Wed, Oct 27th, 2021: Temple #73 Albuquerque, New Mexico: Errands, Unshaken, Panda, BigHorn Sheep in Greer, Scarlett, Ethan Ellsworth, Ander, Mesa Temple

 

Albuquerque, New Mexico

73rd operating temple

Dedicated: 5 Mar 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Redeemer

2 Nephi 2:6

Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 13:16-34

D&C

124:1-24

"Come Follow Me"

124:22-24, 60-61 The Lord wants me to welcome and accept others

OctGenCon

"Giving Holiness To The Lord"

Bishop L. Todd Budge

Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric

Sacrifice is less about "giving up" and more about "giving to" the Lord.

"Remember Thy Suffering Saints, O Our God"

Elder Anthony D. Perkins

Of the Seventy

Keeping covenants unlocks the power of Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice to provide strength and even joy to you who suffer.

The Living Christ

#3

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of HIs great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

Inklings

Follow the counsel of Elder Rasband and look for your own eight, nine, and ten.

Up at 4:18. After my study time and while waiting for the computer to start working I read a chapter from my book, "Written On Our Hearts."  This book is written by Emily Belle Freeman and consists of invitations from the Old Testament. In the book of Joshua the people of Israel went to war against all of the cities in the promised land. "As the Lord commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses" (Joshua 11:15). I like this book because the messages are short and to the point. I must leave nothing undone as I strive to keep the commandments of God.

I finished watching "Holiday Calendar" while working on my blog. Around 10:00 I left for town. James took his truck into town and filled up the gas can. When he got home he put gas in my car so I could make it into town.  I stopped at the bank and went inside to get cash for the November birthday's, Jared and Evan. Afterwards I drove on to the Circle K across from Walmart to get gas. When I got to Walmart I looked over and realized that my wallet was still out of my purse which normally means I have not put my credit card back. I was sure I had but I checked anyway and it's a good thing I did because it wasn't there. I looked in my back pocket and on the seat and on the floor. My credit card was nowhere to be found so I headed back to Circle K. I tried to check the pump I was at but someone else was using it so I went inside instead. I asked the cashier if anyone had found a credit card. She asked me my name and when I told her she handed me my card. She said I had left it in the pump. Wow! I didn't think you could pump gas with your card still in the pump. It's a wonder James and I survive. The Lord really does watch over us. 

I listened to about 1/3-1/2 of "Unshaken" for Come Follow Me. After doing my shopping at Walmart I stopped at Panda and picked up some chow mien bowls for James and I. I got the sesame chicken and I got James the walnuts and shrimp. James had made me a list of things to get at our local health food store, "Nature's Realm", so that was my next stop. I spent $165.00. Vitamins, and healthy supplements are expensive!

When I get home I walk and clean. James worked outside until it was time to come in and get ready for his elders quorum meeting which was at six at the church. While he's gone I clean the blinds in the dining room and kitchen, sweep and mop the kitchen floor, and put a new tablecloth on the dining room table. The missionaries are coming for dinner tomorrow night so I'm getting an early start. 

I watched a movie while walking. James and I finish "The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart" while I practice my lettering and while James and I both walk. We were in bed by 9:30. James holds me in his arms and says, "I adore you." What a nice way to go to sleep.

Tue, Oct 26th, 2021: Temple#72HermosilloSonora:SholobeatsBR, Charlie,Scarlett, Rain,Wind, Christmas movies, Susan Easton Black,Cooper, Amanda,Allen, Mummy Dogs,

Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

72nd operating temple

Dedicated: 27 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Redeemer

2 Nephi 1:15

But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 13:1-15

D&C

RIC: Organizing the Church in Nauvoo

"Come Follow Me"

124:12-21 I can be a disciple whom the Lord trusts

OctGenCon

"Trust Again"

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Trust in God and each other brings heaven's blessings.

The Living Christ

#2

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

Inklings

Affirmation

I am an infinite soul capable of holding many things because my Savior Jesus Christ is holding me. He values my divinity and so must I.

Rain makes feeding Luna difficult this morning. When James went in to get his radiation treatment this morning he forgot his wallet. I had told him to be sure and get gas in the car, but since he did not have his wallet he could not. When he got home the car said he could go another 20 miles which is probably not enough to get us back into town. Tomorrow he will take the truck and get some gas for my car so I can go grocery shopping.

I listened to "Follow Him" this morning with Hank, John, and Susan Easton Black. Susan is living the life I wanted if I had not married and had children. I always wanted to be a BYU professor of religion. She was the first woman hired in the religion department. She has taught religion over 30 years at BYU and written many books. She has served four missions in Nauvoo and has a home there which I think she just donated to the Church. She is an expert on Nauvoo and loves the "City of Joseph."

Have I mentioned that everyday when James comes home he fixes himself something to eat. The last few days it has been an olive omelet. How does that sound? He says he loves them. He uses green and black olives.

"Christmas Inheritance" turns out to be a good movie, one that I really liked. 

James is working outside on the cold and windy day. It only rained a little while and so James was able to work on filling the trenches. He had something break which was going to cost him $175 to replace. He went to Pierce and Pierce was able to fix it and of course, did not charge him a dime because that is the kind of man he is. He is kind and loves to do service.

This evening I watched "Santa Stakeout" starring Paul Campbell. He is one of my favorites, and I loved it. 'Tis the season of Christmas movies.

Walked, and caught up on my blog. I started a new audio book by Sarah Eden, "An Unlikely Match."

Missionary dinner?

Amanda & Allen

Horror night

Cooper!

Italy

 

Mon, Oct 25th, 2021: Temple#71 Ciudad Juarez Mexico: Sluggish day, not enough sleep, Steps, talk to Ginger, and DWTS and Blog are my accomplishments

 

Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico

71st operating temple

Dedicated: 26-27 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Redeemer

Revelation 5:9

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 12:25-48

D&C

Saints chapters 34 & 35

"Come Follow Me"

D&C 124 "A House Unto My Name"

OctGenCon

"The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation"

President Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Whenever any kind of upheaval occurs in your life, the safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants!

The Living Christ

#1

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

I got up at 4:02 by was exhausted before 8 a.m. I am going to have to make some adjustments to my schedule. Maybe it was because we didn't go to bed until 10:30 last night. 

I made a bit of a sham of my schedule today. I didn't clean, I didn't contact Dish about the Flex Plan. I didn't do finances, lettering, or shower. I did get 11,000 steps and that was my big accomplishment for the day. I watched "DWTS" Horror night while I walked. I did finish Saturday's blog entry and started Sundays but didn't finish.

I did not eat any sugar but I did eat alot of fried fruit and nuts. 

James worked in the trenches today. He keeps having equipment break down. He had to fill some of the trenches by hand, which takes forever. 

I did come up with a menu plan for the missionaries dinner on Thursday: Barbeque chicken sandwiches, scalloped potatoes, salad, and green beans. For dessert blueberry cheesecake crumble. Does that sound good?

Carmen's cake

Sun, Oct 24th, 2021: Temple#70 Kona, Hawaii: Bishop Ellsworth's death, Halcomb's, 15 conference quotes, Joshua's talk, "CFM" at Peeler's, luscious cheesecake

 

Kona, Hawaii

70th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-24 Jan 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Redeemer

Revelations 1:5

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 12:1-24

D&C

Review 121-123

"Come Follow Me"

Review "O God Where Art Thou?"

OctGenCon

"Personal Peace in Challenging Times"

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

It has never been more important to seek personal peace.

Restoration Proclamation

#9

With reverence and gratitude, we as His Apostles invite all to know - as we do - that the heavens are open. We affirm that God is making known His will for His beloved sons and daughters. We testify that those who prayerfully study the message of the Restoration and act in faith will be blessed to gain their own witness of its divinity and of its purpose to prepare the world for the promised Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Inklings

"The Things of My Soul"

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

2 Nephi 4:15-26; 1 Nephi 4:13;

1 Nephi 7:11; 1 Nephi 18:3;

1 Nephi 16:29; 2 Nephi 4:25-26

5:30, I slept in. After my prayers I began working on the lesson schedule for the next six months of Relief Society and Elder's Quorum. I began getting ready for church at 8:00. I gave James 10 copies of the schedule as he is conducting in Elder's quorum today. 

I had 20 copies for Relief Society only to find out Maxine had done that many copies too. We had plenty.

Sister DeWitt is back at church looking as good as ever! It was great to have her back in a little less than six weeks. She and Collin sat by us. 

The very sad news of the day is the death of Bishop Ellsworth, the bishop of the Show Low Creek ward. He went into the hospital for Covid a couple of days ago and passed away last night. He is not very old, probably in his early 50's. He is also Trenda's father-in-law, Emery's father. Sister Wilhelm gave the opening prayer and she had tears in her eyes. So very sad because he had young children still at home. Emery is the oldest. Sad because it was so unexpected.

Joshua gave a talk in their sacrament meeting today on sharing the gospel the Savior's way. He talked about Jared and Bowinton. Stacy said he would not let them look at his talk, he wrote it all himself and it was very good. He had Marvin in tears. I am so sad we were not able to hear it.

Our ward has a new Young Women's presidency: Sister Skousen, Sister Tesarek, and Sister Hunsaker. Sister Lauritzen was called as a Relief Society teacher which made me very happy. She is teaching today. Now we need one more teacher.  

Zemira was the youth speaker. He spoke on Elder Dunn's conference talk, "One Percent Better." Every effort to change we make - no matter how tiny it seems to us - just might make the biggest difference in our lives.

The Halcomb's spoke on general conference today. Catherine's talk was a challenge and quote from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. She found this in the Church News, and this was her talk:

1. Make time for the Lord

"My brothers and sisters, I plead with you to make time for the Lord! Make your own spiritual foundation firm and able to stand the test of time by doing those things that allow the Holy Ghost to be with you always. . . . Nothing will strengthen your spiritual foundation like temple service and temple worship."

-President Russell M. Nelson

"Make Time for the Lord"

2. Be steadfast in Church experiences

"Church attendance gives us the strength and enhancement of faith that comes from associating with other believers and worshipping together with those who are also striving to stay on the covenant path and be better disciples of Christ. I pray that we will all be steadfast in these Church experiences as we seek eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God."

- President Dallin H. Oaks

"The Need for a Church"

3. Ask God for faith

"Revelation comes to us in proportion to the degree to which we have sought to take the doctrine of Christ into our hearts and implement it in our lives. . . . I pray that you will ask Heavenly Father for the faith in Jesus Christ you need to make and keep the covenants that will allow the Holy Ghost to be your constant companion."

-President Henry B. Eyring

"The Faith To Ask and Then To Act"

4. Love and serve God and others

"How would you respond to the Savior's question 'Lovest thou me more than these?' As you consider this question, as I have done, I pray that you may answer as Peter did so long ago, 'Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee,' and then show it by loving and serving God and all those around you."

-President M. Russell Ballard

"Lovest Thou Me More Than These?"

5. Take up the cross of Christ

"Brothers and sisters, I pray we will succeed where that rich young man failed (Mark 10:17-22), that we will take up the cross of Christ, however demanding it may be, regardless of the issue and regardless of the cost, I bear witness that when we pledge to follow Him, the path will, one way or another, pass by way of a crown of thorns and a stark Roman cross."

- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"The Greatest Possession"

6. Strive for daily restoration

"We can navigate our way through the darkness and trials of this life and find our way back to our loving Heavenly Father if we seek and accept the spiritual landmarks He has provided, embrace personal revelation, and strive for daily restoration. This is how we become true disciples of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. As we do so, God will smile upon us."

- Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Daily Restoration"

7. Consider promised blessings to covenant-keepers

"I invite you to consider the blessings promised to covenant-keeping disciples of Jesus Christ. . . . I testify that the covenant people of the Lord today indeed are armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory. I have witnessed faith, courage, perspective, persistence and joy that extend far beyond mortal capacity - and that only God could provide."

Elder David A. Bednar

"With the Power of God in Great Glory"

8. Seek person peace

"Universal peace was not part of the Savior's initial mortal ministry. Universal peace does not exist today. However, personal peace can be achieved despite the anger, contention and division that blight and corrupt our world today. It has never been more important to seek personal peace."

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Personal Peace in Challenging Times"

9. Live so that God can rely on your love

"In acknowledging that God loves us perfectly, we each might ask: 'How well do I love God? Can He rely on my love as I rely on His?'

Would it not be a worthy aspiration to live so that God can loves us not just in spite of our failings but also because of what we are becoming?"

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"The Love of God"

10. Willingly follow the Lord's counsel

"The name of the Church is not negotiable,' President Nelson says. Let us go forward in faith. When we willingly follow the counsel of the Lord as revealed through His living prophet, especially if it runs counter to our initial thinking, requiring humility and sacrifice, the Lord blesses us with additional spiritual power and sends His angels to support us and stand by us."

- Elder Neil L. Andersen

"The Name of the Church Is Not Negotiable"

11. Identify things of your soul

"I close with an invitation for each of you to consider the seven 'things of my soul' I have shared today: Love God the Father and Jesus Christ, our Savior; love you neighbor; love yourself; keep the commandments; always be worthy of a temple recommend; be joyful and cheerful; and follow God's living prophet. I invite you to identify your own eight, nine and ten."

- Elder Ronald A. Ras band

"The Things of My Soul"

12. Keep the gospel simple

"May we keep the gospel simple as we take upon us our divinely appointed responsibilities: To live the gospel of Jesus Christ ... to care for those in need ... to invite all to receive the gospel ... and to unite families for eternity ....Doing so will surely bring joy and peace."

- Gary E. Stevenson

"Simply Beautiful - Beautifully Simple"

13. Put discipleship above all else

"My invitation is to be valiant in putting our love of God and discipleship of the Savior above all other considerations. Let us uphold the covenant inherent in our discipleship - the covenant to be one. ... I testify that as we 'shun contention' and become 'like-minded with the Lord in love and united with Him in faith,' His peace will be ours."

- Elder Dale G. Renlund

"The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity"

14. Look again for faith and trust

"Our life journeys are individual, but we can come again to God our Father and His Beloved Son through trust in God, each other and ourselves. . . . Dear brother, dear sister, dear friend, please look again for faith and trust - a miracle He promises you today."

- Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"Trust Again"

15. Be more understanding of others

I pray that we will become more long-suffering and understanding of others and that the Lord's mercy will, in perfect meekness, soothe our impatience with their imperfections. This is the Savior's invitation to us. I testify that He lives. He is the perfect model of merciful and patient discipleship."

- Elder Ulisses Soares

"The Savior's Abiding Compassion"

Kerri's talk was about her general impressions of conference:

We need to love more; God, Christ, others and myself. President Nelson: "Stay on the covenant path. Make time for the Lord each day, build a solid foundation on Jesus Christ. If we do this, we will have no fear. Make our homes like temples. Seek a companion you can be sealed to. Understand your temple covenants, part the veil and angels will attend. Be true to and review your temple covenants at home.

Home for lunch, nap, index, blog. James indexes, I blog. This evening we went to the Peeler's for "Come Follow Me." Everyone was there except the Crane's who have company. I shared my Temple/Prison picture and explanation. Donna made mini cheesecakes with cherries on top. They looked and were delicious.

Barbara B. and Donna

There was a gorgeous sunset this evening. We saw it before we went to the Peeler's. When we got back from the Peeler's we watched the new Hallmark Christmas movie, "You, Me, and the Christmas Tree."

I almost forgot a story Pierce told us before we started our lesson tonight. Vanessa H.'s ex-husband came in looking for her. He was drunk and sped out in his truck and ended up wrecking it. Bishop found him on his way home from church and told the Vernon fire department. He was caught under his air bag. I'm not sure what condition he is in now. Vanessa has re-married and moved with her new husband who joined the Church. They have been sealed in the temple along with her daughter and his son.

On her way to see Charlie

Tonight's sunset

Sabbath Day with Charlie