Friday, December 16, 2016

I called and wished Ben a Happy Birthday!

Ether 11:1-23

Ether 11 clearly demonstrates the consequences of not heeding prophetic warnings.  Consider what President Henry B. Eyring said concerning the cost of rejecting prophetic counsel and the safety that comes from heeding prophets: "Looking for the path to safety in the counsel of prophets makes sense to those with strong faith.  When a prophet speaks, those with little faith may think that they hear only a wise man giving good advice.  Then if his counsel seems comfortable and reasonable, squaring with what they want to do, that take it. If it does not, they consider it either faulty advice or they see their circumstances as justifying their being an exception to the counsel.  Those without faith may think that they hear only men seeking to exert influence for some selfish motive.  Every time in my life when I have chosen to delay following inspired counsel or decided that I was an exception, I came to know that I had put myself in harm's way.  Every time that I have listened to the counsel of prophets, felt it confirmed in prayer, and then followed it, I have found that I moved toward safety" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 32-33; or Ensign, May 1997, 25).

GC:   That He May Become Strong Also by President Henry B. Eyring

"The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the spiritual blessings of the Church."

GC: Principles and Promises by President Thomas S. Monson

"Those who are obedient to the Lord's commandments and who faithfully observe the Word of Wisdom are promised particular blessings, among which are good health, and added physical stamina."

  

Happy 17th Birthday to one of the nicest young men I know, my grandson Ben!

Ben is kind, compassionate, fun-loving, and loves 

to help and serve others.

I love you Ben!

It was cold, rainy and windy today.  I didn't care because I stayed inside where it was nice and warm and where my sweet husband makes sure a fire is always going.

The part James ordered for the water pump came today, delivered to our door by UPS.  He says now the pump is barely leaking.  

James also spent time trying to fix the axle on his trailer.  He still needs it to pick up more stuff at the construction yard in Chandler.  

I wrote and addressed Christmas cards today, worked on my blog and read to James from "He Is Coming."  

Did I mention that this morning we looked outside and

there were 52 antelope in our yard.  How fun!

This evening we watched "A Nutcracker Christmas" starring Amy Acker.

Our friends the Whalen's.

Last year, playing games with Lois and Dawn.

The first Relief Society.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Manitoba, Canada temple.

I think this is an artist's rendition.  I don't think this temple

is completed yet.

Mormon 1:1-19

What does it mean to willfully rebel against God and what are the consequences? (v.16)  While serving as a member of the Seventy, Elder Dean L. Larsen explained that rebellion against God has individual roots which, if not corrected, spread with devastating consequences: "Historically, the drifting away from the course of life marked out by the Lord has occurred as individuals begin to make compromises with the Lord's standard.  This is particularly true when the transgression is willful and no repentance occurs.  Remember Mormon's description of those who turned away from the true path in his day.  They did not sin in ignorance.  They willfully rebelled against God.  It did not occur as a universal movement.  It began as individual members of the Church knowingly began to make compromises with the Lord's standards.  They sought justification for their diversions in the knowledge that others were compromising as well.  Those who willfully sin soon seek to establish a standard of their own with which they can feel more comfortable and which justifies their misconduct.  They also seek the association of those who are willing to drift with them along the path of self-delusion.  As the number of drifting individuals increases, their influence becomes more powerful.  It might be described as 'the great and spacious building syndrome.' The drifting is the more dangerous when its adherents continue to overtly identify with and participate with the group that conforms to the Lord's way.  Values and standards that were once clear become clouded and uncertain.  Conduct that would once have caused alarm now becomes somewhat commonplace."

I remember years ago when Monte was going to school in Tucson and had become active in the Church.  We went down the Sunday when he was ordained an elder.  Afterwards I wanted to take everyone to lunch, justifying in my mind, that 'just this once it would be okay to go to a restaurant on the Sabbath.'  James refused and I will be forever grateful of his example of faith and obedience.  "Out of small things proceedeth that which is great."

GC:     'That He May Become Strong Also' by President Henry B. Eyring

" Now I have been some fifty four years a member of the Twelve Apostles.  I have traveled with that and other quorums now for sixty years; and I want to say to this assembly that I was just as much sustained by the power of God while holding the office of a Teacher, and especially while officiating in the vineyard as a Priest, as I ever was as an Apostle.  There is no difference in this

as long as we do our duty."

No antelope came to visit today.  We did see some yesterday in the field out by Highway 60 when we were going to Snowflake.  Today the three cows came back that trampled our grass and plants.  They are the bane of James's existence.  ________cows!

There was no wind today but the high was around 45.  This didn't stop James from working outside.

Replacing cracked stone.

While working on my blog I watched, "Mistletoe over Manhattan."

I love the Mrs. Santa Claus in this movie.  I always watch it every year.

We made a trip to town today to get the ingredients for meatball subs which we are feeding the missionaries tomorrow night.  Also I bought a turkey.  They were on sale.  It is a Butterball and weighs about 14-15 lbs.  I also bought a dutch apple pie since I didn't make James an apple pie from the Honey Crisp apples we got.

We had lunch at the China Buffet and took home two quarts of hot and sour soup.  I could live on that stuff!

As soon as I got home and was putting the groceries away I got a call from the missionaries.  They will not be able to make it to our dinner appointment tomorrow night because of a baptism.  Well I guess James and I will have to eat meatball subs by ourselves!

Anna hosted friends at her house for a

"friendsgiving dinner."

I love it!

I love living in Vernon.  I think it is beautiful and I love experiencing the four seasons.  I love the people in our ward and the peace and quiet.  Sometimes I wish it looked a little more like this:

Don't get me wrong!  I am extremely happy!

Ruby is excited about being a cheerleader and wanted to show everyone her outfit.

Love it!

I watched "I'm Not ready for Christmas" starring Alicia Witt, and "Trading Christmas" starring Faith Ford while working on my Primary lesson.

I love this picture of Jared and as a bonus

Kim is in the background along with Ryan and Cheryl.