Wed, Dec 2nd, 2020: Memphis Tennessee temple; Charlie going to the store to get juice; Candi's frozen pipes, presidency meeting, elk project

Memphis, Tennessee

80th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Apr 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Millennial Reign

Isaiah 16:5

And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 3

"Come Follow Me"

Moroni 2-6 Priesthood ordinances must be administered as the Lord commands

OctGenCon

'Becoming Like Him'

Elder Scott D. Whiting

Of the Seventy

I may not soon make it to the top, but I can do this next step right now. Over time the daunting task ultimately became achievable - step by step. 

The first step on this path to becoming like Jesus Christ is to have the desire to do so. To develop the desire, we must know who Jesus Christ is. We must know something of His character. 

As we begin to know more of Him, we will see His attributes reflected in others. This will encourage us on our own quest, for if others can attain in some measure His attributes, so can we. 

Restoration Proclamation

P3 S3

Joseph would be instrumental in its return.

  Most mornings I wake up with a cramp in my left gluteus maximus.

Today was one of those days. I walk for awhile and soon the pain is gone.  

It was a nice brisk 21 degrees this morning. James and I both feel pretty lousy in the mornings, especially when it's cold. 

Candi, a sister in our ward, posted on Facebook that her pipes were frozen and asked if anyone had a space heater they could use. James and I took over our two space heaters for them to use. When we returned home I made James some potato and eggs with leftover mashed potatoes for breakfast. 

I love the #LightTheWorld campaign which asks us to do something each day in service to others. Today we were ask to perform a secret act of kindness. It it's a secret we can't tell what it is right? Just sayin.

James ran out of FoodSaver bags today. I called and found some at the Taylor Walmart and went and picked them up for him. It's an 80 mile round trip but I got 4 containers of bags so he could finish his elk. 

This evening I attended a Relief Society presidency meeting at the library meeting room. Tamara, Kerri, and Paula were there. Maxine is out of town and Paula is our assistant secretary so she came to fill in for Maxine. We discussed the money left in our budget and decided to buy postage stamps and gifts for the sisters. We have 74 jars of homemade hand scrub we were going to use at an activity in March that was cancelled. I accepted the assignment to buy gift bags, tissue paper, lotion, and either a hand towel or something else to make up gift bags to give to the sisters in our ward. I can spend around $200. 

We talked about Judy H. a 73 year old sister in our ward who loves her ministering brothers because they are teaching her how to shoot her gun. We assigned her recently to be ministered to by a husband and wife team. She said that was fine as long as we did not change her ministering brothers! It was a good meeting and I went home excited with the prospect of actually getting to give the sisters in our ward a gift for Christmas.

James and I watched the movie, "A Tree Grows in Colorado."

This was a video of Charlie telling her mom she is going to the store to get juice and she can't take a nap.

Makes perfect sense Charlie

 

 

 

Tue, Dec 1, 2020: Medford Oregon temple; Chipmans, Charlie, Barnett-Dulaney-Perkins, Walmart, Wendy's, elk meat, and Christmas movies, "Light the World"

 

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Apr 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Millennial Reign

2 Nephi 21:3

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 2

"Come Follow Me"

Moroni 1 Disciples of Jesus Christ remain faithful despite opposition

OctGenCon

'Moving Forward'

President Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The work of the Lord is steadily moving forward. Amid social distancing, face masks, and Zoom meetings, we have learned to do some things differently and some even more effectively. Unusual times can bring unusual rewards.

'We Will Prove Them Herewith'

Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I pray that we as individuals and families are learning the valuable lessons that only challenging experiences can teach us. I also hope that all of us will more fully acknowledge the "greatness of God" and the truth that "he shall consecrate our afflictions for our gain."

Two basic principles can guide and strengthen us as we face proving and trying circumstances in our lives, whatever they may be: (1) the principle of preparation and (2) the principle of pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ.

Restoration Proclamation

P3 S2

In this vision, he learned that following the death of the original Apostles, Christ's New Testament Church was lost from the earth.

I forgot to mention that yesterday our good neighbor, Chuck, took our trash to the dump for us. Well at least the trash bags piled on top of our containers. He does this quite often and we appreciate him so much!

As part of my "Come Follow Me" study this morning I listened to Tyler and Taylor on Book of Mormon Central. Tyler said if anyone ever accuses you of not being a Christian to read the sacrament prayer in Moroni 4 or 5. 

I had an appointment at Barnett-Delaney-Perkins this morning. A pre-exam for cataract surgery. I met with Dr. Knippers. Dr Knippers is a paraplegic. He seems like a good doctor and I liked him. He didn't seem to think my cataracts were that bad. We discussed several options. He told me I needed to have the surgery within the next 90 days or I would have to have another exam. I am scheduled to have the first surgery on February 23rd and the 2nd on March 9th.

 After my appointment I went to the Wendy's drive-thru for lunch. I had the chicken, apple, walnut salad. It was quite tasty and fortified me enough to face the Walmart crowd. 

I am trying to eat more healthy so I bought lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meat. I spent more money than usual but I have food to last more than a week.

I stopped at the post office and then hurried on home. At least today I don't have to worry about ice cream melting because I didn't buy any!

When I got home, James was cutting and sealing his elk meat. I'm glad I bought that Food Saver! He is still in a lot of pain from his fall off the horse. It may have slowed him down but it hasn't stopped him.

For dinner I made fajitas with steak, bell pepper, and onions wrapped in butter lettuce leaves. Quite delicious! James like them too.

This evening I watched Hayley and Derek dance on "The Disney Sing-a-long." They are so good together! James and I watched "Heart of the Holiday" this evening before going to bed. We also read from "Pumpkin Roll" our latest Josi S. Kilpack book.

Priesthood blessings

The Elmer's are our temple supervisors

Lola

The Chipman's lost their oldest son, Bennett, in a car accident recently, yet they still "Light the World" with their love and testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ.

My Steps Today:

12, 145

Mon, Nov 30, 2020: Fresno California temple; Moroni 1-6; Christmas movies; Service; Jared's family safely home; Ziggie news; Christmas is coming; Charlie

 

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Millennial Reign

Isaiah 11:3

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

Book of Mormon

Moroni 1

"Come Follow Me"

Moroni 1-6 "To Keep Them in the Right Way" introduction

OctGenCon

'Waiting on the Lord'

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

How long do we wait for relief from hardships that come upon us? What about enduring personal trials while we wait and wait, and help seems so slow in coming? Why the delay when burdens seem more than we can bear?

While asking such questions, we can, if we try, hear another's cry echoing from a dank, dark prison cell during one of the coldest winters then on record in that locale.

"O God, where art thou?" we hear from the depths of Liberty Jail. "And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed?" How long, O Lord, how long?

'A New Normal'

President Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Throughout the proceedings, I have pictured you in my mind listening to conference. I have asked the Lord to help me understand what you are feeling, worrying about, or trying to resolve. I have wondered what I might say to conclude this conference that would send you forth with the optimism about the future that I know the Lord wants you to feel.

Restoration Proclamation

P3 S2

In this vision, he learned that following the death of the original Apostles, Christ's New Testament Church was lost from the earth.

I love Monday mornings when we begin a new "Come Follow Me" lesson. This week we study Moroni 1-6. We are almost finished with the Book of Mormon and will beginning the Doctrine and Covenants in January. Today I listened to Emily and Dave in "Don't Miss This."

I like this quote: "The presence of the storm does not mean the absence of God."

I watched a movie on Lifetime starring Mario Lopez called Felize NaviDad. It was cute. James and Chuck worked at Holly Gordon's today getting ready to pour concrete. When James came home at lunch time I made him a grilled cheese sandwich and some soup. I also read to him from our book, "Pumpkin Roll."

I would have worked more on my blog today but my computer kept freezing up. I texted my neighbor Chelsea to tell her that I am her ministering sister again. She seemed excited and I told her I would set up a visit soon. 

We got news that Jared, Kacey, Charlie and Molly made it home safe and sound. They said they really enjoyed their visit but it was great to be home.

James was not feeling well this evening and we weren't sure if the Peeler's were having "Come Follow Me." We found out around 6 o'clock that they were but by then we had decided not to go. Next week it is at our house. 

James and I watched a Christmas movie before going to bed.

Just kickin' back at home

Christmas is coming

 

Sun, Nov 29, 2020: Palmyra New York temple; Sacrament mtg at home, McQueen 2nd ward, Goodbye to all of our company, James's elk and Razr rescue;

Palmyra, New York

77th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Millennial Reign

2 Nephi 19:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Book of Mormon

Review Ether 12-15

"Come Follow Me"

Review lesson, "By Faith All Things Are Possible"

OctGenCon

'Enduring Power'

Elder Kelly R. Johnson

Of the Seventy

 In the first general conference after he was sustained as an Apostle, President Nelson talked about power. He has continued teaching about power over the years. Since we have sustained President Nelson as our prophet, he has taught about the principle of power - specifically, God's power - and how we can access it. He has taught how we can draw upon God's power as we minister to others, how repentance invites the power of Jesus Christ and His Atonement into our lives, and how priesthood - the power and authority of God - blesses all who make and keep covenants with Him. President Nelson has testified that God's power flows to all who are endowed in the temple as they keep their covenants.

 

 Restoration Proclamation

P3 S1

In humility, we declare that in answer to his prayer, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph and inaugurated the "restitution of all things" (Acts 3:21) as foretold in the Bible.

Jared and Kacey told me they would make room in their car for my Christmas gifts for them and their kids. I got up early this morning and began wrapping. It wasn't the best way to spend my Sabbath morning but I did manage to get 12 blankets wrapped and sent to Texas. So glad to have these gifts delivered!

Stacy, Kacey, Jared, Charlie, Molly, James, and I all sat around the dining room table and had the sacrament together. I gave the opening prayer. The sacrament hymn was, "How Great the Wisdom and the Love." James and Jared blessed and administered the sacrament. Afterwards we all sang "I Am A Child of God" with Charlie. It was so sweet. Jared and Kacey got ready to leave for their long trek home. I finished wrapping gifts and we said our goodbye's.

I think it may be the reflection of the

light from the tree but Jared's hair is 

looking a little gray.

Jared bought the Grinch to watch in the car. 

Molly is so excited! (not)

It was hard to say goodbye because they live so far away, but we are so grateful that they came and brought Molly with them. We love them all so much! They left around 10:15 a.m. Arizona time. 

Molly helped me pick out blankets for her siblings and herself. Before she left she begged me to open hers but I stood strong and told her no, I wanted her to have it on Christmas. She says they always open them on Christmas Eve anyway. I told her that was fine.

I tried to watch the Zoom broadcast for our ward this morning but the audio was so bad I couldn't understand what Brother Wright, our high councilman was saying. Stacy sent me the link to her ward, McQueen 2nd, and I listened to two elders speak about missionary work. There was also a special musical number. They just started to lengthen the time of their meetings in this stake. It was broadcast on YouTube.

James spent most of the day getting his elk ready to bring in. Jared went out early this morning with him and then after Jared left, Anthony came to help. Anthony also took the hide. 

I was tired so after lunch I took a nap. When I got up Stacy was ready to finish my lashes. She worked on them a couple of hours yesterday. I am grateful for her dedication in trying to make me more presentable. It may be a bit of a lost cause since my lashes are so short and weak it is hard to attach the extensions. 

Stacy left for home around 3 pm, before James came home. He was sad he didn't get to say goodbye. 

The Razr broke down when James and Jared took it out this morning and James wanted me to drive over with him to see if it would start so he could bring it home. It was out on the highway just past Carey Dobson's ranch. James tried starting the Razr but nothing. We went back home and he asked Chuck if he would go with him to get it.

James's truck was out of gas so Chuck gave him ten gallons of gas he had on hand. He says he always keeps 30 gallons of gas in case of emergencies. They hooked up the trailer and headed out. I am so grateful that we have such wonderful neighbors and friends!

We missed our family Zoom gospel study because Jared and Kacey were on the road and James was gone with Chuck. I guess Kim, Brian, and I could have done it but we didn't.

We heard from Jared and Kacey. They made it to there stopping place for the night around 9 p.m. Only 5 1/2 hours more to go. 

"Christmas Waltz"

Now that's a star!

I couldn't resist posting another one.

Thanksgiving leftovers are the best!