Wednesday, January 3, 2024: Up @ 5:21, Must go to bed by 8:30 & stop eating by 6pm, blog, temple w J, Barbara & T-Bo, La Casita our treat, saw people know, restored DBS app!, Jared's new calling, Disneyland plans

 

Belem, Brazil

174th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2022

By: Dale G. Renlund

Book of Mormon

Testimony of Three Witnesses

Come Follow Me

Introduction; Testimony of Three Witnesses; Testimony of Eight Witnesses: I can bear testimony of Jesus Christ.

October General Conference

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

I didn't get up until 5:21 this morning. If I want to get up at 4am for prayer and scripture study, I am going to have to go to bed by 8:30. James likes to talk after we are in bed so that gives him a few minutes so I can be to sleep by 9. I also need to stop eating by 6 p.m.

I worked on my blog about an hour this morning before it was time to get ready to go to the temple. Barbara Tignor called and wants us to be at their house by 9:20. We are going to the 11:00 session.

James and I were able to take two of my family names through the session. I was doing work for Lois Mock and he did the endowment for Paul Helms Miller. 

We left the Tignor's place around 9:30 with T-Bo driving Barbara's new Subaru. The ride to Snowflake was uneventful. T-Bo is a careful driver. It took him a little longer than it would have if James had been driving, but that's okay.

T-Bo and Barbara dropped us off in front of the temple at 10:20 before they went to find a parking place. We waited upstairs in the gathering room for them. I spoke to Jo Brookbank, Jim Brookbank's wife. Jim was Harold's best friend in high school and his sister Polly was mine. Jo doesn't really know me but she remembered James from when he was a high councilman in the Show Low stake.

A friend from high school, Kathy Hunt Brewer issued me my new name. When I walked into the endowment room I sat in the second row, right across from James and T-Bo. Barbara sat next to me.

The Shelton's and the Scott's were in our session. We worked with the Shelton's when we were temple workers. They are in their 80's. 

Sister Shelton told me that when she was released from being a temple worker she was going to dye her hair purple. She did it. Today she has purple hair. 

Brother Scott was in the temple presidency when we were called as temple workers. He was the one who called us. James said he is a retired rancher from Young. His wife is very pretty, she's probably my age, and has beautiful red hair cut in a pixie. She sat right in front of me.

The Tignor's joined us in the prayer circle. I stood next to Chet Adams, my high school friend Beverly's brother. His wife Caroline was with him. 

Blaine Stratton, who is married to our high school friend January Smith, was an assistant at the veil. I didn't see January.

James loaded up the prayer roll with family names. 

We should have taken a picture outside with the Tignor's, but we didn't. I must remember to do that. Here are some pictures Google sent to me:

I should have worn sunglasses in that last one.

As we left the temple the discussion was, where do we go to lunch. We decided against Ava's and Street's. James convinced us to go to LaCasita in Show Low, so off we went.

James and I ordered what we always order, chicken enchiladas, mine with red sauce and his with green. Barbara had a chicken taco salad and T-Bo had a chimichanga with sauce on the top and guacamole and sour cream. Barbara loves their refried beans and she thought there would be some in her salad. She was a little disappointed to find there wasn't. 

After lunch T-Bo decided he needed to get some gas so we stopped at the Splash and Dash for gas. As we were leaving town there were a couple of trucks loaded down selling firewood across from the Maverick station. He stopped and made a deal to buy some firewood from one of the sellers. I thought we would be home by 2:30 when I planned my day, even if we went to lunch. It was more like 4. 

James said this is going to be the last day to work outside because it's supposed to snow tomorrow. He went out about 4:30 and worked for an hour. 

It is 4:30 in the afternoon and I have 1,700 steps. Yikes! I better get walking, but first some Tramadol and rest.

I restored by Deseret Bookshelf app with the help of one of their technical people. It is great to have it back. We listened to "Breaking the Rules" on Google Play in anticipation of finishing this book before we go back to our other one on Deseret Bookshelf.

Jared has a new calling. He has been called to be the first counselor in the bishopric of his ward. We are very proud of him! His main concern is raising and lower the pulpit. Jared, Kacey, and Charlie are members of the Pine Tree 1st Ward, Longview Texas Stake.

We are planning a trip to Disneyland with Lola and Ruby the week of James's birthday. We have never taken Lola so I am looking forward to it. We are also going to Disneyland the first of March with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie.

Christmas Cards

From Blain & Diana Curtis

Lois & Dawn (handmade)

Cathi & Terry

Chuck & Kathy Crane

Tuesday, January 2, 2024: Up @ 4am, study, pray, ponder, 9 left for town w/ J, Wlmrt & HD, Tractor Sply, Panda, nap, cln kitchen put away Christmas, Barb & Elaine, contention w J, I apologize, "Breaking the Rules"

Praia Cabo Verde

173rd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 June 2022

By: Neil L. Andersen

Book of Mormon

Introduction - What is the purpose of the Book of Mormon

Come Follow Me

Title page of Book of Mormon - Studying the Book of Mormon can strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ.

October General Conference

"Abide the Day in Christ" by Amy a. Wright

Up at 4 a.m. to plan, pray, and study.

This morning I also read from 1 Nephi 8:1-19 and looked at my Book of Mormon blog, trying to decide if I am going to continue it.

I also read from the Liahona and "Rescuing Wayward Children." The article in the Liahona was by President Eyring , "Our Light in the Wilderness." I also listened to Brother Halverson on "Unshaken Saints."

At 9:00 I left for town with James. It was his idea to go early because he needed something at Home Depot. 

The weather is clear, cold and gratefully, no wind.

James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Home Depot. 

We finish at the same time and I don't have to wait for him to pick me up. Next stop is Tractor Supply where James buys two bags of horse feed for Luna. I wan a Panda chicken teriyaki chow mien bowl. It's a little before 11 so we go back. I was surprised that James didn't get anything. He said that we had plenty of food at home and that he would eat there. 

My chicken is cold so I wait until I get home to eat so I can heat it up in the microwave. This bowl has around 800 calories so this is my big meal of the day. I will have veggies and a side for dinner.

I took a nap. Afterwards I went in to clean the kitchen counters, and floor and take down all of the kitchen Christmas decorations. While I worked I listened to Barbara Morgan Gardener and Elaine Dalton discuss two conference talks, Elder Koch's and Sister Runia's. I also continued to wash and dry and fold clothes.

As I was listening to my podcast James said: "Boy, I bet they make a lot of money." He thought he heard one of them say, "walk with us in Rome." I didn't hear it. I got upset by his comment and there was a little contention between us. I realized later that I was wrong and I apologized. I have a goal of no contention but I am weak. It's going to take some time.

Noodles and veggies for my dinner while James had a HLT, ham, lettuce and tomato sandwich. After doing the dishes and mopping the floor James and I walk and listen again to our less than stellar book, "Breaking the Rules." We were in bed by 9.

My friends Patsy and Janna. We are going 

to lunch on Thursday.

Ian and Evan's snowman

Every yard on this block in Colorado was

filled with elk.

Luna now has a house!

 

Monday, January 1, 2024: Happy New Year! Chandler Eyecare broken into sunglasses stolen, Sheri's breakfast: French toast, bacon, eggs, cleanup & leave, loads of laundry to do, blog, walk, movie, rest, pay bills, nice weather, earthquake in Japan, "Breaking the Rules" steak for dinner, bed by 9:11

 

Yigo, Guam

172nd operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2022

By: David A. Bednar

Book of Mormon

Title Page

Come Follow Me

Another Testament of Jesus Christ, Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon

October General Conference

"In the Path of Their Duty" by Elder David A. Bednar

Happy New Year! I hope it's a good one for all of my family and friends.

Chandler Eyecare was broken into last night. Whoever did it got lots of designer sunglasses. The alarm didn't go off but they saw a picture of one man on the camera. He was heavily disguised.

A messy robber

Sheri ran this morning, came home and showered and fixed a big breakfast as she normally does when she is here. Today it was French toast, eggs, and bacon. I helped by frying the bacon. She used the rest of her eggs in the French toast and then all of ours for the scrambled eggs. She wasn't going to fix eggs but Ian doesn't like French toast.

After breakfast and the kitchen was cleaned Sheri asked Ben to empty all of the garbages upsairs and told him to have everyone bring their sheets and towels down. She did the same downstairs.

Soon they were all packed up and ready to go.  I have been giving Ollie and Ziggie doggie treats everyday. Today was their last one.

Ollie seems to be more at ease around me, but he still barks at James. When Shipley was here she bit James when he tried to pet her. 

Michael made scrambled eggs for he and Joe using one of my stainless steel saucepans. Lots of egg residue which he cleaned off.

Michael and Joe left before Sheri and company.

Joe and Michael

Off they go with Michael driving

Joe's car, Clyde. Joe hates to drive.

Cayli, Ben, Sheri, Ian, Evan, Max

Ziggie and Ollie

Goodbye, drive safe, and let us

know when you get home.

I didn't get a picture of Ben's car.

It's a Nissan Altima.

My laundry room is filled with sheets, towels, and blankets to wash. That's okay, I have all day.

I blogged, walked, did laundry and folded laundry, and paid bills: Vistana, TD Finance - James's truck is now paid off. Tithing and my Sam's Club card. Also Rocket Mortgage and my credit card. 

Much to James's satisfaction, this was another one of those nice weather to work outside in days.

We walked and listened to "Breaking the Rules."

I had the last of Michael's steaks for dinner and the mashed potatoes he left, which were delicious!

We were in bed by 9:11. One of my goals is to go to bed earlier and get up at 4.

Hayley Erbert Hough's scar where they

had to replace part of her skull.

My friend Sue Hubble and her son Scott

in front of the Keams Canyon trading post

where she worked for years.

Sunday, December 31, 2023: Happy 50th Kim! Finished BM & NT. Church sat in back w/ Sh, B, C, E & J, Jameson's speak, lots of visitors, CFM a way to combat Satan, Goodbye Rowan, Sheri's food, Pretzel Turtles, Cherry, Apple crisp, "My Christmas Hero", Guitars, Games, Fireworks

 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

171st operating temple

Dedicated: 8 May 2022

By: Gary E. Stevenson

Book of Mormon

Moroni 10:8-34

Come Follow Me

Revelation 21-22

October General Conference

"Think Celestial"! by President Russell M. Nelson

We finished both the Book of Mormon and the New Testament today and are ready to begin an in-depth study of the Book of Mormon.

We sat in the back during sacrament meeting instead of our customary second row. It's where Sheri, Ben, Cayli, and Evan wanted to sit and we wanted to be with them.

Members of the Jameson family were the speakers in sacrament meeting today. 

Buddy (Deven) Jameson was the first speaker. He is a deacon in the ward and always passes the sacrament. His talk was so humble and sweet. He shared a story from the Friend, "Fishing for the True Meaning of Christmas."

Sister Janette Jameson - A higher and holier way was taught by Jesus. What are we becoming? Are we developing the attributes of Christ, especially charity, a greater love for others? Concentration camp - Wild Bill Cody - Had great compassion for others. He had been in the camp for six years  with no physical or mental deterior ation likes those around him. Before entering the concentration camp all of the six members of his family were shot and killed. He said he could hate the soldiers who did this or he could change his attitude. He said he decided that he was going to love every person he met. This is what gave him his quality of life. This story is in a book by George Ritchie.  

We need to lose ourselves to find Christ. Matthew 16:25 

We must be slow to anger or avoid it. We should develop the art of listening. Look into people's eyes when they are speaking or you are speaking to them. We should be more anxious to listen than to talk. 

Listen to the Lord. Listen to others. Unless you listen, people are diminished in your presence. Our of small and simple things are great things brought to pass. Listening is love. Sister Jameson closed her talk by quoting the words from the hymn "More Holiness Give me."

Kathy Crane, Alicia & Stefani Hunsaker sang - " Oh Hush Thee My Baby" 

Abigail Jameson spoke instead of Brother Jameson as he had to work. Abigail is 16 or 17 and is a cute, spiritual girl.

Her talk was based on Elder Bednar's October 2020 conference address, "We Will Prove Them Herewith." 

Prepare and press forward with a steadfastness in Christ. 

Preparation equals confidence. Without spiritual preparation temporal preparation doesn't mean very much. D&C 88:119.

Be Prepared! 

72 hour kits

The Closing song was "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" and Sean Hunsaker gave the closing prayer. He gives the best prayers!

Sheri and company left after sacrament meeting although James tried to convince her to stay. The bishop conducted the meeting and the emphasis was on the new year of "Come Follow Me." New manuals were handed out. We already have one.

We watched part of a talk President Nelson gave in 2018 after becoming the Prophet. In this talk he says: "The adversary is increasing his attacks. The Lord's counter strategy to Satan is the "Come Follow Me" program." Here are some more notes:

 Increase you faith by balancing learning in the home and at church.

Make your home a sanctuary of faith

I bless you with increased faith in Him

Notes from the class in general:

Teaching doesn't necessarily mean giving new information, but reinforcing what they have learned at home.

What has the Holy Ghost taught me this week?

What do you know is true? 

Another talk by President Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith", October 2020:

Principles of Preparedness as displayed by Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon:

1. Create places of security - homes, stakes, temple

2. Prepare you mind to be faithful to God

3. Never Stop Preparing

   * Food, water, financial resources

   * Be steadfast and immovable in you testimony of Jesus Christ

   * Seek learning by study and faith

   * The Book of Mormon is our Latter-day Survival Guide

   * Seek Revelation and gifts of the Spirit

   * Don't become complacent

   * Embrace the future with faith

   * Never stop preparing!! 

Whew! That was alot of notes! I do want to remember the things I learned today and especially how I felt. I felt the Spirit in both of these amazing meetings.

When we returned to the house, Rowan was ready to head home. I think he's having a party at his house tonight that he didn't want to miss. We said our goodbyes:

He's got the goods and 

ready to go.

Goodbye Rowan. We will miss you.

Sheri put a pork roast in the crockpot early this morning. It smelled delicious when we got home from church, but it's not ready to eat yet. She also started some rolls. She and Cayli made some cookies using M&M's but they forgot to add extra flour for the high altitude so they were flat like my snickerdoodles I made for Christmas.

The afternoon was spent with Max watching football and some of the guys playing Hearts. It's hard to keep the Sabbath like we normally do when you have company.

These three needed one more to 

play Hearts. They asked Grandpa

and he couldn't turn them down.

Grandpa one. I wonder if they are glad they

asked him to play.

This evening Sheri had a nice "spread" of food:

BBQ pork roast, she added Devil's Spit sauce which made it a little hot like her boys like it. This is the first time Evan actually came down and ate during dinner. The pork roast was so good as a sandwich on the big rolls Sheri made. She also made pot stickers, which were a big hit, especially with Cayli. She cooked wings in the air fryer and they were crispy and delicious. Ben especially loved them. There were chips and cookies. I offered to make a veggie but Sheri said no. James made a cherry-apple crisp, and I made my pretzel, Rollo, pecan turtles. Max and Michael loved them. I also had dark chocolate Rollos which weren't as popular. I think James will eat them later though.

Sheri and I worked on the puzzle and watched "A Christmas Hero" before going to bed quite early. 

James stayed up and did fireworks with the boys. Michael, Joe, and Max played their guitars and sang. I think James really enjoyed being with his grandsons. He sent me a video of the fireworks which looked like they had a blast. Ian was in the middle of the fireworks too.  Happy New Year!

Happy 50th Kim!

Kim celebrated her birthday Saturday with Brian. They went to Taco Boys where Jared Ammon works for dinner. Afterwards they went to see the lights at the temple and the nativity displays across the street. Brian got Kim a mini-cheesecake for her birthday cake.

Two of my favorites!!

Our Sabbath wouldn't be complete without

pictures of Charlie!

My girls loved these dolls!

The puzzle Sheri and I worked on.

Mostly Sheri.

Flowers from Lois

Saturday, December 30, 2023: 7am Walmart w/ Sheri, Sheri runs 6.5 miles then fixes a big breakfast, Max, "The Twilight Zone", Max, Michael, Joe, Rowan help James, Ben nauseous, puzzle & movies, Dinners, Apple crisp, Smores, Google Play

 

Pocatello, Idaho

170th operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Nov 2021

By: M. Russell Ballard

Book of Mormon

Moroni 9:20-10:7

Come Follow Me

Revelation 18-20

October General Conference

"We Are His Children" by Elder Christophe G. Giraud-Carrier

Sheri and I left for Walmart at 7 am. Early morning is the best time to go shopping at our particular Walmart. 

When Sheri got home she ran 6.5 miles and fixed a big breakfast. Where does she get her energy? 

Max, Michael, and Joe helped James on the stable and Rowan stacked wood today. Ben was going to help but he was nauseous.

Sheri and I worked on the Disney puzzle that Kim got me for Christmas. The border was very difficult and there are two pieces missing.

Sheri made ham, rolls and scalloped potatoes for dinner. James had some of the potatoes. 

Michael had four steaks that he bought. He offered to fix one for James and one for me.  I told him I had already eaten, I had some baked ziti, but James would probably like one. He made steak and mashed potatoes. Michael loves to cook and would like to be a personal chef. I told him he could be mine anytime.

James made another apple crisp and this one disappeared as quickly as the one last night. He ended up cleaning the kitchen. (My Hero!) I was in the bedroom because I didn't want to be around all of the food.

 Sheri and the kids made Smore's, roasting the marshmallows in the fireplace. 

My Deseret Bookshelf app is still down. James and I were desperate to listen to something while we were walking so I downloaded Google Play and opened a book called, "Breaking the Rules."

The narrator is an AI. It started out okay but certainly not great.

Extra vehicles at our house.

Sheri's, Ben's, Joe's, and Darrel's truck

driven by Rowan.

The puzzle Kim gave me