Saturday, January 11th, 2025: Personal Revelation, Pierce's service project, We learned how to scan! mail Texas Christmas pkgs, Chuck takes our trash to the dump, Kerri & Catherine, Arby's, "Polar Opposites" a Tom moment

 

Lisbon, Portugal

166th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Sep 2019

By: Neil L. Andersen

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 9:1-10:10

Come Follow Me

D&C 1:4, 37-39

Through His prophets, the Lord warns me of spiritual danger.

October General Conference

'Ye Are My Friends'

David L. Buckner

" One of the promised blessings of 'becoming one' is a powerful sense of belonging. Elder Quentin L. Cook taught that 'the essence of truly belonging is to be one with Christ.'"

I woke up at 5:20 with clarity of thought on how the first two hours of my morning should proceed. I believe this personal revelation was directly related to my attending the temple yesterday.

Pierce Goodman is in charge of a service project for a sister in our ward, Amy Bowen, today. The roof on Amy's small home leaks. We have had no moisture but since we are praying for it, she needs to be prepared. Pierce is a ward missionary and was assigned this task. James called him to see if he was needed. He is still not supposed to be doing strenuous activity and climbing on a roof is not something he should be doing right now. The reason James called Pierce was to make sure he had enough help. Pierce said he needed six people, and nine showed up. Our ward members are so good at giving service.

James worked on another bid for the Landings. This time we made the scanner work on my computer! 

Before getting ready to go to town to mail nearly a month late Christmas packages to Texas, I had to have a nap. I'm a napper, not a rapper, unless of course you are referring to a Christmas gift wrapper. 

Our kind and gracious neighbor, Chuck Crane took our trash to the dump. He and Kathy are the best neighbors! James invited Chuck and Kathy to go to dinner for Chuck and James's birthdays. Chuck's is January 22nd, and James's is January 23rd. More details to come later.

At 12:30 we left for town. James had to go with me because I couldn't lift the two boxes full of blankets. Our first stop in town was at Circle K for gas, then the UPS store to mail our packages and return some green notebooks. The cost of shipping two packages: $105.98. Maybe next year I will have to do gift cards.

James went to Lowe's to look for lightbulbs but they didn't have what we needed. I told him we needed to order them on Amazon.

Meanwhile I ran in to Kerri and Catherine Halcomb while I was shopping at Walmart. Catherine was buying cold and cough medicine and had made an appointment at the beauty shop to get a permanent. She seemed a little out of sorts. Before I left I told her I hoped I would see her at church tomorrow. She said only if she doesn't have a cough. 

After leaving Walmart I told James I had seen an ad at the Arby's in Snowflake that they had four roast beef sandwiches for $10. That's $2.50 a piece, and the regular price is $5.79. We drove to Arby's and placed our order for the four sandwiches and then James added a fish sandwich to the order. He wanted to compare it to Culver's. He said it was good but not as good as Culver's. It was cheaper though.

Back at home I took another nap and James took a nap also. I blogged December 22nd, the family party. James did some walking and then he watched the latest Hallmark movie about Antarctica, "Polar Opposites", with me.  Tom sat on my lap and just stared at me. I guess he loves me. It was so cute.

Two cuties having fun:

Scarlett & Charlie

 Ice skating( I think Autumn said it was

actually plastic), and other fun

Oh, to be young again!

Friday, January 10th, 2025: 13 degrees Sammy's water frozen, Tom slept in my arms, Aunt Faye's plea, James worked on bids, i did my blog, Temple & Eva's with Grombach'sTemple & Eva's

Port-Au-Prince, Haiti

165th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Sep 2019

By: David A. Bednar

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 8:16-38

Come Follow Me

D&C 1:19-28 

The Lord uses the "weak and the simple" to accomplish His work.

October General Conference

'Welcome to the Church of Joy'

Elder Patrick Kearon

" If we are gathering in remembrance of the Savior and the redemption He has made possible, our faces should reflect our joy and gratitude! Elder F. Enzio Busche once told the story of when he was a branch president and a young boy in the congregation looked at him on the stand and asked loudly, 'What is the man with that mean face doing up there?' Those who sit on the stand - speakers, leaders, choirs - and those who gather in the congregation communicate to each other this 'welcome too the church of joy' through the expressions they wear on the faces!"

It was 13 degrees this morning and Sammy's water was frozen, again. Poor kitty. I want him to come in but he is afraid to. James says his coat is thick enough to keep him warm.

Tom slept in my arms for a time early this morning. It was the cutest thing, like a baby.

James's Aunt Faye wants us to come and visit her and go to dinner at the place where she lives. She also says we could do lunch if dinner is too late. James told her we would come and see her next time we are in town. She always says he is her favorite, but I'm wondering if she tells everyone that. 

James worked on bids today and I worked on my blog, wondering if I will ever catch up. Hopefully by the end of January if I consistently do two posts a day. 

At about 1:10 I went in to take a shower and get ready to go to the temple. We are supposed to pick up the Grombach's at 2:00. James didn't even start getting ready until 1:20. We left a little after 2, picked up Willy & Janna, and we were on our way. 

In spite of some heavy traffic we made it to the temple before three and were some of the first seated in what seemed to be a full session. The Mattice's and their son who has downs syndrome were in our session. So was President Alder from our stake presidency. We have been asked by our stake president to visit the temple as often as possible in response to the drought we are experiencing. Eight people from our stake, at least that, were in this session.

When we were leaving the celestial room I said to Willy, "you look like a pro." He said, "no, I couldn't hear the whispers of the prompter at the veil because of the background noise in my hearing aid, and because I forgot my readers I couldn't read the card. Somehow he made it through. This is only his second time.

We bought the Grombach's dinner at Eva's to show our gratitude for all the work Willy has done for us. Willy and Janna both had shrimp enchiladas, Willy had the dinner and Janna just had one enchilada. James had his usual chicken enchilada with green sauce and a side of refried beans. I had a chicken enchilada with red sauce and a shredded beef taco. The food was great and so was the company. Janna and I shared our most embarrassing stories. 

I thought my embarrassing story was one of the worst I have ever heard until Janna told me hers. It tops mine, except I think more people witnessed mine.

Mine happened when I was in high school.  On most school days my friends and I would get off the bus at the intersection of Deuce of Clubs and White Mountain Blvd,  and would walk across the Deuce to the drugstore for an afternoon snack. This day I had my hot pink jacket and skirt on that my Nannie had made me and my arms were filled with books. As I hurried across the Deuce I tripped and fell right in the middle of downtown Show Low my books falling all around me. Just as I fell a big semi-truck blew his horn. My friends, laughing, helped me pick up my books and we went on in to the drugstore. I ordered what I always order, a baked ham sandwich with a fresh limeade with plain water. Embarrassed, but not to embarrassed to eat. Food is one of my comforts.

Here is Janna's embarrassing story. She had just been divorced from her first husband and was living at home with her parents for a short time. A friend, whose daughter was performing in the Nutcracker at the Biltmore in Phoenix asked her to come with him to see his daughter perform. Janna got a fancy dress and had her hair done for the occasion. Before they went in to the performance her date suggested they go out by the pool where there is a fountain and beautiful decorations. The fountain sprayed water on to the deck and as Janna was walking she slipped and fell into the pool. The hotel was very accommodating and offered them a room where Janna could remove her clothes, and wear a robe, so they could dry her clothes. They would also bring dinner up to them in the room. Janna refused to take her clothes off and put on the robe. All she wanted was to go home. Her date did as she asked and she went home. He missed seeing his daughter perform in the Nutcracker. This is a sad one.

On the way home Janna told stories about her Uncle Eugene and Marlin Maxwell. The stories were not favorable and I don't really want to discuss them here. My dad was a bit of a scoundrel, someone not to be trusted.

We enjoyed so much our time with the Grombach's and we want to do it again!

At home I watched the next episode of "The Way Home." Alice goes back to 1974 and sees her grandparents as teenagers. Alice sings with her grandfather, Colton and they make a record.

Kat has a book launch for Susanna Augustine's history of Port Haven.

This makes me so sad

So many wonderful moments here strengthening our

testimony of the Savior.

This handout goes with my shovel and sword.

I will make enough for our sisters in Primary and

Young Women!

 

Thursday, January 9th, 2025: Lo 16 Hi 28, Sammy still afraid of me, Inklings, PayPal scam, Liberty Mutual increase, Cleaned church w/Allen's and Susan Crane & her kids, President Nelson "Embrace the Future with Faith"

 

Fortaleza, Brazil

164th operating temple

Dedicated: 2 June 2019

By: Ulisses Soares

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 7:16-8:15

Come Follow Me

D&C 1:12-30, 34-36

The Restoration helps me face the challenges of the latter days.

October General Conference

'His Hand Ready to Help Us'

Juan Pablo Villar

" If we think celestial, we will realize that our Savior will be there as many times as necessary to provide help if we want to learn, change, overcome, cope, or succeed in whatever will bring true and everlasting happiness to our lives."

This weather is disheartening since there isn't any snow. The hi was 28 and the lo 16. Brrrr!

I listened to Inklings today and as part of "Come Follow Me" James and I listened to a talk by President Nelson from 2020, "Embrace the Future with Faith." In this talk President Nelson uses Captain Moroni as an example of preparedness. He reminds us that Captain Moroni was prepared in three different ways: 1.) He provided places of safety for his people, 2.) He encouraged his people to be faithful to the Lord, 3.) He NEVER STOPPED PREPARING!!

Here are a few more notes I jotted down from the talk:

We need to make our home a personal sanctuary of faith along with our churches and temple. He says that our Book of Mormon is our latter-day survival guide. "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear."

I bought something online today and right afterwards I got a notice from Paypal that looked like this:

I called the number to see if this was legit. This guy talked to me and I said I wanted my Paypal account cancelled and he said, "Of course." My first sign he wasn't legitimate. He started telling me all of these things I needed to do and I said, "No I'm not doing any of that, I am done with this conversation" and hung up. He wasn't legit.

Chuck Crane called James today and asked who our home owners insurance was with because his got cancelled. We are with Liberty Mutual and I looked up our policy. It has gone up $3,000 this year probably because we are in a fire hazard zone. We are now paying $10,057.00 a year. Chuck was paying around $4,000 so he wasn't interested in Liberty Mutual. It looks like we have two choices, either don't have insurance which is what Chuck is doing, or pay an enormous premium which is what we are doing. Because we have a mortgage on the house we have to have insurance.

I was going to go to town today to mail the Christmas packages to Texas but it was just too cold. At 5:00 James and I went down to the church to help Steve & Tina Allen and Susan Crane and her kids clean. It took us less than an hour.

I found out today that I won't be teaching Relief Society on the 26th. It is our ward conference and the stake will be teaching. That is fine, but I wish I would have known sooner. I asked Rosie and she said I could still teach Elder Christofferson's lesson and I was happy.  I have already ordered things to use for my handout, a shovel and a sword, representing burying our weapons of rebellion. 

I wish I was there to eat at Charlie's cafe.

I would order a hamburger with cheese,

tomato, and mustard.

Wednesday, January 8th, 2025: Up @ 5, still need a morning nap, scanning problems, "Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion", lo today 20, high 39, upstairs shower, moved boxes, Paul Peeler helps James , caught Sammy in the door

 

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

163rd operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Apr 2019

By: Dale G. Renlund

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 7:1-15

Come Follow Me

D&C 1:4-6, 23-24, 37-39

The Lord speaks through His servants, including latter-day prophets.

October General Conference

' Bonded to Jesus Christ: Becoming the Salt of the Earth'

Elder Jose A. Teixeira

"When our lives are filled with purpose and servicer, we avoid spiritual apathy; on the other hand, when our lives are deprived of divine purpose, meaningful service to others, and sacred opportunities for pondering and reflection, we gradually become suffocated by our own activity and self-interest, risking losing our savor. The antidote to this is to continue to be involved in service - being anxiously engaged in good works and the betterment of ourselves and the society we live in."

I am trying to get myself on a schedule. Part of that schedule is getting up at 5 am and having my walk and talk with Jesus and Heavenly Father. I have a great daily schedule I just haven't been able to implement it because of my low energy and poor health. I must do better! P.S. I still need a morning nap and that is not on my schedule. 

James needed something scanned today. The scanner on his old printer upstairs isn't working anymore so he came in to use the scanner on our printer in our bedroom. Neither one of us could figure out how to get the scanner to work. My computer is giving me grief. It is slower than sludge. It took me forever to do one blog post.

I read and listened to the talk for my lesson this month, "Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion" by Elder Christofferson. This sentence caught my eye. "Rebellion can be active or passive." Brother Christofferson gives examples of active rebellion: Sherem, Nehor, and Korihor in the Book of Mormon and William W. Phelps in church history. The he says: "Perhaps the more insidious form of rebellion against God is the passive version - ignoring His will in our lives." What really got to me is when further down he talks about caring for our physical body: " Another example concerns our physical being. Paul reminds us that we are to glorify God in both body and spirit and that this body is the temple of the Holy Ghost."

"We have a legitimate interest in spending time caring for our bodies as best we can." This is an area I feel that I can do better in.

The low today was 20 degrees and the high 39. I don't like winter weather here if it's not going to snow. Tom went outside a couple of times today but didn't stay long. 

I moved the Christmas boxes out of the way and Paul Peeler helped James get the old water heater out and put the new one in. I had already taken a shower upstairs with lots of water pressure. 

When the new one was installed James took a shower. He said it was the first hot shower he had in a week. 

James had the last of the scalloped potatoes for lunch today. We had chicken tacos, refried beans and corn for dinner. Yum.

I caught Sammy in the door and now won't come near me. It breaks my heart. I am so sorry Sammy.

Trenda's family

Wilhelm's in a row. 

We love this family!

Paul, Aaron, Gilbert Gonzales

I can't believe how much Paul looks

like Joshua in this picture!

Tuesday, January 7th, 2025: Up @ 5 nap @ 8, Below freezing outside, hot water heater won't light - he's going to buy a new one! Move Christmas boxes for new hot water heater, Fires in LA

Rome, Italy

162nd operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Mar 2019

By: Russell M. Nelson

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 5:7-6:6

Come Follow Me

DC 1 "Hearken O Ye People" 

Introduction to D&C

October General Conference

'Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion'

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"Perhaps the more insidious form of rebellion against God, however, is the passive version - ignoring His will in our lives. Many who would never consider active rebellion may still oppose the will and word of God by pursuing their own path without regard to divine direction. Certainly in life there is plenty of room for personal preference and individual choice, but when it comes to matters of salvation and eternal life, our theme song ought to be 'I did it God's way,' because truly there is no other way."

I got up at five this morning and took a nap at eight. I just don't have the energy I use to when I got up at four and worked all day. That was a few years ago, when my kids were young. 

It was below freezing outside this morning. Tom went out for a short time but was right back in before too long, following me around. I try to get Sammy to come in but he is afraid. 

James cannot light the pilot on the hot water heater. He makes a couple of calls for help and decides he needs to buy a new water heater. I jump for joy (quietly inside of me). 

It is cold and overcast today. It's snowing in New Mexico and we are praying that it will be here tomorrow. 

Green beans, ham, and scalloped potatoes make a good lunch. Chicken tacos for dinner. 

I did some cleaning, did two blog posts, paid Verizon, and talked to Catherine Halcomb on the phone.

James can't get the old water heater out and the new one in until we move the Christmas boxes that are stored in that room. I guess that's on my agenda for tomorrow. 

James walks, I fall asleep watching a Christmas movie with Tom. 

Lest you be too sad by the fires, here is

something to cheer you up!

Mason

 

Monday, January 6th, 2025: Leave for valley @ 7:40, Tuna sandwich, D's sunglasses dropoff, AARA, Longhorn Steakhouse - oops, Lois & Dawn's, Armando @ Hatch's,

 

Barranquilla, Columbia

161st operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Dec 2018

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 4:20-5:6

Come Follow Me

Jan 6-12: "Hearken, O Ye People" D&C 1

Introduction

October General Conference

'Following Christ'

President Dallin H. Oaks

" In the Book of Mormon, the Lord gave us the fundamentals in what He called 'the doctrine of Christ.' These are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, enduring to the end, and becoming as a little child, which means to trust the Lord and submit to all He requires of us."

We left for the valley at 7:40 this morning and left Tom in the house. We went the Globe way because they don't do blasting on Monday. Burger House isn't open on Monday either so my desire for a Tony's breakfast burrito went unheeded. We did stop at our Circle K just outside of Superior and shared a tuna sandwich. Good, but a poor substitute for Tony's breakfast burrito.

Our first stop was at Darrel & Trina's. We dropped off Darrel's sunglasses that he left at the cabin. No one was home to we told him we would put them in one of the planters by the door. As we were leaving their neighborhood, we saw Addy out on her run. She didn't see us. 

On to AARA for my infusion, arriving 15 minutes early as planned.

Alicia put in my infusion and also took lots of blood samples as she says this is my yearly panel. My Orencia infusion only takes 30 minutes. Frances scheduled appointments for me up through April 30th.

Darrel & Trina gave us two gift cards for Christmas. One was for Jersey Mike's and the other for Texas Roadhouse. I failed to look at the gift cards and I had it in my mind that the one was for Longhorn Steakhouse so I Googled the closest one and away we went. The restaurant was located adjacent to the old Fiesta Mall on Alma School between Southern and Baseline. It is sad to see that Fiesta Mall is now just a big pile of rubble. I wonder what they plan on doing with the area.

Imagine my embarrassment when I realized I had directed James to the wrong restaurant. He was very nice about it and said he would pay with the business card since we will do business while we are here.

I had a filet, baked potato, a salad, and their delicious bread. James had 1/2 rack of ribs. The food was great and the atmosphere peaceful and quiet. A nice reprieve in our travels.

After satisfying our appetites we went on to visit James's mom and Dawn. Their amaryllis are blooming and look beautiful. I guess it's because the sunshine down here is warmer than it is in Vernon.

Dawn gave me a blue jacket and James got a red windbreaker. They wanted to give us more candy but we declined. 

After a nice visit we met Armando at Hatch's. He is behind on his work and Greg Hatch is a little frustrated. Part of the problem is President Hatch's tenant who asks Armando to do extra things and then tells him to get paid from Dr. Hatch. 

James wanted to go to the cleaners in Chandler where he has had pants hemmed before. He wanted them to fix a zipper in one of his jackets, they said they couldn't. He thought he brought a suit for them to clean, but he had forgotten the pants. I guess we will have to come back next time. It costs way too much to get dry cleaning done in Show Low.

Next stop, Deseret Book in Gilbert to spend my $50 gift card. I bought a "Come Follow Me" journal edition manual. I bought the newest volume of The Saints, Volume 4, and two garment bottoms. This left me with about $17 left on my card to spend on our next trip down.

We stopped for gas and a Polar Pop at a Circle K on Signal Butte and then again at the McDonald's in Globe for a potty break. We were home by 7:15. Tom seemed happy to see us, not elated, but happy. 

James walks while I watch TV on my recliner with Tom by my side. 

When it was time to go to bed Tom decided he wanted to go outside. He was back in at 1:30.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum, an oasis

in the desert. We drive past here when

we go the Globe way to the valley.

Trina took this picture on one of her hikes.

It reminds me of the rock formations we

see going through Superior Canyon.

Enjoying a nap with his mom

Sunday, January 5th, 2025: Barely enough hot water for a shower, in the 20's this morning, Church is sparsely attended, John Wilhelm teaches Sunday School, Testimonies, chicken tacos, J,K,Ch made it home safely, Theola Crawford passes away

 

Concepcion, Chile

160th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Oct 2018

By: Russell M. Nelson

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 4:1-19

Come Follow Me

"The heavens are open."

Talk: "The Blessing of Continuing Revelation to Prophets and Personal Revelation to Guide Our Lives" Elder Quentin L. Cook,

April General Conference 2020

October General Conference

'Trusting Our Father'

Elder David P. Homer

"At all times, it is helpful to remember Alma's teaching that God gives His word according to the attention and effort we devote to it. If we heed God's word, we will receive more; if we ignore His counsel, we will receive less and less until we have none. This loss of knowledge does not mean that the truth was wrong; rather, it shows that we have lost the capacity to understand it."

'God Loves All His Children'

Elder Gregorio E. Casillas

" President Nelson taught, 'In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior's power that the world has ever seen.'"

It was in the 20's this morning. I barely had enough hot water for a shower. Thankfully James took his last night. 

There were lots of people missing from church today, including Bishop Hunsaker and his family who are in the valley to participate in priesthood ordinations of two grandsons.

Today was fast and testimony meeting. We are praying that our three grandsons, Rowan, Joshua, and Evan are preparing to serve missions.

Here are the testimonies shared in our ward:

Chris Skousen - Had pneumonia for two weeks at Christmas time and missed all of his family's holiday celebrations. I felt my Savior's love. I know God lives and that the Book of Mormon is true.

Lorraine Vaught - Tomorrow is the 57th anniversary of my baptism. One of my greatest challenges is not having the priesthood in my home. I have gone in and out of activity but never lost my testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Challenges make us stronger.

Paula Johnson - Everyday we should be getting closer in our actions to returning to Heavenly Father. We need church, we need each other. I am grateful to those who helped the couple in need that I told about on Facebook. The response was tremendous. We have some good people here in Vernon.

Chimi Tesarek (Young woman) - I always ask myself the question, "What would Jesus do?" when I have a decision to make.

Owen Peeler - I remember the solemn assembly when President Kimball was sustained as the prophet. He spoke for three hours.

Quote from President McKay: "Consciousness of victory over self."

I feast upon the Book of Mormon daily. Heavenly Father is real, Jesus Christ is our Savior, Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God and the Book of Mormon is true. Spiritual experiences transport us into the realm of the Book of Mormon.

Tom Peralta - I love my daily walk with Christ. I try to emulate the Savior everyday. Drugs take you away from the Savior. Bore testimony, mentioned George Wallace and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Winna Ulmer - Thanked Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for her blessings. Expressed gratitude. Winna raised her three granddaughters, Hailey, Hope, and Heaven. Now she is raising two great grandsons who belong to Hailey. Hailey's mom, Winna's daughter is helping her.

John Wilhelm, the Sunday School President was the gospel doctrine teacher taking Jimmy Applegate's place. He taught by asking a series of questions and having us answer them.

What stood out to you this week in this lesson?

* Matching New Testament scriptures with those in the D&C help to strengthen my testimony.

* Restoration Proclamation

* Faith comes through obedience

* What Church to join, none are true, a Restoration was needed and Priesthood authority.

* Ask and you shall receive.

* The Restoration is ongoing. Am I sleeping through it? Personal and prophetic revelation.

* Brother Scott was 25 years old when he was baptized. "I couldn't walk away from it."

* The Heavens are open - continuing revelation.

* Go to the temple to redeem the dead.

* Do family history work.

* The Spirit conveys the truth to us and to others.

* We need personal revelation to survive the times in which we live. RMN

* The Restoration is to prepare the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

We had our afternoon naps and then we broke our fast. I made chicken tacos. Finally. They were very tasty.

After lunch I worked on my blog. Tom is staying inside because it is so cold outside. 

Theola Crawford passed away today. She would have been 100 years old on February 12th.  Reed Brown, her son, posted about her death on Facebook.

I made a To Do list for this week and it is very long. Time to get back in to the swing of things. Hopefully my health allows me to do so. 

Here are some of my goals for the new year:

1. Get rid of clutter and organize my home.

2. Fill out needed paperwork in my Nokbox, Next of Kin box.

3. Attend the temple 2x a month.

4. Consistently work on family history.

5. Be more missionary minded.

6. Lose 20 lbs.

One of the things we are doing this week is going to the temple with our friends Willy and Janna Grombach.

 

Scarlett

Charlie on the plane ride home.

Vernon Sunrise

Happy Sabbath!

Charlie and Mason