Saturday, January 18th, 2025: Loved Elder Bednar's conference talk, trip to town, car washed, Walmart, Panda, HD, TS, 40 degrees & windy, Prime movie, "Heart of the Country" James "So True a Love" , DAB quote

 

Praia, Cape Verde

173rd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 June 2022

By: Neil L. Anderson

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 13:40-14:8

Come Follow Me

JS-H 1:15-20

Why are there various accounts of the First Vision?

October General Conference

'In the Space of Not Many Years'

Elder David A. Bednar

"Therefore, if we are not faithful and obedient, we can transform the God-given blessing of prosperity into a prideful curse that diverts and distracts us from eternal truths and vital spiritual priorities. We always must be on guard against a pride-induced and exaggerated sense of self-importance, a misguided evaluation of our own self-sufficiency, and seeking self instead of serving others. As we pridefully focus upon ourselves, we also are afflicted with spiritual blindness and miss much, most, or perhaps all that is occurring within and around us. We cannot look to and focus upon Jesus Christ as the 'mark' if we only see ourselves."

Tom gets in my face while I am sleeping to let me know that he's hungry. At least he waits until after 4 am. 

I am feeling better today and I am so grateful! James is better too.

I loved Elder Bednar's conference talk and I want to share some things from it with my three prospective missionaries.

James and I left for town late this morning with a few things in mind: Take $100 and break it up for money for the dump in case Chuck goes today. Sadly he went while we were gone so our plan didn't work. 

We got my car washed, bought some groceries at Walmart, bought some things to repair the sprinklers at Home Depot, and got horse feed at Tractor Supply. We also bought some lunch/dinner at Panda. I got orange chicken with noodles and James got teriyaki chicken with noodles. 

There was a big truck parked in the Tractor Supply parking lot with a long line of people beside it. They are having a meat sale. I saw it advertised on Facebook. You can get 20 ribeyes for $39.99. It sounds like a great deal, we just don't eat that much meat.

The temperatures are in the 40's today and it is windy, making it a quite cold. We still have no moisture. All of the stakes in this area are praying for moisture and attending the temple. We will also have a fast on February 2nd.

Went home and took a nap. Tom was happy to get his treats. I blogged January 2nd and 3rd. I watched a movie on my phone that I really liked on Prime Video, "Heart of the Country." James walked and listens to "So True a Love."

Two-Tone Tom

We had a car just like this one when we went

to Disneyland back in the 1950's.

Friday, January 17th, 2025: Happy Bday Anna, bogus charge on my bank account - cancel debit, Temple with James & Ruth Gale, Eva's, finished December blog, "The Way Home" episode 3, James walks, fixes me herbal tea

 

Yigo, Guam

172nd operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2022

By: David A. Bednar

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 13:28-39

Come Follow Me

JS-H 1:15-20 

Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

October General Conference

'Embrace the Lord's Gift of Repentance'

Elder Jorge M. Alvarado

"Brothers and sisters, the light of the Savior can reach us all, no matter our circumstances. 'It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's Atonement shines,' said President Jeffrey R. Holland."

Happy Birthday Anna!

There was a charge on my bank account that I didn't recognize today. No number was associated with the charge but the name of the company was Twitch and it is located in San Francisco and says entertainment media. I called the bank and they are canceling my debit card and issuing me a new one. I rarely use my debit card but the last time I was at Walmart I used it and remember a couple standing behind me waiting in line for quite sometime. I wonder if they scanned my card.

James informed me this morning that he wanted to go with me to the temple this afternoon. I have an appointment at the 3:30 session with my friend Ruth Gale. James tried to call Virgil Cooper to see if he wanted to go, but there was no answer. 

Tom was in the house when we left at 2 pm. We stopped at the post office in Taylor to mail James's sales taxes that he has been working on for several days. 

When we got to the temple something was wrong with the recommend scanners and the sister at the desk ask if we could sit in the waiting room for a few minutes until they figured it out. 

We were the only ones who moved to the waiting room. When I saw Ruth come in with her friend Jewel Turley, I went over and stood by her and so did James. This time the scanner worked if you scanned your card twice. 

After our session in the dressing room I saw Alicia Hunsaker and Tina Allen who were going to the next session. Tina told me later they didn't make it in the session and did initiatories instead.

I got to visit with Jewel a little. She knew about The Maxwell House, grandma and grandpa and my mom and dad. I think she is 93. Anyway, it was fun to visit with her. 

After our session Ruth took Jewel home while we saved us a table at Eva's. When Ruth got her and we placed our orders, we told her about James's brain bleed and our trip to the hospital in Chandler. She said I should have called her to take me down instead of having my kids come up, she would have taken me.

We talked about riding horses, she grew up on a farm in Utah and rode horses. She also told us about her family reunion at Thanksgiving, shooting off Estes Rockets and riding the roller coaster at Sunrise. Her daughter Valeen who lives in San Antonio has just been diagnosed with breast cancer so Ruth says she may be gone a lot in February. For this reason we did not schedule our next temple visit. It was a fun visit. Ruth is such a good friend.

We went home to Tom who was waiting for us in the house. I finished my December blog and watched the latest episode of "The Way Home." James walks and listens to his book. 

Tom is bored looking for new fun

Thursday, January 16th, 2025: Slept in, James sick w/ stomach cramps, he cannot "throw up": Missed Inklings w/ Rio, Sammy is a boy, 2 blogposts, James put sheets on beds upstrs, LA fires continue, we pray for moisture, Texas received blanket boxes. finger still infected

 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

171st operating temple

Dedicated: 8 May 2022

By: Gary E. Stevenson

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 13:10-37

Come Follow Me

President Nelson's April 2020 Conference address, "Hear Him" and The Restoration Proclamation

October General Conference

'The Man Who Communed with Jehovah'

Elder Kyle S. McKay

"As part of the promised 'restitution of all things,' the Lord, through Joseph Smith, brought forth the Book of Mormon and other revelations that contain the fulness of His gospel. Vital truths were given clarity and completeness as Joseph repeatedly inquired of the Lord for direction. Consider the following:

1. The Father and the Son have bodies 'as tangible as man's.'

2. Jesus took upon Himself not only our sins but also our sicknesses, afflictions, and infirmities.

3. His Atonement was so excruciating it caused Him to bleed from every pore.

4. We are saved by His grace 'after all we can do.'

5. There are conditions to Christ's mercy.

6. As we come unto Christ, He will not only forgive our sins, but He will also change our very nature so 'that we have no more disposition to do evil.'

7. Christ always commands His people to build temples, where He manifests Himself unto them and endows them with power from on high.

I testify that all these things are true and necessary. They represent only a fraction of the fulness that was restored by Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith in response to Joseph's recurring requests for direction."

I slept in and shortened my walk and talk with Jesus and Heavenly Father.

James was sick this morning with stomach cramps and diarrhea. He cannot "throw up" because of the surgery he had. He is quite miserable.

I watched part of Inkling with Rio and Brooke Romney. Here are a couple of notes I took:

Ask ourselves and Heavenly Father: "What would Thou have me do?" Move forward, and figure out how as I go. 

Act on the nudge.

Repetition and mistakes are inevitable.

Failures are cracks that allow light in. - Rio

My right arm still hurts but it is a little better and bearable.

James says that Sammy is for sure a boy. He batted his paw at Tom because Tom ignores him. 

I set low standards for myself today. I took a shower and did two blog posts. I went upstairs looking for Tom and discovered James had put sheets on the beds. It made me so happy and grateful.

The fires continue in L.A. which is so sad. We continue to pray for moisture here.

James is working outside although he is not feeling well. 

Texas received their blanket boxes today. Autumn sent some photos.

Thanks Autumn, for sending the photos!

I saw this quote on Facebook: "The more time you spend with your Mother, the longer she will live."

Not long after reading this I got a text from Sheri asking when was the next time we would be in town and if we could go to lunch. The timing was perfect. Of course we can go to lunch on February 5th, the date of my next infusion.

My finger is still infected but I don't want James to lance it so I am doctoring it with Neosporin and wrapping it in tape.

Wednesday, January 15th, 2025: I blogged for Dec 26th, 27th, 28th, no energy upper left arm hurting, lots of recliner breaks, James's next appt, Applegate Zoom mtg w/ Tim, blue jay feathers

 

Pocatello, Idaho

170th operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Nov 2021

By: M. Russell Ballard

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 12:11-13:9

Come Follow Me

JS-H 1:5-25

How can I receive answers to my prayers?

October General Conference

'The Joy of Our Redemption'

Sister Kristin M. Yee

"The redeeming power of Jesus Christ is one of the greatest promised blessings of our covenants. Ponder this as you participate in sacred ordinances. Without it, we could not return home to the presence of our Father in Heaven and those we love. I know that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is mighty to save. As the Son of God, who atoned for the sins of the world and laid down His own life and took it up again, He holds the power of redemption and resurrection. He has made possible immortality for all and eternal life for those who choose Him. I know that through His atoning sacrifice, we can repent and truly be cleansed and redeemed. It is a miracle He loves you and me in this way."

Up at 4:16. My sidekick Tom is with me. Here are some of my goals for today: Put wrapping paper away and organize the Christmas boxes downstairs. Clean and 'dust' out bathroom. Go grocery shopping and make lunch and dinner. I didn't do any of those things because I felt lousy. The one thing I did do was blog for December 26th, 27th, and 28th. I had no energy and my upper right arm was hurting every time I tried to use it. I took a lot of "breaks" on the recliner. 

James found blue jay feathers out in the yard today. One of the cats killed a blue jay. I wonder which one it was...Tom or Sam.

I am a little frustrated with James. I told him this regarding making his Dr. Wilson appointment in six weeks. I said: "Six weeks is February 25th. If you wait one more week and make an appointment on the 5th of March that's the day of my infusion at 11:30. That way we only have to make on trip to the valley instead of two. He agreed and then guess what he did: He made his appointment on February 25th. Oh well, what can I do?

This afternoon James had a Zoom meeting with the Applegate's and Tim in Oregon. The meeting went quite well until Jimmy Applegate asked Tim how much he thought it was going to cost to build their house. Tim said the cost in Oregon is $375 a square foot. James figured it out and that would mean the Applegate's house would cost about 2 1/2 million dollars. Wow. 

James brought me soup for dinner. How sweet. 

One of our former sister missionaries married a

former missionary from her mission, yes, they

met on their missions. The cool thing is, she doesn't even have 

to change her last name!

She says this was her best day ever!

 

Tuesday, January 14th, 2025: Up @ 4:30, Leave a little after 6, appt @ 9:30, Circle K Tuna sandwich, Drop J off @ 9:27, Don't have to meet Armando, Costco in Gilbert, & Deseret Bk, Texas Roadhouse doesn't open until 3 so Jersey Mike's, I'm not feeling well so we go home the Payson way, No Aunt Faye or Mom, Home by 4, my infected finger, Tom likes "Wicked", Apollo in yard - How?

 

Winnipeg, Manitoba

169th operating temple

Dedicated: 31 Oct 2021

By: Gerrit W. Gong

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 11:31-12:10

Come Follow Me

JS-H 1:5-26

Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration

October General Conference

'Holiness to the Lord in Everyday Life'

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"What researchers call 'religious structural stability' offers clarity, purpose, and inspiration amidst life's twists and turns. The household of faith and community of Saints combat isolation and the lonely crowd. Holiness to the Lord says no to the profane, no to snarky cleverness at others' expense, no to algorithms that monetize anger and polarization. Holiness to the Lord says yes to the sacred and reverent, yes to our becoming our freest, happiest, most authentic, best selves as we follow Him in faith."

I was up at 4:30 this morning. Our plan is to leave at six for the valley. James's appointment at Barrow Brain & Spine is at 9:30 so that's cutting it close. It was a little after six when we actually left. We went the Globe way because they don't blast on Monday. We stopped at our Circle K outside of Superior for gas, a potty break, and our tuna sandwich. 

James hurries to Chandler and we arrive around 9:25. I drop James off in front of Barrow's at 9:27 while I got park in the hospital's parking garage. We both go in to see Dr. Wilson. He shows us the CT scan and explains where the blood is and compares it to the one from November 26th. He says he is pleased with the progress James is making. He still does not want him to go back on his blood thinner yet, only the baby aspirin.

While we are in the parking lot James calls Armando about the Hatch job. James asks him a couple of questions and then when he hangs us he says we don't have to go to Hatch's. Instead of going to Hatch's we head for Costco in Gilbert. 

Here are the things we got at Costco: Some khaki flannel lined pants for James, Pom and acai juice, soup, pistachios, 13 gallon and 33 gallon trash bags, Dawn dishwashing liquid, and some granola that we sampled and liked. We got out to the parking lot and couldn't find the car. I left James wandering around with the basket while I walked over to Deseret Book. It didn't take him long to find the car and follow me over to Deseret Book.

I bought two pair of garments, two tops, and two bottoms. I had $17.10 left on my gift card. My total came to $17. I left the gift card with the cashier with the ten cents on it.

It was lunch time and we were planning on going to Texas Roadhouse for lunch. I looked closer at the gift card and Texas Roadhouse doesn't open until 3 pm. Well, I guess we aren't going there. Our other gift card was to Jersey Mikes so I did a search to find one nearby. I actually wanted to go to the Cafe Rio near Deseret Book but I gave James the choice, Cafe Rio for Taco Tuesday, or Jersey Mike's. He chose Jersey Mike's. 

We ate lunch and then James talked about going to see his mom and Dawn and Aunt Faye. I really did not feel well and just wanted to go home so James called his Aunt Faye and left her a message. 

We headed for home, back tracking a little to go home the Payson way. It is only 12:30. We were so happy to see that the construction project is finished so there was no stopping! We got gas in Show Low and we were home by 4 o'clock. Tom was in the house waiting for us. He went outside for awhile. 

My middle finger on my left hand is infected so I put some Neosporin on it and wrapped it in tape. Tom came back in and sat on my lap on the recliner while I was watching "Wicked." He liked all of the movement and color and kept watching the screen.

James said Apollo was in the backyard and he can't figure out how he got in. 

Sammy wants to be Tom's friend 

but Tom doesn't want anything to

do with him.

These photos were taken in 

December but some how I

missed posting them.

Such a sweetie!

Monday, January 13th, 2025: Tom in my face, Apollo in the yard, Charlie gets her penguin, new 2025 ntbks, swords too small, re-organize dwnstrs, Clean sheets & bthrm rugs, James's night fires

 

Durban, South Africa

168th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Feb 2020

By: Ronald A. Rasband

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 11:12-30

Come Follow Me

Jan 13-19 "I Saw a Pillar of Light" JS-H 1:1-26 

Introduction

October General Conference

'Aligning Our Will with His'

Ulisses Soares

" My dear friends, when we choose to let God be the most powerful influence in our life over our self-serving pursuits, we can make progress in our discipleship and increase our capacity to unite our mind and heart with the Savior."

Tom climbed up on my chest got right in my face with his face and then laid down. I guess this is his way of waking me up.

Apollo is in the yard and James cannot figure out how he is getting in. This is why he calls him Houdini.

Charlie finally got the penguin that I sent her. She is going to name her Macy.

Charlie & Macy

I have monthly notebooks where I keep journal notes, gospel study notes, my daily to do lists, a food diary and a spending diary along with inspirational quotes. I use the 5x7 Mead Five Star notebooks, until this year. I ordered a new brand. These are a little bigger and have less pages. 

I love all of the different colors

The swords I ordered for my lesson are too small so I ordered new ones. 

I began re-organizing the Christmas closet downstairs. but didn't get too far. Hopefully I will be able to finish sometime this week. I did get our bedroom back in order and washed our sheets and the bathroom rugs. 

James has been building fires just before we go to bed to keep the house warm during the night without having the heater on high. I told him we need them during the day too.

Armando is really struggling right now trying to fight for time with his kids. I feel like he is really being treated unfairly by Susan. It seems like all she wants from him is money.

I am discouraged about my low energy level and my swollen fingers on my left hand. We went to bed at a decent hour as we are leaving tomorrow at 6 am for the valley. James has an appointment with the neurosurgeon who operated on his brain, Dr. Wilson.

I paid my Citicard today.

Such a sweet lady

Sunday, January 12th, 2025: Tom wakes me @ 4:49, cold but no moisture, notice from stake, 2nd hr initiative from North America Southwest Area, sacrament meeting, CT scan J Sholo hospital, 24th temple w/ Tignor's, 17th w/ Ruth Gale

 

Arequipa, Peru

167th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Dec 2019

By: Ulisses Soares

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 10:11-11:11

Come Follow Me

Unshaken Saints

October General Conference

'Be Thou Clean'

Elder D. Martin Goury

" The advent of the internet has made information more accessible than ever before. This can lead us to turn to the world for guidance rather than to God. President Russell M. Nelson taught, 'In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.'"

'The Wind Did Never Cease to Blow'

Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante

" Our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, made an exciting and inspiring invitation to the youth: 'I reaffirm strongly that the Lord has asked every worthy, able young man to prepare for and serve a mission. For Latter-day Saint young men, missionary service is a priesthood responsibility....For you young and able sisters, a mission is also a powerful, but optional, opportunity.'"

Tom woke me up at 4:49 meowing close to my face. Couldn't you have waited 11 more minutes Tom? It is cold again today, but still no moisture. Here is the letter from our stake presidency regarding the lack of moisture in our area:

White Mountain Arizona Stake

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

We know of and appreciate your faith and faithfulness!

With the exceptionally dry conditions we are experiencing in the White Mountains this winter, we feel the need to unify our faith in earnestly seeking the blessing of moisture in the form of rain and snow. Years ago, an inspired promise came that, "If we as a stake are faithful in increasing our temple worship, the Lord will pour out greater spiritual blessings and the needed moisture."

We wish to call down these blessings once again. Therefore, during the month of January, we invite you to:

1) Counsel with the Lord and your family to know how you can double your efforts to more fully enjoy the blessings of worshipping in the temple.

2) Complete this month of increased temple worship by joining in a special stake fast for moisture on Sunday, February 2nd.

Speakers in Sacrament meeting:

Youth - Colter Hunsaker - My talk is on obedience. Trust God, be obedient to His will. When the Lord commands, do it. God requires a willing heart. Trust and obey, although we may no always understand.

Jane Rosen - Grew up in New York and "I didn't know what I didn't know." Searched for truth, seek and ye shall find. Attended a Roman Catholic school. For 26 years Jane was a Methodist. She also played at a Southern Baptist church. Something was missing. Felt she had lived before in a different realm. The missionaries came. She and her daughter felt something. Two years later she and her daughter got baptized, July 2001. A slow and mighty change occurred in Jane.

"I could feel some kind of energy as I visited the Sacred Grove. He lives and the Book of Mormon is true. The missionaries changed my life.

Steve Rosen - His conversion story. He felt that God had a plan for his life. Brought up Jewish in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His parents divorced. He has ADHD. Steve was an angry and rebellious teenager. Mother kicked him out. He had a serious motorcycle accident. He has died 3x and has been brought back each time. He had his leg broken in 25 places, and also had a severe brain injury. He kept asking himself, why me. Went to ASU and got a degree in graphic art. Got divorced - why me? Rode with Hells Angels. Had two kids that he was raising on his own - Why me? Taught special ed in Gilbert. Met the missionaries and took the discussions for 2 1/2 years. Finally baptized. He says his life is like a patchwork quilt. Now he lives everyday with a higher purpose.

North America Southwest Area Presidency under the direction of Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Elder Alonso is the area president. 

The Savior and our covenants should be at the center of our lives. 

How to share the gospel: Love, Share, and Invite. Sharing can open a window and let in the Savior's light. 

Elder Dunn, a councilor, and his wife:

1. Sacrament meetings should be focused on the Savior.

2. Activities and Community Outreach are a good way to meet and invite people.

3. Cultural Easter Celebration - online media

4. Special programs on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday

President and Sister Alonso:

Sister Alonso bore her testimony in Spanish

Brother Alonso bore his testimony

End of Broadcast

Bishop Hunsaker - Ward Mission Plan

Alicia - YW - make sure they understand the power of the Atonement.

Judy Hunter - I remember when we had picnics and an Easter Sunrise Service.

Jennifer Golly - Choir participation

Millie Scott - We need a reawakening to Jesus Christ and His Return

Collin DeWitt - Invite neighbors into our homes and discuss the Savior.

Bishop - Block party, gather, eat, rotate, discuss the Savior

Thomas Peralta - Share our Easter traditions with our neighbors

Ashley Umphress - temple baptisms

Bishop - Feel the flame

Greg Anderson - Listen to the Spirit. I love going to the gym and having gospel discussions.

Bishop - As we engage in these activities, our homes will be blessed.

We had Arby sandwiches for lunch, heated up and smothered in bbq sauce. Afterwards we took naps. I was so tired, I didn't get much sleep last night. Tom joins me.

At 2:45 we drove to the Show Low hospital for James to get his CT scan for his upcoming visit to the neurosurgeons, Dr. Wilson.

The girl who took the scan wanted to keep the disk until a doctor could evaluate it. I told her we needed to take it with us and our doctor would evaluate it. James said he would have let her keep it, so I am glad I was there. 

For dinner we had pizza and peas, chocolate covered strawberries, and James's baked apples. 

I called the Tignor's and we are going to the temple with them on January 24th. The 17th we are going with Ruth Gale. We already went with the Grombach's on the 10th.

I tried to blog but I couldn't stay awake so I went to bed early.

Saturday's post

I loved shopping at Smitty's with my boy 

Darrel on Friday's. All of the other kids

were in school.

Love this picture!