Sunday, August 11th, 2024: I made it to church, oh Happy Day! Sit in the back w/ Kim & Brian, Jensen family new ward members, RS - Wendy DeWitt, Be Kind, Ride in Bruce up on the mtn, turkey, elk, bear

Oakland, California

13th operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 Nov 1964

By: David O. McKay

Book of Mormon

Alma 43

Come Follow Me

John Hilton III

"Names, Tokens, Covenants" Alma 43-47

April General Conference

"All Things for Our Good" Elder Gerrit W. Gong

D&C 109: 65-68

65 And cause that the remnants of Jacob, who have been cursed and smitten because of their transgression, be converted from their wild and savage condition to the fulness of the everlasting gospel;

66 That they may lay down their weapons of bloodshed, and cease their rebellions.

67 And may all the scattered remnants of Israel, who have been driven to the ends of the earth, come to a knowledge of the truth, believe in the Messiah, and be redeemed from oppression, and rejoice before thee.

68 O Lord, remember thy servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., and all his afflictions and persecutions - how he has covenanted with Jehovah, and vowed to thee, O Mighty God of Jacob - and the commandments which thou hast given unto him, and that he hath sincerely striven to do thy will.

I felt good enough to go to church today. Oh happy day! James and I sat in the back with Kim and Brian. When I say the back I mean the very back row of the last overflow row.

Kerri Halcomb and Katie Hahn were the main speakers in sacrament meeting today. George Wilhelm, who is 9 and Jacob Barrett, Cress & Richard Miller's grandson, who is about the same age as George, both bore their testimonies. It was sweet because Jacob thanked his grandparents for taking care of him.

We have some new people in our ward: the Jensen family and 6 of their 7 children, Amy Bowen, and Scott Cord. The Jensen's were in the Show Low Creek ward. He is a doctor who works from home. They just bought the new white home off of 3144 that I really like.

Pierce got another calling today. He is now an assistant organist along with the two other callings he has, a ward missionary and teacher of the parenting class along with his wife Susan.

Speakers

George Wilhelm

Jesus loves all of us. He sacrificed Himself so we could all have Eternal Life. Faith of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. My favorite scripture story is in Alma 17 when Ammon defends King Lamoni's flocks.

Jacob Barrett

I am grateful for my grandparents and all that they have done for me. I want to bear testimony that I felt the Holy Ghost when I was baptized.

Kerri Halcomb

"Covenants & Responsibilities" by President Dallin H. Oaks

During the sacrament we make three promises: 1 - to take upon us the name of Christ, 2 - to always remember Him, 3 - to keep His commandments. We also make five covenants in the temple: 1 - the law of obedience, 2 - the law of sacrifice, 3 - the law of the gospel, 

4 - the law of chastity, and 5 - the law of consecration. Through our covenants we are protected, blessed, and empowered. 

Katie Hahn

"Ladders of Faith" by Elder Larry S. Kacher, April 2022 General Conference. Katie was diagnosed 20 years ago with terminal cancer. The doctor gave her a short time to live. Her father gave her a blessing and she is still here. She has had breast cancer two times since she has been in our ward. Right now she has no hair. I love Katie because she is always so upbeat and positive. She is the Primary secretary. I didn't really take notes during her talk but she did an awesome job.

Kim went to Relief Society with me and Brian went to Elder's Quorum with James. I love it when they stay!

Wendy DeWitt taught the lesson from the talk given by Elder Stevenson in this last general conference, "Bridging the Two Great Commandments." Kim and I sat in the back. Kim was on the row. I sat by Lynda Price and Barbara Tignor was on the other side of Lynda. I invited Catherine Halcomb to sit by us but she said she needed to sit in the front so she could hear.

 During Wendy's lesson there was a loud clap of thunder. She looked up at the ceiling and said, "I'm saying it anyway."

It rained hard for a few minutes but by the time we got out, the sun was shining. It didn't even rain at home. 

The emphasis of Wendy's lesson was on loving your neighbor and being kind. Several of us shared someone who had influenced our life for good. I talked about Suzanne Kempton.

I fried up some bacon and made BLT's for lunch. They were quite tasty. Kim & Brian had breakfast for lunch and they ate our leftover bacon.

James and I both took nap. After my nap I texted Sister Golly and told her I was having withdrawals because she hadn't sang in church for awhile. She said I was sweet and that there was something in the works. I told her that was great and that I had something to look forward to.

I opened my gifts from Lois & Dawn this afternoon. There was a journal that Dawn had made, a mechanical pencil set, a T-shirt, and a fancy tea set. Oh yes, a homemade card and a $50 Amazon gift card. Wow! I feel blessed and loved.

This evening James and I took a drive with Kim and Brian in the back seat of "Bruce", Brian's Bronco. Our goal was to check out the wildlife. 

Up near the turnoff to Christmas Tree Tail we saw a flock of turkeys. Mama's and their babies and some Daddy's too. They were moving to fast for anyone to take pictures. We also saw elk, a bear, and some more elk. It was a fun trip, especially because of the bear, which I happened to see first, by the way, from the backseat and opposite side of the Bronco. Thanks Kim & Brian for taking us since we don't have our Razr right now.

As I was working on my blog this evening I listened to some "Come Follow Me' podcasts, John Hilton III and Kristen Walker Smith.

Notes & Quotes

"Jesus Christ's Atonement can deliver and redeem us from sin. But Jesus Christ also intimately understands our every pain, affliction, sickness, sorrow, separation. In time and eternity, His triumph over death and hell can make all things right. He helps heal the broken and disparaged, reconcile the angry and divided, comfort the lonely and isolated, encourage the uncertain and imperfect, and bring forth miracles possible only with God."

- Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"All Things for Our Good"

I think this should have been

posted yesterday

Mason

Rowan's yesterday post

Gifts from Lois & Dawn

Tom and his kitty

Last week's Charlie

This week's Charlie

 

Our drive in the wilderness

Yesterday's Hallmark movie

 

 

 

Saturday, August 10th, 2024: Hppy 18th Bday Ro! Arms, hands, left leg hurt, Tramadol naps, Kim finishes my cake, card & gifts, Ken Johnson funeral, Best funeral ever! J takes salad,

 

London, England

12th operating temple

Dedicated: 7-9 Sept 1958

By: David O. McKay

Book of Mormon

Alma 42:14-31

Come Follow Me

Review

April General Conference

"Jesus Christ at the Center of Our Lives" Elder Jose L. Alonso

D&C 109:64

64 And the children of Judah may begin to return to the lands which thou didst give to Abraham, their father.

Happy 18th Birthday Rowan!

One of our birthday dates at the Chandler mall for Ro & Josh Evan always came and they came on his birthday date in November.

Kim finished my cake today and it looks beautiful!

 Three Layers of strawberry cake with fresh

strawberries, short cake, and cream cheese

between the layers with strawberry

buttercream frosting.

Delicious!

Kim also made chocolate covered strawberries!

James and Chuck went to Ken Johnson's funeral together. James said it was the best funeral ever. I asked him why and said I had heard him say that before. He said Bishop Hunsaker gave the best talk on the Plan of Salvation. Ken's 13 year old daughter, Lily, sang "Amazing Grace" and did a beautiful job. Ken's wife Ann gave his life history. He especially loved the bishop's talk. Here is a copy of the program.

I got so excited when I saw this song!

When I was about 8 or 9 my "Nannie", my mom's mom.

gave me some sheet music to play on the piano. It was a book

of religious songs she remembers singing in Missouri as

she was growing up. One of them was this song.

It always reminds me of my "Nannie" and how much

I love her. I looked up Anne Murray singing it on

YouTube. She does an amazing job.

Along with the cake Kim made me she gave me the sweetest card,

a box of 20 colored pens, a journal that says on the front: "We Rise by Lifting Other" and a $50 Amazon gift card. Wow! Thank you Kim, you are so very thoughtful! You too Brian!

James did some walking this evening but he is having severe chest pains just like he had 12 years ago before he had his stint put in. If they continue, he is going to call his cardiologist, Dr. Memon.

While James was walking Brian, Kim, and I were watching the latest Hallmark movie, "My Dreams of You." It was a little cheesy but entertaining. Not my favorite but not the worst either.

We left Tom outside longer than usual. When James let him in Tom was pretty upset and meowed at him several times. This cat definitely thinks he's in charge, and he could be right.

Notes & Quotes

"The profound questions of the soul, those that surface in our darkest hours and highest trials, are addressed through the unwavering love of Jesus Christ. In Him, and through the promised blessings of His restored gospel, we find the answers we seek. It is through His infinite Atonement that we are offered a gift beyond measure - one of hope, healing, and the assurance of His constant, enduring presence in our lives. This gift is available to all who reach out with faith, embracing the peace and redemption He so freely offers."

- Elder Jose L. Alonso

'Jesus Christ At The Center Of Our Lives'

 

 

Friday, August 9th, 2024: Had to cancel my personal credit card again because of fraud, Kim started my birthday cake, Kim finished the sheep puzzle, Brian goes to Sonic & Basha's in Springerville, Cheryl Sedig takes quilt, doll & crystal container

 

Hamilton, New Zealand

11th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 April 1958

By: David O. McKay

Book of Mormon

Alma 42:1-13

Come Follow Me

Alma 42

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Video: "The Mediator"

April General Conference

"A Record of What I Have Both Seen and Heard" Elder Brent H. Nielson

D&C 109: 63

And the yoke of bondage may begin to be broken off the the house of David;

I had to cancel my personal credit card today because of fraud. This has happened to me several times this year. So many dishonest people.

Kim started my birthday cake this afternoon. She is making a strawberry cake with shortbread, cream cheese and fresh strawberries between the three layers. I am excited!

Kim also finished my sheep puzzle today. She said it was one of the harder puzzles she has done.

Love these sheep!

 Brian made a trip to Springerville this afternoon. He said he likes the drive better than the one to Show Low, and he might get to see some antelope. Kim needed some things from Bashas and he was also going to Sonic to great drinks and eats. I ordered a cherry limeade. 

Brian the main thing he went to town for, coconut oil. I guess every night he rubs Kim's feet and hands with coconut oil. I wonder if James would do that for me.

I met the Relief Society president, Cheryl Sedig, at the church this afternoon. She had just finished setting up for Kenny Johnson's funeral tomorrow. I delivered the quilt Lois made, the porcelain doll, and the crystal candy dish to her for the auction for the Johnson's. 

Cheryl is worried that no one from the ward will come to the funeral tomorrow. I shared this with James when I got home and he said that he and Chuck were going. Cheryl has been working so hard for the Johnson family and she is having some health issues. She has very high blood pressure and they can't seem to find a drug for her that will bring it down. I'm putting her on my prayer list.

I told Cheryl I was sad that the Johnson had never been through the temple and she corrected me and told me that they had. I was sooo happy to here this!

Kim is worried because she said the cake fell. When I looked at the layers they seemed fine to me. Kim is a bit of a perfectionist.

Listened to Jared Halverson on "Unshaken Saints" today.

Notes & Quotes

"The Savior's Apostles Peter and John healed a man in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. When commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus, they responded:

' Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 

'For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.'"

- Elder Brent H. Nielson

'A Record of What I Have Both Seen and Heard'

Scarlett's 1st Day of Home School

Best Friends

The grass is always greener on the other

side of the fence for Apollo

Tom loves this blanket on this couch 

when he's outside

He also loves to stalk around in the tall grass

Thursday, August 8th, 2024: Karen S. called today, Stacy's call, trip to town for Leflunomide, mail Ro & Josh's bday cards, Panda & Firehouse, K&B here, no money no Texas, Evan's question

Los Angeles, California

10th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-14 Mar 1956

By: David O. McKay

Book of Mormon

Alma 41

Come Follow Me

Alma 40

I can seek answers to my questions with faith in Jesus Christ.

April General Conference

"Rise! He Calleth Thee" Elder Massimo De Feo

Inklings

Foreordained to Serve, Elder Steven R. Bangerter

D&C 138:38-56; D&C 109:61-64

foreordain

Protect the private times of your life.

Affirmation: I am an eternal spirit, and I had many experiences before my mortal life began. I am using the Lord's precious gift of agency to continue on the path towards the Savior as I act with integrity and faith, even when nobody is watching.

I got a call from my friend Karen Schneider today. In the past, we have gone to lunch together in our birthday month. She was calling me to wish me a Happy birthday month and to let me know she may not be able to go out to lunch. Karen has had cancer since 2007 when she and I still lived in Chandler. I remember when she had surgery for kidney cancer and I took her dinner. This is what she wrote to me when I asked her what kind of stage 4 cancer that she has:

Kidney cancer that has metastasized to the liver. I am thankful and feel blessed that I am still able to be here. I had kidney surgery in 2007. I was okay until 2017, then the cancer returned with metastasis and I have been on chemo and immunotherapy to manage the cancer since then. 

I had no idea it was stage 4 until she mentioned it today. She is somewhat of a miracle I would say.

I got a call from Stacy today. She is worried about not having any money for Joshua's birthday. I told her I would send him a little extra to buy school clothes with. 

James and I made a trip to town to get my new medication, Leflunomide. I also needed to get ingredient to make a salad for Kenny Johnson's funeral on Saturday. We also got birthday cards for both Rowan and Joshua and 50 lbs of kitty litter. 

After buying the birthday cards we hurried to make it to the post office before 4:30 when they pick up the mail. I was signing and addressing the cards on the way. We made it just in time. 

After we were finished at the post office we went back to Panda and Firehouse for something to eat. I wanted orange chicken and chow mein noodles and James wanted a sub. 

We got home before Kim and Brian arrived at 8:30. We are so happy to have them here.

Sheri texted me today: "Evan asked me about the denying the Holy Ghost. He said if that's the worst thing you can do does that apply to his brothers, specifically Xander. Can you explain to me more about that so I can explain to him. We were in a hurry during scriptures last night so we didn't get to talk about it in depth. I'm going to talk to him tonight. 

I gave her some references and so did Hillary Jiminez at work. I told her to go to the Gospel Library app, scriptures - study helps - topical guide - Holy Ghost, unpardonable sin against.

I love that Evan is so concerned about his brothers!

Notes & Quotes

 "There are many voices today trying to lower our voices as disciples of Jesus Christ. The voices of the world are trying to silence us, but that's exactly why we must declare our testimony of the Savior louder and stronger. Among all the voices of the world, the Lord is counting on me and you to declare our testimonies, to raise our voice, and to become His voice. If we don't do it, who will testify of Jesus Christ? Who will speak His name and declare His divine mission?

We have a spiritual charge that comes from our knowledge of Jesus Christ." 

- Massimo DeFeo

"Rise! He Calleth Thee"

Happy 15th Birthday Molly!

Emily Snyder is engaged

Kacey's post

 

Wednesday, August 7th, 2024: A bear crossed the road, Trip to the valley, 2 stops for roadwork, AARA on time, saw Rita, new oral med, Sheri takes us to the OG, Costco, Lois & Rebecca

Bern, Switzerland

9th operating temple

Dedicates: 11-15 Sep 1955

By: David O. McKay

Book of Mormon

Alma 40:14-26

Come Follow Me

Alma 40-41

What will happen after I die?

April General Conference

"Be Still, and Know That I Am God" Elder David A. Bednar

D&C 109:62

62 We therefor ask thee to have mercy upon the children of Jacob, that Jerusalem, from this hour, may begin to be redeemed:

We left the house at 7:15 this morning. My appointment at Arizona Arthritis is at 11:00 and I am supposed to be there by 10:45.  Thank goodness we made it on time is spite of some stops for roadwork.

A black bear ran out in the road near Pinedale. He ended up running behind our car. James was pretty excited. 

We listened to "Follow Him" most of the way down.

We made two stops for roadwork. The roadwork also slowed the movement of traffic. James made up for it once we hit the desert.

We made it to my appointment at 10:45. As I was checking in I heard someone call my name. I turned around and there sat my cousin Rita. After checking in I went and sat by her. I hadn't even been there a minute when they called her back so we really didn't get to visit. It was still fun to see her. I remember her telling me this was where she went to the doctor for her arthritis. 

I saw Rana today one of Dr. Kumar's assistants. She said rather than change my infusion so soon she was going to give me an oral pill to take everyday. It's call Leflunomide. When I told Darrel about it he said it is a new medication. 

James was about 15 minutes away so I walked south on Arizona Avenue to meet up with him. I got about 1,500 steps before he picked me up.

We stopped by Chandler Eyecare and picked Sheri up. She wants to buy us lunch for my birthday. We went to Olive Garden. Sheri and I had soup, salad and breadstick and James had chicken alfredo. Sheri and I both had the chicken gnocchi soup. I liked it but I wish I had ordered the zuppa toscana, because I like it the best.

Sheri told us some funny stories about Ben & Cayli's engagement and Ian, Betty's mom. Betty put something on her hair after washing it and it turned hard and she couldn't get it out. She even called one of her friends over to help her. Sheri said instead of getting help she just got out the scissors and cut her hair. No pictures available at this time. Sheri rehashed her trip to Europe with us and then told about Evan going to missionary prep and actually liking it. When we took Sheri back to work we got to see Michael and give him a hug. An added bonus to our day.

Our next stop was Costco where we got walnuts, James's pomegranate and Acai juice and my pistachios. I forgot again to use my rewards check of $24.80. It's good until December 31st.

From Costco we hopped on the 101 Freeway and headed for Tempe. We talked to Dawn earlier and she said she wouldn't be home but that her mom and Rebecca would be there. 

Lois gave me back $100 for the quilt. She said she had two quilts done and the total was $178. The quilt is beautiful. She also gave me a crystal jar and one of her porcelain dolls. 

Lois, for the first time that I can remember, was upset with Dawn. I guess Dawn tutors a four year old girl and this girl likes Lois's porcelain dolls. Dawn asked Lois if she could have one and Lois told her no that these dolls are not toys. She told Dawn that the girl, Heather, could be carry a doll and knock part of it against the wall and it would break. Dawn kept asking and asking but Lois says she kept saying no. Evidently Dawn misunderstood and thought Lois said she could have one and gave her one of the dolls. Lois was quite upset. Now whenever Heather comes over she wants a doll. One day when the mother was there to pick up Heather Dawn asked if she could have a doll and Lois called out: "No, she is not getting any more of my dolls!! Enough said. In Dawn's defense she knows that Lois is going to end up giving the dolls away but in Lois's defense, they are her dolls and she can do with them what she wants.

Lois offered us frozen fruit bars as a snack. James took one. I said no thank you and Rebecca said, "not if they have sugar", which they did. Such self-control.

From Lois's we drove to south Phoenix to David Chacon's tire shop so James could talk to him about the money he owes us. David was not at the shop but his son was. David does not speak English but his son does. His son got his dad on the phone to talk to James but James came away frustrated. He said he thinks he should only owe another $10,000. In actuality he owes $34,000. James came away thinking he was going to have to hire an attorney and take David to court. He was pretty discouraged. From the tire shop we headed home. We took the 1-17 to the 101 to Shea Blvd. where we stopped for Jr. Whataburgers. From Shea we hit the 87 north to Payson.

We got home around 8 p.m. It was raining a little when we got home. Tom was fiesty from being outside all day. He bit my ankle. Even though he is was just playing, it still hurt. 

Kim and Brian didn't come as they had planned. Brian had a signing at 7:30 this evening. They are coming tomorrow instead.

Notes & Quotes

"True faith is always focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ - in Him as the Divine and Only Begotten Son of the Eternal Father and on Him and the redemptive mission He fulfilled.

'For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men.'(Moroni 7:28)

Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, our Mediator, and our Advocate with the Eternal Father and the rock upon which we should build the spiritual foundation of our lives."

-David A. Bednar

"Be Still, And Know That I Am God"

Teresa's Jack

Beautiful kitchen, so beautiful I

would never want to use it.