Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Ether13:19-14:7

Coriantumr had devoted a great deal of time to studying "all the arts of war and all the cunning of the world", yet he rejected the simple message of Ether, which would have brought him peace in a way that all his military skills could not.  Not the prophet Ether's promise to Coriantumr in Ether 13:20-21 as well as its fulfillment (see Ether 15:1-3, 26-32; Omni 1:20-22).  Coriantumr and Shiz allowed all their followers to be killed instead of ending the conflict.  We cannot fully comprehend the horror of the final Jaredite battle in which even women and children were armed and sent to war (see Ether 15:15).  This does, however, provide a graphic picture of what people become when the Spirit of the Lord withdraws and no longer strives with them (see v. 19).  Anger and hatred played a major role in the destruction of the Jaredites.  What role do you see anger and hatred playing in the world today?  How can you combat this in your own sphere of influence?

GC:  The Great Plan of Redemption by Linda S. Reeves

Amulek testified, "I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; ... if ye will repent .... immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you."

I finished the last two stockings for the kids in my Primary class and delivered them today.  I also bought a dozen tamales from my friend Rosa.  She makes the best tamales!  

James Facetimed with Jerod Bowen today about the job he is going to do for him.  When we go down on Thursday he will go and look at the job and take measurements.  

In commemoration of Michael's sweet sixteen birthday three years ago I had to post this picture taken at Olive Garden.

James had to go to town to get some stuff to fix the gasket on the pump.  He brought me back a chicken taco from Alibertos.  I stayed home and started wrapping blankets.  While wrapping I watched a Christmas movie starring Yannick Bisson.  James and I watched a new Christmas movie starring Cameron Mathison, "A Christmas to Remember".

Tonight was Michael's birthday party at Organ Stop Pizza.  Paul made a video of Stacy that I really enjoyed.

Taylor's wedding was today at the Gillbert temple.

Megan also got her endowments today as she is leaving on her mission in January.

Ruby made this family board for her mom for Christmas

because she knows how much her mom loves her family.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

The Boston temple

Mormon 4:1-23

Why is it important not to boast in your own strength?  

* When we boast in our own strength and go forth in our own might, repenting not of the evil we have done, but persist in our wickedness, our hearts become hardened.  This leads to a lack of the Spirit, which invites anger towards others.  When we notice we have anger in our hearts, it should be an alarm to us that something is wrong.  OUr pride can convince us that we are okay, but anger is destructive.  Repentance heals ill feelings, mends broken spirits, softens hardened hearts, and repairs damaged souls.  Instead of looking for reasons to find fault in others, we need to recognize the fault within our own soul first.  Also, everything good in our lives comes from God.  We are selfish when we fail to acknowledge Him and express gratitude to Him for all of our blessings.  D&C 59:21: "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things and obey not His commandments."

GC:     "The Great Plan of Redemption" by Linda S. Reeves

' When we have sinned, Satan often tries to convince us that the unselfish things to do is to protect others from the devastation of the knowledge of our sins, including avoiding confessing to our bishop, who can bless our lives through his priesthood keys as a common judge in Israel.  The truth, however, is that the unselfish

things to do is to confess and repent.  This is Heavenly Father's great plan of redemption.'

James left for the valley this morning.  On his way out he called me and said there was snow on all the mountains around us.  Sunrise got 8 inches of snow and will be open this weekend for skiing and snowboarding.  

Although we got no snow in Vernon it is nice to know that the first snow of the season hit the mountains.

It was 63 years ago today that President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed while visiting Dallas, Texas.

I was a sophomore in high school and was in Mr. Wiltbank's geometry class when the announcement was made over the intercom.  We all went outside and stood around the flag pole for a moment of silence.

I made rolls today using a recipe I got years ago in a Relief Society meeting from my friend Cathy A.  I usually make them crescent shaped but today I just made regular rolls.

I was very pleased with how they turned out.

I also made a stew for James. He got home around 7 this evening and brought me two burros from Burger House.  He loved the stew and I loved the burros!

Paul posted this picture today on Facebook.  

I love these boys, and the doggie too!

I heard some sad news today.  Our friend Drea from Chandler and her sister Annie who now lives in Utah lost their brother today.  He passed out at work.  Drea is the oldest of her siblings and she is younger than Sheri.  I am not sure how old her brother was, probably in his 30's.  Drea's sister Angela wrote this:

May the Lord comfort this sweet family.

We know Drea and her sister Annie personally.

On a happier note, Kacey got a surprise today.

Hopefully these were from Jared.

Joe's new band, Super Motel made their debut performance tonight in Mesa.

Joe is very talented.  He plays the guitar, sings, and

writes music.  Dallin, Michael, and Kim all said

the band was awesome!

I watched one of my favorite Christmas movies for the second time this year.  "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" starring Henry Winkler and Brooke Burns. This movie makes me laugh!  I love Uncle Ralph and the guy who plays Morgan!  Brooke Burns is great too.

James and I also read by the fire and the tree before going to bed.