Monday, March 11, 2024: Up @ 4:30, "The Way Home", Wlmrt, Chuck Wood, groceries, Book Barn gift for Catherine's 90th bday - visit, "Dual Devotions", "Walk with Him"

 

Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua

55th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 26:14-33

Come Follow Me

"A Marvelous Work and a Wonder"

2 Nephi 26-30

October General Conference

"Do You Want to Be Happy" by Elder Yoon Hwan Choi

"God Knows and Loves You" by Elder Alan Phillips

I did not sleep very well last night and then got up at 4:30. I wish I would wake up feeling this good everyday.

I had scriptures and prayer with James and then on my own. I then watched the latest episode of "The Way Home" a series about time travel which is accomplished by jumping in a particular pond. Kat is looking for her brother Jacob who disappeared as a child and was taken to the 19th century. Since it happened 24 years ago, in 1999, he is now an adult.

Tom is restless this morning but finally falls asleep on the bedroom recliner. 

Work is moving forward on Daryl Johnson's barbershop. James had me Zelle Salvador $3,000 for the drywall company. 

We left for town late morning. Today is Catherine Halcomb's 90th birthday and I want to get her a gift at the Book Barn, the Church bookstore in Show Low.  I found a framed verse about love that I picked for Catherine. It took me about five minutes of looking to find it. I am quite happy with it.

On to Walmart to get a bag and tissue to put it in. James and I already signed a card for her. 

As I was shopping in the produce section of Walmart I noticed a familiar face, Chuck Wood. I said hello and mentioned that we must have the same shopping schedule. The last time James and I were here he was right behind us when we checked out. 

Chuck is not a member of the Church but he is married to one of our dear ward members, Pam. Chuck comes to church, helps Pam with her calling, which is to be in charge of the missionary meals calendar. Ward members love Chuck but he has made it known that he is not interested in being baptized. Pam was married before and sealed to her first husband. I'm not sure if that's his hang up or not.. I do know he is a very nice person and I always enjoy visiting with him. Pam makes some beautiful quilts and Chuck always posts them on Facebook. He is so proud of her and her talent!

On the way home we stopped at Culver's. I got a waffle cone and James got his fish sandwich. It's a nice day, about 55 degrees and no wind. We stopped at the Halcomb's to deliver Catherine's gift. She didn't open it while we were there but later she told me that she loved it. Kerri was there too and while Catherine and I were talking she took James outside and talked to him about adding on to the porch she built. 

While walking today we listened to our book, "Dual Devotions." I blogged Sunday, March 3rd and then watched "The Russell Girl" with James. It's on what use to be called the Hallmark Drama channel. It's now called Hallmark Family. It's an older movie and is not a romcom but had a good message and we enjoyed it.

I ordered a Wonder Woman cape and a book, "Joseph Smith's Kirtland." Also listened to "Walk with Him" with Barbara Morgan Gardener. Here are some sketchy notes:

Mother's intuition may be priesthood power.

The purpose of the priesthood is to save souls.

In the ordinances thereof the power of God is manifest.

D&C 84:20

Sacrifice = Sanctified

Who am I in terms of my discipleship?

I am a child of God, a child of the Covenant, and a Disciple of Jesus Christ. (RMN)

Covenant Belonging

Love is the greatest power we have.

Not sure where this is.

James's cousin Curtis Lambson

posted it.

Great story. Reminds us of James and his

pet, Pete the Crow.

Ruby and Lola on a hike with their Mom.

 

Sunday, March 10, 2024: My face is swollen so I miss stake conference, Kirtland, Ohio Church History, YouTube Karl Anderson, Kurt Jensen Sheri's new bishop,

 

Anchorage, Alaska

54th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 26:1-13

Come Follow Me

March 11-17 "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder'

2 Nephi 26-30

October General Conference

"Promptings of the Spirit"

By: Elder Gary E. Stevenson

My face was swollen on the left side this morning. I asked James if he would go to conference if his face was swollen like mine and he said, "Probably not", so I stayed home from stake conference. Now I am even more grateful than ever for the women's devotional on Friday night.

Elder Alfonso and Sister Porter are assigned to speak at the conference. I don't think I ever remember a woman coming with a general authority to speak at a stake conference. 

While I was at home I started watch a program on the Church's YouTube channel. It was about the history of the Church in Kirtland, Ohio and mentioned that the Savior appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and others in Kirtland over 11 times and the Father and the Son appeared 7. I had no idea. A member named Karl Anderson narrated the program and I was really into it when James came home. He finished watching it with me. As a result of this program I ordered two books written by Brother Anderson. One is "Joseph Smith's Kirtland" and the other is "The Savior in Kirtland: Personal Accounts of Divine Manifestations." 

Sheri texted me while James was still at stake conference and said they got a new bishop today. He is someone we have known for many years, Kurt Jensen. I believe he was one of Jared's Young Men leaders back in the day. Sheri worked with his wife Laurie in Primary. I think he will be a great bishop.

James saw Tom's mother today on the deck. When she saw him she ran and hid. I had a nap on the recliner today and of course Tom joined me. I'm not feeling well today but Tom always makes me feel better.

James made an apple crisp today. It was delicious as always. 

Today was a beautiful, sunny day. The high was 55, perfect for Kim. I like 65 degrees myself.

Worked on my blog but I'm wondering if I will ever catch up.

I love Elder Renlund!

James and his baby

Happy Sabbath!

Two sweet girls and their piggies!

This is me

Out in the desert they wander

James and his baby, again

Saturday, March 9, 2024: Up @ 4:30, My arm no longer hurting, I felt good today! Snowstorm quits at 9 a.m., Kim & Brian leave for home, Daryl Johnson's dad saves the day and the job, Ireland movie, slept in my bed

 

Monticello, Utah

53rd operating temple

Dedicated: 26 July 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 25

Come Follow Me

Videos in lesson, testify of Christ

October General Conference

"The Power of Jesus Christ in Our Lives Everyday"

Elder Joaquin E. Costa

Follow Him

Camille Fronk Olson

I was up at 4:30 this morning. It felt good to get an early start and it felt good to feel good! My arm is no longer hurting.

At 8 o'clock this morning we had quite a snowstorm. Some would call it a blizzard. Kim and I looked at the snow coming down and Kim said she was a little worried about driving home if the snow was going to pile up. She said she was going to go downstairs and talk to Brian. When she came back up she said Brian looked at the weather app and it says the snow will stop at 9 a.m. It did. 

Kim and Brian left around 10. We always enjoy having them here and we will miss them.

The clouds had broken and the sun was shining when they left.

Kim and Brian were a little sad to go but a friend is having a concert tonight and they promised they would attend. Also Brian has Sunday responsibilities, he is conducting sacrament meeting and he also has bishopric meeting. 

Good news on the work front! Daryl Johnson's Dad sent money into James's account this morning to the tune of $32,000. It was a long time coming but totally worth it. Daryl is lucky to have a dad with money that supports him. I guess he has three homes, one in California, Alabama, and Michigan.

Have of James's contract is now paid and Armando can go back to work. 

I got my steps today and finished February blog posts. I am still behind, but slowly catching up. 

This evening James and I watched a Hallmark Mystery which took place in Ireland.

I actually slept in my bed most of the night.

Weaver's Needle in the background

Tom doing one of his favorite things, sleeping!

Lovie being obedient. She knows

she can't get on the carpet.

Baby giraffe with Mom at the Ft. Worth Zoo

Friday, March 8, 2024: My right arm is hurting, Snow pellets, J drives K&I to Show Low stake center to see the Renlund's and Susan Porter who are amazing

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 24

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 25:19-29

"We talk of Christ ... we rejoice in Christ."

"We Talk of Christ" by Elder Neil L. Andersen, October 2020 GC

October General Conference

"Preserving the Voice of the Covenant People in the Rising Generation" Brother Jan E. Newman

I was miserable most of the day because of the pain in my right arm. I took Tramadol, Tylenol, and even an aspirin. Once in awhile I would get some relief and try to do something and then I would feel miserable again. I wanted to do some housework but just wasn't up to it. I did make James and I a bacon, tomato, cheese sandwich for lunch. One for each of us. I took a nap with Tom on the recliner. I did a little walking but not nearly enough. 

It snowed pellets today with off and on sunshine. I knew I couldn't drive to the meeting tonight with the Renlund's and Sister Susan Porter because of my arm. Kim hasn't driven for over three years and she doesn't see good enough to drive at night. I asked James if he would drive us and he said he would. Kim said Brian would get to Show Low around 6:30, when the meeting started. She said he could wait a couple of hours and take us home. I didn't want him to have to do that. James said he would come and get us. I told him he should probably be there around 8:00.

There were already lots of cars in the parking lot when we arrived at 5:15. We went right in to the chapel. The first person I saw was Crystal Flake from our ward. The back row was filled with the Halcomb's, and Pam Giles, Kim Seaman, and various people I didn't know. The small back row in front of the long back row on the left side of the chapel as we face the front had no one sitting in it. There was a jacket and a book saving two places. Kim and I went in to the end of the row and sat. Kim could get up and squeeze through where the was a gap between the end of the bench and the wall. It was pretty much perfect for us. 

So many women talking and visiting made it very noisy. The chapel was full and the chairs were set up back to the stage. I visited with Kerri Halcomb and Pam Giles who came over to see me. I saw Michelle Tesarek, Katie Hahn, Jennifer Golly, and Crystal Flake all sitting together in the middle of the chapel. I also spoke with Lorrain Vaught who had invited Pam Giles to the meeting.

Kim got up a couple of times to use the bathroom and I got up once just before start time. Mostly we sat and read the books we brought, Kim, "The Continuous Atonement" by Brad Wilcox and me, "Grace Where You Are" by Emily Belle Freeman.

At 6:25 the room got quiet and everyone stood up as Elder and Sister Renlund and Sister Porter walked in with others I did not know.

Elder Renlund signaled us to sit down. The Stake Relief Society President from the Eagar stake conducted the meeting. The Show Low stake, White Mountain Stake, St. Johns and Eagar Stakes are meeting in this building. The Snowflake and Taylor stakes are in Snowflake, and the Payson stake is in Payson watching via satellite or however they broadcast from building to building.

"There is Sunshine in My Soul Today" was the opening hymn. It was a great way to start this meeting. The invocation was given by a sister from the St. John's stake. 

Next was a special musical number by three sisters from my stake, the White Mountain Stake. Sister Turley and Sister Christy Alder, President Alder's wife sang, "Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer" and were accompanied by another sister on the harp. The song was beautiful and I loved the harp music. 

Elder Renlund was the first speaker after the musical number. When he got up he said, "I would have come to Show Low just to hear that number." He couldn't have given a sweeter compliment. I wish I could get a transcript of this meeting or that it would be posted on the Church's YouTube channel. 

Elder Renlund talked about being in Brazil recently. He said that R's are pronounced as H's in Portuguese. He said that this made President Nelson's name, Hussell (pronounced Hustle) M. Nelson. His said his wife's name, Ruth, was pronounced Hoochie. Then he said, I called her that, once. Of course we all laughed. 

Elder Renlund told a story about the sister who wrote the hymn, "There is Sunshine in My Soul Today", Eliza Hewitt. She was in a body cast because of broken ribs when she wrote the hymn. My notes are a little sketchy so I am just going to give some one-liners here:

The Savior is the only one who can bind a broken heart.

God asks Job 66 questions, one of which is: "Do you understand my plan?" My ways are higher than yours. Your job is to trust me. 

Jesus Christ loves to restore what we cannot restore.

Sister Susan Porter, General Primary Presidency:

Heavenly Father loves each of you. We are weak but Thou art strong. 

Women are now invited to serve on Church councils. 

Told a story about sisters in Trinidad who are away from home 14 hours a day because of work. Their children are faithful. 

Alma 37:37 - Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings and He shall direct thy paths.

President Nelson says we should not make our prayers like shopping lists but they should be living conversations. 

"Counseling with the Lord has become very dear to me." "He has opened my eyes, ears, and heart."

Sister Ruth Renlund: 

Women wear many hats and need super powers. All super heroes have capes. I don't have a cape but I have something similar to a cape. (She steps to the side of the pulpit and puts on a Wonder Woman apron).

We are disciples of Jesus Christ. Our power comes from Him,

covenant power - connection with Jesus Christ. 

We need to develop Christlike attributes as we fulfill our Church callings - love, charity, patience, faith, knowledge.

God's power is the power to change.

Make and keep covenants.

Higher law = Higher power.

Take the sacrament regularly - Always remember Jesus Christ and stand as a witness of Him.

The Savior takes apron wearing women and turns them in to super heroes.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the pathway to happiness.

Questions submitted by the sisters in our area

Elder Renlund:

1. How do we yoke ourselves with Christ?

- Elder Renlund says our covenants are additive and synergestic.

2. How can I forgive myself?

- Repent because it takes away scares and traces. Heartfelt and sincere repentance. Look to the Savior. Moroni 10:32 - Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him. Elder Renlund told a story of a girl who survived the Vietnam war. Sinners and victims are both healed by looking to the Savior.

Sister Porter: 

1. How do I know that the Atonement is working in my life?

- President Eyring says if you feel the Holy Ghost that is an indication that the Atonement is working in your life.

2. As a young Mother how do I feed the hungry and clothe the naked.

- As young mothers feed and care for their children they are feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.

3. What do you do when you feel you aren't getting an answer to your prayers?

- Search the scriptures and serve others. 

See President Nelson's October 2019 conference address, "Spiritual Treasures." 

Draw on the Savior's power.

4. What is priesthood power?

-Priesthood power does not equal men.

God's power and authority is the priesthood.

Order of the Priesthood

Sealing - Keys - Priesthood Ordination - Priesthood Covenants - Setting Apart - Other

5. Women who honor covenants can receive God's power. See Handbook chapter 3, Priesthood Principles.

6. Family members who have left the Church. What do we do?

- Heavenly Father never interferes with agency. The Savior has said, "Come Follow Me." What would He do in this situation. 

Pray, show love, keep your covenants, let the gospel shine through you. See Sister Runia's conference talk, October 2023. 

Find a common interest to stay connected. Always KEEP THE DOOR OPEN.

7. How do I make the Savior more real to me? 

Russell M. Nelson, "Joy & Spiritual Survival." Oct 2016 GC

Give thanks in our prayers for the Savior. Keep Covenants and feel and recognize Joy.

8. In our Determination & Commitment to help others we become disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our success as a mother is measured by a commitment. Stand by the tree and beckon with love.

2003 - "Dear Are the Sheep Who Have Wandered" James E. Faust

Orson F. Whitney quoting Joseph Smith about the sheep who have wandered.

9. Sister Porter talking about Sister Sharon Eubanks who is single. 

She said that Heavenly Father already sees her sealed to a husband with children.

10. Simplify - make a time budget. (Sister Renlund)

 "I don't do ironing or have anything to do with yeast. Who has time for that.?"  Don't feel guilty either when I don't have a wreath on the door at Christmas time. 

When I am ask why I stay in the Church I say: "Because I trust the Lord and I like being happy." 

Elder Renlund told us why his wife is his hero. 

In 1981 when their baby was 16 months old she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The day she came home from the hospital she laid down on the bed. Being the coward that I am, when it was time for family prayer I called on her to say it. She expressed gratitude and thanked Heavenly Father that no matter what happens in our lives their is a plan for us to be together forever." 

Later she told me she wanted to go to law school so that something good would come from her having cancer and not be able to have any more children.

Mosiah 2:41 - And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true for the Lord God hath spoken it.

Moroni 9: Be faithful in Christ. May Christ lift thee up.

Closing Song: "Sing We Now at Parting"

Benediction: Lynette Birdie of the St. Johns Stake

Afterwards we were invited to stay and shake hands with the Renlunds and Sister Porter. Rather than stand in a line, Kim and I decided to go home. James was waiting for us out in the parking lot. All the way home we chatted and shared with James things from this devotional that we enjoyed. Brian was waiting at home and then we shared them all over again with him. It was truly an enjoyable, spiritual meeting and I am so grateful I was able to attend and that Kim was here to go with me.

 

Sunset in Surprise, Arizona

Charlie's calendar 

 

Thursday, March 7th, 2024: Snow, wind, & sunshine, Daryl Johnson debacle, Bear Creek wild rice soup, 3 blog posts, 12,000 steps, new mattress pad, Inklings

 

Vernal, Utah

51st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Nov 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 23

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 23-24

The worldliness of Babylon will fall.

October General Conference

"Tithing: Opening the Windows of Heaven" by Elder Neil L. Andersen

Kim has been here since Saturday. She and Brian were here. Brian went home Sunday so he could work this week. Kim thought she would spend a couple of days alone but Addy and her friends came up Monday afternoon. The went snowboarding on Tuesday, were here Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. We came Wednesday night. She didn't get much time alone. She is going with me to the women's devotional tomorrow night to hear Elder and Sister Renlund and Sister Susan Porter. We are so looking forward to this devotional for women on International Women's Day. 

Today was what I call a weird weather day. We had snow, snow-like beads, wind, and sunshine. I told Kim that if she didn't like the weather to wait five minutes and it would change. It was that kind of day.

 Still no money for the Daryl Johnson job. James starts to file a lien against Daryl and the rental property where his business is, when Armando calls and says he is meeting Daryl to pick up a check. - I bet it doesn't happen, because Daryl is not trustworthy. He has been doing this for weeks! I was right. Daryl showed up but he did not have a check. I guess he is trying to get money from his dad but his dad is a little hesitant.

I made Bear Creek Creamy Wild Rice soup. It was good but James couldn't eat very much because of the milk. 

I did the dishes and all of the laundry from our trip today. I cuddled with Tom, did three blog posts, and walked 12,000 steps. 

I read from "Painting Kisses" while walking and James and I read from "Dual Devotions" as we walked together.

Kim and I decided we would leave for the devotional tomorrow afternoon at 4:30. It starts at 6:30 at the Show Low stake center but there are four stakes meeting there so we need to get there early.

James went to the post office today to get all of the mail we got while we were gone. We got a box which held the mattress pad I ordered to make our bed a little softer. It is partially bamboo and it says to lay it out on the bed and let it "grow", which we did. When we went to bed we really noticed the difference with this pad. Our bed is much  more cozy.

I listened to Inklings today with Courtney Rich and Rio. The discussed Brother Newman's talk, "Preserving the Voice of the Covenant People in the Rising Generation." They had some good ideas but I miss Emily, or as they say now, President Freeman.

Sisters: Charlie & Autumn

James, ready for scriptures.

Notice the cord. That's his electric

blanket.

Desert Sunset.

Taking care of his baby.

Yes, Charlie does sleep a lot!

Wednesday, March 6, 2024: James takes J,K,Ch to John Wayne airport to fly home, brkfst then pack for home, Indio, Ehrenberg, The Parking Spot, Sixt, Whataburger, Globe, home @ 8:30 to Kim & Tom

 

St. Louis, Missouri

50th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 June 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 22

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 21:9-12

The Lord is gathering His people.

October General Conference

"Kingdoms of Glory" by President Dallin H. Oaks

James, Jared, Kacey, and Charlie left the hotel this morning around 6 a.m. for the John Wayne airport, the closest airport to where we are. Jared, Kacey and Charlie are flying home to Texas. I'm glad I said my goodbye's last night.

When James returned he went down to get us some breakfast. I told him to get me a cheese omelet with a sprinkle of bacon. It was the best one I had all week. 

After breakfast we pack up and get ready to go home. We have a long day in the car ahead of us. James really does like driving this hybrid we rented. He said it charges as you are driving and it gets really good gas mileage.

We stopped in the desert somewhere so I could use the restroom. I'm not sure if it was Indio or Palm Desert. The store had a Circle K sign on it but the gas said Mobile. Maybe Circle K bought out Mobile. Anyway the bathroom was not clean and I couldn't find the toilet paper. After I got up I noticed a big roll on the back of the toilet. 

We stopped again just across the Arizona border in Ehrenberg at the Pilot with the Wendy's. Their bathrooms are nice and clean and I like their store. I got a Biggie Bag at Wendy's for $5. I had the junior bacon cheeseburger and James had the chicken nuggets. We shared the fries and drink.

Kim had asked us to pick her up some Vitamin Water Zero and flavored Smart Water. They had it here. I got two of each. They had neither at the Circle K in Indio.

On the road again. It feels good to be back in Arizona. When we got to Phoenix the first place we went was to The Parking Spot on Washington Street to pick up our car. We took our luggage out of the rental and put it in our car and then I drove my car and James drove the rental back to the rental center. I waited in short term parking while he turned the car in. I told him to tell the attendant I wanted an itemized statement with all of my charges. I am still not happy with how much we were charged. 

James has been trying to get Darryl Johnson to meet with Armando and give him the check he says he got from his father. Darryl keeps saying he will meet but then doesn't show up. It is so exasperating. 

We stopped at the new Whataburger on Signal Butte to use the restroom and to have dinner. We each had a Whataburger Junior and then we were on our way home. 

We stopped at the McDonald's in Globe for an ice cream cone only to find out that their ice cream machine was broken. It's not the first time.

We got gas in Globe and then drove clear through to Vernon, arriving at 8:30. We were in the car for about 12 hours. Kim and Tom were there to greet us. Addy and her friends went home in the early afternoon. Kim said that when they were here they were loud and Tom was afraid of them, hiding under our bed.

I got a text from Stefani Hunsaker asking if I wanted to go with her to the women's devotional on Friday evening. I thanked her for thinking of me but said my daughter was here to go with me and I would be driving. 

I helped James unload the car, took a shower, and went to bed.

Tom says he missed us and he's a little angry.

Look at those fangs.

Kim's puzzle

While Serrano's is closing, Elmer's

is celebrating their 50th Anniversary.

Addy, Kilee, Brandon, & Crockett