Thursday, October 5, 2023: Temple and dinner with the Tignor's, Ruth Gale, So much pain, no lights on Razr,

 

Nashville, Tennessee

84th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: James E. Faust

Book of Mormon Reading

Helaman 15:7-16:18

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

2 Nephi 31:20

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the words of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

Come Follow Me

Ephesians 1:10 Gather together in one all things in Christ.

October General Conference

"The Sealing Power" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Teaching with Power

The Power of the Spirit

1. Strive to live a more Christlike life.

2. Pray with Frequency & Fervor.

3. Read & ponder the scriptures before other resources.

4. Ponder the lesson well in advance.

5. Record and organize Spiritual Impressions.

6. Prepare a written plan.

7. Be humble.

On the way to the temple this afternoon I gave James a name card for him to do today in our endowment session.  The name was George Washington Strickland. He put it in his pocket. After the session he said he lost the name and had to get another one from the temple. Eventually he found it in his suit pocket instead of his shirt pocket. I guess we can try again next time.

On our way to Snowflake we saw a guy on the 60 walking along the side of the road pulling a suitcase. I wondered if he was running away from home or if his wife asked him to leave. It made me sad to see him,

We met the Tignor's at the temple. They were waiting for us in the entrance. We rode the elevator together.

Our friend from Chandler, Ruth Gale, was in our session. We spoke with her after our session. She comes once a week with a friend. She introduced us to her friend, Jules Turley. They were going to someone's house to play games. I asked Ruth what game they were going to play. She said hand and foot and you use face cards which always makes me feel guilty. Oh yes, Ruth said she has two kids and three married grandkids who live in Snowflake. No wonder she likes it there.

We met the Tignor's at Eva's (pronounced Ava's). Terry got a beef stuffed chili relleno, Barbara and I got chicken enchiladas with red sauce, and James had a seafood enchilada with green sauce. Terry's chili relleno wasn't hot enough for him so he asked for some hot sauce. He called the regular sauce "sissy sauce." James paid for everyone's dinner. 

On the way home James stopped in Show Low to get more bolts for the stable. We got home after dark so the elk calling Jared and James were going to do tonight was postponed until in the morning because the lights on the Razr don't work.

 I left pork chops and gravy in the crockpot for Jared's dinner.

After going to bed I was miserable because of the pain in my right shoulder. James got up and got me some Tramadol and a slice of bread.

Fall in Utah

Wednesday, October 4, 2023: Brkfst, Willy here, new puzzle, Mailed cards to Scarlett & Vickie, Jared tries out the Razr's new tires, J's mtg, space station, lounge chair; Scott's story

 

Tampico, Mexico

83rd operating temple

20 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon Reading

Helaman 14:20-15:6

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Alma 26:37

Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.

Come Follow Me

 Ephesians 1:4-11, 17-19 God chose, or foreordained, me to fulfill certain responsibilities on earth.

October General Conference

"For the Sake of Your Posterity" by Elder Carlos A. Godoy

Unlocking the Powers of Faith

The gift to be healed is one of the gifts of the Spirit.

I made a big breakfast this morning, biscuits, hashbrowns, eggs, and bacon. I had just washed my hair and it was still wet when James said, "Karen, we have company." I said, "okay." It was Willy who came in to use the restroom. I said, "Willy isn't company, he's family." I just love him like a big teddy bear.

I started the other new puzzle I got when I was in Texas. It's a one with all different boxes of cereal. I also watched "Dancing with the Stars" and "The Golden Bachelor" while blogging and walking. I love the guy on The Golden Bachelor, he is the nicest. I can't really say the same for all of the women.

James and I went to town and we mailed birthday cards to Scarlett and Vickie who both have the birthdays on the 6th. I know Scarlett's is going to be late. I just can't seem to get it all together to mail birthday cards on time.  James got more bolts for the stable and we made a Sonic run. 

Jared had to try out the new tires on the Razr by going for a ride. James also got a new tire for his truck. 

James went to a combined meeting with the Elders Quorum Presidency and the Relief Society Presidency this evening to decide what talks to use for the next six months in their meetings. I told him to please choose President Nelson's and Emily Belle Freeman's, which he did. He came home and said the first talk was going to be Elder Rasband's talk on senior missionaries. I am sure that Wendy DeWitt requested this talk. 

Jared and I went outside this evening and saw the international space station go by. Without him I wouldn't have seen it.

The Keto Gummy company won't send me an RMA number so I can return my gummies because they said I have an open dispute with the bank. They want me to get my bank on the line so they can talk to them. I said no way. I'm keeping the package until they send me an RMA #. By October 10th the bank is going to give me a credit for the charge made. I'll never buy anything from Shark Tank again.

Willy and his snake

Christmas Donuts puzzle

Tuesday, October 3, 2023: 11 temple session w/ Catherine Halcomb, Sonic and home again, nap, The Girl Who Believe in Miracles, dinner, tires, JA runs

 

Cochabamba, Bolivia

82nd operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

Helaman 14:1-19

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

Alma 7:25

And may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments spotless, that ye may at last be brought to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the holy prophets who have been ever since the world began, having your garments spotless even as their garments are spotless, in the kingdom of heaven to go no more out.

Come Follow Me

Ephesians 1:4-11, 17-19 God chose, or foreordained, me to fulfill certain responsibilities on earth.

October General Conference

"Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus" by Elder Robert M. Daines

Your Endowment

The ordinances of the temple are the principal ordinances of the Abrahamic covenant.

I got up at six this morning with James Hayden, Jared's son on my mind. I wanted to write him a letter but I don't have his address. I thought I could message Jeanie Wallen and get it. I thought about this but never acted upon it. I started remembering how he treated Jared and those feelings of wanting to communicate with him dissipated.

I left at 9:30 this morning to pick up Catherine Halcomb to go to the temple. She talked the entire way and I listened. This is one of the reasons I like taking her to the temple. She needs someone to talk to. She says she is very lonely. 

I dropped Catherine off in front of the temple while I went to find a parking space. We made it to the session in plenty of time. 

I always enjoy the peace and quiet of the temple but I must say I had a hard time staying awake in the session. We each said a prayer when we were in the celestial room and then we were on our way.

We stopped at Sonic on the way home and each of us got a slinger chicken sandwich and Catherine got a small Dr. Pepper.

When I got home I took a nap and finished my movie, "The Girl Who Believes in Miracles." 

For dinner I made chicken tenders with onion gravy, rice, and broccoli. 

James picked up the tires for the Razr this afternoon. Now Jared Ammon can continue his rides looking for wildlife.

Kacey texted me today and she had some news about Tanner which is heartbreaking. Kacey seemed so sad and my heart went out to her.

James and I walked and listened to our book, "Love Unseen."

Lavor & Florence Cluff

Love these two

Monday, October 2, 2023: Bacon & eggs, Tom caught a bluebird but he got away, windy again, Brian update, Scott update, Text from Sam, Trip to town, puzzle finished, book finished, "Think Celestial"

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Apr 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon Reading

Helaman 13:21-39

Book of Mormon 100 Favorites

3 Nephi 17:23-24

And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones. And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as if it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them.

Come Follow Me

Ephesians "For the Perfecting of the Saints."

October General Conference

"Abide the Day in Christ" by Sister Amy A. Wright

Rescuing Wayward Children

"Our prayer is that our children may someday remember who they are."

An early morning breakfast of bacon and eggs at which time I heard a story about our cat, Tom. Jared said there was a bluebird on the edge of the water trough getting a drink and Tom saw him. Tom crept over and caught the bird and was playing with him. Tom let the bird go for a minute and the bird flew away. Yay!! Note to Tom: If you're going to catch a bird, catch an ugly one, not a bluebird. Wow, that sounded kind of mean but it's how I feel.

I made breakfast for the guys and James brought me breakfast in the bedroom.. a bowl of cereal with pecans.

It's windy again today. I got a text that the Relief Society trip to Green's Peak on Saturday has been cancelled. No reason was listed. I checked my weather app and there is a 34 percent change of rain. Maybe that's the reason.

I also got an update on Brian Maxwell's condition:

Here is the bomb: Brian has High Grade Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma. In other words - aggressive bladder cancer that may or may not have spread beyond the bladder wall. Our next step is to meet with the team at MD Anderson on Oct 13th and come up with a plan of attack, which will most likely involve a complete removal of the bladder, prostate, lymph nodes and possibly other tissue. The next few months are going to be rough. But we're going to take it one step at a time and do our best to kick this!

Here are the latest texts from Rebecca regarding Scott's condition and treatment. 

Wed, Sep 27 at 10:30 AM

We are currently at the cancer clinic and they have just started Scott on the chemo that will kill his bone marrow. He will do this for 5 days then into the hospital on Sunday for the last dose on Monday before the transplant on Tuesday. Nathan will start his shots here at the clinic on Friday to increase his production of stem cells. He will do this for 4 days. Then on Tuesday they will take his blood, run it through a machine that filters out the overgrowth of stem cells, and simultaneously return his blood back to him. They they will immediately transfer the stem cells to the hospital next door and give them to Scott. The whole process is fascinating!

I want to share the most recent tender mercy we have experienced. One of many! On Sunday Scott received a priesthood blessing from Brent in preparation for this next phase. One of the things that was mentioned was that the doctors and specialists who work with Scott would be guided and inspired in his care. And then Brent paused for a second and said "and make changes as necessary." On Monday we met with the oncologist, the transplant coordinator, the doctor in charge of the stem cell process, and the pharmacist to discuss what would take place and to answer questions. Scott was scheduled to start with a nasty type of chemo that has some nasty side effects. We were worried about that one and Scott was nervous about it. But one of the first things they told us in that meeting was that the oncologist decided that because Scott has responded so well to the other treatments, he felt that that one was not necessary. God hears and answers prayer! 

Sun, Oct 1 at 9:25 PM

It is Sunday evening and Scott is back in the hospital. Tomorrow he will receive his last dose of chemo before transplant on Tuesday. Nathan's bones are beginning to ache like they said they would. The time is getting close.

Scott is filled with faith and peace. We all are.

Mon, Oct 2 at 4:18

Thanks to all of you. By the way, we have a new baby girl! Jason and Marin just had their sixth child on Saturday, Dawn's birthday. 

Rebecca and new granddaughter

Tue, Oct 3 

They will begin Nathan's stem cell collection at 8 a.m. They started by injecting Nathan with a stem cell growth factor every day for 5 days to increase his production of stem cells so much that they overflow into his blood stream. Then on the 5th day they hook him up to an IV for about 6 hours and circulate out his blood. The blood goes through a machine that separates out the stem cells then puts the blood right back into him.

Carmen asked how they get the stem cells into Scott's bone marrow.

Rebecca:

These are blood stem cells and they know exactly where to go. For Scott it is simply a transfusion. The cells do the rest. The human body is truly amazing!

Nathan is done for the day and they think they have enough cells but they want him to come back tomorrow for half a day because they would like to have extra just in case they don't have enough or in cast Scott made need a boost later on. 

Scott will receive the new cells on his birthday, tomorrow. Happy Re-Birth day Scott!

Nathan says he feels weirdly depleted. 

Wed, Oct 4 at 4:52 p.m.

Scott is receiving Nathan's stem cells. He is very grateful. Nathan is telling him "Happy Birthday."

Happy Birthday Scott

It took a long time because they got 7.5 million cells! Yesterday morning Dr. Torloni said they like to go for 4 million so we are surprised they did as much as they did. Probably because they could. When they get cells from another country they don't have a choice of how many. But Nathan is right here and a perfect match. He is very optimistic. He thinks Scott will be fine.

The infusion is finished and Scott feels fine. The nurse said that if there is a problem with the host accepting the donor cells it happens during the infusion. He had no reactions. Yay!!!

There is still a chance of graft verses host disease when the cells ingraft but his body accepted the cells just fine. Also he will have some side effects from the last chemo, and then keeping him safe for a long time. Still challenges ahead, but so grateful for all of your prayers.

Rebecca shares this spiritual experience:

I would like to share a spiritual experience I had as Nathan finished up and the nurse took the bag of cells down from that machine. She asked us, Nathan and I, if we would like to say a prayer over the cells before she sent them to the lab. I was caught off guard for a few seconds. Nathan wasn't feeling great so he didn't want to, so I carefully took the bag of cells in my hands. At first I just stood there in wonder at what I was holding, not knowing what to say. Then I took a breath, closed my eyes and was overcome. The Spirit was so strong that it took me a few seconds to re-gain my composure. It's hard to speak when there is a lump in you throat and you are crying. Then the words came. I expressed gratitude for Heavenly Father and His miracles and tender mercies that He has blessed us with so far. I thanked Him for all the team that has worked with Scott and all the people that have prayed with faith for him. I thanked Him for the wonders of modern medicine that has made this even possible. I then asked Heavenly Father to please bless these cells that they would heal Scott's body and that Scott's body would accept these cells and that these cells would accept Scott's body, that he would experience very little side effects. I can't remember what else I said but I closed the prayer, carefully handed the bag of cells back to the nurse and said "thank you."

After she sent them on their way and while Nathan was using the restroom, I asked the nurse why she asked us if we wanted to do that. I asked "Do you give everyone that opportunity?" She said that she kind of feels it out throughout the day and because of the conversation Nathan and Dr. Torloni had about growing up in a Catholic school and about religion that she thought we might want to. She said that sometimes people will have the Chaplin come in and bless the cells. A bit later when Dr. Torloni came in he said that in the many years that he has been doing this, he has noticed a big difference when the cells are prayed over. I was just so grateful for this sweet but powerful experience.

I will share Scott's long but amazing post on his birthday, Wednesday, October 4th.

I got a text from Sam today. She thanked me again for allowing her to come and visit. I sent her the picture of her and Jared at her request.

James and I went to town this afternoon. Our first stop was at Desert Title where James went in and paid for a new license plate. They gave him a temporary plate until the new one comes. We also got gas and washed my car as I am going to the temple tomorrow with Catherine Halcomb. 

I made pork chops, new potatoes, and a salad for dinner. James did the dishes for me. 

I finished my puzzle and my book, "Educating Elizabeth" today. 

Happy 96th Birthday Lois/Mom

Charlie, can you do these poses?