Greece and it looks so beautiful!

On the spiritual side I listened to Jack Welch on "Follow Him." He is the founder of Book of Mormon Central, now Scripture Central and is an interesting gospel scholar.

This afternoon somewhere between 5:30 and 6 we FaceTimed with Jared, Charlie, and Kacey. 

Charlie sang, "My Dad" for us. She is a good little singer!

Jared has a lot of health issues. His back still bothers him and he will probably eventually have to have surgery. His sciatic nerve is causing pain and I know what that is like. He has drop foot and numbness in his left foot. He has also been diagnosed with C.O.P.D. (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder). This made me want to cry. He was supposed to go in to day for an MRI but because part of the town is still out of electricity because of a recent tornado he had to reschedule. The tornado was last Wednesday or Thursday and 250,000 people were out of electricity at first, including Jared and Kacey. There are still 90,000 homes, etc. out of electricity and the temperature is 95 with 90 percent humidity. 

Stake youth conference is coming up and Jared and Kacey are heavily involved. Jared is in the stake young men's presidency and Kacey is the young women's president in their ward. They will be traveling somewhere else and will have to get a babysitter for Charlie. I wish we were closer. 

Jared invited Anna to watch general conference and now she doesn't speak to him anymore. She told him she didn't like the Church because of the way they treat women and she knew that he would always put the Church before her. That is pretty harsh.

Also they only get to see Molly for a week this summer because of a 45 day vacation Tricia has planned to take Emmy back to school in Oregon. 

I am so proud of Jared and the way he handles all of these hardships and for his faith in the Savior. I love him and his family so very much and wish we were closer so we could give them more support.

I got a text from my friend Sue Hubble today. Her daughter has terminal, inoperable brain cancer and today she was taken to the ICU in Show Low. Sue is asking for prayers. I pray for her daughter Tabitha everyday and for Sue but will increase my efforts and pray throughout the day until I hear she is better.

Autumn & Scarlett at the Dallas temple.

These two!

Nice glasses, Charlie

Charlie memory

Joshua memory