Saturday, December 23rd, 2017

Indianapolis, Indiana

148th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Aug 2015

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ Atonement through

2 Nephi 9:7

Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement - save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more. 

Book of Mormon

Ether 15:18-34

*How has the Spirit of the Lord ceased to strive with men today?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 33:11-12

11 Yea, repent and be baptized, everyone of you, for a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost.

12 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and remember that they shall have faith in me or they can in nowise be saved;

General Conference

Lord, Wilt Thou Cause That My Eyes May Be Opened

Elder W. Craig Zurick

"The wise counsel which I thought was so important for him to hear was not at all relevant to his needs. What he needed most was for me to look beyon my hasty assessment and allow the Spirit to help me understand what was really on this elder's mind. He needed me to see him correctly and offer a reason to hope. 'For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.' (Samuel 16:7)."

This morning's sunrise was gorgeous!

We left home this morning for the valley around 10 a.m., only an hour later than we had planned. We made deliveries on the way our of town. Our first stop was at the Hunsaker's to drop off Colter's gift. Makenzi was visiting and she came over and gave me a big hug. Next stop was Jace's and then Rosa's to pick up a dozen tamales.

All loaded up and ready to go. It's a good thing

I took most of the gifts down last time.

Then on to the Nicoll's and the Howard's. We went in and spoke with Tom and Jean Howard for a few minutes. They offered to let us stay in the house in Chandler whenever we go down until it sells. 

Our last delivery was at the Umphress's where we left Gracie's package with Bailey. We didn't have to go to the Grapps because Liana came by last night and gave us a card and photo so I gave her gift to her then.

 We got gas in Show Low and then drove to Globe where we stopped at McDonald's and the Burger House.

We got six mixed green burros and six green. Two for James and I, four for Cathi and Terry, and two for Dave and Laura. We also brought a loaf of bread for Cathi and Terry, and Dave and Laura.

In Chandler we went straight to Stacy's and dropped off presents because she was getting ready to leave. Next we went to Cathi and Terry's and then Walgreen's and the Fry's on Ocotillo and Gilbert Rd.

The Fry's was a madhouse and they were running out of groceries fast. Stacy went about an hour after we did and she said they were out of eggs and sausage. 

Finally we made it to Darrel and Trina's. James carried in our stuff and I went to Walmart with Darrel and Addy while James stayed home with Lola and Ruby. Trina is still at work and Rowan went to see Star Wars with Sheri's family.

We found a unicorn sweatshirt at Walmart. Addy loved it so I got it for the White elephant game. She ended up with it.

Sheri went by to pick up the Chikfila tray I supposedly ordered and they had to record of my order. She had to wait while they fixed another one. Sheri told the manager I was old and forgetful, which is about right.

James started out the meeting by quoting from "The Living Christ," and bearing his testimony. Stacy also shared a story about the shepherds on the night of Christ's birth. It was a nice start.

Ruby was number one in the white elephant game and therefore ended up with the best gift, a body pillow that Kim brought. I didn't get any photos tonight but there is a couple on Christmas Eve.

I got a walking stick that Kaitlin's dad made but I ended up giving it to Max because he got the Elvis movie I wrapped. He was pretty excited to have the stick. Besides our family, Lexis, Conner, and Kaitlin were here.

Conner, Michael, Brian, and Sheri

Stacy, Kim, and Darrel

Conner opening a gift

Rowan's gift

It just fits, as a body suit!

Alexis baked Paul a cake

The Tayler Lautner poster was inside!

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.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

This first thing I did this morning when I got up was finish making out and addressing Christmas cards.  I hadn't been in the mood to send them until now.  Around 9 am our home teachers, Brothers Church Crane and Collin Dewitt came for a visit.  Collin brought cookies and we gave cookies and a calender to each of them.  We had a nice visit about the importance of missionary work.  When they left I finished packing and getting ready to go to Chandler.  James sat and read his Uncle Delbert's book, "When Comes the Spring."

It takes me awhile to pack up because I am all the Christmas presents I have yet to wrap.  Well James waits until I am ready to go to decide that he needs to winterize everything, so instead of him waiting for me, I am waiting for him. 

We made cookie deliveries to the following people: Alex Jones, Kaeli Nicoll, and the Covert's.  We took Lynda Tanner a wax warmer, night light and Uncle Delbert's book.  She posted on Facebook a little later in the day how much she loved the book.  She knows Uncle Delbert and really likes him.

We meet Bishop Hall in the parking lot of Panda Express to deliver his family's cookies.  I told him to make sure Westin got his fair share because of the help that he gave me the other night when we went caroling.  On the way out of Show Low we went through the post office and mailed our Christmas cards.  We went the Payson way so we could drop off gifts to Dennis and Denise, and Harold and Vickie.  It was snowing when we left.  Here are some pictures I took at home and along the way.

We stopped for water at the Circle K in Star Valley.  James is tired of driving so I drive the rest of the way to Chandler so he can get some rest.  We arrive at the house, unload the car, and take Michael to Olive Garden for his birthday dinner. 

This was my dinner, chicken, pasta, and peppers in

a delicious sauce, topped with cheese.

After Olive Garden I went shopping at Walmart to get some food for tomorrow.  I see Charlotte Mattice in the parking lot and visit with her for a minute.