Friday, November 15th, 2024: Sunny but windy, sweet Tom, Grombach's cancel temple date, Razr parts, James chops wood & gets a bad headache & bloody nose, blog & Christmas movies

 

Lubbock, Texas

109th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 5

Come Follow Me

Ether 2:16-25

The Lord will prepare me to cross my "great deep."

Bishop Budge: "Consistent and Resilient Trust" GC Oct 2019

October General Conference

'The Joy of Our Redemption'

Kristin M. Yee

"So I prayed and pled for help and painted through the night to repair things. And I remember looking at the painting in the morning - it looked better than it did before. How was that possible? What I thought was a mistake without mend was an opportunity for His merciful hand to be manifest. He was not done with the painting, and He was not done with me. What joy and relief filled my heart. I praised the Lord for His mercy, for this miracles that no only saved the painting but taught me more about His love and power to save each of us from our mistakes, weaknesses, and sins and to help us become something more."

Sunny but windy today. I had some sweet time with Tom this morning. When I look outside Sammy's little round face is usually staring at me and it makes me laugh.

After family prayer and scriptures this morning I texted Janna Grombach to confirm our temple date this afternoon. A few minutes later Janna called me. She said they were going to have to cancel the temple today. Willy is having shoulder surgery next week and cataract surgery on Monday. The shoulder surgery will take six weeks and then six months recovery time. He is so backed up in his work he is very stressed about it. People are always bringing him things to fix or weld.

I was so disappointed and so was James. Willy has not been back to do a temple session since he first went through the temple a couple of years ago. Now it's going to be awhile before he will be able to go.

James is trying to order parts for the Razr but I think he needs some help. He also chopped some wood today. This evening he came in from using the chainsaw and said he had a severe headache. He also has a bloody nose. He said to me: "I think I might have an aneurysm." I told him he should lie down for a few minutes, which he did on the recliner in the family room. He fell asleep and awhile later he went in and went to bed, which made me think he was feeling a little better. He did take some aspirin before going to sleep. 

I spent the day working on my scripture books, taking notes for my blog, and walking. I actually walked 12,000 steps. I also watched a good Christmas movie starring Taylor Cole and Kevin McGarry, "A Reason for the Season." 

This made me think of Scarlett and

her report on giraffees.

We love eating here after a temple session.

 

Darrel & Trina

Thursday, November 14th, 2024: Temple with Tignors, Streets on Main, T-Bo's glasses, cranberry brie bites for Bunco, Alicia & Stefani @ Cheryl's, J walks, I finish a Christmas movie

 

Snowflake, Arizona

108th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Mar 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 3:14-28

Come Follow Me

Ether 2:14-15; 3:1-20

Through His chastening, the Lord invites me to repent and come unto Him.

October General Conference

'Holiness to the Lord is Everyday Life'

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"We each have a story. As Sister Gong and I meet you - Church members and friends in many places and circumstances - your stories of holiness to the Lord in everyday life inspire us. You live seven Cs: communion with God, community and compassion with each other, commitment and covenant with God, family, and friends - centered in Jesus Christ."

A most beautiful day in Vernon, Arizona and in Snowflake, Arizona. 

We went to the temple today with our friends T-Bo and Barbara Tignor. We picked them up at 9:30 this morning. 

As we drove towards Snowflake it became apparent that we were going to be more than 30 minutes early. No wind in Snowflake was a pleasant surprise.

As we checked in at the fHront desk, James and I went first, then waited at the elevator for T-Bo and Barbara. They didn't come, so we went back to see what was the matter. There was a problem with Barbara's recommend. They had to call someone down from upstairs 

and asked us to wait in the waiting room, which we did. The brother from upstairs came in to talk to Barbara. He asked her if she had another recommend. She said, yes. The one she brought today was the one given to her when she and T-Bo were sealed and was for a live ordinance. The one at home is the one she needs to use when she comes to the temple to do work for the dead. This good brother cleared her and we proceeded upstairs. I am so grateful that we came early. 

After our session we went to Streets on Main for lunch. It was quite busy but we found a table to everyone's liking. T-Bo had to be facing the door, so James and I sat with our backs to the door. 

Barbara and I both got the crispy chicken salad. T-Bo got chicken strips with fries, saying he wished they had sweet potato fries, which they do not. He also had sides of potato salad and coleslaw. James got the steak and mushroom sandwich and loved it. T-Bo insisted he was paying. We didn't argue too much.

I mentioned that next time we should eat at The Snowflake Smokehouse and showed T-Bo a picture of their protein platter. He is diabetic and likes to eat lots of protein. He seemed excited and said, "let's go now." Definitely going there the next time we come to the temple.

T-Bo asked if we could go back to the temple because he says he left his sunglasses there. Sure enough he came out with them. Glad we went back for him. We got home around 3 p.m. I have Bunco at 6 p.m.

I changed my clothes and went in to the kitchen to start preparing the treat I had planned to take tonight to Bunco, cranberry brie bites. I had to improvise the recipe a little because the pastry part of the dish wasn't getting done in the middle. I finished up in time to get ready and head for the Hunsaker's. I picked up Alicia and Stefani and we went on to Cheryl Sedig's. On the way in Becky Skousen was carrying Stefani's dish when she tripped and fell on the way in to the house. She handled it with grace and wasn't hurt, thank goodness. What is sad is that Janna tripped and fell outside on the steps on the way out. No harm done, just a lot of steps at Cheryl's. 

Those attending this evening: Tina Allen, Lynda Finnell, Janna Grombach, Patsy Tedder, Cheryl Sedig, Amy Reynolds, Alicia and Stefani Hunsaker, and myself. Lynn Wallace and Donna Beckham were missing this evening. Oksana, and Michelle Beckham were the subs. 

I brought a disco ball for the gift exchange. Janna brought a nativity she bought at Willow Tree Boutique and wanted me to get it, but Tina Allen picked it. I got a cute pumpkin candle. 

My brie cranberry bites were a hit.

Back at home James walks while I finish a Christmas movie I was watching earlier.

The Tignor's

It's Bunco Night!

Cheryl's house is decorated with cute Bear decor.

Cheryl and her gift

Tina with my/her nativity gift

Amy was in charge tonight

Left to right Stefani, Janna, Patsy, Lynda

Sorry I didn't get pictures of everyone. The one thing I remember about this night is that Michelle Beckham never left the winners table. I thought this was a game of luck, but maybe there is a little skill involved.]

 

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!