Sunday, February 25, 2024: Up @ 3:45 to finish preparing lesson, Sacrament meeting Sisters & Elders speak, "The Sealing Power", Tamara helps me, No JA, J & T-Bo adventure, Tom loves tummy rubs & cuddle time,

 

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Oct 1986

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 11 & 12

Come Follow Me

Review 2 Nephi 6-10

October General Conference

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

"Divine Parenting Lessons" by Elder Valeri V. Cordon

I was up at 3:45 motivated by the fact that I didn't feel ready for my Relief Society lesson. I studied most of the morning and when we got to the church James helped me set up the Relief Society room.

The full-time missionaries spoke in sacrament meeting today; Sister Lassen, Sister Johnson, Elder Carranza and Elder Leal. The sisters took most of the time. 

Sister Lassen - Why we are here. Come closer to Christ. When I was deciding on whether I should serve a mission I turned to my patriarchal blessing. I turned to this scripture in Matthew, ...therefore go ye into all the world... and D&C 84:88 - And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face, I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. Jesus Christ is waiting for you.  I felt as if I was being prompted to go and that's when I made my decision. I am a representative of Jesus Christ. 

Ten miracles we experienced while working with Mark, Alice, and Paul. The Lord judges us on our willingness to share the gospel. Keep your covenants. Action is crucial to our spiritual promptings.

Sister Johnson - The Atonement of Jesus Christ. He has felt all of our pains and sorrows. Alma 7:11; 2 Nephi 31:3. Prayed to be sent to a small town and I was sent to Vernon. D&C 18:15-16; 1 Nephi 11 ... most joyous to the soul. 

It takes accountability and humility to be a missionary. Imagine Christ walking with you and it will be easier to introduce yourself to someone new.

Elder Carranza - from Mexico City - Joshua 1 I will not fail thee. I know this Church is true. Be worthy and be obedient.

Elder Leal - from Argentina - Work hard, do your best, never give up. Mosiah 2:41 ... you are happy because you keep the commandments.

I asked James to catch the sisters after sacrament meeting to take their pictures while I went down to get ready for my lesson. He got three pictures and I am very grateful.

Our discussion in Relief Society on "The Sealing Power" went very well. There was lots of participation. Afterwards Tamara Applegate came up and helped me take town my visual aids and pack up my stuff. She told me that Ty goes to the McClintock ward by ASU and I told Addy. I sent Addy a couple of pictures of him and she says he is cute. I said he is not only cute but he is spiritual, fun, and very hard-working. Here are the pictures I sent:

I texted Jared Ammon after church to see if he was still coming up. He said no because his friend Morgan who was coming with him was in the hospital. She was in a car accident and has two broken ribs and kidney problems. I told him I was so sorry to hear that and that I hope she gets well soon.

We couldn't find Tom after church so when I was finished with my lunch and ready to take my nap I had to take it without him.

After James's nap he and T-Bo went out to White Mountain Lake to look for a homeless woman who needs a place to live. Someone is giving her a tent trailer to live in. On the way out they were wondering why the sister missionaries didn't ask someone from the Show Low Creek ward to go out because this is a part of their ward. They soon found out why they asked Terry Tignor to go. 

They found the woman asleep in her truck. When they asked her what her last name was she said, "Tignor." Terry was surprised and said, "That's my last name." She was shocked and said, "I've never met anyone with the last name of Tignor before." They told her someone would be bringing out a tent trailer for her to stay in. She was very appreciative. Terry said on the way home that he guessed the sisters wanted him to meet this woman because of her last name. 

James finally found Tom. He was asleep under the house. He came in and slept an hour or so on the recliner while I worked on my blog. 

When he wakes up he comes over, meows at me, and flops down on the floor so I will scratch his belly. I scratched his belly, went over and sat on the recliner and he jumps up on my lap. It's cuddle time. James quits indexing and comes over to join us. 

My next puzzle

Best friends: Scarlett & Charlie

Saturday, February 24, 2024: James meets w/ Applegates, work on my lesson, J washes Razr, J & I put on sheets upstairs, Go to bed and will get up @ 4 am.

 

Buenes Aires, Argentina

39th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Jan 1986

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 10

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 10:20, 23-25

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ brings me joy/

October General Conference

"Jesus Christ is the Treasure" by Elder Dale G. Renlund

Relief Society

"The Sealing Power" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

'The power to validate all priesthood ordinances and make them binding both on earth and in heaven - the sealing power - is crucial for gathering and preparing a covenant people on both sides of the veil.'

James had a meeting with Jimmy and Tamara Applegate about the house they want to build this morning at 9am at their home. They are a little discouraged because they spent so much for their plans and there is not enough detail so they are probably going to have to hire someone else to draw them with the detail. The county requires the details in order to issue permits.

Tom and I are home alone. I walk and work on my lesson. 

James was home before lunch. Meatballs and baked potatoes for lunch.

This afternoon James washes the Razr. Jared Ammon is supposed to come tomorrow with a friend and we know he will want to ride the Razr. It is so dusty and dirty and I am grateful to James for washing it. 

After washing the Razr James came in and helped me put clean sheets on the beds upstairs. He did the downstairs by himself. 

While upstairs we noticed that foam is coming out of the ceiling by the logs near the common area window. We aren't sure why but it is leaving a mess of little pieces of styrofoam all over the floor. Tom likes it upstairs and sometimes he comes down with bits of styrofoam sticking to him.

I asked James if he was going to clean his office before the company came and he said no, his office is off limits. I told him we needed to trade the good bed that's in his office with the no-so-good bed in my office so the good bed would always be available. 

I got over 15,000 steps today. We are reading a new book called, "A Brilliant Match."

I worked on my lesson until I was so tired I had to go to bed. I will get up at 4 am and finish.

Today is Paula Johnson's birthday. We sent her a check for $150 for the park and the food bank. 

James, sophomore in high school

Numara

Cheryl Sedig

Trina and Lexy

Braddock's new home

Superstition Mountain

Friday, February 23, 2024: Slept too late, Finished 2 Nephi 9, Chicken & salad for lunch, DG for candy and bday cards, Bunco night at Cheryl Sedigs

 

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:42-54

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 9:27-54

I can come unto Christ and follow God's plan.

October General Conference

"Our Constant Companion" by President Henry B. Eyring

I slept too late this morning. We finished reading 2 Nephi 9 today. It is one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon.

James worked outside and Tom followed him around this afternoon after spending more of the day sleeping in the house. I heated up chicken from our last night's dinner and dished up some salad for lunch. It was quite delicious.

I mentioned to James that I had forgotten to get birthday cards for Adam and Joe when we went to the store on Wednesday. James suggested that we go to Dollar General and get a couple of cards, which we did. I waited in the car while James went inside. I brought stamps and my address book and two $20 bills so we could mail the cards when we went by the post office on the way home. James bought me a Snickers bar which I was most grateful for.

This afternoon I watched Barbara Morgan Gardener's new "Come Follow Me" podcast. It's called "Grounded" and each week she is going to have a guest on with her. Last week it was Sister Tracy Browning of the General Primary Presidency and this week it is Sister Elaine Dalton who also does Barbara's weekly "Walk with Him" Instagram Live broadcast where they choose a general conference talks from the last conference to discuss.

Elaine made this comment during the Instagram Live: 

"The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes eternal life possible allowing us to return to the Father and the Son proven, pure, and sealed."

- Sister Elaine Dalton

Janna Grombach invited me to be a part of a Bunco group that she and Cheryl Sedig are putting together. Tonight is the first game at Cheryl's house at 6:00. Janna picked me up at 5:30 and then we drove to her mother's house to pick her up. Patsy Tedder is Janna's mom. Janna and Patsy are both bring a snack to share. I didn't have anything else so I brought a bag of Rollos. Janna said it was optional anyway. When I saw what other people brought I felt a little guilty.

There are twelve people in a Bunco group, three tables with four people at each table, the lead table, the middle table and the losers table. Here are the names of the other women in the group. All of them are from the Vernon ward: Cheryl Sedig, Janna Grombach, Patsy Tedder, Lynn Wallace, Amy Reynolds, Alicia and Stefani Hunsaker, Lynda Finnell, Rosie Lauritzen who is a substitute, Becky Skousen, and Donna Beckham, and me.

We played and ate snacks until about 8:30 at which time Cheryl called time and gave out prizes for the winners and the losers. Janna Grombach was the winner with 279 points. I came close with 271 points. We talked about when we would meet again. We decided on March 28th at Janna's house. We will take turns meeting at each persons house. If someone can't arrange to meet at their house Cheryl said we can meet at her house. She said if we can't make it to the next game we are responsible for getting our own sub, otherwise we are out of the group. Seems a little harsh, but that's the way things roll with Cheryl in charge.

 Some notes about Cheryl's home. It has a big porch on the front. Wood paneling on the inside. Cheryl has cabiny decorations with lots of bears, there is even bear fabric on the couch. There is a stone fireplace, a small woodburning stove and a pool table. It is a cute home although the kitchen is rather small. They have been doing quite a big of remodeling since they bought the home and Janna said they are going to start re-doing the outside.

I rode home with Alicia and Stefani Hunsaker because they live closer to me than Janna does. It was a fun evening. James was a little miffed that I was "out so late." I think it was 9:30 when I got home. We did some walking and then James went to bed at 10:30. It took me until 11:30 to get all of my steps.

We filled out our Primary election ballots today. We both vote for Donald Trump.

Electrifying!

Ruby's baptism

Thursday, February 22, 2024: J gives Collin bldg advice, Collins freeze dryer, Sisters want Alice Springs chicken, Tom's mouse toy, Sleeps all day, Sisters Johnson & Lassen, "The Way Home"

 

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:17-41

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 9:7

The Savior's Atonement is Infinite.

October General Conference

"More Than a Hero" by Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

Book

"Heart of the Matter" by President Russell M. Nelson

Introduction

Inklings

"Love Thy Neighbor" by Ian S. Arden; Luke 10:25-37; Compassion; 

'Soul stirring and life changing compassion.'

The Sealing Power

"Everyone who is faithful in keeping gospel covenants

will have the opportunity for exaltation."

Collin hired James to advise him on a bathroom he is remodeling. They agreed that Collin would pay James $500 just for giving advice. 

While James was at the DeWitt's Collin told him about their freeze-dryer for preserving food. He said they freeze dried some chicken salad, reconstituted it, and it tasted exactly the same. They like to go to farms and pick produce and freeze dry it. They recently did some cauliflower. The DeWitt's are super prepared for the future regarding their food supply!

I texted the sister missionaries to see when they were coming for dinner. I gave them the choice of Alice Springs chicken which had honey mustard sauce, bacon and cheese or chicken parmesan. They chose Alice Springs. I'm glad because I really wanted to try this recipe.  

It was a nice day here in Vernon. After James fed Luna and Tome he came in without Tom. When I asked where he was he said: "Oh he's out throwing a mouse around." Tom came in later for his daily nap.

Tom slept until way after the missionaries arrived. I mentioned that we had a cat to Sister Johnson and Sister Lassen but we would keep him in the bedroom in case they were allergic to cats. Sister Lassen said no way was she allergic, she had a Maine coon cat. Here is a picture of one although this one looks nothing like the pictures she showed us of hers.

I wonder if this is photoshopped.

This afternoon I made a dinner prep schedule, that looked something like this: put a new tablecloth on the table and set the table, sweep and mop the floor. Get out the pot for the green beans and the green beans, get out the salad bowl. Marinate the chicken, cut chicken breasts in half, season and brown. Cook bacon and mix up some honey mustard sauce. Put the chicken in a 9x13 pan. Cover chicken with honey mustard sauce, bacon, and Monterrey Jack cheese. Cover and cook for 30 minutes at 350. Yum!

I went into the bedroom to get ready while James made the salad and ice water. The sisters get here around 5:15. James has a meeting at 6 so we have a blessing, by me, and get started. Sister Lassen is from West Virginia and has been out on her mission about six months. 

Sister Johnson is from a small town in Oregon and while she was serving in her last area she said a prayer that she would be able to serve in a small town. She was so happy when she was sent to Vernon. They seemed to really enjoy the dinner and they had said they were off of sugar so we didn't fix any dessert. 

James left about 10 minutes until six. The sisters wanted me to give them a tour of the house. I told them that I was changing sheets on some of the beds and the house wasn't really company ready. I could tell they were disappointed so I took them on a tour.

Before James left Sister Johnson shared a scripture with us, 2 Nephi 31:21 - And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

This sisters challenged us to pray about finding someone that we can share our testimonies with. We took the challenge.

The sisters had to leave before 7 because they had a meeting. I said goodbye and realized I did not get a picture of them. I vowed I would get one on Sunday. James actually took these pictures for me on Sunday. I am posting them here.

Sister Lassen and Sister Johnson

I did the dishes and finished before James returned. James and I walked and while I took a break, sitting on the couch in the family room, Tom ran over and jumped up on my lap. I love this!

I watched the most recent episode of "The Way Home."

James fell while we were walking. He hurt his back. It was my fault. I had put some Liquid Gold on the floor and had not rubbed it in enough. It was still oily and his shoe just went out from under him.

I felt so bad. He was very kind not to get angry with me.

100th day of school for Charlie

Addy sent me this scripture

While they still had Bunny

I love this picture of Evan

Sister Kyah Westbrook grew up

in our ward until her family moved.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024: Kathy Crane's bday, Tom must go out @ night, windy, honey mustard dipping sauce, Wlmrt, Love 2 Nephi 9, "Tutored in Love"

 

Johannesburg, South Africa

36th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:1-16

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 9:1-26

Jesus Christ saves me from sin and death.

October General Conference

"The Prodigal and the Road that Leads Home" by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Happy Birthday Kathy Crane. She turns 76 today.

What a night with Tom boy. He slept in our bed only he wasn't sleepy so he kept us awake. He's going out tonight!

James is working upstairs now instead at the end of the dining room table. The table is nice and clean, but I miss him. 

It was windy today which made it seem cooler. 

James still hasn't heard from Daryl Johnson. He was supposed to have money for us yesterday. 

I made some honey mustard dipping sauce for our chicken tenders. It was so delicious that James even liked it. He used to love McDonald's hot mustard sauce but never has cared for honey mustard sauce.

James's apple crisp he made the other day is still lingering. Every time I pass by I take a bite. Just one though.

James and I left for town to do errands around 5pm. We are feeding the missionaries tomorrow and Jared Ammon is coming on Sunday so I need to buy some food. This is the first time that I can remember that James actually stayed with me and pushed my basket while I was shopping. I bought enough chicken breasts for two meals. I can make Outback Alice Springs chicken and chicken parmesan.  We spent more than we had planned so we did not buy any fast food going home. 

Tom was waiting for us at the garage door when we got home. While we were walking and listening to "Tutored in Love" he followed us from room to room. 

I listened to part of Jared Halverson's CFM podcast, "Unshaken Saints."