Sunday, September 22nd, 2019

Cordoba, Argentina

145th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 May 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Glory of

DC 45:67

And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 7:13-8:10

New Testament "God Loveth a Cheerful Giver" 2 Corinthians 8-13

Review

General Conference

Preparing for the Lord's Return

Elder D. Todd Christofferson
"This great and last dispensation is building steadily to its climax, Zion on earth being joined with Zion from above at the Savior's glorious return. The Church of Jesus Christ is commissioned to prepare, and is preparing, the world for that day. And so, this Easter, let us truly celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and all that it portends: His return to reign for a thousand years of peace, a righteous judgment and perfect justice for all, the immortality of all who ever lived upon this earth, and the promise of eternal life. Christ's Resurrection is the ultimate assurance that all will be put right. Let us be about building up Zion to hasten that day. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I just added some photos of Rowan at the Black River to yesterday's post.

Nicolette Gardner was our first speaker today in sacrament meeting. Her topic was preparing to receive answers at General Conference.  There are different ways to hear the Lord. One of those ways is through His apostles and prophets. The Lord wants to teach us. We need to formulate questions and then listen for answers. We need to be ready to receive personal revelation. We must learn the art of ministering to others. We need to listen with "real intent" as President Oaks asked us to do last week. We need to learn the language of the Spirit. God probably speaks to us more often than we think. Pray and listen. Jesus Christ walks with you and loves you. 

"Because I Have Been Given Much" This is one of my favorite hymns!

Tom Howard was the last speaker. Jean came today to hear him speak. The theme of his talk was receiving answers to our prayers. 

The Father is aware of us, knows our needs, and will help us perfectly. Isaiah 6:1-13. Holy, holy, holy. God is clean and pure. 

H is for Harnessing your thoughts.

O is for Obedience.

L is for Love. 

Y is for Yielding our hearts to God.

The Lord looks on the heart. He can make weak things become strong. Ephesians 3:14-19: 'For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heave and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.' Through our Lord Jesus Christ we can be strengthened, comforted, and feel peace that passeth all understanding.

Becky taught the lesson in Relief Society based on Brother Callister's talk, "The Atonement of Jesus Christ." It was fun having Trina sit by me. Lola went to James's class with Ruby. 

We had a wonderful discussion on how the Atonement of Jesus Christ has helped us in our lives. Some people shared some very personal things and Becky was a great discussion leader.

On the way home from church James told me that Brother Allen shared with him that Rusty had shot an elk on or near our property yesterday. I thought you couldn't hunt on private property. I guess you have to have No Hunting signs posted. Well, we are going to get some and post them!

When we got home from our meetings Darrel and Trina were playing a game with their kids. I changed my clothes and came in and fixed waffles for all of the kids. They had a choice of butter, syrup, fresh strawberries, Coolwhip and whipped cream. I fixed myself one and had everything on mine except for whipped cream.

Addy, Trina and I played Five Crowns. I won!

After we were finished with our game it was time for our guests to get ready to go home. They got to FaceTime with Charlie before they left which was a real treat!

While waiting for everyone to get ready I played "Pin the tail on Lola" before they left with the cat tail Lola had for her Moonlight cat costume. 

Ro says he wants to live here. I think he really wants to go hunting with James the next time he goes. Darrel will take him fishing but not hunting.

We sure do love this family!

James and Sean Hunsaker went to give Sister Dye a blessing this afternoon. She had her eyes closed and was just lying there very quietly. When James took her hand she looked at him and put his hand on her heart. It made James feel so good that she recognized him. Sean gave her the blessing but did not say she would be made well. She has suffered another stroke.

I was in a coloring mode because of the girls and decided to finish coloring my butterfly. It was very relaxing.

This evening we listened to David and Emma give the next "Come Follow Me" lesson. I also listened to "The Power of Teaching" doing the same lesson on Galatians but it was totally different.

 Scarlett in her Sunday best

 Charlie in her Sunday best

Saturday, September 21st, 2019

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Glory of

DC 45:46

 Wherefore, if ye have slept in peace blessed are you for as you now behold me and know that I am, even so shall ye come unto me and your souls shall live, and your redemption shall be perfected; and the saints shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 7:1-12

New Testament 2 Corinthians 8-13 "God Loveth a Cheerful Giver"

2 Corinthians 13

General Conference

Great Love for Our Father's Children

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"I promise that as we focus on our love for the Savior and His Atonement, make Him the centerpiece of our efforts to gather Israel on both sides of the veil, minister to others, and individually prepare to meet God, the influence of the adversary will be diminished and the joy, delight, and peace of the gospel will magnify our homes with Christlike love. I testify of these doctrinal promises and bear a sure witness of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice in our behalf, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Before Darrel and Rowan left this morning Darrel told us about Rowan's football team. They won the season play and are now playing on Monday in the tournament for the championship. They play Willis Jr. High, Firebirds and Eastmark is also the Firebirds so it's the Firebirds against Firebirds. Stacy and Kim both went to Willis so I told Rowan I wasn't sure which Firebirds I would be cheering for. I , of course, was just kidding! Rowan has been moved up to first string tackle on defense. You can tell how proud Darrel is.

Another story Darrel told this morning about a guy named Mr. Smith who paid off all of the student loans at Morehouse College, not only for the students but for the parents too. This amounted to 34 million dollars but that's ok because he's worth 6 billion.

James heard an elk answering him this morning so he disappeared for awhile. 

James forgot to set the mousetraps outside last night but he still caught two mice in his bucket trap.

Two more bulls are calling and James says to me: "I've had three bulls answer me this morning honey."

Darrel and Rowan left this morning and they took big Bertha. I hope they have a great day. James didn't go. He stayed home and worked outside on railings. Here are photos of some of the fish Rowan caught.

Trina had a leo photoshoot this morning with Lola and Ruby. Lola was a kitty and Ruby was a witch.

 Esmerelda and her kitty, Moonlight

 Moonlight is both fierce,

 and gentle.

 She's quite a charmer too.

 Good witch Esmeralda

Trina said that today was one of the most relaxing days that she has had in a long time. 

Addy made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. I made rolls and minestrone soup for lunch and chicken enchiladas and refried beans for dinner.

All the kids had a Dilly bar. Some had chocolate and some had cherry. We did puzzles, colored, and watched highlights from "Dancing with the Stars." 

We went for a walk and we were going to go to the 911 Commemorative BBQ at the park but some people didn't want to go. We soon came to realize none of us really wanted to go because we did not want to have to change our clothes and get ready to go.

We read Church magazines and wondered why there are chickens on the front of this month's Ensign and New Era. We started talking about chickens and Addy looked them up on the internet and found out that there is someone who makes diapers for chickens so people can have them as pets and bring them into their houses. Now Addy says she wants a pet chicken. I think she's just kidding, at least I hope she is.

Darrel came home in time to watch part of the ASU game and to play games with the kids and Trina. 

We also watched the first two episodes of the new Hallmark series, "When Hope Calls."

I got 10,007 steps today.

James showing Rowan some fish photos.

 Addy worked on the St. Basil's church puzzle.

St Basil's is a church in Russia.

Two gorgeous girls!

Friday, September 20th, 2019

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

143rd operating temple

Dedicated: 4 May 2014

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Glory of

DC 45:16

And I will show it plainly as I showed it unto my disciples as I stood before them in the flesh, and spake unto the, saying: As ye have asked of me concerning the signs of my coming, in the day when I shall come in my glory in the clouds of heaven, to fulfil the promises that I have made unto your fathers,

Book of Mormon

Helaman 6:32-41

New Testament 2 Corinthians "God Loveth a Cheerful Giver"

2 Corinthians 12

General Conference

Christ: The Light that Shines in Darkness

Sharon Eubank

"I testify you are beloved. The Lord knows how hard you are trying. You are making progress. Keep going. He sees all your hidden sacrifices and counts the to your good and the good of those you love. Your work is not in vain. You are not alone. His very name, Emmanuel, means 'God with us.' He is surely with you."

Dave Elkin is our new, rich neighbor. He has a 10,000 dollar horse that he bought in Canada and he is supposed to bring it up this weekend. He is a roper and he must be a fisherman too because he wanted to know where Alex caught all of his fish.

James went outside this morning and said: "I caught 3 mice outside, 1 in the bucket."

We went to the temple today. Our goal was to make it to the 10:30 endowment session. We didn't leave until 9:30 because of me. James had to speed most of the way, but we made it to the session. I arrived in the endowment room before James did which is highly unusual. I learned afterwards that he forgot to put his white pants in his suitcase. He normally hangs them up with his suitcoat after working in the temple. He opened the door to his stall and said to one of the brothers who was working there: "I'm afraid I can't go to the session. I have no pants." The brother hurried and found him some pants and he was able to make the session. We were both in the back row of a completely full session.

I had stomach cramps throughout the session which took away from my enjoyment. When we got to the celestial room we both said a prayer and then we left. 

I think my stomach cramps are a result of a capsule I am taking called, Miracle Tea. The capsules contain the following: Persimmon leaves, marshmallow leaves, (didn't know they had leaves), malva leaves, lactobacillus acidophillus, and aloe vera gel extract. They are a cleansing compound.

After having some lunch and a Dilly bar I sat down in the recliner for a rest. Before I knew it James had brought me another Dilly bar. I guess he didn't see that I had already had one. This one had the stick taken out and was covered in caramel sauce and roasted pecans. We called it a "Dilly Deluxe."

I took a nap, walked, and read from "Aunt Dimity's Christmas."

I swept and mopped the kitchen and swept the wood floor and dusted. Darrel, Trina and the kids are coming tonight so I also went upstairs and made sure everything was clean, including the toilets,  and that there were no dead bugs in the bathtub. I rotated reading 20 minutes, walking 20 minutes, and cleaning 20 minutes every hour. It keeps things more interesting that way.

James was rather disappointed because he did not see any bull elk this evening. Instead of looking for elk James cleaned up outside and began sealing the railings. He also got his fishing stuff out as Darrel and Rowan are coming to go to the Black River.

Darrel and family got here after 10. We were already in bed and I believe they went straight to bed. 

Happy Birthday Kacey!

 Deb is my cousin Randy's wife.

Randy has stage 4 brain cancer.

Thursday, September 19th, 2019

Gilbert, Arizona 

142nd operating temple

Dedicated: 2 March 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Glory of
DC 45:44
And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come; and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shal be cut off.
Book of Mormon
Helaman 6:15-31
New Testament 2 Corinthians 8-13 "God Loveth a Cheerful Giver"
2 Corinthians 11

General Conference

Abound with Blessings

Elder Dale G. Renlund

 "I invite you to faithfully activate heavenly power to receive specific blessings from God. Exercise the faith to strike the match and light the fire. Supply the needed oxygen while you patiently wait on the Lord. With these invitations, I pray that the Holy Ghost will guide and direct you so that you, like the faithful person described in Proverbs, will 'abound with blessings.' I testify that your Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, live, are concerned with your welfare, and delight to bless you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

James went out this morning looking for the "big" elk but he had no luck. He was gone nearly two hours. He thought because he was so close last night that he would bed down close by. I guess that's why this elk has lived so long, because he does the unexpected.

When James got home we had scriptures and prayer and then he went to check his mousetraps. 

I was going to watch the book webinar this morning but they had technical difficulties and cancelled.

I walked 2,000 steps while listening to Elder Renlund's talk. Then I blogged while listening to " The Sifting" by Elray Christiansen.

I must mention here something that James does everyday. He gets up and always makes our bed, unless I'm still in it. A year or so ago we decided that would be his "chore" and I would empty the kitchen trash. It has worked out wonderfully for me. I so love the fact that my bed is always made and I didn't have to make it!

I decided on what my three meals would be this coming week. I always try to plan on making three nice meals and then eating leftovers and eating out once a week. This coming week our meals will be: Chicken enchiladas with white sauce, pork chops with stuffing, and minestrone soup with rolls.

We went to town this afternoon. Our first stop was LaCasita for lunch. Because I am trying to lose some weight I ordered an enchilada without rice or beans. It was difficult because I love their beans and rice.

James dropped me off at Walmart while he dropped my book shipment off at UPs and then went to Lowes. 

On the way home we stopped at Dairy Queen and got two boxes of Dilly bars, one cherry and one chocolate because Darrel's family is coming up this weekend.

About six o'clock this evening James calls to me from upstairs:

"Karen, that bull is in the same spot again! Such excitement!

 I know these are videos but I don't know how

to post videos on here. The pictures

are still adorable!

 My kind of gingerbread house!

 This is for our friend Alice who

is a firefighter.