Wednesday, December 11th, 2019

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Genesis 28:13

And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to they seed;

Book of Mormon

Ether 8:18-26

New Testament

Revelation 4-5; SS Lesson; "DMT" with Emily and Dave's handout

 10/19 General Conference

"Come Follow Me - the Lord's Counter-Strategy and Proactive Plan"

Brother Mark L. Pace

"As Latter-day Saints, we seek a firm and sure foundation in our lives - a spiritual foundation needed for our journey through mortality and back to our heavenly home. That foundation is established on the bedrock of our conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ."

I read the following quote in this month's Ensign in the article on the Book of Revelation: "This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice, patience, and love for each of us are revealed. We are all lambs seeking our Shepherd."

James is a little upset that Anthony called the Grapp's about getting a new heater. He was going to go into town tomorrow and pick one up for him. Anthony called this morning with another problem though. He was having pains in his chest and stomach and had to go to the emergency room. He called Brother Goodman and asked if he would take him in to the hospital, which Brother Goodman did. James said we would pick him up. 

This morning I blogged, and got a shipment of books ready to mail. A little before noon I left for a luncheon I was invited to at Catherine Halcomb's. She is putting this luncheon on for the sisters she ministers to. Since Lynda and I are her ministering sisters she also invited us. Lynda did not make it back from Texas in time to attend. She was busy in the valley picking up things at Sam's and Walmart for people. She picked up four pumpkin rolls for me. 

Catherine calls her house "The Christmas House." She has lots of decorations. I was the second one to arrive, Ruth Wilhelm was already there. Kerri, Catherine's daughter went to pick up two of the other sisters that were invited, Ellen Kostusiak and Lucretia Barton. Lucretia is Catherine's partner. The last sister Nadine Singleton, just found out her sister, Lorraine is dying of kidney cancer. Lorraine used to be in our ward and was my visiting teaching companion for awhile. She went to live with her daughter in California a few years ago. Nadine either went to see Lorraine or just did not feel like socializing because she didn't come.

Before we ate lunch Catherine gave each of us a white stocking with a poem inside about the Savior.

After receiving our stockings we all sat down to the meal that Catherine had prepared for us. We had homemade chicken noodle soup, chili with crackers and cheese, rolls, orange slices, a veggie tray and for dessert cherry cobbler with whipped cream. It was a very nice meal and so thoughtful of Catherine for doing this. She is 85 years old. 

The Halcomb stockings: 

Catherine, Kerri, the dogs,

Shelly and Star and the cats,

Inkus and Dinkus.

After the meal and visiting with the sisters for awhile I excused myself. I told them that James was waiting for me and we were going to pick up our new computers at Walmart.

James met me at the church and we drove into town together in my car. We picked up our computers and I did some shopping. When we were leaving the Walmart parking lot James said Anthony called and he needed a ride home from the hospital. Perfect timing. Anthony was outside in the parking lot waiting for us when we drove up to the hospital. He asked us if we would take him to the Grapp's to pick up his new heater and some gas, which we did. While at the Grapp's I got to see Liana's new Australian shepherd pup.

 His name is Bandit

Now the entire family can go to rodeos

in the same vehicle.

I took James and Anthony to the church where James's truck was parked and James took Anthony home with his new heater and the gas that Cammy bought for him.

When I got home after putting the groceries away, I began setting up my new computer. I chose Google Chrome as my browser and downloaded it and the extensions I need for my book business. 

When James got home I fixed us each a cheese crisp for dinner.

I left a little before seven to go help decorate at the church for the Christmas party on Friday night. President Grapp, Brother Finnell and Brother Woodruff were setting up tables and chairs. Kathy Crane, Lynda Finnell, Tamara, Kerri, Maxine were the decorating crew. Amy Reynolds came a little later. Lynda gave me my pumpkin rolls and I paid her for them and thanked her for picking them up for me. 

Most of the decorations are pretty old and the oil cloth tablecloths barely cover the round tables. We made center pieces and even decorated the bookshelves where the hymnbooks are stored. I was pretty tired and was the first to leave. Kathy Crane really takes charge of these activities. She is a hard worker.

The young women were having an activity at the church and I saw someone I have not seen for probably over a year, Jennifer Deatherage. She and her husband have both had health issues and as a result become totally inactive and really not responsive to people who have tried to reach out to them. She gave me a big hug. I asked her if she was coming to the ward party on Friday and she said, "Yes, and to church on Sunday." I told her that was wonderful!

Brother Brewer has been in the hospital and was not expected to live but his wife ended up bringing him home. Hospice will be caring for him.

We watched a Lifetime movie when I got home, "Mistletoe and Menorahs." It is one of my favorite new movies for this year.

These two love each other!

 James took these pictures of the moon

One of the things I love about living here.

Friday, November 30th, 2018

London, England

12th operating temple

Dedicated: 7-9 Sept 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Death of

Matthew 26:66

What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

Book of Mormon #1

Mormon 9:22-37

*Mormon knew that Moroni faced overwhelming challenges due to the wickedness of the Nephites. Nevertheless, Mormon also knew that Moroni could endure with the assistance of divine grace. The book 'True to the Faith' explains that grace provides strength to persevere in the daily struggles of life: 'The word grace, as used in the scriptures, refers primarily to the divine help and strength we receive through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition to needing grace for your ultimate salvation, you need this enabling power every day of your life. As you draw near to your Heavenly Father in diligence, humility, and meekness, He will uplift and strengthen you through His grace.'
Book of Mormon #2
Alma 58-60
Old Testament
Amos 7-9
General Conference

Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints

President Russell M. Nelson

"This has been an inspirational and historic conference. We look to the future with enthusiasm. We have been motivated to do better and to be better. The marvelous messages delivered from this pulpit...and the music have been sublime! I urge you to study these messages, commencing this week. They express the mind and the will of the Lord for His people, today."

I had an interesting gospel study session this morning studying the visions of Amos as found in Amos 7-9. I wrote them down along with their meanings as described in the Old Testament Student Manual, in my gospel study journal under Amos, and prophets.
He saw the second coming of the Savior.

At 9:00 this morning I went to the church and helped decorate for Christmas. Kathy Crane is always in charge of this activity. Kerri, Amy, and Barbara Goodman and Kathy and Chuck Crane were also there. We were finished in a couple of hours because there was only one tree to put up instead of two. The other one is being used at the Christmas party next Friday and the Primary will put it up. Amy and Kerri and I decorated the Relief Society room. We need six candles and a nativity set and I said I would bring both on Sunday.

We had snow today and it was "snowy" when I drove into town after decorating. I bought several more blankets at Walmart and some more needed items. I stopped at the Dollar Store and picked up some candles and some frames for the RS Christmas gift to the sisters. We want to give them a framed copy of the RS Declaration and the Purpose. I also stopped at the China Wok Buffet and got two quarts of Hot and Sour soup. So yummy on a cold and snowy day. 

James and Anthony picked up log railings in Springerville for the Howard's, in the snow storm. They also delivered them to the Howard's house, which means they had to load and unload them.  
James was exhausted by the end of the day and his back hurt more than usual. Hopefully his back surgery will keep him from abusing his back at least for awhile.

We had a fire this evening, and watched Christmas movies while I wrapped Christmas presents.

Love these babies...Charlie is actually

Scarlett's aunt!

Friday, December 22nd, 2017

Trujillo, Peru

147th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 June 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

2 Nephi 2:7

Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.

Book of Mormon

Ether 15:1-17

*What caused Coriantumr to have a change of heart? When have you experienced a change of heart?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 33:6

And even so will I gather mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, even as many as will believe in me, and hearken unto my voice.

General Conference

Turn to the Lord

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

"Referring to the people of Alma: 'Rather than blame God they turned to Him and did pour out their hearts to Him.' In response to their faith and silent prayers, the Lord responded: 'Be of good comfort...I will...ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs.'

Soon after, 'the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease; and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.'

Although not yet delivered from bondage, by turning to the Lord, and not from the Lord, they were blessed according to their needs and according to the Lord's wisdom."

Today I read an article in Meridian Magazine about the gifts of the three wisemen and their meaning. I want to share some of what I learned on my blog.

Gold - Represents Heavenly realms and the presence of a King. Many toools of the ancient temple were of solid gold. Ancient Israel used gold extensively in temple decor. The Inner sanctuary was covered from floor to ceiling in hammered gold. 

(My inner sanctuary in the Snowflake temple, where I go to study, is a closet.)

Frankincense - Rare spice used in the temple (Lev. 2:1; 4 and 24:7). Burnt with almost every sacrifice offered in the Jerusalem temple. Mixed with salt, the smoke became white and was seen as prayers ascending up to heaven. Recognized as a necessary ingredient or requirement for prayers to be heard and sacrifices to be accepted. It was impossible to perform temple ordinances as proscribed in the law of Moses without Frankincense.

Myrrh - Natural preservative. Genesis 37:25. Myrrh was also mixed with olive oil and other spices to be used for anointings in the temple. It was kept in a flask in the Holy of Holies. Formula found in Exodus 30:23-25. Christ was offered vineager mixed with myrrh as He hung on the cross.

Perhaps these wisemen put these items to use in the Savior's behalf. Can we give Christ those same gifts? Matt 25:40. Through the doctrine of the temple we can most closely approximate the example of the wise men. First, we obtain all temple ordinances for ourselves. After that, we - like the wise men - can minister and bring others into sacred space, the heavenly presence. We can help those who have passed on make worthy sacrifices of a sweet savor, made possible by stripes and tears, and stand in for them in offering prayers to the most High. We too can offer others an anointing with holy oil, accompanied by promises that transcend death, which they are free to accept or reject in the hereafter if they didn't have the opportunity while living. 

Today I finished my Primary gifts and cards.

The gift bags have candy, a blanket, a fidget spinner,

mittens, and the Primary cards as shown below.

This is a review of all the lessons we have

had this year.

James and I delivered pumpkin bread to the Wilhelm's, Bishop Miller's family, and way out to Anthony's. It was my first time out to Anthony's. He was very appreciative for the bread.

We had bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches for dinner and then went up to see how the new TV works. It has a great picture. 

We went downstairs to watch a Christmas movie: "A Heavenly Christmas," starring Shirley MacClaine, Kristin Davis, and Eric McCormick.

Light the World

Jesus taught: "That which ye have seen me do

even that shall ye do."

3 Nephi 27:21

No one else has provided a better pattern for living than Jesus

Christ. As we seek to emulate Him, we can improve our own lives and the lives of people around us.

My friend Christy says the temple feels like

going home. I agree.

Tuesday, December 19th, 2017

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 John 3:5

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Book of Mormon

Ether 13:1-18

*How can we better cultivate the characteristics that will help us to be worthy to dwell in the New Jerusalem?

President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876-1972) wrote the following about the New Jerusalem:

"The prevailing notion in the world is that this [the New Jerusalem] is the city of Jerusalem, the ancient city of the Jews which in the day of regeneration will be renewed, but this is not the case. We read in the book of Ether that the Lord revealed to him many of the same things which were seen by John. Ether was the last of the prophets among the Jaredites, and the Lord had revealed to him much concerning the history of the Jews and their city of Jerusalem which stood in the days of the ministry of our Savior. Ether saw the old city of Jerusalem and also the new city which has not yet been built, and he wrote of them as follows: Ether 13:2-11...

"In the day of regeneration, when all things are made new, there will be three great cities that will be holy. One will be the Jerusalem of old which shall be rebuilt according to the prophecy of Ezekiel. One will be the city of Zion, or of Enoch, which was taken from the earth when Enoch was translated and which will be restored; and the city Zion, or New Jerusalem, which is to be built by the seed of Joseph on this the American continent" (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., 5 vols., 2:103-4).

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 31:9

Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.

General Conference

That Your Joy Might Be Full

Sister Jean B. Bingham

"As I have studied the life and teachings of Jesus Christ with more focus, and committed 'The Living Christ,' to memory, my gratitude and love for our Savior have increased. Each sentence of that inspired document contains a sermon and has enhanced my understanding of His divine roles and earthly mission. What I have learned and felt through this period of study and reflection confirms that Jesus truly 'is the light, the life, and hope of the world.' Ancient scripture and latter-day prophets' words written or spoken in praise of Him bear witness that 'His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come."

Light the World

Jesus taught: "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad." 

-Matthew 5:12

God loves us and wants us to be happy. We have many reasons to be happy, even if we don't realize all of them. One way we find joy is by helping others feel joy.

James left this morning a little before 8 a.m. to help with a service project at Sister Kuffer's. Sean Hunsaker is her home teacher and is in charge of the project. They are turning two storage units into living spaces for her daughter, son-in-law, and five children. 

James got home around 2 p.m. and we went into town to get a pizza. We have both been craving a veggie thin crust pizza so that's what we got at Dominoes. Traffic was backed up on the hill by Maverick because of the construction so we went around to Lakeside and home on the Porter Mountain Rd. 

It was 52 degrees today with no clouds. I am praying for snow. 

I wrapped all of Jared's family's presents today and got half way through Stacy's family. I watched these movies: "On Strike for Christmas," "Kristin's Christmas Past," and "A Christmas Proposal." James and I also watched two episodes of Heartland.

We slept on the recliners again tonight.

As much as I love Christmas I am always overwhelmed by it, even when I think I am simplifying. One thing I have enjoyed doing this year is wrapping my packages in shiny paper and making real bows for them. 

Things I have to do this week: Mail packages to Texas, make pumpkin bread, get Primary gifts ready and delivered, and prepare for the trip to the valley and the family party.

Michael's 20th birthday

This tells alot about Michael. He is a runner

and he runs for Grand Canyon University.

Michael always celebrates his birthday at

Organ Stop Pizza. It is a family tradition. I am sorry

we could not be there with him to celebrate.

Jared's family's packages. These are going to

be fun to mail.

Christmas tree in the dark.

Provo City Center temple,

one of my favorites.

Monday, December 11th, 2017

Quetzeltenango, Guatemala

136th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Dec 2011

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Hebrews 5:9

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Book of Mormon

Ether 8:18-26

*What warning did Moroni issue to the people of our day, and what are the consequences of heeding or ignoring that warning?

The Prophet Joseph Smith declared: "The devil has no power over us only as we permit him; the moment we revolt at anything which comes from God, the devil takes power."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 27:2

For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory - remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins.

General Conference

Repentance Is Always Positive

Stephen W. Owens

"We can try to change our behavior on our own, but only the Savior can remove our stains and lift our burdens, enabling us to pursue the path of obedience with confidence and strength."

The Eternal Everyday

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Alma asked a question in his day that is pertinent today:'If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?'

Alma continued, 'Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time,...that ye have been sufficiently humble?'

Every time I read about Alma the younger relinquishing his role as head of state to preach the word of God, I am impressed. Alma clearly had a profound testimony of God the Father and Jesus Christ and felt accountable to Them completely and without reservation. He had the correct priorities and humility to give up status and position because he realized that serving the Lord was more important."

James made an appointment with Dr. Moffat this morning and talked me into going to town with him. While he was at the doctors, I did some shopping at Walmart. I had lunch at the McDonald's inside of Walmart after I was done shopping. James had to take 3 prescripttions to CVS and while we were waiting for them to be filled he had lunch at Arby's. 

It was 50 degrees and sunny today. We are praying for snow. On the trip home we read from "A Touch of Scarlett." 

When we got home we too naps. I then turned on a Christmas movie while I worked on my blog. These are the movies I watched today: "Christmas in Vermont," "A Prince for Christmas," "Christmas in Mississippi," and "Maggie's Christmas Miracle."

The last one was the best. I am going to save it to watch when Sheri and Kim come up.

For F.H.E. we listened to Elder Cook's conference address, "The Eternal Everyday."

I am still feeling pretty lousy and so is James.

James bringing me Pero and turning on the fan.

We are watching a movie together.

This is almost a nightly occurrence for him.