Wednesday, November 20th, 2024: Temple w/ Tignor's, computer in the shop, Snowflake Smokehouse Restaurant - MEH, Walk, Christmas movie, Tom sleeps with us

 

The Hague Netherlands

114th operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Sept 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 9:1-20

Come Follow Me

Ether 6:5-18, 30; 9:28-35; 10:1-2

'Walk Humbly before the Lord.'

"The Wind Did Never Cease to Blow" Elder Aroldo Cavalcante, OGC 2024

"Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly Before God" Dale G. Renlund

October General Conference

'Seek Him with all Your Heart'

Bishop L. Todd Budge

"Even though our salvation depends on returning to Him often and resting from the cares of the world, we do not. And even though our confidence will come from a strength developed in quiet times sitting with the Lord in meditation and reflection, we do not. Why not? Because we say, 'No, we are busy with other things' - fleeing upon our horses, so to speak. Therefore, we will get further and further away from God; we will insist on going faster and faster; and the faster we go, the swifter Satan will follow in pursuit."

Tom likes me to rub him early in the morning when he first wakes up. I rubbed and pet him and he bit me. I think he was just playing but it hurt and I let him know I wasn't happy.

James and I went to the temple this afternoon with the Tignor's. We left the house at 2pm to pick up T-Bo and Barbara. 

Josh Harris was working outside at the Tignor's. Their electricity was off. Something about a solar company not digging the lines deep enough. T-Bo does not want to be on the electric companies grid. He wants to be independent. Josh was only able to restore to Navopache until the solar company comes out and fixes their problem.

The 3:30 endowment session was small. 9 sisters and 6 or 7 brothers.

We stayed a while in the celestial room. T-Bo and Barbara are like newly weds, hugging each other and sitting close while holding hands and praying together.

We arrived at the Snowflake Smokehouse restaurant around 5:30. I was not impressed with the atmosphere. When I looked at the menu I wasn't impressed with the prices either. Everything seemed extremely high. A filet mignon steak with one side is $36. I guess I won't be ordering a steak. 

James ordered ribs and he was going to order fries to go with but I asked him to order onion rings instead. This was a mistake because they were greasy and gross. I ordered a green chili cheese crisp and some cowboy beans. Barbara ordered a cheese crisp without the green chili. T-Bo took the longest to order. He ended up with a double cheeseburger without bread and French fries with green chili sauce.   The food was meh. The cheese crisps were overdone and very greasy. To Barbara's credit she ate all of hers ad didn't complain once. As we were leaving she did say: "Well I think we can all agree we won't be come back here." We agreed.

James's very small about of ribs and brisket were quite fatty and smothered in BBQ sauce. The whole place was tacky. The only thing I really liked were the cowboy beans. James said they were okay. 

T-bo was going to pay because we drove. I suggested we go Dutch treat which we did. As it was our bill was over $54 with the tip. Never again. 

When we got home as usual, I watched a Christmas movie while James walked. 

Tom slept at the end of our bed tonight.

Caroling at Grandmother's has been

changed to the 18th.

Tuesday, November 19th, 2024: J's favorite pancakes, J's appt w/ Dr. Moffat, prescriptions, mail, new hearing aids, sweet potato for dinner, Christmas movie, DWTS

 

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 8

Come Follow Me

Ether 6:1-12

The Lord will guide me through my mortal journey.

October General Conference

'Seeking Answers to Spiritual Questions'

Sister Tracy Y. Browning

"Wondrously, Heavenly Father's plan of happiness for all of us is designed to help us progress despite our limitations ad accomplish what we cannot accomplish on our own, even without a complete knowledge of all things. God's plan is merciful toward the limitations of our humanity; provides us with our Savior, Jesus Christ, to be our Good Shepherd; and inspires us to use our agency to choose Him."

'Mortality Works!'

Elder Brook P. Hales

"If we are to be the beneficiaries of the Lord's 'work and ... glory,' even 'immortality and eternal life,' we must expect to be schooled and taught and to pass through the refiner's fire - sometimes to our utter limits. To completely avoid the problems, challenges, and difficulties of this world would be to sidestep the process that is truly necessary for mortality to work."

I ask James this morning if I could make him breakfast. He said: "Are harvest nut n' grain pancakes too time consuming? I told him no, and went into the kitchen to get started. It's a bit of a process to get the mixture ready and then, of course, I have to add chopped pecans. These pancakes took awhile to make but they were very delicious! I could tell it made James happy that I took the time to make one of his favorite meals. 

We had family prayer and scriptures and then James left for his doctor's appointment with Dr. Moffat. He was gone about three hours. He picked up prescriptions and the mail. We got our new hearing aids which cost $100 each. 

I asked James what Dr. Moffat did for his head and he said, oh, he didn't do anything for my head. He only addressed my arm and ordered an MRI and a CT Scan. What? I thought you went in for your headaches? Dr. Moffat said, "We can only handle one thing at a time." What? I was a little miffed.

After my nap this afternoon I burned boxes in the firepit and did some vacuuming. I made a sweet potato for James and I to share for dinner. It was delicious!

I watched a Christmas movie, worked on my lesson and the watched the semifinal of DWTS. No one went home so there will be five finalists next week in the finale.

Amazing!

Addy & Ruby memories

Lovie in her longjohns

Monday, November 18th, 2024: Restless night, Scrp & Prayer, J goes back to bed, Dr. Moffat, thyroid off, 2 new prescriptions, Walmart - Janna, spilled milk, Landings bid, dinner to Halcomb's, card kits from Carmen

 

Asuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 7

Come Follow Me

Nov 18-24: 

"That Evil May Be Done Away" Introduction

Ether 6-11

October General Conference

'I Am He'

President Jeffrey R. Holland

"During His mortal mission, Jesus taught that there were two great commandments. They have been taught in this conference and will forever be taught 'Love the Lord thy God and love thy neighbor as thyself.' If we are to follow the Savior faithfully in these two crucial and inextricably linked rules, we ought to hold firmly to what he actually said. And what He actually said was, 'If ye love me, keep my commandments.' On that same evening, He said we were to 'love one another as I have loved you.'"

I had a difficult time sleeping last night. I started out in the bed and then went to the recliner. Tom followed me. 

After family prayer and scriptures James went back to bed because he said he was cold and miserable. He is very discouraged and I am very concerned about him.

I had an appointment with our primary care physician, Dr Moffat, this morning at 11:30. My weight was 156 and my blood pressure was 136/88. Dr. Moffat got the results of my thyroid blood panel and he says it is way off and has been for two years. It is hyper instead of hypo. I wanted to tell him that it is because he issues my refills for my arthritis medicine without checking my bloodwork. It is supposed to be checked quarterly. 

I went away from my appointment with two new prescriptions. He upped my Losartin, blood pressure meds and lowered my thyrooid meds. 

While shopping at Walmart after my appointment I saw Janna Grombach. Her husband Willy is having surgery on Friday and I asked if I could bring dinner on Saturday and what I should bring. 

She said that would be nice and that Willy loved meatloaf. Meatloaf it is. 

I am making chicken and rice soup for the Halcomb's today. Catherine has had a bad cough for awhile now. 

We have been carrying around two signs left over from Ben & Cayli's wedding in the back of our car for awhile now. I sat a gallon of milk down on top of a screw coming out of one of the boards on the sign. It punctured a hole in the bottom of the milk carton and milk began to slowly leak out all over the car. I put the carton in a bag and when I got home I put the milk in a pitcher before putting it in the frig. I have a feeling my car is going to smell like soured milk.

This afternoon James worked on a bid for the Landings. 

I took a nap and then began making dinner to take to the Halcomb's. I am taking chicken and rice soup-k, croissants, and gingerbread muffins. 

It was freezing cold when we delivered the meal because of the wind. Catherine and Kerri seemed very grateful for the meal. 

James took my phone to walk and listen to a story. I watched "Jingle Bell Run" starring Andrew Walker and Ashley Williams. 

In other news, James's sister Carmen spent $10 in postage to send our card making group a set of ten cards to make for Christmas. She is now trying to set a time when we can do a Zoom meeting together. Because Carmen put so much effort in to this project there was no way I could say no to the meeting.

Scotlyn MacArthur

Sunday, November 17th, 2024: Rosen's bring citrus fruit to share @ church, Sacrament meeting, Sunday School, cold wintry day, James is cold & miserable most of the time

 

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 6

Come Follow Me

Sunday School

October General Conference

'In the Space of Not Many Years'

Elder David A. Bednar

Ezra Taft Benson regarding the Book of Mormon:

"Each of the major writers of the Book of Mormon testified tat he wrote for future generations . . . . If they saw our day, and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, 'Why did the Lord inspire Mormon . . . to include this account in his record? What lesson can I learn from this admonition to help me live in this day ad age?'"

A sunny but cold morning. The Rosen's, a couple who are here off and on during the summer were here again today at church. They brought lots of fruit from their citrus trees in the valley. They aren't really members of our ward, just summer visitors but Sister Rosen plays the organ when she is here. Brother Rosen sits in front of us on the front row and we have gotten to know him just through snatched of conversation here and there.

Tyler Finnegan, another of our young men who is now missionary age, is to receive the Melchizedek priesthood as he prepares for his mission. Way to go Tyler!

Cress and Richard Miller's two grandsons spoke in sacrament meeting today. They are both in Primary. 

Gino Woods - Jesus said, "I am the Resurrection and the Life." God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to help us to return to Heaven.

Jacob Barrett - Russell M. Nelson: "Hear Him" We can hear Him in the scriptures, at the temple, doing family history and by listening to the Holy Ghost.

Paula Johnson - Emily Belle Freeman's talk, "Walking in Covenant Relationship with Christ." The Jerusalem guide helped Sister Freeman do something she couldn't do for herself. The Lord said to Enoch, "walk with me." Jacob's dream and the five finger promise. Live a life of committed covenant relationship. The Covenant Path is all about our relationship with God. The Lord will be with us. He will meet us where we are but He won't leave us there. We are sanctified by His Spirit. We want our children to walk with us. 

Sister Rosen - Piano solo. "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again"

Jake Oldham - from the stake high council and also the stake young men's president. Youth of the noble birthright. We overcome through the Savior. How can we help the members of the stake feel the love of the Savior in their lives? Elder Bednar's October conference talk: Charity, gratitude, and humility are all characteristics that will help us to avoid pride. We must learn to put the Kingdom of God first and focus on the Savior. Pride closes our hearts to the Spirit. Charity is the greatest of virtues. We need to learn to focus on others, not ourselves. C.S. Lewis quote, "there are no ordinary people."

Humility - We are teachable and learning to overcome the natural man if we are humble. We are learning to let God prevail in our lives. Gratitude - to God, the giver of all blessings, comparison is the thief of joy. Keep a gratitude journal and list three things daily that you are grateful for. As we are grateful we will become closer to the Savior. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. Course corrections end us up where we want to be. Daily repentance and forgiveness are vital. Remember the Savior and attend the temple. 

Today in Sunday School we discussed Ether 1-5. Jimmy Applegate was our teacher. James and I always enjoy his class.

Back at home I made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for lunch. James and I were both cold so afterwards we got under the covers in bed for our naps. Tom is inside on this cold, wintry day. Sammy is still too shy to come in and that is probably best. We really don't need two cats in the house.

I watched Christmas movies this afternoon. I just can't help myself, they usually help me feel the Christmas spirit. 

James is cold and miserable most of the time. I really do worry about his health and well-being. After dinner he did watch a Christmas movie with me. It is one we have both seen before but we didn't mind watching it again because it is so good. It's about four people stuck in a diner during a snow storm on Christmas eve and is so good! It's called "Heaven Down Here." Lots of Christmas spirit.

Saturday, November 16th, 2024: Sleeping Tom, Sammy, 3 yrs since Barbara Goodman's death, laying bricks by garage, cold & windy, missed pie party, Christmas movies

 

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 5

Come Follow Me

Ether 5

Witnesses testify of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon

October General Conference

'The Man Who Communed with Jehovah'

Elder Kyle S. McKay

"For all the beautiful truths we might learn from that First Vision, perhaps Joseph's main takeaway was simply, 'I had found the testimony of James to be true - that a man who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain.'"

'Embrace The Lord's Gift Of Repentance'

Elder Jorge M. Alvarado

" The Prophet Joseph Smith spoke of often feeling 'condemned,' in his youth, 'for his weakness and imperfections.' But Joseph's feelings of inadequacy and worry were part of what led him to ponder, study, learn, and pray. As you may remember, he went to pray in the grove near his home to find truth, peace, and forgiveness. He heard the Lord say: 'Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgive thee. God thy way, walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments. Behold, I am the Lord of Glory. I was crucified for the world that all those who believe on my name may have eternal life.'"

It's 9:42 and Tom is still asleep in the house which is highly unusual. He is usually up and outside by 7.

Sammy was waiting at the bedroom door this morning. I fed him and as I patted him on the back, he meowed.

James is feeling better but he slept in late this morning. Family prayer and scriptures and our day begins. James worked on laying bricks on the ground by the garage door. It was cold and windy outside. 

It was three years ago today that we lost our dear friend Barbara Goodman to complications from Covid. I still miss her and her great sense of humor and kindness.

I miss you Barbara and I love you

I worked on my scripture books, and my blog and took a shower. I had planned on going to town this afternoon. Tom is out of T-r-e-a-t-s. As afternoon approached, I changed my mind. There were other items on my grocery list but none that couldn't wait until Monday. James agreed and said we didn't need to go to town today.

I worked on my Relief Society lesson for next wee and then watched a Christmas movie while James walked. I guess you can tell where our priorities are. Oh yes, we also missed the Elders Quorum/Relief Society pie social tonight. 

Guarding one of his humans

Naughty kitty

Nice

Disney memory with Addy & Max

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.]