Monday, December 24th, 2018

Johannesburg, South Africa

36th operating temple

Dedicated: 24-25 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Alma 7:12

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Book of Mormon

#1 - Moroni 1-5

#2 - Ether 7-9

Old Testament  

Finished

General Conference

Try, Try, Try

President Henry B. Eyring

"Our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, described a way we might build upon the Rock of our Redeemer and put the Lord's name upon our hearts to guide us through our trials. He said:

'You who may be momentarily disheartened, remember, life is not meant to be easy. Trials must be borne and grief endured along the way. As you remember that "with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37), know that He is your Father. You are a son or daughter created in His image, entitled through your worthiness to receive revelation to help with your righteous endeavors. You may take upon you the holy name of the Lord. You can qualify to speak in the sacred name of God (see DC 1:20)."

Sheri, Darrel and Trina have had a tradition of taking their kids to hike A mountain on Christmas Eve. This morning Sheri took Alex, Max, and Evan. Michael and Joshua met them there. Trina waited until this afternoon when Darrel was off work. 

 The hiking crew

Pondering the future

This is the group that went a few years ago.

After the hike they normally go for lunch at the Mellow Mushroom on Mill Avenue. This year it was closed so Sheri took them to Steaks and Shakes. She didn't want anything but later went to Elmer's in Chandler. She called and asked if we wanted anything. I told her two machaca burros for tomorrow's dinner. Thanks Sheri!

James and I went shopping at the Gilbert Costco to look for the socks that Paul took home as part of his gift from the Christmas party. Adam wanted a pair for Kaitlin and I told him I would look at the Costco where I bought them but they were probably all gone. Sheri looked at the Costco in Chandler and we had no luck. Here is what they look like. There are actually two pairs one with faces and one without.

They remind me of Lamb Chop

This afternoon Sheri took Max, Evan, and Joshua to see the new animated Spiderman movie. Both Alex and Michael had to work this afternoon. While they were gone to the movie Cathi came over to bring us our Christmas present. Ollie was so excited to see her. He was sad when she left so I went out in the back yard with him to play. It was a beautiful sunny day with the temperature around 70.

Ian had to work today but he got home before dark. Sheri, James, Max, Evan, Ollie and I went for a mile walk across the street in the subdivision. Sheri asked us if we wanted to see the "leg" lamp like the one in the movie "The Christmas Story." Of course we said yes. It was bigger than I thought it would be.

Ian fixed us chicken legs for dinner. He made them in the "cooker" outside that his mom gave him. They were delicious.

Tonight Sheri, Ian, Max, and Evan opened their blankets from us and Max and Evan opened their pajamas from their parents. Ian also got pajamas for Sheri. Afterwards we watched most of the movie "Elf" before going to bed. 

Evan wanted Sheri to wrap the living room but the paper kept falling and she gave up. Ian took over and used masking tape and did a great job.

 PJ's and blankets

 Watching Elf

Christmas morning and the wrapped room

 Dave made a knife for Jack for

Christmas.

Jared and his family served lunch at the Salvation

Army today. It was a great way to celebrate Christmas.

I love that she points

The local news even interviewed Jared about the experience. It was pretty neat!

Ben having lunch with other missionaries

Tyler and his family

Sunday, December 23rd, 2018

Chicago, Illinois

35th operating temple

Dedicated: 9-13 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Alma 21:9

Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 15:18-34

Book of Mormon #2

Ether 3-6

Old Testament 

Finished!

General Conference

The Correct Nme of the Church

President Russell M. Nelson

"Consider this from His perspective. Premortally, He was Jehovah, God of the Old Testament. Under the direction of His Father, He was the Creator of this and other worlds. He chose to submit to the will of His Father and do something for all of God's children that no one else could do! Condescending to come to earth as the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh, He was brutally reviled, mocked, spit upon, and scourged. In the Garden of Gethsemane, our Savior took upon Himself every pain, every sin, and all of the anguish and suffering ever experienced by you and me and by everyone who has ever lived or will ever live. Under the weight of that excruciating burden, He bled from every pore. All of this suffering was intensified as He was cruelly crucified on Calvary's cross.

Through these excruciating experiences and His subsequent Resurrection - His infinite Atonement - He granted immortality to all and ransomed each one of us from the effects of sin on condition of our repentance."

We attended the Galveston 3rd ward sacrament meeting this morning at 9 a.m. and the Highland Ridge sacrament meeting at 11 a.m. Addy was speaking at the 11 o'clock meeting and we did not want to miss it.

Max and Evan both passed the sacrament in the 9 o'clock meeting. We sat by Cathi, Terry, Dave, and Laura. It felt like home. 

"Once in David's Royal City"

Mike Ellsworth was the first speaker. He told a childhood memory from the life of President Monson regarding a neighbor that his family helped, old Bob. President Monson's uncle gave him a house and President Monson's mother had him take old Bob dinner every Sunday. All of the Ellsworth family was here, Dane, Audrey and her husband and baby, and Marissa and her husband and baby, and Adrianne. The only one missing was Grady who is serving a mission in Ecuador.

The choir sang: "Silent Night"

Clint Allen, the other counselor in the bishopric was the next speaker. He started out by quoting Moroni 10:26 - "And wo unto them who shall do these things away and die, for they die in their sins, and they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God; and I speak it according to the words of Christ; and I lie not."
He then proceeded to talk on how to be an effective giver and the joy of giving. He asked us to think about gifts that we can give to the Savior.

"Angels We Have Heard on High"

After the meeting was over we went back to Sheri's for a few minutes and then drove out to Darrel and Trina's ward. Darrel had to work and Trina walked in with Ruby and Addy. Addy went to sit on the stand and Trina and Ruby sat by us. Trina said Lola got sick and threw up all over her Christmas dress just before they left. Rowan stayed home with her.

One of the things I love about coming to church during Christmas is the singing of Christmas carols. In this second meeting we sang, 
"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear," and "Away in a Manger." The Primary children sang "If I Were a Shepherd." Ruby of course sang with them. 

Here are some of the notes I took of the meeting:
Addy's talk: -Christmas is a celebration of Christ's life, example and Atonement. Moroni 7:41 - And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.(She bore her testimony, which was amazing!)
Everyday I strive to become more like Him. As I grow so does my testimony in Him. (She quoted from 'I Stand All Amazed). DC 19:16-19: For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, tht they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit - and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink - Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.
I was so proud of Addy and her talk. It is so wonderful to know that she has a testimony of the gospel and can express it so well.
Maya Turner, another youth: We should try to be kind to everyone.
Zach Olsen - Be a generous giver and a gracious receiver.
Kari Sandstrom (the ward organist) - My favorite part of Christmas is the nativity. I love looking and thinking about that first Christmas. 
Bishop Florence was the last speaker. 
We have 106 YM/YW in our ward. Peace in Christ is this years theme for YM/YW. DC 19:23 - "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me."
How does Christ speak to us?
Through the Holy Ghost, the scriptures, and the living prophets.
Be better than we were yesterday. I love you brothers and sisters. Be good to each other. 

This was a really great meeting but the highlight for me was Addy's talk.

We went by Darrel and Trina's to see Lola and Rowan. Lola looked a little pale. She said to me: "I think I'm going to be sick for Christmas."

Back at Sheri's we had ham, potatoes, broccoli and rolls for lunch. Thanks Sheri. Afterwards James took a long nap while I put bows on packages.  This evening we visited Lois and Dawn. 

Sheri, Ian, Max, Evan, Kim, and Brian tried to go to Zoo Lights but it was more crowded than Disneyland. Those were Kim's words. They went around town and looked at Christmas lights instead.

The same thing happened to Darrel's family. I guess Lola was well enough to go but it just didn't happen.

I like this picture of Lois and Jack

A Christmas tree quilt

I think these two really like each other

The Wanlass's in Idaho.

Guess who they saw?

Such sweet faces!

 I love this family photo!

Holding fingers

 Oh Lola!

 Sweet couple!

The First Christmas present

Reunited and it feels so good!

Saturday, December 22nd, 2018

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 July 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mosiah 18:2

Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 15:1-17

Book of Mormon #2

Ether 1-2

Old Testament

Malachi 3-4

General Conference

Wounded

Elder Neil L. Andersen
"We each understand that difficulties are part of life, but when they come to us personally, they can take our breath away. Without being alarmed, we need to be ready. The Apostle Peter said, 'Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.' Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker-colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father's plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers."

We delivered banana bread to the Woods's and the Grapp's this morning. We left Anthony's bread at the Grapp's because James doesn't want to take our car out to his place and the truck is in the valley. 

The Grapp's gave us homemade Reese's and they were delicious. I told James we should save them for the family party tonight, but they didn't stand a chance because we both loved them.

When we got home I finished wrapping James's gifts. I put the little gifts for Darrel's kids in some stockings I had. 

I brought wood in because it's going to snow, and I made some chili for tonight, We are taking it down already made in the crockpot. We also took down six bags of frozen venison, canned milk, and bisquick for Christmas morning. 

Our goal was to leave by noon but by the time we got everything done, I did some cleaning and packed the car, it was 3 pm. We had to stop in Show Low at Sister Dye's grandson's house. She is staying there recovering from her stroke so that's where we delivered her banana nut bread. They had a macaw on the front porch.

He must have his wings clipped.

We leave, going the Globe way. I haven't driven more than 10 minutes when I start falling asleep. I asked James if he would drive until Globe and then I would take over again. He did, and I got a short nap.

At Globe we stopped at Walmart because I wanted to get an ugly sweater. They didn't have a very good selection but I found a black one with Santa and Ho, Ho, Ho on the front. Sorry that I didn't get a good picture. I also bought some paper bowls for the chili, Belvita crackers, and some Slimfast for James. James came in and ordered himself some wings. I walked across the parking lot to Taco Bell and got a couple of tacos. It's hard to eat tacos while you are driving, but I managed.

I can barely keep up.

We made it to Sheri's before the party started at 7 p.m. Thanks to Max agreeing to bunk with Evan, we are staying in Ben's old room. The first thing Sheri did was take a picture of me with my Sheri holding Ollie with his Christmas sweater.

An old woman and her granddog

We had Chik-fil-a, chili, Panera cookies, and a yummy popcorn mixture. After snacking, we sat down for some entertainment. We asked each family to participate. Michael played the ukelele and sang "Silent Night" with Joshua. Stacy was sick and didn't come. I am sorry she missed them because they were really good.

These two really harmonize together

Kim and Brian were next. Brian told the story, "For the Man Who Hated Christmas." Kim passed out copies of the story for everyone and then an envelope for each family. Inside our envelope there was a note that said that they had provided items for refugees in Arizona. Sheri's said they had donated to the juvenile diabetes fund and the missionary fund. I'm not sure what Darrel's or Paul's said, but Paul was crying. These simple acts of service are how Kim and Brian celebrated Christmas. They truly brought the Spirit to our party tonight. Thank you!

 Taking a video of Michael and Joshua

 Kim wanted the lambie socks I brought

I showed which gift Paul bought so Rowan

wouldn't pick it. He knows that Paul got the

Taylor Lautner poster.

Ian picked Paul's gift and got the

Taylor Lautner poster to take home

for a year.

 I wanted to get this shirt for James

 Sweet little gingerbread girl!

 All the gifts I had to pack in the car.

 Cute little Scarlett

 Grandpa, Ruby, and Addy

Joshua entered the ugly sweater contest.

He borrowed this one from Kim.