Saturday, December 16th, 2017

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

141st operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Mar 2013

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Book of Mormon

Ether 11:1-23

*Why is it easy for some to reject the words of the prophets?

Sheri: "Because what they are doing is not in line with what the prophet is preaching."

Stacy: "Sheri hit the nail on the head. Moral relativism at its finest. Wish our youth understood this."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 29:12

And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, the Twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of  righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else.

General Conference

The Truth of All Things

Elder David F. Evans

"To know the truth, we need to live the gospel and experiment on the word. We are cautioned to not resist the Spirit of the Lord. Repentance, coupled with a determination to keep the commandments, is an important part of each individual's search for truth. In fact, we may need to be willing to 'give away all' our sins in order to know the truth."

I forgot to mention that last night was our ward's Christmas party. James and I did not attend but our neighbors the Crane's brought us some food. They brought a big plate of turkey and baked potatoes. The turkey was smoked and it was the best turkey I have ever eaten. I told James he needs to find out how it was cooked so we can do ours like that next Thanksgiving.

Today is Ben's 18th birthday. This is what his mom posted on Facebook/Instagram:

This boy always has a smile on his face!

We had a fun day with Darrel's family. We ate cinnamon rolls, played Five Crowns and the Match game, Candyland, and Apples to Apples. This is the score from a Five Crowns game that Addy and I played.

Addy had zero until the king round.

All of Darrel's family went outside and helped grandpa with yardwork. Here is Darrel getting pine needles out of the gutter.

Addy looks on in the Hogwarts hat I got her.

Rowan raking pine needles off the grass.

Burning the pine needles was the most fun.

Sweet Addy

Ruby supervising the job with Grandpa

Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Lola, and I took a trip to the Dollar Store. I told each of the kids they could get something as long as it wasn't more than $10. Rowan and Ruby picked out what they wanted right away. Addy and Lola had to shop around a little more. We saw Dave and Rosa at the Dollar Store and I told Rosa I needed another dozen tamales. We came home and drank hot chocolate and made gingerbread houses.

Addy's had a peppermint theme

Rowan's was creative.

Ruby's had little beady eyes.

Lola and Trina's with a little help from gpa.

Lola was proud of her double front doors which you

can't see in this picture.

We watched the movie Brave several times because Lola wanted to see the mom turn into a bear. 

Grandpa took the kids on a couple of Razr rides. Darrel started to but it was too cold for him. Grandpa even took them to the pit according to Ruby's instructions. They went down three times.

We built a fire in the fire pit and roasted hot dogs for dinner and then we roasted marshmallows for smores. 

Rowan made this comment about turning 12 next year. "I won't need any gifts because getting the priesthood will be my gift."

Lola had a stuffy nose only she said she had a "fluffy" nose.

Darrel got to watch some football on TV before my Hallmark Christmas movie started taping so he ended up watching "The Christmas Neighbor" with the rest of us.

Rowan playing the piano while Ruby looks on.

Ruby played a song on the piano too.

Rowan trying out some new glasses.

As many fun things as we did today I did

not get all of my steps in.

Rowan and Addy playing chess.

Ruby showing off her cool jacket.

Fun around the fire.

In the valley

A hike and Mellow Mushroom Pizza for
Ben's birthday.

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.

Thursday, December 14th, 2017

Brigham City, Utah

139th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Sept 2012

By: Boyd K. Packer

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 Peter 2:21

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Book of Mormon

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).

*How can we ease others burdens and build them up?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 29:6

And, as it is written - Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive. 

General Conference

The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It?

President Russell M. Nelson

"The Book of Mormon provides the fullest and most authoritative understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be found anywhere. It teaches what it really means to be born again. From the Book of Mormon we learn about the gathering of scattered Israel. We know why we are here on earth. These and other truths are more powerfully and persuasively taught in the Book of Mormon than in any other book. The full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is contained in the Book of Mormon."

Well, I am sick again. I basically stayed on the couch most of the day except for when I made egg salad sandwiches for James for lunch. 

I am keeping alive by eating Rosa's tamales and Kathy's cinnamon bread. Kaeli and Natalie also brought me cookies and Rice Crispy treats. 

Today is the first day of the new Star Wars movie, "The Last Jedi." I guess it's a good thing that I am not a Star Wars fan because I will not be going. 

This is the Star Wars I remember.

James did some decorating this evening. He brought out his favorite Christmas decoration, our nativity. He also worked on my favorite decoration, the tree.

James also finished the fire pit and patio today:

Wednesday, December 13th, 2017

Manaus, Brazil

138th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 June 2012

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Hebrews 9:28

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Book of Mormon

Ether 9:23-35

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

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 29:1-2

1 Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins;

2 Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer.

General Conference

The Heart of the Widow

Elder O. Vincent Haleck

"A man can live in the dark for a period, but there will come a time when he will long to come into the light."

This morning's sunrise

I had lunch with my friend Pam at the hospital today. She works at the hospital and today was the holiday feast. The food is free and everyone who works at the hospital can bring a guest. We were at the beginning of the line and I am glad we were. When we left it looked like all of Show Low was lined up for freed food. 

There were three main dishes, stuffed chicken, prime rib, and butternut ravioli. I had the ravioli and Pam had the prime rib. The food was delicious and the company was great. 

After lunch Pam walked out to the car with me and I gave her her Christmas gift. A pair of mittens with a quote from President Monson about being "His hands," and a blanket. 

As I was thinking about some of my favorite things about Christmas here is what I came up with. My favorite song is "O Holy Night."  Favorite holiday movie, "Elf."  One of my favorite Christmas memories is having the Tinsel Tour at our house and James nailing up the last piece of crown molding just at our first guest arrived. 

Another favorite memory is Darrel reading "The Little Fir Tree" at one of our adult parties and tears coming to his eyes. He really does have a tender heart. 

Christmas movies for today: "Wrapped Up in Christmas," starring Kim Fields, and Tatiyana Ali.

Light the World:

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

This is called the Golden Rule, and if everyone followed it, the world would be a better place.

Ways You Can Show Kindness toward Others

Have you seen someone get bullied on social media?

Reach out to the person today and send some positive vibes his or her direction.

What's something that could really brighten your day?

Do that for someone else.

Today is Carmen's birthday. 

Someone made her this cake.

Happy Birthday Carmen.

Loveable Lovebirds

Why do they get our hopes up?

This is the scene I want.

Tuesday, December 12th, 2017

Kansas City, Missouri

137th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 May 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Hebrews 7:27

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Book of Mormon

Ether 9:1-22

How can we choose to possess our lands unto the Lord?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 27:16-18

16 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;

17 Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;

18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen.

General Conference

By Divine Design

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Each of us is precious and loved by the Lord, who cares, who whispers, and who watches over us in ways unique to each of us. He is infinitely wiser and more powerful than mortal men and women. He knows our challenges, our triumphs, and the righteous desires of our hearts."

Stinkin' tree lights!  We had to go back to town again today to get more lights for the tree. James comes too. He heads for Home Deport and Firehouse Subs while I go to Walmart. I mail Michael's birthday card and $20 to Kim to buy a little boy some Hotwheel cars for Christmas. 

James found some lights and when we get back home he went outside to work. I don't think this was a good idea because he had a big coughing spell right at bed time. 

While I am watching the movie, "Christmas Princess," a true story about a girl who becomes one of the princesses in the Rose Bowl Parade, he puts the new lights on the tree.  Now I can decorate it tomorrow.  

We found out today that our temple substitutes for last Saturday, Ruth and Mel Wilhelm did not make it to the temple because their car broke down in Taylor.

I missed the ward Relief Society party this evening. I didn't really feel like going. I still have the blahs.

Today's movies: "A Golden Christmas," "Falling for Christmas," and of course "Christmas Princess" which I already mentioned.

I put this message on Facebook regarding this years Christmas presents: This year for Christmas each of you will receive a blanket from us. Dad/Grandpa even went Christmas shopping with me this year. To me a blanket symbolizes our love for each of you. It evokes images of sitting in front of a fire wrapped in a warm blanket and reading a good book or watching a Christmas movies with someone you love. As you are wrapped in the warmth of your blanket, think of Dad and I and the love we feel for each one of you. Think of the Savior and being wrapped in the arms of His love. We love you all so very much and wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Instead of buying gifts for us, do a service or something kind for someone else!

I didn't tell them that blankets were all I could afford because dad spent all of our Christmas money on our new patio and fire pit.

If James would let me get a dog, I would get

one that looks something like this.

Nice castle and moon.

Max, enjoying Cross Country.

Case's at the North Pole

The Whalen family

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.

Sunday, December 10th, 2017

San Salvador, El Salvador

135th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2011

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Book of Mormon

Ether 8:1-17

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

I can listen to their words by reading their conference talks everyday, every month from the last general conference. As I read I can take them to heart and incorporate them into my life.

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 25:12

For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.

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."

Spiritual Eclipse

Elder Gary E. Stevens

"A gospel perspective expands our sight to an eternal view. When you put on gospel glasses, you find enhanced perspective, focus, and vision in the way you think about your priorities, your problems, your temptations, and even your mistakes. You will see brighter light that you could not see without them."

I left for the Show Low stake center where our multi-stake conference is being held, a little after 8 this morning. I arrived at 9 with the conference starting at 10. The chapel was mostly filled with any empty seats being saved. I did manage to squeeze in the back row, right in the middle next to the Goodman family. The mom, Sheila is Mary Lou DeWitt's daughter. Mary Lou was in my ward when I was growing up and I had her for a young women's advisor. She is an amazing woman and her daughter Sheila was for friendly and kind.  Harry Hall and his wife sat in front of me. I went to high school with Harry's brother and James used to work for him when he was in the valley. He was over upkeep, etc., on the churches in the east valley and hired James for several jobs.

James stayed at the Vernon building to watch the broadcast because he is still feeling quite poorly. 

The reason I went to the Show Low stake center is because when I spoke on the phone with Elder Heyman last week he said he would like to shake my hand and James's. James missed some incredible priesthood training yesterday because of his sickness. 

Sheila is the Show Low stake primary president and got to have dinner last night with the visiting authorities. Elder Bednar sat at her table.  He said that never again, in our lifetime, would there be an apostle and two seventies come to a conference. The Church is just too big.

I saw Jim Brookbank counting heads. His sister was my best friend in high school. The prelude music has been playing for sometime but people are still very noisy. Around 9:50 it got very quiet and everyone stood as President Williams, Elder Bednar, Elder Cornish, Elder Heyman, and President Shumway walked in. 

The meeting went something like this: 

Elder Heyman, Area Authority Seventy:
"Relax, and let the goodness flow. No great announcements will be made today as you might have anticipated with 3 visiting authorities. I would like to speak about the grandeur of our Savior Jesus Christ. In 1 Nephi 11 the Savior asks Nephi:

'Knowest thou the condescension of God?'

How long has Jesus Christ learned from Elohim? The Savior is prepared for any situation that arises.

Elder Heyman told the story of when President Jones sent him to Sister Richardson's home to give her a temple recommend interview. He did not have an appointment and she was slow in opening the door. He was just about to leave when the door opened and she said: 'President Heyman, I am sorry to keep you waiting. I was praying that a member of the stake presidency would come to my home and give me a temple recommend interview.' 

Elder Heyman then said: "We all have the opportunity to be the answer to someone's prayer." This is called the ascension of man through service. He then bore his testimony and said: "I know b a confirmation of the Spirit that the Atonement is real."

President Shumway, Stake President of the White Mountain stake

"By the Spirit all things are made know to His prophets. What is Spiritual Settledness: 1.) Know the will of God and follow it. 2.) Understand our Covenants. God keeps His promises to those who keep their covenants. 3.) All things will be made fair through Jesus Christ.

President Williams, Stake President of the Show Low stake

One of his older children to one of his younger children: "Mom's always nicer after she goes to the temple."  We must not only attend the temple, but we must take what we learn into our homes.

"The test of life is to hear the voice of the Spirit and follow it."

Story of being prompted to visit the Cibecue branch. He waited awhile and when he went he took his nine year old son with him. His son didn't want to go to Primary by himself so President Williams went with him. After Primary the sister in charge ask to speak to President Williams. She told him that the children had been praying to have him come and visit and that he was an answer to their prayers.

"We need to act on promptings when we receive them. (See 3 Nephi 11). "Our invitation today is to align our lives so that we hear Him!

Testimonies - Madison, John, Riley, and Ryan, two Laurels and two Priests were asked to come up and bear their testimonies. For not knowing about this they all did an outstanding job!

Elder J. Devn Cornish of the Seventy
"Jesus acted out principles. After John's beheading the apostles gather and depart with Jesus across Galilee. Feeding the 5,000 men plus women and children, was a parable about sins, not hunger.  God is always there for us.. On the altar we bring our broken hearts and contrite spirits. They did all eat and were filled as we partake of His Sacrament. Other miracles: John 2 Where Jesus turned water into wine. What's the message? (I think it applies to our lives. Jesus can take ordinary people and make them extraordinary). In John 21 Peter and other fishermen were not catching any fish. The Savior told them to cast on the other side. They cast on the other side and caught 152 fish. Did the Savior miscalculate? These parables are about sin, repentance, mercy and forgiveness. He is anxious to cleanse us and bring us home. God help us to trust the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ."

Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
"This weekend, for me, is an early Christmas vacation. Priesthood leaders from seven stakes gathered yesterday for training. This is rest and relaxation for me compared to being in meetings in Salt Lake City. 
The gospel should be a constant topic of conversation in our homes."
Elder Bednar asked us to get out our scriptures and turn to JS-H 1:27-43. Verse 33 says the Lord called Joseph Smith by name. Elder Bednar pointed out that the Lord knows each of us by name. 
1st visit of Moroni 27-43.  2nd visit verses 44-45. Coming judgments were added. 3rd visit, verse 46 - included a personal warning to Joseph. Repeated messages are critical!  vs. 49th - 4th visit. In verse 50 Joseph says, "I obeyed." 
Please be careful when you have heard and think you don't need to hear again. Repetitions are necessary. Dialogue is usually better than monologue. Ask inspired questions. We must have eyes to see, and ears to hear. 
Elder Bednar is concerned about our prosperity. We need the power, protection and joy of the gospel. 
We must "Always remember Him, and invite the Spirit." 
We need to depend on, rely on, and follow Him. Exercise faith in Him. 2 Nephi 31.
See the connectedness of the gospel. We need to be spiritually settled. 
"Words just don't get it done, but it's all I've got."
"I witness that He lives and knows you by name. Jesus Christ is resurrected and alive. He directs the affairs of this Church. The Restoration continues.
We must have eyes to see, and ears to hear. What you have heard many times, you will hear more."

Jared, Kacey, and Summer drove to Longview, Texas for Scarlett Jane's blessing today. Here are some photos:

Autumn, Scarlett, and Palmer

Summer, Palmer, Autumn, Scarlett

Kacey, Jared, Tanner

Pround Papa Palmer and the Priesthood

The little angel, Scarlett Jane

Kim's gingerbread house

It looks a little like the cabin!