Saturday, May 25th, 2019

Papeete, Tahiti

25th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

1 Nephi 11:24

And after he had said these words, he said unto me: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him.

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:43-52

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 23:1-12; John 12:20-50

General Conference

Cleansed by Repentance

President Dallin H. Oaks

"One purpose of God's plan for this mortal experience is to 'prove' us 'to see if we will do all things whatsoever the Lord our God shall command us' (Abraham 3:25). As part of this plan, we are accountable to God and to His chosen servants, and that accountability involves both mortal and divine judgments."

Today we left for the temple around 5:40 a.m. We listened to scriptures and conference talks all the way. It was a beautiful morning!

This was the first day for our new coordinator's, the Elmer's from Eager. My main assignment is working with Sister Reidhead at the veil for all three sessions during our shift. I love Sister Reidhead and enjoy working with her. 

The Palmer's did our training during preparation meeting. We talked about the new veil. Our temple is one of the first temples to have the new veil. Personally, I did not notice the difference. 

Since this is a holiday weekend I wasn't surprised that several of our workers had gotten subs. One of the subs was a girl I went to high school with. Her nephew married one of the girls from our ward in Chandler, and we made that connection. Her name was Luanna Geiger in high school. Now her last name is Solomon.

Brother Toronto, our stake patriarch, worked today along with his wife. Elwanda, (Sister Reidhead) and I wanted to ask one of them if they knew Jimmy Toronto, someone we went to high school with, but we did not do it.

Every single session was packed and had someone getting their own endowment. An older couple from our ward who have been engaged for awhile, were sealed today, Brother Gordon and Sister White. Brother Gordon came up to me and said, "Your husband didn't call me to help clean the temple tonight like he normally does." I said, "Sam, we decided to give you a break since you are getting married today." He just smiled.

Amy, Sam's new wife is very shy and doesn't smile very often. I went up to her after the ceremony and congratulated her. She gave me a hug and a big smile.

We had some leftover Chinese chicken salad to take home. James actually liked it and said he was going to go home and add a few more seasonings and finish it off. There were no rolls left, but I only brought half and the other half are still at home. James had bought some croissants at Costco when he was in the valley and we had several of them left. 

When we returned home after our shift, I did a little walking and then both James and I laid down for a nap. Kim and Brian said they had had a great day so far, including a Razr ride. Kim was working on a puzzle and Brian was watching a cooking show on TV.

We left to clean the temple this evening around 5:40, just 12 hours from when we left this morning. 

We clean with the Show Low Creek ward. I gave the opening prayer in prayer meeting and James gave the spiritual thought. I was asked by Brother Patterson to give the spiritual thought but I told him I required a little more preparation time. James did really well. He talked about the King who had the dinner from the scriptures and invited guests and many of them made excuses why they couldn't come. 

James and I were assigned to clean the women's dressing room. At first James was a little hesitant, but soon he realized it was an okay job.

These are the people who attended from our ward:

Teresa Smith, Holly and Charlie Gordon, Brother Peeler, Brothers Scott, Cooper, Romyak, and Curtis. Kerri, Anne, and Cammy. Tamara and Jimmy Applegate, the Lauritzen's, Dave and Rosa, the Allens, Stefani and Sean, the Klug's, and us. 25 in all. The Show Low Creek ward had 10 people which included President Beeler and his wife. Kerri was happy because she cleaned the oxen with the Beeler's and had a good time.

When we got home Kim, Brian and I watched the new Hallmark movie, From Friend to Fiance. James went in the bedroom and worked on his Primary lesson for tomorrow. 

Kim felt a little dizzy before going to bed.

 Clouds in Wisconsin

 Jill Wagner, of Hallmark fame, and her husband

on their farm in Tennessee. Kim says they

raise Highland cattle.

 The ever adorable Charlie!

Kim finished her donut puzzle

Friday, May 24th, 2019

Santiago, Chile

24th operating temple

Dedicated: 15-17 Sept 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

1 Nephi 13:40

And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:26-42

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 22:15-46; Luke 20:19-44

General Conference

"Come Follow Me"

President Russell M. Nelson

"We miss our daughter greatly. However, because of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, we do not worry about her. As we continue to honor our covenants with God, we live in anticipation of our being with her again. Meanwhile, we're serving the Lord here and she is serving Him there - in paradise."

I spent the entire morning getting a book shipment ready, 13 books in all. Twelve went to California and the last one went to Staten Island, New York.

We left for town a little after noon. Our first stop was at Auto Zone where James had the battery for the Cat checked. The guy said it was good so back to the drawing board. When James got home he tightened all the connections and blew out the fuel lines and it now works fine.

After Auto Zone we stopped at Taco Bell for lunch. There was a solid line of traffic for about two miles this side of Taco Bell and then on to Walmart and UPS. It looks like half the valley is up here. While James mailed our books I walked over to Walmart. 

I got stuff to make Chinese chicken salad for the temple tomorrow. I also picked up a package of frozen rolls in case my salad doesn't turn out. I made my way around the store and James came in to help me finish up. After checking out we drove to McDonald's to get an ice cream cone for me. The Walmart McDonald's was out of ice cream. 

After putting the groceries away at home I was walking and watching a Hallmark Christmas movie when Kim and Brian arrived. Kim seemed really happy to be here. 

As Kim and Brian put their stuff away I made the Chinese chicken salad and rolls for tomorrow. It's great to have them here. We really do enjoy their company.

This girl!

Clouds in the Netherlands

 Cheryl Burke, another "Dancing 

 White Mountains

Thursday, May 23rd, 2019

Nuku' alofa, Tonga

23rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9-11 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

1 Nephi 11:21

And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:1-25

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 21:23-46; 23:29-39; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 19:41-20:18

General Conference

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Tad R. Callister

"The purpose of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is to make it possible for us to return to God's presence, become more like Him, and have a fulness of joy. This was done by overcoming four obstacles:

1. Physical death

2. Spiritual death caused by Adam and by our sins

3. Our afflictions and infirmities

4. Our weaknesses and imperfections"

"When we love the Lord, obedience ceases to be a burden. Obedience become a delight." - Joseph B. Wirthlin

We got more snow this morning as I was listening to Jim and Herman on the Book Profits webinar. They were very inspiring!

I drove in to town and picked up my friend Jean after her doctor's appointment at noon. Her husband Tom drove her there but he had an appointment and so I picked her up and we went to lunch at Native. It was packed and we were put in the bar. That was fine but we waited quite awhile to be served. We both ordered wings and a salad. I ordered three wings and Jean ordered five because she said Tom was coming too. Tom did come but didn't want the wings. He ordered something else and it took forever to come. I finished before Tom did and was going to pay for my order and then leave but Tom insisted he was paying for it. I am grateful for such nice friends. They are leaving tomorrow morning to drive to San Diego to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. I wished them a happy anniversary and a safe trip and left for home. I have the Grapp children coming at five and I wanted to get home to take a nap and do some walking before they come. 

The Grapp's are going to the Show Low high school graduation which starts at six this evening. When the kids got here the first thing they did was go upstairs to get the Barbie's and bring them downstairs. Even Benson was playing Barbie's. He got tired of it after awhile and asked if he could watch a movie. He picked Big Hero 6. The girls watched it with him for awhile but then lost interest and went back to playing Barbie's. 

After his movie I was sitting at the table eating a piece of toast and Benson asked me what I was eating, this kid asks more questions than any kid I've ever met. He's nine now but by the time he's grown he's going to be the best Trivial Pursuit partner. Anyway, I tell him I'm eating toast for dinner and then I ask him what he had for dinner. He said they didn't have dinner because their parents left so early. I suggested we make some macaroni and cheese. Tildy, the seven year old asks me if it's the macaroni and cheese in the box and I said yes. She says she doesn't like that kind. Can she have her noodles plain and put them in a skillet with some cheese and stir them around. Of course Tildy, anything to make you happy. The other kids are happy to eat the macaroni and cheese from a box with the powdered cheese, even though that's not the kind their mom fixes. I ask Tildy if she wants some butter and milk for her noodles and she says yes. She stirs everything with a wooden spoon, standing at the stove on a stool. I tell her she may be a chef someday and she says she's going to be an animal doctor.

After dinner is all over Tildy and Emsley go in to our bedroom to watch Thumbelina and Liana and Benson watch Moana in the family. room. Once I get the movies going i come in to fix popcorn. I don't have much popcorn and I burn the first bag. The next bag is good. Tildy has instructed me that she and Emsley each want their own bowl of popcorn and then they can share M&Ms. She also has a bowl of conversation hearts. This girl loves candy and sweets.

Once I get everyone their popcorn and M&M's I can sit down for a few minutes and take a break. The Grapp's come back about the same time Thumbelina is over so everyone comes in to watch the ending of Moana. Tildy and Emsley are both afraid of the "monster" in Moana. 

Finally around 10 pm the movie is over and everyone goes home. James and I are pretty tired so we go directly to bed. 

While I was taking care of kids James was making phone calls to ward members asking them if they would help clean the temple Saturday night.

Some sad news today. My friend in Chandler, Karen P. passes away. 

 Karen with her husband

The Payne family

 Clouds

 Liana and Benson

Tildy and Emsley

 Chicco is a cute nickname for Charlie

 Charlie meeting a new friend

 Love the hat Scarlett!

  

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019

Apia, Samoa

22nd operating temple

Dedicated: 5-6 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

1 Nephi 11:18

And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

Book of Mormon

Alma 4:5-20

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 22:1-14; Luke 19:1-27

General Conference

Preparing for the Lords Return

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

In two weeks, we will celebrate Easter. The Resurrection confirms the divinity of Jesus Christ and the reality of God the Father. Our thoughts turn to the Savior, and we ponder "His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice." I hope we also think about His pending return when 'He will rule as King of Kings and ... Lord of Lords."

I bought books from a new DFY list today. One of the books was gated but I bought all the rest. I also bought some books that have sold off of my inventory list. Others that weren't profitable now I set alerts on. I have bought 30 new books since May 13th. We sold three today.

Kacey sent a text today that gives hope that Jared may be able to get out from under the alimony payment. 

This afternoon I made cookies for one of the Wilhelm kids. Zemira turns 13 today. When we took the cookies and a card over to them Zemira and Andy and Johnny were on horses and were headed for the hills to go camping. When James hands Zemira the cookies he says, "but I already had cookies today." Andy says: "That's okay, we can take them with us."!

I read from "To Win a Lady's Heart" to James and then walked while watching "Chopped Junior." I haven't watched "Chopped" for awhile and I forgot how much I enjoy it. These kids were really good chefs!

James did some roadwork on the Cat this afternoon until it died and he couldn't get it started. He thinks it may have a dead battery. He told the Judd's they could use it on Saturday to haul beams for their new house so we will have to go into town and take the battery and have it tested.

We sent out a temple cleaning email via the Relief Society and Elder's Quorum today. Hopefully that will get people's attention. James will also make phone calls until we get at least 15 people committed for Saturday evening. Our ward has this assignment every Memorial Day weekend.

The Pacific Northwest

Wish we could go back to these days!

 53 years

They are on a mission in Wyoming at
Martin's Cove right now.

 Pancakes!

Tuesday, May 21st, 2019

Atlanta, Georgia

21st operating temple

Dedicated: 1-4 June 1983

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

1 Nephi 11:7

And behold this thing shall be given unto thee for a sign, that after thou hast beheld the tree which bore the fruit which thy father tasted, thou shalt also behold a man descending out of heaven, and him shall ye witness; and after ye have witnessed him ye shall bear record that it is the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

Alma 3:20-4:4

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 21:12-22; 23:13-28 Mark 11:12-26 Luke 20:45-47

General Conference

Great Love for Our Father's Children

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"My purpose this morning is to emphasize the essential role of that kind of love in missionary work, temple and family history work, and home-centered, Church-supported family religious observance. Love of the Savior and love of our fellow men and women is the primary attribute and motive for ministering and the spiritual purposes we were charged to undertake by our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, in the adjustments announced in 2018."

I listened to the book webinar this morning and then bought all the books on my new Done For You ROI list. 

James and I started a new book today, "To Win a Lady's Heart." This one is on my phone but it isn't audio. I read the prologue and James says, "This is the story I told in the first talk I ever gave in church when I was 12 years old." Now that is something I didn't expect to hear, especially when it was about a guy killing his dog because he thought the dog had killed his baby daughter when the dog had actually saved the baby daughter from a wolf. He said the talk was about self-control and not making hasty decisions.

For lunch today James and I made chicken enchiladas with white sauce. They were quite delicious. I used an old recipe I got from Carol Ray.

This afternoon we did something we don't normally do in the afternoon, we sat down together and watched a western movie on the Hallmark Drama channel. It was a western starring Luke Perry who was a traveling judge helping a girl running away from a guy who was trying to kill her. The bad guy was Ricky Schroeder. 

It was sunny but windy today. It doesn't matter to me because I stayed indoors all day.