Thur Dec 24, 2020: Porto Alegre Brazil Temple; Trip to valley, distribute gifts, visit Lois & Dawn, Christmas Eve with D's family, Trezises, Charlie, Molly, Scarlett

 

Porto Alegre, Brazil

102nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Millennial Reign

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

"Come Follow Me"

"He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People"

OctGenCon

'Let God Prevail'

President Russell M. Nelson

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

When we speak of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil, we are referring, of course, to missionary, temple, and family history work. We are also referring to building faith and testimony in the hearts of those with whom we live, work, and serve. Anytime we do anything that helps anyone - on either side of the veil - to make and keep their covenants with God, we are helping to gather Israel.

Restoration Proclamation

P1 S3

By the power of the Father, Jesus rose again and gained the victory over death.

I was up at 5 to put bows on the gifts I wrapped last night. It's 13 degrees outside. 

We loaded the car with 26 gifts and Rowan and headed for the valley around 7:30.  We got about five miles down the road and James realized he left the heater on under the sink in the kitchen. We had to go back and turn off the heater. 

As we get going again I ask James if we could please go the Payson way. He says yes but I fall asleep and he passes up the Payson turn off and heads for Salt River Canyon. He asks me if I want him to turn around and go back and I say no. I slept most of the way down the hill and let Rowan use my air pods. Yesterday on the way home from town we played Marty Robbins and I thought maybe he might like to choose his own music today. 

When we got to Mesa we turned on to Signal Butte and I asked James to stop for something to eat. I suggested either In n Out Burger or Jersey Mike's. Rowan said he was a little car sick and wasn't hungry so I asked James to stop at Jersey Mike's. 

We dropped Rowan off at his house, finished our lunch and headed out to deliver gifts. Rowan's family is at A mountain doing their traditional Christmas Even hike. That's where Sheri and her boys are too. Alex was going to hurry home so James could help him with a doggie door but we got there a little too late and we will have to have James help him another day.

Our first stop to deliver gifts was Stacy's. We went in and I noticed she had some of my old ornaments on her tree. She said I gave them to her but I could have some back if I wanted them. She also had my plaid tree skirt.  I took Tinker Bell and Snow White. 

After Stacy's we went to Kim's and then to Sheri's, Cathi and Terry's, and Dave and Laura's. Our last stop was at Lois and Dawn's. We left Rebecca and Brent's gifts at their house. We had a nice visit with Lois and Dawn. I have felt bad for Lois because I remember how much she used to love to shop and now she has a hard time getting around and doesn't go out much. I no longer feel bad for her. Her new hobby is online shopping. She ordered many of her Christmas gifts online and also ordered a couch with a hide-a-bed from Wayfair. She said she ordered from Wayfair because she read online that Karen Lambson recommended it. She also ordered lots of clothes from Belk because Karen Lambson likes Belk. Funny, I have never bought anything from either of these companies. 

We took home many more presents than we left. It is always that way though. 

I forgot to mention that on the way to Tempe with stopped at Costco and picked up a couple of hams, one for us and one for Sheri's family for when they come to the cabin. Ours is for Christmas dinner with Paul and Stacy tomorrow night. I also got an apple pie. 

James took me back to Darrel and Trina's while he borrowed Darrel's truck and a ladder to do something on the job in Mesa, the Chacon houses). Darrel invited me in for some Chik-fil-a. His parents and Tristan's family were eating and playing games. Tristan's family is visiting from their new home in Oklahoma. Trina's parents just bought a home in Darrel and Trina's neighborhood. I had some chicken and then excused myself to go shopping. 

First I went to Fry's for cranberry celebration. I also found tea and Dr. Pepper10 which they have not had in Show Low in forever!

I went to Walmart to compare our Walmart in Show Low to this Walmart on Signal Butte in Mesa. There is no comparison. This one was busy but the shelves were actually stocked and there were no boxes sitting in the aisle or employees running you down with carts!

I got back to Darrel's just as they were finishing up their game. Tristan and her husband Daryl have three children. The two girls look exactly like Tristan! 

 When James came back from Chacon's he brought me a hamburger. How thoughtful. I had bought some Martinelli's and some fancy glasses. We did a toast to family and friends. The kids got to unwrap their jammies and blankets this evening. Darrel and Trina hide the pajama packages and the kids have to find them. Here are a few pictures I got:

After the kids went upstairs to watch TV and then went to bed, Darrel and Trina finished wrapping gifts and filling stockings. James went to bed too. I stayed up with Darrel and Trina. Darrel put a movie on while they worked and I walked.

Packed and ready to go

AZHouseofOrder

Christmas Eve Sunrise

Brian's favorite decoration

Kim's wreath

Ziggie in her Christmas costume

Ollie says he's cute enough without a

costume

Merry Christmas from the Trezise's

Ben's Homecoming

Scarlett

Waiting for Santa

Charlie and Molly with their blankets

Carefreetea tree

Inklings:

Handy gadget

Wed, Dec 23, 2020: Recife Brazil Temple: "CFM", Licano's, Walmart, Razr fixed, Halcomb's, Thompson's, Howard's, wrap gifts, Rowan video games, Steps

 

Recife, Brazil

101st operating temple

Dedicated 15 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Millennial Reign

Tenth Article of Faith

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

"Come Follow Me"

1 Nephi 6:4; 19:18; 2 Nephi 25:23, 26; 33:4, 10 The Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ.

OctGenCon

'We Talk Of Christ'

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Like a guiding star in a clear, dark sky, Jesus Christ lights our way. He came to earth in a humble stable. He lived a perfect life. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He was a friend to the forgotten. He taught us to do good, to obey, and to love one another. He was crucified on a cross, rising majestically three days later, allowing us and those we love to live beyond the grave. With His incomparable mercy and grace, He took upon Himself our sins and our suffering, bringing forgiveness as we repent and peace in the storms of life. We love Him. We worship Him. We follow Him. He is the anchor of our souls.

Restoration Proclamation

P1 S2

God the Father has given us the divine birth, the incomparable life, and the infinite atoning sacrifice of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

James and I did the Christmas "Come Follow Me" lesson with Rowan this morning. I also made pancakes for breakfast. 

James finished fixing the Razr except for a clamp which he plans on getting while we are in the valley. Rowan put clips on the fence. It was cold. 

We went to town this afternoon, the three of us. We stopped at the post office and saw Tamara A. I gave her the Christmas gift I had for her. We went on in to town and our first stop was at Licano's for an early dinner or late lunch. I ordered the green chili carne asada, James got a Navajo taco, and Rowan ordered a Licano's burger with grill onions, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese and bacon. It came with french fries. He ate the french fries but the burger was just too much for him. He ordered a to go box but I was sure when we got home he would never eat it, which he didn't.

I did some shopping at Walmart while James and Rowan did errands. We paid Rowan $50 for working and I thought he might want to do some shopping but he said he wanted to stay with grandpa. 

After my shopping trip and waiting out in the cold for James to pick me up, we headed for home. In his defense James was at Walgreen's getting a gift card for Kim's birthday at my request so that's why he was late picking me up. 

We dropped Rowan off at home and unpacked the groceries, then James and I went to deliver gifts. We went by the Halcomb's, the Thompson's, and the Howard's. We also tried to deliver to Tanna but she never answered our text. Catherine Halcomb gave us a cannister of popcorn and took a picture of us with her Santa in front of her tree. James got a picture of her eskimo village:

Catherine and her husband used to raise husky dogs and that's when

she started this collection.

After leaving the Halcomb's we went to the Thompson's and dropped off a card, calendar and some cookies and then it was up the hill to the Howard's. We went in to the Howard's and visited with Jean, Tom, and Dustin and their husky dog Mia. We gave them a calendar, cookies, and oranges, along with a Christmas card. I am glad Dustin is home for Christmas because I know how much Jean has missed him.

Tanna didn't answer so we did not stop at her house. If we left anything outside the dogs would probably get it. 

Back at home we had family prayer and James went to bed. I stayed up to wrap gifts for Dave, Laura, Cathi, Terry, Rebecca, Brent, and James. I finished wrapping around 12:30 and will get up early to put the bows on. Rowan was still awake upstairs so I called to him and told him it was time for bed.

Our temple supervisors

Tue, Dec 22, 2020: Boston, Massachusetts Temple; Rowan & James - fence, Razr, town; Karen - wrap, walk, watch; Mike Wallen

 

Boston, Massachusetts

100th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Millennial Reign

DC 76:108

Then shall he be crowned with the crown of his glory, to sit on the throne of his power to reign forever and ever.

"Come Follow Me"

Christmas: "He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People"

OctGenCon

'I Believe In Angels'

Elder Carlos A. Godoy

Of the Presidency of the Seventy

Two additional angels were sent by the Lord to help.

One of them was Leda Vettori, my early-morning seminary teacher. Through her accepting love and inspiring classes, she gave me a daily does of the "good word of God" (Moroni 6:4), which was so needed throughout my day. This helped me to gain the spiritual strength to keep going.

Another angel sent to help me was the Young Men president, Marco Antonio Fusco. He was also assigned to be my senior home teaching companion. Despite my lack of experience and different appearance, he gave me assignments to teach in our priests quorum meetings and home teaching visits. He gave me the chance to act and to learn and not just be an observer of the gospel. He trusted me, more than I trusted myself.

Restoration Proclamation

P1 S1

We solemnly proclaim that God loves His children in every nation of the world.

James made breakfast before he and Rowan went out to work on the fence. After breakfast we had family prayer.

After working a few hours James and Rowan went in to town to get some supplies. James said they made five stops, including Peter Piper Pizza. Rowan said he had four slices of pepperoni pizza. Good, because he sure didn't eat much yesterday.

James worked on the Razr today and Rowan worked outside on the fence by himself. I'm not sure what he did but I saw him outside looking down the fence. It was very cold and windy today, but he never complained. 

James thought maybe the transmission had gone out on the Razr but it was only a broken belt. He and Rowan got a new belt when they were in town. 

I watched more Christmas movies and wrapped 16 presents. I also did my walking but did not work on my blog I am getting further and further behind and will need to catch up soon.

When Rowan is inside he is upstairs. When he came down for family prayer this evening I asked him what he was doing up there. He got nervous and began wringing his hands when he said playing video games. I told him that was okay and he seemed to relax. I figure he spent most of the day working outside and doing errands and had earned the right to play a few games.

Mon, Dec 21, 2020: Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Temple; Hobby Lobby, Ross & Panera with Trina; Trip home, Rowan comes, Christmas Star

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

99th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Millennial Reign

1Nephi 22:26

And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth.

Book of Mormon

Completed!

"Come Follow Me"

Christmas "He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People"

OctGenCon

'Seek Christ In Every Thought'

Elder Ulisses Soares

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

 Our ancient and modern prophets have constantly reminded us to resist temptation in order to avoid losing our spiritual traction and becoming confused, disoriented, and disillusioned in life.

Metaphorically speaking, yielding to temptation is like approaching a magnet with a metal object. The magnet's invisible force attracts the metal object and holds it tightly. The magnet loses its power over it only when the metal object is placed far from it. Therefore, just as the magnet is unable to exercise power over a far-away metal object, as we resist temptation, it fades away and loses its power over our mind and heart and, consequently, over our actions.

Restoration Proclamation

P9 S3

We testify that those who prayerfully study the message of the Restoration and act in faith will be blessed to gain their own witness of its divinity and of its purpose to prepare the world for the promised Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

James left Darrel's around 7:20 for Chandler Eyecare. Sheri asked on of the doctor's to come in early to see him. He did have rust in his eye and they got it out. His iris was swollen, which the doctor says was unrelated but a definite concern so they put him on an antibiotic and a steroid.

Trina and I went to Hobby Lobby and then Ross this morning. Trina needed to get some things at Hobby Lobby for Young Women's and I tagged along knowing that all of their Christmas stuff was 50% off. 

The  Christmas stuff was all gone so I just window shopped while Trina got what she needed. At Ross I bought two more blankets, one for Ben and one for Dallin. Trina wanted to go through Panera for molasses cookies and we ended up ordering lunch to take home to the kids. Trina also bought me a chicken salad sandwich. I offered to give her my $50 bill but she declined. The kids like their mac and cheese and Addy loves the veggie soup. 

When we got home and had lunch Ruby got ready and went to a friend's house. Lola's friend "little" Ivy came over to play. 

James had to go check on his houses and take care of business with Alberto. When he returned we got ready to go home. Rowan is coming with us to help James with the fence. 

We stopped in Payson at Culver's for dinner. What kid orders water? I took over driving after Culver's and drove until CVS in Show Low. James's eye was bothering him. 

When we got home James went out to feed Luna. Rowan saw her at her normal spot up on the hill by the gate waiting for James to let her in so he went to tell grandpa. 

After feeding Luna we all went upstairs on the balcony of Sheri and Ian's room to look for the Christmas Star, or Saturn and Jupiter aligned to look like one star. It supposedly has not been seen in 800 years. We saw it in the southwest sky just before it dipped below the horizon. Without the binoculars it looked like on star.

I finished getting my steps and watched some TV and wrapped a couple of presents. We had family prayer with Rowan and he went upstairs and we didn't see him again. I told him to go to bed before midnight.

autumn_reeser played Julie in "Christmas Under

the Stars"

Finally, some presents under our tree