Sunday, June 2nd, 2019

Frieberg, Germany

33rd operating temple

Dedicated: 29-30 June 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Alma 34:2

My brethren, I think that it is impossible that ye should be ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the coming of Christ, who is taught by us to be the Son of God; yea, I know that these things were taught unto you bountifully before your dissension from among us.

Book of Mormon

Alma 10:1-16

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

JS-Matthew; Matthew 25; Mark 12-13; Luke 21

General Conference

Careful vs Casual

Becky Craven

"Being careful in living the gospel does not necessarily mean being formal or stuffy. What it does mean is being appropriate in our thoughts and behavior as disciples of Jesus Christ. As we ponder the difference between careful and casual in our gospel living, here are some thought to consider:

Are we careful in our Sabbath-day worship and in our preparation to partake of the sacrament each week?

Could we be more careful in our prayers and scripture study or be more actively engaged in "Come, Follow Me"?

Are we careful in our temple worship, and do we carefully and deliberately live the covenants we made both at baptism and in the temple?

Are we careful in how we minister to others and in how we fulfill our callings in the Church, or are we indifferent or casual in our call to serve?"

I read an amazing talk this morning that really helped me with my fast today. "Fasting with Power" by Elder Shayne M. Bowen, April 2009 Ensign. The first thing that caught my eye in this talk was the statement: "A person can overcome any addiction or bad habit through living the law of the fast."
The entire article is wonderful to read if you are someone who struggles with fasting like I do.

This morning I also found an idea on Pinterest for us to use as our Father's Day gifts this year in the ward.

Simple and fun

Bishop Miller and his family are vacationing in California this week. Brother Thompson conducted our fast and testimony meeting. James bore his testimony and in addition to what he said on Facebook he gave me another tribute. It was a little embarrassing, but very sweet.

Brother Wright bore his testimony and it was one of my favorites. Also a fairly new member Brother Morrison bore his testimony. It was sweet and simple. His twins came up to see him while he was waiting on the stand and when he got up to go to the pulpit Lannie and John got up and each took a twin and delivered them back to their mom and brother.

Brother Judd taught Sunday School and started to introduce next week's lesson amidst protests so he went back to this week's lesson, "The Son of Man Shall Come." The class go into quite a discussion about being prepared, the monetary system, food storage, etc. My friend Tamara and I were a little disappointed that no other topics were discussed. One of the things I appreciated from this lesson was the reference from Gospel Topics on the Second Coming. Here is a list that I found regarding the prophesied events and signs:

1. Apostasy from gospel truth.

2. The Restoration of the gospel, including the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ.

3. The restoration of priesthood keys.

4. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

5. The preaching of the gospel throughout the world.

6. A time of wickedness, war, and turmoil.

7. Signs in heaven and on the earth.

The righteous need not fear the Second Coming or the signs that precede it. The Savior's words to His Apostles apply to all who prepare for His coming and who look forward to it with joy: "Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled." (DC 45:35).

We had a family history consultant meeting immediately after the block. James, Brother Curtis, Sister Thompson, Sister Klug, and I attended.

Brother Curtis says the bishop is concerned about the consultants getting into the homes of the members. It is a challenge getting people interested in doing the work. On another note Brother Curtis and indexed and reviewed over 185,000 names. He says it is his hobby and he loves doing it.

James and I went home and took naps. After napping we broke our fast and had some dinner. James had bought steaks when he went shopping Friday and he grilled them outside. I made the potatoes and the veggies.

 I was able to fast for 24 hours, something that is difficult for me to do but I was determined after reading Elder Bowen's talk. Here is an excerpt from his talk:

After dinner we went a little overboard with dessert. We had ice cream with roasted pecans and caramel sauce. Quite delicious. 

James took a long nap while I worked on my blog and then we both wrote letters to Ben and watched the finale of "When Calls the Heart."

 Nothing like a sleeping baby

What Charlie does while Kacey and Jared

are teaching Sunday School

 Macy and Scarlett

Which do you prefer, desert,

or

mountains? 

 Hunsaker's had a baby blessing in the valley

James said his missed Colter in his class.

I think Kip is giving Alicia bunny ears or horns.

 Celebrating on their mission in 

Martin's Cove, Wyoming

Hunks of "When Calls the Heart"

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!