Sunday, November 25th, 2018

Mesa, Arizona

7th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-26 Oct 1927

By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mosiah 14:12

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death; and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Book of Mormon #1

Mormon 6:6-22

*Mormon asks his people why they rejected the open arms of Christ. Mormon taught that their reunion with the Savior world have been joyful (6:17). We too must prepare ourselves to stand before the Lord at the Judgment. President James E. Faust explained: 'We long for the ultimate blessing of the Atonement - to become one with Him, to be in His divine presence, to be called individually by name as He warmly welcomes us home with a radiant smile, beckoning us with open arms to be enfolded in His boundless love. How gloriously sublime this experience will be if we can feel worthy enough to be in His presence. The free gift of His great atoning sacrifice for each of us is the only way we can be exalted enough to stand before Him and see Him face to face. The overwhelming message of the Atonement is the perfect love the Savior has for each of us. It is a love fully of mercy, patience, grace, equity, long-suffering and, above all, forgiving. The evil influence of Satan would destroy any hope we have in overcoming our mistakes. He would have us feel that we are lost and that there is no hope. In contrast, Jesus reaches down to us to lift us up. Through our repentance and the gift of the Atonement, we can prepare to be worthy to stand in His presence.'" (CR Oct 2001).

Old Testament

Hosea 13-14

General Conference

The Father

Brian K. Ashton

"In the premortal world, we were born as spirits to Heavenly Parents and lived with Them as a family. They knew us, taught us, and loved us. We wanted very much to be like our Heavenly Father. However, to do so, we recognized that we would have to: 

1. Obtain glorified, immortal, physical bodies;

2. Be married and form families by the sealing power of the priesthood;

3. Acquire all knowledge, power, and divine attributes."

Up at 6 a.m. Study, ready for church. James studies his lesson, "Daniel in the Lion's Den."

The DeWitt's spoke in sacrament meeting this morning. We haven't seen them for weeks. They returned from their mission to the Taiwan temple towards the end of May. These talks were to report on their mission.

Wendy  did not think she would need to learn Mandarin. When the temple president told her she would she asked him for a blessing and specifically asked for the gift of tongues. As a result of that blessing she learned all of the ordinances for the temple in two weeks. This has never been done before and she believes it was a miracle as a result of her blessing and her study. She says she has never studied anything so hard. She really is quite an amazing person.

Collin only had a few minutes to speak. His talk was heartfelt and I truly felt the Spirit. You can tell he loves Vernon and the people here so much!

The second hour I went to teacher council meeting which was taught by Brother Allen and Bishop Miller. We talked about the new program beginning in January and how to get people to study at home. I said in order to stand as a witness we need to have a testimony of the gospel and we get that through study and prayer.

Brother Grapp says he has learned from his children. He took Benson to visit someone with a boy Benson's age and Benson introduced himself by saying: "Hi, I'm Benson. Do you read the Bible. Let me tell you about my favorite story, Daniel in the Lion's Den."  

Sister Curtis taught Relief Society. The lesson was on personal scripture study. We had a great discussion and Diana used the microphone. 

James told me on the way home that during the 3rd hour teacher council meeting the bishop talked about me and how I got to know the kids in my Primary class and visited the inactives. James said he mentioned me several times. I don't deserve all the praise but I am grateful.

We had Thanksgiving leftovers for lunch. Delicious!

Sister Dye has been moved to a rehab center and will be there for at least a month. She is doing much better be needs some therapy.

During naptime I watched, "Reunited for Christmas." I really liked this movie about memories at Nana's house and family traditions.

I also finished my gospel study and worked on my blog. 

A nice evening at home with a fire and Christmas movies:

Along with "Reunited at Christmas" I watched

"Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe"

and 

"Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane"

Two old people in front of a tree.

 So adorable!

 When Lola had a crush on Evan.

 All dressed up with pink shoes.

CityScape Phoenix

Saturday,November 24th, 2018

Cardston, Alberta

6th operating temple

Dedicated: 26-29 Aug 1923

By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ, Death of

Isaiah 53:12

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Book of Mormon #1

Mormon 5:13-6:5

*What does it mean to you to be "in the hands of God?"

- Elder W. Craig Zwick of the Seventy explained some blessings suggested by being in God's hands: "To be in the hands of God would suggest that we are not only under His watchful care but also that we are guarded and protected by His wondrous power. Throughout the scriptures, reference is made to the hand of the Lord. His divine assistance is evidenced over and over again. His powerful hands created worlds, and yet they were gentle enough to bless the little children... Every one of us needs to know that we can go on in the strength of the Lord. We can put our hand in His, and we will feel His sustaining presence lift us to heights unattainable alone. How do we learn to extend our hand and connect to the comfort provided by the Lord? Here are four keys: Learn, listen, seek the Spirit, pray always.

The Lord will supply sustenance and support if we are willing to open the door and receive His hand of divine assistance. Imagine the wounds in His hands. His weathered hands, His hands of torn flesh and physical sacrifice giving our own hands greater power and direction. It is the wounded Christ who leads us through our moments of difficulty. It is He who bears us up when we need direction, or even more courage to continue. If we will keep the commandments of God and walk hand in hand with Him, we will go forward with faith, and never feel alone."

Old Testament

Hosea 10-12

General Conference

Try, Try, Try

President Henry B. Eyring

"Our mortal life is designed by a loving God to be a test and source of growth for each of us. You remember God's words regarding His children at the Creation of the world: 'And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.'"

We left this morning for the temple around 5:45. Our preparation meeting started at 7:00 and President and Sister Palmer were our teachers. We watched films about the veil, presenting and receiving.

Sister Cochran, our co-ordinator was at home today enjoying thanksgiving with her family. Sister Humphrey from St. John's was in charge. She is one of my favorites. 

My first assignment was 1st follower in the 8 a.m. endowment session. Sister Badger, a friend of James's sister Connie from high school, was my partner. There were 14 sisters in the session and 12 brothers. 

After the session I had my break. That chocolate pie I brought was pretty darn good! 

Next was initiatory with Sister McCleery. We only had one patron and there was the two of us so we did what's called two on one.

Soon Sister Jones joined us. At the end we had no one so we just sat and waited for the shift change. 

Next I was the first greeter downstairs and then the assistant sealer under the stairs. While I was sitting under the stairs Sister Humphrey went by to empty trash and I asked to speak to her. 

I told her about James's surgery and how he was going to be out for awhile and I needed to be out too. She was very kind and understanding. She said I should speak with Sister Palmer who was standing nearby. Sister Palmer sent me up to the records office. In the records office I spoke with Brother Hatch and Brother McKay. Brother McKay set both James and I up on the computer to be on a leave of absence for three months. That relieves some of the stress and if we want to, and James feels like it, we can come back earlier. 

My last assignment was to be a presenter at the veil. James was a receiver but we were at different veils. 
We said our goodbyes when we left. I think the person who will miss me the most if my old friend from Chandler, Debbie. 

James told me some stressful news. He said that someone told him our friend from high school who works on the afternoon temple shift, Brother Ballard, had a heart attack while visiting his kids in Wisconsin. The best way I know how to find out about Kerry is to ask our friend Willard Barney who is his brother-in-law.

When we got home we were greeted with a pleasant surprise. Kim and Brian had decorated our tree. Kim said they would wait for us to get home before they left because they wanted to take pictures of family to send to Ben to keep him from getting homesick.

   Just need the tree skirt and star!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Goodbye Kim and Brian.
Thanks for decorating our tree!

After Kim and Brian left James went over to the Howard's for a couple of hours.

I blogged and worked on Amazon Seller Central this afternoon, and of course did some walking. Of course I had my Christmas movies on while I was working and walking:

"A Poinsettiea Christmas"

"Christmas at Graceland"

Both of these movies are new. I especially liked "Christmas at Graceland" with Kelly Pickler and Wes Brown.

Paul eating his favorite kind of food.

You have to do this once in a while 

when you are dieting.

Charlie loves bath time!

These two girls are the best!

     

Friday, November 23rd, 2018

Laie, Hawaii

5th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 Nov 1919

By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mosiah 14:9

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no evil, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Book of Mormon #1

Mormon 5:1-12

*What lessons can we learn and apply to our lives from the writings of Mormon? Why do you think he documented all of the wars and sorrows of the Nephites for us to read?

- We can learn from Mormon's writings that wickedness never was happiness! Mormon's account of events during his days have been full of sorrow and despair and unfortunately, because of their wickedness, life did not improve for the Nephites. Mormon takes time in this chapter to explain what he thinks we should learn from this tragic account. The Book of Mormon came forth in our day to persuade us that Jesus is the Christ. Mormon sorrowed that his people did not repent so they could be clasped in the arms of Jesus. Mormon increasingly looked beyond the tragedy before him to a people he hoped would profit from their mistakes.

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 43

Old Testament

Hosea 7-9

General Conference

The Correct Name of the Church

President Russell M. Nelson

"In AD 34, our resurrected Lord gave instruction to members of His Church when He visited them in the Americas. At that time He said:

'Ye shall call the church in my name... And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church."

James called to wish Sister Dye a happy Thanksgiving yesterday and found out she was in the hospital. We went to town this morning to go see her. 

Sister Dye was in room 118 at the Show Low hospital. She had a stroke and it was difficult for her to talk. James gave her a blessing. Before we went to the hospital we stopped by the assisted living community across and down from the hospital, Sol Terra. Sister Dye has expressed a desire to live there so we went to get an information packet. I was concerned that she does not know what her monthly income is. I wonder if someone else is in charge of her money. 

We found out late that Sister Dye will not be moving to Sol Terra because she can't bring her six cats. 

She did ask for helping in finding someone to clean out her chimney. Her house is very cold and we are concerned about her going back there to live. Her granddaughter lives with her but isn't a great deal of help.

While James went shopping at Home Depot for a new faucet I went shopping at Walmart. The new faucet cost over $150 but was still cheaper than ordering parts for the old one, plus I didn't want to wait for the parts to get here.

When we got home Kim and Brian were getting ready to go on a Razr ride. James told them we were making venison gravy and biscuits so they waited. Venison gravy and biscuits is one of their, and ours, favorite meal.

Brian made avocado salsa and we love it with scoop chips!

After lunch James went to work on the faucet and Kim and Brian went for their ride. James had to make another trip to town for a part. So frustrating! It took most of the day, but by the end of the day we had a new faucet.

We put the dishes from lunch in the dishwasher and it works!

I blogged for last Saturday and it takes forever! I am so far behind. Hopefully I will catch up before Christmas.

Kim told us today about our friends the Pargetter's. Brother Pargetter is now in hospice and the family wanted us to know. We will add him to our prayer list as well as his family. 

Brian put up our Christmas tree this even. While James was in town he bought some more lights because many of the lights on the tree are burned out. Kim put all the new lights on. She thinks it needs more lights, but I think it looks great!

Today's Christmas movies:

"Christmas on the Bayou"

Hilare Burton and Ed Asner

"Will You Merry Me?"

Wendy Malik, Hilarious!

"Return to Christmas Creek"

Kim is the best light tech that I know.

Interesting quilt

'Tis the season for quilts

We are in good hands.

Sweet baby Charlie

Before baby Charlie there was 

baby Lola

 Kim and Brian enjoying some time by

the fire.

Thursday, November 22nd, 2018

 Salt Lake City, Utah

4th operating temple

Dedicated: 6-24 Apr 1893

By: Wilford Woodruff

Jesus Christ, Death of

Isaiah 53:9

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Book of Mormon #1

Mormon 4:1-23

* Why is it important not to boast in your own strength? 

-When we boast in our own strength and go forth in our own might, repenting not of the evil we have done, but persist in our wickedness, our hearts become hardened. This leads to a lack of  the Spirit, which invites anger towards others. When we notice we have anger in our hearts, it should be an alarm to us that something is wrong. Our pride can convince us that we are okay, but anger is destructive. Repentance heals ill feelings, mends broken spirits, softens hardened hearts, and repairs damaged souls. Instead of looking for reasons to find fault in others, we need to recognize the fault within our own soul first. Also, everything good in our lives comes from God. We are selfish when we fail to acknowledge Him and express gratitude to Him for all of our blessings. DC 59:21 - "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not His commandments.

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 40-42

Old Testament

Hosea 3-5

General Conference

Wounded

Elder Neil A. Andersen

"We search for happiness. We long for peace. We hope for love. And the Lord showers us with an amazing abundance of blessings. But intermingled with the joy and happiness, one thing is certain: there will be moments, hours, days, sometimes years when your soul will be wounded. Wounds of the soul are not unique to the rich or the poor, to one culture, one nation, or one generation. They come to all and are part of the learning we receive from this mortal experience."

Happy Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving started out by James turning on the smoker, taking the turkey out of the brine, cutting it in pieces, and putting it in the smoker, under Brian's capable supervision. 

We walked outside to put the meat in the smoker

and had to take a picture of this beautiful

sunrise.

These two make a great team!

Kim spent the morning making her pumpkin delight dessert. I will never eat plain old pumpkin pie again. The yellow cake crust with pecans is divine! 

Kim started to do the dishes from her dessert making when the water in the kitchen sink suddenly dwindled to a trickle. We told James and as he was going out to check the well, I noticed a huge puddle of water on the floor. The problem is under the sink. James immediately got under the sink and began looking for the leak. It's not coming from the pipes like it did last time. This time it's coming from one of the connecting fittings. 

Under the sink again, not the

way you want to spend Thanksgiving Day.

I am grateful for a husband who can fix anything.

Sometimes he has to wait until the stores are open for parts.

After trying for almost an hour to fix the leak, including using 

duct tape, James said he would have to leave the water to the sink off, but there would be no problem with the water throughout the rest of the house. We ended up doing all of the many dishes, probably the biggest meal of the year, in the bathtub.

James did most of the dishes, and I dried 

and put away.

Our smoked turkey was delicious. So were the mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry celebration, green bean casserole, yams, corn, and rolls. The meal was great and the company even better.

We used paper plates instead of china because

of the broken faucet. Grateful to Kim and Brian

for coming to see us every other year.

One of the reasons that Trina and Sheri like to stay at home is the Turkey Trot.

Turkey Trotters

Trina did her first Turkey Trot when she was a

freshman in high school. Addy is a freshman and

this was her first Turkey Trot.

Some of our blessings:

These girls had Thanksgiving together

in Arkansas.

Christmas movies:

"Wish Upon a Christmas"

"A Christmas Arrangement"

"The Christmas Contract"

starring the cast of 

One Tree Hill

"A Godwink Christmas"