Wednesday, November 13th, 2024: Beautiful Day! Thank you to Stefani, Whitecap billslanterns for lesson, J chops firewood, Stefani's, PO, Mountain Computer, gas, UPS Store, Walmart, Wendy's , cold sores gone

 

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 3:1-14

Come Follow Me

Ether 2; 3:1-6; 4:7-15

I can receive revelation for my life.

"A Framework for Personal Revelation" Elder Dale G. Renlund

October General Conference

'Aligning Our Will with His'

Ulisses Soares

"The Savior achieved a perfect and divine level of submission to the Father by allowing His will to be swallowed up in the Father's will. He once said, 'And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.' "

A beautiful day, no wind, plenty of sunshine with the high around 60. Scriptures and prayer with James. I pack up my computer to take it in. James says he thinks Sammy is a boy. I hope so because we don't need any more kitties. 

I paid some overdue Whitecap bills that I have never seen before. James says he gave them to me, but I am afraid he is mistaken. While I was paying bills, James was outside chopping firewood. 

Before going to town I wrote a thank you note to Stefani and packaged her gift. I also ordered some lanterns for my lesson that light up. I am returning one order of the non-light lanterns to Amazon. 

I left for town by myself around 3 p.m. My first stop was Stefani's and then the Vernon post office where I picked up two packages. My first stop in town was at Mountain Computer a little family-run shop. They even have their dog Toby, as the greeter. I left my beloved computer with a little trepidation and hope for it's future performance.

I got gas at Circle K, went to the UPS store to return my non-lighting lanterns. Next stop, Walmart. I was hungry when I left Walmart so I decided to hit Wendy's drive-thru. I got a Krabby Patty meal and paid $12 for it. Never again. James didn't want anything.

When I got home James gave me a kiss to show me that all of his cold sores are gone. Thank goodness!

James walked this evening while I tried to watch a Hallmark movie. The only problem, I kept falling asleep.

Tomorrow we are going to the temple with the Tignor's and the next day we are scheduled to go with the Grombach's. 

Stacy's wedding day

Tuesday, November 12th, 2024: Left for valley @ 6:18 to make it thru Superior blasting, 73 in the valley, 2U glass, new car windshield, Cafe Rio, Landings, Infusion, Sheri's blesing, Ben & Cayli, Costco, Payson Culvers, DWTS 500th episode

 

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 2

Come Follow Me

Follow Him

October General Conference

'The Wind Did Never Cease to Blow' 

Elder Aroldo Cavalcante

"The Master of masters caused 'a furious wind' to blow the Jaredites toward promised blessings. Similarly, we can decide to serve as a humble gust of wind in the Lord's hands. Just as 'the wind did never cease to blow' the Jaredites toward the promised and, we can help others progress in their journey to receive God's blessings."

We left for the valley around 6:18 this morning. We made it passed the Superior bridge where they are blasting before they closed the road. We stopped at the Circle K on the highway just outside of Superior. We didn't need gas but we got a tuna sandwich to share.

It is a gorgeous day in the Valley of the Sun, the high, 73 degrees. We drove straight to 2 U Glass, off of Kyrene and Chicago in west Chandler. The guy who works here gave me the remote to the TV and we had just started watching a Christmas movie when another customer came in. I turned the TV off and we went for a walk. The weather is beautiful for walking.

When they finished installing a new windshield in my car we thanked them and they gave us a check for $160.00. That's what I call service! 

It was lunch time so we headed east down Chandler Blvd to Cafe Rio. It is Taco Tuesday. Tacos are $1.99. We should have taken advantage of this price but since we aren't in town very often, we didn't. I got a salad with pinto beans and sweet pork and a large drink. James got a tostado and a medium drink. We ended up spending close to $40! Later, when we saw Sheri I asked her where she went to lunch. She said, "Cafe Rio of course, for Taco Tuesday." Her lunch starts at 1:00 which is when I had my infusion.

After lunch we drove over to the Landings in Mesa where James and Armando are bidding a job. I dropped James off and went on to my infusion. Frances called me right back with some other patients. o more weighing!

Alex set up my infusion. When I was finished James was outside walking. Armando had dropped him off. Our next stop was Chandler Eyecare so James could give Sheri a blessing. 

Sheri found an empty exam room for just the three of us. James gave a nice blessing and Sheri gave him a big hug afterwards. 

We saw Cayli and Ben while we were there. Ben gave us each a hug. He and Cayli are going to Washington this weekend for a reception where Cayli's mom invited all the people in their ward.

We stopped at the Costco in Chandler to pick up some pomegranate juice, toilet paper, paper towels, brownie mix, Teflon cupcake tins, and Almond Roca. 

The Chandler Costco is just south of the 101 so we headed north on the 101 and over on the 202 to the 87 and on to Payson. We stopped in Culver's in Payson for ice cream. James got a waffle cone and I got a hot fudge sundae.

We got home to Tom who seemed somewhat happy to see us. James walked and I watched the 500th episode of "Dancing with the Stars."

Love

Monday, November 11th, 2024: Veterans day, Razr to Willy's it runs lousy, gift to Janna, Show Low, computer not working, Walmart, Culvers, MacArthur's,

 

Guadalajara, Mexico

105th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Apr 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 1:33-43

Come Follow Me

Ether 1:33-43

As I cry unto the Lord, He will have compassion on me.

October General Conference

'Ye Are My Friends' 

Elder David L. Buckner

"Jesus Christ has long called His faithful followers His friends. Fourteen times in the Doctrine and Covenants, the Savior uses the term friend to define a sacred and cherished relationship."

'Be Thou Clean'

Elder D. Martin Goury

"Through repentance, our burdens of guilt are lifted and replaced with a sense of peace and tranquility. As we repent earnestly, we are sanctified through the Savior's blood, increasing our sensitivity to the promptings and influence of the Holy Ghost."

A beautiful day here in Vernon, Arizona. I had invited Kerri and Catherine Halcomb to lunch today. Kerri subs at the Show Low schools normally, but today is a holiday, Veterans Day. I got a call from Catherine this morning. She has a cough and doesn't think people in a restaurant would appreciate her being there. I told her we would do a rain check. 

James took the Razr to Willy's to pick up the bed that goes on the back. I asked him how it ran. He said, "terrible." He is pretty upset and on top of that he can't get it started to bring it home. He says he thinks the transmission needs some work. James says he will work on it if Willy will direct him. Right now Willy is working on a vehicle for Chris Skousen and then he is going to have shoulder surgery. When I went to pick up James, I gave a gift and thank you note to Willy to give to Janna. James thought maybe Willy would have the hood cover for the Razr but he doesn't and they can't find it at White Mountain Motors. A new one costs well over $l00. This machine is becoming a money pit.

From Willy & Janna's we drove in to town. I had my computer with me and was ready to drop it off at the computer repair shop, Mountain Computer, but it was closed. Frustrating, but I will be back. 

We did some shopping at Walmart and then got a bite to eat at Culver's, James's favorite because he loves their cod fillet sandwiches. 

We were home in time for our appointment with the MacArthur family at 5 p.m. James is their ministering brother and I am one of their ministering sisters, Kathy Crane is the other. 

I took three pictures of the Savior and some little lanterns to give to each of the three kids as I shared with them my testimony that Jesus is the light of the world. The only problem, the little lanterns are the ones I got for my Relief Society lesson, and they don't light up. Boone, the 2, almost 3 year old, took one look at his, realized it didn't light up, and gave it back to me. Something clicked in me and I decided he was right, what good was a lantern that didn't light up. 

I went home and ordered some lanterns for my lesson, "Behold, I am the Light Which Ye Shall Hold Up," by Elder Rasband.

My little gardener

Knock, knock, who's there?

Luna. Luna who?

What a great idea!

Tom is dreaming about flying

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