Sunday, January 1, 2022: Up @ 5 for prayers & study, Testimony journal, Rain, F&T mtg, Sheri, Ben, Evan, Snow, "We Need a Little Christmas", Carnitas & Cookies

Barranquilla, Colombia

161st operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Dec 2018

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Jesus Christ, taking the name of

1 John 3:23

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 1:1-15

"Come Follow Me"

Review: We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning & Sunday School

Jesus's Names

TRUE VINE - John 15:1

OctGenCon

Helping The Poor And Distressed

President Dallin H. Oaks

First Counselor in the First Presidency

In 1831, less than two years after the restored Church was organized, the Lord gave this revelation to guide its members and, I believe, all of His children worldwide:

"Behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant. . . .

"Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

"For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward."

100 Favorite Verses

Alma 11:40

And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else.

Up at five o'clock for prayers and gospel study. I thought about my testimony today and remembered that somewhere I had started a testimony journal a few years ago but had failed to keep it up. I looked for it and 2019 was the last time I wrote in it. I decided that every fast Sunday I would write in it and bear my testimony even if I didn't do it in fast & testimony meeting. Here is the testimony I wrote:

It was raining when we got up today and it rained most of the day, and later in the day we even got some snow. 

Sheri, Ben, and Evan attended sacrament meeting with us. We sat back in the overflow behind Kathy Crane with her oxygen tank. I spoke with Camrie Griffin who is here visiting her family from Texas. She didn't have her twins with her. They are a year old and she doesn't want to take them out in the cold weather and risk them getting sick. Jordyn Applegate is here too and I gave her a hug. I asked her where Shelly was and she said she is home in bed. I told her that since it was New Year's day we could forgive her. Brother Thompson handed me a gift and Kerri gave me a card before the meeting started. Bishop is in the valley where one of his grandsons received the Aaronic priesthood today. 

Krewz Rohner in the front is Bishop & Alicia's grandson

Pierce conducted the meeting and so he was the first to bear his testimony. He said that one of his goals is to show more gratitude in the New Year. Sue Hubble was next. She told about her daughter who has a terminal brain tumor and how she was getting worse and worse. Sue asked her ministering brothers if she could get a blessing. Ralph Sedig is one of her ministering brothers and he couldn't come because his father, Al, is in the hospital.  Sean Hunsaker gave Sue a blessing. Sue bore her testimony that she believes in the power of prayer. She said after praying and after her blessing that her daughter began to get better and better.

Tamara Applegate was next.  She began by talking about her favorite Christmas ornament which says, "Wiseman still seek Him." She talked about the importance of knowledge and wisdom and looking forward to studying the life of the Savior in the New Testament.

By this time my heart was beating fast and I knew I needed to go up so I was next. 

James bore his testimony too. 

Here is a list of all of those who bore their testimonies:

Pierce Goodman - Be thankful and express more gratitude 

Sue Hubble - Power of prayer

Tamara Applegate - Seek wisdom

Karen Lambson - Covenants with the Lord

Chimi Tesarek

Charlotte South - Scriptures everyday

James Lambson - Resolutions have made me a better person

Owen Peeler - Mine is a life of miracles

Cope Reynolds - We love the service and friendship in this ward

Tina Allen - Home MTC is such a blessing

I was excited to see that Amber Judd was at church today. I have been praying for her. She has four sons who can pass the sacrament and we need more Aaronic priesthood young men. I didn't see Kevin so I wonder if he was there too.

Jimmie Applegate's Sunday School class was inspirational, as always. He double dawg dared us to study the gospel more this year than we did last year. I accepted his dare.

When we got back to the house Sheri had fixed breakfast and had made rolls. We were still fasting so we went into the bedroom, said a prayer and broke our fast. The first food I ate was one of the rolls that Sheri had made. I put butter and honey on it. Sheri had some pork carnitas meat. I put some on a tortilla along with the new brand of refried beans I bought and some cheese. It was delicious. James had some beans with cheese and Sheri's homemade salsa. He loves the beans. I also had some of Sheri's salsa on my burro. For dessert I had a little orange sherbet. 

Evan ventured out into the snow. He wanted to take a ride on the Razr be realized it was probably too cold. He borrowed a pair of James's new gloves. Max and Ben watched football on the T.V. most of the day. Ian read upstairs. When he came down he had his pellet gun and I told him I needed to borrow it when the cows come to visit. 

Sheri and I went into the bedroom and watched "We Need a Little Christmas." Kylee sent a doggie report. James did some indexing and I worked on my blog. I also looked at my new "Come Follow Me" study guides for 2023 and decided how I was going to use them.  

I sent out a challenge to the adults in our family to read from the Book of Mormon everyday and to study the "Come Follow Me" lessons with their families. Next I am going to send out a challenge to all of my grandchildren.

Kerri Halcomb wants to take me to lunch this week. I told her I could go on Wednesday. She will pick me up around 11:00. She has something she wants to tell me.

This afternoon Sheri made cookies and carnitas. Max asked for a quesadilla with carnita meat inside. The meat was delicious and had a smoked flavor. She said she got it at Costco. 

Sheri and I watched the Hallmark movie, "We Need a Little Christmas." I think Sheri liked it. It was one of my favorites.

James and I listened to a chapter of "The Undaunted" before going to bed.

Happy Sabbath from Charlie!

Sheri's puzzle

Sabbath with Scarlett Jane

 

 

Saturday, December 31, 2022: Happy Bday Kim! Finish BM & CFM, J indexing, FAST for Laura & James's surgery, Trezise's arrive, Wlmrt, home, Sonic with Ev, Bed before 10

 

Concepion, Chile

160th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Oct 2018

By: Russell M. Nelson

Jesus Christ, Taking the name of

1Corinthians 6:11

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

Book of Mormon

Moroni 10:8-34

Come Follow Me

Matthew 13:1-23

OctGenCon

Focus On The Temple

President Russell M. Nelson

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

It is significant that the Savior chose to appear to the people at the temple. It is HIs house. It is filled with His power. Let us never lose sight of what the Lord is doing for us now. He is making His temples more accessible. He is accelerating the pace at which we are building temples. He is increasing our ability to help gather Israel. He is also making it easier for each of us to become spiritually refined. I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can.

4:10 up for prayer and gospel study. We finished the Book of Mormon today and now we are ready to start all over again tomorrow.

I read this in "The Redemption of the Bride" today on pages 177-78:

Put on thy beautiful garments. (see Moroni 10:31) Priests in ancient temples before the veil, separating them from the Holy of Holies, would not dare to appear without holy garments. The garments set him apart as belonging to the Lord, entitled him to walk in holy places. I love this.

 James is still indexing getting as many records done as he can before the end of the year.

Happy Birthday Kim! Today is Kim's 49th birthday. Originally she was going to come up here but now she isn't coming until Monday. I guess she has been having some dizzy spells. 

James and I started our fast, tomorrow is our fast Sunday, this afternoon after lunch. Both he and Laura are having surgery next Friday and this is what we will be fasting for: the success of those surgeries.

Sheri, Ian, Ben, Max, and Evan arrived at 1:00 this afternoon. Sheri yelled in to my bedroom as she was carrying things in, 20 minutes! I knew she meant we are leaving for Walmart in twenty minutes. I was already ready. 

Walmart was extremely busy as you might expect on the afternoon of New Year's Eve. We did our shopping and then Sheri wanted to get gas and a drink at Circle K. She also got me a drink.  Thank you Sheri. 

As soon as we got home the first thing Evan asked us, did you get any Dilly bars? Sheri felt bad and as soon as we got all of our stuff put away we took Evan back into town to get something for him to eat. This time I drove my car and instead of Dairy Queen we ended up going to Sonic for cookie dough blasts , chicken strips, fries, and a root beer. 

James wanted to walk and listen to "The Undaunted so we went into the bedroom and listened to a chapter. Afterwards Sheri and I watched "A Holiday Spectacular." 

Kylee is staying at Sheri's and watching their dogs. She sent Sheri a video of the dogs looking out the window waiting for her. Then she said: "I accidentally said the word "walk" and Ziggie went crazy but Ollie wouldn't come. He's a party pooper. 

James and I were in bed before ten and I think Sheri was too. Ian and the boys stayed up and Ian had some fireworks so they celebrated the New Year.

Joe got these for his Mom

Anna and Shaun

Scarlett

Happy 49th Kim!

Friday, December 30, 2022: Up @ 5:40 pray & study, J's CT scan, Wlmrt & Clvrs, Stacy & Sophie, baking shows & puzzl, Lucy show, J fixes plug, parm crst chkn, Gonzo's leave,

 

Cedar City, Utah

159th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Dec 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Taking name of

Acts 5:41

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 9:20-10:7

Come Follow Me

What should I do when I have questions? 

Jesus's Name

ROCK - Deuteronomy 32:4

OctGenCon 

Be True To God And His Work

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

We each need a personal testimony of God's work and the seminal role of Jesus Christ. The 76th section of the Doctrine and Covenants refers to the three degrees of glory and compares the celestial glory to the sun. It then compares the terrestrial kingdom to the moon.

It is interesting that the sun has its own light, but the moon is reflected light or "borrowed light." Speaking of the terrestrial kingdom, verse 79 states, "These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus." We cannot obtain the celestial kingdom and live with God the Father on borrowed light; we need our own testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

100 Favorite Verses to Bring Me Closer to Christ

Hebrews 8:10 - Written on our Hearts

Moses was on the mount speaking to the Lord. The people could see fire and smoke which indicated the presence of the Lord yet they created a golden calf. "There was obviously some kind of disconnect between what they had heard (voice of God) and seen and what they had internalized. It would take 40 years of wandering in the wilderness to finally solidify the writing of these laws in their minds and hearts.

Like the children of Israel, many people chafe under laws they believe are confining and outmoded, simply because they fail to internalize them. Once our minds are ready and willing to receive the pleasing word of the Lord, the Holy Ghost can carry it "unto our hearts." (2 Nephi 33:1)

I got up at 5:40 this morning. It's because I have been going to bed around 10 instead of 9. 

James went to the hospital to get his CT scan this morning. It involved more than he thought it would. The technician said they could see more if he would take some liquid. The doctor didn't order the liquid but James took it anyway. He had to wait around for 2 1/2 hours after taking it. They let him go out of the hospital even though he wasn't supposed to so he went shopping at Walmart. On the way home he stopped at Culver's and got each of us a fish sandwich. His appointment was at 9 this morning and he didn't get home until around 1 p.m.

I tried to visit with Stacy while she was working on her puzzle and watching T.V. but Sophie kept barking at me. Finally Stacy put her in timeout which means she opened the door going downstairs and sat her on the step and closed the door. She only leaves her there for a few minutes but it seems to help. 

Stacy has lost 50 lbs. in the past year. She has done it by fasting until around 2-3 o'clock in the afternoon and then only eating in about a four hour span of time. She told me about it and I am going to try. I fasted until 10:30 today and that was about all I could do. I made some parmesan crusted chicken this afternoon and ate it. 

Before leaving Stacy washed the sheets and towels and put the sheets back on the bed downstairs. I appreciate that. They left around 2:00 just after James fixed the GFI breaker that was broke in the hall bathroom. Finally electricity in all of the three bathrooms. It was pretty cold in that bathroom downstairs and in ours. I was very grateful.

They each have their own doggie

 Joshua wanted to stay because Sheri, Ian and their boys are coming up tomorrow but Sheri said they had packed so much stuff that they really didn't have any room. Maybe that is why Joshua is not smiling.

James had indexed over 98,000 records and I have watched 97 Christmas movies. We are both overachievers! Ha Ha!

Memory Shayna & Sheri

Thursday, December 29, 2022: Skiff of snow & sunshine, Joshua runs, Paul works, Stacy's dwnstrs, CFM w/ Josh & Stacy, J's truck unstuck, Venison gravy again, Stacy's puzzle, town, Pickle fries, Stacy's diet

 

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Nov 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Taking the name of

2 Nephi 31:21

And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 9:1-19

"Come Follow Me"

I need to know the truth for myself. Matthew 13:1-23

Jesus's Name

FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS - Jeremiah 17:13

OctGenCon

We Can Do Hard Things Through Him

Elder Isaac K. Morrison

Of the Seventy

My wife never blamed me for not responding to her promptings, but I learned a life-changing lesson and made two rules, never to be broken:

Rule 1: Listen to and heed the promptings of your wife.

Rule 2: If you are not sure for any reason, refer to rule number 1.

A skiff of snow on the ground but there is also sunshine today. Joshua went out for a run this morning. Paul is at work and Stacy is still downstairs with the doggies.

When Stacy came up James and had scripture study and prayer with her and Joshua. We should have been doing this everyday.

In other gospel study I read from "Rescuing Wayward Children" about the principle of obedience. I listened to Elder Bednar's conference talk that was a part of the "Come Follow Me" lesson. I also read President Eyring's talk from October conference, "Legacy of Encouragement." 

I'm still watching Christmas movies, trying to reach 100 by the 31st, but Stacy isn't watching them with me and since I want to spend some time with her I'm not watching as fast as I would if she weren't here. 

Stacy was trying to finish the ice cream puzzle before she left but because she started it late she didn't quite finish. She wanted to leave it out for Sheri but I told her Sheri got a new puzzle for Christmas and I was sure she would be doing it.

James finally got his truck out of the mud today. It has been stuck for a couple of days now. He also fixed more venison gravy at Stacy's request.  

This evening while trying to fix the electrical problem James was running downstairs, and back up to our bathroom and the bathroom in the hallway all the while talking to David on the phone. It was really quite comical. He finally decided he needed to go get another tester before he could fix the problem. He asked me to go with him and I did. We listened to "The Undaunted" there and back. James went in to Home Depot and got a continuity tester and then we went to Sonic to get something to eat, including their new pickle fries. We got an order and really liked them. 

I just found out from James that Laura is having surgery on January 6th at the same hospital, same day that James is. That is quite a coincidence.

Alex & Shayna

Shayna's brother & girlfriend 

in Hawaii

Wednesday, December 28, 2022: Windy, cold, rain & sleet, Eriks family says goodbye, HD, BK closed, Sonic, "The Undaunted", SPJ La Casita, J's interview

 

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Aug 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Taking the name of

Acts 4:12

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 8:1-30

Come Follow Me

I am responsible for my own learning. 

Jesus's Names

THE WORD - John 1:1

OctGenCon

Nourishing And Bearing Your Testimony

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Your testimony is a most precious possession, often associated with deep spiritual feelings. These feelings are usually communicated quietly and described as a "still small voice." It is your belief or knowledge of truth given as a spiritual witness through the influence of the Holy Ghost. Acquiring this witness will change what you say and how you act.

It was very windy this morning when I got out of bed. I was afraid for Erik and his family out in their camp trailer. They appeared pretty steady though when I peered out the window.

Erik didn't want to hunt in the wet weather so they decided to go home. They came over to say goodbye before they left. I am so glad they did. I had been feeling like we neglected them and it was difficult when the kids came over to have to keep shushing them. We had a nice visit. I asked each one of the kids what they got for Christmas and what they liked to do. Aurora plays basketball, Mabel loves to draw, Oliver plays baseball, and Tabitha is just Tabitha, the youngest who loves attention. I really do like this sweet family.

James spent several hours working on the electrical problem. He has done everything Dave asked him to do and it is still not working. Thank goodness I know how this ends.

James has to go to town again and I make him so happy when I tell him I will go with him. After Home Depot we went to Burger King but it was closed so Sonic it is. James is really getting in to "The Undaunted" which is a story of the Saints in the late 1800's and settling southern Utah.

Stacy told me about some phobias she has working in other people's kitchen so I went in and wiped everything down and made sure all of the dishes were done. She did go in and make a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches for Joshua and Paul but for dinner they all went to La Casita and then Safeway to get more Prego sauce.

They left the dogs here and surprisingly Sophie didn't bark at me. Maybe she barks at me because she is protecting Stacy. Stacy put her in "time out" a few times. Time out is behind the downstairs door where she whines and cries.

This evening James had a ministering interview at the church with John and Curtis Wilhelm. After the interview they talked about wrestling. The Wilhelm's boys are all wrestlers and their daughter Ruthie also. 

I did my nightly ritual, watch movies, walk, and write on my blog.

Charlie has the right idea and

she's ahead of the game.

McNeil home in Show Low

Kim's gingerbread house

Who knew there were this many wires

in a simple bathroom plug

 Such a pretty girl!