Sunday, December 18, 2016

I honored the Sabbath by attending my meetings and partaking f the Sacrament.

Ether 12:22-41

Ether 12:33-37 speaks of this love called charity.  The Savior showed the most perfect charity or sacrificial love when He gave His life and atoned for each of us.  We must pray that we "may be filled with this love" so we can inherit eternal life (Moroni 7:48).  Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained what it means to have charity: "Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself.  And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again.  Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet.  Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped.  Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us.  Charity is expecting the best of each other" (Ensing, May 1992, 18-19).

GC:  Joy and Spiritual Survival by President Russell M. Nelson

"The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives."

The oldest Westbrook boy was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting today.  I have never heard him speak before and he did a great job.  He spoke on honesty and integrity.  "Live by high standards, even when no one is watching."

Rusty A. spoke on The Light of the World, the Savior honored the Sabbath and so can we.  "We should do things on the Sabbath day that will help us remember Him."

Brother Green from the high council was the final speaker.  He spoke on joy, using Elder Nelson's talk from the last general conference.  "The future is as bright as your faith." Pres. Monson.

Curtis, Kacey, and Sister Skousen's grandson Christian were in my class today.  The lesson was, "The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ."  Zemira was sick.

In sharing time the kids got to make nativity ornaments.  After the block some of the Primary children went to the Scott's to sing Christmas carols.  They are leaving for Utah this week and might not be back for a few months.  James and Brother Lauritzen took them a gift from the Primary and some pumpkin bread.  I missed seeing the kids sing because I was waiting for James to finish home teach Brother Cooper.  I was sad and frustrated because it was my idea to do it in the first place.

Deana is my visiting teacher

I delivered pumpkin bread to the Crane's and James delivered the rest of the loaves.  I also made a stocking for Lej, a boy in my class who does not attend and delivered it to Teresa Smith at the church while she was waiting for tithing settlement.  She will deliver it to Lej when she goes visiting teaching to his mom.

James went home teaching and then we watched, "Love at Christmas" and then got ready for tonight's marriage class.  This is the last session tonight.  The lesson is "Enriching Marriage."  

After the class I gave all the women a pair of Christmas socks.  James and John visited in the kitchen and Anne, and Sandra and I visited in the family room.  The Grapps' went home.

I love these snowman cookies made by my friend Kaeli.

Christmas and Friends:

Former bishop, stake president and mission president.

This couple waited a very long time for this little boy!

I love this pretzel house!

Saturday, December 17, 2016

I know Mary wasn't Joseph's mother, but I am grateful to

him for his loving support of her.

Ether 12:1-21

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught concerning the need to center our lives on Jesus Christ: "We live in a world of uncertainty.  For some, there will be great accomplishment.  For others, disappointment.  For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living.  For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow.  We do not know.  But one thing we do know.  LIke the polar star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives.  He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith" (in Conference Report, Apr. 2002, 107; or Ensign, May 2002, 90).

GC:  The Perfect Path to Happiness by President Thomas S. Monson

"In the film 'Man's Search for Happiness' a depiction of our premortal life is given, along with an explanation of our purpose on earth.  We witness a touching depiction of the passing from this life of an elderly grandfather and of his glorious reunion

with loved ones who had preceded him to the spirit world."

This is a picture of the house Kacey and Jared rented in San Antonio.  Kacey and her kids will be living here and then when she marries Jared he will join them.  

This morning on our trip to town James and I stopped by to visit my aunt Gene and to give her a small Christmas present.  She seems to be doing very well.

After Aunt Gene's James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Home Depot and then to Panda Express to get us some lunch.  

I missed going to the temple today but I just feel overwhelmed by all the things I have to do to get ready for Christmas.

I wonder how this would work.

I came home this afternoon and made six loaves of pumpkin bread.  Four loaves are for the families James home teaches, one loaf for his companion, and one loaf for our neighbors, the Cranes. He insisted that I put pecans in all of the loaves.

This is a Christmas memory of last years white

elephant gift exchange.

While baking pumpkin bread I also worked on my last Primary lesson for this year and finished up the kids Book of Mormon cards and Article of Faith notebooks.

Sheri, Max, and Evan went ice skating with Sean, Megan, and Mattea.

I think they had a good time, although I am not

sure about Mattea, she doesn't have a smile on her face.

Today was Sadie and Aaron's wedding and wedding reception.  The reception was in Snowflake this evening and we did not go.

Here are some pictures posted online:

Pictures from their wedding announcement

Leaving the Snowflake temple

They look very happy

Maddie is the blonde, I don't know the next girl,

then Sadie, Mary, and Brooklyn.

Sadie has seven brothers and one sister.  Mary is

on Sadie's left.  Here are some of her brothers and her Dad.

The two guys without hats are Sadie's brother Sam and

her dad, Dave.

Cutting the cake.

In other news, Meryl Streep and Robert Redford

recently got married.

A long time coming.

Friday, December 16, 2016

I called and wished Ben a Happy Birthday!

Ether 11:1-23

Ether 11 clearly demonstrates the consequences of not heeding prophetic warnings.  Consider what President Henry B. Eyring said concerning the cost of rejecting prophetic counsel and the safety that comes from heeding prophets: "Looking for the path to safety in the counsel of prophets makes sense to those with strong faith.  When a prophet speaks, those with little faith may think that they hear only a wise man giving good advice.  Then if his counsel seems comfortable and reasonable, squaring with what they want to do, that take it. If it does not, they consider it either faulty advice or they see their circumstances as justifying their being an exception to the counsel.  Those without faith may think that they hear only men seeking to exert influence for some selfish motive.  Every time in my life when I have chosen to delay following inspired counsel or decided that I was an exception, I came to know that I had put myself in harm's way.  Every time that I have listened to the counsel of prophets, felt it confirmed in prayer, and then followed it, I have found that I moved toward safety" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 32-33; or Ensign, May 1997, 25).

GC:   That He May Become Strong Also by President Henry B. Eyring

"The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the spiritual blessings of the Church."

GC: Principles and Promises by President Thomas S. Monson

"Those who are obedient to the Lord's commandments and who faithfully observe the Word of Wisdom are promised particular blessings, among which are good health, and added physical stamina."

  

Happy 17th Birthday to one of the nicest young men I know, my grandson Ben!

Ben is kind, compassionate, fun-loving, and loves 

to help and serve others.

I love you Ben!

It was cold, rainy and windy today.  I didn't care because I stayed inside where it was nice and warm and where my sweet husband makes sure a fire is always going.

The part James ordered for the water pump came today, delivered to our door by UPS.  He says now the pump is barely leaking.  

James also spent time trying to fix the axle on his trailer.  He still needs it to pick up more stuff at the construction yard in Chandler.  

I wrote and addressed Christmas cards today, worked on my blog and read to James from "He Is Coming."  

Did I mention that this morning we looked outside and

there were 52 antelope in our yard.  How fun!

This evening we watched "A Nutcracker Christmas" starring Amy Acker.

Our friends the Whalen's.

Last year, playing games with Lois and Dawn.

The first Relief Society.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

My service today was a Primary class Christmas party.

Ether 10:17-34

How can we keep our lives pure?

* Prayer, sacrament meeting, scriptures, conference talks, temple, and good deeds!

GC:   There is Power in the Book by Elder LeGrand R. Curtis, Jr.

"The Church has transformed my life....

I thank the Almighty God for leading me into this gospel."

I spent most of the day preparing for my Primary party which was scheduled for 4 p.m. today after the kids get home from school.

I am sad to say that I did not take any pictures.  I had three of my kids attend.  One could not come and the other three have never been.  I did make stockings for all of them.  Here is what they had in them and what they looked like after they were filled.

The Primary lesson cards.  There is one for each lesson.

The Stripling Warrior says on the back:

"The 2,000 Stripling Warriors "...were exceedingly 

valiant for courage...Yea, they were men of truth and soberness,

for they had been taught (in their youth by their mothers) to

keep the commandments of God."  

The Book of Mormon tells us how after battle, Helaman

fearfully counted his stripling sons.

Although all were wounded, to his astonishment there was "not one soul of them who did perish..."

The doggie notebook has all of the Articles of Faith typed in it with a challenge to learn them before they graduate from Primary.  The rest was candy, a hot chocolate mug and some hot chocolate.

Braylin's mom came and brought her two girls along with Braylin.  She helped me alot as I did not have all the games ready to play.  James went and picked up pizza at Dominoes.  It seems like I can't do anything without his help and I am so appreciative of his willingness to help.  First we made paper Christmas trees.

We waited for Curtis and Zemira to arrive and then we ate pizza.

Our first game was through the jingle bells in the cup.

Although Braylin is handicapped he was awesome at this game.

He has a good eye!

We played three or four games of Christmas Bingo and

Curtis won every time!

Talk about lucky!

I had hidden 24 candy canes throughout the house and the kids has

a blast finding them.  They played several rounds with each kid

taking turns hiding. Braylin's sister Taylor joined in the fun.

Our last, slow down game, was Roll a Reindeer.

After the last game I had the kids sit on the couch and I handed out their Christmas stockings.

  I told each child what I appreciated about them and how much I loved them.  I bore my testimony about how the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, and then I took Zemira and Curtis home.  While I was gone James did the dishes and put things away.  I do appreciate him.

While we were watching our Hallmark movie, "Looks Like Christmas," starring Anne Heche, Joshua and his family were waiting to see the new Star Wars movie, "Rogue One."

Michael and Paul both said the last 15 minutes was the best ever of any Star Wars movie.  Darth Vade is the villian of villians!

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Does giving your grandkids blankets for Christmas count?

For our service today we cleaned the Snowflake temple.

Ether 10:1-16

Ether 10:5-7 describes the reign of King Riplakish.  His wicked reign and his fall were very similar to the reign and fall of wicked King Noah (see Mosiah 11). Both kings were: very immoral, taxed the people heavily, built spacious and elaborate buildings, glutted themselves on the work of others, and both were killed by their own pleople.  Isaiah warned, "For the leaders of this people cause them to err" (Isaiah 9:16; 2 Nephi 19:16).  The righteous King Mosiah later commanded his people not to have kings because "the sins of many people have been caused by the iniquities of the kings" (Mosiah 29:31).

GC:   Emmassaries to the Church by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"We would hope that you will establish an era of genuine, gospel-oriented concern for the members, watching over and caring for each other, addressing spiritual and temporal needs in any way that helps."

James spent most of the morning trying to contact people who had signed up to help us clean the temple this evening.  Some are cancelling because of sickness.  He contacted over 40 people.  We had the smallest group show up that we have ever had.  We only had 17 people.  It is frustrating when people sign-up and then don't show up.  Those who did show up were real troupers.  Many of them did double assignments.  I was most impressed with my friend Virginia C.  She actually spends most of her week in Grants, New Mexico.  She comes over every Friday to work in the temple and this week she came on Wednesday so she could help clean.  I appreciate her dedication so much!  There are some people who come every time, such as, the Klugs, the Peelers, the Prices, and Brother Curtis, and Sister Thompson and the Skousens, and the Smiths.  John and Sandra W. came by assignment from the bishop because he had to be at mutual even though they did not sign up.  Our bishop is there most every time too. It really is a privilege to clean the temple and I am grateful for this calling.  I visited with an old high school friend who is now a temple worker.  This temple really does feel like home. 

Small temples are homey.

While James was making phone calls I was paying bills.  I got all of them paid except our income taxes for 2016.  We will have to take money out of our line of credit to pay our taxes.  Hopefully James will get some more jobs pretty quick.

I forgot to mention that we had a gorgeous sunrise this morning.

This picture was taken in Vernon.  I am not exactly sure when or where but I just had to post it for all those wildlife enthusiasts out there:

There are more elk in Vernon than there are people.

That is why we love it here!

Meeting of the Patriarchs!

In family news I am very proud of my niece Jenifer.  In spite of being legally blind she has graduated with a degree in social work.  I know Jenifer is going to make a difference in this world!

Overcoming trials and adversity to accomplish something good!

This picture was taken last January on James's birthday.  We were at Evan's pinewood derby in Chandler.  Our friend Brooklyn was there and when she found out it was Brother Lambson's birthday she made him a card.  We were Brooklyn's Primary teachers from January to June of the previous year.

This is Addy and Kayla after dancing at a Suns game this

past January.  My how she has changed.

What an exciting day!

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Happy Birthday to James's sister Carmen!

Dawn, Carmen, Rebecca

Carmen is one of the most ambitious and

talented people I know!

Ether 9:23-35

Why must we first be humble before the Lord hears our cries?

GC:  Be Ambitious for Christ by Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita

" Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions .....

"...Keep the commandments of God ..."

Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and He will direct thee for good."

GC:   Sharing the Restored Gospel by Elder Dallin H. Oaks

President Thomas S. Monson has said:

"Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together...

and labor in the Lord's vineyard to bring souls unto Him.

He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will

act in faith to fulfill His work."

James had to go to town to make a trip to Desert Title for Adam to straighten out the insurance issue on the Scion.  I went to Walmart.  We read from "He Is Coming".  The weather was gorgeous, the high around 55 degrees.

James hung the grandkids stockings for me today.

I need to add three more for Kacey's kids.

Pretty

I got a call from Charlotte today  She fell and knocked her two top front teeth out.  I am so sad for her.  None of her kids will speak to her and now this.

I love this picture!

This afternoon I made snickerdoodle cookies for a cookie exchange at Relief Society this evening.  

My neighbor Kathy and I went to Relief Society together.  It was a nice program, a reading about the women in Christ's life and then a cookie exchange.  The Primary staff sang "Picture a Little One in a Stable."  That is why I went, to support my friend Becky who is the Primary president.

This is Becky with her grandchildren.

She is awesome!

I found this picture in an old file and thought I would post it.  I have been seeing alot of these little critters as we have visitors come to our home like Huntleigh and Emsley from our ward.

Huntleigh is 1 1/2 and Emsley is 3.

This is another picture I found in my January 2016 file.

I love this father and son moment.