Sun, Dec 26th, 2021: Cebu City, Philippines Temple,

 

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Relationships with the Father

D&C 88:75

That I may testify unto your Father, and your God, and my God, that you are clean from the blood of this wicked generation; that I may fulfil this promise, this great and last promise, which I have made unto you, when I will.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 7:20-34

"Come Follow Me"

Review "The Living Christ" and "He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world"

OctGenCon

"Trust Again"

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Trust becomes real when we do hard things with faith. Service and sacrifice increase capacity and refine hearts. Trust in God and each other brings heaven's blessings.

So tired, but I'm up around 5. It is so windy outside. I could hear the wind as I was lying in bed deciding if I was going to get up. In spite of the wind I am going to church today. 

Joshua and Rowan were both prepared to go to church with us. We sat by Catherine H. and Barbara B., the boys and James on one side and me on the other. 

Lorrain Vaught loaned me two books today. They are written by a Christian woman named Joyce Landorf. The first one is called "Balcony People." The other two books are "Silent September" and "Monday Through Saturday" both written by Joyce Landorf.

At our last Relief Society lesson Lorraine talked about "Balcony People," people who accept you and cheer you on. I told her I would be interested in reading the book, and this week she shows up with these three books, wrapped in bubble wrap. I am anxious to read the first one and see where it leads me. 

The bishopric spoke today in sacrament meeting, which was the only meeting held today. Pierce was the first speaker and we all agreed he was our favorite. Here are a few notes I took:

Christmas evokes happiness. Share happiness with others through kindness and acts of service. John . . . peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth...Moroni 10:32 - Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

Give to the lonely, worn down, and weary. True happiness comes by making others happy. Story about boys trying to break into his father's store...

Grateful for service to him after Barbara's passing.

Steve Allen - Events happening at the birth of Christ. 

Jesus saved us from spiritual death...(the electricity went off for a few minutes in the Vernon building) ... John not named after his father Zacharius. All the world was taxed. Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, their ancestral home. After 40 days Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple. Simeon and Anna both recognized Jesus as the Messiah. 

I have a firm testimony of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Hunsaker -  Schnepf Farms, What are people looking for in the Christmas season? What is the world looking for? Spend time finding the Savior. Carry the Spirit of Christ throughout our lives. "He is still found by those who seek Him." (Bishop read this from the card sent to him by the RS presidency). 

President Benson, "Thos who give of themselves, give all."

Give Him our whole heart as we willingly repent.

Fully give ourselves to the Savior.

As I was going to give Cindy Brown her Christmas gift I passed Barbara Sayer and she thanked me for the calendar we gave her. It was one of the "Lead Kindly Light" calendars. 

Brother Miller gave me back the pot I took soup to them in Tuesday evening. He said thank you, it was delicious. 

James and the boys went out to see Anthony this afternoon. While they were gone I wrapped Pam's puzzle and calendar and re-wrapped Candace's calendar that got a little roughed up riding to the valley and back. 

James and I left around 4 p.m. to make some deliveries. First we went to the DeWitt's, then to Pam's, and then Tanna's. Collin thanked me for the calendar with pictures of the Savior each month. Pam was so excited. First, she said the packages were too beautiful to open. Then she said she loved puzzles and trailers, and the calendar was beautiful! It's so fun to give to people who are appreciative. Tanna sent a picture of Bradley with the blanket we gave him, a Spiderman blanket. She thanked me for the calendar because she said she needed one. 

For dinner this evening James made ham sandwiches and I made spaghetti for Joshua and Rowan. Stacy sent the spaghetti ingredients up with us along with three frozen pizzas, soup, and snacks. 

I watched a Christmas movie with James and then we started a new book, "An Accidental Romance." We had prayers with the boys.

Charlie has earrings!

Ben

Sheep feet courtesy of Pam

Sat, Dec 25th, 2021: Gila Valley, Arizona Temple: Merry Christmas! Breakfast at Sheri's, Pack, Checkout, Trip to Vernon w/ Joshua & Rowan,

Gila Valley, Arizona

132nd operating temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Relationships with the Father

D&C 76:107

When he shall deliver up the kingdom, and present it unto the Father, spotless, saying: I have overcome and have trodden the wine-press alone, even the win-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 6:1-7:19

"Come Follow Me"

He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world

OctGenCon

"The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation"

President Russell M. Nelson

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

The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ.

His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. Then, as we keep our covenants, He endows us with His healing strengthening power. And oh, how we will need His power in the days ahead.

Merry Christmas!

There was fog this morning, but no rain. We arrived at Sheri's a little after 8. Everyone else is coming at 9. Sheri says that next year it is going to be 10. We had the venison gravy and biscuits ready by 9. Sheri's family got to eat first in the quiet before the chaos.

Here menu items this morning: Huge cinnamon rolls from The Great Gatsby Bakery. Orange juice. A breakfast casserole made by Brian which included bacon, sausage, cheese, eggs, and potatoes. Delicious!

Sheri had a great Christmas as far as gifts are concerned. Ian got her a piano and Alex and Shayna got her a telescope. She loves to look at the stars. 

Addy got a pogo stick. The family got a 70 inch TV, a ping pong table, and a basketball standard. Ruby got rollerblades.

Paul came over when he arrived and gave me a hug and said Merry Christmas. That meant a lot to me. Stacy didn't come because she is still not feeling well. Joshua got a guitar and he brought it with him. 

Kim and Brian gave everyone their "white envelopes". Instead of buying gifts they do a service in every families name. What a great way to celebrate Christmas. This was our letter in the white envelope:

Merry Christmas! Money was donated in your name to the "Midwest Food Bank" tender mercies program. It helps feed the hungry, nutritiously, internationally.

Brian also volunteered to work at "Feed My Starving Children" and donated funds to help feed children around the world.

Love, Kim and Brian

I got several thanks yous for the blankets we gave. Trina texted thank yous for her family and Addy and Ruby texted me individually. Evan wrote Thank you for the blanket, I love it, in the Christmas card his family gave us. Stacy also thanked me. Sheri couldn't because I left her blanket at home. She will have to open it when she comes up on Monday. 

Other gifts we received besides the ones yesterday I mentioned from Lois and Dawn: $50 gift cards to Cheesecake Factory, and $50 to Olive Garden. $200 for my horse fund. A mixing bowl and kids sized rolling pen, etc. to make cookies with Charlie. Cellos chocolates. Charlie's picture book for 2021. A calendar from Tamara, "The Last Straw" story from Kerri, and a candle and goodies from Maxine. We also got a turkey from the DeWitt's and cinnamon bread from the Crane's. James and I did not exchange gifts this year. Yes, we still love each other, we are just trying to save some money. He told me I could order my purple scriptures but I told him we did not have the money right now. Maybe later.

We went back to our hotel room and checked out before noon. We picked up Joshua and Rowan and headed for home the Globe way because Darrel said there was snow on the Rim. 

The boys are happy to be here at the cabin. It's a tradition for Joshua and his family to

come up on Christmas day. They are good company for each other and spend most of their time upstairs. 

I watched part of the Cardinals football game until they started making mistakes that put them behind. The Colts won 22-16.

We had family prayer with the boys before going to bed. I told them to go to bed by midnight.

The calender I got for Ruby. I told her about Sheri writing on a 

calendar to keep a journal.

The Applegates. All together before Ty leaves

on his mission.

Merry Christmas from the Nelsons!

Pinetop tree

Sheri, as Alex looks on, opening her letter from him and Shayna

explaining that her telescope will be here on Tuesday.

Brian showing off some of his gifts. I thought they were from our family Christmas party but they were not. He went home with the

coveted nesting bowls on that night.

Evan at Nana and Papa's house riding on the hover board

they got him.

Monte took his family to the Cardinals game

Camrie and Darren's twins

The Griffin's

Joshua and photobomber Lola

To Darrel from Addy