Sunday, December 24th, 2017

Tijuana, Mexico

149th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Dec, 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

2 Nephi 10:25
Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen.
Book of Mormon

Moroni 1-5
*When have you bee blessed because a priesthoods holder fulfilled his responsibilities?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 33:16-18
16 And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things.
17 Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom - 
18 For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly. Even so. Amen.
General Conference

Fear Not To Do Good

President Henry B. Eyring

"The Lord told His leaders of the Restoration, and He tells us, that when we stand with faith upon His rock, doubt and fear are diminished; the desire to do good increases. As we accept President Monson's invitation to plant in our hearts a testimony of Jesus Christ, we gain the power, the desire, and the courage to go to the rescue of others without concern for our own needs."

We attended Darrel and Trina's ward this morning, everyone except Addy, who still has a bad cough. Trina said the opening prayer. 
They are members of the Everton ward, Eastmark stake. That may change next week as their ward is being divided. It was like a stake conference clear back to the end of the overflow. It took 12 deacons over 20 minutes to pass the sacrament to everyone.

There was a musical program presented by the choir and then the Bishop Glauser spoke on giving the perfect gift. He told about his handicapped brother who has brittle bone disease and how his parents gave his brother a desk one year for Christmas which turned out to be the perfect gift for him. Trina told me that recently the bishops brother took a bad fall and broke practically every bone in his body. Two days later he passed away.

A young boy in Ruby's Primary class sang "Silent Night." He has a beautiful voice for an eight year old.

Two sisters played the violins while another sister told a story. 

Two brothers sang "O Holy Night" in French and then a sister sang "Joy to the World" in French.

The closing hymn was "Away in a Manger."

After the service was over we went home, had some lunch and then took naps. After naptime we all went to see Lois and Dawn, everyone, including Addy. 

Later this evening James, Addy, Ruby, Lola and I went to the Wallen's to take Jared's kids their gifts. Jeanne and Mike were very friendly and so were the kids. We gave them their gifts and Molly opened hers. James and Anna were excited to tell James that they are planning on working in Washington next summer with their new found grandpa.

Darrel made a ham for dinner. It was good. I played Headbanz with Lola and Ruby.

Lola kept telling everyone what they were.

This evening the kids opened their jammies and their blankets.

 They already have on their new jammies.

Harry Potter for Addy

Ruby

Lola

For some reason I did not get a photo of Rowan in his new pj's.

All the kids with their blankets

Darrel and Trina with their new blankets

Ruby with her new pillow. 

She is not feeling very well.

That's Lola and baby Jesus there with her.

Visiting Santa

Star Wars Trivia at the Gonzales's

What a great photo of a great family!

The Barney's got matching jammies

Pam's dad had to have emergency surgery on

his neck today. This is what she said in a text 

to me yesterday: "My dad actually broke his neck, he has been getting worse since the fall in October. They said it was a pinched nerve and would heal but it hasn't. My sister brought him to the ER to work up for a possible stroke. The MRI revealed two fractures and a hematoma. A neurologist from Barrows will take him to surgery first thing in the morning.

I got this text this morning:

"The surgery has gone over by two hours so far, they're going slow and it's worse than what the surgeon expected, they are transfusing blood. They look concerned...I'm totally not freaking out, I'm totally not freaking out,...

And the final text:

"Omg. Six hours. They dug 7" to get to the spine. Four units of blood, two rods and screws. His spine was severely compressed. It is going to be a long recovery, very painful recovery. 

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.

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