Friday, October 21st, 2022: Barbara B's job, Hillsdale lecture, MIchael Wilcox, Swollen foot, Blog, Netflix & nap, potstickers for dinner, work in bathroom, Countdown to Christmas begins

 

Adelaide, Australia

89th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 130:16-17

16 I was left thus, without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether I should die and thus see his face.

17 I believe the coming of the Son of Man will not be any sooner than that time.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 10:1-19

"Come Follow Me"

Lamentations 1; 3 The Lord can relieve the sorrow we experience because of sin. Lamentations 1

OctGenCon

"His Yoke Is Easy and His Burden Is Light"

Sister J. Anette Dennis

First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

Let us remember that each person on this earth is a child of God and He loves each one.

 James and I had prayer before he left to work at Barbara's. 

While he was gone I listened to the next lecture in the Hillsdale course I am taking. This one is called, "The Rise of Tribal Politics."

While I was blogging I listened to "Follow Him." S. Michael Wilcox was the guest this week. I love him. He talked about Jeremiah being a political prophet and how no one listened to him. He quoted Confuscius:

"Only when personal life is cultivated, the family will be regulated. Only when family is regulated that state will be in order. And when the state is in order there will be peace in the world."

I blogged for Monday, Tuesday, and started Wednesday and needed a break. I went into the family room and turned on Netflix. They had some Christmas movies listed, most were ones I had seen. I turned on The Princess Switch starring Vanessa Hudgeons. I began watching it and fell asleep through most of it. I watched the next one in the series and that's what I was doing when James came in. Three Vanessa Hudgeons is a bit much. She plays three characters in this second movie. 

James made us some potstickers for dinner and then went in to work in the bathroom. I thought I was getting better but I am feeling so tired and achy this evening and my left foot is still swollen.

Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas starts today. I watched the newest Christmas movie , "Noel Next Door." It was cute and I liked it. 

I sent out my last Relief Society email regarding Sunday's lesson. We are discussing President Nelson's talk, "Overcome the World and Find Rest." 

Thursday, October 21st, 2022: Cold&cough hanging on, Jiffy Lube fiasco, Chicken Slinger, Hillsdale lecture, blog, Inklings, Daily Alaskan, Left foot swollen,

 

Fukuoka, Japan

88th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 130:14-15

I was once praying very earnestly to know the time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard a voice repeat the following:

Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man; therefore let this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 9:1-22

"Come Follow Me"

Jeremiah 36 The scriptures have power to turn me away from evil.

Jeremiah 36

OctGenCon

"Lifted Up upon the Cross"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

To be a follower of Jesus Christ, one must sometimes carry a burden and go where sacrifice is required and suffering is inevitable.

I just can't shake this cough! It is so annoying.

James went to town to get the oil changed in his truck. Walmart just reopened their auto center and there was an hour wait. He asked how much it would cost and was quoted $64.95. He called Jiffy Lube and they quoted him $74.95 for his truck. He figured that ten dollars difference was okay. When he got to Jiffy Lube they told him that was only an estimate and that it would cost $113.95. He told them to go ahead and do it but this would be the last time he would come here and he was going to tell his friends about his experience. He also wrote them an unfavorable review. 

This time he brought me home a drink and a chicken Slinger. 

I cancelled my appointment for tomorrow with Barnet-Delaney-Perkins. Rescheduled for the 28th.

I listened to the next lecture in my Hillsdale course, "Illegal Immigration and the Loss of National Soverignty." I also blogged three and a half days. Still not getting my steps. My left foot is actually swelling and it is difficult to walk. It is itchy and painful. 

John Hilton III was on Inklings with Emily today. We are discussing Elder Holland's talk, "Lifted Up upon the Cross." Brother Hilton wrote a book, "Considering the Cross." Elder Holland actually quoted something from John's book in his talk. I started listening to the book before watching Inklings. I found it interesting that Constantine actually received a heavenly message that he was to use the cross as the symbol for his army. 

James and I were having scriptures this evening when I got a call from Pierce. I had James answer it. He wants to come over to issue me a release. I had about 15 minutes to get myself presentable. 

Pierce issued my release and thanked me for my service. He then gave me a hug. I told him I was sick and didn't want him to get sick but that didn't stop him. He told us about getting married on Saturday and having a brief honeymoon in Greer at his bride's request. I am glad he is so happy.

James and I watched the next episode of "The Daily Alaskan" before going to bed. 

Little Lola

Wednesday, October 19th, 2022: Cancelled AARA infusion reschedule for 10/31, Thompson's, Barbara Bartels, J's trip to town, Inklings, HIllsdale College

 

San Jose, Costa Rica

87th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 68:11

And unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the signs of the coming of the Son of Man;

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 8:5-25

"Come Follow Me"

Jeremiah 31:31-34; 32: 37-42 "They shall be my people and I will be their God." Jeremiah 33

OctGenCon

Drawing Closer to the Savior

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Seeking to know and love the Savior, we separate ourselves from the world through covenants with God, being distinct, uncommon, and special, without isolating ourselves from others who believe differently.

James went to Thompson's this morning. Something about the block being too big. He then came home and got the Cat and drove it over to Barbara's. A couple hours later he called me and asked if I could come and get him because the Cat died. He came home, had some lunch and took a nap. After his nap he went to town to pick up a prescription. When he left he asked me if he could get me anything. I told him something to help my throat feel better. 

When James got home he brought me a drink from Sonic. I said, "What, no Slinger?" He said, "I thought you couldn't eat it because of your throat." I should have known if I wanted a Slinger I have to be very specific and ask for it. 

I actually finished four blogposts today, but that is about all I did. I still don't feel like walking or doing much of anything else.

This evening I listened to Emily's grace fireside. I also ordered the workbook from Deseret Book. I also listened to Hillsdale College lecture "The Disappearing Middle Class." I am learning so much from this series. 

James worked in the bathroom on the drywall again tonight. This running the cable for Starlink has turned out to be quite a project. I will just be glad when he is finished so there won't be any more messes. I also need to finish painting in our bedroom.  As long as I feel like I do now I won't be getting much of anything done. 

I actually went to bed in our bed tonight. I think it made James happy.

Tuesday, October 18th, 2022: Do nothing day, J&G Globe, Declining of Citizenship in America - Disapperaing Middle Class, DWTS-Prom night Joe goes home

 

Montreal, Quebec

86th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 64:23

Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at His coming.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 7:15-8:4

"Come Follow Me" 

Jeremiah 30-31; 33 The Lord will bring Israel out of captivity and gather them.

OctGenCon

Courage to Proclaim the Truth

Elder Denelson Silva

Of the Seventy

Once we learn the truth, the Lord gives us the opportunity to do what He would do if He were here today.

James and Greg left for Globe this morning. It was a recovery, do nothing day for me because I felt so lousy. I finished watching "The Spirit of Christmas" starring Jen Lilley. I took naps and watched movies most of the day. I was pretty miserable. I am so tired of coughing.

One of the first things I did today was text my friend Ruth Gale to tell her I would not be able to keep our date at the temple today. We have a standing date on the third Tuesday of the month to attend the 3:30 endowment session. I was sad to do this because I always look forward to seeing Ruth and to going to the temple.  

I listened to the next lecture in "The Decline of Citizenship in America", The Disappearing Middle Class. 

When James got home we read our scriptures together and then read two chapters from our book, "The Bachelor and the Bride." I have given up trying to walk until I start feeling better. I am too achy and cough too much right now. 

Second night of "Dancing with the Stars" this week. Tonight was prom night and a dance-a-thon to determine who is prom king and queen. Allen and Jesse James Decker won the dance-a-thon. 

Heidi and Artem and Joe and Danielle were the bottom two. The judges voted to save Heidi and Artem so Joe and Danielle went home. I was a little sad because I thought Joe was doing really well. I want Vinnie to go home!

I slept on the recliner in the family room again tonight.

Now we will need to paint our

bathroom.

Maddie posted this picture. She said she

was homesick and this picture brought her joy.

Taylor and Hailey's birthdays are on the same day

Monday, October 17th, 2022: Bad dream, Crane's bring us food, Also tacos from town, J's Dr. appt. gastrointestinal, Paid for apples, DWTS-Selma Blair leaves, Hillsdale College

 

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Son of man

JS-Matthew 1:36

And, as I said before, after the tribulation of those days, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken, then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory;

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 7:1-14

"Come Follow Me"

Jeremiah 30-33; 36; Lamentations 1:3 "I Will Turn Their Mourning Into Joy" Jeremiah 30-31

OctGenCon

"Are You Still Willing?"

Elder Kevin W. Pearson

Of the Seventy

Our willingness to follow Jesus Christ is directly proportionate to the amount of time we commit to be in holy places.

I had a bad dream while sleeping on the recliner in the family room. I dreamed a big lynx like cat go into our house and was in the room with me. After I was awake for a few seconds I realized that it was a bad dream.

I tried to stay on my schedule today but it just wasn't going to happen. I am still sick with flu-like, cold symptoms. A cough and achiness in my bones. 

James was home today but he was very busy. He went in to town and brought me back two tacos from Aliberto's, one beef and one chicken. He had a doctor's appointment with his gastro-intestinal doctor and came away feeling frustrated. He saw the PA and she wouldn't make any decisions without talking to the doctor. 

I started a Hillsdale College lecture series today. The name of the course is "The Decline of Citizenship in America." Today I listened to the introduction. 

On the way to the hospital Friday Ruthie Wilhelm called James selling apples. James bought half a box from her and I got a text from her mom Sandra today asking if I could Venmo the money for the apples we ordered. Half a box of apples is $28.

The Crane's brought over some food for us this evening. Stew, homemade chicken noodle soup, rolls, cinnamon bread, and a chocolate pie. Thank you Crane's for thinking of us.

Tonight was most memorable year for the contestants on "Dancing with the Stars." Selma Blair's most memorable year was 2018 when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She told her partner Pasha she had something to tell him. She said she had been to the doctors and had some MRI's done and the doctor told her she could not, or should not continue in the DWTS competition. They did their last dance together and it was very touching. I guess Selma is one of the most popular people among the staff and the other contestants. She is positive, loving, and very kind. It was beautiful to see how much she is loved. 

Selma is a single mom. Her son was

there with her. She has to stay healthy

for him.

FHE at Gramma & Grampa's

Sunday, October 16th, 2022: Cough syrup & sleeping pill, James goes to Church, Loud crack of thunder, and another, Stake high counselor, Stake Primary,

 

Nashville, Tennessee

84th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 63:53

These things are the things that ye must look for; and, speaking after the manner of the Lord, they are now nigh at hand, and in a time to come, even in the day of the coming of the Son of Man.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 6:15-30

"Come Follow Me"

Review "Before I Formed Thee in the Belly I Knew Thee" 

OctGenCon

"Wholehearted"

Sister Michelle D. Craig

First Counselor in the YW General Presidency

We should be followers of Jesus who are joyful and wholehearted in our own personal journey of discipleship.

I took a sleeping pill and some cough syrup last night before going to bed and as a result I got a good nights sleep on the family room recliner. 

When James got up this morning he said he hurt everywhere and was going to take a whirlpool bath before going to church. He cleaned out the jets and took his bath and felt much better.

After James left for church I was sitting at my desk in the bedroom trying to listen to the Zoom broadcast for our sacrament when all of a sudden there was the biggest crack of thunder I have ever heard. It had to have been in our yard. A few seconds later another but I was more ready for this one. 

The audio on the Zoom broadcast is very poor quality. The sister and brother who spoke were both unfamiliar to me so I am assuming today is high council day. I hope James takes good notes so I can copy from him and I hope he remembers to ask the bishop about administering the sacrament to me at home.

James did remember to ask the bishop and he administered the sacrament to me this evening at home. I was grateful. 

When James returned home he shared with me his notes from sacrament meeting. The speakers were Sister Atkinson from the stake Primary and Brother James Brimhall from the stake high council. Here are some of the notes I copied from James:

Sister Atkinson - We chose Christ's plan. We have many helps to keep us on the path. Taken from President Nelson's talk on overcoming the world. "In the coming days we will see the greatest manifestation of the power of the Savior that the world has ever seen." Between now and the time He returns "with power and great glory", He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful. As we take our journey on the covenant path we will be distracted at times but need to get right back on. 

Brother James Brimhall - Our covenants give us heavenly power. Covenants bind or yoke us to Him. Making and keeping covenants makes life easier. Keeping our covenants increases our capability.

We need to rely on the Spirit to get us through troubled times.

President Nelson: "I plead with you now to take charge of your testimony."

James told me that Greg and Kim Anderson visited Ramah this weekend and the El Morro monument and they loved it. Greg is enamored with James and wanted to know where he was from. 

We had soup and salad for lunch and afterwards I made Nutella croissants for dessert and they were delicious. James wants to serve them the next time we have our "Come Follow Me" group over. 

I read an article by Sister Camille Fronk today entitled, "The Cost of True Discipleship." Very good.

I actually did my hair and makeup today to get ready to FaceTime with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. We had a nice visit with them. Anna is actually communicating with Jared more or less on a daily basis for the passed month. Kacey is still on crutches and will be until it has been six weeks. James has heavy Church responsibilities right now. Not only is he on the high council but he is a member of the stake Young Men's Presidency. Lots of meetings and lots of training. He very rarely gets to attend his own ward.

  

Saturday, October 15th, 2022: Swelling down a little, Dump, Hot & Sour soup, Internet cable thrgh wall, Rain, "Autumn in the City", "Alaskan Daily," "A Cowgirls Song"

 

Tampico, Mexico

83rd operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 61:38

Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 5:20-6:14

"Come Follow Me"

Read Jeremiah 18, 20

OctGenCon

"Our Earthly Stewardship"

Bishop Gerald Causse

Presiding Bishop

Great spiritual blessings are promised to those who love and care for the earth and their fellow men and women.

My face is still swollen this morning but not nearly like it was yesterday. I am so far behind on everything, I don't know where to start and I really don't feel like doing anything.

I blogged one day today but I'm a week behind. I won't ever catch up unless I do at least two posts a day. 

Chuck came over today to take our trash to the dump. He said he was going in to town first and James wouldn't let him take it. He said our garbage was too stinky to be in his truck for any length of time. James took Chuck's garbage instead. I asked him how much money he needed and he said $5. I had $3 in my wallet and then I robbed James's piggy bank and got 8 quarters and put them in my change purse right next to the $3 on the dresser. He left and I just assumed he found the money. About 15 minutes later he called me and said, "There's only $3 here." I told him the other $2 was in my change purse right next to the dollar bills. He didn't see it and just grabbed the three dollars on his way out the door. He had to come back and get the other two dollars. 

James also made a trip into town today. I asked for some hot & sour soup from the Chinese restaurant and a taco from Jack-in-the-Box. The soup had too much chili and was way too hot to eat. It's a shame because it always feels so good on my sore throat. 

Our ministering brother is also the Crane's ministering brother. His name is Collin DeWitt. Collin offered to help Chuck get some firewood in. I told James to please ask him to help us. He offered to help last year but James didn't need his help. This year he does. I told James if he didn't ask him, I would. I want some fires this winter!

James worked on threading the internet cable from the Starlink satellite down to my desk in our bedroom. He had to do a lot of drilling in our bathroom and it made a big mess. He also had to cut out some drywall so now we are going to have to paint our bathroom. It was a messy job and he is still not finished.

I watched Cheryl Ladd's new movie, "A Cowgirl's Song" on my phone while working on my blog today. I also watched the newest Hallmark movie, "Autumn in the City" starring one of my favorite, Aimee Teagarden. James and I watched the second episode of "Alaskan Daily." I liked it even better than the first. 

I will be happy when my bulldog jowls disappear. I have a cough and sore throat still and I'm sure I won't be going to church tomorrow. 

We got some more rain today.

Jared sent me this picture. I said I wanted one of these trees in my yard. He said that's a lot of leaves to rake up. I told him I wouldn't rake them because they look beautiful as they are.

Scarlett is ready to dance!

Anna and Friends