Sunday, December 22nd, 2019

Kona, Hawaii

70th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Jan 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Isaiah 6:1

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Book of Mormon

Ether 15:1-17

New Testament

Review of Christmas lesson

Oct 2019 General Conference

"The Savior's Touch"

Elder Walter F. Gonzalez

"It is not hard to imagine that the leper who approached the Savior was broken. Sometimes - in one way or another - we too can feel broken, whether due to our own actions or those of others, due to circumstances we can or cannot control. In such moments, we can place our will in His hands."

Brother Brewer passed away today. Anne Miller went to stay with his wife, Debra.

As I was studying this morning I had a thought come to me that the "Come Follow Me" program was revealed to save our families. Heavenly Father wants us to gather as families and express our love for each other. Jesus Christ makes that love we feel possible. We must overcome the world. He is the Light of the World and if we follow Him we will not walk in darkness.

James made me some citrus tea. It is yummy!

After studying with Dave and Emily from "Don't Miss This," I wrapped our two white elephant gifts. One is a chest with a baby unicorn on it. She saw it and said she wanted it. I told her to remember what the package looks like and tonight when we play our game she can choose it to unwrap when it is her turn.

The chest has four pair of warm socks in it. I figured Lola could share with her sisters and mom. The other package is two leather daily journals with three pair of socks.

We attended the Twenty Two Point ward today with Trina and the kids. Darrel had to work. Trina and Addy were both in the choir for the Christmas program. During the meeting Lola entertained herself by writing in my notebook that I use as a journal. I showed her some pages in the back that she could use and she was careful to not write on any other pages. 

 There was a narrator for the program along with scriptures and music. Here are some of the songs that were sung:

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

"Away in a Manger"

"Silent Night/Still, Still, Still"

"Angels We Have Heard on High"

"What Child Is This"

"Good Christian Men Rejoice"

Bishop Turner gave a message at the end. After the meeting there were refreshments served in the Relief Society and Primary rooms.

Back at Darrel and Trina's James and I both took a nap and then we got up and made the minestrone soup. Everyone will be here at six o'clock. Darrel and Trina's church is at 1:30.

Here is the food we had at our family gathering:

ham, rolls and crab cakes brought by Sheri, Stacy brought a green bean casserole, Trina made sweet potatoes and then there was minestrone soup with sourdough and regular bread from "Just Baked" bakery. Kim brought goodie plates for everyone. She had 7 or 8 different goodies on each plate. Oreo balls, Rice Krispy treats, brownies, two or three kinds of cookies, mini cupcakes, etc. My favorite were the Rice Krispy treats and the oreo balls. 

When we started to play the White Elephant game Stacy asked me if that was all that we were doing. Tonight it is. 

Those attending: Stacy, Paul, Adam, Kaitlin, Michael, Alexis, Joshua, Kim, Brian, Ian, Sheri, Max, Evan, Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Lola, and James and I. We had a fun time. Here are some photos:

Shirt with a big red splatter that says

I'm Ok.

What just happened?

 Alexis got the sequin pillow 

that Addy brought

James is happy to get Merman

 Chocolate chips in a glass dome

I got the white cannisters thanks to Trina

Joshua got a gift card to a restaurant that most

of us had never heard of.

Max got last pick and he picked the dog playing the

castinets.

 A Ninja gingerbread mix

To go with his Merman doll James got some goodies

 I had the doggie for a few minutes

but Max was #1 and that's what he chose to take.

 Kim's goodie plate after I ate the Rice Krispy

treats and Oreo balls.

 Merry Christmas!

Dance Recital

 From yesterday's dance recital

Sunday Best

Saturday, December 21st, 2019

St. Paul, Minnesota

69th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Psalms 96:13

Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

Book of Mormon

Ether 14:8-31

New Testament

John 8:12, 12:46; Philippians 2:12-15

Oct 2019 General Conference

"Finding Joy in Sharing the Gospel"

Cristina B. Franco

"Susana has become one of the greatest missionaries I have ever met. She is like the sons of Mosiah, bringing many souls to Christ. In one of our conversations, I asked her, 'What is your secret? How do you share the gospel with others?' She told me, 'It is very simple. Every day before I leave my house, I pray, asking Heavenly Father to direct me to someone who needs the gospel in their life. I sometimes take a Book of Mormon to share with them or pass-along cards from the missionaries - and when I start talking to someone, I simply ask them if they have heard about the Church.'"

"Your Great Adventure"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"You need to choose to incline your heart to God. Strive each day to find Him. Learn to love Him. And then let that love inspire you to learn, understand, and follow His teachings and learn to keep God's commandments. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is given to us in a plain and simple way that a child can understand. Yet the gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to the most complex questions in life and has such profound depth and complexity that even with a lifetime of study and pondering, we can scarcely comprehend even the smallest part."

I was up at 4:30 to study and pray and have scriptures and prayer with James when he got up. As he was packing his suitcase for our trip to the valley, he ironed his shirts that needed ironing. Bless his heart. I got some boxes and set them on the kitchen counter and started loading things to eat from the kitchen. 

I had about 15 gifts to wrap. I wrapped two and realized I was never going to be able to wrap all of them in time. I will need to finish when I get to Darrel and Trina's. James wants to leave around noon. 

I packed my books in my purple suitcase and my clothes in my small black suitcase. I pack my computer, two boxes of food and paper goods, a bag for the Aunt Dimity books and my phone chargers to have with me in the front seat. I iron three blouses and put them on hangers. Most of my clothes are on hangers and so are James's. I pack my red stock pot because I am going to make minestrone soup for our family party tomorrow night. I have my makeup and toiletries bag, 4 garbage bags full of blankets, a few wrapped packages, and wrapping paper, etc. James has one suitcase and some clothes and his briefcase. We left around 12:15 and stopped in Show Low to get gas and to wash the car. We went the Payson way per my request. We stopped at the Culver's in Payson for lunch. I had a burger and James had a Reuben sandwich. 

When we got to the valley we drove to the Chacon job to see if Armondo had finished the landscaping. He had not. Yesterday James spoke with Paul about Armondo's wife. Paul is still their ministering brother. He said he would make sure that Susan had a blessing. She is still in the hospital. 

When we got to Darrel and Trina's Addy and Rowan were the only ones at home. They helped us carry in all of our stuff. It barely fit in our room. Darrel is at work and Trina is gone to Ruby and Lola's dance recital. I wished we would have known, we could have planned on being here earlier. 

Addy left to go babysit and after James rested he and I went shopping at Fry's for the ingredients for minestrone soup. I am also supposed to bring paper goods and flatware to the party tomorrow. It's a good thing I had some flatware at home because they had none at Fry's. 

When we get home Rowan, Nick - Rowan's friend, Lola and Ruby were at home. Trina had gone to pick up Darrel at work. They didn't get home until after 10. I guess big Bertha is in the shop.

I colored with Lola until she got tired and fell asleep on the couch ottoman. She said her tummy was hurting. 

Armondo's and Susan's baby

Friday, December 20th, 2019

Raleigh, North Carolina

68th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Dec 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Psalms 83:18

That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.

Book of Mormon

Ether 13:19-14:7

New Testament

1 Corinthians 15:21-26;Colossians 1:12-22; 1 Peter 2:21-25

Redheaded Hostess; I/F Sunday School lesson

October 2019 General Conference

"Covenant Belonging"

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"God's ordinances and covenants are universal in their requirement and individual in their opportunity. In God's fairness, each individual in every place and age can receive saving ordinances. Agency applies - individuals choose whether to accept offered ordinances. God's ordinances provide guideposts on His path of covenants. We call God's plan to bring His children home the plan of redemption, plan of salvation, plan of happiness. Redemption, salvation, celestial happiness are possible because Jesus Christ 'wrought out this perfect atonement.' To belong with God and to walk with each other on His covenant path is to be blessed by covenant belonging."

We were disappointed when we didn't see our herd of elk grazing on our property this morning. 

I was tired this morning but I persevered. I had about two pounds of stew meat I had to trim, season, flour, and brown before putting it in the crockpot for tonight's dinner with Anthony. 

James has been composing a foreclosure letter to send to Alicia Delacruz today. When he was finished I typed it for him. We have given her every chance to pay her payments but she seems to think she doesn't have to make payments because she is planning on selling the land. Diana Rico wants to buy the property. Alicia has until January 10th to sell the property and pay us or we are foreclosing and selling the land to Diana. It is sad and frustrating and part of it is the language barrier. James has even got Jared involved but Jared can't seem to get through to her either. She is going to lose her property because she really doesn't understand what the laws are.

James went to look at the Judd's building project and let them know if he thinks it will pass inspection. When he got there Bishop Miller was helping them. Afterwards he went to the post office to send Alicia's letter off, and to deliver the little books I am giving to Leland. He said he gave them to Liana and Benson to give to Leland.

Back at home I added the veggies to the stew meat and began setting up the table for dinner. I used my forest green Christmas tablecloth and my Christmas centerpiece and my clear glass bowls, plates, and clear glass stem wear.

I mopped the kitchen and vacuumed the family room and used the lint roller on the couch. 

James took the Razr in at my request to see if it could be fixed and ask for an estimate. When he got back he said that it needed a new engine. The estimated cost, $4,000. It had run out of oil because someone didn't put the cap back on properly. I blame no one but us for that mistake. We should have checked it more often. James is going to try to order an engine and see if Erik will put it in. All that is in the future though, it won't be ready for our snow group when they come up after Christmas.

Stacy calls about Joshua's trip to New York and Boston next year, Christmas, and Sophie's horrible mouth condition. She needs surgery to remove black plaque. (Gross!) James explains to her why we can't do the tax writeoff for Joshua's trip. 

James helped me with the final touches for dinner and made pineapple orange drink. Anthony called it "fruity" like the stuff you drink before you have an MRI. Is that a complement?

James built a fire and put the basement back together and swept the stairs all before Anthony got here. 

Anthony seems either tired or a little down tonight. He was not his normal talkative self. We enjoyed the stew and the bread Anthony brought us from Just Baked bakery. We had a pumpkin roll for dessert and sent stew, and pumpkin roll home with Anthony along with the chili beans we brought home from the ward party. 

After dinner we watched a nativity movie from this week's "Come Follow Me" lesson. Anthony said he would watch the Church's new nativity video at home. He needed to get home because he gets up early to feed the Howard's horses while they are in the valley.

Lorrain Tieman, a longtime resident of Vernon, and my former visiting teaching companion, passed away today in California. Her sister Nadine Singleton and her brother Virgil Cooper both live in our ward. 

James called to check on Susan Perez. She is still in the hospital.

We watched two Christmas movies:

"A Matchmaker Christmas"

"Christmas in Montana"

Coffee table decor

 The Campbell's house near the church in Vernon

 James insists on carrying a comb in his

pants pocket, even when there is a hole in it.

Thursday, December 19th, 2019

 Edmonton, Alberta

67th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Dec 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Psalms 68:4

Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

Book of Mormon

 Ether 13:1-18

New Testament

Matthew 2:1-12; Redheaded Hostess Christmas Questions

Oct 2019 General Conference

"Spiritual Treasures"

President Russell M. Nelson

"The heavens are just as open to women who are endowed with God's power flowing from their priesthood covenants as they are to men who bear the priesthood. I pray that truth will register upon each of your hearts because I believe it will change your life. Sisters, you have the right to draw liberally upon the Savior's power to help your family and others you love."

I was up at 4:30 this morning. After my morning devotional I made banana bread for the Finnell's and the Westbrook's. 

James went with me to deliver Christmas gifts today. We delivered calenders to the Applegate's. I got to see Shelly! The Wilhelm's, the Halcomb's, the Thompson's, and the Grapp's. We went to the post office and mailed Ben's calender and Christmas cards.  We stopped at Dave and Rosa Westbrook's. I ordered some tamales from Rosa and I had a card and some banana nut bread for them. Dave is James's Sunday School teaching companion and his ministering companion. We also go to see Marci Butler Westbrook while we were there and visit with her a few minutes. 

When we were at the Halcomb's Kerri's truck was loaded like Santa's sleigh. They are leaving early in the morning for their family Christmas party in the valley. Kerri was watching seven of the Judd children as she does every week, usually on Friday but she's going to be gone tomorrow.

After delivering the bread at the Finnell's we were going to go into town to get some batting for the Christmas pillows I ordered except that James got a call from Debbie Miller saying the guys were at our house with a new motor for the furnace. They came this morning and looked at the one James put in and said it was off- balance. Matt took it out and discovered it wasn't working correctly so he went to get another one at Hughes Electric in Lakeside. We hurried home to meet them because we really want our furnace fixed. We were half way to Lakeside when we were at the Finnell's. They live by the Wallace's and have a Lakeside address.

Hughes wouldn't take the motor back that James drilled holes in. Matt installed the new motor and he saw it was the wrong amp power so it wouldn't heat our house properly. He took it out and said he would be back tomorrow with a new one. So much trouble.

James got some steps in and I blogged while we were waiting for Matt. Afterwards we went in to Walmart where we got batting and stuff for tomorrow's stew. James has been so sweet today and given me so much of his time. 

When we got home I made another loaf of banana bread because I was a loaf short if I'm taking some to Dennis and Harold. 

I also wrapped calendars for Anthony, Dave and Laura, and Cathi and Terry. 

We watched these Christmas movies:

"Merry Liddle Christmas"

"Radio Christmas"

and the

Churches

New Nativity video

 I took a nativity set to the Grapp kids

They were so excited because they 

didn't have one.

 Tildy, Emsley, Benson, Liana and Bandit

Leland playing with the box.

I will bring him a little book set

of the First Christmas, just his size,

tomorrow.

 James helped me "stuff" my Christmas pillows

 I didn't even know Lichtenstein was a

real country.