Friday, September 6th, 2024: JA & Rebecca & Benny gone by 6am, J pours 8 more concrete posts, felt good today, Tom & the bird, 5 ways to build a Christ-centered home

Buenos Aires, Argentina

39th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Jan 1986

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Helaman 11

Come Follow Me

Helaman 10:2-4 

Pondering the word of the Lord invites revelation.

April General Conference

"All Will Be Well Because of Temple Covenants" President Henry B. Eyring

D&C 109:79

And also this church, to put upon it thy name. And help us by the power of thy Spirit, that we may mingle our voices with those bright, shining seraphs around thy throne, with acclamations of praise, singing Hosanna to God and the Lamb!

Jared Ammon and Rebecca and her little dog Benny left at 6 a.m. I was up but I was in my bedroom and didn't hear them leave. They forgot to take a picture which made me a little sad. Jared did leave me two six packs of my favorite drink. 

James and Paul Peeler poured concrete for 8 more posts on the fence. They only have 1 1/2 more to go. 

Jared and Kacey are not coming to the wedding. Jared said they need to save the money right now, plus he just started a new job. I understand but I am still disappointed. 

I walked 8,000 steps today and thanks to James I ended up getting 14,000. I don't record them on here consistently anymore because they aren't all my steps.

I felt good today and managed to do two blog posts. I worked on my lesson for Relief Society, and did my scripture books. 

Tom caught a little wren today. He brought it in to the house to show me after it was already dead. He kept throwing it up in the air in our bedroom and feathers were flying everywhere. I was disgusted and went in the other room and shut the bedroom door. I made James go in and clean up the mess and let Tom outside. Even though it comes naturally to him, I don't want him catching birds or bunnies. Rats and mice need to be his specialty.

I read this today in the LDS Living magazine I get with my platinum plus membership.

Five Ways to Build a Christ-Centered Home

These quotes are from the last General Conference

1.) Speak Your Love, Then Speak It Again - "Let's tell our loved ones in spoken and unspoken ways the messages they long to hear: 'Our family feels whole and complete because you are in it.' 'You will be loved for the rest of you life - no matter what.'"

- Sister Tamara W. Runia

2.) Remember, Relationships Are Everything - "It is relationships in the lives of the youth that have the greatest influence on their choices." - Brother Michael T. Nelson

3.) Treasure Small Moments - "Here a ray and there a ray - one small, treasured spiritual moment at a time - there grows up within us a core of light-filled, spiritual experiences."

- Elder Alexander Dushku

4.) Learn to Invite in God's Power - "God's power is a real power that helps us face challenges, make good decisions, and increase our capacity to endure difficult situations. It is a power with which we can grow in the specific abilities that we need." 

- Sister Andrea Munoz Spannaus

5. Be Obedient in the Little Things - "If it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the things which he has commanded them." - 1 Nephi 17:3

There are some great articles in the magazine. I need to make time to read them.

Notes & Quotes

"Qualifying to make sacred covenants is not a one-time effort but a lifetime pattern. The Lord has said it will take our full heart, might, mind, and strength.

"Frequent participation in the ordinances of the temple can create a pattern of devotion to the Lord. When you keep your temple covenants and remember them, you invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost to both strengthen and purify you."

- President Henry B. Eyring

'All Will Be Well Because Of Temple Covenants'

Our Driveway

Rowan caught a catfish

Mama and her baby

This was when Lola was in kindergarten.

Now she is in 5th grade.

 

Thursday, September 5th, 2024: Love note to James, Inklings, Janna's willingness to share, Michael Whiting, Dr. Moffat, AARA, Jared's pastries from Bertie's, Conversation w/ Dawn, Why didn't I mention WoW w. Rebecca

 

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedication: 10 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Helaman 10

Come Follow Me

Helaman10:1-12 

The Lord gives power to people who seek His will and strive to keep His commandments.

April General Conference

"Integrity: A Christlike Attribute" Elder Jack N. Gerard

Inklings

"Covenants and Responsibilities" President Dallin H. Oaks

Word: establish

Phrase: The endowment...gave strength...to make and establish

Affirmation: I am a covenant-keeper. I understand the covenants I have made and am preparing to make. I live my life consistently with the covenants I have made, and I treasure the way those covenants bind me to Jesus Christ. 

James and I had a little disagreement last night and I went to bed angry. When I woke up I came to the realization that the entire situation was my fault. I felt contrite and realized I needed to apologize to him and let him know how much I love and appreciate him, so I wrote him a note. That note changed the entire atmosphere in our home. Instead of friction and coldness there was warmth and love. I am so grateful for the gift of repentance. 

I listened to Inklings today with Emily Freeman and Tanna Fox. I took a page of notes. The talk was President Oaks' talk, "Covenants and Responsibilities." Here are just a few of the notes I took: 

President Nelson's five invitations from General Conference:

1.  Jesus Christ...made this stunning promise: "I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house." I invite you to ponder what the Lord's promise means for you personally.

2. Consider how your life would be different if priesthood keys had not been restored to the earth.

3. I invite you to consider carefully the following three statements:

    * The gathering of Israel is evidence that God loves all of His               children everywhere.

    * The gospel of Abraham is further evidence that God loves all of        His children everywhere. 

    * The sealing power is supernal evidence of how much God loves        all of His children everywhere and wants each of them to return        home to Him.

4. I encourage you to study the prayer recorded in Doctrine and Covenants section 109.

5. Understanding the spiritual privileges made possible in the temple is vital to each of us today.

My life is my epic journey. What are my covenant promises?

I called my friend Janna Grombach today and told her about the wedding at our house on November 1st. I said we had a full house and needed more room. I asked if we could borrow their RV and she said, absolutely!  She said there is a king sized bed, two queens, and a loft for a child. She said it is all self-contained solar and there is enough water to shower for 10 days. Janna and her husband Willy are two of the most service oriented people that I know. They are right up there with Pierce Goodman. 

Jared Ammon went into town this morning to get waffles for Rebecca. He also brought back pastries from Bertie's Cafe. I had an apple turnover. It was quite delicious. 

I called Dawn to find out from the source, what is happening with her. She told me about her memory loss which had been happening for about a year now. Mainly she is forgetting the names of things. Her doctor gave her a book in March called "Alzheimers' Solutions."

She has been follow a very strict diet but it doesn't seem to be helping. The doctor told her it could take decade before she noticed a difference. That is not promising! She went to a neurologist about a month ago. He did some tests and an MRI and told her that the right side of her brain was shrinking. He said this could be caused by a certain disease for which there is no cure. A PET scan will help determine if this disease is what is causing the problem in Dawn. The insurance company denied the request because the neurologists office has not sent the information they need. Dawn is frustrated with the neurologists office. She has an appointment today with her PCP and is going to ask for a referral for another neurologist. She would like to go to the Barrows Neurological Clinic. Dawn said her ability to remember words and what they mean is getting worse. I told her that we loved her and were praying for her.

James and Paul worked on the fence today. They poured concrete for seven posts. 

Jared Ammon and Rebecca went to The House for dinner. He texted me and asked if they could bring something back for us. I went online and looked at their menu and ordered a veggie sandwich for James and pigs & fritz for me. The pigs and fritz is pulled pork with corn fritters. James did not like his sandwich. My food was okay. There were only two or three corn fritters and that was the best thing I ordered.

Rebecca says she loves to bake birthday cakes for her family and banana bread. I asked if she put walnuts in her banana bread and she said no, she was allergic to walnuts. She said she was a vegetarian because she thought it was the morally right thing to do. I wish I would have talked to her about the Word of Wisdom. I always think of what I should have done after it is too late.

Notes & Quotes

 "Our focus is on the Savior, and we are careful to avoid actions that may be perceived as serving our own interests, benefiting our family, or favoring someone at the expense of another. We go out of our way to avoid any perception that our actions may be influenced by the honors of men, to receive personal recognition, generate more lives, be quoted or published."

Elder Jack N. Gerard

'Integrity: A Christlike Attribute'

Happy Birthday Darrel!

Here he was 39. Today he is 46.

Tom took James's spot so James

had to eat his Otter Pop on my 

side of the bed.

Wednesday, September 4th, 2024: I feel better today, news about Dawn, horses showed up this morning, Goodman's Dentistry, LaCasita, Wlmrt, HD, nap w/ Tom, DWTS cast revealed,

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Helaman 9:21-41

Come Follow Me

Helaman 9; 10:1, 12-15

My faith in Jesus Christ must be built on more than signs and miracles.

April General Conference

"Covenant Confidence through Jesus Christ" Elder Ulisses Soares

D&C 109:78

O hear, O hear, O hear us, O Lord! And answer these petitions, and accept the dedication of this house unto thee, the work of our hands, which we have built unto thy name;

I feel better today. James was happy when the horses showed up this morning. They were gone all night, to who knows where. I am bothered by the fact they can come and go as they please and I will be grateful when James gets the new fence up.

 Sheri happened to talk to Cathi and ask her how Dawn and grandmother were doing. Cathi said Dawn was having difficulty with her memory so she went to a neurologist. The neurologist said the right side of her brain was shrinking. This may be caused by an illness for which they have no available treatment. I was shocked and in disbelief. 

I had an appointment at Goodman Dentistry here in Vernon. Our good friend Pierce is the dentist and his wife Susan is his assistant. Susan also says she is now my ministering sister along with Stefani Hunsaker. She is replacing Donna Peeler. She asked me how I like to be ministered to. Do I like home visits. I told her yes, I do.

I have some good news and some bad news regarding my teeth. The bad news is I have 8 cavities. Since I haven't been to the dentist since before Pierce and Susan left for their mission to Tongo, that's not too bad. The good news is: Pierce is going to do a combination of 13 veneers or crowns my front teeth for 1/4 of the normal cost. Normally a crown or veneer is $1,200. He is charging me $300. It's going to cost me $3900!  I am so excited. James wasn't as excited as I was but he still wants me to do it.

 Pierce worked on three fillings in one tooth today. One cavity was so deep it almost went past the gum line. I was there for three hours. It's hard to keep your mouth open that long!

When James came to pick me up, we drove in to town and had lunch at LaCasita. We ordered enchiladas with green sauce. I had rice and beans on the side and James had beans. 

After lunch James went to Home Depot and I went to Walmart. We really should buy stock in these two companies. James bought 14 bags of concrete and then came and picked me up at Walmart.

Back at home I took a nap with Tom and then worked on my blog. 

DWTS cast reveal was today. I only recognized one celebrity, Tori Spelling. 

We had salad and corn for dinner with Jared and Rebecca. They had an earlier dinner at The House in Show Low. Rebecca is a vegetarian and they have a veggie sandwich at The House. They also have a big side yard where you can sit and eat outside. They took Benny with them so the yard was perfect for them. 

Rebecca rode Luna this morning. Well, she got on her and Jared led her around. She has boots and James bought her a cowboy hat to go with them. It is a nice one. I should have taken a picture. I am sad I didn't get any pictures while they were here and wasn't up when they left on Friday and they forgot to take a selfie for me.

Rebecca is 23 years old. Jared is 32. They are just friends. Rebecca is originally from Los Angeles, now she lives in downtown Phoenix around Central and McDowell near the Phoenix library and the light rail. I remember going to that library when I was a kid living in Phoenix. 

Rebecca is Jared's boss and the only girl who works at Taco Boy. Her parents live in Buckeye now. She has five sisters, three of them are adopted. Her grandparents live in Cottonwood so she has been to Sedona several times. Jared took her on the Green's Peak road in James's truck since the Razr is still in the shop. She says she has never been any place like this before. They saw deer, antelope and elk, her first time. She said it was so peaceful and quiet here. She called it magical and said she didn't want to go home. We told her she could come back any time she wanted to.

Notes & Quotes

"My dear friends, if there is one thing we could possess - and one thing we could pass on to our children and grandchildren that would help each in the tests and trials ahead - it would be confidence in the covenants made through Jesus Christ. Obtaining such a divine possession will help them live as the Lord promised His faithful followers: "My disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved."

- Elder Ulisses Soares

'Covenant Confidence Through Jesus Christ'

First Presidency

DWTS

What? Daniella is my fav pro

This kid is amazing!

My delicious lunch

Why would they have a convicted 

criminal on DWTS?

 

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024: Left home @ 7:15, Payson way, no construction today, Tacos @ Del Taco, AARA, my infusion, Costco, Circle K for free Polar Pops, Kim's, Stacy, Brian, Home again

 

Johannesburg, South Africa

36th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Helaman 9:1-20

Come Follow Me

Helaman 7-11

Prophets reveal the will of God to the people.

April General Conference

"Pillars and Rays" Elder Alexander Dushku

D&C 109:77

O Lord God Almighty, hear us in these our petitions, and answer us from heaven, thy holy habitation, where thou sittest enthroned, with glory, honor, power, majesty, might, dominion, truth, justice, judgment, mercy, and an infinity of fulness, from everlasting to everlasting.

We left home at 7:15 for the valley, going the Payson way. We left a little early to allow for construction, but there was no construction today so we arrived in Mesa about 30 minutes early. We were both hungry so we drove through Del Taco for a mini-meal. I got a regular ground beef taco and James got a fish taco and a chicken taco. Although I don't normally like to eat before going to AARA because I get weighed, the taco I had hit the spot. 

James dropped me off at about 10:45 for my 11:15 appointment. Frances took me right back. When she asked how I was doing I said, "Not so hot." I think she was a little surprised by my negative comment. I explained to her what was happening and she was very sympathetic. 

They had a new phlebotomist who started my infusion. She was amazing, I didn't feel a thing when we inserted the needle into the inside of my left arm near my elbow. My infusion was started by 11:00, which means I was finished at 11:30. James was outside walking. I actually saw him go by the window. 

We left the parking lot and got into the line going into Costco. There was a long line of cars in the turn lane. Most of them were getting into the line at the gas pumps.

We knew exactly what we wanted and didn't deviate from our list:

Pistachios in the shell, walnuts, calcium gummies, toilet paper, 2 pomegranate juices and one acai juice. I had a rewards certificate for $24.30. When that amount was subtracted from our bill our total was $62.62. It's nice to leave Costco having spent less than $100. 

Our next stop was Circle K for free Polar Pop drinks. This was on the way to Kim's house where I am spending the afternoon while James meets with Armando and does some other errands. He was supposed to meet with Daryl Johnson but he never showed up. I told James he wouldn't show up if he schedule him before 4 p.m. I was right. The guy has no respect for other people's time.

Kim should open up an assisted living home. She knows how to take care of people, especially old ones like me!

Her house is nice and cool. I sat in a comfortable recliner and watched a GAF/PureFlix movie, "The Divine Influencer" with her. She fed me lunch. A smoked roast that Brian had made in the smoker with potatoes and carrots. For dessert Kim shared some of her stash of chocolate with me. She always has chocolate!

We started watching another PureFlix movie, "Nothing Is Impossible" but James came to pick me up when it was only about halfway over. Stacy also came to deliver me some money that she owed me. She stayed and visited for quite awhile. Brian also came home and ate and then went out again for an appointment. Bob, Kim's kitty came out of hiding and stared at me for about 10 minutes with what looked like an annoying look on his face. I must have been sitting in his favorite spot and he was probably wondering why I was there and who did I think I was sitting in his spot.

We went home the Payson way even though I told James he could go the other way. He knows I much prefer the Payson way so he was being thoughtful. We stopped at Culver's in Payson for something to eat. James got his cod fillet sandwich and I got chicken strips and fries. I only ate the fries and I'm saving the chicken for tomorrow.

Jared Ammon and his friend/boss Rebecca and her little dog Benny arrived at the cabin earlier in the day. They were waiting for us in the dining room when we got home. Jared introduced Rebecca and she introduced Benny. Benny is so cute. They said that Benny chased cows away today and that he and Tom met and seemed to get along fine. Rebecca wants to ride Luna tomorrow. She has never ridden a horse.

Tom was happy to see us. He slept on the recliner with me tonight.

Notes & Quotes

"If we have received the gift of the Holy Ghost and are striving to exercise faith, repent, and honor our covenants, then we are worthy to receive these divine rays constantly. In Elder David A. Bednar's memorable phrase, "we are 'living in revelation.'"

-Elder Alexander Dushku

'Pillars And Rays'

One of our fellow Vernonites

Look at those cutes faces!

Looks like a cowboy & cowgirl

are staying here

 

Monday, September 2, 2024: Prayer, Scriptures, CFM, James leaves to get oil changed in truck, Sheri, Ben, Cayli leave for home, blog, "Love in Tahiti", no rain, Labor day, Tom sleeps w/ me on recliner

 

Chicago, Illinois

35th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Helaman 8

Come Follow Me

Sep 2-8: "Remember the Lord" Helaman 7-12

Introduction

April General Conference

"Put Ye On The Lord Jesus Christ" Sister J. Anette Dennis

Walk with Him

"In Support of the Rising Generation" Brother Michael T. Nelson

"Miracles, Angels, and Priesthood Power" Elder Shayne M. Bowen

After family prayer, scriptures, and Come Follow Me, James left to take his truck in to Walmart to get the oil changed. 

While James was gone to town Sheri, Ben, and Cayli left for home around 8 o'clock. They wanted to beat the traffic. 

Ben, Cayli, and Sheri

Ben and Cayli left their YC noodles in the frig. I had them for lunch and then again for dinner. Cayli's were mixed with veggies and Ben's were mixed with meat. I think I liked the veggies better.

Today is Labor Day. I've always wondered how it started and what exactly it was for. I Googled it and here is what I came up with:

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States. 

Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. "Labor Day" was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the U.S. officially celebrated Labor Day.

I worked on my blog today. The only way I am ever going to catch up is to do at least two posts a day. Some days I accomplish this goal and other days I fall short. 

I watched a really good movie on Amazon Prime called "Love in Tahiti." It was so good I texted Sheri and told her to watch it. She did and she liked it just as much as I did. 

Tom slept with me on the recliner tonight. When you cat spends the night with you that means he really likes you. I feel so special.

Notes & Quotes

"Baptism by immersion is the symbolic gate through which we enter into a covenant relationship with God. Being immersed in the water and coming up again is symbolic of the Savior's death and Resurrection to ne life. As we are baptized, we symbolically die and are born again into the family of Christ and show we are willing to take His name upon us. We ourselves embody that covenant symbolism. In the New Testament we read, 'For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.' With our baptism we symbolically put on Christ."

- Sister J. Anette Dennis

'Put Ye On The Lord Jesus Christ'

Out door kitchen

Sunday, September 1st, 2024: Everyone attends Sacrament mtg, huge crowd, we teach 14 yr olds, Lunch, nap, Sheri's puzzle, Tom loves Sheri, "Junebug"

 

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2 July 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Helaman 7

Come Follow Me

"Follow Him"

April General Conference

"Motions of a Hidden Fire" President Jeffrey R. Holland

D&C 109:77-80

77 O Lord God Almighty, hear us in these our petitions, and answer us from heaven, thy holy habitation, where Thou sittest enthroned, with glory, honor, power, majesty, might, dominion, truth, justice, judgment, mercy, and an infinity of fulness, from everlasting to everlasting.

78 O hear, O hear, O hear us, O Lord! And answer these petitions, and accept the dedication of this house unto thee, the work of our hands, which we have built unto thy name; 

79 And also this Church, to put upon it Thy name. And help us by the power of Thy Spirit, that we may mingle our voices with those bright, shining seraphs around thy throne, with acclamations of praise, singing Hosanna to God and the Lamb!

80 And let these, Thine anointed ones, be clothed with salvation, and Thy saints shout aloud for joy. Amen, and Amen.

Sheri, Ben, Cayli, James and I all attended the Vernon ward sacrament meeting together. We sat in the back. The first and second overflows were almost filled. It seemed like a stake conference rather than a sacrament meeting. This is the last holiday weekend for awhile and so many want to take advantage of it.

Brother Steve Allen conducted the meeting and welcomed all of the visitors. He said he was grateful for the monsoons that have made the grass green and watered the sunflowers. 

Brother Allen was the first to share his testimony. Here is a list of testimonies borne:

Steve Allen -  Recently read in the D&C conversations between the Savior and Joseph Smith. 

Children: George Wilhelm, Miller grandchild, Jacob Barrett

Ruth Wilhelm - family gathering, I know..... Jesus Christ lives, grateful for the sealing power, Joseph Smith is a prophet of God as is President Russell M. Nelson

Alicia Hunsaker - I know that my Redeemer lives! I believe in the priesthood and expect miracles, RMN, JS, Restoration.

Ken Martin (Debra Martin's son, now in our ward) The gospel of Jesus Christ is real and true. Priesthood restoration, JS, RMN, we are children of God, Jesus Christ is our Savior, my testimony is my Northern Star. My Redeemer lives. Every needful thing has been prepared. We need to make better use of the Atonement and the Holy Ghost. 

Lorraine Vaught - I am thankful...Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Ladd Wilhelm (visiting from Washington state) I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. 

Bishop Hunsaker - Camping helps me feel closer to Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Joyce (Born in Australia, summer visitor) My parents were taught the gospel by missionaries in Australia. I was baptized in the United States. I drifted away from the gospel. Jesus Christ never gave up on me. "Go back to church, you don't have much time" heard this every time she went passed the LDS church.

After sacrament meeting Sheri, Ben, and Cayli left to go back to the cabin. James and I taught the 14 year old Sunday School class. Those who attended: Resten Tesarek, Nathan Crane, Elaina Jensen, Lacey Putz, Ruthie Wilhelm, and Addy a cute redhead from St. Johns staying at the Whiting homestead. 

We are studying Helaman 1-6, "the best of times and the worst of times" in the Book of Mormon. Here are some highlights.

Satan is like a snake. Read Helaman 3:35 & Helaman 5:12. The Lamanites become more righteous than the Nephites. Helaman 5 a Wow! chapter: 8,000 Lamanite converts because of Nephi & Lehi. The Lamanites give back all of the lands to the Nephites. We bore our testimony to the young people. I thanked Addy for coming and she said, "I'm so glad I did, it was awesome."

Back at home we had potstickers and ravioli for lunch. Tom loves Sheri and seeks her out for back rubs. Some of us had naps. Sheri worked on the puzzle she was doing. 

Sheri and I watched the movie "Junebug" starring Autumn Reeser and Aaron O'Donnell. We tried to watch "Nellie Knows Mysteries" but I kept falling asleep so we turned it off.

Sheri made a Mississippi pot roast for dinner. She served it on toasted pretzel rolls and it was delicious. We also got some more vegetables from the Crane's.

Notes & Quotes

 "We need to believe in angels and miracles and the promises of the holy priesthood. We need to believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost, the influence of good families and friends, and the power of the pure love of Christ. We need to believe in revelation and prophets, seers, and revelators and President Russell M. Nelson. We need to believe that with prayer and pleading and personal righteousness, we really can ascend to "Mount Zion, ... the city of the living God, the heavenly place, the holiest of all."

- President Jeffrey R. Holland

'Motions of A Hidden Fire'

Photos from Ben's run yesterday

Trina's post

Not sure why Rowan is in this picture.

The Good Shepherd

Sunset in Show Low