Jan 1, 2021: Monterrey Mexico Temple, Venison Gravy, Hearts, Goodbye's as Trezise's, Shayna & Rowan leave, Adam, Kaitlyn, Joshua Razr ride, Charlie

 

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Mission of

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 1

"Come Follow Me"

DC 1:12-30, 35-36 The Lord restored His gospel to help me face the challenges of the latter days.

OctGenCon

'Moving Forward'

President Russell M. Nelson

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

Family history work has increased exponentially. Many new wards and stakes have been created. And we are gratified to report that the Church has provided pandemic humanitarian aid for 895 projects in 150 countries.

Increased gospel study in many homes is resulting in stronger testimonies and family relationships. One mother wrote: "We feel much closer to our children and grandchildren  now that we gather on Zoom every Sunday. Each takes a turn giving their thoughts on "Come Follow Me." Prayers for our family members have changed because we better understand what they need."

'We Will Prove Them Herewith' 

Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

As disciples of the Savior, we are commanded to "prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God."

We also are promised that "if ye are prepared ye shall not fear. And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless."

Restoration Proclamation

P4 S2

The resurrected John the Baptist restored the authority to baptize by immersion for the remission of sins.

I slept in until 8. James got up around 8:30 and went in to fix venison gravy for breakfast. Sheri was there to help. She made the biscuits and some scrambled eggs and sausage, the sausage being for those who don't want venison gravy. The Trezise's, Rowan, and Shayna are leaving today.

Before leaving Shayna, Alex, Max and Sheri played a game of Hearts. Sheri made sure the sheets were changed and put back on the beds. Towels were washed, garbages emptied, and Shayna and Alex vacuumed in the family/living room because of Zeno. They brought lint rollers and went over the couches were Zeno sat. 

Shayna is vacuuming and Alex is lint rolling

the couch.

When Sheri gets ready to leave she doesn't waste any time. After this photo was taken she jumped in the car. The only hug I got was from Ben. Later when Max, Alex, and Shayna left, they all gave me a hug.

Sheri ended up leaving her kindle and Grogu? She had to wait for Adam to bring it home.

Thanks for coming, we love you and can't wait to see you again!

Max got an electric guitar for Christmas and I enjoyed listening to him practice his "Beatles" songs. He's really good and can sing too!

Adam, Joshua, and Kaitlyn went on a Razr ride this afternoon. They wanted to go to Green's Peak but James asked them not to go that far because it has a slight leak. They ended up going to the pit instead.

James worked on the fence today and I did what I normally do, blogged, walked, read scriptures, and watched Hallmark movies.

Kaitlyn made chicken alfredo with broccoli for dinner for herself, Adam and Joshua. She offered some to us and I thought it was delicious.

We had family prayer with Adam, Kaitlyn, and Joshua before going to bed.

Tea Party Time

Thur, Dec 31, 2020:Lubbock Texas Temple; Kim's birthday, New Year's Eve, Shopping in Taylor, Chili's Skillet Queso Dip, Kaitlyn and Adam arrive,

 

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Mission of

Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

"Come Follow Me"

DC 1:3, 24-28, 31-33 If I am humble, the Lord's chastening can lead me to repent.

OctGenCon

'Waiting On The Lord'

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

My beloved brothers and sisters, please understand that He who never sleeps nor slumbers cares for the happiness and ultimate exaltation of His children above all else that a divine being has to do. He is pure love, gloriously personified, and Merciful Father is His name.

'A New Normal'

President Russell M. Nelson

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

The challenge for you and me is to make certain that each of us will achieve his or her divine potential. Today we often hear about "a new normal." If you really want to embrace a new normal, I invite you to turn your heart, mind, and soul increasingly to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Let that be your new normal.

Embrace your new normal by repenting daily. Seek to be increasingly pure in thought, word, and deed. Minister to others. Keep an eternal perspective. Magnify your callings. And whatever your challenges, my dear brothers and sisters, live each day so that you are more prepared to meet your Maker.

Restoration Proclamation

P4 S1

We affirm that under the direction of the Father and the Son, heavenly messengers came to instruct Joseph and re-establish the Church of Jesus Christ.

 

Happy 47th Birthday Kim!

I love this picture. 

Kim and Brian love to serve and they are so kind and

generous with their time and resources. 

I am so grateful for a daughter who loves the Lord and

strives to keep His commandments!

Do Know You Is To Love You Kim!

Kim was going to be here on her birthday but because of health issues she was not able to be here. We miss her and wish she was here so we could celebrate with her.

Another big breakfast in the books. After breakfast Sheri and I watched "A Country Music Christmas". It's an older movie and a little more edgy but has a great message about the importance of family.

After the movie Sheri, Rowan, and Evan made a trip to the Walmart in Taylor. Kaitlyn and Adam texted from the Show Low Walmart and said it was insanely busy and many of the shelves were empty, so that's why we decided to go to Taylor.

Taylor was busy too but not quite as insane as Show Low. I got the ingredients for my Copycat Chili's Queso Dip and some batteries to replace the ones the boys used. We looked for Martinelli's because Adam asked us too but we could not find any. We went across the street to Bashas and I went in to look for bubbly. I found some and bought 4 bottles for tonight's New Year's celebration. 

Sheri and the boys got drinks and food at Sonic during Happy Hour. I had already eaten and had brought my drink with me so I didn't get anything. 

Back at home I noticed something happen between Alex and Shayna that I thought was sweet. He was teaching her how to play chess, another favorite cabin game. He was explaining moves and she was listening and asking questions. There was no arguing or contentions, just Shayna learning a new skill from someone she loves and respects. It told me a little something about their relationship. 

Sheri and I watched "The Angel Tree," starring Jill Wagner before fixing dinner. I made the queso dip and set out some chips. I cut up tomatoes and lettuce and sliced rolls while Sheri cooked some ham. This was our dinner. I got lots of compliments on the dip. We invited Kaitlyn and Adam to eat with us. Adam loved the dip, as did Ian and James. 

Sheri made a lemon pie and I bought a lime pie at Walmart so that was our dessert. 

The kids stayed up until midnight while most of the adults, Sheri and James and I at least, went to bed. James and I did a toast for the New Years, health and happiness. I walked until I got my 12,000 steps.

Marisa and her family

2020 Blanket of the Year

Wed, Dec 30, 2020: Snowflake Arizona Temple; Sheri helps with fence, light sabers, turkey dinner, Shayna, Alex do dishes, Hearts, Christmas movies, Zeno and Rowan

 

Snowflake, Arizona

108th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Mar 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Mission of

Mosiah 14:5

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

"Come Follow Me"

 DC 1:1-6, 23-24, 37-39 God speaks through His servants, and His words will be fulfilled.

OctGenCon

Enduring Power

Elder Kelly R. Johnson

Understanding what we must do to access God's power in our lives is not easy, but I have found it is doable by studying it out in our minds and praying for the Holy Ghost to enlighten us. Elder Richard G. Scott offered a clear definition of what the power of God is: it is the "power to do more than we can do by ourselves."

Filling our heart and even our soul with the word of God and the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ is crucial to drawing upon the power of God to help us in these challenging times. Without getting the word of God and faith in Jesus Christ deep into our hearts, our testimonies and faith may fail, and we may lose access to the power God wants to give us. Superficial faith is insufficient. Only faith and the word of God that fill our inner soul are sufficient to sustain us - and to allow us to access His power.

Restoration Proclamation

P3 S3

Joseph would be instrumental in its return.

I studied this week's "Come Follow Me" lesson when I got up this morning. James made potato patties for breakfast. I had one along with a croissant and some tea. 

Sheri ran in spite of it being 18 degrees outside. She then came home and made waffles for whoever wanted them.

Sheri was the one person today who offered to help her dad on the fence. He was so happy. When he came in after they worked a couple of hours he couldn't say enough good things about how quickly she caught on and how well she worked.

We cooked Sheri's turkey in the roaster oven today. We also had rolls, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, and cranberry sauce. It almost felt like Thanksgiving!

There was a big mess in the kitchen and I think Shayna noticed how tired I was. She and Alex offered to do the dishes. I was so very grateful!

James played the nightly game of Hearts so that Sheri could watch Christmas movies with me. We watched, "Christmas in Graceland," and "The Twelve Dates of Christmas."

Ian's family

Happenings during the Holidays

These guys drained me of all of my AA and AAA batteries for

their light sabers.

James is changing light bulbs, boys having a light saber match in the entry, Rowan getting some "doggie time" with Zeno, Shayna relaxing and checking out her phone. Sheri with her cozy socks and phone, watching a Hallmark movie.

Ian played this game of Hearts so Shayna could have a break. James went around and looked at everyone's hands and made little comments. He loves this game sooo much!

Alex and Shayna doing the dishes