Friday, August 4, 2023: It's fried egg day, cowboy cookies for Vernon Day, deck mess, fajitas a big hit, favorite time of day, bees still here,

 

Apia, Samoa

22nd operating temple

Dedicated: 5-6 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Memory

Mark 14:22

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.

Book of Mormon

Alma 44:16-45:14

Come Follow Me

Acts 25:1-27 Festus & Paul, Acts 25:23-26:1-32 Paul before Agrippa

AprGenCon

"Ministering" by Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Liahona

Welcome: "Moving Forward with Faith in Christ" Brian J. Willoughby

I went to sleep at 11 last night and got up at 6 this morning. The guys get up early to work on the deck, around 5 and then come in for breakfast around 8. All of the old deck is gone. The thing that drives me crazy is it's laying all over the ground. James has been burning it, but it's a long process.

As part of our scripture study today we listened to Elder Neil L. Andersen's October 2020 General Conference, "We Talk of Christ." 

"It is not so difficult to choose faith in Jesus Christ when we feel spiritually energized, but we must also choose faith when life becomes difficult." Elder Andersen goes on to say that in the last decade over 30 million people in the United States have stepped away from Christianity and the belief that Jesus Christ is divine.

In my studies today I found this quote by Ezra Taft Benson:

"The great test of life is obedience to God. The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord and do it. The great commandment of life is to love the Lord."

I stuck two frozen pizzas in the oven for lunch not realizing that Jared had already made himself a couple of sandwiches and was downstairs taking a nap. 

James doesn't like pepperoni pizza so I should have gotten one pepperoni and one cheese pizza. He ate a piece but picked most of the pepperoni's off. I ate a piece too. Red Baron pizza is pretty darn good. It would have been better if I hadn't overcooked it.

I marinate the meat and veggies in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice and spices. I saved some to put on the meat and veggies while they are cooking. 

Tasha and Monte got their RV out of Fool's Hollow and are on their way to Lake Havasu for a vacation with their kids and Tasha's sister. I hope they have a great time before parting for their separate lives.

It seems like most of my time is spent in the kitchen. Today I made "Cowboy cookies" for Vernon Day, which is tomorrow. Paula Johnson, a friend of mine in our ward is in charge of Vernon Day. It is the fund raiser for the park. I made two dozen cookies for the park and the rest James, Jared and I ate. Everybody loved them!

The fajitas were delicious. Earlier in the week when I ask Jared what he liked to eat he told me he would eat anything. He said he didn't inherit the "picky" gene from him Mom.

My favorite time of day, besides scripture study time in the morning is in the evening when James comes in to walk. We walk in our bedroom and listen to our book. It is actually something we do together and is a nice ending to our day.

Monte & Tasha's kids:

Zach, Madison, Quentin, Kaitlynn

Bear in Vernon

Brother & sister and best friends

Thursday, August 3, 2023: Woke up on the recliner, my lip is swollen so I cancelled my ministering sisters,Inklings, pork chops in crockpot, Wlmrt, HD, mashed potatoes, Willy & Janna's

 

Atlanta, Georgia

21st operating temple

Dedicated: 1-4 June 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Memory

Matthew 26:26

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

Book of Mormon

Alma 44:1-15

Come Follow Me

Acts 24:24-27; 26:1-3, 24-29; 27 There is safety and peace in heeding the words of God's servants.

AprGenCon

"Just Keep Going, with Faith" by Elder Carl B. Cook

Liahona

Ministering through Service

I woke up on the recliner this morning. My knee hurt last night so that's where I slept. As I looked in the mirror I realized by lip was swollen where the bee had stung me. I looked like someone had hit me in the mouth. Stefani Hunsaker, one of my ministering sisters, was supposed to come over at 10 this morning. I texted her and asked her if we could reschedule. She said yes.

Inklings was at 7:30 this morning, Arizona time. Emily was on her own. Here are some notes I took:

The talk is, President Nelson's, "Peacemaker Needed." 

Things I want to do: Build, Lift, Encourage, Persuade, Inspire.

A city set on a hill near where the Savior gave the Sermon on the Mount, Safed. It's an old spiritual city that Emily visited. The city is entirely on a hillside and is beautiful when lit up at night. 

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5:14

Charity is a gift. Charity is....

Pray for my heart to change so I can respond with kindness.

When someone else is at their worse, let me be at my best. 

Our women need to be distinct in happy ways - SWK

Am I feeling competition or celebration when I see someone else shine?

Grace comes through the Holy Ghost. DTC

Pray for an increase of the Spirit.

James and I finished our book, "Fleur de lis." I finished, "An Uncharted Devotion."

James and I started "An Unwitting Alliance" and I started a book I have read before, "A Heart Worth Stealing."

I needed to do some more shopping in town and James was going so I went with him. He dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Home Depot. When we left Jared was watching TV. I had put a couple of pot pies in the oven and asked Jared to turn them off. One of them was for him for lunch.

I put six pork chops in the crockpot this morning before I left for town. This afternoon I made mashed potatoes, green beans, and warmed up some garlic knots for dinner. The pork chops and mashed potatoes were a big hit. 

My knee isn't hurting today but my big toe is and it hurts when I walk. James walked for me this evening while we listened to our new book. My lip is still swollen. I'm a mess.

We went by Willy & Janna's today. James wanted to see the stone work Willy has been working on. It looks beautiful. He also brought a check for Willy for doing the welding on the stable but Willy and Janna were not home. They are on their way to the valley to go to a sealing at the Gilbert temple. We could see their dog looking at us through their window. The other dog, Belle, their golden retriever had to be put to sleep last week. 

Jared didn't work as much as he normally does. He seems to need James with him when he works. He is not confident in cutting the boards. James is determined he will work with him more tomorrow.

Florence and Greg Hatch are serving a service mission

in Tonga, Samoa, and other islands.

They are in Samoa. Florence was out walking and got bit by a dog.

Greg stitched up her wound. She had 22 stitches.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023: Sue's message, breakfast, trip to town for bits but no wallets, Cloud Burst, Jen Coffey's brother, Sheri has Covid, Bee sting

Jordan River, Utah

20th operating temple

Dedicated: 16-20 Nov 1981

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Memory

Moses 6:63

And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me.

Book of Mormon

Alma 43:41-54

Come Follow Me

Acts 23:10-11; 27:13-25, 40-44 The Lord stands by those who strive to serve Him.

AprGenCon

"Never Give Up an Opportunity to Testify of Christ" by Bonnie H. Cordon

Liahona

"Come Unto Me": The Spiritual Quest of all our Lives by Elder Neil L. Andersen

I woke up this morning at 6 a.m. I noticed I had a message on my phone from Sue Hubble sent at 4:30 a.m. This is what it said:

Tabitha was taken to the hospital here yesterday morning unresponsive.

She's taken a turn for the worse, with blood clots in her lungs.

Her body is done. They could send her to Phoenix for some aggressive treatments, but no guarantees, or keep here here and make her comfortable, and the girls and I can see her.

Our last talk she was so tired of all the pain. Jason and I decided to keep her here and let her go peacefully, which will be a matter of a couple of days. It's going to be some trying days ahead. Love you, Sue

Tabitha was diagnosed with an unoperable brain tumor about two years ago. On Sunday Sue had told us that the tumor had shrunk and they were encouraged. She has lived much longer than they expected she would.

This is what I wrote back to Sue:

Oh Sue, I am so sorry. This is heartbreaking news after we thought Sunday that she was getting better.

My mother said the same thing before she passed, "I'm just so tired of all the pain."

Tabitha is Heavenly Father's daughter and he has a plan for her, and all of you.

Now she can be in peace and be taught the gospel in the spirit world.

I know it is going to be very difficult without her, but just remember that you have an entire ward that loves you and cares for you, Jason, and the girls.

Sue's message back to me: Thank you for those beautiful words. I'm in a good place but it is still going to be very hard. Love you.

I love you too!

This is Sue's only daughter. My heart goes out to her. I hope I can be the kind of friend she needs in this trying time.

I read the article in this month's Liahona by Elder Neil L. Andersen, "Come Unto Me": The Spiritual Quest of All Our Lives: Here are a list of things Elder Andersen suggests we do and believe:

1. Find strength in ordinances and covenants.

2. Live worthy of the Holy Ghost.

3. Hold on to spiritual experiences.

4. Choose faith.

5. His promises will be fulfilled.

Another trip to town to get bits as Jared broke the other four we got. We are beginning to think that they are faulty. James wanted me to go with him so I said I would. I thought about bringing my purse but decided I didn't need to. When we got to Kay's I found out to my surprise that James had forgotten his wallet and we had no way to pay. He asked the accountant if he could take the bits home and call back his credit card number, which he did. If he had been at Home Depot I'm not sure if they would have let him do this. Kay's is locally owned by Johnny Kay, someone we went to high school with.

Sheri texted Kim and I and said she has the "rona." She doesn't seem to be feeling too bad. This is her first time. Someone she works with gave it to her.

I opened the door going out of our bedroom onto the deck to look at the progress being made. Just as I stepped out a bee flew up one of my nostrils and on his way out stung me between my lip and nose.

It hurt. James pulled the stinger out. 

Today's three meals were:

Eggs, hashbrowns, and pork chops

Ham and cheese sandwiches

Steak, baked potato, sweet potatoes, and asparagus

The weather was nice today but no rain....until after dinner. We had a cloud burst while the sun was shining. James and I went outside on the front porch to enjoy it. It even hailed for awhile. The rain last about 15 minutes. Jared was already downstairs so he missed it.

Jen is one of our Chandler friends and is in

Sheri's ward.

I see you Lovie!

The day James took Joshua on a Razr ride

with a broken leg.

My friend Janna on the right.

 

Tuesday, August 1, 2023: Leave for town @7, BK breakfast, Kay's for bits, Wlmrt for groceries James helps, Carl's Jr. Santa Fe chicken sandwch J loved!

 

Seattle, Washington

19th operating temple

Dedicated: 17-21 Nov 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Memory

D&C 138:13

And who had offered sacrifice in the similitude of the great sacrifice of the Son of God, and had suffered tribulation in their Redeemer's name.

Book of Mormon

Alma 43:27-40

Come Follow Me

 Acts 22:1-21; 26:1-29 Disciples of Jesus Christ share their testimonies boldly.

AprGenCon

"The Greatest Easter Story Ever" by Gary E. Stevenson

James and I left for town this morning around 7 o'clock. Jared Ammon can't work until we get those bits he needs. 

We stopped at Burger King for breakfast and then went over to Kay's Building Supply for the bits. We had prayer before we left home this morning and listened to scriptures on the way. We also listened to a conference talk by Elder Neil L. Andersen from 2020, "We Talk of Christ". In this talk he said that over 30 million people in the United States in the last 10 years have stepped away from believing in the divinity of Jesus Christ. This is so very sad to me. Some in our family have done this.

James helped me do my shopping at Walmart. This is actually a good time to go shopping because the store is less busy and the shelves are stocked.

James ordered two Santa Fe chicken sandwiches at Carl's Jr. before we left. One for us and one for Jared Ammon. Jared loved it!

I bought lots of meat because Jared likes to eat protein. Ground beef, steak, ham fajita meat, pork chops, chicken thighs, chicken breasts, and beef chunks. 

As we were going from Kay's to Walmart we thought we saw Monte and Tasha in their new truck and RV. I texted Vickie and she said that wasn't possible because they are "broke down" at Fool's Hollow. I told her that Erik, Gail's son, was a mechanic and had worked on RV's. When I told James he didn't think it would be a good idea to call Erik but he said he would call Monte and see if he could help him. Monte seemed to have things under control, or at least was headed in the right direction.

I am still working on Operation DeClutter in our bedroom. I am quite happy with the changes I have made although I'm not sure that James has even noticed.

I made chili and cornbread for dinner. 

I got a new rug for our bathroom and some new seat cushions for the dining room table chairs. It's always fun to buy something new for your home. 

No rain today. We were entertained by the cuteness of the kitties though.

I tried making this today only the Coolwhip wasn't frozen.

I put it in the freezer and it was quite tasty.

Now serving in our ward.

Lazy kitties.

James says it's because they hunt at night.

Tabby catches beetles, plays with them, 

and then eats them.

Monday, July 31, 2023: Addy's playlist, Rain, Monte & Tasha's mishap, waiting for sunflowers, Lola, three meals a day, Emily and her counselors,

Tokyo, Japan

18th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Types of, in Anticipation

Moses 5:7

And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.

Book of Mormon

Alma 43:15-26

Come Follow Me

Acts 22-28 "A Minister and a Witness"

Acts 22:1-21 & 22:22-30

AprGenCon

"The Answer is Always Jesus Christ" by President Russell M. Nelson

Addy texted me today and asked what mine and grandpa's favorite songs were. I told her I didn't listen to music much but I really liked these songs by Keane:

Everybody's Changing

Sovereign Light Cafe

Somewhere Only We Know and

Higher Than the Sun

I told her I would have grandpa text her his favorite song. She says she is going to make a playlist of her friends favorite songs.

I started listening to Follow Him today. One of the opening statements by John Bytheway caught my attention:

"If we are to be an instrument in the hands of God, Paul is a Swiss army knife."

This morning when we were in the kitchen fixing breakfast Jared made the comment that it was going to be sunny all week with no predicted rain. I told him that the weather reports were not always right. 

I made bacon and scrambled eggs for Jared for breakfast and James had Malt-o-Meal. 

These are some of the things I accomplished today: I did a good clean of the refrigerator. I even cleaned the shelves on the door and got rid of some expired condiments. I paid bills, our mortgage, my credit card, Navopache, and Church donations. I paid Sunstate and White Cap for James. 

As I was standing at the kitchen sink looking out the window I noticed some big fluffy, dark clouds moving in. I think rain is on its way! Yes, it is!

It rained in Show Low too. Monte and Tasha were parked in their RV at Fool's Hollow. Lightning struck a tree about 15 feet away from them and now their electricity doesn't work. They are planning on leaving on a family vacation tomorrow so here's hoping they can get it fixed.

I made potstickers for lunch and James made fish for dinner. We are scraping the bottom of the barrel here. When James told Jared he could work here he told him it included room and board. That puts the pressure on me to come up with some meals on a regular basis. 

James needs to get some more bits for the drill they are using to put the nails in the new decking and I need to go grocery shopping. He wants to go at 7 in the morning so I told him I would be ready. 

This is the best rain that we have had all year and we are really enjoying it. Everything smells so wonderful!

I am trying to figure out a way to talk to Jared about the gospel. I want him to know that he is a child of God and that Jesus loves him, I just don't know how to say it. I do feel like we are more comfortable together than we have been and I find him easy to talk to. 

My knee is still bothering me and I was pretty miserable when I went to bed.

Waiting for these to "come back"

Madison, Zach and Tasha standing in front of their home

of 11 years which they are now leaving.

Ian's dad and his brother, JD.

Both are in heaven now.

Emily and her counselors

Courtney's daughters birthday cake