Monday, November 25th, 2019

Las Vegas, Nevada
43rd operating temple
Dedicated: 16 Dec 1989
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 6:6-22

New Testament

1Peter 1; 1&2 Peter: Introductions to I/F and SS. FHE with friends Goodman's and Peeler's where we went through and discussed the entire lesson, 1&2 Peter: "Rejoice with Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory."

10/19 General Conference

"Holiness and the Plan of Happiness"

President Henry B. Eyring

"My dear brothers and sisters, I have prayed for the power to help you in your personal search for happiness. Some might feel happy enough already, yet surely no one would reject the offer of more happiness. Anyone would be eager to accept a guaranteed offer of lasting happiness.

That is what Heavenly Father; His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost have offered every spirit child of Heavenly Father who now lives, will live, or ever has lived in this world. That offer is sometimes called the plan of happiness. It was so called by the prophet Alma as he taught his son, who was mired in the misery of sin. Alma knew that wickedness could never be happiness for his son - or for any child of Heavenly Father."

Consider two words: willfulness, willingness - How would I compare these two attitudes?

RWC: Ancestors and posterity: Do I have a saving influence in both directions?

"Daily repentance is the path to purity." -Russell M. Nelson

This morning I made chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. I bought The First Vision calenders from Scott Proctor. I signed up for The Redheaded Hostess website and ran off the "Come Follow Me" lesson for this week. As part of the lesson there was a Thanksgiving handout:

Hand these out at FHE or Thanksgiving and have everyone fill them out without putting their name on them. Someone reads every one's responses and the others try to guess who it is. Save and read again next year.

I ran off enough of these for the Grapp family, the Halcomb's, and the Finnel's. Lynda Finnel is my partner and we are visiting the Grapp's and Halcomb's today.

I also ran off the rest of the Redheaded Hostess lesson for James to use in preparing his Primary lesson this week.

This afternoon Lynda and I visited with Cammy Grapp and her children. The wind was blowing so hard when I tried to go into their home that I almost fell over with the plate of cookies I was holding. The Grapp's just returned from a trip to Idaho to buy a three seater truck. The truck was stretched and that costs alot of money. I wish I would have taken a picture. Cammy had to tell us all about the trip. I gave her the cookies and the Thanksgiving activity. Later she thanked me for the activity saying that they used it in FHE.

Lynda followed me to the Halcomb's as she has never been there. Both Kerri and Catherine were home. Catherine invited both of us to a luncheon she is having and wanted to make sure the date would work for us. The best date for both of us was Wednesday, December 11th. Catherine is making Christmas gifts for her children and grandchildren. Kerri says she starts in January. She is 86 years old and is pretty amazing.

Again when I left the wind almost blew me down. 

Back at home I got out my big nativity set and placed it on the table you see when you first come into our home. I worked on my blog until the Goodman's and the Peeler's arrived around 7 p.m.

We sat around the dining room table. I said a prayer and we went around the table and read the lesson, discussing and reading scriptures along the way. It was a good experience and we looked at our December calender and planned to meet two times in December, the 9th and the 16th. 

When everyone left, James and I finished watching the movie, "Sweet Mountain" on the LifeTime channel. Tonight was the finale on "Dancing with the Stars." We did not watch but fast forwarded to see who won. Hannah and Allen won, my least favorite couple. Oh well. So be it. She is a good dancer and has greatly improved from the beginning of the season.

Elder Heyman's birthday

 Allen and Hannah

Sunday, November 24th, 2019

Portland, Oregon
42nd operating temple
Dedicated: 19 Aug 1989
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

Ephesians 5:23

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 5:13-6:5

New Testament

Review James: Begin studying 1 and 2 Peter: "Teaching with Power" YouTube lesson. Read all of 1 and 2 Peter and use the headings the in the New Testament Study Manual as an outline.

10/19 General Conference

"The Second Great Commandment"

President Russell M. Nelson

"My dear brothers and sisters, thank you for all you are doing to help gather Israel on both sides of the veil, to strengthen your families and to bless the lives of those in need. Thank you for living as true followers of Jesus Christ. You know and love to obey His two great commandments, to love God and to love your neighbors."

We had two youth speakers in sacrament meeting today. Talena Singleton spoke about Sister Franco's conference talk, "Finding Joy in Sharing the Gospel." Sister Franco says to pray to be directed to someone to share the gospel with or someone to help. Talk to people. Take a Book of Mormon and Pass-along cards with you wherever you go.

Hollie Hunsaker spoke about repentance and worthiness to enter the temple. She said, "I want to be a better person." She referred to a talk given by Elder Robert C. Gay, "Taking Upon Ourselves the Name of Jesus Christ."

Owen Peeler: "True Disciples of the Savior" by Elder Terence M. Vinson. Haggai chastized the Israelites for not building the temple. What is our Prophet asking us to do? "We can feel enduring joy when our Savior and His gospel become the framework around which we build our lives." Be committed. "It's not our successes but rather our sacrifice and efforts that matter to the Lord. Brother Peeler would make a comment and then say, "Consider your ways." 

Becky Skousen was the teacher in Relief Society today. She taught from Sister Michelle D. Craig's October conference talk, "Spiritual Capacity." Here are some notes from Sister Craig's talk:

"As Jesus Christs' faithful disciple, you can receive personal inspiration and revelation, consistent with His commandments, that is tailored to you." 

President Russell M. Nelson: "I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation ... Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly." 

Four ways to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation:

1. Be Intentional about Creating Time and Space to Hear God's Voice - His voice will become clearer and more familiar. Pick a time and place and listen for God's voice everyday.

2. Act without Delay - Receive promptings and act with intention. Pray, listen, act. If you delay, you might forget the prompting and miss the chance to help someone.

3. Get Your Errand from the Lord. - President Henry B. Eyring has taught us to seek revelation by asking God who we can help for Him. When you are on the Lord's errand you qualify for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

4. Believe and Trust - We all have a different mission to perform. There are many ways to help build His kingdom. Nephi, brother of Jared, Moses were all commanded to build vessels to use on the water yet all of their experiences were different. Be prepared to receive unique guidance and then trust and act. Draw nearer to Jesus Christ. Become an instrument in His hands.

This was a wonderful lesson and Becky is a great example and teacher to the sisters in our ward. I sat by Michelle Tesarek and after the lesson I told her it was a pleasure to sit by her. She thanked me and gave me a hug. 

Becky had a bit of a coughing spell during her lesson. I got up to get her a drink of water and when I walked past Sister Judy Hunter she handed me a small bottle of water. Thank you Judy. I wanted to ask Judy why she is using a cane today but I didn't get a chance to.

Kerri had also offered Becky some hard candy which she always carries with her because her mom is diabetic and for other reasons too. 

Today we got the invitation to the ward Christmas party. These invitations we made by Michelle Tesarek. 

Sounds like fun!

We had soup and turkey sandwiches for lunch. James choked on the turkey and was pretty miserable. He still struggles from his surgery.

Ice cream and sherbet are my downfalls today. James took a long nap. 

I am a week behind on my blog so I worked on my blog this afternoon. Early evening we FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. This is something we look forward to all week, kind of like Sheri looks forward to talking to Ben every week. 

Charlie wasn't too interested in us. I have decided I am going to be more prepared in the future. I am going to have a snowman next week and I'm going to try and sing "Frosty the Snowman." Hopefully James will help me.

I asked Jared and Kacey's new callings. Kacey is the Sunbeam teacher and she enjoyed her day. Since her partner was not with her Jared took Charlie. He is the Priest quorum specialist but had to leave because of Charlie. 

This evening we listened to "Teaching with Power" on next week's Come Follow Me lesson, 1 and 2 Peter. James invited the Peeler's and the Goodman's to come over tomorrow night for FHE and to discuss this week's Come Follow Me lesson. It should be fun.

 I like the candy cane hearts. In our presidency meeting

recently the others seemed to think we didn't need to do gifts for the sisters in our ward. The consensus was to let their ministering sisters give them gifts. Tamara had said we had some candy canes.

I am looking for an idea of gifts using candy canes. I guess I need to check our Pinterest.

Happy Sabbath from Charlie!

 Love her smile!

Pam and Larry

In our years in Chandler we knew Larry and Aileen Butler 

and Brother and Sister Lucas. Brother Lucas and Sister Aileen Butler passed away and Larry and Pam got married. 

Larry is from Taylor and Pam moved to Snowflake after her husband passed away. I'm not sure where they live now. I am happy for them.

James just gave me this picture he took on the day Kacey, Jared, and Charlie left. I think it's better than the one I posted so I'm posting this one too,

Saturday, November 23rd, 2019

Frankfurt, Germany
41st operating temple
Dedicated: 28 Aug 1987
By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

Ephesians 4:15

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Book of Mormon

Mormon 5:1-12

New Testament

James 5; FSS/FHE: 1:5, 1:26-27, 3, 4:5-8, 5:14-16. SS: Faith and action. Rabbi and soapmaker.(The Just Shall Live by Faith, Ensign, Apr. 2017,4).

10/19 General Conference

"Deceive Me Not"

Gary E. Stevenson

"Today, I offer words of counsel for everyone, but especially for you of the rising generation - Primary children, young men, and young women. You are deeply loved by the Lord's prophet for our day, President Russell M. Nelson - so much so that he spoke to many of you last year in a special worldwide youth devotional broadcast titled 'Hope of Israel.' We often hear President Nelson calling you exactly that - the 'hope of Israel,'' the rising generation and the future of the restored Church of Jesus Christ."

Today we worked in the temple. What a blessing and a privilege. President Palmer and Sister Palmer presided over us today. During our preparation meeting President Palmer read a thank you letter. It was from a sister who has served in the Spanish branch that came to visit two weeks ago, for several years. It was sweet and tender and as I looked up I saw that Sister Elmer, our shift coordinator had tears in her eyes. She had worked so hard that day and the week before to make sure everything went smoothly for this group who came up from the valley in a bus. I am sure she felt that her efforts has been pleasing not only to this group, but to the Lord. It is always nice to be appreciated.

We saw films about the veil experience and the abbreviated veil experience. James did an abbreviated veil today as the receiver. The sister gave the wrong new name because of the sister who was helping her. They got her first name and the new name switched. James did something they ask us not to do, but it was necessary. He told the sister worker of the mistake and they did it again correctly. Because this new name is the name the new sister will have forever, it was critical that she get the right one. Crisis averted.

"More Holiness Give Me" is still our theme. I love this theme and I feel that going to the temple does help me to be more holy.

My first assignment was in the kitchen making sure the food and utensils were out. I worked with Sister Farr and we visited after we were finished working. She is having three of her sons come for Thanksgiving dinner. They are doing a smoked turkey breast. She says that's what they love because it is so moist and tender.

When I was at the top of the stairs Elwanda R., my friend, was sitting in the chair just across from me. I kept going over to talk to her. We have such a great friendship and I miss visiting with her. 

Sister Elmer did something very nice for me today. Last time I had told her I would like to be in the 9:30 session with James and with Jim and Debbie Vance. She did it. I got to hear James give one of the most beautiful temple prayers I have ever heard. It was fun working with Debbie too. She is from Chandler and her daughter is married to Rex Bergstrom, a former friend of our kids as they were growing up in Chandler. I asked her what she was fixing for Thanksgiving. I knew Jamie and Rex were coming from Texas and they were going to Chandler to Debbie's mom's house for Thanksgiving. She said she was making a gingerbread trifle cake with caramel rum sauce. I told her that sounded delicious and asked her for the recipe. I gave her my phone number and asked her to text it to me after our shift, which she did.

I had a sisters name of one of Anthony's ancestors and asked Brother Weinhardt, the baptistry director, if I could do the name. He said, "Well, we aren't supposed to, but for you I will make an exception. I gave the name to Sister Weinhardt and she promptly gave it to a young woman who was waiting to do baptisms. I thanked the young woman and told her how much I appreciated what she was doing.

I was able to do six initiatory ordinances for some of James's relatives. The initiatory was slow today and Garnett Jones was in charge. She knows that Sister Brimhall gave me permission to do names because I live in Vernon. They want you to live an hour or so away if you are going to do your own names on your work shift.

Kathy Crane's blackberry jalapeno jelly was a big hit. Brother Gentry said he would like to have it again. He liked it because it wasn't too spicy.

After our shift James and I stopped at McDonald's for chicken nuggets with hot mustard sauce, an ice cream cone, and a large diet Coke.

We went to the UPS store in Show Low and mailed my books. Thank goodness they were still open. Sometimes they close early on Saturdays.

I finished my walking this evening, blogged and rested. Around 8:00 James and I watched a new Hallmark movie, "Holiday Hearts," starring Paul Campbell and Ashley Williams. I really liked Ashley in this one. Sometimes she's a little over the top. I always like Paul Campbell.

I also watched a Lifetime movie, "The Magic Christmas Shoes."

I love this picture!

Congratulations!



Throwback Memories:

Friday, November 22nd, 2019

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Oct 1986

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

Ephesians 1:22

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

Book of Mormon

Mormon 4:1-23

New Testament

James 4; 2:1-9 As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I should love all people, regardless of their circumstances.SS: James 3 The words we use have the power to hurt or bless others.

10/19 General Conference

"The Savior's Touch"

Elder Walter F. Gonzalez

"Much like the leper, we can find strength and comfort in this life by accepting His will and knowing that He wants to bless us. We can find the strength to face any challenge, to overcome temptations, and to understand and endure our difficult circumstances. Surely, in one of the most crushing moments of His life, the Savior's strength to endure was deepened as He said to His Father, 'Thy will be done.'"

I read something on my blog from February 9, 2018 that I want to share again: "While reading and studying 2 Nephi 2 I came across this quote in a study guide I am using by Brother Eldin Ricks:

'In Lehi's inspired and profound discourse that comprises chapter 2 we find the theological and philosophical core of the Book of Mormon. Within the limits of this single treatise the prophet explains (a) the hopelessness of man's plight without a Redeemer, v.5 (b) man's dependence upon Christ for his salvation, vs.6-9, (c) the legal demands of divine justice, v.10 (d) the reason for God's allowing evil in the world, vs. 10-13 (e) the story of the fall of Adam and its purpose in opening the doorway to man's mortality in the midst of good and evil, vs. 14-25, (f) man's freedom to attain Eternal Life through the redemption of Christ, vs. 26-29.'"

I love going back and looking at old journal entries and reliving what I've done in the past.

RWC: "By becoming part of the holy order in the premortal world, we entered into a covenant to become Savior's on Mt. Zion to the entire human family, starting with our own families." (p.74)

It snowed off and on today, nothing like the four inches we got yesterday. I made a big breakfast this morning. Hashbrowns, sausage and eggs. It was quite good. And James was probably shocked that I fixed breakfast.

James and I finished the book, "Aunt Dimity Detective," and started the book, "Aunt Dimity Takes a Holiday." I am still reading "Aunt Dimity Goes West."

I got my book shipment ready to mail. Sixteen books at around 47 lbs. James lifted the box and carried it to the car. I can't stop the man. Hopefully it's okay that he's lifting again.

A notary came to our house today so we could sign papers for the closing of our loan. Her name was Peggy Orth. We are so grateful that this closing is finally taking place. Now I wonder how long it will take for us to get our money.

James spoke with Dr. Memon today about the medical mall he has plans to build in Chandler. I'm beginning to wonder if it will ever happen.

Tomorrow is our temple day. I did not have to bake rolls as I had some left over from our Thanksgiving meal in the freezer. I took them out. I am taking some of Kathy Crane's blackberry jalapeno jam along with some strawberry jam to go with the rolls tomorrow.

 This was a video. Kacey asked her if she wanted her

to read a book. Charlie's reply: "Yes" in the cutest

little voice ever!

 James trying to fix the heater to put out in

the pump house. He succeeded!

So very sad.

Joshua is starring in "A Christmas Carol" at his school on

December 3rd. He is going to play Scrooge. His teacher asked if anyone had any old looking quilts they could use. I sent Stacy these

pictures and told her I could bring them down the day of the play.

My "Nannie" made this one.

Thursday, November 20th, 2019

Buenes Aires, Argentina

39th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Jan 1986

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

DC 136:41

Now, therefore, hearken, O ye people of my church: and ye elders listen together; you have received my kingdom.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 3:1-22

New Testament

James 3; 1:26;3:1-18 The words I speak have the power to hurt or bless others; SS:2:1-9 As disciples of Jesus Christ, we should love all people, regardless of their circumstances.

10/19 General Conference

"Your Great Adventure"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"We knew we would make many mistakes along the way. But we also had a promise: that because of the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we could be cleansed of our transgressions, refined and purified in our spirits, and one day resurrected and reunited with those we love. We learned how much God loves us.. He gave us life, and He wants us to succeed. Therefore, He prepared a Savior for us. 'Nevertheless,' our Father in Heaven said, 'thou mayest choose for thyself for it is given unto thee.'"

When I looked out the window this morning it looked like a winter wonderland. So beautiful!

There is something so peaceful about snow.

We had scriptures and prayers this morning and then James left to go to Deming. He is putting a for sale sign on one of the pieces of property we have in Deming. The woman who was buying it quit making payments so we were forced to sell. James couldn't have picked a worse weather day to go but I couldn't talk him out of going because he has had to put it off so many times in the past. 

Here are some photos he took:

Lots of snow!

James's trip was not uneventful. He had a blowout! Thank goodness he didn't run off the road or anything. It took awhile to change the tire because he couldn't find the right sized jack. Somehow he got it changed.

He found the property and placed the sign and turned around to come home. He was gone over 12 hours. 

I watched a Lifetime movie today, "The Road Home for Christmas." Marie Osmond was in it.

  Because of the snow I cancelled my appointment to go see Catherine Halcomb. James said he slid off the road two times leaving our place. 

I also watched and listened to the book webinar this morning and listened to several, four I think, podcasts. 

I was impressed with what Heather on "The Come Follow Me Weekly" podcast said to her daughter who said she didn't have any friends. When Heather asked her if she had prayed about it she said, "Yes, I asked Heavenly Father to fix my friend situation." 

Heather said to her, "Maybe instead you could pray to find someone you can help."

I was home alone until about 8 p.m. I am so far behind o my blog. Today I blogged for November 14th. James and I watched a movie together this evening on Lifetime: "Christmas Acts of Kindness" starring Erin Cahill, Kevin McGarry and Jaclyn Smith.

Kacey had told Jared that people in Texas were much

more friendly than people in Arizona. That may have been true

until today. She said everyone at this cafe was very friendly

and when they got ready to leave, someone had paid their bill.

This will be a place they will want to come back to. 

This should have been posted yesterday.

Back to her old tricks.

 Stacy posted this on Facebook. 

So many years ago.

 Brother Robertson passed away this week.

His wife Marie is now alone, except for 

her six dogs and two cats.

 Three of my favorite things: snow, a fire, and

a Christmas tree.