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.

Thursday, December 21st, 2017

Payson, Utah

146th operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 2015

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 Nephi 11:33

And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.

Book of Mormon

Ether 14:8-31

*In what ways has the enabling power of the Atonement transformed your weaknesses into strengths?

*How has your faith or spiritual resolve been tried? How did these trials of your faith bring you an additional "witness" of Jesus Christ?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 33:1

Behold, I say unto you, my servants Ezra and Northrop, open ye your ears and hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, whose word is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

General Conference

Exceeding Great and Precious Promises

Elder David A. Bednar

'Priesthood ordinances and sacred covenants are essential in this ongoing process of spiritual rebirth; they also are the means God has appointed whereby we receive His exceeding great and precious promises. Ordinances that are received worthily and remembered continual open the heavenly channels through which the power of godliness can flow into our lives. Covenants that are honored steadfastly and remembered always provide purpose and the assurance of blessings in both mortality and for eternity."

I prayed many times yesterday that Kellen Lambson would be found and that it would snow here. Both happened this morning, although the snow was short-lived.

I should have prayed for more snow.

I baked banana nut bread for Harold and Vickie, and Dennis and Denise this morning. Denise and Dennis came out and brought us Dise's cookies. Just in time for our family party tomorrow night.

Dennis helped James hook up the new TV upstairs and Denise and I had a nice visit. An update on the kids: Eric's fiance broke up with him and he is trying to get back together with her. He is also getting his Masters in computer science. Kyle works for Durango Natural gas with a four year degree similar to a chemical engineer. Tyler is the manager at a Family Dollar Store and has been there for over a year now.  Jenifer's son Sammy just got baptized. He doesn't speak very much and they think he has a form of autism, although Dennis says he is very smart. Denise says Rachel is doing very well now.

James did a service for the Bowen's this afternoon. He backfilled 250 feet of waterline with his little Cat skidsteer.

I am still living off Rosa's tamales. This is the second dozen. I have had them for breakfast, for lunch, and for dinner, but not all on the same day.

Today I also got one of Dise's cookies

Light the World

Jesus taught: "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat."
Matthew 25:35

A person can experience spiritual hunger as well as physical hunger. As Jesus did, we can offer people both kinds

of nourishment.

Bob Case with some of his granddaughters,

including Ruby and Addy.

Marissa, Curtis and baby Graham

Lorelai 

Congratulations to Justice, Kate, and Evander.

Sow and Saguaro.

I couldn't resist.

Family Christmas Party 2014

A new grandson for Sean and Stefani

I made 14 loaves of bread today:

Boxed up and ready to go.

Wednesday, December 20th 2017

Cordoba, Argentina

145th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 May 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Book of Mormon

Ether 13:19-14:7

*Anger and hatred played a major role in the destruction of the Jaredites. 

What role do you see anger and hatred playing in the world today?

How can you combat this in your sphere of influence?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 31:11-13

11 Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do and whither you shall go.

12 Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward.

13 Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you, These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father. Amen.

General Conference

Has the Day of Miracles Ceased?

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

"King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego worship the golden image he set up as a god, threatening, 'If ye worship not, ye shall be cast....into the midst of a fiery furnace.' Then he taunted them with 'Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?' These three devout disciples said: 'If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace...But if not, be it know unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy Gods.' They possessed full confidence that God could save them, 'but if not,' they had complete faith in His plan."

Light of the World
Jesus taught: "A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
-Luke 12:15
Sometimes possessions distract us from appreciating the most important things in life. B eliminating these distractions, we can lead a more fulfilling life.

James was out chasing cows this morning. He got off the Razr to open a gate and fell to his knees because of a back spasm. He said he almost had to call me to come and get him. I think back surgery is in the future for him.

James sent me some photos today to remind me of what this place looks like when it rains. It is beautiful.

Nice!

I finished wrapping all the Christmas presents today. Here are Stacy and Paul's family:

Stacy and Paul's is wrapped together, 

hence there is only six packages.

I thought I could take a breather when I was finished wrapping but James found a stack of bills for me to pay.  Before I finished we went into town to mail Jared's packages.

We stopped at LaCasita for lunch. It has gotten very expensive and my food wasn't that great. I ordered a beef taco which was way over cooked, and a chicken enchilada which turned out to be a cheese enchilada. The one thing that is delicious at La Casita is their refried beans.

We decided we would take Jared's kids packages to the Wallen's in Gilbert when we go down since that's where they will be for Christmas and only mail Jared and Kacey's and Kacey's kids. To mail to San Antonio and guarantee that it will get there by Christmas, it was going to cost us $260.  That was out of the question so then I though maybe we could mail it to El Paso if we could get it there before Jared left for San Antonio. This is what we ended up doing. It would only cost $160 to guarantee Christmas delivery. Jared said he was leaving by Friday at 1 pm. Our package was to get there by noon at the latest. Next year I will mail earlier.

We also went into Walmart and bought a new Smart TV for upstairs. It is only 40" but it only cost $328.  Our budget was $400.

When we got back home James went to the dump and then stopped by to see Brother Secard. Brother Secard's wife passed away today. James gave him a blessing which seemed to help.

I prayed every 30 minutes today the Kellen Lambson, Curtis's son, would be found, and that it would snow.

The wind is howling tonight.

Christmas caroling to great grandmother.

Our friends the Black's

Architectural Digest was the magazine

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.

Monday, December 18th, 2017

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

143rd operating temple

Dedicated: 4 May 2014

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: ad not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Book of Mormon

Ether 12:22-41

*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 (1915-94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained what it means to have charity: 

"Charity is, perhaps, in many ways a misunderstood word. We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more. 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. It makes the thought of putting others down repulsive. 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" (Ensign, May 1992, 18-19).

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 31:5

Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live.

General Conference

Bearers of Heavenly Light

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"If you open your mind and heart to receive the Light of Christ and humbly follow the Savior, you will receive more light. Line upon line, here a little and there a little, you will gather more light and truth into your souls until darkness has been banished from your life. God will open your eyes. God will give you a new heart. God's love, light and truth will cause dormant things to spring to life, and you will be reborn into a newness of life in Jesus Christ."

The Lord Leads His Church

President Henry B. Eyring

"The Lord sees His servants perfectly. He sees their potential and their future. And He knows how their very nature can be changed. He also knows how they can be changed by their experiences with the people they lead."

Light the World

Jesus taught: "Forgive men their trespasses."

Matthew 6:14

Allowing anger or resentment to fester will never lead to happiness. We must make amends with people before bitterness destroys our important relationships.

The Christmas tree is my favorite symbol of Christmas. It stands for everlasting life. I love my tree

This photo was taken a couple of years ago. 

I am not sure what happened to this star.

I did not finish with my blog today until 5 p.m., two hours later than I planned. I made some oatmeal cookies and watched these movies: "12 Wishes of Christmas," "Angel in the Family," "A Christmas Reunion," and a new one, "Romance at Reindeer Lodge."

James got an xray today. He also took a load of wood to Sister Dye. I wrapped five presents today. 

James was dizzy and felt like he could breathe better if he slept on the couch. I slept next to him.

Christina Tibbetts posted this photo. It was taken

five years ago, probably at her wedding reception.

Antelope in our yard taken a couple of years ago.

Elk seen in Vernon.

Rowan with his cello at his Christmas concert.

Sunday, December 17th, 2017

Gilbert, Arizona

142nd operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Mar 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Book of Mormon

Ether 12:1-21

*When has your faith been like an anchor to your soul?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 29:39

And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet-

General Conference

Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family

Elder Richard J. Maynes

"The first step in our quest to earn the Lord's trust is to place our trust in Him. As husband and fathers, we have received a divine charge from modern-day prophets, seers, and revelators in the document, 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World. This document teaches us that (1) 'fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness,' (2) fathers 'are responsible to provide the necessities of life' and (3) fathers are responsible to protect their families."

Today's Primary lesson was on building the Salt Lake temple. I told the story of John Moyle's 40 mile roundtrip a week to work on the temple even though he had wooden leg.

Trina, Lola, and Addy all stayed home this morning. Lola and Addy both have coughs. Ruby attended my class. Rowan and Darrel both left after sacrament meeting. 

Before leaving for church James made some potatoes, eggs, onions, and green chilis. Ruby loved it and helped grandpa make a second batch. 

Trina and Darrel fixed a nice lunch for us, grilled bbq chicken, baked sweet potato fries, corn and peas. After lunch Lola wanted to watch the naked bear movie again. (Brave).  

Grandpa took the kids on another Razr ride before they left for home. It was cold today and supposed to snow. We waited all day for the snow but it never came.

Before leaving I took a picture of Darrel's family by the fireplace and the Christmas tree.

Merry Christmas!

Light the World

Jesus taught: "Ye shall meet together oft." 

3 Nephi 18:22

The Lord commanded that His followers should meet together often to strengthen on another. This applies not only to church congregations but also to families and communities.

So cute!

They look like the perfect family

Joshua. The hat is for a school assignment.