Thursday, March 14, 2023: Still using walker, after 2nd nap knee felt better, did some cleaning, Inklings about the Holy Ghost, Ordered Rio's book, James get damaged apt. permits, Tom's snacks & my yoyo, " Swimming in a Sea of Stars"

 

Guayquil, Ecuador

58th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 28

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 28

Satan seeks to deceive

"Deceive Me Not" by Elder Gary E. Stevenson

October General Conference

"Humble to Accept and Follow" by Elder Joni L. Koch

Relief Society

"Be Peaceable Followers of Christ" by Elder Quentin L. Cook

Book

"Your Endowment" Chapter 20

Genesis 17, Part Two

*And This Shall Be a Token of the Covenant Betwixt Me and You

* Chastity and the Marriage Covenant

* Summary

Inklings

"Our Constant Companion" by President Henry B. Eyring

    I'm still using the walker because of my knee. It is especially difficult when I first get up from sitting. Once I've been up for awhile I don't need it anymore. 

After my second nap this afternoon, my knee felt better. I got up and did some cleaning, including vacuuming in the family room and our bedroom.

I listened to Inklings this morning. It was Rio and Emily Snyder discussing Elder Eyring's talk, "Our Constant Companion." Obviously the discussion was about the Holy Ghost. Rio was talking about a children's book called "What Do You Do with a Problem"? I ordered it. I am such a sucker for kids books. Here is a quote from the session today:

Doctrines are truths regarding the nature of God.

James finally got the permits for restoring the fire damaged apartment in Phoenix for a Mr. Chacon. Armando had gone to the city of Phoenix and was turned down for permits because he had pictures instead of drawings. James did the drawings, had it stamped by an engineer, which cost him $150, and turned them in. They now have the permits.

Tom likes my yoyo and the snacks I bought him this week. He likes hanging around my desk because both the treats and the yoyo are in one of my desk drawers.

James walked for me this evening. We are listening to a contemporary book about a group of teenagers, one of which recently tried to commit suicide. All of these kids have issues to resolve and the book is about how they go about doing this. It's okay but definitely not my favorite. 

I texted Karen Schneider today. I told her I was sorry I missed her birthday but that I wanted to wish her a "Happy PI" day. She said pi day was good. 

I got one of my Kirtland books I ordered and all of Tom's cat toys except for the little bird that flaps it's wings. It's running late.

Cat & Mouse

Tired after all that cat & mouse stuff

Wednesday, March 13, 2024: Didn't sleep well, left knee still dsn't bend when I walk, Wrote on my blog my big accomplishment, contract & Zelled money for James, Snow, EQ mtg, lost phone - found in snow, DTC quote!

 

Bogota, Columbia

57th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Apr 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 27:16-35

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 26:23-33

Jesus Christ invites us all to come unto Him.

"The Doctrine of Belonging" Elder D. Todd Christofferson

October General Conference

"Hallmarks of Happiness" by Elder Gary B. Sabin

Book

"Your Endowment" 

 Chapter 19

Genesis 17, Part One

* Walk Before Me, And Be Thou Perfect

* Not One Solitary Law, But a Way of Life

* A Possible Parallel with the Ordinance of Baptism

* A Personal Observation on Walking

* Summary

I didn't sleep well last night. My left knee is still unbendable when I walk. I am using the walker. 

The only thing I really accomplished today was writing on my blog. James works upstairs and I spend most of my time in our bedroom. Once in awhile he comes to check on me. Today I typed a contract for him and Zelled some money to Bob Joye for some scaffolding James bought from him.

We ate lunch and dinner separately but listened to our book together. James walked and I blogged while we listened to our book, "Dual Devotions."

It snowed today. I mean a real "white out" snowstorm. It is a wet snow and I have never seen the trees so covered. We have about 6 inches. 

James went to an elders quorum meeting this evening and when he arrived he realized he didn't have his phone with him. He had stopped on the way to clean the snow off his windshield and it must have dropped out of his pocket. After their meeting Chuck and Collin went out to help James find his phone. Collin called him and James was outside and heard the phone and was able to find it. Thank goodness it was okay.

This is from Elder Christofferson's talk, "The Doctrine of Belonging":

"Belonging comes not as we wait for it, but as we reach out.

The doctrine of belonging comes down to this - each one of us can affirm: Jesus Christ died for me; He thought me worthy of His blood. He loves me and can make all the difference in my life. As I repent, His grace will transform me. I am one with Him in the gospel covenant; I belong in HIs Church and kingdom; and I belong in His cause to bring redemption to all of God's children. I testify, you do belong. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

This is from "Your Endowment" page 204:

It is important to understand that being "perfect" in a biblical sense means to keep one's covenants.

This isn't Tom but sure does look

like him!

One of Tom's new toys

Addy thinks we should get this for the cabin.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024: Up @ 6, left knee really hurts and I don't know why, Cancel temple w/ Ruth, "Grounded", "Your Endowment", "Hollis Woods" movie, Can't walk for steps, Ordered Tom some toys

 

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 27:1-15

Come Follow Me

2 Nephi 26-27; 29-30

God prepared the Book of Mormon for our day.

October General Conference

"How Great Will Be Your Joy" by Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Relief Society

"Be Peaceable Followers of Christ" by Elder Quentin L. Cook

Book

"Your Endowment" Chapter 18

* Take Me an Heifer of Three Years old; Sacrifice and Cutting Covenant

* The Law of Sacrifice

* The Principle of Repentance

* "Cutting" Covenant

* Because He Asked

* Summary

Up at 6:00. I got some good sleep last night but my left knee hurts and it is very stiff so I can't bend it. I had a hard time walking so I asked James if he would bring the walker up from downstairs.  

I'm not sure why it's my left knee. It is usually my right knee that swells up. I had planned on going to the temple today and meeting Ruth Gale there. When I told her I couldn't go she had forgotten that we were going today. After this week the temple will be closed for two weeks for deep cleaning. 

My knee seems to be getting worse as the day goes on. I listened to "Grounded" with Barbara Morgan Gardner and Carol Lawrence-Costly who is a former member of the General Young Women's Board. They talked about blacks receiving the priesthood and what a wonderful day that was. I also listened to "Follow Him" and read from "Your Endowment" which is so good! 

This evening James and I watched another Hallmark Drama/Family movie. This one was called Hollis Woods about a young girl who is in foster care and finally finds a family that will love her. Sissy Spacek is in the movie. I forgot what a good actress she is.

Listened to "Dual Devotions" while James walked and I worked on my blog. 

I ordered Tom some toys today. He seems a little bored when he's in the house.

Some notes from "Your Endowment", p. 195:

The word sacrifice meant to make holy or sacred.

Obedience leads to sacrifice in the same way that faith leads to repentance.

A broken or willing heart, a contrite or changed spirit.

Desert Flowers in Spring

Spring Snow in the Mountains

A few less flowers on top and I would

call this cake my favorite.

My "Nannie" had these suitcases

Monday, March 11, 2024: Up @ 4:30, "The Way Home", Wlmrt, Chuck Wood, groceries, Book Barn gift for Catherine's 90th bday - visit, "Dual Devotions", "Walk with Him"

 

Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua

55th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 26:14-33

Come Follow Me

"A Marvelous Work and a Wonder"

2 Nephi 26-30

October General Conference

"Do You Want to Be Happy" by Elder Yoon Hwan Choi

"God Knows and Loves You" by Elder Alan Phillips

I did not sleep very well last night and then got up at 4:30. I wish I would wake up feeling this good everyday.

I had scriptures and prayer with James and then on my own. I then watched the latest episode of "The Way Home" a series about time travel which is accomplished by jumping in a particular pond. Kat is looking for her brother Jacob who disappeared as a child and was taken to the 19th century. Since it happened 24 years ago, in 1999, he is now an adult.

Tom is restless this morning but finally falls asleep on the bedroom recliner. 

Work is moving forward on Daryl Johnson's barbershop. James had me Zelle Salvador $3,000 for the drywall company. 

We left for town late morning. Today is Catherine Halcomb's 90th birthday and I want to get her a gift at the Book Barn, the Church bookstore in Show Low.  I found a framed verse about love that I picked for Catherine. It took me about five minutes of looking to find it. I am quite happy with it.

On to Walmart to get a bag and tissue to put it in. James and I already signed a card for her. 

As I was shopping in the produce section of Walmart I noticed a familiar face, Chuck Wood. I said hello and mentioned that we must have the same shopping schedule. The last time James and I were here he was right behind us when we checked out. 

Chuck is not a member of the Church but he is married to one of our dear ward members, Pam. Chuck comes to church, helps Pam with her calling, which is to be in charge of the missionary meals calendar. Ward members love Chuck but he has made it known that he is not interested in being baptized. Pam was married before and sealed to her first husband. I'm not sure if that's his hang up or not.. I do know he is a very nice person and I always enjoy visiting with him. Pam makes some beautiful quilts and Chuck always posts them on Facebook. He is so proud of her and her talent!

On the way home we stopped at Culver's. I got a waffle cone and James got his fish sandwich. It's a nice day, about 55 degrees and no wind. We stopped at the Halcomb's to deliver Catherine's gift. She didn't open it while we were there but later she told me that she loved it. Kerri was there too and while Catherine and I were talking she took James outside and talked to him about adding on to the porch she built. 

While walking today we listened to our book, "Dual Devotions." I blogged Sunday, March 3rd and then watched "The Russell Girl" with James. It's on what use to be called the Hallmark Drama channel. It's now called Hallmark Family. It's an older movie and is not a romcom but had a good message and we enjoyed it.

I ordered a Wonder Woman cape and a book, "Joseph Smith's Kirtland." Also listened to "Walk with Him" with Barbara Morgan Gardener. Here are some sketchy notes:

Mother's intuition may be priesthood power.

The purpose of the priesthood is to save souls.

In the ordinances thereof the power of God is manifest.

D&C 84:20

Sacrifice = Sanctified

Who am I in terms of my discipleship?

I am a child of God, a child of the Covenant, and a Disciple of Jesus Christ. (RMN)

Covenant Belonging

Love is the greatest power we have.

Not sure where this is.

James's cousin Curtis Lambson

posted it.

Great story. Reminds us of James and his

pet, Pete the Crow.

Ruby and Lola on a hike with their Mom.

 

Sunday, March 10, 2024: My face is swollen so I miss stake conference, Kirtland, Ohio Church History, YouTube Karl Anderson, Kurt Jensen Sheri's new bishop,

 

Anchorage, Alaska

54th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 26:1-13

Come Follow Me

March 11-17 "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder'

2 Nephi 26-30

October General Conference

"Promptings of the Spirit"

By: Elder Gary E. Stevenson

My face was swollen on the left side this morning. I asked James if he would go to conference if his face was swollen like mine and he said, "Probably not", so I stayed home from stake conference. Now I am even more grateful than ever for the women's devotional on Friday night.

Elder Alfonso and Sister Porter are assigned to speak at the conference. I don't think I ever remember a woman coming with a general authority to speak at a stake conference. 

While I was at home I started watch a program on the Church's YouTube channel. It was about the history of the Church in Kirtland, Ohio and mentioned that the Savior appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and others in Kirtland over 11 times and the Father and the Son appeared 7. I had no idea. A member named Karl Anderson narrated the program and I was really into it when James came home. He finished watching it with me. As a result of this program I ordered two books written by Brother Anderson. One is "Joseph Smith's Kirtland" and the other is "The Savior in Kirtland: Personal Accounts of Divine Manifestations." 

Sheri texted me while James was still at stake conference and said they got a new bishop today. He is someone we have known for many years, Kurt Jensen. I believe he was one of Jared's Young Men leaders back in the day. Sheri worked with his wife Laurie in Primary. I think he will be a great bishop.

James saw Tom's mother today on the deck. When she saw him she ran and hid. I had a nap on the recliner today and of course Tom joined me. I'm not feeling well today but Tom always makes me feel better.

James made an apple crisp today. It was delicious as always. 

Today was a beautiful, sunny day. The high was 55, perfect for Kim. I like 65 degrees myself.

Worked on my blog but I'm wondering if I will ever catch up.

I love Elder Renlund!

James and his baby

Happy Sabbath!

Two sweet girls and their piggies!

This is me

Out in the desert they wander

James and his baby, again