Sunday, February 19, 2023: Left side of my face swollen, I forge ahead, Sacrament mtg, SS, lunch, nap, blog, read, DMT, BM,

 

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2 July 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Temptations of

Luke 22:28

Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:50-10:17

Come Follow Me

Review & Sunday School Lesson

Jesus's Name

Lawgiver

Lesson Words

Blessed, Salt, Light, Love, Perfect

Favorite Scriptures

Matthew 5:3-10, 16, 44, 48

OctGenCon

Lifted Up Upon The Cross

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

As we take up our crosses and follow Him, it would be tragic indeed if the weight of our challenges did not make us more empathetic for and more attentive to the burdens being carried by others. It is one of the most powerful paradoxes of the Crucifixion that the arms of the Savior were stretched wide open and then nailed there, unwittingly but accurately portraying that every man, woman, and child in the entire human family is not only welcome but invited into His redeeming, exalting embrace.

100 Favorite Verses - The Publisher of Peace

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith uno Zion, Thy God reigneth.

Up at 5:16, an hour later than I wanted, but still enough time to go over the lesson a couple of times. My face is swollen on the right side. I realized it earlier when I was up to go to the bathroom and took a Naproxen, but it's still swollen. I got a "headache" bag from the freezer and pressed it against my cheek. James insisted that I use the sauna bag for at least 15-20 minutes. I said I could only afford 15. I climbed inside and warmth surrounded me. It was wonderful and so relaxing. When I was finished I ate half a cheese crisp and swallowed two Tramadols. On the way to church I took two Benadryl at James's suggestion. I was all drugged up. My face still has some slight swelling but after my prayer I turned things over to the Lord and didn't worry about it.

James and I arrived at church at 8:15 for our 9 o'clock sacrament meeting so we could set up the room for Sunday School. Kerri came in to set up the microphones just as we were leaving.

My name was presented in sacrament meeting as being called to be a teacher in Relief Society. I received a sustaining vote and was not asked to stand, thank goodness! 

Today was high council Sunday and Curtis Patterson is the high councilman who was assigned to our ward. Elder Piper, one of the full-time missionaries was his speaking companion. 

Elder Piper, as one my expect, spoke on missionary work. Here are some notes that I took:

Be friendly. Ask yourself, what would Christ have me to do? A new commandment I give unto you that ye love one another as I have loved you. Everything starts from a place of love. 1.) Be interested in others. 2.) Share the gospel - the Savior can help everyone - improve people's lives through sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ really does love them. 3.) Be friend others by inviting them to come unto Christ. Love, share, and invite. This is the most important work in the world. 

Brother Curtis Patterson - Vernon is his favorite ward. The first thing he did was read a quote from President Nelson regarding the importance of women in the gospel. That's a good way to start. He then said: Bring people closer to Christ. Belonging. "Much of the joy in life has little to do with the circumstances of our lives but the focus of our lives." Focus on Christ. Born and grew up in Jackson county, Missouri. He was persecuted and abused on a daily basis in high school. One of the boys he cut him with a knife in high school called him recently and apologized and said he had joined the Church. A girl did the same. The Savior needs to be the center of our lives. Focus on Him and learn to love as He loves and forgive as He forgives. Brother Patterson is a great example of this. He also helps youth who are being bullied on social media and in real life.

I felt like the lesson on Matthew 5 went well. There was good participation and I felt like the Spirit was there, especially when James shared the story about the Berlin Wall and the garbage. I am glad I was able to teach the class without looking too scary. Now I can focus on teaching Relief Society next week.

We came home and had some lunch and then I took a long nap on the recliner in the family room. It was almost 4 o'clock in the afternoon when I woke up. Kim texted me and said her class went well and asked me how mine was. I was happy to report that I thought it was a success. 

This evening I read a little from Michael Vaal's book, blogged, caught up on my Book of Mormon studies, listened to Elder Holland's conference talk, and listened to Dave & Emily on "Don't Miss This" for next week's lesson, Matthew 6 & 7.

It was a good Sabbath day. I am so grateful for the Sabbath although we were sorry to hear that Kacey and Jared have Covid and were not able to attend their meetings. Kacey sent us a couple of pictures of Charlie reading from her scriptures. If only the other grandkids would follow her example.

Charlie loves to read her scriptures!

Today's Handouts

Tara & Jeff (a Brit) prepare an

English feast

Janie is three years older than I am. She talks about Eb & Gerri

Lewis who were in my ward. Eb was my bishop and his daugher

Kim Seaman is the temple matron at the Snowflake temple today.