Thursday, December 22, 2022: Unwrapped gifts loaded & head to valley, stop in Globe, Owen & Paul, Frys, Sonic, prblms, carwsh, Wlmrt, Fry's, Someburros, Party

 

Sapporo, Japan

151st operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2016

By: Russell M. Nelson

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 122:8

The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

Book of Mormon

Ether 15:1-17

"Come Follow Me"

Brass Serpent & Rock

Christ's Names

Judge - Acts 10:42

OctGenCon

Put On Thy Strength, O Zion

Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

People invited from the highways to attend the wedding would not have had the time or means to procure appropriate attire in preparation for the event. Consequently, the king likely gave guests the garments from his own wardrobe. Everyone was given the opportunity to clothe themselves in garments of royalty.

We loaded up the unwrapped gifts, giftwrap and bows and our clothes, etc., and headed for the Valley of the Sun. We did have to make a stop at Peeler's in Globe where Owen and Paul were waiting for James to help them put in the stove top and oven. Owen showed me around the house and then I left to go to Fry's and Sonic. After I had been gone for awhile James called me and said they were having problems getting the stove top to work and they couldn't get the door on the oven. He told me to give him 30 minutes so I did. They finally got the door on the oven but the stove top is an induction and requires a special kind of cookware. Owen is so upset and frustrated. He just wants to go home and sit on it for awhile. I feel so sorry for him.

We headed on to the valley and the first stop we made was at the Cobblestone on Signal Butte to wash our car. After the carwash we headed to Darrel & Trina's. After unloading James took a nap and I headed out to get some paper goods. I got some for the breakfast on Saturday but I realized I needed to get some for the party tonight too. I went to Walmart and got what I needed but stopped at Fry's to get some monthly notebooks for next year. Last stop was Someburros to pick up the order I made yesterday. 

Addy made a chocolate cake with ganache and cherries on top. Sheri brought a tray of Chik-fila, Kim and Brian brought meatballs with sauce. We snacked and visited before starting our game. Stacy did a fun Christmas movie trivia game before we started the white elephant gift exchange. Darrel and Trina were a little late but they both made it in time to play the game. Trina played but Darrel didn't. 

Those attending: James and I, Stacy, Paul, Adam, Kaitlyn, Joshua, Kim, Brian, Joe, Sheri, Ben, Max, Evan, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Lola, Darrel & Trina.

I got a frisbee at the end of the game and left it at Darrel & Trina's. James got a rubics cube and he left it there too. One of the favorite items was one Trina bought and also ended up with: a Darth Vader bop it. Max got the nice backpack that James brought. Ben got the Flying Nova and Shasibo that I brought. Lola got the other Flying Nova but she says Rowan threw it on the ground and now it won't work. She was pretty sad. Her mom said she would get her another one. Sheri got some tiny hands from Addy and she gave me a pair. She says she's going to have fun with them at work. Kaitlyn went home with a set of mini waffle makers and was happy. All in all, it was a fun evening. Before we started the game I challenged everyone to read the Book of Mormon and to study the Come Follow Me lesson to learn more about the Savior and why we need Him.

After everyone left James and I went for a walk outside. The weather down here is beautiful and it wasn't too cold to walk.

Lola showing G-pa the pool before

the party.

Darrel hates to have his picture taken

but I caught him when he wasn't looking.

I think we should make this an ugly

sweater party too.

Guess who got the Taylor Lautner poster.

Rowan had it disguised in a small box with

some other gifts.

Kim & Ruby playing with Bop-it Vader.

The neighborhood is very festive.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022: Car oil changed, deliver more Vernon gifts, Anthony, James's blessing, walk and warp and watch

 

Provo City Center, Utah

150th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Mar 2016

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 109:5

For thou knowest that we have done this work through great tribulation; and out of or poverty we have given of our substance to build a house to thy name, that the Son of Man might have a place to manifest himself to his people.

Book of Mormon

Ether 14:8-31

"Come Follow Me"

Symbols can help me remember Jesus Christ. Manna & Water.

Names of Jesus

Mediator - Hebrews 9:15

OctGenCon

Patterns Of Discipleship

Elder Joseph W. Sitati

Emeritus Member of the Seventy

By submitting to baptism to fulfill all righteousness, even though He was righteous and holy, Jesus Christ demonstrated that humility before God is a foundational attribute of His disciples.

Lasting Discipleship

President Steven J. Lund

Young Men General President

Experiences like FSY conferences, camps, sacrament meetings, and missions can help to burnish our testimonies, taking us through arcs of growth and spiritual discovery to places of relative peace. But what must we do to stay there and continue to "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ" (2 Nephi 31:20) rather than slipping backward? We must continue to do those things that brought us there in the first place, like praying often, drenching ourselves in scripture, and serving sincerely.

James took my car in to get the oil changed this morning. He was going to take the tire off his trailer but he couldn't get it off because it was parked in the snow. I was so grateful that James took my car in because I have so many other things to do. While he was gone I finished getting the rest of the Vernon gifts ready for delivery.

This afternoon James and I delivered gifts again. First we went to the Halcomb's. Of course we had to go in for a short visit. Catherine had a gift for me and a bottle of Martinelli's for James. Just as we were leaving the DeWitt's drove up. They had homemade Artisan bread for the Halcomb's and for us. Collin is the ministering brother for both of our families. 

We left the Halcomb's and headed for the post office. James went in while I waited in the car. He was gone quite awhile and I was getting worried until I saw Anthony walk out the door. He came straight over to me and gave me the biggest, longest hug I've had for awhile. He was in a happy mood to the point I thought he was drunk. After we left I mentioned it to James and he said he was probably high on marijuana. He can't afford to buy it for medicinal purposes so he grows his own. 

We drove all the way out to the Thompson's only to find that they weren't home. We left their gift on the front porch. Their new home looks very nice and I was a bit disappointed I didn't get to see the inside today.

On our way home we stopped at the Goodman's, Peeler's and Barbara Bartels. When James was carrying the Peeler's gifts he slipped and fell in the ice. I was looking for him and he disappeared and I looked down from my seat in the car and saw him on the ground. Donna came out and I was afraid she was going to fall but she didn't. She came over and I got out of the car so she could give me a hug. 

We didn't take Anthony's gift with us so we still have it at home and we also have the Anderson's. I guess they will have to get them after Christmas as we are leaving for the valley tomorrow.

When we got home I made some parmesan crusted chicken for dinner. It was delicious but the smell lingers and our ministering brothers are coming over tonight to give James a blessing. 

Collin sneezed a couple of times when he got here and I apologized and turned the fan on. Brother Robles walked in and asked if our Christmas tree was real. James and Collin talked about James's wrestling in his college days and then Jacob, or Brother Robles anointed James and Collin gave him a blessing. It was a wonderful blessing and I think James felt better afterwards. We said our goodbyes and when Collin left he forgot to take the walker that he loaned James.

Today's Christmas movies:

Eclectic Christmas

Sappy Holiday . . . I liked this one.

 

Tuesday, December 20, 2022: Crickety bones, "Follow Him"-stone manger, J @ Barbara's, snickerdoodles, Stefani H., Gift deliveries, green chili stew, "Sappy Holiday"

 

Tijuana, Mexico

149th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Dec 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 76:16

Speaking of the resurrection of the dead, concerning those who shall hear the voice of the Son of Man:

Book of Mormon

Ether 13:19-14:7

Names of Jesus

ADVOCATE - 1 John 2:1

OctGenCon

Happy And Forever

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

In a remarkable way, the Lord's prophet is drawing us closer to our Savior, including through sacred temple ordinances and covenants coming closer to us in more places. We have a profound opportunity and gift to discover new spiritual understanding, love, repentance, and forgiveness with each other and our families, in time and eternity.

My bones are crickety when I first get up in the morning. 

I listened to "Follow Him" and Dr. Jeffrey Chadwick was the guest today. He wrote a book called "The Stone Manger." It was very interesting and I enjoyed listening to him and John and Hank discuss the scriptures.

After family prayer and scriptures James left to meet Greg at Barbara's where Greg is going to strip and oil forms. Before he left he started a fire in the fireplace. My visiting teachers are scheduled to come at 10 o'clock this morning. Stefani Hunsaker was right on time but she was by herself. I guess Donna went to Globe with Owen. Stefani and I had a nice visit. Camrie and Darren are coming for Texas with their kids for Christmas. Tyler, Stefani's son, and his wife and daughter are coming too. We talked about Kylee and Mark Lamb's son. She brought me a small loaf of pumpkin bread and a book of Christmas stories. I gave her some snickerdoodle cookies and asked her to take Donna a tin of them.

This afternoon James and I delivered gifts. First to Virgil Cooper who was chopping firewood at his sisters with Jerry Scott. 

Virgil is in his 80's and lives by himself. His

wife took the kids and left him years ago. 

He has health problems and I gave him two

gifts because I figured he wouldn't get any-

thing else.

After seeing Virgil we went to the post office and mailed the Texas gifts and cards. We picked up gifts from Jared & Kacey and Rebecca and a card from Carmen. From the post office we went over to the 61 and down Stanford Road to see Sue Hubble. We exchanged gifts with her. She gave us a box of oranges. James loves to give oranges but I don't think we are going to have time to go get any this year.

Our last stop was at the MacArthur's. They are at Disneyland but Chelsea gave me the code for the lock on their door. There were five gifts to unload so I got out of the car to help. I got attacked by the puppy Ernie and jumped right back in to the car. James is going to have to do it by himself. He delivered the gifts and we left. When we got home I got to thinking that I didn't see Ernie when we left so I sent James back over to make sure he didn't lock him in the house. He went back and said that Ernie was outside. Now I can sleep tonight.

For dinner tonight I cut up the pork I had in the frig and added some green chilies, chicken stock, flour, and chopped tomatoes. I cooked it for awhile and we had green chili stew. I made some burros and fried them in the air fryer and we had chimichangas. They were small but very tasty. James added a little cumin to the rest so next time they will be even more flavorful. 

We opened our gift from Jared & Kacey. It is a beautiful clock to put on our mantle. Kacey reads my blog and knew we broke our clock. This is a very thoughtful gift. From Rebecca I got some handmade stationary and a book ornament with Luke 2 inside. Her gifts are always "heartfelt and handmade." The card from Carmen had a gnome on the front and said, "from our gnome to yours."

Monday, December 19, 2022: Happy Bday Michael, Colon cancer, Texas pkg & cards rdy, stockings on mantle, Pres Nelson's two talks, Luna's frozen water

Indianapolis, Indiana

148th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Aug 2015

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 65:5

Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth.

Book of Mormon

Ether 13:1-18

"Come Follow Me"

Christmas "We Have Waited For Him, And He Will Save Us"

Psalms 35:9; Isaiah 25:8-9; 44:21-24; 51:11; 61:1; Zephaniah 3:14-20; Moses 5:5-11

Name of Christ

The Shepherd and Bishop of Souls - 1 Peter 2:25

OctGenCon

His Yoke Is Easy And His Burden Is Light

Sister J. Anette Dennis

First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

 Many talks have been given by our Church leaders on charity, unity, love, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and mercy. I believe the Savior is inviting us to live a higher, holier way - His way of love where all can feel they truly belong and are needed.

Today is Michael's birthday. He is 25 years old. How is that possible. Michael has a loving spirit and he is a wonderful grandson. We love him dearly. He is very thoughtful and sweet.

It seems like the hurrier I go the behinder I get. I am wondering if I will ever catch up. My goals for the new year should be to "catch up."

I listened to President Nelson's conference talk again and the talk given by him that was in the October conference. 

James got the results of his biopsy which was taken when he had his procedure done on the 13th. The polyp that Dr. Khaki found is cancerous. We are so sad, but not totally devastated because James is so health conscious. He overcame the last cancer and we believe that he can overcome this too. 

I mailed a birthday card to my friend Ruth Gale who lives in Snowflake. Her birthday is the 21st and she will be 83 years old. She is such great example and wonderful friend.

The Texas package is ready to go and so are the cards to Jared's kids. We got the mail and received the gift I was waiting for. We will mail the package tomorrow. 

James did something wonderful for me today. He put up the mantle garland and the grandkids stockings:

I've got my nativity, my tree, and my stockings, 

representing my grandkids and one grandkid-in-law.

Thank you Honey!

I took care of a charge on my credit card for $99.85. James ordered some supplements from a company called Juvenon. He unassumingly ordered a auto-shipment which I cancelled and received a refund for. We actually received the shipment and returned it. Just one more little annoying thing to take care of.

I was hungry for a hamburger this evening so James drove me into town and we each got a Whopper Jr. at Burger King. It cost us over $8. Everything is so expensive now.

Luna's water froze and James slipped on some ice trying to chop a place for Luna to drink. Luckily he didn't hurt himself.

That's it for today. Still lots of presents to wrap.

Names of Christ & "Come Follow Me"

My hero!

 

Sunday, December 18, 2022: Charlie's program, Jared's prayer, Sacrament mtg, SS, Joshua's talk, Michelle Beckham, "Seeking Jesus", Index, movie, overcast day

 

Truijillo, Peru

147th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 June 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Son of man

D&C 49:22

And again, verily I say unto you, that the Son of Man cometh not in the form of a woman, neither of a man traveling on the earth.

Book of Mormon

Ether 12:22-41

"Come Follow Me"

Sunday School class and Review

Names of Christ

Immanuel - Isaiah 7:14

OctGenCon

Lifted Up Upon The Cross

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

To be a follower of Jesus Christ, one must sometimes carry a burden - your own or someone else's - and go where sacrifice is required and suffering is inevitable. A true Christian cannot follow the Master only in those matters with which he or she agrees. No. We follow Him everywhere, including, if necessary, into arenas filled with tears and trouble, where sometimes we may stand very much alone.

Jared and Kacey's ward had a Christmas program today. Jared sent us the Zoom link because Charlie is in the program. She walked right up to the pulpit and you could only see the top of her head. She recited Luke 2:1and it was so cute. I am glad she was first on the program. Also, it was nice that Jared said the opening prayer. 

Two high councilmen spoke in our sacrament meeting. Brother Ty Woods, who is also the stake Young Men's President, spoke on "For the Strength of Youth" and the conference this summer which is a week long stay at Flagstaff. He encouraged the youth to attend and told about a fireside for youth and their parents to learn more about it. "Immerse your life in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a prophetic priority. These classes and activities are to help you strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ and to feel joy and belonging as you live the gospel." You will associate with other youth who share your beliefs and you will develop new friendships, you will experience an environment that helps you feel the joy of the gospel, take part in inspiring devotionals, and learn to "Hear Him." You will learn to be a leader and how to communicate better with your friends, parents and others, engage in activities that will bolster your self-esteem and increase your confidence. 

David Morris - FSY, just go.  The Savior is the ultimate rebounder. take a daily walk with Jesus and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. President Nelson's talk, "Overcome the World and Find Rest." 'Find rest from the intensity, uncertainty, and anguish of this world by overcoming the world through your covenants with God.' 'In coming days we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior's power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns with power and great glory, He will bestow countless privileges, blessings and miracles upon the faithful.'

How does overcoming the world bless our lives? Your resistance to sin will increase. Your heart will soften as your faith in Jesus Christ increases. Overcoming the world means growing to love God and His Beloved Son more than you love anyone or anything else.

I left Sunday School early so I could go out in the car and listen to and watch Joshua speak in their sacrament meeting. His talk was so good. I listened to it again on the way home with James. 

  I have been praying for a sister in our ward that I have never met. Her name is Michelle Beckham and I have been praying since I learned that she has cancer. I had decided to take her off my prayer list because I really didn't know anything about her or how she was doing. Today after the block James had a ministering interview with her ministering brother Cope Reynolds. He said she had surgery and has a huge scar across her neck. She is doing okay. He visits with her quite often so now I know how I can check on her.

This afternoon I finished studying "Seeking Jesus" discussion six Isaiah Testifies of Christ. Brother Hilton puts a lot of information into these discussions. I listen once, then do the readings, and then listen again. It takes about an hour or so a day for a week to complete. I am enjoying it though.

I worked on my blog this evening while James continues to work towards his indexing goal. He keeps asking me to help with the ward goal but I am so busy right now with Christmas and my blog I just haven't had the time. For the new year I will begin again indexing an hour on Sunday's. 

After I was finished working on my blog I convinced James to watch a Christmas movie with me. This one is called, "Five More Minutes: Moments Like These." Ashley Williams and Lucas Bryant are in it and it had a very good message. I guess I could have indexed instead but this is what I chose to do.

Overcast and cold today.

Christmas caroling at Grandmother Lambson's

What a great turnout!

My kids were excited to see Uncle Gail

Can you see Darrel in this one?

Merry Christmas!

I love our stake president. He is a very spiritual man. His twin brother is also a stake president and they were raised by a single mom. That says a lot for her and for them.