Wednesday, December 19th, 2018

Taipei, Taiwan

31st operating temple

Dedicated: 17-18 Nov 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

2 Nephi 26:3

And after the Messiah shall come there shall be signs given unto my people of his birth, and also of his death and resurrection; and great and terrible shall that day be unto the wicked, for they shall perish; and they perish because they cast out the prophets, and the saints, and stone them, and slay them; wherefore the cry of the blood of the saints shall ascend up to God from the ground against them.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 3:1-18

Book of Mormon #2

Mormon 1-3

General Conference

Becoming a Shepherd

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon

"As we strive to follow the Savior's example, we must first know and number His sheep. We have been assigned specific individuals and families to tend so we are certain that all of the Lord's flock are accounted for and no one is forgotten. Numbering, however, is not really about numbers; it is about making certain each person feels the love of the Savior through someone who serves for Him. In that way, all can recognize that they are known by a loving Father in Heaven."

Happy Birthday Michael!

Everybody loves Mikey!

2013

We mailed Christmas cards and a book shipment today. We also went to CVS to get James some more oxycodone and then we had to go to Subway so he didn't take it on an empty stomach. Next it was the UPS store and then Walmart to get more bananas and nuts for banana nut bread. 

We missed giving bread to our neighbors the Cranes. They are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in California. Their kids got them a room at the Del Coronado on Coronado island.

They look great for 50 years of marriage!

James feels great this evening after taking his pain pills. I am starting to feel a little tired. I built a fire and watched/listened to Christmas movies while working.

Today's movies: "Christmas in Vermont," and "Entertaining Christmas."

I made ministering appointments for Friday with Cammy, Jean, and Catherine. My partner Marie can't go because she is doing something with her dogs. She did say she would go by and see Catherine and take her a pair of cozy socks. Tomorrow I will be making banana nut bread all day long.

Idaho Falls Temple

 An early Christmas because Palmer works

next week.

Cutest bunny I've ever seen.

 I wonder if Addy would like these

Tuesday, December 18th, 2018

Dallas, Texas

30th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-24 Oct 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

2 Nephi 25:14

And behold it shall come to pass that after the Messiah hath risen from the dead, and hath manifested himself unto his people, unto as many as will believe on his name, behold, Jerusalem shall be destroyed again; for wo unto them that fight against God and the people of his church.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 12:22-41

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 29-4 Nephi

General Conference

Sisters' Participation in the Gathering of Israel

By President Russell M. Nelson

"You remember that last June, Sister Nelson and I spoke to the youth of the Church. We invited them to enlist in the Lord's youth battalion to help gather Israel on both sides of the veil. This gathering is 'the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth today"! 

It is a cause that desperately needs women, because women shape the future. So tonight I'm extending a prophetic plea to you, the women of the Church, to shape the future by helping to gather scattered Israel."

The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead

President M. Russell Ballard

"During his lifetime, President Joseph F. Smith lost his father, his mother, one brother, two sisters, two wives, and thirteen children. He was well acquainted with sorrow and losing loved ones. When his son Albert Jesse died, Joseph F. wrote to his sister Martha Ann that he had pled with the Lord to save him and asked, 'Why is it so? O God why had it to be?'

Despite his prayers at that time, Joseph F. received no answer on this matter. He told Martha Ann that 'the heavens seemed like brass over our heads' on the subject of death and the spirit world. Nevertheless, his faith in the Lord's eternal promises were firm and steadfast.

In the Lord's due time, the additional answers, comfort, and understanding about the spirit world President Smith sought came to him through the marvelous vision he received in October 1918.

That year was particularly painful for him. He grieved over the death toll in the Great World War that continued to climb to over 20 million people killed. Additionally, a flu pandemic was spreading around the world, taking the lives of as many as 100 million people."

I left the house today at 6:45 to pick up my friend Maxine. She goes to the temple every Tuesday and I asked if I could go with her today. I also offered to drive. Maxine is a great example to me. She spends most of her time looking for family  names to take to the temple. She does not spend a lot of money and she moves forward in the right direction. 

I had one of James's name to do today. First I did the initiatory and then I went to do sealings with Maxine. After the sealings we did an endowment session.
The baptismal director would not take any of my cards for baptisms. He said I had to get family or friends to do them. Maxine says that's a rule set by our temple president, President Palmer. 

President Gilliland was the sealer today. He was the first president of the Phoenix temple. 

When we were finished at the temple Maxine and I stopped at the new mongollian bbq place in Snowflake. It was good but quite expensive, $12.49 a bowl.

When I returned home James was still in bed. He suffered a lot of nerve pain last night, and after having his best day ever yesterday, he is miserable today. I made him some lunch and then after lunch he called the doctor's office. 

The doctor's office is giving him different directions than the hospital staff did. He is not supposed to do any exercise except walk until he comes in for his six week appointment. 

James and I both wrote our Christmas letter to the family this evening. I did no wrapping and did not work on my blog. I did walk my 10,000 steps and watched some Christmas movies:
"A Small Town Christmas," and "A Gingerbread Romance."

Grandpa Case with Kayla, Kylee who

turns 15 tomorrow, Addy, and Ruby

Looking at Charlie's feet

Uh oh

Not sure why he's barking but it

doesn't take much.

 Trezise tree

Our tree with presents

  

Monday, December 17th, 2018

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

2 Nephi 9:5

Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 12:1-21

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 26-28

General Conference

Parents and Children

President Dallin H. Oaks

"Now I address the younger group of this audience. My dear young sisters, because of your knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, you are unique. Your knowledge will enable you to endure and overcome the difficulties of growing up. From a young age, you have participated in projects and programs that have developed your talents, such as writing, speaking, and planning. You have learned responsible behavior and how to resist temptations to lie, cheat, steal, or use alcohol or drugs."

We left the house at 6:50 this morning. We went by the Show Low post office and mailed Michael's birthday card before going to Discount Tire to get our tires balanced and rotated. While we were waiting we walked down to McDonald's.

James's phone has not been ringing so he went down to Verizon to have them look at it while I went to Jiffy Lube to get the oil changed in the car I met him at McDonald's again. He said the reason his phone didn't work was because he had the ringer off. Duh! He felt pretty foolish!

While we were in McDonald's the senior patrol came in. I thought they were regular police officers. They were enjoying coffee and goodies and one of them said, "When and where are we going to lunch"? Some guy who was talking to them asked what they did and they said in unison, "nothing."

I was hoping they weren't the official police here in Show Low. If they were, the city would be in trouble.

After our oil change we went to Walmart and did some shopping and then got some lunch at Taco Bell. 

I took lots of notes today from the talks that I listened to on Christlike attributes. Here are some of them: "10 virtues by James E. Faust - 1. Faith - The foundation of all righteousness 2. Honesty - You cannot be honest with others unless you are honest with yourself. 3. Chastity - Always remember that you can go much further on respect than on popularity 4. Humility - Learn to say, I don't know. If used when appropriate, it will be often. 5. Self-Discipline - Character formed from self-discipline will rise with you in the resurrection. 6. Fairness - If you will be fair to other people, they will most likely be fair to you. We are here to help others. 7. Moderation - Safety comes from staying close to the center. 8. Cleanliness - Be clean in appearance and environment. Cleanliness is next to godliness. 9. Courage - Courage to stand up to peer pressure, resist temptation, withstand ridicule, and stand for the truth. 10. Grow in grace. Charm is attractiveness which comes from a feeling of personal dignity, an inner beauty that comes from a feeling of self-worth. Your expression is the most important thing you can wear. 
"It may be that your most significant, everlasting achievements will be your righteous influence on others."

I watched movies this afternoon, blogged, brought in wood and wrapped presents. 

James says he felt better today than he has felt since his surgery. I hope he didn't overdue it.

Cathryn and Andyn, the bishops daughters brought us by a treat this evening. Peppermint Oreos. I ate all four.

Ruby's bake sale and sign.

Scarlett trying to get to Charlie

This smile brightens my day!

As I wrap the presents I'm putting them

under our tree.

Sunday, December 16th, 2018

Sydney, Australia
28th operating temple
Dedicated: 20-23 Sept 1984
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

1 Nephi 19:10

And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulchre, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 11:1-23

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 21-25

General Conference

Women and Gospel Learning in the Home

President Henry B. Eyring

"As daughters of God, you have an innate and great capacity to sense the needs of others and to love. That, in turn, makes you more susceptible to the whisperings of the Spirit. The Spirit can then guide what you think, what you say, and what you do to nurture people so the Lord may pour knowledge, truth, and courage upon them."

Sy Westbrook was the youth speaker today. He actually did a very good job. It was the first talk I ever heard him give.

I love singing Christmas carols. Today we sang: "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear." The women's choir say, "Away In a Manger," and "Silent Night."

Ed Miller was our main speaker today. He began by quoting President Nelson regarding the spiritual gifts of the sisters. He ask us to leave the world and help to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior. He also brought a message from the stake president: "Become and help others become true followers of Jesus Christ and enjoy the blessings of the temple." 

He also spoke about the name of the Church and how it was the Savior in the Doctrine and Covenants who gave the names of the Church. (DC 115:4). "In order to win the battle over Satan we must be united in Christ. Become a Christ-centered family in preparation for Christ's Second Coming. Live together in love."

After sacrament meeting I took James home. I hurried back to help Maxine and Tamara put bows on the sister's Christmas presents. 

I ask Sister White if she would be a ministering sister and she said no, she would rather not. I was a little taken aback and surprised. Now I need to find someone else to be Sister Curtis's partner.

Cammy's lesson on Elder Bangerter's talk, "Laying the Foundation of a Great Work" went very well. 

I have been listening to the talks Kim has been sending to our scripture group regarding the attributes of Christ. Today I listened to one by Sister Elaine Dalton, as well as President Hinckley, and President Faust. Sister Dalton says, "The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."

After lunch and rest I sent a Happy Birthday email to Elder Trezise. Today is his 19th birthday. James also emailed him.

I also texted Barbara Raynsford. She has been attending the Concho branch but she actually lives in our ward. I told her I heard the rumor that she was going to attend in Vernon beginning in the new year. She texted me back and said that was what she had planned but today she had a feeling she should stay in Concho. She said when she told her branch president he was excited and called her in to his office and asked her to be the Young Women's president. She said the branch is really struggling for leadership. I guess maybe the Lord needs her in Concho more then we need her in Vernon. I was hoping she could be Sister Curtis's ministering partner. She said it was not a preference but she felt the Lord had directed her to stay in Concho.

Christmas movies: "Christmas in Tennessee," starring Rachel Boston and Andrew Walker.

Yes, that's a hedgehog on his back.
It's the Carvahall family pet.

Happy Birthday Ben!

What do you get a missionary for his

birthday? A tie!

Love these two girls!

My friends Jenny and Pam were recognized and

awarded for making a difference at work!

Way to go girls!

Saturday, December 15th, 2018

Boise, Idaho,

27th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-30 May 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Revelations 1:18

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 10:17-34

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 19-20

General Conference

The Joy of Unselfish Service

Cristina B. Franco

"That day I had a better appreciation for her chocolate cake. More important, I learned that the secret ingredient in Victoria's cake was the love she had for those she served and her unselfish sacrifice in our behalf."

I gave James 5mg of oxycodone and two aspirin while he was still in bed. He overdid it yesterday. 

At 9 a.m. Sister Thompson, the RS secretary came over and we wrapped almost 50 gifts for the Relief Society sisters. Maxine did the wrapping and I did the putting the declaration and purpose into the frames. Maxine is fun to talk to and is becoming a good friend. She told me about Sister Vaught going to the Apache county meeting and calling them "Gadianton" robbers. She told them they would know what she means because they are members of the Church.

She told me about the Kustiziak's baptism and Brother Applegate's awesome talk about Judaism and Mormonism.

Maxine went to the temple 3x this week. She has researched thousands of family names.

We finished around noon when Brother Thompson picked up Maxine and they took all of the gifts to the church building.

My neighbor, Chuck, came over and took all our garbage to the dump. James is out for the count.

I watched some Up channel movies while I blogged. I am tired so nothing too physical. I watched: "Christmas Solo," "A Very Country Christmas," "A Puppy for Christmas," "Christmas on the Coast," and "Christmas Pen Pals." 

When James got up he wanted me to build a fire, so I did. I wrapped three blankets, one for Paul, Stacy, and Adam. 

I also managed to get over 10,000 steps.

 Charlie's face after a car ride.

 President Eyring with his family as a boy.

Can you guess which one he is?

 I love quilts!

 Another family at the Giving Machine

Friday, December 14th, 2018

Mexico City, Mexico

26th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 Dec 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Book of Mormon #1

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). 

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 16-18

Old Testament

Zechariah 5-6

General Conference

Divine Discontent

Michelle D. Craig

 "The world often uses a feeling of discontent as an excuse for self-absorption, for turning our thoughts inward and backward and dwelling individually on who I am, who I am not, and what I want Divine discontent motivates us to follow the example of the Savior, 'who went about doing good.' As we walk the path of discipleship, we will receive spiritual nudges to reach out to others."

Tonight the family got together to make gingerbread houses at Sheri and Ian's.

Looks like fun...sorry we weren't there.

 The Giving Machine in Gilbert

 Such sweet kids!

Addy:

Charlie:

Before the ride:

After the ride: