Friday, November 22nd, 2024: 3:30 endowment session w/ Ruth Gale, Eva's, J's headache, "Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade",

 

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Sept 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 10

Come Follow Me

Ether 8:7-26

The Lord does not work in darkness.

October General Conference

'O Youth of the Noble Birthright'

Bradley R. Wilcox

"Does your birthright mean you are better than others? No, but it does mean you are expected to help others be better. Does your birthright mean you are chosen? Yes, but not chosen to rule over others; you are chosen to serve them. Is your birthright evidence of God's love? Yes, but more important, it is evidence of His trust."

Tom's was outside until 4 a.m. Naughty boy.

Today I have a temple date with Ruth Gale. James was going to come and we were going to take Virgil Cooper with us. I even texted Ruth and told her about Virgil so she wouldn't think we were trying to set her up. 

I'm working at my desk this morning and James says, "I'm not going to the temple today." I said, "But what about Virgil." He called and said he is not going because he has a cough. Okay. James also said he was not going because he has a headache. I guess it's back to just Ruth and me.

James and I started our day as we normally do with family prayer and scriptures and Come Follow Me. I always say the prayer in the morning and James says it at night. We are so predictable.

I did my scripture books and worked on my blog. i had some lunch, a hotdog and chips and was going to rest until 1:15. James came and sat next to me on the other recliner and we talked. About 1:20 I got up to take my shower. At 2:00 I left for Snowflake.

Every time I pass where my mother's car accident occurred just outside of Taylor I think of her. 

I was early for the session, the 2nd or 3rd sister in the endowment room. I sat in the second row. I got a temple name today, Mabel Clark Dickey. Sister Crandell from the Show Low stake is in this session with her son. Ruth came in about seven minutes before the session started. It was a good session. Ruth and I usually don't stay in the celestial room and today was no different.

We went to Eva's for dinner. Ruth had the taco salad with shredded beef and no shell. I had a cheese enchilada and a shredded beef taco. When we checked out Ruth's salad was over $17.50. She was so surprised that she didn't leave a tip. Mine was $13.99. I left an 18% tip. There was a charge of 46 cents for using a credit card.

It was a little before 7 when I got home. I was so tired all I wanted to do was sit down and watch a Christmas move, which I did. I finished watching one of my all-time favorites, "Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade," and then watched, "A Cozy Christmas Quilt."

James took my phone and walked.

Rowan

One of Teresa's many Christmas trees

Our good friends Maxine & Gary

I think maybe that year 2015 is a mistake.

I think it should be 1964.

Thursday, November 21st, 2024: 7:40 trip to town, J MRI & CT scan on shoulder, Wlmrt - missionary dinner, Lowes, Tractor Supply, Mtn Mobile Cmpter, Sister missionaries come for diner

 

Brisbane Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 9:21-35

Come Follow Me

Ether 7-11

I can become a Christlike leader.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Greatest Among You" April 2017 GC

October General Conference

'Days Never to be Forgotten'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"My dear brothers and sister, the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this dispensation is resplendent with divine experiences that demonstrate how the Lord has guided His Church. There is one decade in our history, however, that stands strikingly supreme above any other - the decade from 1820 to 1830. Beginning with the Prophet Joseph Smith's experience in the Sacred Grove in the spring of 1820, when he saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and continuing until April 6, 1830, that decade is unlike any other."

At 7:40 we made a trip to town this morning. James had an appointment to get an MRI and a CT Scan on his left shoulder.  I dropped him off at the medical building in Wagon Wheel and then I went back to Walmart to do some shopping. James walked to Lowe's when he was finished and I picked him up there. I got all of the groceries I need to make a nice dinner for the sister missionaries this evening. I did find out that one of the sisters, Sister Paz is gluten-free. 

After leaving Lowe's we stopped at Tractor Supply for horse feed and then went on to Mountain Mobile Computer to pick up my computer, which cost me $170.00. 

On the way home, on the 60, with James driving a little too close to the car in front of us, a small rock hit our windshield and left a small crack. I was so sad. My new windshield didn't even last a month.

James unloaded the car and I put things away and then I took a nap. 

Around two I started preparing for our dinner guests who will be here at 5:30. James came in and started helping me around 4. He made the salad and set the table after I washed and replaced the tablecloth. 

I cooked two kinds of rice. One is rice pilaf and the other is just plain white rice and is gluten-free. I heated up some green beans and put the croissants in a basket. I made chicken parmesan cutlets while James set the table and filled the water glasses. 

I went in to change my clothes. When I came out Sister Paz and Sister Parker were sitting in front of the fire James had built. I introduced myself and asked them their names and where they were from. Sister Paz is from West Jordan, Utah. She has two brothers, one is older and one is younger. Sister Parker is from New Hampshire. She has six brothers and five sisters. Both are lifetime members. They live in Show Low at Patriarch Crockett's home. 

After dinner they shared at message about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Sister Paz has served in Flagstaff, Eagar and Springerville. Sister Parker has served in Payson and Taylor. We really enjoyed getting to know both of them. I guess the Vernon area is what they call whitewashed and they are starting over with all new people to teach.

Sister Paz and Sister Parker

James and I cleaned the kitchen together after the sisters left. He did all of the dishes. I put food away, wiped down the counters and stove and dried the dishes. Afterwards he walked and I watched (a Christmas movies).

Jenifer's daughter Bettylea and Natalie

James and Tom

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