Sunday November 10, 2024: High around 58, clean car, sacrament meeting, 5th Sunday discussion, "Choosing Glory", CFM, gift deliveries, Kacey's talk,

 

Winter Quarters, Nebraska

104th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Apr 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 1:1-32

Come Follow Me

Nov. 11-17: "Rend That Veil of Unbelief"

Ether 1-5: Introduction and Video: "The Lord Appears to the Brother of Jared"

October General Conference

'Welcome to the Church of Joy' 

Elder Patrick Kearon

" Joy comes from and because of Him....For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!"

A beautiful sunny day with the high around 58 degrees. This beautiful Sabbath morning my car was one of the cleanest in the church parking lot. That is probably a first. 

We sat on the third row instead of usual 2nd row because Katie Hahn and her parents were in the second row. 

Speakers today in sacrament meeting:

Abigail Jameson - "This is my blood shed for many for the remission of sins." I am studying the Atonement in the Topical Guide. Why do we need to be saved? Because of the Fall. Moses 3:16-17. Cast out, spiritual and physical death, mortality is a fallen state. (Great talk on the Plan of Salvation). Creation - Fall - Atonement, the pillars of eternity. Alma 7:11-12 He suffered for all of our sins and afflictions. Succor - To run to, to support, relieve from distress. Isaac B. Morrison talk in 2022. Joy comes from, and because of Him. Jesus doesn't fill the gap, He takes up all the space. (Brad R. Wilcox)

Jesus forgives.

A little bit about Abigail. She is 18 years old and is a temple worker. She has received her mission call but doesn't leave until March. She is going to Sydney, Australia. She is an amazing young woman!

Rosie Lauritzen - She and Rick have lived here in Vernon for 15 years. We come to church to feel fellowship, worship the Lord, and to renew our covenants. Sister Spannaus's April 2024 conference address, "Faithful to the End." Discusses the Goliath's in our lives. Elder Kearon, the Church is a church of joy. RMN: "The best is yet to come." Stones to fight Goliaths" 1.) Love of Jesus Christ, center our lives around Him. Seek Him daily. Increase our capacity. Invite the Holy Ghost to be with us each day. 2.) Faith 3.) Know you true identity 4.) Daily repentance. Rosie closed by bearing her testimony.

Rick Lauritzen - (Had very little time left) "Get ready, Sister Jameson is coming." Ulisses Soares "Aligning Our Will with His." John 8:29 - ... I do always those things that please the Father. How do we please the Lord in everyday life. (More holiness) "What works for Thee, works for me." Bore his testimony

The second hour was like a 5th Sunday discussion led by the bishopric. The topic was, "Choosing Glory" based on a podcast and book by Lili Anderson. All of the bishopric had a part in the presentation on the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms. I took notes and will share some of them here:

Brother Allen - Celestial - "Be ye therefore perfect." No offending, not getting offended, free of self-righteousness. Judge righteous judgment, charity of sinners but abhorring sin. Struggle against pride, obey with exactness, don't seek personal recognition, don't consider self above others, light shine, not a victim or victimizer. 

Brother Skousen - Powerful insights. Think Celestial. Change of heart. Complete love and humility. Ezra Taft Benson - When obedience ceases to be an irritant but a quest.... Alma 29:4. Salvation - we get what we really want. Do we realize how hard it is to pattern our lives after the Savior. Ferrell Fish funeral - killed in car accident after serving in the temple. Worked 42 years for Blue Ridge High School. Cut countless cords of wood for others. He also shared his garden bounty with others. Shoveled snow, served as the scoutmaster and was always serving others. 87 year old ward mission leader from the Lakeside ward. When he saw a need he was there. 

Bishop Hunsaker - Focus. Temple recommend interview questions:

Do you keep the covenants you make in the temple? Do you remember what they are? Obedience, sacrifice, law of the gospel, law of chastity, law of consecration. Baptismal covenants: Stand as a witness, keep His commandments, always remember Him. 

Obedience is the first law of heaven. 

James and Chuck had a quick meeting after the block. I went home and began fixing lunch, Tuna sandwiches and chips, ice cream for dessert. After look, we took naps. 

This afternoon I wrote thank you notes to Kathy Crane and Alicia Hunsaker and prepared gifts for them along with a birthday gift for Susan Crane. James and I delivered them together. Kathy is always there to bring us dinner when we are sick and I thanked Alicia for helping with the wedding dinner. I will also do the same for Janna and Stefani later this week. 

We had stew for dinner and read scriptures and watched a Come Follow Me video by the fireplace. We got a Happy Sabbath photo of Charlie from Kacey. Jared said Kacey spoke in church today and her talk was amazing. 

James gave Sammy some warm milk this evening. She/he is getting braver about getting close to us. 

What do I do this week, get my infusion on the 12th or have a meeting with Dr. Kumar on the 13th about changing medicines again.

Hey Charlie!

Happy Sabbath!

This one's for Charlie to see since

she loves penguins

Looks yummy!

Ian as Dracula in our basement haunted house

many moons ago

Interesting and creepy, look how big

this building is.

Temple #200 Dedicated:

Saturday, November 9th, 2024: Hi today 55, Armando's sad new, J gives him a blessing, veneer replaced, Visit the Maxwell's, "Christmas at Notting Hill", "My Sweet Austrian Holiday"

 

Montevideo, Uruguay

103rd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Mar 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mormon 9:26-37

Come Follow Me

Mormon 9:1-25

Jesus Christ is a God of miracles.

October General Conference

'His Hand Ready To Help Us'

Elder Juan Pablo Villar

"Do not forget who has power over all things. That is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He has the power to help us out of every miserable condition or adverse situation. Regardless of whether we feel close to Him, He still can reach us where we are as we are."

Tom and I were both up at five this morning. He loves to lay in front of the heater and get warmed up on cold mornings. Although it was cold this morning it warmed up nicely. The high was 55 degrees. 

In other ways it was a sad day. Armando said yesterday he was in Vernon and would like to come over today to talk to James. James thought it was job related. He spent the morning getting the Hatch account up to date. 

I had an appointment with Pierce today at 2:00 p.m. to put my veneer that fell off, back on. Silly me, I thought it would take 5 minutes, 10 at the most. 

Before I left the house to go to Pierce's, James and Armando were talking at the high table. While Armando went out to move his truck so I could get out, James said to me: "Armando's family left him." My heart dropped. I had no time to talk now, I have to get to Pierce's. 

Instead of taking five or ten minutes to replace the veneer, it took more like 35. Nothing is ever as easy as it seems. Susan came in and gave me a Japanese jar of candy which they purchased on their trip to Japan. It's not often that you get candy from your dentist or his wife. Thank you.

I went back home to get James. By this time Armando was gone. James loaned him $600 and gave him a blessing. We are going to Linden to see Dennis & Denise, and Harold & Vickie and give them their wedding momento, a bookmark with their names on them. 

Our first try was at Harold & Vickie's. There is a big sign that says do not open the fence, the dogs will bite you, or something to that effect. I didn't see or hear any dogs, so I opened the gate and knocked on the door. No answer. I texted Denise and she said she never goes to their house any more because one of the dogs bit her, so I high-tailed it out of there.

We drove over to Dennis & Denise's and went in the back door. They were both in the kitchen and Denise offered us some brownies made with coconut oil. They were quite delicious and you could definitely taste the coconut oil. There was also a dog in the kitchen near Dennis. I knew they didn't have any dogs because Denise told me they like to travel and it was just easier without any dogs. I guess Dennis got lonely because he made friends with the neighbors dog, Dixie, and now she acts like she belongs to him. 

Denise called Harold and told him I had knocked on his door and no one had answered. He said that both he and Vickie and the dogs had been asleep. Harold came over but Vickie wasn't feeling well so she stayed at home. 

I had a nice visit with my brothers and Denise. We talked about Medicare (it's what old people do), and Bettylea's wedding coming up on the 20th of November. Dennis is going to give her away. I guess her dad doesn't approve of the marriage. She is marrying her girlfriend, Natalie. When we got ready to go I gave both Harold and Dennis a hug. Denise said not to hug her because she has been sick. 

As we were walking outside I mentioned to James how nice Dennis's grass looks and he agreed. No potholes left by horse hooves.

Back in Show Low we mailed a letter that James wrote to Ben & Cayli. White Mountain Motors is closed. James wanted to talk to them about the Razr. We went to Walmart to get a prescription and a few groceries, across the street to Circle K for a carwash, and then Culver's for something to eat.

Back at home I watched "My Sweet Austrian Holiday" and "Christmas at Notting Hill while James walked.

We bought the Oricles

Tom doin' what he does best!

Friday, November 8th, 2024: Sammy, James's cold sores, Razr, Cancel today's temple w/ Grombach's until next week, 73,000 photos, veneer comes off, "A Vintage Christmas"

Port Alegre, Brazil

102nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mormon 9:12-25

Come Follow Me

Mormon 8:26-41; 9:1-30

The Book of Mormon was written for our day.

October General Conference

'Bonded to Jesus Christ: Becoming the Salt of the Earth'

Elder Jose A. Teixeira

"Our youth have shown remarkable courage and devotion. They have enthusiastically embraced the work of family history, and their frequent visits to the house of the Lord are a testament to their dedication. Their willingness to devote time and energy to serve missions across the globe reflects a deep and abiding faith. They are not merely participating but leading the way in becoming disciples bonded to Jesus Christ. Their service radiates light and hope, touching countless lives. To you, the youth of the Church, we express our heartfelt thanks for you inspiring service. You are not just the Church's future but its present. And you are indeed the salt of the earth!"

No word or money from Daryl Johnson. I guess his dad is not going to bail him out this time. A lien will be filed against him, which means he will have to move out of the building.

The Genius Wave Express program starts something like this:

"Welcome back. You're about to do something wonderful for yourself just by being here."

Sammy got a little closer to me today. I fed him and looked outside and he was looking at me with his head sticking out of the little kitty house we have. He was so brave this evening he almost came in the house. Tom went outside and he kissed Tom on the nose. 

James went to pick up the Razr in spite of the cold sores all over his lips. We were supposed to go to the temple with the Grombach's today but had to cancel because of the cold sores. They could be contagious and they look terrible. Janna brought over some medicine she uses when she gets cold sores. They look like horse pills. Janna says take one and then the second, 12 hours later and that is it. Your cold sores will be gone in a couple of days. The pills are called Valetrex.

James just drove the Razr around a little and he thinks it may have transmission problems. The bed and front hood are also missing. The bed is at Willy's but we don't know where the front hood is. I guess we will have to order another one.

I am still having problems downloading photos on my computer. I have over 73,000 photos on my computer. Most of them are backed up on my photo stick so I began deleting them until there were less than 3,000 left. I also deleted the photos on my phone.

While brushing my teeth this afternoon the last veneer on my upper left side came off. I texted Pierce and he asked if I could come in tomorrow at 2. I said I would be there. 

Tom was inside the house all day today and I'm not sure why. He finally went out around 7 p.m. Lots of snow has melted. Maybe tom doesn't like the mud. I paid bills today, Verizon, Hatch's Concrete, Titan Lien, and Perkins. 

Finished chapter 20 of "The Gentleman's Confession" and watched "A Vintage Christmas" on GAF.

It's that time of year

The many faces of Tom

Thursday, November 7th, 2024: 14-26 Today's temps, A stay at home day, Inklings, Until noon to pay, Autumn sends pics of Scarlett, stew for dinner, Sheri's sad text,

 

Recife, Brazil

101st operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mormon 9:1-11

Come Follow Me

Mormon 8:1-11

I can keep the commandments even when the others do not.

Video: "All My Know the Truth: Moroni's Promise"

October General Conference

'Bury Our Weapons of Rebellion' Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"The key to the enduring conversion of this people is stated in the next verse: 'For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren.'"

Today's temperature range was between 14 degrees and 26 degrees. A little nippy. 

James and I both stayed home today. James was scheduled to go pick up and pay for the Razr, but he couldn't get the trailer out from its spot on the hill. 

I listened to Inklings today with Rio and Michelle Craig. 

James was hopeful, still, that he would receive money from Daryl Johnson this morning. He told Daryl he had until noon to pay and then the lien would go in to effect. Daryl called several times cursing and swearing. James just hung up on him. A few hours later Daryl called back. His dad is worried about losing the $50,000 he's already put into the project. He will send money tomorrow morning. We shall see.

I texted with Autumn today and she sent me lots of pictures of Scarlett. I also went back on my blog to October 23rd and posted Kim & Brian's pumpkin carving party. This is something they do every year, inviting all of the family. This year Darrel's kids came!

I made a stew for dinner. I tasted delicious. 

Tom have been very clingy to James lately, wanting to sit in his chair and on the table while James works on his computer. My blog work is going very slowly because of my photo app. It takes forever to transfer photos from my phone to my computer. 

Sheri texted me about Ian and Xan getting in to an argument and Xan saying he was never coming back when Ian is home. Sheri is so sad and feels right in the middle of everything. Right now she is upset with Ian and the things that he said to Xan. I told her I would pray for them and she should talk to Ian and see what his attitude is before getting too upset.

Will we really get our $20,000 tomorrow?

A hot sauce named after Lola

I thought this was Ben & Xan but as I look again

I think it's Ben & Evan. What do you think?

Shrek & Fiona came to visit

Ben & Cayli's wedding cake

The Lamb Family

Nygra's 85th birthday

Disney memory

Wednesday, November 6th, 2024: Happy 18th Evan! Breakfast bagels, more snow, Raincheck w/ Pam, James's wait...for nothing, Trip to town, Circle K, Wlmrt, "The Gentelman's Confession" Sammy

 

Boston, Massachusetts

100th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mormon 8:28-41

Come Follow Me

Mormon 7:8-10; 8:12-16; 9:31-37

The Book of Mormon is of great worth.

"The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It?"

Russell M. Nelson, OGC 2017

October General Conference

'Following Christ' President Dallin H. Oaks

"Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice. It is a continuous commitment and way of life that should guide us at all times and in all places. His teachings and His example define the path for every disciple of Jesus Christ. And all are invited to this path, for He invites all to come unto Him, 'black and white, bond and free, male and female; ... and all are alike unto God.'"

Sammy stays on the deck just outside our bedroom door. When I let Tom out in the morning Sammy tries to rub noses with him. Tom doesn't want anything to do with him. I should call Sammy Chessie, because he reminds me of the Cheshire cat.

We are grateful that Trump won the election. Our faith in the American people is restored a bit. The Navajo Nation is asking for an extended period of time to count their votes. It makes Arizona look lazy because we are always the last one to give a full report of our votes.

I made breakfast bagels this morning. They really are delicious. We got a little more snow this morning but not enough to make any difference. 

I had a lunch date with Pam Giles today at 11am at the Asian Bistro in Lakeside. I texted her and we decided because of the snow and the weather today that we would take a rain check. As much as I was looking forward to seeing Pam, I was relieved not to have to make the drive. Today is probably a sad day for Pam anyway. I am sure that she voted for Kamala Harris. I told Pam I was going to sit in front of the fire and read a book, but I never actually got a chance to do this. 

James spent most of the morning waiting to hear that Daryl Johnson's dad was ready to transfer money into our business account. It never happened. Daryl lied again. I felt so bad for James. I wonder if Daryl's dad is tired of bailing him out. Armando thinks his dad gave him the money to pay us and that Daryl gambled it away. Daryl did show James a few weeks ago the balance in his bank account, which was over $25,000. Daryl owes us $20,000.

After prayer and scriptures this morning James did some paperwork, I think he is making final preparations to file a lien against Daryl Johnson. I worked on my computer until we left for town. 

We wanted to pick up the Razr today but the trailer is parked up on the hill and because of the snow James wasn't sure he could get the trailer out without getting stuck. Two reasons for going to town; to pick up a prescription and to mail a check to the Registrar of Contractors. James sent a check to renew his license but he forgot to sign it. This check is to replace that one. 

Before we got to the Y I asked James if he had the check ready to mail. He looked at me and said, yes, but I left it at home. We turned around and went back, James belittling himself for being so forgetful as we did. I tried to encourage him and said that things like this happen to everyone, He said yes, but not as many times as they do to me.

When we got to town we mailed the check at the Show Low post office. We stopped and checked on the Razr. The guy who has been working on it said it needed a new fuel pump, which he has ordered, and it should be here tomorrow and we can pick up the machine in the afternoon. The cost for the work done is $400. The cost will be worth it if the Razr is actually fixed.

At Circle K was got gas, a drink, and cleaned our windshield. Our car is dirty but our windshield is clean. At Walmart we picked up our prescription and I asked James to get us some toothpaste. He got two tubes of kids toothpaste. Oh well, it will work. 

We saw Kathy Crane when we checked out. I told her about Sammy and she talked about her cats. 

When we got home James went to work outside. He hates office work and loves to work outside. I work inside. I took all of the blankets I have bought and put them in my office on the bed. 

Jared texted and said he got his birthday card. Someday I will get it there on time. 

Started a new book, "The Gentleman's Confession."

Happy 18th Birthday Evan!

Love!

The many faces of Evan!

Tuesday, November 5th, 2024: Election day, Trump wins! Luna staring in the window, Joshua voted, Valley, Evan's card to Sheri, my charger, Evan's biopsy, Kim's for movies & treats, Bob annoyed, Red Lobster, Sammy the cat

 

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

99th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mormon 8:14-27

Come Follow Me

Mormon 7

"Believe in Jesus Christ" and 'lay hold upon His gospel."

October General Conference

'Trusting Our Father' Elder David P. Homer

"As we seek to understand and accept God's will, it is helpful to remember that the boundaries between right and wrong are not for us to define. God has established these boundaries Himself, based on eternal truths for our benefit and blessing."

'God Loves All His Children' Elder Gregorio E. Casillas

" The Lord Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, and He knows His flock, and the flock knows its Shepherd because 'he calleth his own sheep by name.' He is always calling upon us, and He uses us, His ordinary servants, to help bring His children to Him."

We left for the valley around 6:21, in time to make it through Superior blasting. We stopped at the Circle K in Superior for gas and a tuna sandwich to split. On to Chandler Eyecare where I got my charger cord from Sheri and gave her Evan's birthday card. I also visited with Nancy. 

Sheri said Evan had to have a biopsy for something on his neck today. I told her I would pray for him and to let me know the results. 

James took me to Kim's next where I am going to spend the day while he does his business stops. Bob, Kim's cat seems annoyed with me. Instead of laying by Kim on the couch, which he normally does this time of day, he gives me a good star and then goes in to the bedroom. 

Kim and I watched a new Hallmark movie, "A Mismatched Christmas" I fell asleep at the end. Kim let me sit in her most comfortable chair. Next Kim put on an old Christmas movie so if I fell asleep it wouldn't matter because I had seen the movie before. After awhile I told her I was ready for a new one. We started watching "Our Holiday Story" starring Nikki DeLoach and Warren Christy. We had only watched a little bit of it when James came back from his meeting with Greg Hatch. On the way to Kim's he had deposited a $9,600 check he got from Greg. 

Nothing from Daryl Johnson yet. He says his dad is on his way to his home in Alabama and when he gets there he will transfer the money Daryl owes us in to our account. James told him we wouldn't be available after 3 because we would be on our way home. Who knows if Daryl is telling the truth. He makes up lies all of the time.

Before we left Kim's she made us some churro bites left over from the reception on Saturday night. She cooked them in the air fryer and we had caramel sauce to dip them in. They were delicious!

Goodbye and hugs for Kim until Black Friday or what I like to call Christmas tree Friday. It's the day after Thanksgiving when Kim and Brian will come up to our house and put up our tree. 

James and I were hungry. James said he wanted to eat at Red Lobster's so we headed for the one on Gilbert Rd. just south of the 202 and north of Germann.

It was nice and quiet and the food was yummy. James ordered his favorite dish, the stuff flounder with broccoli and mashed potatoes. I had Walt's shrimp and some coconut shrimp, broccoli and a baked potato. Everything was delicious, including the cheddar bay biscuits.

We went to Costco to see if they had the Oricle hearing aids which they did not. Since we were close to the 101 we went home through Payson. It's funny because coming home, Vernon is the only place with snow, including the rim where there was a small amount. 

We got home around 6 p.m. I blogged and watched a movie while James walked. I watched the election results until it was obvious that Trump was going to win. Tom is always happy when we come home although he always plays it cool. We have another cat we are feeding outside our bedroom door. I have named him/her Sammy because we aren't sure if he's/she's a boy or a girl.

Tom gets comfortable when he sleeps

Sammy

The Cheshire cat

Luna starring at me through the blinds

waiting to be fed.