Monday, December 17th, 2018

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

2 Nephi 9:5

Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 12:1-21

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 26-28

General Conference

Parents and Children

President Dallin H. Oaks

"Now I address the younger group of this audience. My dear young sisters, because of your knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, you are unique. Your knowledge will enable you to endure and overcome the difficulties of growing up. From a young age, you have participated in projects and programs that have developed your talents, such as writing, speaking, and planning. You have learned responsible behavior and how to resist temptations to lie, cheat, steal, or use alcohol or drugs."

We left the house at 6:50 this morning. We went by the Show Low post office and mailed Michael's birthday card before going to Discount Tire to get our tires balanced and rotated. While we were waiting we walked down to McDonald's.

James's phone has not been ringing so he went down to Verizon to have them look at it while I went to Jiffy Lube to get the oil changed in the car I met him at McDonald's again. He said the reason his phone didn't work was because he had the ringer off. Duh! He felt pretty foolish!

While we were in McDonald's the senior patrol came in. I thought they were regular police officers. They were enjoying coffee and goodies and one of them said, "When and where are we going to lunch"? Some guy who was talking to them asked what they did and they said in unison, "nothing."

I was hoping they weren't the official police here in Show Low. If they were, the city would be in trouble.

After our oil change we went to Walmart and did some shopping and then got some lunch at Taco Bell. 

I took lots of notes today from the talks that I listened to on Christlike attributes. Here are some of them: "10 virtues by James E. Faust - 1. Faith - The foundation of all righteousness 2. Honesty - You cannot be honest with others unless you are honest with yourself. 3. Chastity - Always remember that you can go much further on respect than on popularity 4. Humility - Learn to say, I don't know. If used when appropriate, it will be often. 5. Self-Discipline - Character formed from self-discipline will rise with you in the resurrection. 6. Fairness - If you will be fair to other people, they will most likely be fair to you. We are here to help others. 7. Moderation - Safety comes from staying close to the center. 8. Cleanliness - Be clean in appearance and environment. Cleanliness is next to godliness. 9. Courage - Courage to stand up to peer pressure, resist temptation, withstand ridicule, and stand for the truth. 10. Grow in grace. Charm is attractiveness which comes from a feeling of personal dignity, an inner beauty that comes from a feeling of self-worth. Your expression is the most important thing you can wear. 
"It may be that your most significant, everlasting achievements will be your righteous influence on others."

I watched movies this afternoon, blogged, brought in wood and wrapped presents. 

James says he felt better today than he has felt since his surgery. I hope he didn't overdue it.

Cathryn and Andyn, the bishops daughters brought us by a treat this evening. Peppermint Oreos. I ate all four.

Ruby's bake sale and sign.

Scarlett trying to get to Charlie

This smile brightens my day!

As I wrap the presents I'm putting them

under our tree.

Saturday,November 24th, 2018

Cardston, Alberta

6th operating temple

Dedicated: 26-29 Aug 1923

By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ, Death of

Isaiah 53:12

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Book of Mormon #1

Mormon 5:13-6:5

*What does it mean to you to be "in the hands of God?"

- Elder W. Craig Zwick of the Seventy explained some blessings suggested by being in God's hands: "To be in the hands of God would suggest that we are not only under His watchful care but also that we are guarded and protected by His wondrous power. Throughout the scriptures, reference is made to the hand of the Lord. His divine assistance is evidenced over and over again. His powerful hands created worlds, and yet they were gentle enough to bless the little children... Every one of us needs to know that we can go on in the strength of the Lord. We can put our hand in His, and we will feel His sustaining presence lift us to heights unattainable alone. How do we learn to extend our hand and connect to the comfort provided by the Lord? Here are four keys: Learn, listen, seek the Spirit, pray always.

The Lord will supply sustenance and support if we are willing to open the door and receive His hand of divine assistance. Imagine the wounds in His hands. His weathered hands, His hands of torn flesh and physical sacrifice giving our own hands greater power and direction. It is the wounded Christ who leads us through our moments of difficulty. It is He who bears us up when we need direction, or even more courage to continue. If we will keep the commandments of God and walk hand in hand with Him, we will go forward with faith, and never feel alone."

Old Testament

Hosea 10-12

General Conference

Try, Try, Try

President Henry B. Eyring

"Our mortal life is designed by a loving God to be a test and source of growth for each of us. You remember God's words regarding His children at the Creation of the world: 'And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.'"

We left this morning for the temple around 5:45. Our preparation meeting started at 7:00 and President and Sister Palmer were our teachers. We watched films about the veil, presenting and receiving.

Sister Cochran, our co-ordinator was at home today enjoying thanksgiving with her family. Sister Humphrey from St. John's was in charge. She is one of my favorites. 

My first assignment was 1st follower in the 8 a.m. endowment session. Sister Badger, a friend of James's sister Connie from high school, was my partner. There were 14 sisters in the session and 12 brothers. 

After the session I had my break. That chocolate pie I brought was pretty darn good! 

Next was initiatory with Sister McCleery. We only had one patron and there was the two of us so we did what's called two on one.

Soon Sister Jones joined us. At the end we had no one so we just sat and waited for the shift change. 

Next I was the first greeter downstairs and then the assistant sealer under the stairs. While I was sitting under the stairs Sister Humphrey went by to empty trash and I asked to speak to her. 

I told her about James's surgery and how he was going to be out for awhile and I needed to be out too. She was very kind and understanding. She said I should speak with Sister Palmer who was standing nearby. Sister Palmer sent me up to the records office. In the records office I spoke with Brother Hatch and Brother McKay. Brother McKay set both James and I up on the computer to be on a leave of absence for three months. That relieves some of the stress and if we want to, and James feels like it, we can come back earlier. 

My last assignment was to be a presenter at the veil. James was a receiver but we were at different veils. 
We said our goodbyes when we left. I think the person who will miss me the most if my old friend from Chandler, Debbie. 

James told me some stressful news. He said that someone told him our friend from high school who works on the afternoon temple shift, Brother Ballard, had a heart attack while visiting his kids in Wisconsin. The best way I know how to find out about Kerry is to ask our friend Willard Barney who is his brother-in-law.

When we got home we were greeted with a pleasant surprise. Kim and Brian had decorated our tree. Kim said they would wait for us to get home before they left because they wanted to take pictures of family to send to Ben to keep him from getting homesick.

   Just need the tree skirt and star!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Goodbye Kim and Brian.
Thanks for decorating our tree!

After Kim and Brian left James went over to the Howard's for a couple of hours.

I blogged and worked on Amazon Seller Central this afternoon, and of course did some walking. Of course I had my Christmas movies on while I was working and walking:

"A Poinsettiea Christmas"

"Christmas at Graceland"

Both of these movies are new. I especially liked "Christmas at Graceland" with Kelly Pickler and Wes Brown.

Paul eating his favorite kind of food.

You have to do this once in a while 

when you are dieting.

Charlie loves bath time!

These two girls are the best!

     

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.

Friday, December 15th, 2017

Calgary, Alberta

140th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Oct 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:by whose stripes ye were healed.

Book of Mormon

Ether 10:17-34

*How can we keep our lives pure?

Repentance and keeping the commandments.

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 29:7

And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;

General Conference

The Priesthood and the Savior's Atoning Power

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"The purpose of the priesthood is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel. We have the priesthood so that we can help Heavenly Father's children be relieved of the burden of sin and become like Him. Through the priesthood, the power of godliness is manifest in the lives of all who make and keep gospel covenants and receive the associated ordinances. This is the way each of us comes unto Christ, is purified, and is reconciled to God. Christ's atoning power is made accessible through the priesthood, which deliver the payload."

James is cleaning up outside and sealing the patio today. He reached his goal and finished before Darrel's family arrived. 

We made a trip to town today. We paid Arizona Stone $2,330.00 for the materials we got from them for the patio and fire pit. There goes our Christmas money. We also went to Walmart, Panda, Home Depot and Firehouse Subs. 

When we got home we finished getting ready for our company. I had to vacuum again to get up more of the glitter. Our house has been glitterized!  James cleaned the dead flies out of the bathtubs upstairs. 

Today's Christmas movies: "The Christmas Gift," "A Grandpa for Christmas," and "Looks Like Christmas."

Darrel's family arrived around 9 p.m. We had a fire going and the tree lights turned on when they arrived. We visited and played Apples to Apples before going to bed.

Light the World

Day 15

Jesus taught: "Blessed are the merciful." Matt. 5:7

Jesus's sacrifice on our behalf was the greatest example

of mercy. We can follow His example by extending mercy

and compassion to others whenever we can.

On their way to the cabin they stopped for some ice cream

and crepes. The people who own this place are in their ward.

Everyone agree that crepes and ice cream are delicious together!

Grandpa and Lola playing a game of chess.

Grandpa and his girls watching "Brave."

Our tree

A closeup

James's sister Connie with her family at

"The Last Jedi." Katie, her daughter who is

sitting next to her, posted this picture.

Jackson wrestled 10 matches. He got

10 pins and was named the outstanding wrestler

of the tournament. That's his proud papa

standing next to him.

Friday, November 24th, 2017

Manhattan, New York

119th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Atonement through

John 6:51

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 5:13-6:5

What does it mean to you to be "in the hands of God?" (v.23)

Elder W. Craig Zwick of the Seventy explained some blessings suggested by being in God hands: "To be in the hands of God would suggest that we are not only under His watchful care but also that we are guarded and protected by His wondrous power. Throughout the scriptures, reference is made to the hand of the Lord. His divine assistance is evidenced over and over again. His powerful hands created worlds, and yet they were gentle enough to bless the little children... Every one of us needs to know that we can go on in the strength of the Lord. We can put our hand in His, and we will feel His sustaining presence lift us to heights unattainable alone. How do we learn to extend our hand and connect to the comfort provided by the Lord? Here are four keys: Learn, Listen, Seek the Spirit, Pray always. The Lord will supply sustenance and support if we are willing to open the door and receive His hand of divine assistance. Imagine the wounds in His hands. His weathered hands, His hands of torn flesh and physical sacrifice, giving our own hands greater power and direction. It is the wounded Christ who leads us through our moments of difficulty. it is He who bears us up when we need direction, or even more courage to continue. If we will keep the commandments of God and walk hand in hand with Him, we will go forward with faith, and never feel alone."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 11:20-21

20 Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength.

21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. 

General Conference

The Trek Continues

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"I have a deep conviction that if we lose our ties to those who have gone before us, including our pioneer forefathers and mothers, we will lose a very precious treasure. Rising generations must have the same kind of faith that the early Saints had in the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel."

The turkey was in the roaster oven by 8 a.m. I made another apple pie to take to the temple tomorrow.  Kim and Brian should get here around 1p.m.

I also made mashed potatoes, green beans, Stove Top stuffing, and gravy. Kim and Brian arrived around 12:30 and began making the pumpkin delight dessert. James was happy to see that they brought some Cranberry Celebration from Fry's. 

Our Thanksgiving feast was delicious. I should have taken a picture. James made the comment that this food was so much better than yesterday's. I said yes, but it wasn't made by the Indians. 

James worked on the patio. I went in to the bedroom to watch a Christmas movie and Kim and Brian settled in to watch TV in the family room. I watched "A Boyfriend for Christmas," and "Christmas at Cartwright's." Later in the evening we watched "A Bramble House Christmas" with Kim and Brian. 

Kim tried to help James with the lights on the tree, but several are still not working.

Evan broke his toe playing outside in the backyard. The sad thing is that Joshua and Rowan were going to spend the night, but they had to go home while he went to the doctors.

 The second toe

I was on a roll tonight!

Rondalee gets married

Brother Grapp and Emsley 

Brother Grapp is carrying a box of food to give away

My friend Hailey

Salt Lake is ready for Christmas

I love this picture

Boots, a scooter, a balloon, singing a song.

Perfect.