Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Sunday, December 3, 2023: Both of us miss Church, Conference talks and YouTube talks by Elder Bednar and Elder Callister, "The Royal Nanny",

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
143rd operating temple
Dedicated: 4 May 2014
By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon Reading
Ether 2:13-25
Book of Mormon 100 Favorites
Jacob 3:1
But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
Come Follow Me
Jude 1 "Build up yourselves on your most holy faith."
October General Conference
"Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus" by Elder Robert M. Daines

 This morning I listened to three conference talks, one being Emily Belle Freeman's which is my lesson next week.

James and I were sad to miss taking the sacrament today and listening to testimony meeting. 

James used his sauna blanket this morning while I finished watching "A Royal Nanny." 

I ate mostly hot and sour soup today along with a grilled cheese sandwich. James cooked himself some potstickers. 

This afternoon we listened to a talk by Tad R. Callister on the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. It was so good and Brother Callister was so passionate. We also listened to Elder Bednar talk about and share personal experiences about responding to the Spirit. The talk was called something like, "Is that the Spirit or Just Me?"

We failed to realize that tonight was the First Presidency Christmas Devotional so we missed it. We actually went to bed quite early.
The following people spoke at the devotional: President Nelson, Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Elder Paul V. Johnson, and Sister Tracy Y. Browning. 

Part of President Nelson's talk was a prayer for everyone at Christmas time:
Many often sing or say, "We wish you a merry Christmas" at this time of year. President Nelson said the wish or prayer of his heart for each person has several components.
First, he prays that everyone will feel the deep, eternal love the Savior has for them personally. He has perfect compassion for everyone's struggles and rejoices every time they press forward in righteousness - during good times and bad.
"Jesus Christ has known you since the premortal realm. He knows and sees you now. He sees your joys and your sorrows. He has experienced each of them," President Nelson said.
Second, he prays that all will gain their own personal witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, "that He is filled with godly power, and that because of His grand atoning sacrifice, you never need to feel that you must face life's difficult challenges alone."
As people earnestly ask, seek and knock, they have constant access to His power to help, strengthen and heal them.
Third, he prays that everyone will take full advantage of the Savior's Atonement by repenting daily, making their lives increasingly pure, and seeking heavenly guidance in all that they do.
"In other words, I pray for you to experience the joy of always thinking celestial," he said.
Finally, he prays that all will use this holiday season to begin a season of even greater personal worship.
"Begin anew to study the teachings and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. No one on this earth loves you as He does. No one here understands you better or really knows your sorrows and weaknesses. No one on earth has the power that Jesus Christ has. No one here is more eager for you to become everything you can become. No one pleads with the Father on your behalf as He does."










 

Saturday, December 2, 2023: J sees 7 mule deer. Still no Tabby, BDP quote, sauna sack, trip to town hot & sour soup, Wendy's Frosty, "My Norwegian Holiday"

 

Gilbert, Arizona
142nd operating temple
Dedicated: 2 Mar 2014
By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon Reading
Ether 2:1-12
Book of Mormon 100 Favorites
2 Nephi 2:31
O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul" Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?
Come Follow Me
1 John 5 As I exercise faith in Jesus Christ and am born again, I can overcome the world. "Overcoming the World" Elder Neil L. Andersen, Ensign, May 2017, 58-62.
October General Conference
"Abide the Day in Christ" by Sister Amy A. Wright

I got up around 7 this morning. 
When James got up this morning he went out to feed the animals as he normally does. While taking care of Luna he saw seven mule deer, 3 fawns, 2 yearlings, and 2 does. I think it made his day. Still no Tabby though.

While listening to Brother Andersen's talk, "Overcoming the World" this morning he talked about Elder Bruce D. Porter. James was reminded when Elder Porter came to our stake conference in Chandler. He said he will never forget what he said:
"Don't let the urgent things get in the way of the important things." 

I listened to Tyler and Taylor today on Scripture Central and learned about the Johannine comma as recorded in 1 John 5:7-8. I Googled it for an explanation.

James hit the sauna sack after our morning prayer and scriptures. He says he's going to get up in an hour but it was actually three hours before he got up.

James spoke to Jimmy Applegate today about his house plans. Jimmy said he would miss us at church tomorrow. We will miss him too.

James and I went to town this afternoon. James did a little shopping at Walmart and we also stopped at Wendy's so I could get a Frosty. On the way home we stopped and got two more quarts of hot and sour soup.

This evening we took turns walking while listening to "Hearts in the Highland" and watching a Christmas movie, "My Norwegian Holiday." 

We both liked the movie. Here is a brief description:
J.J. grieving the loss of her grandmother and seeking dissertation inspiration, stumbles upon an unexpected holiday destiny. Meeting Henrik, a Norwegian from Bergen, their connection deepens when he discovers she has a troll figurine from his hometown. To explore the troll's history and her grandmother's ties, JJ agrees to join Henrik on a journey to Norway. In Bergen, they're drawn into Henrik's family Christmas and wedding traditions, with his sister's wedding the day before Christmas Eve. JJ embarks on a holiday adventure, uncovering the troll's origins and finding her own path to healing, love and family. Starring Rhiannon Fish and David Elsendoorn.




Sheri's tree





Addison and Bentley don't like Santa


Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Friday, December 1, 2023: Last of the hot & sour soup, prayers & scripture study, James & Ben text, Godwink movies, Light the World in Times Square, We miss Tabby

 

Tegucigalpa, Honduras
141st operating temple
Dedicated: 17 Mar 2013
By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon Reading
Ether 1:1-43
Book of Mormon 100 Favorites
Alma 34:32
For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.
Come Follow Me
1 John 4:12 Has "no man ... seen God at any time"?
John 3 and Jude
October General Conference
"In the Path of Their Duty" by Elder David A. Bednar

I had the last of the hot and sour soup this morning and we made no trip to town today. Elder Hales says: "When you cannot do what you've always done, you do what matters most." Although James and I aren't doing much of anything else we are having our prayers and scriptures everyday. 

James has been corresponding with Ben regarding a priesthood blessing. James told him that anyone could give him a blessing that held the Melchizedek priesthood. Ben said he knew that but he wanted his favorite person, the one he looks up to the most to be the one to do it. What a sweet thing to say. 

I got a call from Jared Ammon today. He needs to borrow some money until next Wednesday. He has a job managing a friend's taco shop on Mill Avenue. He will get paid next Wednesday and will pay us back then. He sounded good and I'm so glad he has a job at a taco shop instead of bar. 

After feeding the animals this morning James and I laid down on our recliners and watched a couple of Christmas movies. We watched two Godwink movies which are based on divine help, not coincidences in peoples lives. These movies are true stories and both were really good and inspirational.

We walked and finished "Heart in the Highlands." This evening we watched a new Hallmark movie, "A Norwegian Christmas." We also watched "Christmas Angel" which is an older movie but one of our favorites. 

As part of the Church's Light the World campaign they lit up Time Square in New York City. So neat!

We got our Christmas card from Autumn, Palmer, and Scarlett today. Scarlett is whipping up some Christmas cookies.

"Focus on Christ's perfection instead of our struggles. Love God and keep His commandments."












Thursday, November 30, 2023: My weird dreams, Inklings, Tabby gone, AARA new appt., I test positive for Covid, Wendy's Frosty & Chili, Call from JA, UPS store, Ben's request

 

Calgary, Alberta
140th operating temple
Dedicated: 28 Oct 2012
By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon Reading
Mormon 9:22-37
Book of Mormon 100 Favorites
Helaman 5:47
And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying: Peace, peace be unto you, because of you faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.
Come Follow Me
1 John 2:24-29; 3:1-3 I can become like Jesus Christ. 
"Becoming Like Him" by Scott D. Whiting, Ensign, Nov. 2023, 12-15.
1 John 5 and 2 John.
October General Conference
"Think Celestial" President Russell M. Nelson

I had some crazy dreams last night about the Grapp's, rice and beans and my phone falling apart. I was happy they were only dreams.

I watched Inklings this morning with Emily and her daughter-in-law Maria. We discussed Elder Sabin's talk, "Hallmarks of Happiness."
Emily got sick in her travels for the Church and ended up having gall bladder surgery. She is grateful to be home. Elder Sabin has several children with cystic fibrosis and Maria has a three year old daughter with the same condition. Here are a few notes I took:
Expectation meets appreciation. Maria's grandpa sent out 365 thank cards one year, one for everyday.
Maria keeps a prayer/gratitude journal. 

James and I listened to Elder Scott Whiting's talk, "Becoming Like Him." In order to become like Him we must desire to do so and know Him and allow Him to transform us.

I tested positive for Covid today and had to reschedule my AARA infusion appointment. My new appointment is Tuesday, December 19th at 7:15 am.

We made a trip into town to return mail James's truck mirror and to get me a Frosty and chili at Wendy's. They both felt good on my throat. We also stopped and got new Covid kits to replace the ones we used that belonged to the Cranes.

Tabby was gone today and didn't return this evening. James saw a black cat with long hair wearing a collar and he is wondering if she went off with this new cat. I am wondering if the thunder last night frightened her away. We are praying she will come back because Tom is going to be lonesome without her.

Ben wants James to give him a blessing but that won't be possible until James gets over Covid. Maybe when we go down for my infusion.



Good job Stacy!




Tabby taking care of her Tom




Wednesday, November 29, 2023: James joins me on recliners, Sheri has to have a hysterectomy, Paul still sick, Janna's call, sauna bag, Thunder extremely loud

 

Brigham City, Utah
139th operating temple
Dedicated: 23 Sept 2012
By: Boyd K. Packer

Book of Mormon Reading
Mormon 9:1-21
Book of Mormon 100 Favorites
Alma 37:35
O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.
Come Follow Me
1 John 2-4; 2 John "If we love one another, God dwelleth in us."
October General Conference
"We Are His Children" by Elder Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier

James and I both slept on the family room recliners last night. It was nice to have him join me. 

James was on his phone trying to return the mirror her ordered for his truck so I went into the bedroom.

I fell asleep on the recliner in the bedroom and missed a call from Sheri. She sent me a text. I have to have a hysterectomy. My heart sank as I made a call to talk to her. She explained that her uterus was so enlarged they would not be able to take it out vaginally. It will take six weeks to recover two weeks where she isn't allowed to do anything. I told her I would bring her up here to take care of her. She seemed to like that idea. I'm not sure why but her surgery won't be until February. I don't know why she has to wait so long.

Stacy called to see how we were doing. She said Paul is still sick as is she and Adam. Paul has got issues with work and the sentencing of the murderer of his sister Trish is coming up too. Sometimes life is a real struggle.

Got a call from Janna Grombach today offering to do some shopping for us. I am so grateful for good friends. 

James loves his sauna bag and has been using it just about everyday. It gets up to 158 degrees and kills lots of bacteria. 

I watched some cute Christmas movies today. One of my favorites was "Six Degrees of Santa" starring Kathryn Davis and Steve Lund.

Tonight after going to bed on the family room recliners we heard some very loud noises. At first we thought it was just the house groaning but came to realize it was very loud thunder and it was raining. 






Indy, Lady, and me at Cathi & Terry's a few
years ago

2018 Christmas

Merry Christmas







Monday, December 4, 2023

Tuesday, November 28, 2023: James is sick, Covid tests, James is positive, White Mountain Pharmacy, China Wok, DrPZero, James ordering new mirrior, DWTS 5 couples in finale

 

Manaus, Brazil
138th operating temple
Dedicated: 10 June 2012
By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon Reading
Mormon 8:26-41
Book of Mormon 100 Favorites
1 Nephi 11:36
And it came to pass that I saw and bear record, that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and it fell, and the fall thereof was exceedingly great.
Come Follow Me
1 John; 2 John "God is light and God is Love." 1 John 3
October General Conference
"Divine Parenting Lessons" Elder Valeri V. Cordon

James woke up this morning very sick. He could barely crawl out of bed. Chuck Crane brought over a couple of Covid test kits and James tested positive. I imagine I would test positive too.

In spite of being sick we made a trip into town. James assured me he would stay six feet away from people. He went into White Mountain Pharmacy to order some new Covid kits to replace the ones we borrowed from Chuck. He also went into Walmart to get some supplies and then we stopped at China Wok to get a couple of quarts of hot and sour soup. It's the only thing that sounds good when I am sick.

James got on the phone and got instructions on how to send the mirror back that he ordered for his truck because it isn't the right one. He will be sending it back tomorrow. He also ordered a new one.

I spent another day watching movies and doing a little blogging. 

James used his sauna blanket and it helped him to feel better.

This evening I watched the semifinal for DWTS. One couple was supposed to be sent home but everyone stayed so now there are five couples going into the finale.
Jason & Daniella
Ariana & Pasha
Alison & Sasha
Xochitl & Val
Charity & Artem

Yikes!

Puzzlemania

My main means of sustenance besides
hot and sour soup





DWTS finalists