Tuesday, December 19th, 2017

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 John 3:5

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Book of Mormon

Ether 13:1-18

*How can we better cultivate the characteristics that will help us to be worthy to dwell in the New Jerusalem?

President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876-1972) wrote the following about the New Jerusalem:

"The prevailing notion in the world is that this [the New Jerusalem] is the city of Jerusalem, the ancient city of the Jews which in the day of regeneration will be renewed, but this is not the case. We read in the book of Ether that the Lord revealed to him many of the same things which were seen by John. Ether was the last of the prophets among the Jaredites, and the Lord had revealed to him much concerning the history of the Jews and their city of Jerusalem which stood in the days of the ministry of our Savior. Ether saw the old city of Jerusalem and also the new city which has not yet been built, and he wrote of them as follows: Ether 13:2-11...

"In the day of regeneration, when all things are made new, there will be three great cities that will be holy. One will be the Jerusalem of old which shall be rebuilt according to the prophecy of Ezekiel. One will be the city of Zion, or of Enoch, which was taken from the earth when Enoch was translated and which will be restored; and the city Zion, or New Jerusalem, which is to be built by the seed of Joseph on this the American continent" (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., 5 vols., 2:103-4).

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 31:9

Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.

General Conference

That Your Joy Might Be Full

Sister Jean B. Bingham

"As I have studied the life and teachings of Jesus Christ with more focus, and committed 'The Living Christ,' to memory, my gratitude and love for our Savior have increased. Each sentence of that inspired document contains a sermon and has enhanced my understanding of His divine roles and earthly mission. What I have learned and felt through this period of study and reflection confirms that Jesus truly 'is the light, the life, and hope of the world.' Ancient scripture and latter-day prophets' words written or spoken in praise of Him bear witness that 'His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come."

Light the World

Jesus taught: "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad." 

-Matthew 5:12

God loves us and wants us to be happy. We have many reasons to be happy, even if we don't realize all of them. One way we find joy is by helping others feel joy.

James left this morning a little before 8 a.m. to help with a service project at Sister Kuffer's. Sean Hunsaker is her home teacher and is in charge of the project. They are turning two storage units into living spaces for her daughter, son-in-law, and five children. 

James got home around 2 p.m. and we went into town to get a pizza. We have both been craving a veggie thin crust pizza so that's what we got at Dominoes. Traffic was backed up on the hill by Maverick because of the construction so we went around to Lakeside and home on the Porter Mountain Rd. 

It was 52 degrees today with no clouds. I am praying for snow. 

I wrapped all of Jared's family's presents today and got half way through Stacy's family. I watched these movies: "On Strike for Christmas," "Kristin's Christmas Past," and "A Christmas Proposal." James and I also watched two episodes of Heartland.

We slept on the recliners again tonight.

As much as I love Christmas I am always overwhelmed by it, even when I think I am simplifying. One thing I have enjoyed doing this year is wrapping my packages in shiny paper and making real bows for them. 

Things I have to do this week: Mail packages to Texas, make pumpkin bread, get Primary gifts ready and delivered, and prepare for the trip to the valley and the family party.

Michael's 20th birthday

This tells alot about Michael. He is a runner

and he runs for Grand Canyon University.

Michael always celebrates his birthday at

Organ Stop Pizza. It is a family tradition. I am sorry

we could not be there with him to celebrate.

Jared's family's packages. These are going to

be fun to mail.

Christmas tree in the dark.

Provo City Center temple,

one of my favorites.

Monday, December 18th, 2017

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

143rd operating temple

Dedicated: 4 May 2014

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: ad not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Book of Mormon

Ether 12:22-41

*The Savior showed the most perfect charity or sacrificial love when He gave His life and atoned for each of us. We must pray that we "may be filled with this love" so we can inherit eternal life (Moroni 7:48). Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915-94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained what it means to have charity: 

"Charity is, perhaps, in many ways a misunderstood word. We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more. Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. It makes the thought of putting others down repulsive. Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other" (Ensign, May 1992, 18-19).

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 31:5

Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live.

General Conference

Bearers of Heavenly Light

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"If you open your mind and heart to receive the Light of Christ and humbly follow the Savior, you will receive more light. Line upon line, here a little and there a little, you will gather more light and truth into your souls until darkness has been banished from your life. God will open your eyes. God will give you a new heart. God's love, light and truth will cause dormant things to spring to life, and you will be reborn into a newness of life in Jesus Christ."

The Lord Leads His Church

President Henry B. Eyring

"The Lord sees His servants perfectly. He sees their potential and their future. And He knows how their very nature can be changed. He also knows how they can be changed by their experiences with the people they lead."

Light the World

Jesus taught: "Forgive men their trespasses."

Matthew 6:14

Allowing anger or resentment to fester will never lead to happiness. We must make amends with people before bitterness destroys our important relationships.

The Christmas tree is my favorite symbol of Christmas. It stands for everlasting life. I love my tree

This photo was taken a couple of years ago. 

I am not sure what happened to this star.

I did not finish with my blog today until 5 p.m., two hours later than I planned. I made some oatmeal cookies and watched these movies: "12 Wishes of Christmas," "Angel in the Family," "A Christmas Reunion," and a new one, "Romance at Reindeer Lodge."

James got an xray today. He also took a load of wood to Sister Dye. I wrapped five presents today. 

James was dizzy and felt like he could breathe better if he slept on the couch. I slept next to him.

Christina Tibbetts posted this photo. It was taken

five years ago, probably at her wedding reception.

Antelope in our yard taken a couple of years ago.

Elk seen in Vernon.

Rowan with his cello at his Christmas concert.

Sunday, December 17th, 2017

Gilbert, Arizona

142nd operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Mar 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Book of Mormon

Ether 12:1-21

*When has your faith been like an anchor to your soul?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 29:39

And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet-

General Conference

Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family

Elder Richard J. Maynes

"The first step in our quest to earn the Lord's trust is to place our trust in Him. As husband and fathers, we have received a divine charge from modern-day prophets, seers, and revelators in the document, 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World. This document teaches us that (1) 'fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness,' (2) fathers 'are responsible to provide the necessities of life' and (3) fathers are responsible to protect their families."

Today's Primary lesson was on building the Salt Lake temple. I told the story of John Moyle's 40 mile roundtrip a week to work on the temple even though he had wooden leg.

Trina, Lola, and Addy all stayed home this morning. Lola and Addy both have coughs. Ruby attended my class. Rowan and Darrel both left after sacrament meeting. 

Before leaving for church James made some potatoes, eggs, onions, and green chilis. Ruby loved it and helped grandpa make a second batch. 

Trina and Darrel fixed a nice lunch for us, grilled bbq chicken, baked sweet potato fries, corn and peas. After lunch Lola wanted to watch the naked bear movie again. (Brave).  

Grandpa took the kids on another Razr ride before they left for home. It was cold today and supposed to snow. We waited all day for the snow but it never came.

Before leaving I took a picture of Darrel's family by the fireplace and the Christmas tree.

Merry Christmas!

Light the World

Jesus taught: "Ye shall meet together oft." 

3 Nephi 18:22

The Lord commanded that His followers should meet together often to strengthen on another. This applies not only to church congregations but also to families and communities.

So cute!

They look like the perfect family

Joshua. The hat is for a school assignment.

Saturday, December 16th, 2017

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

141st operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Mar 2013

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Book of Mormon

Ether 11:1-23

*Why is it easy for some to reject the words of the prophets?

Sheri: "Because what they are doing is not in line with what the prophet is preaching."

Stacy: "Sheri hit the nail on the head. Moral relativism at its finest. Wish our youth understood this."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 29:12

And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, the Twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of  righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else.

General Conference

The Truth of All Things

Elder David F. Evans

"To know the truth, we need to live the gospel and experiment on the word. We are cautioned to not resist the Spirit of the Lord. Repentance, coupled with a determination to keep the commandments, is an important part of each individual's search for truth. In fact, we may need to be willing to 'give away all' our sins in order to know the truth."

I forgot to mention that last night was our ward's Christmas party. James and I did not attend but our neighbors the Crane's brought us some food. They brought a big plate of turkey and baked potatoes. The turkey was smoked and it was the best turkey I have ever eaten. I told James he needs to find out how it was cooked so we can do ours like that next Thanksgiving.

Today is Ben's 18th birthday. This is what his mom posted on Facebook/Instagram:

This boy always has a smile on his face!

We had a fun day with Darrel's family. We ate cinnamon rolls, played Five Crowns and the Match game, Candyland, and Apples to Apples. This is the score from a Five Crowns game that Addy and I played.

Addy had zero until the king round.

All of Darrel's family went outside and helped grandpa with yardwork. Here is Darrel getting pine needles out of the gutter.

Addy looks on in the Hogwarts hat I got her.

Rowan raking pine needles off the grass.

Burning the pine needles was the most fun.

Sweet Addy

Ruby supervising the job with Grandpa

Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Lola, and I took a trip to the Dollar Store. I told each of the kids they could get something as long as it wasn't more than $10. Rowan and Ruby picked out what they wanted right away. Addy and Lola had to shop around a little more. We saw Dave and Rosa at the Dollar Store and I told Rosa I needed another dozen tamales. We came home and drank hot chocolate and made gingerbread houses.

Addy's had a peppermint theme

Rowan's was creative.

Ruby's had little beady eyes.

Lola and Trina's with a little help from gpa.

Lola was proud of her double front doors which you

can't see in this picture.

We watched the movie Brave several times because Lola wanted to see the mom turn into a bear. 

Grandpa took the kids on a couple of Razr rides. Darrel started to but it was too cold for him. Grandpa even took them to the pit according to Ruby's instructions. They went down three times.

We built a fire in the fire pit and roasted hot dogs for dinner and then we roasted marshmallows for smores. 

Rowan made this comment about turning 12 next year. "I won't need any gifts because getting the priesthood will be my gift."

Lola had a stuffy nose only she said she had a "fluffy" nose.

Darrel got to watch some football on TV before my Hallmark Christmas movie started taping so he ended up watching "The Christmas Neighbor" with the rest of us.

Rowan playing the piano while Ruby looks on.

Ruby played a song on the piano too.

Rowan trying out some new glasses.

As many fun things as we did today I did

not get all of my steps in.

Rowan and Addy playing chess.

Ruby showing off her cool jacket.

Fun around the fire.

In the valley

A hike and Mellow Mushroom Pizza for
Ben's birthday.

Friday, December 15th, 2017

Calgary, Alberta

140th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Oct 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:by whose stripes ye were healed.

Book of Mormon

Ether 10:17-34

*How can we keep our lives pure?

Repentance and keeping the commandments.

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 29:7

And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;

General Conference

The Priesthood and the Savior's Atoning Power

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"The purpose of the priesthood is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel. We have the priesthood so that we can help Heavenly Father's children be relieved of the burden of sin and become like Him. Through the priesthood, the power of godliness is manifest in the lives of all who make and keep gospel covenants and receive the associated ordinances. This is the way each of us comes unto Christ, is purified, and is reconciled to God. Christ's atoning power is made accessible through the priesthood, which deliver the payload."

James is cleaning up outside and sealing the patio today. He reached his goal and finished before Darrel's family arrived. 

We made a trip to town today. We paid Arizona Stone $2,330.00 for the materials we got from them for the patio and fire pit. There goes our Christmas money. We also went to Walmart, Panda, Home Depot and Firehouse Subs. 

When we got home we finished getting ready for our company. I had to vacuum again to get up more of the glitter. Our house has been glitterized!  James cleaned the dead flies out of the bathtubs upstairs. 

Today's Christmas movies: "The Christmas Gift," "A Grandpa for Christmas," and "Looks Like Christmas."

Darrel's family arrived around 9 p.m. We had a fire going and the tree lights turned on when they arrived. We visited and played Apples to Apples before going to bed.

Light the World

Day 15

Jesus taught: "Blessed are the merciful." Matt. 5:7

Jesus's sacrifice on our behalf was the greatest example

of mercy. We can follow His example by extending mercy

and compassion to others whenever we can.

On their way to the cabin they stopped for some ice cream

and crepes. The people who own this place are in their ward.

Everyone agree that crepes and ice cream are delicious together!

Grandpa and Lola playing a game of chess.

Grandpa and his girls watching "Brave."

Our tree

A closeup

James's sister Connie with her family at

"The Last Jedi." Katie, her daughter who is

sitting next to her, posted this picture.

Jackson wrestled 10 matches. He got

10 pins and was named the outstanding wrestler

of the tournament. That's his proud papa

standing next to him.