Friday, December 21st, 2018

Frieberg, Germany

33rd operating temple

Dedicated: 29-30 June 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mosiah 16:8

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 14:8-31

Book of Mormon #2

Mormon 8-9

Old Testament

Malachi 2

General Conference

The Role of the Book of Mormon in Conversion

Elder Shayne M. Bowen

"I have read the accounts of the First Vision; I have read the Book of Mormon. I have prayed s directed by Moroni and asked 'God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ' if the Book of Mormon is true. I bear witness today that I know the Book of Mormon, as the Prophet Joseph Smith said, is 'the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man will get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.' The Prophet Joseph also declared: 'Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none.'"

Here are the talks I listened to today:

"To Walk Humbly with Thy God," by Marlin K. Jensen

"Be Thou Humble" by Steven E. Snow

"The Eternal Everyday" by Quentin L. Cook

"A Humble and a Contrite Heart" by Gordon B. Hinckley

"Continue in Patience" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Turn to the Lord" by Bishop Christopher Waddell

My favorite was the one on patience by Elder Uchtdorf. The attributes for this week and humility and patience. I need to work on both, especially patience. Here are a few notes I took on Elder Uchtdorf's talk: "Acquiring patience requires steady and consistent work. Impatience is a symptom of selfishness. We must refine our natures through patience. Knowledge and understanding come at the price of patience. Patience is a process of perfection."

I had wrapped gifts for a needy family in our ward this morning. I asked Tamara if she would deliver them because I did not want them to know they were from me. James and I took the gifts over to Tamara's on the way to deliver our banana nut bread.

James delivered to the Peeler's and the Wilhelm's last night. The Peeler's reported back to him that it was the best banana bread they had ever had. Wow! They are certainly nice. I was a little worried about it because I had to brown some of the bananas in the oven. 

After dropping the Campbell gifts off at Tamara's we headed for the Howard's. Today is their granddaughter Hunter's birthday and they are taking her to lunch so they wanted us to come early. The horses we waiting for us.

Jean loved the electric blanket I bought for her. I told Tom that the banana bread was for him but he had to share with Jean and maybe she would share her blanket with him. Tom made sure we saw the big stuffed animals along the ledge by their ceiling. My favorites were Mr. and Mrs. Lion.

Our next stop was the Halcomb's. Catherine was ready for us. Kerri was gone to work. The first thing Catherine did was go up to James and rub his face and ask him where his beard was. She said he needed a beard for Christmas. She had to show us her eskimo, husky village. She said it's worth thousands of dollars and that Kerri will inherit it. We also saw her and Kerri's nativity collection and Catherine's Santa collection. We gave them banana nut bread, each a blanket, Catherine some cozy Christmas socks, and I gave Kerri a conductor's hat because she is always conducting Relief Society. Later in the day Kerri came by and dropped this off at our house. 

We stopped by the Grapp's to deliver their bread and gifts but they were not home. From the Grapp's we drove in to Show Low. Our first stop was Taco Bell for lunch. We actually went inside to eat. I do not like eating in the car especially with messy Taco Bell food. 

Next we went to Walmart. We went in with the idea of buying each other a small Christmas gift. We agreed that the limit would be $20 each but although I came closer than James, neither of us stayed within that limit. I bought James a pair of shoes and a blue and green plaid flannel shirt which suits him perfectly. He bought me a silver/gold garnet and diamond tear drop necklace that cost well over $50. 

James actually saw his shoes as we were walking out to the car. He said they were too small, so I had to turn around and go back inside and get 8 1/2's. I hope they aren't too big.

I told James I wanted an ugly sweater like this one to wear to our family Christmas party tomorrow night.

He said I should have told him before we went in. He's right, I can't really blame him for not getting me this lovely sweater.

I accomplished one more thing today besides delivering banana nut bread. I got a ministering sister companion for Diana Curtis. She is new in the ward and her name is Candace Campbell.

Today's Christmas movies:

"The Christmas Clause," "Holiday Wishes," and a new one, "Christmas for the Books."

The view from upstairs

 Opening her gift from us

 I love how Charlie points with 

her finger

Thursday, December 20th, 2018

Guatemala City, Guatemala

32nd operating temple

Dedicated: 14-16 Dec 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mosiah 15:7

Yes, even so he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 13:19-14:7

Book of Mormon #2

Mormon 4-7

Old Testament

Malachi 1

General Conference

The Ministry of Reconciliation

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Brothers and sisters, Jesus has asked that we 'live together in love' with 'no disputations among yo.' 'He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me,' He warned the Nephites. Indeed, to a great degree, our relationship to Christ will be determined - or at least affected - by our relationship to each other." 

I am really enjoying reading the talks that Kim has sent to go along with the attributes of Christ. Today I read "Where Is Wisdom," by President Nelson, and "Strengthen Faith as You Seek Knowledge," by Elder Quentin L. Cook. Elder Cook stresses the fact that we must remain humble as we seek and attain knowledge.

I made 8 loaves of banana nut bread today. I still need to make another loaf for the Crane's when they get home next week. They are the best neighbors anyone could ask for.

I also wrapped 11 presents while watching these Christmas movies: 

"A Second Chance Christmas," "The Spirit of Christmas," "A Perfect Christmas List," and one new one, "A Christmas Switch."

It was a perfect 60 degree day with no wind. Too bad I spent all my time inside. James slept a lot because of pain. When he got up he worked on figuring up how much Carmen Chavez owes on her land and mobile home. She is always so faithful each month to pay what she owes. 

I read an article on Meridian Magazine by Scott Proctor today. He listed 8 things he does to stay healthy. I thought the first one was interesting. He says he first seeks personal revelation as to what he should do to keep his body healthy. He is younger than we are and has already suffered two heart attacks so he now takes his health very seriously.

News of the day as told to me by my friend Pam: Sister missionaries can now wear pants except for Church meetings and going to the temple. 

Mikey St. Onge, a former Primary student who is Alex's age, became a dad today. His mom Janny is very happy and is asking him and his girlfriend to live with her. 

No blogging today, I didn't have time, which means I am getting further behind.

Merry Christmas from our friends the

Chestnuts'.

Scarlett loves dogs and cats.

I love this foxy little girl!

Love these two!

Wednesday, December 19th, 2018

Taipei, Taiwan

31st operating temple

Dedicated: 17-18 Nov 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

2 Nephi 26:3

And after the Messiah shall come there shall be signs given unto my people of his birth, and also of his death and resurrection; and great and terrible shall that day be unto the wicked, for they shall perish; and they perish because they cast out the prophets, and the saints, and stone them, and slay them; wherefore the cry of the blood of the saints shall ascend up to God from the ground against them.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 3:1-18

Book of Mormon #2

Mormon 1-3

General Conference

Becoming a Shepherd

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon

"As we strive to follow the Savior's example, we must first know and number His sheep. We have been assigned specific individuals and families to tend so we are certain that all of the Lord's flock are accounted for and no one is forgotten. Numbering, however, is not really about numbers; it is about making certain each person feels the love of the Savior through someone who serves for Him. In that way, all can recognize that they are known by a loving Father in Heaven."

Happy Birthday Michael!

Everybody loves Mikey!

2013

We mailed Christmas cards and a book shipment today. We also went to CVS to get James some more oxycodone and then we had to go to Subway so he didn't take it on an empty stomach. Next it was the UPS store and then Walmart to get more bananas and nuts for banana nut bread. 

We missed giving bread to our neighbors the Cranes. They are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in California. Their kids got them a room at the Del Coronado on Coronado island.

They look great for 50 years of marriage!

James feels great this evening after taking his pain pills. I am starting to feel a little tired. I built a fire and watched/listened to Christmas movies while working.

Today's movies: "Christmas in Vermont," and "Entertaining Christmas."

I made ministering appointments for Friday with Cammy, Jean, and Catherine. My partner Marie can't go because she is doing something with her dogs. She did say she would go by and see Catherine and take her a pair of cozy socks. Tomorrow I will be making banana nut bread all day long.

Idaho Falls Temple

 An early Christmas because Palmer works

next week.

Cutest bunny I've ever seen.

 I wonder if Addy would like these

Tuesday, December 18th, 2018

Dallas, Texas

30th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-24 Oct 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

2 Nephi 25:14

And behold it shall come to pass that after the Messiah hath risen from the dead, and hath manifested himself unto his people, unto as many as will believe on his name, behold, Jerusalem shall be destroyed again; for wo unto them that fight against God and the people of his church.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 12:22-41

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 29-4 Nephi

General Conference

Sisters' Participation in the Gathering of Israel

By President Russell M. Nelson

"You remember that last June, Sister Nelson and I spoke to the youth of the Church. We invited them to enlist in the Lord's youth battalion to help gather Israel on both sides of the veil. This gathering is 'the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth today"! 

It is a cause that desperately needs women, because women shape the future. So tonight I'm extending a prophetic plea to you, the women of the Church, to shape the future by helping to gather scattered Israel."

The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead

President M. Russell Ballard

"During his lifetime, President Joseph F. Smith lost his father, his mother, one brother, two sisters, two wives, and thirteen children. He was well acquainted with sorrow and losing loved ones. When his son Albert Jesse died, Joseph F. wrote to his sister Martha Ann that he had pled with the Lord to save him and asked, 'Why is it so? O God why had it to be?'

Despite his prayers at that time, Joseph F. received no answer on this matter. He told Martha Ann that 'the heavens seemed like brass over our heads' on the subject of death and the spirit world. Nevertheless, his faith in the Lord's eternal promises were firm and steadfast.

In the Lord's due time, the additional answers, comfort, and understanding about the spirit world President Smith sought came to him through the marvelous vision he received in October 1918.

That year was particularly painful for him. He grieved over the death toll in the Great World War that continued to climb to over 20 million people killed. Additionally, a flu pandemic was spreading around the world, taking the lives of as many as 100 million people."

I left the house today at 6:45 to pick up my friend Maxine. She goes to the temple every Tuesday and I asked if I could go with her today. I also offered to drive. Maxine is a great example to me. She spends most of her time looking for family  names to take to the temple. She does not spend a lot of money and she moves forward in the right direction. 

I had one of James's name to do today. First I did the initiatory and then I went to do sealings with Maxine. After the sealings we did an endowment session.
The baptismal director would not take any of my cards for baptisms. He said I had to get family or friends to do them. Maxine says that's a rule set by our temple president, President Palmer. 

President Gilliland was the sealer today. He was the first president of the Phoenix temple. 

When we were finished at the temple Maxine and I stopped at the new mongollian bbq place in Snowflake. It was good but quite expensive, $12.49 a bowl.

When I returned home James was still in bed. He suffered a lot of nerve pain last night, and after having his best day ever yesterday, he is miserable today. I made him some lunch and then after lunch he called the doctor's office. 

The doctor's office is giving him different directions than the hospital staff did. He is not supposed to do any exercise except walk until he comes in for his six week appointment. 

James and I both wrote our Christmas letter to the family this evening. I did no wrapping and did not work on my blog. I did walk my 10,000 steps and watched some Christmas movies:
"A Small Town Christmas," and "A Gingerbread Romance."

Grandpa Case with Kayla, Kylee who

turns 15 tomorrow, Addy, and Ruby

Looking at Charlie's feet

Uh oh

Not sure why he's barking but it

doesn't take much.

 Trezise tree

Our tree with presents

  

Monday, December 17th, 2018

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

2 Nephi 9:5

Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 12:1-21

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 26-28

General Conference

Parents and Children

President Dallin H. Oaks

"Now I address the younger group of this audience. My dear young sisters, because of your knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, you are unique. Your knowledge will enable you to endure and overcome the difficulties of growing up. From a young age, you have participated in projects and programs that have developed your talents, such as writing, speaking, and planning. You have learned responsible behavior and how to resist temptations to lie, cheat, steal, or use alcohol or drugs."

We left the house at 6:50 this morning. We went by the Show Low post office and mailed Michael's birthday card before going to Discount Tire to get our tires balanced and rotated. While we were waiting we walked down to McDonald's.

James's phone has not been ringing so he went down to Verizon to have them look at it while I went to Jiffy Lube to get the oil changed in the car I met him at McDonald's again. He said the reason his phone didn't work was because he had the ringer off. Duh! He felt pretty foolish!

While we were in McDonald's the senior patrol came in. I thought they were regular police officers. They were enjoying coffee and goodies and one of them said, "When and where are we going to lunch"? Some guy who was talking to them asked what they did and they said in unison, "nothing."

I was hoping they weren't the official police here in Show Low. If they were, the city would be in trouble.

After our oil change we went to Walmart and did some shopping and then got some lunch at Taco Bell. 

I took lots of notes today from the talks that I listened to on Christlike attributes. Here are some of them: "10 virtues by James E. Faust - 1. Faith - The foundation of all righteousness 2. Honesty - You cannot be honest with others unless you are honest with yourself. 3. Chastity - Always remember that you can go much further on respect than on popularity 4. Humility - Learn to say, I don't know. If used when appropriate, it will be often. 5. Self-Discipline - Character formed from self-discipline will rise with you in the resurrection. 6. Fairness - If you will be fair to other people, they will most likely be fair to you. We are here to help others. 7. Moderation - Safety comes from staying close to the center. 8. Cleanliness - Be clean in appearance and environment. Cleanliness is next to godliness. 9. Courage - Courage to stand up to peer pressure, resist temptation, withstand ridicule, and stand for the truth. 10. Grow in grace. Charm is attractiveness which comes from a feeling of personal dignity, an inner beauty that comes from a feeling of self-worth. Your expression is the most important thing you can wear. 
"It may be that your most significant, everlasting achievements will be your righteous influence on others."

I watched movies this afternoon, blogged, brought in wood and wrapped presents. 

James says he felt better today than he has felt since his surgery. I hope he didn't overdue it.

Cathryn and Andyn, the bishops daughters brought us by a treat this evening. Peppermint Oreos. I ate all four.

Ruby's bake sale and sign.

Scarlett trying to get to Charlie

This smile brightens my day!

As I wrap the presents I'm putting them

under our tree.