Saturday, December 9th, 2017

Kyiv, Ukraine
134th operating temple
Dedicated: 29 Aug 2010
By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Philipians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Book of Mormon

Ether 7:1-27

How can I better listen to and obey the words of the prophets?

By reading conference talks and taking them seriously, trying to do the things I am asked to do.

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 20:37

And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism - All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

General Conference

Be Ye Therefore Perfect-Eventually

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"We may not be able to demonstrate yet the 10,000-talent perfection the Father and the Son have achieved, but it is not too much for Them to ask us to be a little more godlike in little things, that we speak and act, love and forgive, repent and improve at least the 100-pence level of perfection, which it is clearly within our ability to do so."

Bishop Miller, who is our home teacher, came over to give James a blessing. James is very sick. After the blessing James asked if he could go to the church here in Vernon tomorrow to watch the conference via satellite. He said he would sit away from people and leave right after. The bishop said that would be fine. I am still planning on going to the Show Low stake center.

I went to town this afternoon to pick up my prescriptions and a few groceries. While I was in Walmart I saw our friend from Chandler, Ruth Gale. We had a nice visit and I invited her to the conference tomorrow but she declined. 

I picked up James's request list: fresh pineapple, orange juice, and vegetable beef soup. 

It was a nice day today, 52 degrees and no wind!  When I got back to Vernon I stopped at Rosa Westbrook's to pick up two dozen tamales I ordered from her. Rosa makes the best tamales! The masa is not grainy and there is plenty of tasty meat. I bought two dozen this time instead of one. I will be living off these tamales for awhile.

I put groceries away, blogged, read to James, and watched Christmas movies. "Christmas Mail," "Naughty or Nice," "Christmas on the Bayou," and "Christmas Encore."

I feel so bad for James. He is so miserable. If he isn't better by Monday he is going to the doctor.

Gingerbread houses at Sheris's today.

Sheri's on the left, Evan's in the middle, and Alex and

Shayna's on the right.

Kim's house.

Jackson Allen from our ward.

Love it!

Friday, December 8th, 2017

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Ephesians 2:16

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Book of Mormon

Ether 6:12-30

We learn that the Jaredites were taught the importance of humility. Modern revelation also teaches us the importance of humility: "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answers to thy prayers" (DC 112:10). Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin explained that "humility is the recognition and attitude that one must rely on the Lord's assistance to make it through life" (CR, Oct. 2004, 110).
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 20:31-33
31 And we know also, that sanctificaton through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength
32 But there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart from the living God;
33 Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation;
General Conference

The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"I have spoken of receiving the Savior's atoning grace to take away our sins and the stain of those sins in us. But figuratively eating His flesh and drinking His blood has a further meaning, and that is to internalize the qualities and character of Christ, putting off the natural man and becoming Saints 'through the atonement of Christ the Lord. As we partake of the sacramental bread and water each week, we would do well to consider how fully and completely we must incorporate His character and the pattern of His sinless life into our life and being. Jesus could not have atoned for the sins of others unless He Himself was sinless. Since justice had no claim on Him, He could offer Himself in our place to satisfy justice and then extend mercy. As we remember and honor His atoning sacrifice, we should also contemplate His sinless life."

Addy came in and gave me a hug before leaving for school. I was in Ruby's bed and Ruby was in Lola's. As the rest of the family left I unloaded their gifts and put them by their Christmas tree. 

They have a train under their tree.

This cute display is at the bottom of the

landing on their stairs.

I left for Chandler and stopped at the CVS by Kim's house to get Ben a birthday card. Afterwards I stopped by Kim's and left their gifts and took a picture of her tree with over 5,000 lights.

Her house glows when the lights are on.

I went by Sheri's and left Ben's card and picked up some cash she collected for us from Sal Jiminez. 

I got to Stacy's house around 10 a.m. We are going to the Chandler Costco to get her a tree. We also picked up 100 stamps, half for Sheri. The trees cost around $55 which is cheaper by about half than any other place around. The catch is, they don't come with a stand. Oh well, we will worry about that later. We loaded the tree into the car and just before leaving Sheri came by and bought half my stamps. Before going to Stacy's we went across Chandler Blvd. and had lunch at Olive Garden. I had my favorite dish, beef and tortellini. 

It was pretty hilarious unloading the Christmas tree at Stacy's, especially with two dogs at our feet. I said goodbye to Stacy and headed to Mesa for my infusion at 1 p.m. 

I was a little early and had to wait for 30 minutes before Barb came to get me. I was done in an hour and on my way to the Target on Longmore and Southern. I still had to get a bow for my wreath. The old one came apart and I decided we needed a new one. Of course I bought more than a bow. I can't go into a store without going over my budget.

I left the Target parking lot at 3:20 and was home in Vernon by 6:30, and that's going the Payson way with no stops, something I've never done before!

James was busy at the table doing paperwork. He carried in my two cases of DP10 and one other bag. I carried in everything else. Even after all of that, I only got 7,141 steps today. 

Finally I got to sit down and watch a movie. James got Ruth and Mel Wilhelm to work for us in the temple tomorrow. 

James joined me for the movie. We watched "Christmas Melody" starring Mariah Carey, Lacey Chabert, and Brennan Elliott. It's an old one but James had never seen it. 

Stacy's tree

Lunch with these lovely ladies 2 years ago

to celebrate Carmen's birthday. We sent Carmen

this picture.

This is a real blast from the past. A quarter pounder

now days cost more like six dollars.

I love this picture.

Thursday, December 7th, 2017

Gila Valley, Arizona

132nd temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

2 Corinthians 5:18

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

Book of Mormon

Ether 5:1-6:11
The Lord Jesus Christ is the source of light for our world and for our lives. The Lord touched the stones the brother of Jared presented to Him "to give light unto men, women, and children"(6:3) as they crossed the ocean. The Lord also provides light to guide us through the darkness of mortality and toward the brightness of the celestial kingdom - our promised land. Our way is lit by the light of apostles and prophets, the standard works, and inspired leaders and teachers. We too can be a light-we can light the way for others when we hearken to the Lord's counsel and keep ourselves worthy of His Spirit. Sister Ardeth G. Kapp, former Young Women General President counseled: "You have the light within. You can shine in darkness. You can light up the world. You can help dispel darkness. You ca make a difference." I was privileged to travel with Sister Kapp when I went to England. She invited my friend and I to have dinner with her and her sisters. She went out of her way to be kind to us, virtual strangers. She seemed genuinely interested in us and asked us question about our lives. I have never met a kinder or sweeter person. She truly radiates the light of Christ!
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 20:29
And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
General Conference

"I Have a Work for Thee"

Elder John C. Pingree, Jr.

"Focus on others. We can follow Christ, 'who went about doing good.' If you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation' DC 11:8. The primary purpose of divine assignments is to bless others and to do much good."

Moroni did not use King Mosiah's Hebrew translation of the Jaredite plates. He made his own translation in reformed Egyptian. 

Happy Birthday Curtis!

This boy turns 10 today

I left for the valley around 9:30 this morning by myself. James is too sick to go with me. I stopped in Show Low and Heber to put air in my tire because the indicator light kept coming on to tell me I had a low tire. By the time I got to Payson it was ok. I think maybe it was low because of the cold air. 

My first stop in the valley was at Chandler Eyecare. Sheri put new lenses in my glasses and then we went to lunch at Zupa's. I had a gift card that Kim gave me last year. When the girl scanned it, the computer froze up so she told me my lunch was free. I had a salad and some soup.

After lunch I went to the Fry's on Germann and Alma School and picked up a birthday card and gift card to Outback for Paul since today is his birthday. I also got a box of oatmeal for Stacy so Joshua could make cookies for Paul. 

Sister Wilhelm asked me if I would pic up something for Wendy DeWitt for her. Wendy is making her copies of kids movies on a flash drive for Christmas. Wendy had sent me her address so I put it in my GPS and drove directly to it. After visiting with Wendy and Colin a few minutes Wendy gave me a card and asked if I would deliver it to the Scott's. She also asked me not to tell them who it was from. I said I would make the delivery and my lips were sealed. 

While I was in Gilbert I stopped at Deseret Book and got a triple combination for Curtis in my Primary class. I had his name engraved on it. Next stop, the Costco next door. I picked up some more blankets, and wrapping paper, but they were out of ribbon, the main reason I stopped. 

I hurried back to Stacy's in Chandler. Joshua has a concert tonight and he and Stacy needed a ride. Paul is meeting them there, driving they only car they have right now that is working. Joshua plays the trumpet. I took a picture of him before they left. I am sad his and Evan's concert is tonight, the same night as Addy's.

Such a handsome guy!

Right after Joshua's concert, Evan had his first orchestra concert.

The cutest violinist I've ever seen!

I dropped off gifts at Sheri's today and got to see Ben and Ollie.

This evening I dropped off at Sam's Club to see if they had any Christmas ribbon. Sure enough they did. I am so glad I stopped. I got some more wrapping paper and some croissants. They make the best. 

After my stop at Sam's Club I drove out to Darrel and Trina's. Addy was already at the school but Trina and the other kids were home. 

We all jumped in Trina's car and drove to Desert Ridge High School. Trina's mom had saved us seats down front. The concert was short and sweet. Addy and her group sang "Santa Baby" as one of their songs. Lola told Addy she really lie t.

It was a great concert. I'm just sorry James and Darrel couldn't be there.

I managed to get my steps in today.

Kacey posted this picture. It actually snowed

in San Antonio. 

Jared is in El Paso and he posted this:

Wednesday, December 6th, 2017

Vancouver, British Columbia

131st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Romans 8:32

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Book of Mormon

Ether 4:1-19

Moroni wrote that the brother of Jared recorded in his vision all the inhabitants of the earth from beginning to end. This vision reveals "all things from the foundation of the world unto the end thereof" (2 Nephi 27:10). Moroni explained that "there never were greater things made manifest" than what the brother of Jared saw (Ether 4:4). We know Moroni sealed a copy of this vision with  the plates he delivered to Joseph Smith. (Ether 4:5;5:1)  Moroni further informed us of the conditions the Lord indicated must exist for this sealed portion of the record to come forth. The scriptures indicate we must repent; exercise faith in the Lord, like the brother of Jared did; and become sanctified. (Ether 4:6-7).

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 19:38

Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing - yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.

General Conference

The Plan and the Proclamation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"Inevitably, the actions of those who try to follow God's plan of salvation can cause misunderstanding or even conflict with family members or friends who do not believe its principles. Such conflict is always so. Every generation that has sought to follow God's plan has had challenges. ...Whatever the cause of conflict with those who do not understand or believe God's plan, those who do understand are always commanded to choose the Lord's way..."

James is sick. I warned him that if he kept kissing me he was going to get sick, and sure enough, he did. 

I wrapped presents today. I am taking some down to the valley with me tomorrow so we won't have such a big load when we go down on the 23rd. I am still trying to decide how I am going to get Jared's family's gifts to them. His kids will be in the valley for Christmas.

I talked to Wendy DeWitt today on the phone. Sister Wilhelm wants me to pick up something from her while I am in the valley. 

These are the Christmas movies I watched while wrapping presents: "Christmas Hope," "Our First Christmas," "Dear Secret Santa."

Kathy Crane brought us dinner this evening. Homemade chicken noodle soup, biscuits, and a piece of cake for each of us. We are grateful to have such good neighbors.

James and I dropped off Curtis Wilhelm's birthday gift tonight to an empty house. I will check in the morning and make sure he got his tackle box with lures.

We had our first fire of the season this evening.

We still don't have our tree decorated.

The Wilhelm's are having their tenth baby and

it's a girl. Boys 6 Girls 4.

California is still on fire.

Tuesday, December 5th, 2017

Oquirrh Mountain, Utah

130th operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 Aug 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Romans 5:11

And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Book of Mormon

Ether 3:17-28

What blessings have you seen in your life because of your faith?

Every blessing I have in my life comes because of my faith in Jesus Christ.

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 19:23

Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

General Conference

The Needs Before Us

Bonnie L. Oscarson

"What good does it do to save the world if we neglect the needs of those closest to us and those whom we love the most? How much value is there in fixing the world if the people around us are falling apart and we don't notice. Heavenly Father may have placed those who need us closest to us, knowing that we are best suited to meet their needs."

I felt better today. I worked on the tree for awhile and then decided to wait until after our trip to the valley to finish. I may find some ribbon I like better at Costco or Sam's Club. Instead I began wrapping blankets. I also put away my fall decorations and did my 10,000 steps. 

I am better but James is worse. He worked outside in the cold all day. He poured concrete and then had to cover it in blankets.

For dinner we had pork chops, broccoli and cauliflower, and fresh pineapple. We also had some Pero while we were watching our Christmas movie and Heartland.

Kacey posted this photo today.

Scarlett at her best.

Monday, December 4th, 2017

Draper, Utah

129th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 Mar 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement of

Romans 5:9
Much more the, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Book of Mormon
Ether 3:1-16
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has said, in regards to the brother of Jared seeing the spiritual, premortal Jesus Christ: "Perhaps Christ was saying to the brother of Jared, 'Never have I shown myself unto man in this manner, without my volition, driven solely by the faith of the beholder.' As a rule, prophets are invited into the presence of the Lord, are bidden to enter his presence by Him and only with His sanction. The brother of Jared, on the other hand, seems to have thrust himself through the veil, not as an unwelcome guest but perhaps technically as an uninvited one. Said Jehovah: 'Never has man believed in me as thou hast.' Obviously the Lord himself was linking unprecedented faith with this unprecedented vision. If the vision itself was not unique, then it had to be the faith and how the vision was obtained that was unparalleled. The only way that faith could be so remarkable was its ability to take the prophet, uninvited, where others had been able to go only with God's bidding" (Christ and the New Covenant, 21-23).
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 19:23
Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.
General Conference

Three Sisters

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" What did the Savior teach? 'I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.' This is the Savior's way. It is the first step in breaking down the barriers that create so much anger, hatred, division, and violence in the world."

A Yearning for Home

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"No matter your history - if you have faltered, failed, feel broken, bitter, betrayed  or beaten - know that you are not alone. God still calls to you. The Savior extends His hand to you. He speaks with infinite love, 'Come Follow me.' If you will hear Him, He will speak to you this very day."

James works outside. I feel better so I caught up on my gospel study. I also worked on my blog but only got around 5,000 steps. I am still short of breath and I have limited energy.

We watched "12 Days of Giving" and loved it. It is one of the best Christmas movies that I've watched yet. 

James worked until after dark, around 5:30, and then we went into town for hot and sour soup. James also had to stop at Home Depot. I laid low in the car at both places. 

The trip to town was worth it not only for the soup but for the super yellow moon on the way home. It was the most beautiful moon I have ever seen.  

To satisfy James's craving we watched Heartland tonight, "Where the Truth Lies."

Rowan on a fieldtrip to Biz Town.

First place of Z!

Choir kids: Beckham, Samantha, Mabel, Aurora.

Ouch!

Joshua and Shipley

The Heyman's tree

It snowed today...

for five minutes

It didn't stop James from working.