Sunday, November 24th, 2024: Late leaving because of James, 47 lanterns, Jeff Crane family speaks in church, James's massive headache,

 

Copenhagen Denmark

118th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 12:1-20

Come Follow Me

Review 

October General Conference

'Nourish the Roots and Branches Will Grow'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" The restored gospel of Jesus Christ, as the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, 'embraces all, and every item of truth.' But that doesn't mean that all truth is of equal value. Some truths are core, essential, at the root of our faith. Others are appendages or branches - valuable, but only when they are connected to the fundamentals."

We were late leaving for church because James was running a little slow this morning. Not late for sacrament meeting, just a little late for me to set up my lesson. 

We have a temple cleaning assignment on December 3rd. I am sure James will want to go.

Eldon Crane (10 Yrs old)

Told about his baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Catalina Crane (13 yrs old)

How the Holy Ghost helps her.

Susan Crane

The Spirit led them to Vernon. They felt peaceful through the Holy Ghost. How do you use the Holy Ghost? Enlighten you mind and heart. Teaches us to do good. The Holy Ghost is a sanctifier and a cleansing agent. Celeste lost in Virginia. The woman who found her worked with autistic children and knew how to care for her. D&C 88:33. The Holy Ghost has changed the trajectory of my life many times. 

Jeff Crane

What the endowment means to me. It is a gift from God. Everything in the Church leads to the temple. The temple prep manual is on the gospel library app on your phone. Endowed from on high. Ordinances when received, help us to return to God. Baptism, confirmation, sacrament, temple - washing & anointings, endowment, sealing. Power of God in our lives. D&C 84:19. Covenants - receive ordinances by covenants. Covenants are an agreement with God that we will serve Him and keep His commandments and we will live certain laws: Obedience, sacrifice, law of the Gospel, chastity and consecration. If we keep our covenants, they will keep us safe. I was a former police officer in southern California. I feel that many times I was keep from evil because of the power of my endowment. Weekly temple attendance changed my life. Remember your covenants which will keep you spiritually safe.

I had 47 lanterns to handout. I needed 17 for YW and Primary. Four of them didn't work so I am down to 43. There were more than 30 sisters in Relief Society so I could not give lanterns to YW and Primary sisters. Next time I will do at least 55 handouts.

We had a good discussion regarding Elder Rasband's talk, "I Am the Light Which Ye Shall Hold Up." Cheryl knew the answer to the fill-in question on the board. I had several sisters thank me for the lesson after it was over. Catherine Halcomb was not here today but Kerri took a lantern home for her. Susan Crane came up and thanked me for the birthday gift I gave her. I told her I enjoyed her family's talks today in sacrament meeting. 

I kept waiting for James to come and pick me up but he never came. T-Bo opened the door for me as I was leaving. I could see James out sitting in the car with his head down against the steering wheel. He apologized and said his headache was so bad that he came straight to the car. I asked him how the lesson in Elder's Quorum was and he said he didn't get anything out of it. Brother Jensen was the teacher. He said it wasn't the teachers fault he just felt so miserable that he couldn't focus on the lesson. He should have stayed home today. 

Paul, Michael, and Joe had already left when we got home from sacrament meeting. They remembered to take a picture by the front door. 

Thank you for your help!

At home, I had some lunch of meatloaf and mashed potatoes while James went straight to bed. I was tired and took a nap. I had been yawning all morning. Tom slept by me.

Later I made James something to eat. He was still quite miserable and said he should have stayed home from church today. He went to bed at 8 o'clock this evening. I am very worried about him. We are going to the valley tomorrow for my infusion.

Handouts for my lesson

Elder Quentin L. Cook dedicated the

Casper, Wyoming temple today

Saturday, November 23rd, 2024: Michael, Joe, & Paul here to help, my lesson, Dinner for the Grombach's, Michael's steak sandwiches,

 

Accra Ghana

117th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Jan 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Ether 11

Come Follow Me

Review

October General Conference

'Simple is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ'

President Henry B. Eyring

" All of us have family members we love who are being tempted and tried by the seemingly constant forces of Satan, the destroyer, who would make all God's children miserable. For many of us, there have been sleepless nights. We have tried to surround the people who are at risk with every force for good. We have pled in prayer for them. We have loved them. We have set the best example we could."

Michael, Paul and Joe are coming up today to help cut firewood. James went to town early to get what he needed to fix the chainsaw.

When I got up this morning I said my prayers and immediately started typing my lesson and working on my handouts, anticipating the guys arriving sometime this morning.

At 7:25 I got a text from Michael. "On the road, driving through Payson." It was after 11 when they arrived. They stopped in Payson to get stuff for dinner and breakfast tomorrow. Here are some photos Paul took. I am grateful somebody took some!

Apollo and Michael getting to know each other.

Apollo butted James in the head and made the top of his nose bleed. James tried to start the chainsaw but it made his head hurt so he stopped. He is still suffering with a bad headache.

This afternoon while the guys were outside working, I began preparing dinner for the Grombach's. I started around two o'clock. I peeled, sliced and put potatoes on to boil, then began mixing up two meatloafs. I had started rolls rising earlier. Once the meatloaves were in the oven, around 4, I made a salad and heated up some green beans. I put most of the food in foil containers that Sheri left here after the wedding. I left the meatloaf in the loaf pan. James helped me deliver to the Grombach's around 6.

Tina and Steve Allen were visiting. They brought Willy a "care" basket with lots of goodies in it. I noticed some beef jerky so it was guy goodies.

We visited for a few minutes with both couples and then we were on our way so the Grombach's could eat dinner. Janna texted me later and said everything was delicious. I am glad they liked the food.

I had left the kitchen clean so Michael could start his dinner. I told him I was going in to work on my lesson, which I did. He said he would let me know when my steak sandwich was ready. I should mention that earlier today after looking at the Safeway receipt I paid Michael $60 for everyone's dinner. James didn't eat a steak sandwich. He had meatloaf and mashed potatoes and green beans.

Little did I know that Michael saved him a steak sandwich in the frig. They were delicious with sliced apple, spinach leaves and a little mayo. 

I went to bed at 9:30 with a plan to get up by 4 to finish my handouts and lesson outline.

Bettylea & her Grandpa Dennis

I love my brother!

Michael's special olive oil and 

basalmic vinegar

Night time activities

Dennis & Denise up against the "Wall"

Sweet sleeping Tom

 

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