Wednesday, December 12th, 2018

Santiago, Chile

24th operating temple

Dedicated: 15-17 Sept 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, death of

Hebrew 2:9

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

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 9:1-22

Cycles of Great Prosperity and Tragic Wickedness

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 10-12

Old Testament

Zechariah 1-2

General Conference

Believe, Love, Do

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Believing, love, and do. 

Believing God leads to faith in Him and developing trust in His word. Faith causes our hearts to grow in our love for God and others. As that love grows, we are inspired to emulate the Savior as we continue our own great journey on the path of discipleship."

Up at five this morning for gospel study and prayer. 

When James got up I fixed his breakfast, built a fire, and wrote a little on my blog. 

At 11 I left for Show Low. My friend Pam invited me to the employee and friends appreciation lunch put on by the Show Low hospital. Pam and her friend and work mate Jennifer were waiting for me in the entry to the hospital. They both were wearing reindeer antlers and listening to a 100 year old man who was singing Christmas carols. 

We walked back to the cafeteria area and the line was way out in the hall. We waited our turn and weren't sure we would find a place to sit but we did. Doctor DeWitt got water and silverware for me. He is a stake president in Snowflake and Pam says he is wonderful. He was very personable.

The lunch was delicious. I had crackers with avocado hummus, mixed veggies, loaded mashed potatoes, strawberry spinach salad, a roll, prime rib and petit fours. Everything was delicious and the company was wonderful, both Pam and Jennifer are amazing people.

Pam told a funny story about her dad's brothers from Chicago coming up to help him on his house and hitting an elk on the way home. They were in her sisters car and she got a notice that all four of her airbags had deployed. She told her brother who is the assistant chief of police in Phoenix. He immediately checked his GPS and saw where the accident was and took off to get his dad and his uncles. 

The people behind the Chicago brothers asked them if they were going to eat the elk. When they said no, they asked if they could have it. When the brothers said yes, they immediately go out their tools and began cutting it up.  James says this is illegal because it encourages people to hit elk. Really? Hitting an elk destroys your car. Pam's sisters car was totaled. Luckily no one was hurt.

Jennifer's 15 year old daughter had a brain tumor. Jennifer says she is in a lot of pain but they are treating it with botox instead of narcotics because they don't want her to become addicted.

Jennifer's husband had back surgery earlier this year and had a bridge put in his neck. James had a bridge put in his lower back.

After lunch we went back to their workroom and exchanged gifts. I had to take a picture of their room and of them.

 Pam on the left, Jenny on the right.

They decorated their room for Christmas.

Pam drew the picture of Betty Lou Who.

 Jenny was so excited to get these balloon dog

ornaments at the office ornament exchange.

My gift from Pam, a couple of petit fours, I ate the rest, and

a calendar from the hospital.

I gave Pam and Jenny what I give most people, a blanket. This is the most fun I have had for awhile!

After lunch I went to Walmart and Safeway. Safeway for DP10 which I did not find. I did speak with a friend from working at the temple, Sister Gentry. She was getting ready to go to Provo to babysit for some of her grandkids for a few days.

Today's Christmas movies were all new ones: "Christmas Everlasting," "Memories of Christmas," and, "A Majectic Christmas."

It was windy today. When I got home and put my groceries I built a fire for James. He fell asleep on the couch. When he woke up he was grouchy and I didn't handle it very well.

Oh, I forgot to mention that this morning we had 12 elk in our yard.

 The fight against human trafficking

as fought by Tim Ballard and other amazing people.

 I love this!

 What a great example to all people!

So true!

 Lauren and Scarlett!

Love this baby's facial expressions 

and what she does with her hands.

 Those eyes are like Kacey's,

so beautiful!

Tuesday, December 11th, 2018

Nuku alofa, Tonga

23rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9-11 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, death of

2 Timothy 1:10

But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 8:18-26

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 7-9

Old Testament

Haggai 1-2

General Conference

All Must Take Upon Them the Name Given of the Father

Elder Paul B. Pieper

"One meaning of the word take is to partake of or receive into one's body, such as when we take a drink. By taking upon ourselves the name of Christ, we commit to take His teachings, His characteristics, and ultimately His love deep into our beings so that they become part of who we are. Thus the importance of President Russell M. Nelson's invitation to the young adults to 'prayerfully and vigorously seek to understand what each of the Savior's various titles and names means personally for them' and to feast on the words of Christ in the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon."

After gospel study I made breakfast for James and then we listened to the Book Profits help session. Lots of exciting things coming in the new year. If we sign up for the new year we get a $400 discount plus access to all the new materials for six months and during the beta testing. We prayed and thought about it and decided we have to give this business a chance for a least one more year and since we will be saving money and getting access to more software, we both thought we should sign up...the offer only stands today. I did it.

I took a trip in to town this afternoon. I took a blanket and my first stop was the hospital to visit Monte. He has diverticulitis. They were going to do surgery on him but they were able to drain the abscess instead. He still looked pretty miserable. Harold, Vickie, Tasha, and Kaitlynn were all in the room too. 

After leaving the hospital I went across the street to Walmart to buy the ingredients for homemade vegetable soup. I am using the recipe they used to use at the Mesa temple. James and I both loved their soup. 

I mailed Ben's birthday card today and stopped by the post office and picked up the mail. The "grabber" I got for James came, put the device to help him put on his socks.

When I got home our neighbors, the Crane's came over. They brought homemade chicken noodle soup and biscuits, and left over fajita meat and fixin's from the ward party. What nice neighbors we have!

This evening we worked on our book business. I inventoried 10 books. One of the books was one I had underlined with a pencil in. James erased all of the underling so we could send it in to sell.

One of my mains jobs while James is down is keeping the fire going. I guess I fell a little behind because James actually carried in some wood. I gave him a stern scolding!

Scarlett an

Light the World and serve in your community.

I love this picture.

I love this sweet girl!

 This one too!

 The Trezise tree

 Best wishes Betty!

Monday, December 10th, 2018

Apia, Samoa

22nd operating temple

Dedicated: 5-6 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, death of

Philippians 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 #1

Ether 8:1-17

*Why are secret combinations so dangerous when they are established in societies?

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 4-6

Old Testament

Zephaniah 2-3

General Conference

Our Campfire of Faith

Elder Gerritt W. Gong

"Second, our campfire of faith can encourage us to minister in new, higher, and holier Spirit-filled ways. Such ministering brings miracles and the blessings of covenant belonging - where we feel God's love and seek to minister to others in that spirit."

I woke up at 7 this morning, a little later than I had planned. I'm glad I took my shower last night. I read scriptures, said my prayers, began packing and getting myself ready to go. Kim gave me a plate of yummy cookies to take with me. The sugar cookies are my favorite!

I went to Circle K and got gas and then dropped Wendy's basket off at Cathi's house. I should have taken a picture but with everything else going on, I forgot. Oh, and btw, Cathi is soooo skinny!

James called to ask me where I was and said that they were releasing him. I told him I would get there as quickly as I could but it's over 28 miles. I also asked him if it was ok if I stopped at Marshall's to pick up the bunny mugs (shown earlier) for Ruby and Lola. He said yes!

After Marshall's I parked my car in valet parking at the hospital. I hope these guys don't expect tips because I never have any cash with me. Oh well. 

When I get to his room James is dressed, except for his shoes which I help him put on. I got there just before the physical therapist came to take him for a walk. When he got back from a spin around the hall he said he was sore. Just about everything is ready for him to go but they will not give him a pain pill before he goes or allow us to take any with them. I complained and asked Ryan, the nurse, if he would call Dr. Caldron's office and ask for some pain pills. I think the problem is they called his prescriptions in to the CVS in Show Low. He will be on the anti-biotic, oxycodone, Lyrica, and a stool softener.

Ryan came in a few minutes later with a 15mg oxycodone. James's prescription is only 5mg a does. I guess that will get him through the 3 hour drive home.

Ryan read us all the release forms and Gabriel pushed him in the wheelchair downstairs. I went ahead to have the valet guys get the car. We said goodbye to Gabriel, Honor Health, and room 5306. Honestly, I hope we never have to come back.

I drove out Shea Blvd to the old Beeline Highway to Payson. In Payson we stopped at Taco Bell for lunch. James did pretty well, considering we didn't even take his walker in.

 James did stay in the car while I went in to Basha's to pick up some things. He wanted a watermelon and some cantaloupe, I told him they were out of season but I would get some. They turned out lousy, both of them.

Next stop, CVS in Show Low and then on home to Vernon. We actually got home before dark. I got James settled in and then began unloading the car and putting things away. It took a few hours before I finished and was able to sit down and relax. 

We watched a new Christmas movie, called "Once Upon a Christmas Miracle," about a girl with liver disease and the guy who gives her part of his liver. It was actually based on a true story.

Coming back from the well and turning the water

on. I actually had to twist the handle because James

couldn't bend over. I'm beginning to appreciate

all the things he does that go unnoticed. I need to

appreciate him more.

Picture of Charlie always make us happy

and make our day so much better!

 She will be such a great missionary!

 Arizona Highways and snow on the dessert,

something you don't see very often.

Sunday, December 9th, 2018aniah

Atlanta, Georgia

21st operating temple

Dedicated: 1-4 June 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, death of

1 Corinthians 15:3

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 7:1-27

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

- President Henry B. Eyring explained why the Lord warns His children of their wickedness: "Because the Lord is kind, He calls servants to warn people of danger. That call to warn is made harder and more important by the fact that the warnings of most worth are about dangers that people don't yet think are real." (Ensign, Nov. 1998, 32).

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 2-3

Old Testament

Habakkuk 3 - Zephaniah 1

General Conference

Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice

Bishop Dean M. Davies

"In reflecting upon this experience, I am humbled by the realization that while Brother Williams and I possessed formal education and years of experience in real estate and temple design, President Hinckley had no such formal training, but he had something far greater - the gift of prophetic seership. He was able to envision where God's temple should stand."

Today did not seem like Sunday. Because I did not think we would be here on Sunday, I did not bring my Sunday clothes. I regret that decision because Evan gave his first talk in sacrament meeting today. Sheri posted about it on Facebook and several people commented on what a great job he did. Laura said he was better than the returned missionary who reported last week. Sheri sent me a cop of his talk and I think I am going to share it here:

How I can Share My Testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God

"Good morning brothers and sisters, my name is Evan Trezise. I just turned twelve in November and I am the youngest in my family.

"In Luke chapter 2 we can read the story of the birth of Jesus. When I was little, and my grandparents lived down the street from me, we would go over to their house Christmas morning. My grandpa would read from Luke 2 before we could open presents. This was something he did even when my mom was a kid. I liked listening to the story of the Savior's birth. Some of my favorite verses are 10 and 11: 'And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.'

"Even though an angel has not appeared to me, I know that Jesus Christ was born and lived on this earth.

"There are many ways I can share my testimony of Jesus Christ with other people. One is by coming to church and passing the sacrament. In the Living Christ, it says that the Savior instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. By passing the sacrament, I am helping others to always remember Him. In talking about the sacrament in 3 Nephi 18:7 Jesus explains, 'And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me, ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.' By taking the sacrament, each of you are remembering Him and His sacrifice.

"Another way I can share my testimony is by doing service. In the Living Christ, it reads that Jesus 'went about doing good, yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example.' He wants us all to follow His example of serving others even if it means being made fun of or mocked. My brother Ben is serving a mission in Idaho right now. Sometimes people are mean to him even though he's trying to help them. In one of his emails to me he wrote, 'It's depressing that people slam doors and curse, but it doesn't make me mad. It makes me sad. They would be so much happier with the Gospel in their lives. I wish they could see that. But it's okay. I still love them all, and I hope they'll be ready to accept the message some day.' By continuing to serve God, he is sharing his testimony through his example. We can also serve in other ways. I'm sure all of you have heard or seen the Light the World vending machine in Gilbert. In it you can pick something to help someone else. Helping others and doing service is one of the best ways we can share our testimonies. Some of the ways I serve is by helping my mom do yard work, taking care of my dog, and doing chores around the house.

"I can also share my testimony by bearing it. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He once lived on the earth. I know that the Church is true and that the scriptures are too. In D&C 76:22-24 the prophet Joseph Smith declared: 

'And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of Him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of Him: That He lives! 

'For we saw Him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that He is the Only Begotten of the Father -

'That by Him, and through Him, and of Him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.'

"I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true. I look forward to serving a mission like my brother so that I can share that truth with others. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

Pretty amazing, although I am sure he had some help from his mom. Darn! The things you miss when you aren't prepared. I rationalized that I should be in the hospital with James and that's the real reason I didn't go but I am sure he could have gotten along without me for a few hours.

Darrel and Trina came over for a visit by themselves this afternoon. We had a really nice visit with them and I think that we have just about decided that instead of them coming up for Christmas we are coming down, if James feels up to it. I think Rowan is worried about missing the festivities at Sheri's on Christmas morning.

Trina said that for Christmas Ruby wants a bathrobe, slippers, and a hot chocolate mug. I told her about Lola the llama, Kookoo, and the mugs for Addy and Rowan. When I went to get James's Biotene I stopped in at Marshall's and looked at the mugs:

I actually went over Monday and bought the two bunny mugs I showed earlier for Ruby and Lola.

When Trina was getting ready to leave she asked me if James had had a shower. I said no, we were afraid of getting his bandage wet. She said that someone should come and help and that is something she always used to do when she worked in the cardiac unit at Gilbert Mercy. On her way out she even asked at the nurses station. I walked them outside and when I came back there was a towel, and some washcloths in the room. I guess that's their way of helping out. They don't want you to do anything without their permission but when you ask for help you are ignored. I hate to complain because for the most part everything has been great but this issue is a little frustrating. 

James was in "showering" when I rang the bell and asked for some clean sheets and a clean gown and pants. Jill, the aid, came in and helped me. Later when we asked if I could go for a walk with James she came in and walked with us. I told her about our Pacer steps app and she says she has one too. The other night she got 16,000 steps just helping patients.

James is out of Biotene and he really needs it for his dry mouth so I ventured over to Fry's to get some. It's bad enough that I'm shopping on Sunday for a necessity but I also bought some ice cream. It certainly is easy to get off the strait and narrow.

We watched a new Hallmark movie this evening, "Homegrown Christmas," starring Lori Laughlin and Victor Webster.

 Evan ready for church

 Charlie ready for church

 Honor Health on Shea and 90th

James's home for the past week.

There are only five of these machines in the

world and this one is in Gilbert, Arizona.

 Dawn is telling Carmen that we saved her a seat.

 Flowers at Fry's

Idaho Falls temple

Saturday, December 8th, 2018

Jordan River, Utah

20th operating temple

Dedicated: 16-20 Nov 1981

By: Marion G. Romney

Jesus Christ, Death of

1 Corinthians 11:26

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Book of Mormon #1

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).

Book of Mormon #2

Helaman 15-3 Nephi 1

Old Testament

Nahum 3-Habakkuk 2

General Conference

Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"To persevere firm and steadfast in the faith of Christ requires that the gospel of Jesus Christ penetrate one's heart and soul, meaning that the gospel becomes not just one of many influences in a person's life but the defining focus of his or her life and character. The Lord says: 'A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

'And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

'And...ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.'"

I ordered James an omlet with tomatoes, onions, ham, spinach and cheese and a side of O'Brien potatoes. It looked really good as I ate my yogurt with berries.

I was going to help James with a bath but an x-ray tech came in to take him for a chest x-ray. I told the aide on duty that I was leaving, hoping he would help James with a bath...no such luck. 

I went home to Kim's to take a shower and to do some laundry. 

Kim has turned her kitchen into a cookie factory. She is making 25 cookie plates and each plate has five or six different kinds of cookies. I hope she doesn't wear herself out. 

While Kim was baking Brian was doing errands and I was washing clothes and reading. Brian had a lunch date at Dickey's BBQ and he brought Kim and I back some lunch. We had brisket that was so tender that it melted in your mouth, macaroni and cheese, beans, and rolls. It was delicious! He also went to the store and asked if there was anything he could get me. I asked if he could get some Slimfast shakes, dark chocolate, for James. He said yes he could.

Stacy came over for a few minutes this afternoon. She brought Jared Ammon's dog, Sophie with her. The dog was shaking but finally calmed down. That dog needs a mani/pedi.

I went back to the hospital and Sheri met me there. James was awake but he had not had a bath. He was practicing blowing on one of his devices.

 Sounds like a sick elk

That container in front contained some of the

brisket I brought back for James.

Nurse Ana came in to say hello. She was happy to know that James is off the oxygen and is on the mend. He is breathing fine on his own.

The top one is his oxygen saturation level.

Sheri brought dark chocolate covered Cello cherries, 2 boxes for James and Ghiradelli milk chocolate squares filled with caramel and a Sonic cherry limeade for me. 

Sheri and I walked over to Marshall's and did a little shopping. Sheri also went to the DSW store to look for shoes. She has always been a shoe buff. 

After Sheri left we watched the Hallmark channel and I stayed until Kim and Brian got home from seeing Jim Gaffagin. I don't want to go to their house when they aren't there because of their fancy alarm system. 

 I love everything about this girl!

 Very pretty!

Stacy and Paul high school memories:

Adam's baptism, 20 years ago.

Why get this close to 10,000 and not finish?