Monday, January 15, 2024: Difficulty bending my right arm, Barb & Elaine, MRB Conf Address & BofM, "Grounded in Christ", Lots of laundry, Harold sick, Sheri's request

 

Okinawa Japan

186th operating temple

Dedicated: 12 Nov 2023

By: Gary E. Stevenson

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 7:1-12

Come Follow Me

"Come and Partake of the Fruit" 1 Nephi 6-10

October General Conference

"Humble to Accept and Follow" by Elder Joni L. Koch

Barb & Elaine

"Praise to the Man" by President M. Russell Ballard and

this week's Book of Mormon, Come Follow Me lesson

I woke up not being able to bend my right arm up to scratch my nose or touch my ear. I took a shower and had to wash my hair with just my left arm. It was difficult. I took some Tramadol and Naprosyn. By this afternoon I was able to bend it further and further.

I listened to Barbara & Elaine discuss President Ballard's testimony and conference talk. They both have met him personally and felt of his goodness. They also talked about this week's Come Follow Me lesson. 

I had shrimp linguine for lunch. I love it so much. It's a good thing it's going to be gone soon. James had some for dinner.

I'm washing the dozen or so towels before I wash the sheets. I think they may have used every towel we have. We found some out in the garage that they used to clean off the seats of the Razr.

James worked outside several hours today. I cancelled our reservation at my favorite Embassy Suites because my reservation was for a one room suite instead of two. I made a reservation at the Embassy Suites, Anaheim Orange. It was a little cheaper but it costs $30 a day to park.

I contacted Harold today about a blanket of his that Rita gave me. I guess she bought some furniture from him and it was wrapped in this blanket. I offered to bring it over this week and this is the response I got: 

 Karen, I have just gotten out of the hospital after a week. They said I had Covid and my small intestines are bad. When I feel better I will call you. 

I asked if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told him I was so sorry he was sick. James and I will pray for him.

Sheri is having a biopsy on February 7th and asked if I would be in the valley. I told her I could come if I was needed. She needs someone to take her to the appointment and bring her home. Alex will be driving people for the Phoenix Open and Ben will need to be at work at Chandler Eyecare. I told her I would be happy to come down and take her. I think I eased her worries.

Wedding memories with a Polaroid camera

Jared & Kacey's Sealing Memories

January 21, 2017

Rowan and friends

Sunday, January 14, 2024: Woke up thinking about Darrel & Trina, BM 30min-1hr study, Sacrament mtg, combined EQRS, Jared's new calling, Charlie, Scarlett, Goodbye to our boys, Sister Workman

 

Bangkok Thailand

185th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Oct 2023

By: Ronald A. Rasband

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 6

6:4 - For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.

Come Follow Me

"Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives" by President Russell M. Nelson, April 2018 General Conference.

October General Conference

"Hallmarks of Happiness' by Elder Gary B. Sabin

I woke up at 4:09 this morning thinking about Darrel & Trina. I need to send a message to them. 

When I walked into the chapel this morning about 5 minutes before sacrament meeting was to start I noticed how noisy it was. It is hard to feel the Spirit and prepare for the sacrament in a noisy environment. The Vernon ward is a friendly ward and we like to visit.

As James and I sat down in the second row, left side of the chapel as you face the podium, I realized I had forgotten my journal, journal notebook, and conference notebook. I changed Sunday bags, today using my purple one as I had on my purple outfit, and left my notebooks on the bench of the coatrack.

James had a small notebook I could take notes in and I found a pencil in my bag.

Another thing I noticed about our meeting today was how many announcements there were. Too many in my humble opinion.

One of the announcements that was made was that our ward conference is scheduled for next week. Our leaders are concerned about the reverence in our sacrament meetings and have given us two talks to read on the sacredness of the sacrament and reverence in sacrament meeting. Talk number three is from the last conference and is by Elder Dale G. Renlund, "Jesus Christ is Our Treasure."

We had two youth speakers today, Ruthie Wilhelm and Colter Hunsaker. Ruthie spoke on ways to share the Book of Mormon. Her talk was sincere and I am quite sure she wrote it herself. 

Colter's talk was on finding peace and rest through Jesus Christ. It was good but I think he may have had some help writing it, which is fine. We can find peace and rest even amid our trial when we put our faith in Jesus Christ. Overcome the world by trusting the doctrine of Christ. Mosiah 3:19. We need to become humble followers of Christ. We need to listen to the Spirit to overcome the world.

Teresa Hein was the first adult speaker. She is a recent convert and I think this is the first talk she has ever given in sacrament meeting.

It was based on President Freeman's conference talk, "Walking in Covenant Relationship with Christ." Here are some notes:

I am a beloved child of God who has covenanted to stand as a witness of Jesus Christ. I am in a committed covenant relationship with Him. 

Enoch and Jacob were called to walk with God. The Lord gave Jacob a 5-finger promise as found in Genesis 28:10-22. Teresa says she recites this to her son Scott every night before he goes to bed. 

Scott is mentally-challenged. He is such a delight and loves to clap.

Here is the 5-finger promise: 1.) I am with you, 2.) I will keep you safe, 3.) I will bring you home again, 4.) I will not leave you, 5.) I will keep my promise to you.

Tina Allen was the last speaker. She spoke on Elder Robert D. Hales conference address given in April 2017, "Becoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ." It is the last conference address ever given by Elder Hales and it is such a good talk! Here are a few notes:

As disciples of Jesus Christ we need to work to develop Christlike characteristics, such as: Virtue, faith, knowledge, temperance, patience, trust, godliness, and charity. Possessed of charity, the pure love of Christ, is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ. It is faith, hope and charity that qualify one for God's work.

There should be no disparity between the kindness we show our enemies and the kindness we bestow on our friends.

Come unto Him with all your heart.

Relief Society and Elders Quorum met together in the chapel and we watched, "Emissaries for the Church" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland which is all about home teaching, which is now called ministering.

After the video was complete we had a discussion led by Ron Hall and Collin DeWitt. Wendy was supposed to lead part of the discussion but she went home with family and asked Collin to do it.

Ministering is caring and helping others.

After the meeting was over Kathy Crane introduced me to Heather Workman who just moved in to our ward. Heather is a single mother with six children living at home in a toy hauler. Chuck says the conditions are dire. With Heather was her 18 year old daughter Aubrey and two year old, Dominique. I asked her if they needed any blankets and she shook her head no. I was surprised because Chuck said when he visited the entire family was all huddled around a tiny wood stove in their RV. Maybe she just has a hard time asking for or accepting help.

James had a presidency meeting after the block so I left for home by myself. He will get a ride home with Chuck. As I was leaving the church parking lot I noticed Denice Hall walking from the road back to the church with the youngest Bowen boy, who is about 2. Ron was in their car waiting for her across the street. I suppose little boy Bowen was taking a walk down the road by himself. I wonder how that happened.

When I got home the guys were all sitting around the dining room table playing cards. They had obviously fixed breakfast because there were scrambled eggs sitting on a plate on the counter and a dirty skillet in the sink. I headed for the bedroom ate a little popcorn from the bag I got at the white elephant game from Kim and changed my clothes. I went back into the kitchen and heated up some chicken enchiladas to finish off my lunch. I worked on my blog until James got home. 

James and I were just settling in to take a nap when Alex knocked on our bedroom door to tell us the propane truck was here. We were very low on propane so James ordered some from Owens Energy and they said their normal day to deliver in Vernon was on Friday but they are running behind so it would probably be delivered on Saturday. Last night James was concerned we would run out during the night so he turned the thermostats down and built a big fire. We were down to 4%. We also said a prayer. 

It was nice of Owens's to deliver today. They are LDS and don't normally deliver on Sunday. They really did have the best price. I budgeted $2,000 and the cost was $1,870. It makes me happy when we go under budget. More money for my Disney account.

By the time the propane guy left the boys were ready to go home. 

We all went out on the front porch and I took pictures. Nick wanted to know if I wanted a picture with my grandkids and I said I would rather not be in a picture. I really don't like having my picture taken.

Michael, Max, Nick, Alex, Carter, and Joe

The dogs: Numara and Bruce

A very nice group of boys. James especially enjoyed visiting with Nick. He is someone you instantly like. A great guy. 

Max drove Sheri's car and Alex and Nick left together in Nick's car. I told them to let me know when they got home and Max did. Thank you Max. 

I have lots of towels and sheets to wash, but I don't mind. I am glad our grandsons like coming to see us. 

Michael left some shrimp linguine and that's what I had for dinner along with one of his bagels. I ate too much. Not conducive for my plan to lose weight.

I am worried about our friend Donna Peeler. Chuck told James that she looks worse than she ever has. She's not eating. It is so sad.

I listened to John Hilton III talk about Come Follow Me. Also started listening to Ben Wilcox on "Teaching with Power."

Sweet Scarlett

Numara's profile

Sunday Charlie

Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple

Dedicated: 14 Jan 2023

By: D. Todd Christofferson

Jared's new calling

Congratulations Jared!

We are proud of you!

 

Saturday, January 13, 2024: James helps Max get Sheri's car out it takes over an hour, Beef gravy and biscuits, "Love & Lavender", Trip to town Anna's card, Michael's shopping, Evan's new car, shrimp linguine

Feather River California

184th operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Oct 2023

By: Ulisses Soares

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 5

21 And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children.

Come Follow Me

"What Has Our Savior Done for Us?" Dallin H. Oaks, April 2021 GC and 1 Nephi 4:5-18 "I was led by the Spirit.

October General Conference

"How Great Will Be Your Joy" by Elder Ronald A. Rasband

James helps Max get Sheri's car out of the snow bank it was stuck in all night. It wasn't easy and took them over an hour, but Max was so relieved! 

The rest of the guys were waiting for James to come in and make gravy and biscuits. Alex brought up a ton of meat and told me when I went in to offer to help that he was the sous chef. James made me my own special portion. Everyone got some but some people wanted more. Even Michael ate it and he has always said he didn't like it. When James questioned him about that he said he didn't like elk.

I went back in to clean the kitchen and the boys insisted they were going to do it. James and Max did most of the cleaning. While I am there I get a biscuit. I didn't have any with my gravy. 

I started another book to read by myself. James and I finished "Lily of the Manor" and now James is listening to "The Heir of Brownlie Manor" with me. The book I am listening to now is "Love and Lavender."

James and I took the truck into town. While we were gone the boys went on a Razr ride. I guess they aren't boys, they are all over 21. They just seem sort of like boys to me. 

James's truck was almost out of gas. He used up so much gas getting people, and his trailer and truck "unstuck." He was worried about making it into town but didn't want to stop at Stanford because their gas is so much higher than anywhere else. We made it to Maverick only to discover that all of their pumps except a couple that were being used, were out of gas. We drove down and across the street to the Speedway where gas was $3.13 a gallon. 

Lots of kids sledding on the hill in town across from Taco Bell. I told James we should tell the guys about the pit in Vernon where everyone goes sledding. 

When Michael found out we were going into town he asked me to pick up a few things for him. His list looked something like this:

2 boxes of linguine, 2 pounds of large shrimp (preferably peeled and de-veined) 12 large eggs, Applewood smoked bacon, regular bagels, fresh parsley, 2 lemons, red pepper flakes, 1 garlic cluster, black pepper (the kind that you twist to crush) 12 pack of canned ginger ale and a 12 oz Red Bull. I realized this became a whole shopping list. if It's too much please be honest and I'll take stuff off the list. I don't want it to be a chore since you are doing us a favor. Also, I am making lemon shrimp linguine and you and grandpa are welcome to some.

How could I refuse when he was being so polite.

They still have no decent greeting cards so I told James we were going to have to go over to Walgreen's to find one. We found one with purple flowers and a purple envelope. I texted Anna asking what her address was so I could send her a card but she never answered so I used the address that Jared gave me. He said it was good a year ago. Anna lives in College Station, Texas.

It was quite warm today, around 50 degrees. James went to work outside when we got home. The boys were all gathered around the dining room table playing cards and they were very loud. I guess they were having a lot of fun. Soon it was Scattergories and it got even louder as they argued whether an overcooked turkey counted as Michael's answer. Everyone had to vote. Not sure what the outcome was.

I made a salad and the French bread Jared made when he was here. It's Pioneer Woman's recipe where you use to cubes of butter. I had a couple of pieces and told the guys they were welcome to have some.

Later Joe told me how delicious it was. There was one piece left in the basket.

It was fun seeing all of the guys in the kitchen helping to fix dinner. Alex was getting his and Nick's steaks ready while Nick was preparing the mashed potatoes. Joseph was zesting lemons for the shrimp linguine and Michael was showing Max how he wanted the garlic chopped for the linguine. Here is a picture I took:

Nick, Alex, Joe, Carter, Max, Michael

Not sure what Carter was doing but he 

was in there helping.

When the shrimp linguine was finished Michael came and knocked on our bedroom door and told us to come in and have some, which we did. James liked it, but I loved it. I immediately looked up a recipe and will put it in my file. 

Michael told me something interesting about a conversation that he had with Jared Ammon. Jared told him that he just wanted to go back and live with grandpa and grandma and help them. I was surprised. I figured he was pretty bored here. He is kind of a loner and doesn't mind being by himself.

A little bit about Bruce and Numara. Numara loves Bruce and follows him around. Bruce basically ignores Numara. Also Tom met Bruce. They sniffed at each other but that was pretty much it. I don't think Tom met Numara.

I texted Evan today asking him if he would make a commitment to go to church with his mom so she doesn't have to go by herself. This was his response: 

"I've been going through some hard things, but I wasn't going to stop going to church. I promise I'll keep going with her."

I love Evan, he is such a sweetheart. He has been struggling lately and Sheri has been right there beside him supporting him in his trial.

I think he realizes that. I told him that she really needs him right now.

James and I watched a new series on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries called, "True Justice." It was good, but not as good as some of their other series. I give it a six or seven.

Some things I read today under Notes & Quotes:

In the Liahona on Self-Reliance:

Heber J. Grant testified that more can be done with the remaining portion of income after paying tithing than can be done with the whole amount before paying tithing.

From the Book of Mormon Seminary Manual, p. 29:

Reading the Book of Mormon for conversion: 

"You should care more about the amount of time you spend in the scriptures than about the amount you read in that time." Elder D. Todd Christofferson

He went on to say: 

Ponder, read again, pray, ask questions, write down impressions.

Other quotes I liked. This one is from the series "Going Home."

"It's not what you look at, it's what you see that matters."

They sing "It Is Well With My Soul" when someone passes away.

Evan's car. a VW Passat

He's pretty excited!

For to post this one (I think)

Scarlett, and her mom and dad did

vision boards for 2024.

What a great idea!

Can you tell what some of their interests

and goals are?

I love the "I am a magnet for miracles" quote!

 

Friday, January 12, 2024: Up @ 4, James checks on Joe Vaal and hears about Joe's injuries, chicken enchiladas, Alex, Nick, Bruce arrive and get stuck, Max, Michael, Joe, Carter, Numeara, get stuck too

 

McAllen Texas

183rd operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Oct 2023

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 4:20-38

Come Follow Me

1 Nephi 4:1-3; 5:1-8 Remembering the works of God can give me the faith to obey His commandments.

October General Conference

"Do You Want to Be Happy" by Elder Yoon Hwhan Choi and

"God Knows and Loves You" by Elder Alan T. Phillips

Up at 4 am for prayer and gospel study. I read this quote from the Book of Mormon Student Manual for the Religion class at BYU:

"The bedrock of character is integrity. Worthy character will strengthen my capacity to respond obediently to the direction of the Spirit...Righteous character is the foundation of spiritual strength."

After our scriptures and prayer James left to go check on Joe Vaal. 

Apparently the person who was supposed to bring the snow blower didn't come. Yesterday Joe and Greg Anderson  were shoveling snow when Joe fell and hit his head. Greg said he was  bleeding out of his ear. I guess nothing serious  but the doctor said he broke two ribs. 

Joe said he had been through two wars and that a couple of broken ribs wasn't going to stop him. I told James that Joe was a lot like him.

I used the chicken I took out of the freezer that was seasoned with Mexican seasoning today and made chicken enchiladas. I used Lois's recipe for the sauce and instead of using Velveeta cheese I used sharp cheddar that was shredded. Instead of stewed tomatoes for the sauce I used Rotel. This made the enchiladas a little hotter than I would have liked, but not too hot that we couldn't eat them. James had them for lunch. 

Alex and his friend Nick and Nick's huge reddish color Golden Retriever arrived this afternoon. They got stuck on our hill in Nick's little SUV and James had to go pull them out. 

Bruce is a very gentle dog but he is the size of a small pony. James, Alex, and Nick went outside to target practice and left Bruce in the house. I was in my bedroom working on my computer when I heard howling and barking. Bruce wanted to go outside. I opened the blinds on the window in the dining room so Bruce could see the guys outside. He calmed down a little.

When Nick and Alex came in they played a game of chess. Alex asked if when they were finished we wanted to play Five Crowns. We said we would and went into the bedroom to walk and listen to our book. 

We played Five Crowns and James got off to a terrible start getting over 100 points right away. Alex had six points for several rounds and ended up winning. James lost, Nick came in second and I was third. 

Max, Michael, Joe, and Carter are on their way but probably won't get here until I am in bed. I went to bed at 8:30. They came around 9 and got stuck on the hill. James asked Alex to take the truck and go help them get out. They are in Sheri's Atlas and there is no place to attach a tow rope. Alex said he would drive the truck close so they could unload their stuff and put it in the truck and they would worry about getting the car out tomorrow. He said he would back up the car to the bottom of the hill where it would be out of the way. When Alex got in the truck Max started backing up the car and got it stuck even worse in a bank of snow. Alex said he wasn't sure why Max did that and I didn't ask. I'm sure Max feels embarrassed about what he did.

I forgot to mention that Michael brought his dog Numara. She looks like some kind of a husky but is small. She started barking when she saw Bruce. Someone else started playing the guitar while James and I were in bed. James asked me for earplugs, which don't help much.

Numara (not sure about the spelling)

Charlie with Tanner

Snow on the cactus in Sedona

Thursday, January 11, 2024: More Snow!, Scott Tibbetts 100th day, Christina and Gpa Stricklands bday,Inklings, Amy Reynolds, Whole wheat pancakes, five initiatories to do, my life story, J builds fires and shovels snow,

Moses Lake Washington

182nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Sep 2023

By: Quentin L. Cook

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 4:1-19

6 - I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.

Come Follow Me

 1 Nephi 3-4 God will prepare a way for me to do His will.

October General Conference

"Promptings of the Spirit" by Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Inklings

"Eternal Truth" by Elder John C. Pingree, Jr.

Up at 4:30. We have more snow. 

Today is Scott Tibbett's 100th day since his transplant and he is doing well. It is also his sister Christina's birthday and also my grandpa Al Strickland's birthday in heaven. 

As I was listening to Inklings today I realized how much I loved the talk Emily was discussing, "Eternal Truth" by Elder John C. Pingree, Jr. It made me think of my friend Amy Reynolds and her daughter Clare who says she doesn't go to Church because there have been too many changes. Policies change, but doctrine doesn't. Procedures change but doctrine doesn't. Amy said she would read the talk and get back to me. 

Emily was on Inklings by herself today and that's okay because I love listening to her. Here are some notes from Emily:

Both truth and love are essential for our spiritual development.

I am forever grateful for others who patiently taught me eternal truth with love. 

What are things that I know are true?

Righteous Desires - Faith - Obedience

The Holy Ghost is one of my dearest friends - Emily

We need the Spirit in great abundance in order to teach others.

RMN 2015 talk to women - Know the doctrine of Christ to teach truth with love.

God is the source of eternal truth.

Notes from Elder Pingree's talk:

Truth is critical for us to establish and strengthen our relationship with God, find peace and joy, and reach our divine potential.

*What is truth, and why is it important?

*How do we find truth?

* When we find truth, how can we share it?

The Lord has taught us in scripture that "truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come" (D&C 93:24)

Truth is absolute, fixed, and immutable. It "was not created or made". In other words, truth is eternal.

Truth helps us avoid deception, discern good from evil, receive protection, and find comfort and healing. Truth can also guide our actions, make us free, sanctify us, and lead us to eternal life.

First, God is the source of eternal truth.

Second, the Holy Ghost testifies of all truth.

Third, prophets receive truth from God and share that truth with us.

Finally, you and I play a crucial role in this process. God expects us to seek, recognize, and act on truth. Our ability to receive and apply truth is dependent on the strength of our relationship with the Father and the Son, our responsiveness to the influence of the Holy Ghost, and our alignment with latter-day prophets. 

Satan works to keep us from truth.

I realized that I had almost the entire talk underlined so I am going to stop here and say refer back to this talk. It is amazing!

I made some whole wheat pancakes for lunch. We had them with butter, syrup and fresh blueberries. Oh yes, I put chopped walnuts in them for James. He says he is never going to IHOP again.

I love this quote from Elder Stevenson's conference address: 

"If you want to feel the Spirit, be in places where the Spirit can dwell. Stand in Holy places with Holy people."

I found five female family names that need their initiatory done. I have an appointment to go next Tuesday to an endowment session with Ruth Gale. I think I will go an hour early and do these initiatories. James and I also need to do couple sealings.

James keeps busy here in Vernon. There is always plenty for him to do like build fires, shovel snow and work on maintenance and improvement projects. He loves it here and doesn't mind all of the work.

I listened to both "The Heir of Brownlie Manor" and "Lily of the Manor" while walking today. I listened to "Unshaken" and watched an episode of "Going Home" while working on my computer.

Fire and Snow