Wednesday, December 11th, 2019

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Genesis 28:13

And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to they seed;

Book of Mormon

Ether 8:18-26

New Testament

Revelation 4-5; SS Lesson; "DMT" with Emily and Dave's handout

 10/19 General Conference

"Come Follow Me - the Lord's Counter-Strategy and Proactive Plan"

Brother Mark L. Pace

"As Latter-day Saints, we seek a firm and sure foundation in our lives - a spiritual foundation needed for our journey through mortality and back to our heavenly home. That foundation is established on the bedrock of our conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ."

I read the following quote in this month's Ensign in the article on the Book of Revelation: "This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice, patience, and love for each of us are revealed. We are all lambs seeking our Shepherd."

James is a little upset that Anthony called the Grapp's about getting a new heater. He was going to go into town tomorrow and pick one up for him. Anthony called this morning with another problem though. He was having pains in his chest and stomach and had to go to the emergency room. He called Brother Goodman and asked if he would take him in to the hospital, which Brother Goodman did. James said we would pick him up. 

This morning I blogged, and got a shipment of books ready to mail. A little before noon I left for a luncheon I was invited to at Catherine Halcomb's. She is putting this luncheon on for the sisters she ministers to. Since Lynda and I are her ministering sisters she also invited us. Lynda did not make it back from Texas in time to attend. She was busy in the valley picking up things at Sam's and Walmart for people. She picked up four pumpkin rolls for me. 

Catherine calls her house "The Christmas House." She has lots of decorations. I was the second one to arrive, Ruth Wilhelm was already there. Kerri, Catherine's daughter went to pick up two of the other sisters that were invited, Ellen Kostusiak and Lucretia Barton. Lucretia is Catherine's partner. The last sister Nadine Singleton, just found out her sister, Lorraine is dying of kidney cancer. Lorraine used to be in our ward and was my visiting teaching companion for awhile. She went to live with her daughter in California a few years ago. Nadine either went to see Lorraine or just did not feel like socializing because she didn't come.

Before we ate lunch Catherine gave each of us a white stocking with a poem inside about the Savior.

After receiving our stockings we all sat down to the meal that Catherine had prepared for us. We had homemade chicken noodle soup, chili with crackers and cheese, rolls, orange slices, a veggie tray and for dessert cherry cobbler with whipped cream. It was a very nice meal and so thoughtful of Catherine for doing this. She is 85 years old. 

The Halcomb stockings: 

Catherine, Kerri, the dogs,

Shelly and Star and the cats,

Inkus and Dinkus.

After the meal and visiting with the sisters for awhile I excused myself. I told them that James was waiting for me and we were going to pick up our new computers at Walmart.

James met me at the church and we drove into town together in my car. We picked up our computers and I did some shopping. When we were leaving the Walmart parking lot James said Anthony called and he needed a ride home from the hospital. Perfect timing. Anthony was outside in the parking lot waiting for us when we drove up to the hospital. He asked us if we would take him to the Grapp's to pick up his new heater and some gas, which we did. While at the Grapp's I got to see Liana's new Australian shepherd pup.

 His name is Bandit

Now the entire family can go to rodeos

in the same vehicle.

I took James and Anthony to the church where James's truck was parked and James took Anthony home with his new heater and the gas that Cammy bought for him.

When I got home after putting the groceries away, I began setting up my new computer. I chose Google Chrome as my browser and downloaded it and the extensions I need for my book business. 

When James got home I fixed us each a cheese crisp for dinner.

I left a little before seven to go help decorate at the church for the Christmas party on Friday night. President Grapp, Brother Finnell and Brother Woodruff were setting up tables and chairs. Kathy Crane, Lynda Finnell, Tamara, Kerri, Maxine were the decorating crew. Amy Reynolds came a little later. Lynda gave me my pumpkin rolls and I paid her for them and thanked her for picking them up for me. 

Most of the decorations are pretty old and the oil cloth tablecloths barely cover the round tables. We made center pieces and even decorated the bookshelves where the hymnbooks are stored. I was pretty tired and was the first to leave. Kathy Crane really takes charge of these activities. She is a hard worker.

The young women were having an activity at the church and I saw someone I have not seen for probably over a year, Jennifer Deatherage. She and her husband have both had health issues and as a result become totally inactive and really not responsive to people who have tried to reach out to them. She gave me a big hug. I asked her if she was coming to the ward party on Friday and she said, "Yes, and to church on Sunday." I told her that was wonderful!

Brother Brewer has been in the hospital and was not expected to live but his wife ended up bringing him home. Hospice will be caring for him.

We watched a Lifetime movie when I got home, "Mistletoe and Menorahs." It is one of my favorite new movies for this year.

These two love each other!

 James took these pictures of the moon

One of the things I love about living here.

Tuesday, December 10th, 2019

Guayquil, Ecuador

58th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Genesis 22:14

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.

Book of Mormon

Ether 8:1-17

New Testament

Revelation 2-3; I/F and SS lessons; Ensign article on Revelation

10/19 General Conference

"Witnesses, Aaronic Priesthood Quorums, and Young Women Classes"

President Russell M. Nelson

"Earlier this week, announcements were made to members of the Church about changes in policy regarding who may serve as witnesses to baptism and sealing ordinances. I would like to highlight one of these points:

1. A proxy baptism for a deceased person may be witnessed by anyone holding a current temple recommend, including a limited-use recommend."

"Adjustments to Strengthen Youth"

Elder Quentin L, Cook

"To help our youth navigate the maze of choices available to them, the Church has prepared three profound and comprehensive initiatives. First, curriculum has been strengthened and expanded to the home. Second, a children and youth program that includes exciting activities and personal development was presented just last Sunday by President Nelson, President Ballard, and the General Officers. A third initiative is organizational changes to make youth a more significant focus of our bishops and other leaders. This focus must be spiritually powerful and help our youth become the youth battalion President Nelson has asked them to become."

I prayed this morning that the Lord with help me with my diet.

I listened to several "Come Follow Me" podcasts today and the book webinar this morning with Kris and Kathy. Friday is the Live Event for Book Arbitrage in Nashville. Of course, I'm not going. 

I ordered two helps for next year's study of the Book of Mormon. One was the study journal for Dave and Emily's lesson and the other is for the Redheaded Hostess study. I'm going to be prepared and I'm very excited to be totally studying the Book of Mormon next year. This year it's been the New Testament for "Come Follow Me" and the Book of Mormon because we read the Book of Mormon every year.

I got a text from Walmart today. Our new computers are ready to pick up. We won't be going until tomorrow to get them. I'm very excited!

Anthony's heater went out tonight. He does not have electricity so James took him a propane heater. The heater is so big and puts out so much heat that Anthony was afraid to use it. He said he tried to use it and his ceiling started melting. He said that Cammy Grapp ordered him one at Walmart and she will go tomorrow to pick it up for him. 

I watched two Christmas movies today, "Grounded for Christmas", and "A Homecoming for the Holidays."

 Beautiful sunrise

 I love the lights reflected in the window

Sounds yummy!

 I love this family tradition

Monday, December 9th, 2019

Bogota, Colombia

57th temple

Dedicated: 24 April 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Genesis 4:26

And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the Lord.

Book of Mormon

Ether 7:1-27

New Testament

Revelations 1-11; "Glory and Power, Be Unto...the Lamb for Ever";

BD: Revelation of John & Revelation 1; I/F Lesson Intro

10/19 General Conference

"Found Through the Power of the Book of Mormon"

Elder Ruben V. Alliaud

"There may be many who have been found through wonderful missionaries around the world, in every case through miraculous ways. Or maybe they have been found through friends that God has deliberately placed in their path. It might even be that they have been found by someone from this generation or through one of their ancestors. Whatever the case, in order to progress toward a true personal conversion, sooner rather than later, they all must experience and be found by the power of the truths contained in the Book of Mormon. At the same time, they must personally decide to make a serious commitment to God that they will strive to keep His commandments."

Tamara sent out an early morning (before 6), to the presidency asking if someone would be available to do a food order for her. I said I would be glad to help but I had never done a digital one before. 

She tried to email me the information but for some reason I couldn't open it. Kerri came over to help and between the two of us we figured it out. We were going to go immediately to the person who needed the order but she wasn't home and wouldn't be home until probably after 5 pm. Kerri told me she would call when she heard from the sister.

I started the book of Revelation today as part of the "Come Follow Me" Sunday School curriculum. I spent an hour studying and barely scratched the surface. 

James and I finished "Aunt Dimity Takes a Holiday" today. The next book is "Aunt Dimity Snowbound." 

We mailed Ben's Christmas package today and read the letter Sheri sent from him. 

James went to the dump today and the post office and made me tea and cleaned the mud off my shoes. He helped me put swirly ribbons at the top of the tree by bringing in the big ladder. He even "swirled" the ribbons. 

I decided that I really hate mud. I love Vernon but I hate our roads after it snows or rains. I love the snow and the rain but those roads!!

I inventoried books and went with Kerri this evening to visit a couple who need some assistance because some jobs the husband had lined up fell through. They are great people and I was glad to, in some small way, lend them some assistance.

After Kerri drove me home I hurried off to our "Come Follow Me' Group with James. This week it is at the Goodman's. Pierce Goodman is my friend Kathy Arnett's cousin. He is a retired dentist. He has a dentist office set up in one of his outbuildings and does work for people either really cheap or for nothing.

We had an interesting discussion about the book of Revelation. We used the article in the Ensign this month. I loved what it said at the end of the article ... "Jesus wins!"

I watched two Christmas movies today while sitting at the computer.

LifeTime: "Twinkle All the Way"

Sarah Drew, Ryan McKertlin, and Lesley Ann Warren.

"To pull off a Christmas themed wedding, a wedding planner joins forces with a decorator and soon falls in love."

Hallmark: "Cherished Memories: A Gift to Remember"

starring Ali Liebert, Peter Porte, and Tina Lifford. 

"An unexpected guest and a fight to save the beloved community center unites everyone for an unforgettable holiday."

 My breakfast: A cheese omelet and toast

with strawberry jam.

 Ben's Christmas package

 My tree with swirly ribbons

Charlie the Climber. She wants to see what's 

for dinner!

Another Randy story. He visited his mom every week.

Deann told me he was always the one to drive Aunt Gene

to their familes events. Aunt Gene and Randy were very close.

Sunday, December 8th, 2019

Madrid, Spain

56th temple

Dedicated: 19 March 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Genesis 2:4

These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens,

Book of Mormon

Ether 6:12-30

New Testament

Review 1-3 John and Jude; Began reading the book of Revelations

10/19 General Conference

"Watchful unto Prayer Continually"

Elder David A. Bednar

"Nephi described how in the latter days Satan would attempt to pacify and lull the children of God into a false sense of 'carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well - and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.'

Constant vigilance is required to counteract complacency and casualness. To be vigilant, is the state or action of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties. And keeping watch denotes that act of staying awake to guard and protect. Spiritually speaking, we need to stay awake and be alert to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the signals that come from the Lord's watchmen on the towers."

Because of the rain and mud we decided we would go to church in the truck. James wasn't sure the car would make it back up the hill when we were coming home. I took my blue umbrella. 

Sue Hubble was confirmed today by one of the missionaries and her son who baptized her was in the circle. She has been waiting a long time to join the Church but her husband did not approve. He passed away a few months ago and that's when she decided to take the discussions. 

Brother Wright, the high councilman over our ward released the two counselors in the stake presidency, President Wright, and President Miles. He had us sustain two new counselors, Brother Alder, and Brother Smithson. He also told us that we would be getting a new bishop next week. He praised Bishop Miller for the service he has given.

 Makenzi Forrester - "Honoring His Name" by Lisa Harkness. Keeping covenants, partaking of the sacrament are two ways we can honor his name. With covenant identity and belonging we are 

called by the name of Jesus Christ. Through the covenant of baptism, we promise to always remember Him, keep His commandments, and serve others. We renew this covenant when we partake of the sacrament. We are 'the children of Christ.' We must witness of Christ through our words and actions.

Tyler Forrester - "Watchful Unto Prayer Continually" by Elder Bednar. Constant vigilance is required to counteract complacency and casualness. Alma 34:39 - Yea, and I also exhort you, my brethren, that ye be watchful unto prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the temptations of the devil, that he may not overpower you, that ye may not become his subjects at the last day; for behold, he rewardeth you no good thing.

Diana Curtis was the teacher in Relief Society. The lesson was based on President Nelson's conference address: "Spiritual Treasures", one of my favorites. Marie Campbell tells about some of her frustrations and the sisters encourage her. I think she felt better by the end of the lesson. Millie and Diana both said this scripture helps them when they are stressed: "Be still and know that I am God."

Are roads truly are a "muddy mess." We got home, had some lunch and rest. I paid tithing online and we went back to tithing settlement at 2:45. We spoke with the Judd's and the Grapp's. Brother Diewald was there to assist us. As we went in to see Bishop Miller we realized this was the last time we would have tithing settlement with him. We expressed our gratitude to him for what a wonderful bishop he has been. It was bittersweet.

I used a towel to get in and out of the truck to protect my legs from the mud on the running board. 

As I was blogging this evening James's computer was making me crazy. I can hardly wait for my new one to get here on Tuesday. 

We watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional on BYU-TV this evening. Sister Jones, Brother Kearon, and President Oaks were the speakers.

We also FaceTimed with Kacey, Jared, and Charlie. Kacey told me about the meeting she went to today for all of the ministering sisters during Relief Society. Our ward needs to do something like this.

I can't find my book on "Revelation". I've looked every where I can think of. It may still be packed away in a box.

Charlie on the Sabbath

 Scarlett too!

"TBT: Andyn and Sophie Miller