Sunday, December 23rd, 2018

Chicago, Illinois

35th operating temple

Dedicated: 9-13 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Alma 21:9

Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 15:18-34

Book of Mormon #2

Ether 3-6

Old Testament 

Finished!

General Conference

The Correct Nme of the Church

President Russell M. Nelson

"Consider this from His perspective. Premortally, He was Jehovah, God of the Old Testament. Under the direction of His Father, He was the Creator of this and other worlds. He chose to submit to the will of His Father and do something for all of God's children that no one else could do! Condescending to come to earth as the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh, He was brutally reviled, mocked, spit upon, and scourged. In the Garden of Gethsemane, our Savior took upon Himself every pain, every sin, and all of the anguish and suffering ever experienced by you and me and by everyone who has ever lived or will ever live. Under the weight of that excruciating burden, He bled from every pore. All of this suffering was intensified as He was cruelly crucified on Calvary's cross.

Through these excruciating experiences and His subsequent Resurrection - His infinite Atonement - He granted immortality to all and ransomed each one of us from the effects of sin on condition of our repentance."

We attended the Galveston 3rd ward sacrament meeting this morning at 9 a.m. and the Highland Ridge sacrament meeting at 11 a.m. Addy was speaking at the 11 o'clock meeting and we did not want to miss it.

Max and Evan both passed the sacrament in the 9 o'clock meeting. We sat by Cathi, Terry, Dave, and Laura. It felt like home. 

"Once in David's Royal City"

Mike Ellsworth was the first speaker. He told a childhood memory from the life of President Monson regarding a neighbor that his family helped, old Bob. President Monson's uncle gave him a house and President Monson's mother had him take old Bob dinner every Sunday. All of the Ellsworth family was here, Dane, Audrey and her husband and baby, and Marissa and her husband and baby, and Adrianne. The only one missing was Grady who is serving a mission in Ecuador.

The choir sang: "Silent Night"

Clint Allen, the other counselor in the bishopric was the next speaker. He started out by quoting Moroni 10:26 - "And wo unto them who shall do these things away and die, for they die in their sins, and they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God; and I speak it according to the words of Christ; and I lie not."
He then proceeded to talk on how to be an effective giver and the joy of giving. He asked us to think about gifts that we can give to the Savior.

"Angels We Have Heard on High"

After the meeting was over we went back to Sheri's for a few minutes and then drove out to Darrel and Trina's ward. Darrel had to work and Trina walked in with Ruby and Addy. Addy went to sit on the stand and Trina and Ruby sat by us. Trina said Lola got sick and threw up all over her Christmas dress just before they left. Rowan stayed home with her.

One of the things I love about coming to church during Christmas is the singing of Christmas carols. In this second meeting we sang, 
"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear," and "Away in a Manger." The Primary children sang "If I Were a Shepherd." Ruby of course sang with them. 

Here are some of the notes I took of the meeting:
Addy's talk: -Christmas is a celebration of Christ's life, example and Atonement. Moroni 7:41 - And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.(She bore her testimony, which was amazing!)
Everyday I strive to become more like Him. As I grow so does my testimony in Him. (She quoted from 'I Stand All Amazed). DC 19:16-19: For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, tht they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit - and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink - Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.
I was so proud of Addy and her talk. It is so wonderful to know that she has a testimony of the gospel and can express it so well.
Maya Turner, another youth: We should try to be kind to everyone.
Zach Olsen - Be a generous giver and a gracious receiver.
Kari Sandstrom (the ward organist) - My favorite part of Christmas is the nativity. I love looking and thinking about that first Christmas. 
Bishop Florence was the last speaker. 
We have 106 YM/YW in our ward. Peace in Christ is this years theme for YM/YW. DC 19:23 - "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me."
How does Christ speak to us?
Through the Holy Ghost, the scriptures, and the living prophets.
Be better than we were yesterday. I love you brothers and sisters. Be good to each other. 

This was a really great meeting but the highlight for me was Addy's talk.

We went by Darrel and Trina's to see Lola and Rowan. Lola looked a little pale. She said to me: "I think I'm going to be sick for Christmas."

Back at Sheri's we had ham, potatoes, broccoli and rolls for lunch. Thanks Sheri. Afterwards James took a long nap while I put bows on packages.  This evening we visited Lois and Dawn. 

Sheri, Ian, Max, Evan, Kim, and Brian tried to go to Zoo Lights but it was more crowded than Disneyland. Those were Kim's words. They went around town and looked at Christmas lights instead.

The same thing happened to Darrel's family. I guess Lola was well enough to go but it just didn't happen.

I like this picture of Lois and Jack

A Christmas tree quilt

I think these two really like each other

The Wanlass's in Idaho.

Guess who they saw?

Such sweet faces!

 I love this family photo!

Holding fingers

 Oh Lola!

 Sweet couple!

The First Christmas present

Reunited and it feels so good!

Saturday, December 22nd, 2018

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 July 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mosiah 18:2

Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 15:1-17

Book of Mormon #2

Ether 1-2

Old Testament

Malachi 3-4

General Conference

Wounded

Elder Neil L. Andersen
"We each understand that difficulties are part of life, but when they come to us personally, they can take our breath away. Without being alarmed, we need to be ready. The Apostle Peter said, 'Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.' Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker-colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father's plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers."

We delivered banana bread to the Woods's and the Grapp's this morning. We left Anthony's bread at the Grapp's because James doesn't want to take our car out to his place and the truck is in the valley. 

The Grapp's gave us homemade Reese's and they were delicious. I told James we should save them for the family party tonight, but they didn't stand a chance because we both loved them.

When we got home I finished wrapping James's gifts. I put the little gifts for Darrel's kids in some stockings I had. 

I brought wood in because it's going to snow, and I made some chili for tonight, We are taking it down already made in the crockpot. We also took down six bags of frozen venison, canned milk, and bisquick for Christmas morning. 

Our goal was to leave by noon but by the time we got everything done, I did some cleaning and packed the car, it was 3 pm. We had to stop in Show Low at Sister Dye's grandson's house. She is staying there recovering from her stroke so that's where we delivered her banana nut bread. They had a macaw on the front porch.

He must have his wings clipped.

We leave, going the Globe way. I haven't driven more than 10 minutes when I start falling asleep. I asked James if he would drive until Globe and then I would take over again. He did, and I got a short nap.

At Globe we stopped at Walmart because I wanted to get an ugly sweater. They didn't have a very good selection but I found a black one with Santa and Ho, Ho, Ho on the front. Sorry that I didn't get a good picture. I also bought some paper bowls for the chili, Belvita crackers, and some Slimfast for James. James came in and ordered himself some wings. I walked across the parking lot to Taco Bell and got a couple of tacos. It's hard to eat tacos while you are driving, but I managed.

I can barely keep up.

We made it to Sheri's before the party started at 7 p.m. Thanks to Max agreeing to bunk with Evan, we are staying in Ben's old room. The first thing Sheri did was take a picture of me with my Sheri holding Ollie with his Christmas sweater.

An old woman and her granddog

We had Chik-fil-a, chili, Panera cookies, and a yummy popcorn mixture. After snacking, we sat down for some entertainment. We asked each family to participate. Michael played the ukelele and sang "Silent Night" with Joshua. Stacy was sick and didn't come. I am sorry she missed them because they were really good.

These two really harmonize together

Kim and Brian were next. Brian told the story, "For the Man Who Hated Christmas." Kim passed out copies of the story for everyone and then an envelope for each family. Inside our envelope there was a note that said that they had provided items for refugees in Arizona. Sheri's said they had donated to the juvenile diabetes fund and the missionary fund. I'm not sure what Darrel's or Paul's said, but Paul was crying. These simple acts of service are how Kim and Brian celebrated Christmas. They truly brought the Spirit to our party tonight. Thank you!

 Taking a video of Michael and Joshua

 Kim wanted the lambie socks I brought

I showed which gift Paul bought so Rowan

wouldn't pick it. He knows that Paul got the

Taylor Lautner poster.

Ian picked Paul's gift and got the

Taylor Lautner poster to take home

for a year.

 I wanted to get this shirt for James

 Sweet little gingerbread girl!

 All the gifts I had to pack in the car.

 Cute little Scarlett

 Grandpa, Ruby, and Addy

Joshua entered the ugly sweater contest.

He borrowed this one from Kim.

Friday, December 21st, 2018

Frieberg, Germany

33rd operating temple

Dedicated: 29-30 June 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mosiah 16:8

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 14:8-31

Book of Mormon #2

Mormon 8-9

Old Testament

Malachi 2

General Conference

The Role of the Book of Mormon in Conversion

Elder Shayne M. Bowen

"I have read the accounts of the First Vision; I have read the Book of Mormon. I have prayed s directed by Moroni and asked 'God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ' if the Book of Mormon is true. I bear witness today that I know the Book of Mormon, as the Prophet Joseph Smith said, is 'the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man will get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.' The Prophet Joseph also declared: 'Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none.'"

Here are the talks I listened to today:

"To Walk Humbly with Thy God," by Marlin K. Jensen

"Be Thou Humble" by Steven E. Snow

"The Eternal Everyday" by Quentin L. Cook

"A Humble and a Contrite Heart" by Gordon B. Hinckley

"Continue in Patience" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Turn to the Lord" by Bishop Christopher Waddell

My favorite was the one on patience by Elder Uchtdorf. The attributes for this week and humility and patience. I need to work on both, especially patience. Here are a few notes I took on Elder Uchtdorf's talk: "Acquiring patience requires steady and consistent work. Impatience is a symptom of selfishness. We must refine our natures through patience. Knowledge and understanding come at the price of patience. Patience is a process of perfection."

I had wrapped gifts for a needy family in our ward this morning. I asked Tamara if she would deliver them because I did not want them to know they were from me. James and I took the gifts over to Tamara's on the way to deliver our banana nut bread.

James delivered to the Peeler's and the Wilhelm's last night. The Peeler's reported back to him that it was the best banana bread they had ever had. Wow! They are certainly nice. I was a little worried about it because I had to brown some of the bananas in the oven. 

After dropping the Campbell gifts off at Tamara's we headed for the Howard's. Today is their granddaughter Hunter's birthday and they are taking her to lunch so they wanted us to come early. The horses we waiting for us.

Jean loved the electric blanket I bought for her. I told Tom that the banana bread was for him but he had to share with Jean and maybe she would share her blanket with him. Tom made sure we saw the big stuffed animals along the ledge by their ceiling. My favorites were Mr. and Mrs. Lion.

Our next stop was the Halcomb's. Catherine was ready for us. Kerri was gone to work. The first thing Catherine did was go up to James and rub his face and ask him where his beard was. She said he needed a beard for Christmas. She had to show us her eskimo, husky village. She said it's worth thousands of dollars and that Kerri will inherit it. We also saw her and Kerri's nativity collection and Catherine's Santa collection. We gave them banana nut bread, each a blanket, Catherine some cozy Christmas socks, and I gave Kerri a conductor's hat because she is always conducting Relief Society. Later in the day Kerri came by and dropped this off at our house. 

We stopped by the Grapp's to deliver their bread and gifts but they were not home. From the Grapp's we drove in to Show Low. Our first stop was Taco Bell for lunch. We actually went inside to eat. I do not like eating in the car especially with messy Taco Bell food. 

Next we went to Walmart. We went in with the idea of buying each other a small Christmas gift. We agreed that the limit would be $20 each but although I came closer than James, neither of us stayed within that limit. I bought James a pair of shoes and a blue and green plaid flannel shirt which suits him perfectly. He bought me a silver/gold garnet and diamond tear drop necklace that cost well over $50. 

James actually saw his shoes as we were walking out to the car. He said they were too small, so I had to turn around and go back inside and get 8 1/2's. I hope they aren't too big.

I told James I wanted an ugly sweater like this one to wear to our family Christmas party tomorrow night.

He said I should have told him before we went in. He's right, I can't really blame him for not getting me this lovely sweater.

I accomplished one more thing today besides delivering banana nut bread. I got a ministering sister companion for Diana Curtis. She is new in the ward and her name is Candace Campbell.

Today's Christmas movies:

"The Christmas Clause," "Holiday Wishes," and a new one, "Christmas for the Books."

The view from upstairs

 Opening her gift from us

 I love how Charlie points with 

her finger

Thursday, December 20th, 2018

Guatemala City, Guatemala

32nd operating temple

Dedicated: 14-16 Dec 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mosiah 15:7

Yes, even so he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 13:19-14:7

Book of Mormon #2

Mormon 4-7

Old Testament

Malachi 1

General Conference

The Ministry of Reconciliation

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Brothers and sisters, Jesus has asked that we 'live together in love' with 'no disputations among yo.' 'He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me,' He warned the Nephites. Indeed, to a great degree, our relationship to Christ will be determined - or at least affected - by our relationship to each other." 

I am really enjoying reading the talks that Kim has sent to go along with the attributes of Christ. Today I read "Where Is Wisdom," by President Nelson, and "Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge," by Elder Quentin L. Cook. Elder Cook stresses the fact that we must remain humble as we seek and attain knowledge.

I made 8 loaves of banana nut bread today. I still need to make another loaf for the Crane's when they get home next week. They are the best neighbors anyone could ask for.

I also wrapped 11 presents while watching these Christmas movies: 

"A Second Chance Christmas," "The Spirit of Christmas," "A Perfect Christmas List," and one new one, "A Christmas Switch."

It was a perfect 60 degree day with no wind. Too bad I spent all my time inside. James slept a lot because of pain. When he got up he worked on figuring up how much Carmen Chavez owes on her land and mobile home. She is always so faithful each month to pay what she owes. 

I read an article on Meridian Magazine by Scott Proctor today. He listed 8 things he does to stay healthy. I thought the first one was interesting. He says he first seeks personal revelation as to what he should do to keep his body healthy. He is younger than we are and has already suffered two heart attacks so he now takes his health very seriously.

News of the day as told to me by my friend Pam: Sister missionaries can now wear pants except for Church meetings and going to the temple. 

Mikey St. Onge, a former Primary student who is Alex's age, became a dad today. His mom Janny is very happy and is asking him and his girlfriend to live with her. 

No blogging today, I didn't have time, which means I am getting further behind.

Merry Christmas from our friends the

Chestnuts'.

Scarlett loves dogs and cats.

I love this foxy little girl!

Love these two!