Sunday, December 11, 2022: Corbridge & Rasband talks, J's knee, Churh overflow, Gassaways speak, Kacey's Church visitor, Our visitors,Collin's walker, "The Gift of Peace"

 

Calgary, Alberta

140th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Oct 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Son of man

John 6:53

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

Book of Mormon

Ether 8:18-26

"Come Follow Me"

Follow Him with Anthony Sweat

Names of Christ

The Almighty, Job 32:8

Seeking Jesus

#6 Isaiah Testifies of Christ

OctGenCon

"In Partnership With The Lord"

Elder Ulisses Soares

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

In the Lord's plan, a "help meet" was a companion who would walk shoulder to shoulder with Adam in full partnership. In fact, Eve was a heavenly blessing in Adam's life. Through her divine nature and spiritual attributes, she inspired Adam to work in partnership with her to achieve God's plan of happiness for all mankind.

I really slept in this morning and didn't get up until 7:30. I had time for prayer and then it was time to get ready for church. 

James says his knee is killing him this morning. I told him it was because he did too much walking yesterday. In order to make it to his meetings today he had to bring the walker. Because he had the walker he wanted to sit in the back, and I mean way in the back, in the overflow. The missionaries were right in front of us and the Hipps's were behind us. I talked to Sister Hipps after sacrament meeting and she said her daughter told her about seeing us and the Smith's at the Gilbert temple. She said it was a Vernon reunion.

The Gassaway's had double duty this weekend. Not only were they in charge of the Christmas party last night but they spoke in sacrament meeting today. Ayesha was first.

Ayesha Gassaway - Sold home in valley and moved to Springvale, Utah to be near their children. They wondered where they were supposed to be long term and chose Vernon. Brother Gassaway lost his hearing in February. Ayesha said she has been thinking a lot about stars lately. "The wisemen followed the Star to Jesus. The Holy Ghost is our Star leading us to Jesus Christ." Rely on the promptings of the Holy Ghost. We have everything we need. Desire the Holy Ghost. Invite Him to be with us. Heed quickly. Increase your spiritual capacity to receive the Holy Ghost and personal revelation. Seek His Spirit everyday by doing the 'small and simple things.'

"Away in a Manger"

Michael Gassaway - 1 Nephi 8 Lehi's Dream. Revelation requires that we take action. Elder Bednar, "But We Heeded Them Not" April 2022. The Gassaway family decided they needed to change some of their Christmas traditions to more completely worship and follow the Savior. The innkeeper had no room for the Savior because they were celebrating the passover. There was no room for Jesus at His own party. Do we have room for Jesus in our lives?

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing"

The prayers were given by Elder Piper and Elder Price.

Wendy DeWitt gave the lesson in Relief Society today. The stake Relief Society presidency were visitors in our meeting. The lesson was taken from Elder Rasband's talk, This Day, about the Book of Mormon. Wendy shared the story of Collin's mission in Mexico and how because of one man, Juan Ramirez, who wanted a Book of Mormon, and how when people would come into his store he would tell them to listen to the missionaries. They taught hundreds of people and baptized up to 500 a month. It was amazing. Several people shared stories about how the Book of Mormon has affected their lives, including me. It was a great lesson and experience to be in that room. I wonder what the Stake RS presidency thought. 

James was waiting for me in the car when I went outside. He was ready to go home. His knee was hurting him. When we got home I fixed some lunch. After eating James went into the bedroom to lie down on the bed. He went asleep in a short amount of time.

Kacey sent pictures of Charlie today as she normally does on Sunday. Scarlett was visiting so she was in the pictures also. The next pictures she sent were of the young women in their ward and their leaders, along with Sister Becky Craven from the General Young Women's Presidency. Sister Craven showed up in their ward unannounced and joined them for Young Women's. She was in the Dallas area but there is a Christmas light park in the Longview area that some family friends invited her to a couple of years ago. They decided to go check it out this weekend since they had no assignment. She shared her testimony in sacrament meeting and also with the YW during their lesson. When church was over she had a brief, informal mini meeting with Kacey and her presidency. So awesome! Jared said it was like having a celebrity in church.

 

Saturday, December 10, 2022: James's foot, start rolls, Goodbye to boys, Nap, Rolls look beautiful, Ward Party, Wasted trip to town, Walk

Brigham City, Utah

139th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Sept 2012

By: Boyd K. Packer

Jesus Christ, Son of man

John 6:27

Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Book of Mormon

Ether 8:1-17

Come Follow Me

Zechariah 13-14

Names of Christ

Head of The Church

OctGenCon

Be Perfected In Him

Elder Paul V. Johnson

Of the Presidency of the Seventy

Aaron being saved by his brother's blood has spurred many thoughts about the atoning blood of Jesus Christ and the effect of His Atonement on us. I would like to focus today on the permanent, life-giving change that occurs as we allow the Lord to work miracles in us.

I got up at 5 but went back to bed for a quick nap. James is miserable because of his knee. He says he wants to go to the E.R. and wants me to go with him. I ask him to wait until after the boys leave. They don't leave until almost noon. We took some pictures and said our goodbyes and gave some hugs. Afterwards we went in to take a nap.

I sure do love these guys!

I woke up from my nap and went in to check on the rolls. They were ready to bake, nice and plump. I think they turned out beautiful.

These rolls are for the ward party

When the rolls were finished it was time to get ready for the ward party. It starts at 5:30 and I wanted to have my rolls there a little early. James found his knee brace to wear to the ward party. He is feeling so much better because he took some aspirin. When we arrived I left my rolls in the kitchen and Natalie Robles said, "Those look and smell delicious! Most of the rolls looked like they were bought at the store. 

The cultural hall was filled with tables, most of them were the long ones. What round tables there were were already filled with people. I picked a spot and sat down. I think James went to have a ministering interview with Collin DeWitt. He finally came in and sat by me. Becky Skousen and her husband Chris were on the other side. Greg and Kim Anderson were across the table along with Bonnie Holland and her boyfriend. On the other side of James were the Ulmer's, Winna, her husband and their five year old great grandson whom they are raising, Densen. 

Brother Gassaway welcomed us and thanked everyone who helped prepare for this night. Collin DeWitt gave the opening prayer and blessing on the food. He prayed for Kathy Crane who is in the hospital with pneumonia. I was surprised to hear that because James said she had the flu. We all lined up in the hallway in the food line. This is the biggest turnout for a ward party that I have ever seen. They set up two hundred chairs and most all of them were filled. We had ham with cherry sauce, scalloped potatoes, green beans, and rolls and lots of desserts on the dessert table. There wasn't much room to walk around between the tables so it was hard to go around and visit with people. 

The Primary children sang a few songs and then the bishop invited them to sit on the floor and listen to him tell the first story of Christmas. Next he began telling "The Night Before Christmas" and when it talked about Santa appearing, he walked in the door along with Mrs. Santa. Rogers and Lynn Wallace, new to our ward, were Mr. and Mrs. Santa. There was a manger near where the bishop was sitting with the baby Jesus in it. Santa worshipped the baby Jesus and the bishop talked about gifts from Jesus. It was a sweet program. The last thing that happened was the children were invited to get in line and take turns visiting with Santa.

James had another ministering interview and I helped put up chairs and tables in the Relief Society room before we left. 

When we got home I realized I was out of one of my blood pressure meds. Thinking that Walmart's pharmacy was open until nine, which it is on weekdays James and I made a quick trip to town. James went in to get my meds and was back in less than five minutes. At first I thought he got my medicine and was happy. Then I looked at him as he said, "They close at six on Saturday." Darn! I felt like a fool. A wasted trip but I rather enjoyed it as we listened to our book and it was rather cozy.

We both had to walk this evening to reach our goal. I told James he shouldn't be walking on his knee but he didn't listen to me.

Snowflake lost 28-14

Thursday, December 8, 2022: Stacy's surgery, James's concrete pour, the boys come, Tree lights giving me grief, Turkey tacos, Elders Piper & Price,

 

Kansas City, Missouri

137th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 May 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Son of man

John 3:14

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

Book of Mormon

Ether 6:12-30

"Come Follow Me"

Zechariah 9:9-11; 11:12-13; 12:10; 13:6-7; 14:1-9 Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah. Zechariah 9-10.

Names of Christ

King of Kings

OctGenCon

Follow Jesus Christ With Footsteps Of Faith

President M. Russell Ballard

Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

As I think about pioneers who have prepared the way for others, I first think of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph was a pioneer because his footsteps of faith led him to a grove of trees, where he knelt in prayer and opened the way for us to have the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Joseph's faith to "ask of God" on that spring morning in 1820 opened the way for the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which included prophets and apostles called to serve on earth once again. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. I know his faith-filled footsteps led him to kneel in the presence of God the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

James left early this morning for his concrete pour at Barbara Bartels. He has a few things he needs to get done before the concrete arrives. Even though the weather was cold, 18 degrees this morning, it didn't get up to freezing until about 9:30, this turned out to be a good day to have this pour. Our bishop, Kip Hunsaker suggested they pour this day. This was the only day he and Sean could help. It worked out perfectly. 

I told James I didn't think the concrete looked smooth.

He assured me they worked on it another two hours to

get that smooth finish. Also, he reminded me that this is a

pad for a manufactured home and it will not be seen.

 Stacy had reconstructive surgery on her foot today, the same one she broke the night before Thanksgiving. She has had this surgery before but her doctor says that whoever did it did not do a good job. Both of her feet need to be redone. Paul says she came through the surgery but she is in a lot of pain. He will be taking her home this evening and caring for her.

I made two dozen turkey tacos today and put them in the frig. They are good heated up and it's nice to have them on hand for a quick bite or for a sit down meal.

My goal this afternoon was to finish the lights on our tree. I plugged in the 500 reel of warm white Christmas lights I bought and they are not the right color. I was upset and decided instead of going to the store tomorrow I needed to go today. I left about 3:30. Michael had texted me and said they were in Show Low. I texted him and told him I might not be here when they arrive but I left the front door open for them. I told him there were three rooms upstairs ready for company and the one in the basement was also ready. He thanked me.

When I arrived back home from my shopping trip Michael and Joe were gone with James over to Barbara's to put blankets back on the concrete. James wants to keep these blankets on for several days to protect the concrete from cracking, which of course, weakens it.

James hurt his knee this morning working on the concrete pour. He said he was kneeling and when he got up his knee popped several times. It seems like he just gets over one injury when another occurs. Maybe it is his body telling him to slow down, I'm not 40 years old anymore.

After putting the groceries away, yes I bought groceries along with new lights at Walmart, I made James and I ham and cheese croissants for dinner. They boys ate at Pizza Factory in Show Low. They actually just got here a few minutes before I did. Dallin was upstairs resting but he came down later when the missionaries came by.

Elder Price and Elder Piper, the missionaries assigned to our ward, came by for a visit this evening. We knew they were supposed to come but James had told them to call first. Elder McCoy made the appointment and he didn't relay the message to him. Elder McCoy has to go home because of a concussion he received while playing basketball. Elder Price was called to Vernon to take his place.

We had a nice visit with the elders and they told us they were teaching Jasmine Lamb's youngest boy. They invited them to the ward party and they want us to invite them to church on Sunday. Elder Price shared Helaman 5:12 and told what it meant to him in his life.

I visited with Joe and Michael about their jobs this evening. Michael is the operational manager for a C.A.R.D facility in Chandler. CARD stands for Center for Autism and Related Disorders. I asked him if he liked his job and he said, "I have learned organizational skills that have served me well, but I don't want to be a manager for the rest of my life. This is a huge nationwide company and I could probably work myself up to a six figure income. I want to get my psychology degree."

Joe told me about working at the same apartment complex in north Scottsdale that Alex works at. Alex parks cars for the rich people and Joe works inside at the desk. Joe is fun to talk to and has quite a sense of humor. Both boys are easy to talk to and Michael is so willing to do service. Actually so is Joe.

In spite of hurting his knee James still wanted to walk to get additional steps this evening so we listened to "Healing Hazel." The problem with Hazel is she wants to be a nurse but she had anxiety attacks that kept her from finishing nursing school. 

 

 

 

Wednesday, December 7, 2022: Paul's Bday, Clnd upstrs & dwnstrs, Boys coming tomorrow, Christmas movies, Curtis's gift, concrete blnkts, Amer. Const. 101

 

Quetzeltenango, Guatemala

136th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Dec 2011

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Son of man

John 12:34

The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

Book of Mormon

Ether 5:1-6:11

"Come Follow Me"

Zechariah 1-3; 7-8; 14 The Lord can make me holy. Zech 7-8.

OctGenCon

What Is True?

President Russell M. Nelson

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

For decades now, the Church has taken extensive measures to protect - in particular - children from abuse. There are many aids on the Church website. I invite you to study them. These guidelines are in place to protect the innocent. I urge each of us to be alert to anyone who might be in danger of being abused and to act promptly to protect them. The Savior will not tolerate abuse, and as HIs disciples, neither can we.

  

Tuesday, December 6, 2022: Gilbert temple w/Stacy & Sheri, Folz's, Smith's, Bogle's, Cafe Rio, Deseret Bk, CVS, Sonic, Vernon, Luna, Walk

 

San Salvador, El Salvador

135th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2011

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Son of man

John 8:28

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

Book of Mormon

Ether 4:1-19

"Come Follow Me"

Haggai 1; 2:1-9 "Consider Your Ways" Zechariah 1-3.

Names of Christ

Holy One of Israel - Isaiah 5:19

OctGenCon

This Day

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"The truths of the Book of Mormon," President Nelson has said, "have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls." I have watched as these copies of the Book of Mormon has been clutched in the hands of those who have received them from our prophet of God. There could be no greater gift.

We left for the Gilbert temple from Darrel & Trina's around 9 a.m. 

I thought it would take us at least 20 minutes but it only took ten so we were early. We finished up our scriptures and listened to a conference talk while waiting in our car. We started for the door around 9:30. The first person we saw while waiting in the foyer was Wes Smith from our ward in Vernon. He and his wife Teresa come down to Apache Junction in the winter. He said Teresa was already inside. Stacy came in as we were talking to Wes so we introduced them.  We waited for Sheri and I texted her. She said to go ahead and go in the dressing room and she would meet us there and get her name from me. She got her name, went through the new name booth and went up to the waiting area. I waited for Stacy. Stacy and I rode the elevator up. The session was about two thirds full. Kelsey Folz and her husband were the witness couple. Kelsey visits in Vernon quite often and eventually they want to move up. Her mother Kristine Hipps, is in our ward.

James and I were in the prayer roll. I knew he would want to be, he almost always does. The young man who was the officiator of the session looked like he was maybe 20 or 21. He did a great job. 

Sheri told me she was going to hurry back to work so I didn't even get to talk to her at all. I saw Teresa Smith in the celestial room. Stacy and I sat and talked for awhile until James came in and we all three left to go back to the locker rooms. As I was leaving the locker room I saw Betty Bogle and her daughter Elise who is visiting from North Carolina. We visited a few minutes and then I left to go to the foyer. James was there. I sat down and we waited for Stacy. I texted her and she was already outside. I guess my trip to the bathroom took longer than I thought. We talked a few minutes outside and she gave me back my slippers and my dress, which was way too big for her. She ended up renting one. We gave Stacy a hug and wished her well with her foot surgery on Thursday. 

It was almost noon by the time we left the temple. Where to eat?  James wanted to wait until Globe and go to the bistro where he ate with Owen Peeler a few weeks ago. I didn't want to wait that long. I suggested Cafe Rio and he agreed. I love their sweet pork tacos. He got a beef taco and we both got a side of refried beans and a drink. We saw four sisters who were in our temple session there and I said hello to them. James got a phone call so he went outside. I told him I was going to Deseret Book because I wanted to look at the calendars. I got one with Simon Dewey paintings. I also got the following:

We left Deseret Book and headed back to Eastmark to Darrel and Trina's. Ruby was the only one home. She had the door locked and was watching TV so she didn't hear us knock on the door. Luckily I knew the code for the garage door so James opened it and we went in. We went upstairs, changed our clothes, gathered up our things, said goodbye to and hugged Ruby and we were on our way. 

These two days were some of the best days we have had for quite awhile. We visited with James's mom and Dawn, shopped at Costco with our rewards check, saw the temple lights and international nativities, and attended the Gilbert temple with two of our daughters. Ate at one of my favorite places to eat and shopped at Deseret Book. The weather was perfect. Everything about this trip was wonderful.

The main priority for James when we got home was to feed Luna. She was waiting for him. After putting everything away I walked until I got 10,000 steps. James and I listened to "Healing Hazel" while we walked. 

Gilbert, Arizona temple

Yosemite in the winter

Shaun & Anna

I love this mountain!

This one is for the clouds

Courtney and some of her Christmas cakes