Stockholm, Sweden
34th operating temple
Dedicated: 2-4 July 1985
By: Gordon B. Hinckley
Jesus Christ, Death of
Mosiah 18:2
Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.
Book of Mormon #1
Ether 15:1-17
Book of Mormon #2
Ether 1-2
Old Testament
Malachi 3-4
General Conference
Wounded
Elder Neil L. Andersen
"We each understand that difficulties are part of life, but when they come to us personally, they can take our breath away. Without being alarmed, we need to be ready. The Apostle Peter said, 'Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.' Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker-colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father's plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers."
"We each understand that difficulties are part of life, but when they come to us personally, they can take our breath away. Without being alarmed, we need to be ready. The Apostle Peter said, 'Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.' Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker-colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father's plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers."
We delivered banana bread to the Woods's and the Grapp's this morning. We left Anthony's bread at the Grapp's because James doesn't want to take our car out to his place and the truck is in the valley.
The Grapp's gave us homemade Reese's and they were delicious. I told James we should save them for the family party tonight, but they didn't stand a chance because we both loved them.
When we got home I finished wrapping James's gifts. I put the little gifts for Darrel's kids in some stockings I had.
I brought wood in because it's going to snow, and I made some chili for tonight, We are taking it down already made in the crockpot. We also took down six bags of frozen venison, canned milk, and bisquick for Christmas morning.
Our goal was to leave by noon but by the time we got everything done, I did some cleaning and packed the car, it was 3 pm. We had to stop in Show Low at Sister Dye's grandson's house. She is staying there recovering from her stroke so that's where we delivered her banana nut bread. They had a macaw on the front porch.
He must have his wings clipped.
We leave, going the Globe way. I haven't driven more than 10 minutes when I start falling asleep. I asked James if he would drive until Globe and then I would take over again. He did, and I got a short nap.
At Globe we stopped at Walmart because I wanted to get an ugly sweater. They didn't have a very good selection but I found a black one with Santa and Ho, Ho, Ho on the front. Sorry that I didn't get a good picture. I also bought some paper bowls for the chili, Belvita crackers, and some Slimfast for James. James came in and ordered himself some wings. I walked across the parking lot to Taco Bell and got a couple of tacos. It's hard to eat tacos while you are driving, but I managed.
I can barely keep up.
We made it to Sheri's before the party started at 7 p.m. Thanks to Max agreeing to bunk with Evan, we are staying in Ben's old room. The first thing Sheri did was take a picture of me with my Sheri holding Ollie with his Christmas sweater.
An old woman and her granddog
We had Chik-fil-a, chili, Panera cookies, and a yummy popcorn mixture. After snacking, we sat down for some entertainment. We asked each family to participate. Michael played the ukelele and sang "Silent Night" with Joshua. Stacy was sick and didn't come. I am sorry she missed them because they were really good.
These two really harmonize together
Kim and Brian were next. Brian told the story, "For the Man Who Hated Christmas." Kim passed out copies of the story for everyone and then an envelope for each family. Inside our envelope there was a note that said that they had provided items for refugees in Arizona. Sheri's said they had donated to the juvenile diabetes fund and the missionary fund. I'm not sure what Darrel's or Paul's said, but Paul was crying. These simple acts of service are how Kim and Brian celebrated Christmas. They truly brought the Spirit to our party tonight. Thank you!
Taking a video of Michael and Joshua
Kim wanted the lambie socks I brought
I showed which gift Paul bought so Rowan
wouldn't pick it. He knows that Paul got the
Taylor Lautner poster.
Ian picked Paul's gift and got the
Taylor Lautner poster to take home
for a year.
I wanted to get this shirt for James
Sweet little gingerbread girl!
All the gifts I had to pack in the car.
Cute little Scarlett
Grandpa, Ruby, and Addy
Joshua entered the ugly sweater contest.
He borrowed this one from Kim.
