Monday, November 27th, 2017

Newport Beach, California

122nd operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Atonement through

John 12:32

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 8:12-25

*How can Moroni's words in verse 22 strengthen us s we labor in the Lord's cause?

We know that no matter what happens the Lord is in charge and His eternal purposes will be accomplished.

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 14:7-8

7 And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

8 And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance, that you may stand as a witness of the things of which you shall both hear and see, and also that you may declare repentance unto this generation.

General Conference

Do We Trust Him? Hard Is Good

Elder Stanley G. Ellis

"Hard makes us stronger, humbles us, and gives us a chance to prove ourselves. Our beloved handcart pioneers came to know God in their extremities. Why did it take two chapters for Nephi and his brothers to obtain the brass plates and only three verses to enlist Ishmael's family to join them in the wilderness? It seems the Lord wanted to strengthen Nephi through the struggle of obtaining the plates."

I read this statement today in "Rescuing Wayward Children," and a strong, warm feeling went through me. "Our Heavenly Father wants to save everyone of His children." 

James convinced me to go to town with him this morning although it was not a part of my plans. He dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Home Depot and Lowes. He said that the name of the company that made our tree is American Living. 

I saw the Scott's and Sister Peeler in Walmart. Sister Peeler had lost Brother Peeler and their son. I should have stayed and help her find them. 

On the way home we stopped at the post office and picked up Heartland season 4. 

James replaced the hose he got for the tractor and now he discovers that he needs another one. On another note, rats have taken the orange rebar caps and used them to make a nest. Also, one of the cages is missing and he thinks the rats dragged it off to make a nest. These rats are really annoying!

It was windy and cold today. I discovered this fact while I was waiting outside of Walmart for James to pick me up. 

My Christmas movies for the day: "Dear Santa," "A Bride for Christmas," and a new one with Jodie Sweetin, "Finding Santa."

For FHE James and I listened to Elder Parrella's talk. We also watched Heartland, "Homecoming" was the episode.

Thanksgiving 2016

Thanksgiving 2014

Sunday, November 26th, 2017

Aba Nigeria

121st operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Atonement through

John 11:25

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the ife: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Book of Mormon

Mormon 7:1-8:11

*Why am I grateful for the Book of Mormon?

I feel the Spirit when I read the Book of Mormon, and my life is so happy and blessed when I apply its teachings. The truths contained in it will answer my question about the time I live in. The Book of Mormon is essential to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It testifies of the Bible and they come together to testify that Jesus is the Christ. It is my peace, and my comfort. It brings me closer to Jesus Christ. 

"Whoso treasureth up my word shall not be deceived." 

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 12:8

And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care.

General Conference

Apart, But Still One

Elder Joni L. Koch

"Brothers and sisters, we have no right to portray anybody, including from our Church circle, as a badly finished product! Rather, our words about our fellow beings should reflect our belief in Jesus Christ and His Atonement and that, in Him and through Him, we can always change for the better!"

I got up early this morning to finish preparing my Primary lesson. I am actually giving two lessons, the first pioneers enter the Salt Lake Valley and Faith of the Pioneers. I get to tell the cricket and the seagulls story!

Today was high council Sunday and Ron Hall was our high council speaker. Brother Greer was also on the stand. 

I had Sister Kuffer's class again today, which only included Zemira and Bailey. From my class Colter, Curtis, and Liana. Curtis finished his paper today which means he got an extra reward. Liana helped us load up our stuff and take it to the car. Such a sweetie.

Kim and Brian came home after sacrament meeting and worked on the tree lights. They put all the one that are out on the back side of the tree and the tree looks so much better. I can finally decorate!

After lunch Kim and Brian packed up and left.  We said our goodbyes:

Thanks for coming!

We took a nap and while I was still in bed James got up and went home teaching with Brother Westbrook to see the Peeler's. 

While he was gone I had to chase a coyote away again. 

We spent a quiet evening at home studying the gospel. We started our new book, "Life Everlasting." 

Today was Elder Heyman's birthday. I wished him a Happy Birthday and told him we were looking forward to seeing him at the conference in Show Low on Dec. 9th and 10th.

Uriah Miller is sick. The bishop was not at church today because he took him to the hospital. He has bleeding sores in his mouth and they said it was a virus and would take about 10 days to run it's course.  We will be praying for him. Uriah is three years old.

We also just heard that our friend Lynda Tanner who got married and is now Lynda Johnson, lost her 18 year old grandson. Lynda no longer lives in Vernon but I am friends with her on Facebook.

We will be praying for her too.

The world has gone crazy calling evil good

and good evil.

I love this one.

The Pope boys.

Patrick's family.

Oahu and Diamondhead in the background.

This is where we spent out honeymoon.

Bishop Miller and his family.

Bishop is holding Uriah.

Saturday, November 25th, 2017

San Antonio, Texas

120th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Atonement through

John 10:15

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 6:6-22

Mormon asks his people why they rejected the open arms of Christ. Mormon taught that their reunion with the Savior would have been joyful (6:17). We too must prepare ourselves to stand before the Lord at the Judgment. President James E. Faust explained: 

"We long for the ultimate blessing of the Atonement - to become one with Him, to be in His divine presence, to be called individually by name as He warmly welcomes us home with a radiant smile, beckoning us with open arms to be enfolded in His boundless love.

How gloriously sublime this experience will be if we can feel worthy enough to be in His presence. The free gift of His great atoning sacrifice for each of us is the only way we can be exalted enough to stand before Him and see Him face to face. The overwhelming message of the Atonement is the perfect love the Savior has for each of us. It is a love full of mercy, patience, grace, equity, long-suffering and, above all, forgiving. The evil influence of Satan would destroy any hope we have in overcoming our mistakes. He would have us feel that we are lost and that there is no hope. In contrast, Jesus reaches down to us to lift us up. Through our repentance and the gift of the Atonement, we can prepare to be worthy to stand in His presence."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 11:25

Deny not the spirit of revelation, nor the spirit of prophecy, for wo unto him that denieth these things:

General Conference

God's Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon

Brother Tad R. Callister

"How did Joseph produce a book that radiates with the Spirit, and where did he get such profound doctrine, much of which clarifies or contradicts the Christian beliefs of his time? For example, the Book of Mormon teaches, contrary to most Christian beliefs, that the Fall of Adam was a positive step forward. It reveals the covenants made at baptism, which are not addressed in the Bible."

James gave me a blessing before we left for the temple this morning. It gave me comfort and peace. My day went something like this: Preparation meeting with President Palmer and his wife presiding. We saw a patron film that we had seen before. 

My first assignment was the locker room where I assigned patrons coming in for the 8 a.m. session. Sister Applegate was one of those patrons. My second assignment was as an initiatory patron, and then I had some study time and then went back to be an initiatory worker. I did the washing ordinances again and it was good practice for me. 

My next assignment was as the greeter downstairs behind the check in desk. A young brother came in for his own endowment. The only person who came with him was his escort, no other family or friends.

I had a break and got to sit down and have a snack with James and the Vance's. The rest of my time was spent as being the 2nd follower in the 11 a.m. endowment session. The 2nd follower counts the sisters as they enter the session and checks to make sure they received the new name. The 2nd follower gives the tokens and helps patrons at the veil. Last time I did not do so well at the veil but this time it went well. The only person I really had to help was a little Navajo lady who knew nothing. At first when I tried to help her she just stared at me and I thought maybe she didn't speak English. I then said to her, just say what I say. She did it and we got through it. It was a good day for me. President Williams, the Show Low stake president and his wife were in my session. Afterwards they James spoke with them. President Williams told him he loved having him on the high council in Show Low because then he wasn't the only one with a deformed ear. President Williams was a wrestler at ASU too. He loves wrestling!

On the way home we stopped at El Cupido's and I got my Big Jake burro. It was perfect. We also went to Home Depot and Lowe's in Show Low to look for replacement lights for the tree. We didn't get home until 3:30. Erik and Kristofor had come by with their families on their way to look for Christmas trees. When they left they said they were going on the McNary road. James called and told them there were no Christmas trees, only pine trees on that road. He directed them to go up by Green's Peak, which they did. This is what they got:

Erik said the most important thing to

him was the good smell from the tree.

Kristofor, Christine, and Erik's little girl

Tabitha

Tonight was the annual ASU vs. UofA game. It is a battle for the territorial cup. After a Razr ride with Kim Brian came back and turned the game on. We watched the game and played a game of Five Crowns, which I won. ASU also ended up winning, 42-30.

I got my steps in today inspite of being at the temple.

Lola says: 

"Not pity for the Kitty!"

Something Darrel taught her to say regarding

the ASU vs. UofA game.

How sad.

Friday, November 24th, 2017

Manhattan, New York

119th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Atonement through

John 6:51

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 5:13-6:5

What does it mean to you to be "in the hands of God?" (v.23)

Elder W. Craig Zwick of the Seventy explained some blessings suggested by being in God hands: "To be in the hands of God would suggest that we are not only under His watchful care but also that we are guarded and protected by His wondrous power. Throughout the scriptures, reference is made to the hand of the Lord. His divine assistance is evidenced over and over again. His powerful hands created worlds, and yet they were gentle enough to bless the little children... Every one of us needs to know that we can go on in the strength of the Lord. We can put our hand in His, and we will feel His sustaining presence lift us to heights unattainable alone. How do we learn to extend our hand and connect to the comfort provided by the Lord? Here are four keys: Learn, Listen, Seek the Spirit, Pray always. The Lord will supply sustenance and support if we are willing to open the door and receive His hand of divine assistance. Imagine the wounds in His hands. His weathered hands, His hands of torn flesh and physical sacrifice, giving our own hands greater power and direction. It is the wounded Christ who leads us through our moments of difficulty. it is He who bears us up when we need direction, or even more courage to continue. If we will keep the commandments of God and walk hand in hand with Him, we will go forward with faith, and never feel alone."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 11:20-21

20 Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength.

21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. 

General Conference

The Trek Continues

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"I have a deep conviction that if we lose our ties to those who have gone before us, including our pioneer forefathers and mothers, we will lose a very precious treasure. Rising generations must have the same kind of faith that the early Saints had in the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel."

The turkey was in the roaster oven by 8 a.m. I made another apple pie to take to the temple tomorrow.  Kim and Brian should get here around 1p.m.

I also made mashed potatoes, green beans, Stove Top stuffing, and gravy. Kim and Brian arrived around 12:30 and began making the pumpkin delight dessert. James was happy to see that they brought some Cranberry Celebration from Fry's. 

Our Thanksgiving feast was delicious. I should have taken a picture. James made the comment that this food was so much better than yesterday's. I said yes, but it wasn't made by the Indians. 

James worked on the patio. I went in to the bedroom to watch a Christmas movie and Kim and Brian settled in to watch TV in the family room. I watched "A Boyfriend for Christmas," and "Christmas at Cartwright's." Later in the evening we watched "A Bramble House Christmas" with Kim and Brian. 

Kim tried to help James with the lights on the tree, but several are still not working.

Evan broke his toe playing outside in the backyard. The sad thing is that Joshua and Rowan were going to spend the night, but they had to go home while he went to the doctors.

 The second toe

I was on a roll tonight!

Rondalee gets married

Brother Grapp and Emsley 

Brother Grapp is carrying a box of food to give away

My friend Hailey

Salt Lake is ready for Christmas

I love this picture

Boots, a scooter, a balloon, singing a song.

Perfect.

Thursday, November 23rd, 2017

Copenhagen, Denmark

118th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2004

By:Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Luke 22:44

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 5:1-12

*What lessons can we learn and apply to our lives from the writings of Mormon? Why do you think he documented all of the wars and sorrows of the Nephites for us to read?

We can learn from Mormon's writings that wickedness never was happiness! Mormon's account of events during his days have been full of sorrow and despair and unfortunately, because of their wickedness, life did not improve for the Nephites. Mormon takes time in this chapter to explain what he thinks we should learn from this tragic account. The Book of Mormon came forth in our day to persuade us that Jesus is the Christ. Mormon sorrowed that his people did not repent so they could be clasped in the arms of Jesus. Mormon increasingly looked beyond the tragedy before him to a people he hoped would profit from their mistakes.

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 11:17

And then, behold, according to your desires, yea, even according to your faith shall it be done unto you.

General Conference

Fear Not To Do Good

President Henry B. Eyring

" The Lord told His leaders of the Restoration, and He tells us, that when we stand with faith upon His rock, doubt and fear are diminished; the desire to do good increases. As we accept Pres. Monson's invitation to plant in our hearts a testimony of Jesus Christ, we gain the power, the desire, and the courage to go to the rescue of others without concern for our own needs."

We left around 10 o'clock this morning to go to the Thanksgiving buffet at Hondah. Hondah is on the reservation on the other side of Pinetop. If we were to go through Show Low, Lakeside-Pinetop, it would be about 38 miles. James convinced me to go on the backroads and it was exactly 1/2 the distance, 19 miles. We arrived at 10:45 and went inside the restaurant where there was already a long line at the buffet. We thought maybe it was still for breakfast so James went to check it out. It was for the Thanksgiving luncheon. James reserved us a table and joined me in line. The food was decent but nothing to write home about. I couldn't eat all of mine.

They also had prime rib but we didn't get any.

Look at the big bowl of whipped cream in the middle

of the pie table.

James said it was just like the first Thanksgiving because the Indians served us. 

It was a perfect day weather wise here in Vernon. It was 66 degrees and there was no wind. On the way home we finished reading our book, "Once an Heiress."

Today I baked 48 rolls, a sweet potato casserole, cranberry salad, and an apple pie. We are having dinner here with Kim and Brian tomorrow.

Today's Christmas movies: "Christmas Incorporated," "Window Wonderland," "A Perfect Christmas," and with James a new one, "Mistletoe Inn."

The Turkey Trotters

My steps today

Darrel and Trina's kids had a fun day.

Ruby with her braapstick

Nick Goodman's post

Our friends the Glemsers

Last year the day after Christmas

I love seeing that big snowflake!

This years Rhodes rolls don't look as good

as last years did, but they taste great!

A better picture of James in his jacket

Admiring his work