Tuesday, December 9, 2014

"We all enjoy giving and receiving presents.  But there is a difference between presents and gifts.  The true gifts may be part of ourselves - giving of the riches of the heart and mind - and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store."

-James E. Faust

Lots of gospel study and I try to finish the Old Testament, keep up on my Book of Mormon reading and journal, conference talks, and church magazines.  I also did four blog posts.  

Stacy has a new job.   Her friend Penny Dolata who works at Chandler Eye needs someone to help with her mother -in-law.  Her main responsibility will be to take her on errands.  She called and told me about her first experience.  I guess she took her to the doctor and then Mrs. Dolata wanted to go to Walmart for just a few minutes.  Stacy said she spent 2 1/2 hours wandering around every aisle in Walmart and the woman ended up buying frosting and grape soda.  It was quite an experience.  

I went into town to pick up Nerf guns I ordered at Walmart but they weren't ready for pickup.  I picked up lunch at Aliberto's, by the way their bean burros can't even compare to Burger House's, and washed my car.  Came home and watched Christmas movies while doing work at my desk and computer.

This evening I attended the Relief Society activity at the church. Teresa Smith taught us line danceing.  It was fun.  The theme was Angels and sisters shared stories about times they were helped by the "angel" visiting teachers.  We had angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream for dessert.  I visited with Joel Miller and Amy Reynolds.  Kelly and Shelly babysat and I definitely think they deserve an award.

Joyce Malone made these boxes for everyone.

Inside was candy and a small angel ornament.

Robert came by tonight and fixed the truck.  Darrel was here again tonight.

 

Sunday, November 30, 2014

I worked on my Book of Mormon journal this morning before going to church. 

Morning sunrise.

 Talon Wilhelm was the youth speaker.  He spoke on a talk given by President Hinckley entitled: "Be Slow to Anger."

Bishop Miller performed a small miracle.  He got Deana McNeil to speak in sacrament meeting and she did a great job.  She spoke on "Faith."  'Faith is about feeling and believing and relying on Jesus Christ.  Faith is about listening for answers and then acting on promptings we receive.'

 Jimmy McNeil spoke on the attributes of Christ: Charity, diligence, faith, hope, humility, knowledge, obedience, patience, and virtue.  The gospel is easy to understand but sometimes hard to follow.

In Sunday School we studied the life of Jeremiah.  James said the prayer although he told Brother Wilhelm that he had laringitis.  

Here are some notes from the third hour which was led by Bishop Miller.  He spoke on three things:

1.) Recognizing and living up to our privileges. We need to learn what our privileges are from the scriptures and through our prayers.  I need to do better in at least one thing in my life.  I chose temple attendance.

 2.) Serve today.  Don't procrastinate.  You don't know how many days you will have. 

3.) Seek for and accept correction.  We must be teachable and humble.

Be where we need to be.  There are expiration dates on every opportunity.  Choose the Lord today and everyday.  

The Holy Ghost is the great sanctifier.  He purifies us.  There is a time and a season for all things.  The Lord expects us to serve today, no matter what stage of life we are in.

After lunch and a nap James and I read from "For Elise" and then watched one of the best Christmas movies of the season: "Signed, Sealed and Delivered."  

Darrel joined us for dinner.  I made gravy with turkey and stuffing.  It was quite tasty.

This is what I am wishing for, Snow!

 

 

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

"Write down in a secure place the important things you

learn from the Spirit.  You will find that as you record a

precious impression, often others will come that you

would not have otherwise received.  Also, the spiritual

knowledge you gain will be available throughout your life.

Always, day or night, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, seek to recognize and respond to the direction of the Spirit.

Have available a piece of paper or a card to 

record such guidance."

-Elder Richard G. Scott

 If you haven't had some of Ruth & Kathy's homemade Jalapeno

Jelly you are really missing out.  It is delicious and we have looked forward to it every year since our move to Vernon.  Kathy is our neighbor and both she and Ruth have beautiful gardens where they grow their own peppers.

James left for the valley this morning but he was back again tonight.  He says if it's going to rain in the valley he may as well do his paperwork up here.  He brought home Burger House burros for Darrel and I.

I made a trip to town to do grocery shopping, stopping at Sonic for a cheeseburger.  It started raining around noon and rained all day into the night  It felt like a good evening to sit down and watch some TV and listen to it rain.  Courtney, to my dismay, won Master Chef.  Also tonight was the results show for last night's premier of Dancing with the Stars.  Last night Witney Carson and Alfonso Ribiero stole the show.  Alfonso played Carlton on "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air."  Jared used to do the Carlton dance.  He is also famous, Jared that is, for doing the "Lucy" dance to the "I Love Lucy" them song.

Cozy home in North Carolina,

the state my Strickland ancestors are from.