Sunday, July 24th, 2022: Jameson's speak in church, Rosie teaches about family history & temple work, Rain, Charlie, Molly, Scarlett, Jared, Autumn, Palmer

 

Praia Cape Verde

173rd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 June 2022

By: Neil L. Andersen

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 38:3

I am the same which spake, and the world was made, and all things came by me.

Book of Mormon

D&C 38:1-15

9 And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.

"Come Follow Me"

FSS & FHE

AprGenCon

"The Power Of Spiritual Momentum"

President Russell M. Nelson

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

We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying. Positive spiritual momentum will keep us moving forward amid the fear and uncertainty created by pandemics, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and armed hostilities. Spiritual momentum can help us withstand the relentless, wicked attacks of the adversary and thwart his effort to erode our personal spiritual foundation.

It rained off and on during the night making the morning cool and nice.

Kathy Crane needed a ride to church so James took the toilet he bought for the Peeler's out of my car and put it in the truck. That was not an easy task!

The Jameson's spoke in sacrament meeting today. They have six children the oldest being 16. She actually bore her testimony and then played the violin. Her name is Abigail but she goes by Abby.

Jeanette Jameson spoke first. She goes by Jeanie and is pretty amazing. She lives with her husband and six children, the youngest being two, in a camper.   She is musical and has been called to play the piano in Primary. Her talk was based on Elder Renlund's conference address given in the women's session of General Conference. The name of the talk is: "Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny" and is based on the Young Women's Theme. You are a child of God. We have heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them. Reason cannot replace revelation. We have a divine nature and an eternal destiny. 

Abby played the violing and her mother accompanied her on the piano. 

Devin Jameson - Devin and Jeanie met when they were both counselors at Anasazi, a wilderness experience for young people with addictions. They lived in Utah 11 years, and in the valley and now here in Vernon. They love Vernon. Devin has some disappointments as a child and ended up living on the street and had addictions for 10 years when a returned missionary took him under his wings and got him back into the gospel. He is very grateful for all of the blessings he now enjoys. Devin's talk was based on Elder Cook's conference address, "Conversion to the Will of God." 

What is Heavenly Father's will for me? To return to Him. Is Jesus divine? Is the Book of Mormon the word of God and is Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration? I turned my life from darkness to the light. We each knew each other before, an old native American legend. We need to share love, kindness, joy, and the gospel with others. We must gather Israel.

I conducted Relief Society today and had all of the visitors introduce themselves. There were quite a few. I saw Kim Tarwater at the end of sacrament meeting but neither she nor Tammy Montgomery attended Relief Society.

Cheryl Sedig announced the next Relief Society activity on August 9th. She also handed out invitations, "Everything Canning With Wendy DeWitt." Meats, vacuum sealing and jar cakes. Get your questions answered and get motivated! 

Cheryl shared that she went on YouTube and watched all of Wendy's videos and went out and bought the canner Wendy recommended. Cheryl canned 200 jars of meat, nuts, etc. I was blown away by the 200 jars of meat and very impressed!

Rosie Lauritzen taught our lesson today. It was based on Elder Gong's talk, "We Each Have a Story." This was what the chalk board looked like:

Lots of people shared family history and temple stories. Willie's sister shared the experience in the temple yesterday after Janna and Willie's sealing and how their parents were sealed and then she and Willie were sealed to them. 

I was inspired today in two ways. One was that I need to get more serious and organized about food storage and the other; I need to get more serious and organized about family history research. Two big goals that I have.

Kathy came home with us because Chuck and Gary went to visit a new family in the ward, the Tunzer's.

We had the last of Rosa's tamales for lunch. James doesn't usually like tamales but he loves these because they have lots of meat. 

The electricity was off for over an hour again today. We had lots of thunder, lightning and rain this afternoon. In spite of the weather James met up with Dave Westbrook and they went to visit the Snyder's. Cody was home but LeeAnn left to go babysit for Cody's sister who is pregnant and having some problems. Cody stayed because of the ministering appointment with James and Dave. They talked to him about how to give his sister a blessing so it was a good visit. His sister nor any of Cody's family are members of the Church.

I texted Rita today to find out how she and Aunt Gene are doing. This is the message I got back from Rita:

We came down to the valley at the end of May to babysit for Gena and she hurt her back somehow and had to go to the ER. She stayed there for 3 or 4 nights, then we moved her to a Rehab in Gilbert. She's had everything go wrong that you can imagine.  Pneumonia 3 times, UTI twice, gout, and Cdiff. (Not sure what that last one is).

She is fighting to try and get back home. She isn't quite ready but has to be out of here by Aug 4th so we're probably going to put her in an assisted living place in Queen Creek. This is so sad to me.

James and I watched "Picture a Perfect Christmas" starring Merrit Patterson and Jon Cor. Jon Cor reminds me of Devin Jameson. I also watched "Angel Falls Christmas" starring Jessica Loudes and Chad Michael Murry. Here is a quote from this movie from one angel to another: "The ultimate act of love is, to put aside pride, giving everything to the other person."

Kaeli and her kids attended our ward today.

Sheri and friend

 

Saturday, July 23rd, 2022: Temple Shift, Grombach sealing, Pioneer Days in Snowflake, Kim & Brian gone, back to town, antelope,

 

Yigo, Guam

172nd operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2022

By: David A. Bednar

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 133:2

The Lord who shall suddenly come to his temple; the Lord who shall come down upon the world with a curse to judgment; yea, upon all the nations that forget God, and upon all the ungodly among you.

Book of Mormon

Alma 37:26-47

9 Yea, I say unto you, were it not for these things that these records do contain, which are on these plates, Ammon and his brethren could not have convinced so many thousands of the Lamanites of the incorrect tradition of their fathers; yea, these records and their words brought them unto repentance; that is, that brought them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and to rejoice in Jesus Christ their Redeemer.

10 And who knoweth but what they will be the means of bringing many thousands of them, yea, and also many thousands of our stiffnecked brethren, the Nephites, who are now hardening their hearts in sin and iniquities, to the knowledge of their Redeemer?

"Come Follow Me"

Review and Book of Mormon Central

AprGenCon

"Teaching Self-Reliance To Children And Youth"

Elder Hugo E. Martinez

Of the Seventy

How can we teach the doctrine and principles of self-reliance to our children and youth? One important way is to regularly apply the principles of the Children and Youth program. Parents and children learn the gospel of Jesus Christ, participate in service and activities, and work together in four areas of personal development that are unique for each child. It is no longer the same prescribed program for all.

Today is our last day as temple workers. It is bittersweet. I will miss the people I work with, and listening to President Seaman share spiritual experiences in our preparation meeting.

The Frie's did not show up to work in the baptistry so although they weren't scheduled to preside or work, President Seaman came in and became the baptismal coordinator. He also came upstairs and joined in a prayer circle when there were not enough patrons in the session. I stood beside him in that prayer circle. 

Kim Seaman helped in initiatory, did a session, and helped wherever she was needed. We had lots of substitutes today because of the Pioneer celebration. 

The highlight of the day was Willie and Janna's sealing with President Toronto officiating. It was so wonderful. After Willie and Janna were sealed his parents were sealed and then he and his sister were sealed to their parents. I have never seen this done in a live sealing before but Sister Toronto says it happens quite often. 

Those who attended the sealing that I knew:

Pat Tedder and Ralph Sedig were the witnesses. Pierce sat by an "old friend" a woman. Sean, Stefani, Bishop, and Alicia Hunsaker, Cody and LeeAnn Snyder, Jon and Linda Finnell, Michelle Tesarek, Becky Skousen, Ralph and Cheryl Sedig, Al and Sally Sedig, Greg and Kim Anderson, Pete and Chris Whipple. Willie's sister, niece and her husband and daughter. There were others whom I did not know.

As I hugged Janna she said, "None of this could have happened without you guys." 

I saw another member of our ward in the temple today, Katie Hahn.

My last assignment was the Celestial room. I will always remember this. Workers I am going to miss: Elmers, both Hamblin couples, Dean and Elwanda Reidhead, Scott and Jeanie Gentry. They were not here today as Jeanie is recovering from eye surgery. The Farr's, Cureton's, Wilkins, Heidi Howcroft, and Darolyn DeWitt. I will miss seeing Sister Flake and Brother Webb, our returned missionaries holding hands. Hopefully we will use the time we would be working in the temple to do family history research. I want my friend Maxine to come over and show me how she gets so many names.

I had some dizziness today, probably from taking 3 Tramadol's and not eating enough. We stopped at Sonic on the way home where I got a drink and a chicken slider. After eating I immediately felt better. 

There was rain all throughout the area today. Ours didn't come until after dark. Kim and Brian left earlier today and took a picture on the front porch for me. 

Our electricity went off this afternoon so we headed back to town. James had to pick up a toilet to take to the Peeler's on Monday. While he was in Lowe's I walked around the parking lot. When I said goodbye to Kim Seaman today she told me she had always loved me and that she loved Dennis too. They had their 50th high school reunion last night and she visited with him a few minutes. She said he had a great wife and I agreed. I called Dennis and Denise and Denise said she works with the Seaman's daughter Kirsten at the hospital. That is so weird that Kim has a daughter named Kirsten. I had a little girl in my class when I taught school named Kirsten and that was almost Stacy's name. I was afraid if I named her Kirsten people would call her Kursten.

Back at home James's truck was dead. He charged it and asked if I wanted to go for a ride on the mountain to charge it. I'm glad I went because we saw these cute guys:

Antelope are my favorite. They are so curious and you can

almost always get a good picture.

Friday, July 22nd, 2022: Endowment session with Grombach's, Darrel picks up Rowan, Kim's puzzle, Brian's biscuits and sausage gravy,

 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

171st operating temple

Dedicated: 8 May 2022

By: Gary E. Stevenson

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 36:8

I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I will suddenly come to my temple. Even so. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 37:11-25

11 Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me; therefore I shall forbear.

12 And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved for a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God; for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round. 

"Come Follow Me"

Ezra 7 Nehemiah 8 "I am blessed when I study the scriptures."

Nehemiah 4-5

AprGenCon

"To Heal The World"

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

 The Prophet Joseph Smith stated:

"I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the ... Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves.

"It is a love of liberty that inspires my soul - civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race."

James and Rowan went to Thompson's this morning to work. James came back before 8 but he left Rowan there. We are going to the temple with the Grombach's today who are receiving their endowments in the 9:30 session. Greg Anderson will bring Rowan back here where Darrel is coming to pick him up. James left Rowan a check for $350. 

The 9:30 session was almost full. There were several ward members besides us there: Bishop, Alicia, and Stefani Hunsaker, Pat (Janna's mom), Gary and Maxine Thompson, Chris and Becky Skousen, Ralph and Cheryl Sedig, Al and Sally Sedig, and Michelle Tesarek.

An old friend from high school, Pete Whipple and his wife Chris were there. Pete is Janna's uncle.

We gave both Willie and Janna a hug in the celestial room and they were so grateful to us for teaching them about the temple. Willie had tears in his eyes. They are such an awesome couple.

We stopped at Sonic on the way home and when we got home Brian had made sausage gravy and biscuits. I had to have some...delicious.

James and I took a couple of pieces of cake over to the Thompson's. I had made this cake for Maxine's birthday, but the curd had not turned out so that's why I took them a piece.

Kim finished her puzzle today. Well actually it's my puzzle but she is the first one to put it together so she has somewhat of a claim on it.

I loved this puzzle so much I told Kim to leave it on the table under the flower centerpiece.

We enjoyed the sunset on the front porch with Kim and Brian, although the sunset was not photo worthy. Earlier we enjoyed watching a couple of squirrels on the grass in the backyard. Kim and Brian brought Harkins popcorn, the already popped in a bag, and it is the best!  

Christmas movie, "May Your Days Be Merry". Quote: "Don't borrow trouble from tomorrow. Each day has trouble enough of its' own."

Catherine Halcomb sent me the address for the Grapp's in Ohio. Now I need to decide if I am going to send the letter I wrote to Thomas.

Is this true Kacey?

Citrus Honey

Thursday, July 21st, 2022: Thompson's Greg Anderson, Rowan, and James, Orange Almond Poppyseed cake with Kim, Spaghetti for Ro and Ruby, Charlie

 

Pocatello, Idaho

170th operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Nov 2021

By: M. Russell Ballard

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 35:27

Fear not, little flock, the kingdom is yours until I come. Behold, I come quickly. Even so. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 36:25-37:10

25 Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors;

26 For because of the word which he has imparted unto me, behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of these things of which I have spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God.

"Come Follow Me"

Ezra 4-6; Nehemiah 2; 4; 6. "I can help the work of God advance despite opposition." Nehemiah 1-2

AprGenCon

"For God So Loved Us"

Elder Michael T. Ringwood

Of the Seventy

Many years later, Judah and his brothers needed to take their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt. Initially their father resisted. But Judah made a promise to Jacob - he would bring Benjamin home.

In Egypt, Judah's promise was put to the test. Young Benjamin was wrongly accused of a crime. Judah, true to his promise, offered to be jailed in Benjamin's place. "For," he said, "how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me?"
Judah was determined to keep his promise and return Benjamin safely. Do you ever feel about others the way Judah felt toward Benjamin?

James and Rowan left to work at Thompson's early this morning. Back at home Kim and I started our cake around 11 a.m. We had finished the batter and put it in the oven and were working on the curd when we realized that the curd needed to be in the refrigerator for 4 hours. We wish we had made the curd yesterday or at least made it first today. Oh well, I guess we are in no hurry. 

Brian made chicken fettucini alfredo this afternoon. Brian and Kim eat one big meal a day, around 2 p.m. Brian makes homemade alfredo sauce and it is delicious! I ate with them. James wasn't here so he missed out.

Kim and I finished our cake in the late afternoon, just before I started dinner. 

When the cake was finished we had some orange curd left over. It was soo good, I used it as additional frosting on my piece. Delicious!

James took Ruthie Wilhelm her birthday gift this evening when he was told she would be home. No one was home so he left it on the porch. Hopefully Ruthie will get it. Today is her 12th birthday.

Happy Birthday Ruthie!

James had told me he would get the oil changed in my car today but it turns out he was too busy working at Thompson's. I was a little disappointed. Now he will have to do it tomorrow after we go to the temple.  

I asked Rowan earlier if he would like spaghetti for dinner and he said yes, so I made him some. He filled his entire plate. I did not take a picture of him eating his spaghetti but I have one of Ruby eating spaghetti here a few years ago.

One of my favorites!

I was tired by the time this day came to an end. James and I walked and listened to our book, but I was lucky to get my 10,000 steps.