Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Thursday, December 14th, 2017

Brigham City, Utah
139th operating temple
Dedicated: 23 Sept 2012
By: Boyd K. Packer

Jesus Christ Atonement through
1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Book of Mormon
Ether 10:1-16
Ether 10:5-7 describes the reign of King Riplakish. His wicked reign and his fall were very similar to the reign and fall of wicked King Noah(see Mosiah 11).
*How can we ease others burdens and build them up?
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 29:6
And, as it is written - Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive. 
General Conference
The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It?
President Russell M. Nelson
"The Book of Mormon provides the fullest and most authoritative understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be found anywhere. It teaches what it really means to be born again. From the Book of Mormon we learn about the gathering of scattered Israel. We know why we are here on earth. These and other truths are more powerfully and persuasively taught in the Book of Mormon than in any other book. The full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is contained in the Book of Mormon."



Well, I am sick again. I basically stayed on the couch most of the day except for when I made egg salad sandwiches for James for lunch. 

I am keeping alive by eating Rosa's tamales and Kathy's cinnamon bread. Kaeli and Natalie also brought me cookies and Rice Crispy treats. 

Today is the first day of the new Star Wars movie, "The Last Jedi." I guess it's a good thing that I am not a Star Wars fan because I will not be going. 

This is the Star Wars I remember.

James did some decorating this evening. He brought out his favorite Christmas decoration, our nativity. He also worked on my favorite decoration, the tree.




James also finished the fire pit and patio today:











Wednesday, December 13th, 2017

Manaus, Brazil
138th operating temple
Dedicated: 10 June 2012
By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through
Hebrews 9:28
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Book of Mormon
Ether 9:23-35
Why must we first be humble before the Lord hears our cries?
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 29:1-2
1 Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins;
2 Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer.
General Conference
The Heart of the Widow
Elder O. Vincent Haleck
"A man can live in the dark for a period, but there will come a time when he will long to come into the light."



This morning's sunrise

I had lunch with my friend Pam at the hospital today. She works at the hospital and today was the holiday feast. The food is free and everyone who works at the hospital can bring a guest. We were at the beginning of the line and I am glad we were. When we left it looked like all of Show Low was lined up for freed food. 

There were three main dishes, stuffed chicken, prime rib, and butternut ravioli. I had the ravioli and Pam had the prime rib. The food was delicious and the company was great. 

After lunch Pam walked out to the car with me and I gave her her Christmas gift. A pair of mittens with a quote from President Monson about being "His hands," and a blanket. 

As I was thinking about some of my favorite things about Christmas here is what I came up with. My favorite song is "O Holy Night."  Favorite holiday movie, "Elf."  One of my favorite Christmas memories is having the Tinsel Tour at our house and James nailing up the last piece of crown molding just at our first guest arrived. 

Another favorite memory is Darrel reading "The Little Fir Tree" at one of our adult parties and tears coming to his eyes. He really does have a tender heart. 

Christmas movies for today: "Wrapped Up in Christmas," starring Kim Fields, and Tatiyana Ali.

Light the World:
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
This is called the Golden Rule, and if everyone followed it, the world would be a better place.

Ways You Can Show Kindness toward Others

Have you seen someone get bullied on social media?

Reach out to the person today and send some positive vibes his or her direction.

What's something that could really brighten your day?

Do that for someone else.


Today is Carmen's birthday. 
Someone made her this cake.
Happy Birthday Carmen.

Loveable Lovebirds

Why do they get our hopes up?

This is the scene I want.







Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Tuesday, December 12th, 2017

Kansas City, Missouri
137th operating temple
Dedicated: 6 May 2012
By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through
Hebrews 7:27
Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
Book of Mormon
Ether 9:1-22
How can we choose to possess our lands unto the Lord?
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 27:16-18
16 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;
17 Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;
18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen.
General Conference
By Divine Design
Elder Ronald A. Rasband
"Each of us is precious and loved by the Lord, who cares, who whispers, and who watches over us in ways unique to each of us. He is infinitely wiser and more powerful than mortal men and women. He knows our challenges, our triumphs, and the righteous desires of our hearts."



Stinkin' tree lights!  We had to go back to town again today to get more lights for the tree. James comes too. He heads for Home Deport and Firehouse Subs while I go to Walmart. I mail Michael's birthday card and $20 to Kim to buy a little boy some Hotwheel cars for Christmas. 

James found some lights and when we get back home he went outside to work. I don't think this was a good idea because he had a big coughing spell right at bed time. 

While I am watching the movie, "Christmas Princess," a true story about a girl who becomes one of the princesses in the Rose Bowl Parade, he puts the new lights on the tree.  Now I can decorate it tomorrow.  

We found out today that our temple substitutes for last Saturday, Ruth and Mel Wilhelm did not make it to the temple because their car broke down in Taylor.

I missed the ward Relief Society party this evening. I didn't really feel like going. I still have the blahs.

Today's movies: "A Golden Christmas," "Falling for Christmas," and of course "Christmas Princess" which I already mentioned.

I put this message on Facebook regarding this years Christmas presents: This year for Christmas each of you will receive a blanket from us. Dad/Grandpa even went Christmas shopping with me this year. To me a blanket symbolizes our love for each of you. It evokes images of sitting in front of a fire wrapped in a warm blanket and reading a good book or watching a Christmas movies with someone you love. As you are wrapped in the warmth of your blanket, think of Dad and I and the love we feel for each one of you. Think of the Savior and being wrapped in the arms of His love. We love you all so very much and wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Instead of buying gifts for us, do a service or something kind for someone else!

I didn't tell them that blankets were all I could afford because dad spent all of our Christmas money on our new patio and fire pit.



If James would let me get a dog, I would get
one that looks something like this.

Nice castle and moon.

Max, enjoying Cross Country.

Case's at the North Pole

The Whalen family

Monday, December 11th, 2017

Quetzeltenango, Guatemala
136th operating temple
Dedicated: 11 Dec 2011
By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through
Hebrews 5:9
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Book of Mormon
Ether 8:18-26
*What warning did Moroni issue to the people of our day, and what are the consequences of heeding or ignoring that warning?
The Prophet Joseph Smith declared: "The devil has no power over us only as we permit him; the moment we revolt at anything which comes from God, the devil takes power."
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 27:2
For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory - remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins.
General Conference
Repentance Is Always Positive
Stephen W. Owens
"We can try to change our behavior on our own, but only the Savior can remove our stains and lift our burdens, enabling us to pursue the path of obedience with confidence and strength."

The Eternal Everyday
Elder Quentin L. Cook
"Alma asked a question in his day that is pertinent today:'If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?'
Alma continued, 'Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time,...that ye have been sufficiently humble?'
Every time I read about Alma the younger relinquishing his role as head of state to preach the word of God, I am impressed. Alma clearly had a profound testimony of God the Father and Jesus Christ and felt accountable to Them completely and without reservation. He had the correct priorities and humility to give up status and position because he realized that serving the Lord was more important."



James made an appointment with Dr. Moffat this morning and talked me into going to town with him. While he was at the doctors, I did some shopping at Walmart. I had lunch at the McDonald's inside of Walmart after I was done shopping. James had to take 3 prescripttions to CVS and while we were waiting for them to be filled he had lunch at Arby's. 

It was 50 degrees and sunny today. We are praying for snow. On the trip home we read from "A Touch of Scarlett." 

When we got home we too naps. I then turned on a Christmas movie while I worked on my blog. These are the movies I watched today: "Christmas in Vermont," "A Prince for Christmas," "Christmas in Mississippi," and "Maggie's Christmas Miracle."
The last one was the best. I am going to save it to watch when Sheri and Kim come up.

For F.H.E. we listened to Elder Cook's conference address, "The Eternal Everyday."

I am still feeling pretty lousy and so is James.


James bringing me Pero and turning on the fan.
We are watching a movie together.
This is almost a nightly occurrence for him.









Sunday, December 10th, 2017

San Salvador, El Salvador
135th operating temple
Dedicated: 21 Aug 2011
By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ Atonement through
Hebrews 2:9
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Book of Mormon
Ether 8:1-17
How can I better listen to and obey the words of the prophets?
I can listen to their words by reading their conference talks everyday, every month from the last general conference. As I read I can take them to heart and incorporate them into my life.
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 25:12
For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.
General Conference
Be Ye Therefore Perfect-Eventually
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
"We may not be able to demonstrate yet the 10,000-talent perfection the Father and the Son have achieved, but it is not too much for Them to ask us to be a little more godlike in little things, that we speak and act, love and forgive, repent and improve at least the 100-pence level of perfection, which it is clearly within our ability to do so."

Spiritual Eclipse
Elder Gary E. Stevens
"A gospel perspective expands our sight to an eternal view. When you put on gospel glasses, you find enhanced perspective, focus, and vision in the way you think about your priorities, your problems, your temptations, and even your mistakes. You will see brighter light that you could not see without them."



I left for the Show Low stake center where our multi-stake conference is being held, a little after 8 this morning. I arrived at 9 with the conference starting at 10. The chapel was mostly filled with any empty seats being saved. I did manage to squeeze in the back row, right in the middle next to the Goodman family. The mom, Sheila is Mary Lou DeWitt's daughter. Mary Lou was in my ward when I was growing up and I had her for a young women's advisor. She is an amazing woman and her daughter Sheila was for friendly and kind.  Harry Hall and his wife sat in front of me. I went to high school with Harry's brother and James used to work for him when he was in the valley. He was over upkeep, etc., on the churches in the east valley and hired James for several jobs.

James stayed at the Vernon building to watch the broadcast because he is still feeling quite poorly. 

The reason I went to the Show Low stake center is because when I spoke on the phone with Elder Heyman last week he said he would like to shake my hand and James's. James missed some incredible priesthood training yesterday because of his sickness. 

Sheila is the Show Low stake primary president and got to have dinner last night with the visiting authorities. Elder Bednar sat at her table.  He said that never again, in our lifetime, would there be an apostle and two seventies come to a conference. The Church is just too big.

I saw Jim Brookbank counting heads. His sister was my best friend in high school. The prelude music has been playing for sometime but people are still very noisy. Around 9:50 it got very quiet and everyone stood as President Williams, Elder Bednar, Elder Cornish, Elder Heyman, and President Shumway walked in. 

The meeting went something like this: 
Elder Heyman, Area Authority Seventy:
"Relax, and let the goodness flow. No great announcements will be made today as you might have anticipated with 3 visiting authorities. I would like to speak about the grandeur of our Savior Jesus Christ. In 1 Nephi 11 the Savior asks Nephi:
'Knowest thou the condescension of God?'
How long has Jesus Christ learned from Elohim? The Savior is prepared for any situation that arises.
Elder Heyman told the story of when President Jones sent him to Sister Richardson's home to give her a temple recommend interview. He did not have an appointment and she was slow in opening the door. He was just about to leave when the door opened and she said: 'President Heyman, I am sorry to keep you waiting. I was praying that a member of the stake presidency would come to my home and give me a temple recommend interview.' 
Elder Heyman then said: "We all have the opportunity to be the answer to someone's prayer." This is called the ascension of man through service. He then bore his testimony and said: "I know b a confirmation of the Spirit that the Atonement is real."

President Shumway, Stake President of the White Mountain stake
"By the Spirit all things are made know to His prophets. What is Spiritual Settledness: 1.) Know the will of God and follow it. 2.) Understand our Covenants. God keeps His promises to those who keep their covenants. 3.) All things will be made fair through Jesus Christ.

President Williams, Stake President of the Show Low stake
One of his older children to one of his younger children: "Mom's always nicer after she goes to the temple."  We must not only attend the temple, but we must take what we learn into our homes.
"The test of life is to hear the voice of the Spirit and follow it."
Story of being prompted to visit the Cibecue branch. He waited awhile and when he went he took his nine year old son with him. His son didn't want to go to Primary by himself so President Williams went with him. After Primary the sister in charge ask to speak to President Williams. She told him that the children had been praying to have him come and visit and that he was an answer to their prayers.
"We need to act on promptings when we receive them. (See 3 Nephi 11). "Our invitation today is to align our lives so that we hear Him!

Testimonies - Madison, John, Riley, and Ryan, two Laurels and two Priests were asked to come up and bear their testimonies. For not knowing about this they all did an outstanding job!

Elder J. Devn Cornish of the Seventy
"Jesus acted out principles. After John's beheading the apostles gather and depart with Jesus across Galilee. Feeding the 5,000 men plus women and children, was a parable about sins, not hunger.  God is always there for us.. On the altar we bring our broken hearts and contrite spirits. They did all eat and were filled as we partake of His Sacrament. Other miracles: John 2 Where Jesus turned water into wine. What's the message? (I think it applies to our lives. Jesus can take ordinary people and make them extraordinary). In John 21 Peter and other fishermen were not catching any fish. The Savior told them to cast on the other side. They cast on the other side and caught 152 fish. Did the Savior miscalculate? These parables are about sin, repentance, mercy and forgiveness. He is anxious to cleanse us and bring us home. God help us to trust the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ."

Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
"This weekend, for me, is an early Christmas vacation. Priesthood leaders from seven stakes gathered yesterday for training. This is rest and relaxation for me compared to being in meetings in Salt Lake City. 
The gospel should be a constant topic of conversation in our homes."
Elder Bednar asked us to get out our scriptures and turn to JS-H 1:27-43. Verse 33 says the Lord called Joseph Smith by name. Elder Bednar pointed out that the Lord knows each of us by name. 
1st visit of Moroni 27-43.  2nd visit verses 44-45. Coming judgments were added. 3rd visit, verse 46 - included a personal warning to Joseph. Repeated messages are critical!  vs. 49th - 4th visit. In verse 50 Joseph says, "I obeyed." 
Please be careful when you have heard and think you don't need to hear again. Repetitions are necessary. Dialogue is usually better than monologue. Ask inspired questions. We must have eyes to see, and ears to hear. 
Elder Bednar is concerned about our prosperity. We need the power, protection and joy of the gospel. 
We must "Always remember Him, and invite the Spirit." 
We need to depend on, rely on, and follow Him. Exercise faith in Him. 2 Nephi 31.
See the connectedness of the gospel. We need to be spiritually settled. 
"Words just don't get it done, but it's all I've got."
"I witness that He lives and knows you by name. Jesus Christ is resurrected and alive. He directs the affairs of this Church. The Restoration continues.
We must have eyes to see, and ears to hear. What you have heard many times, you will hear more."

Jared, Kacey, and Summer drove to Longview, Texas for Scarlett Jane's blessing today. Here are some photos:

Autumn, Scarlett, and Palmer

Summer, Palmer, Autumn, Scarlett
Kacey, Jared, Tanner

Pround Papa Palmer and the Priesthood

The little angel, Scarlett Jane

Kim's gingerbread house
It looks a little like the cabin!






Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Saturday, December 9th, 2017

Kyiv, Ukraine
134th operating temple
Dedicated: 29 Aug 2010
By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through
Philipians 2:8
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Book of Mormon
Ether 7:1-27
How can I better listen to and obey the words of the prophets?
By reading conference talks and taking them seriously, trying to do the things I am asked to do.
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 20:37
And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism - All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.
General Conference
Be Ye Therefore Perfect-Eventually
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
"We may not be able to demonstrate yet the 10,000-talent perfection the Father and the Son have achieved, but it is not too much for Them to ask us to be a little more godlike in little things, that we speak and act, love and forgive, repent and improve at least the 100-pence level of perfection, which it is clearly within our ability to do so."


Bishop Miller, who is our home teacher, came over to give James a blessing. James is very sick. After the blessing James asked if he could go to the church here in Vernon tomorrow to watch the conference via satellite. He said he would sit away from people and leave right after. The bishop said that would be fine. I am still planning on going to the Show Low stake center.

I went to town this afternoon to pick up my prescriptions and a few groceries. While I was in Walmart I saw our friend from Chandler, Ruth Gale. We had a nice visit and I invited her to the conference tomorrow but she declined. 

I picked up James's request list: fresh pineapple, orange juice, and vegetable beef soup. 

It was a nice day today, 52 degrees and no wind!  When I got back to Vernon I stopped at Rosa Westbrook's to pick up two dozen tamales I ordered from her. Rosa makes the best tamales! The masa is not grainy and there is plenty of tasty meat. I bought two dozen this time instead of one. I will be living off these tamales for awhile.

I put groceries away, blogged, read to James, and watched Christmas movies. "Christmas Mail," "Naughty or Nice," "Christmas on the Bayou," and "Christmas Encore."

I feel so bad for James. He is so miserable. If he isn't better by Monday he is going to the doctor.

Gingerbread houses at Sheris's today.
Sheri's on the left, Evan's in the middle, and Alex and
Shayna's on the right.

Kim's house.


Jackson Allen from our ward.

Love it!


Monday, December 18, 2017

Friday, December 8th, 2017

Cebu City, Philippines
133rd operating temple
Dedicated: 13 June 2010
By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through
Ephesians 2:16
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Book of Mormon
Ether 6:12-30
We learn that the Jaredites were taught the importance of humility. Modern revelation also teaches us the importance of humility: "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answers to thy prayers" (DC 112:10). Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin explained that "humility is the recognition and attitude that one must rely on the Lord's assistance to make it through life" (CR, Oct. 2004, 110).
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 20:31-33
31 And we know also, that sanctificaton through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength
32 But there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart from the living God;
33 Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation;
General Conference
The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
"I have spoken of receiving the Savior's atoning grace to take away our sins and the stain of those sins in us. But figuratively eating His flesh and drinking His blood has a further meaning, and that is to internalize the qualities and character of Christ, putting off the natural man and becoming Saints 'through the atonement of Christ the Lord. As we partake of the sacramental bread and water each week, we would do well to consider how fully and completely we must incorporate His character and the pattern of His sinless life into our life and being. Jesus could not have atoned for the sins of others unless He Himself was sinless. Since justice had no claim on Him, He could offer Himself in our place to satisfy justice and then extend mercy. As we remember and honor His atoning sacrifice, we should also contemplate His sinless life."


Addy came in and gave me a hug before leaving for school. I was in Ruby's bed and Ruby was in Lola's. As the rest of the family left I unloaded their gifts and put them by their Christmas tree. 

They have a train under their tree.

This cute display is at the bottom of the
landing on their stairs.

I left for Chandler and stopped at the CVS by Kim's house to get Ben a birthday card. Afterwards I stopped by Kim's and left their gifts and took a picture of her tree with over 5,000 lights.

Her house glows when the lights are on.

I went by Sheri's and left Ben's card and picked up some cash she collected for us from Sal Jiminez. 

I got to Stacy's house around 10 a.m. We are going to the Chandler Costco to get her a tree. We also picked up 100 stamps, half for Sheri. The trees cost around $55 which is cheaper by about half than any other place around. The catch is, they don't come with a stand. Oh well, we will worry about that later. We loaded the tree into the car and just before leaving Sheri came by and bought half my stamps. Before going to Stacy's we went across Chandler Blvd. and had lunch at Olive Garden. I had my favorite dish, beef and tortellini. 

It was pretty hilarious unloading the Christmas tree at Stacy's, especially with two dogs at our feet. I said goodbye to Stacy and headed to Mesa for my infusion at 1 p.m. 

I was a little early and had to wait for 30 minutes before Barb came to get me. I was done in an hour and on my way to the Target on Longmore and Southern. I still had to get a bow for my wreath. The old one came apart and I decided we needed a new one. Of course I bought more than a bow. I can't go into a store without going over my budget.

I left the Target parking lot at 3:20 and was home in Vernon by 6:30, and that's going the Payson way with no stops, something I've never done before!

James was busy at the table doing paperwork. He carried in my two cases of DP10 and one other bag. I carried in everything else. Even after all of that, I only got 7,141 steps today. 

Finally I got to sit down and watch a movie. James got Ruth and Mel Wilhelm to work for us in the temple tomorrow. 

James joined me for the movie. We watched "Christmas Melody" starring Mariah Carey, Lacey Chabert, and Brennan Elliott. It's an old one but James had never seen it. 

Stacy's tree

Lunch with these lovely ladies 2 years ago
to celebrate Carmen's birthday. We sent Carmen
this picture.

This is a real blast from the past. A quarter pounder
now days cost more like six dollars.

I love this picture.