Our Gospel Study time- Gospel of Mark

Craig and I are back at the lake. We arrived home about 8:30 pm.  Craig can’t do much with the healing of his knee surgery.  We have spent the morning and now into the afternoon studying our lesson for suday.  There is so much to learn!! I have enjoyed my study time with my hubby...the opening pages of this lesson have had a very powerful impact,   giving me more insight.  Luke 3:4  ​​​​As​ it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The ​​​voice​ of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
​​​5 ​Every ​​​valley​ shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways ​shall be​ made smooth;
What do this two verses mean ?
(Esaias) is the Greek word for the Prophet Isaiah.  This is an Old Testament Prophet that lived in Judah 700BC and had many prophecy about the coming of the Savior.   Our lesson Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3 is the message of “Perpare Ye The Way” who is the great Prophet John the Baptist in the opening ministry of Jesus Christ can change you. Luke quoted an ancient prophecy of Isaiah that described John the Baptist’s mission and the effect that the Savior’s coming would have: “Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth” (Luke 3:5; see also Isaiah 40:4). This is a message for all of us, including those who think they cannot change or do not need to change. If something as permanent as a mountain can be flattened, then surely the Lord can help us straighten our own crooked paths (see Luke 3:4–5). As we accept John the Baptist’s invitation to repent and change, we prepare our minds and hearts to receive Jesus Christ so that we too can “see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6).
Isaiah Prophesied of John the Baptist as the one that would prepare the way before the Lord Jesus Christ.
Who is the apostle Mark ?  Among the authors of the 4 Gospels, we know the least about Mark. We know that he was a missionary companion of Paul, Peter, and several other missionaries. Many biblical scholars believe that Peter directed Mark to record the events of the Savior’s life. Mark’s Gospel was likely written before the other three.
See also Bible Dictionary, “Mark.”
Surname is Mark , John Mark..
Mark Also called John; son of Mary, who had a house of considerable size in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12); cousin (or nephew) of Barnabas (Col. 4:10); accompanied Paul and Barnabas from Jerusalem (Acts 12:25) and on their first missionary journey, deserting them at Perga (13:5, 13); accompanied Barnabas to Cyprus (15:37–39); with Paul at Rome (Col. 4:10; Philem. 1:24); with Peter at Babylon (probably Rome) (1 Pet. 5:13); with Timothy at Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:11). His gospel (see Gospels) was possibly written under the direction of Peter. His object is to describe our Lord as the incarnate Son of God, living and acting among men. The Gospel contains a living picture of a living Man. Energy and humility are the characteristics of his portrait. It is full of descriptive touches that help us to realize the impression made upon the bystanders. Tradition states that after Peter’s death, Mark visited Egypt, founded the Church of Alexandria, and died by martyrdom
Message of John the Baptist ..Matthew 3:1–12; Mark 1:1–8; Luke 3:2–18 Repentance is a mighty change of mind and heart. The mission of John the Baptist was to prepare the hearts of the people to receive the Savior and become more like Him. How did he do it? He proclaimed, “Repent ye” (Matthew 3:2). He used images such as fruit and wheat to emphasize the importance of repenting in order to receive Christ (see Luke 3:9, 17).

Found A House

Craig came in town last night for his doctor appointment this morning.  We made an offer on a home in steeple chase that has gone back to the bank.  I really do like the home and would be so excited if it works out.  Praying the bank accepts our offer.  It needs lots of work.  There is water damage to repair and needs to be painted and new carpet inside.  The back yard deck is going to have be replaced at some point too.   Thinking about $50.000 to get it the standard we want.  It would be a home we can stay in for a long time and have my mother stay with us too.  I have been trying to find something that fits our needs.   Pray!! the bank accepts our offer.  I don’t see Craig going any higher.   Eric said it takes about two weeks for the bank to respond,  we only have a short window of time we can access one of our investments that is maturing Feb 8th. This way we wouldn’t have to get a lone.  Time will tell! Anxiously waiting!!!!!

Baby Sitting

Craig’s surgery went well he stayed here till Friday afternoon and then headed back to the lake, I stayed here at the Burbidge home.  Trisha & Buck arrived home Tuesday evening.  The time has gone by fast. I have spent the time looking for a home, hours and hours looking on the Internet and then driving by and seeing if I want to look at the home.  Most of my drive-bys have not been good.  I did find a home in Steeplechase that’s been a short sale just have to keep an eye on it and they said they o they said  their open for offers again, I have gone back to the house several times and feel like this should be the one  that could work for us it does need some work.  Craig asked Eric to make an offer today so we’ll see what happens I’m not being very hopeful though,  We offered $710.000 for the home and it was turned down by the listing agent, he said the bank would not take anything lower than $770.000.  It needs a lot of work after meeting with Eric.  It needs a new deck and has lots of water damage.  We do not want to offer this much.  It is no comparison to our home on Red Tree that we paid this amount.  It is very depressing.  I knew when we moved it was going to be hard to find another home in the area and the quality of our home we sold.  Time will tell.

House Hunting/ Yael's Birthday Jan 24th 2019

I got up early to get Boston & Karlee off to school.  Karlee stayed home she was not feeling well.   I had to hurry out the door for a 9am appointment to renew my drivers  License.  Hard to believe it has been 5 years since my last renewal.  The years have gone by so fast I’m 10 pounds heavier which I don’t like.   After my appointment I went and checked out a new housing project just below where we moved from.  I have been watching the market and trying to stay in the Draper Area.   It has been really hard to find any thing in the price range and with a master on the main with another bedroom on the main level two.  My mother needs help and would like to stay with us.  So I have been trying really hard to find something that will fit.  I met with the lady at the Deer Run project for several hours going over house plans. I love the model home and it will be up for sale in about five or six months but they still want to sell at $850.000 there is only one lot left to build a three car garage.  We I went over the plans in detail with her and then went and picked Craig up to go over it all with her. The lot left is located on the busy street of traffic one of the main roads.  It will have a great view of the valley but I don’t like being on the busy street.   I don’t like the car noise at Bear Lake and this is even more traffic.  It would drive me crazy.   I ruled it our due to the road noise..   we drove around in Draper and drove by a home in steeple chase that had been sitting for awhile.  I called when we got home to see what is happening on the home and if we could get in to see it.  Last night we were able to get in and view the home. It is a short sale.   And could go to auction if they don’t sell it soon.  It does need work on it lots of things to fix.   It is a very nice layout.  I love the master bedroom and bath layout very spacious and had another bedroom on the opposite side of the house mom could stay in.   I like the kitchen and family room layout too it is open when you walk in.  There is water damage that needs to be fixed.  It is going to need new carpet & Paint.  It just depends what offer the bank will accept on the home,   We could easily put $80 in fixing it up so we would have to buy it right.   I really like it.   Eric called last night and said he would check things out more and meet us over at the home to go over what needs to be done and cost for us.  So we'll see.  It fits a lot of the criteria I’m looking for we just need a discount in order make the repairs.   Anxious to look at it again today!!

Celebrating our Yael Towner's Birthday January 24th, 2019 he is turning 6 years old, he is such a darling little boy, and is so very smart.  We love you Yael, wish I could be with you on your special day love you Grandma Symes.

Craig’s Surgery Day

 Tuesday Jan. 22nd-  Craig goes in early this morning for a knee scope on his knee. He has something moving around in there that is causing bleeding and discomfort.  They were able to schedule the surgery very quickly.   Hoping they find what is bothering him.
The doctor reported they found the problem.  It was a marble tissue that had formed on the replacement knee, it was floating around the size of a finger nail.  They were able to scope it out. Now the recovery process we are staying at the Burbidge family baby sitting Boston & Karlee & the dog Angel while Trisha, Buck and Saydee are in California for Saydee’s 16th Birthday.   A special trip with her parents.   So Craig & I are holding down the fort while they are gone.  This gives Craig time to heal and rest while we are in town from his surgery.  I'm trying to be strong and not let this blow up in young women's upset me.  It is really hard.  I don't know how to even go forward under the circumstances.  I can't let myself cry now, afraid the tears with not stop.  I don't have time for a break down. 

More Drama

Young Women’s is still a challenge for me.  Rose my 1st Counsler was released last week, sad to lose her.  They called her to teach sunbeams in Primary with her husband. Found out this week my Secretary Elise is going to be moving.. her husband had a job change and will not be able to stay living in the Bear Lake Valley.  My Laurel president will not respond to my texts messages since the 27th of November which has been really frustrating.   Sunday I sent text messages out to mother’s and daughters to see when I could schedule a time to meet with them and go over their personal progress and set goals for the new year.  Aly my Laurel president responded she couldn’t meet with me.  I talked to her mother after sacrament and she was very sharp with me that they do not have any meetings on Sunday it is their family day.  I backed off and asked when could we meet?   I sent Aly a text to help with our lesson time on Sunday coming up.  Her dad called and chewed me out!!  Accused me of cyber bullying his daughter and was going to have me arrested for contacting his daughter and giving her and his wife stress !!! Wow I’m in shock over his behavior!!  He is way off base ! I’m not cyber bullying his daughter,  she is our Laurel president and the only way to communicate with her is text  messages, that are very to the point, which she does not respond.  So it has been really hard to be able to plan and communicate anything with her.  So Sunday I asked if I could personally meet with her and her mother.   Which totally blew up in my face.  I’m so tired of all the heart ache.  I asked that I be released two months ago, Craig and the Bishop talked me out of it. I just haven’t seen how to go forward when the girls won’t respond to me and now the parents are accusing me of bullying their daughter,  I’m so done !! I’m tired of the heart ache.  All I have tired to do is fullfill my responsibility as the young women president.  Aly’s Dad called the Bishop ranting at him and told him to release Aly as the Laurel president, and that they would not be coming back as long as I’m the president.  This is so hurtful!! I’m trying really hard to not cry this time.  I couldn’t get out of bed for days back in November over the the contention from this girl and her parents.  I have felt like I have been walking on egg shells, trying not to cause any tension yet we do need to function.  I got the courage to hang in there and have prayed for guidance as to what to do and as soon as I try to reach out again, this really exploded in my face.  I really don’t know what to do anymore.   The Bishop is just going to have to release me,  the sad thing is it doesn't solve things.  Who ever takes my place will have the same problem.  Aly does need to be released.  We just have so few young women to fill the position and to work with.  Aly was my one active girl at this age, her parents are making it very difficult.  I just throw my hands up in the air!!   They show no love or kindness toward me, only hate which is shocking for church members!! 

Sabbath Day

Singing a Solo in Church today - Daughter of God.   Sacrament talk by Jesse Calder.  Highlights, prayer more fervently,  for direction in our lives,  I know I need to be better about my personal prayer 🙏 this week try to do better.  I’ve just been lazy.  Read our scriptures daily for spiritual direction in our lives.  Which I know is so true I feel the lord speaking to me when I read the scriptures.  I have enjoyed studying the new "Come Follow Me lessons." My song went really well today.  It was a prefect song choice to invite the spirit into our sacrament and went right alone with the lesson today in our Sunday lesson time.   Sister Menlove ask me to share my feelings in Sunday School about preparing for this song and how prefect it went along with our lesson theme this week.  I did enjoy singing and felt the spirit with me during my solo.  It all went really well.  It is scary to put myself out there and keep singing.  I know my voice has changed but try to keep singing as long as I can.  I have tired to push myself in keep singing.

Our Aubrey Girl’s Birthday

Today is our Aubrey’s 15th Birthday. Born January 20th 2004.  She's such a very special granddaughter in our family.   She loves playing softball and is learning to paint.  She is soft spoken and kind to others.  The years have all gone to fast for me she has grown into a beautiful young women.  We are meeting them tomorrow for a birthday dinner.   Craig is having surgery on his knee early Tuesday morning so we will be driving down to Salt Lake tomorrow.  Happy Birthday 🎈 
We just had a great family dinner tonight with our Aubrey Girl she is so pretty.

 

Lazy Day

I have been I slow motion all day.  Making the long trek home wore me out more than I realized, sitting in the car that many hours and nervously watching and hanging on I felt like for dear life, we could have slid off the road at any time.  I have been totally exhausted today. I got up for a few hours and then had to take a nap.  I have just been lazy today.  I lost my motivation to do much of anything today.  It is cold and snowy outside, the wind is blowing hard, a day to stay in bed I guess.  I finally got up at 4pm and fixed us something up to eat.   Pray I can get through the winter with out freaking out.  It is hard coming back to the lake and feeling so isolated. I need to find my motivation again.   I have got to practice singing tomorrow I’m singing a solo in church this Sunday.  I have only one day left to prepare for it. I have not been in the singing mood lately.  I’m just hanging out with Craig and not doing much.  I tried to feel like I was somewhat productive and started reading a book-on my way down to St George.  We are studying the New Testament this year in Sunday school and I want to stick to it.  I’m enjoying ready the Days of the Living Christ, by Skousen, one of my favorite historical writers, he brings the scriptures alive for me.  I just didn’t feel like reading today.  Guess it is ok to have a lazy day.  Trying to not let depression over take me and keep a positive attitude. Trying to find my peace at this season in our lives.

Home Sweet Home

Yesterday we had breakfast at the hotel and meet his mother at McDonald   To go over her investments.  She didn’t want us to come to her home.  She would have to move her stuff.  She has a shopping illness.  She loves to shop and keeps buying things.  There is no room in her home to move. It is not a inviting place to be with all the clutter.  Literally can’t move and barley have a place to sit. So I sat at McDonald’s for three hours while they visited,  I just played on my computer looking at homes, it is an overwhelming task trying to find something in the price range and locality we want to be.  We have lived in the Sandy, Draper area for 40 years and this is where I want to stay.  Trying to find a home with two bedroom rooms on the main level and not feel like it is to small, looking for the great room family area too.  It is just so challenging to find.  I don’t know what to do, guess we just keep looking!! Craig and I have driven by many homes to give it the drive by look first.  We keep striking out.  It is really frustrating for me.  After our meeting with LaVon we went over to see his sister Chris and brother in-law Terry. He just had a partial knee replacement surgery a few days ago, We went to see Scott & Jan’s new home just across the street.  It has turned out really nice.  We all then went to dinner at Cafe Sabor.  Shelly & Dennis met us there.  It has been a long time since Craig’s mother Lavon had all her 4 adult kids together at one time.  We enjoyed our dinner together with spouses included. We got on the road back to Salt lake about 5:30 pm.  Craig didn’t want to stay the night.  We made the long 7 plus hour drive back to the lake.  A huge snow storm hit once we got back north and it was a long 4 hour drive in a snow storm.  Prayed we made it home alive.  It is pretty the new fallen snow.  There was a turned over semi on the freeway going south toward salt lake so the traffic was back up.  It was a mess.  I was a nervous wreck driving home.  We stopped in Evanston to do a little grocery shopping.  We needed some food.  We arrive back to the cabin about 1am.  I was so tired I crawl in bed and out for the night.  We went from one end of the state to the other in one day!!

At Doctor office

Craig’s knee has flared up and he is in a lot of pain,  I got up early to drive to Salt Lake with him. It was very snowie all the way.  A huge snow storm hit the entire northern state.  I’m waiting in the lobby.  Craig is driving to st George today to visit with his mother about her investments,  I’m going to stay in Salt lake.  I have lots I can do.  I need to pamper myself.  I need my hair cut, a pedicure and a massage my shoulder and neck is killing me.  I want to look at homes too.  I really would like to find something where my mother come come stay with us some of the time during the year.  She is really missing being closer to our family.  Tommy and Richelle are always gone and she is left alone. My sister lives 3 hrs away to far away to really help much and she is not in the best health to care for her.  I have the time!  It is tugging at my heart strings to help her even though I know it is going to be a huge hardship.  My mother can be very challenging at times.  She is softening over the years so pray she would be manageable.  She has a temper that can be very hurtful.  I don’t know why I even care,  but I love her.  Time will tell.  I’m having a hard time finding a home with the bedrooms on the main floor with no stairs.  We have basements in Utah and it is really hard to find beds rooms on the main level.  I found a home in St George, but I don’t want to live so far away from my own children and grandkids. I really miss the pockets of time I have with them living closer to them.  Pray I can find us a home.  It has been so hard!! Waiting to see what the doctor says.  Most likely he is going to need another surgery.  
Well Craig is scheduled to have a knee scope on Tuesday the 21st early that morning so we are going to have drive back to Salt lake on the Monday the 20th.  I ended up going to St George with Craig today.  I called Tasha and her kids were sick running a fever and home from school.  Trisha was sick too!!  So no pampering,  I don’t want to be around the grandkids and get sick.  It seems I get around them and I get their bug, there are many things going around right now and I’m trying to avoid picking up any Virus.  We drove to St George after Craig got his hair cut and visited with his Aunt Cheryl.  We were finally on the road by about 3:30. Four hour drive.  I wanted to get a hotel for the night, I don’t like feeling like we are imposing on anyone,  I like to have our own privacy. I didn’t feel like visiting.  We got dinner at our favorite place to eat now -The teriyaki grill.  We then spent the evening watching the Outlander series on our computer in bed, we are on season three. We have enjoyed watching during the cold nights of winter,

Rodney Rodgers Died

My sisters husband that she divorced 14 yrs ago died on the 10th this month.  My sister asked that I try to get ahold of her son Ryan.  Ryan married Janie back 14 yrs ago and it has been a rocky road with the relationship of this new daughter-in-law, let’s say a daughter- in-law from Hell!! She has forbidden Ryan to have any relationship with his mother over the years since their marriage.  It has broken my sister,s heart.  They have so unjustly treated her, excluding her from their lives and the lives of their three children, her only grandchildren.  It breaks my heart that they have been so harsh in their treatment toward her in cutting Michele completely from their lives.  I have had to be the middle person in any communication with them.  They won’t even see my mother when she comes in town to visit.  This is Ryan’s own grandmother.  It is hard for me to believe that Ryan has allowed his wife to be so cold hearted toward Ryan’s family any relation to his mother.  I’m lucky I guess in having them even talk to me.  I have tried over the years for them to open the door and try to have a relationship with Ryan’s  mother again. Janie still holds a grudge from things that happen in the beginning of their marriage and has not let go of unjust feelings.  They called me today on a conference call and still Janie dominated the conversation.  Ryan was not able to get two words in.  I had no way of getting a hold of them other than sending a message on Facebook waiting to see if they would respond to my message in calling me.  Our conversation was still contentious.  Janie was not giving in to anything I said.  They choose not to have any contact with our family.  I told them they needed to talk to my sister and that I would give her Janie’s phone number.  I text her back for their address to send flowers and she has not responded at all.  It just makes me so mad!! Rodney died at 59 years of age.  He was an Alcoholic and this is why my sister finally had to leave and try to better her life.  Things fell apart at the time of Ryan and Janie getting married.  My sister had a nervous breakdown and tried to commit suicide.  She was in the hospital for many weeks and was an emotional reck for many years.  Ryan and Janie were not there for her but cut her out of their lives which added even more heart ache and sorrow.  Michele has since moved to Texas and has tried to rebuild her life. She is with a very nice man now that take cares of her.  He is very kind to her.  Hopefully she will get some money from Rodney’s life insurance and will be able to collect social security benefits which will greatly help my sister.  She has lots of health issues which I’m sure a lot of it is related to the heart ache of losing her son and not having any contact with her only grandchildren.  I wish there was something I could do to help them mend the relationship.  We should have gotten some counseling many years back.  Trying to open the heart of this stubborn daughter in-law.  She is so closed minded.  It just break my heart for my sister!!

Landon Blessed With the Gift of the Holy

Landon with his Dad Ryan holding his new scriptures we gave to him as a gift.

I arised at 4 am in order to get ready for our trek back to Eagle Mountain this morning.  Craig is confirming Landon a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day and blessing him with gift of the Holy Ghost.  Their sacrament is at 9am so we had to get up very early in order to drive the three hours and arrive on time.  It is a very cold morning below zero.  We are driving up and back today we need to be back for church meetings in own ward today.  We have Bishop youth council latter today.  I’m losing my first counselor Rose Noorda.  She has been called to serve with her husband as a Sunbeam teacher.  Sad to lose her, she has been a great counselor.  I’ve had a hard time keeping my 1st counselor, my first one Cindy moved.  So now I’ve got to find a new counselor, pray for the direction and inspiration for a new counselor to serve with me and the Mia Maids.  Things have smooth out for me with the girls.  I pray for the added strength I need in serving in this calling. So proud of my dear husband for his positive attitude in serving in the Garden City 1 st ward Bishopric.  Grateful he is worthy to bless our grandson today and able to preform his priesthood duties he is a great blessing in my life and lives of our children and grandchildren.  Craig gave Landon a very special blessing today, so proud of this grandson.  He has such a very special spirit about him.  This has been a blessed day.  We are heading back to the lake- a three hour drive.

Landon’s Baptism

January 10, 2019 - We are so very blessed as grandparents to have another very special grandson baptized tonight.  It has been a double blessing to have Ryan baptism his son.  We have been praying for many years for their family.  Landon is a special grandson.  He is very kind and gentle to others and has such a sweet spirit.  So special to witness this eventful moment in our lives.   I was ask to speak about the gift of the Holy Ghost.  I shared my testimony about my conversion and how receiving the gift of Holy Ghost has meant so much to me.  I will have to write out the story in more detail.  I was the age Landon was when he was baptized 11yrs old.  This has been a blessed night.
After the baptism we all went over as family and ward member to have root beer floats and cheese cake, fun to visit with our family everyone was there but the Towner Family.  Trisha and I made the decorative jars for all the tables and set thing up ahead of time. We put pictures of Jesus in glass jars with fairy lights, silver, white and navy blue balloons, white table clothes It all turned out so pretty.
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Book of Luke

Who was Luke? An apostle of Jesus Christ, a personal witness of his life on earth, a friend to Jesus.  Bible dictionary - under topic “gospel” - Luke offers his readers a polished literary account of the ministry of Jesus, presenting Jesus as the universal Savior of both Jews and Gentiles. He dwells extensively on Jesus’ teachings and His doings. Luke is favorable toward the Gentiles and also gives more stories involving women than do the other records in the four gospels.  He is a physician and healer of the soul.

Book of Mark

Paragraph from topic in the Bible dictionary “Gospels” - The Book Mark appeals to a gentile audience and is fast moving, emphasizing the doings more than the sayings of the Lord. He occasionally gives geographical and cultural explanations--necessary procedure for non-Jewish readers.  Who was Mark ? Bible dictionary : Mark - Also called John; son of Mary, who had a house of considerable size in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12); cousin (or nephew) of Barnabas (Col. 4:10); accompanied Paul and Barnabas from Jerusalem (Acts 12:25) and on their first missionary journey, deserting them at Perga (13:5, 13); accompanied Barnabas to Cyprus (15:37–39); with Paul at Rome (Col. 4:10; Philem. 1:24); with Peter at Babylon (probably Rome) (1 Pet. 5:13); with Timothy at Ephesus (2 Tim. 4:11). His gospel (see Gospels) was possibly written under the direction of Peter. His object is to describe our Lord as the incarnate Son of God, living and acting among men. The Gospel contains a living picture of a living Man. Energy and humility are the characteristics of his portrait. It is full of descriptive touches that help us to realize the impression made upon the bystanders. Tradition states that after Peter’s death, Mark visited Egypt, founded the Church of Alexandria, and died by martyrdom.

My Scriture Study - Matthew 1

Yesterday I listen to the new lesson material while I worked on the elliptical trainer on my phone., It gave me a good overview of what I need to learn this week.  Today I have immersed deeper in and started reviewing the material slowly again so that I can comprehend more and think more deeply about what is being taught. I’m striving to come closer to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We are encouraged to keep a spiritual journal of our journey from our scripture study this year. This I am striving to do.  January 7–13- Matthew 1; Luke 1 “Be It unto Me according to Thy Word”.   This Sunday I’m singing the solo “Daughter of God” this song is about Mary and her response to the angel Gabriel.  Be it unto me according to thy word, as part of the chorus of the song and really reinforces what I am learning this week, I have taken the message to My heart by song.  Something that I can reflect on many times as I remember the music.  Question to ask myself ? As I read and ponder Matthew 1 and Luke 1, record the spiritual impressions I receive. What doctrinal truths do I find?
From a mortal perspective, it was impossible. A virgin could not conceive. Nor could a barren woman who was well past child-bearing years. But God had a plan for the birth of His Son and of John the Baptist, so both Mary and Elisabeth, against all earthly odds, became mothers. It can be helpful to remember their miraculous experiences whenever we face something that seems impossible. Can we overcome our weaknesses? Can we touch the heart of an unresponsive family member? Gabriel could easily have been speaking to us when he reminded Mary, “With God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37).  This quote has had a great impression on my mind that it is true nothing with God is impossible.  I do believe the many scripture miracle stories taught, when to our mortal minds seems impossible because we  do not have all the facts before us.  Piercing beyond the veil,  there is so much I do not know, but I simple do believe it is true!! As I read the Scriptures I come to know more and more clearly that God’s Will is true or not impossible!!   It’s being a simple Servant of the Lord even when I don’t understand.  I love Mary’s humble response to the angel Gabriel-  And Mary’s response can also be ours when God reveals His will: “Be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38)
The beginning book of The New  Testament recorded for us is Matthew.  What do I know about Matthew? he was called as an apostle to the living Lord Jesus Christ and served with him.   Prior to his calling his worked as a Publican- which is Men who bought the taxes under the Roman government were called publicani. The name is also used to describe those who actually collected the money, and who were properly called portitores. Both classes were detested by the Jews, and any Jew who undertook the work was excommunicated. Many of the tax-gatherers in Galilee would be in the service of Herod and not of Rome. There are many references in the New Testament to the readiness with which the publicans received the gospel (Matt. 9:9–10; 10:3; 21:31–32; Mark 2:14–15; Luke 3:12; 5:27–29; 7:29; 15:1; 18:13; 19:2, 8).   I read all the scriptures reference and can see that there were many working as a publican were rejected by the Jews, yet were willing to accept Jesus and be baptized Matt 9- 9 ​​¶ ​And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named ​​​Matthew​, sitting at the ​​​receipt of custom​: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
​​​10 ​​¶ ​And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
Matthew wrote his Gospel mainly to fellow Jews; therefore, he chose to emphasize Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah that were fulfilled through Jesus’s life and ministry.   As I read the Book of Matthew look for the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus Christ before his birth.
In the Bible Dictionary:Matthew- means Gift of God. Known before his conversion as Levi, son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14). He was a tax gatherer at Capernaum, probably in the service of Herod Antipas, in whose tetrarchy Capernaum was. Soon after his call he gave a feast to his old associates (Matt. 9:9–13; Mark 2:14–17; Luke 5:27–32) at which the Lord was present, and was in consequence blamed by the Pharisees. Matthew was probably a thorough Jew with a wide knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures and able to see in every detail of the Lord’s life the fulfillment of prophecy. His Gospel (see Gospels) was written for the use of Jewish persons in Palestine and uses many quotations from the Old Testament. His chief object is to show that Jesus is the Messiah of whom the prophets spoke. He also emphasizes that Jesus is the King and Judge of men. His Gospel was probably written in Aramaic but is known to us by a Greek translation. Of the Apostle’s later life little is known for certain. A tradition asserts that he died a martyr’s death.  These are great insights into the history of the Apostle Matthew. The opening book of the New Testament.    St. Matthew begins with the genealogy of the Savior Jesus Christ.  There are 14 generations recorded from father Abraham, to The famous King David that the Savior was prophesied to be born as a king literally the descendants of king David.  Recorded: vs 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations;  ( which time period 721BC)  and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.   From this account I learn that Joseph - Jesus Christ, acting mortal father was a direct descendant of King David.  The beginning account Recording the lineage is a message that our genealogy is very important....  (It is important that I continue my efforts in learning and recording my family linage  and history. )
Bible Dictionary: topic-  Gospels - the four gospels written are Matthew, Mark Luke and John-   Gospels. The word gospel means “good news.” The good news is that Jesus Christ has made a perfect atonement for mankind that will redeem all mankind from the grave and reward each individual according to his or her works. This atonement was begun by His appointment in the premortal world but was worked out by Jesus during His mortal sojourn. Therefore, the records of His mortal life and the events pertaining to His ministry are called the Gospels; the four that are contained in our Bible are presented under the names of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The four Gospels are not so much biographies as they are testimonies. They do not reveal a day-by-day story of the life of Jesus; rather, they tell who Jesus was, what He said, what He did, and why it was important. The records of Matthew, Mark, and Luke present a somewhat similar collection of materials and have considerable phraseology in common, as well as similar main points, and thus are sometimes labeled as the “Synoptic Gospels” (meaning “see-alike”). Even so, each is unique and has much detail that is not shared by the others. John’s record is quite different from the other three in vocabulary, phraseology, and presentation of events.
It appears from the internal evidence of each record that Matthew was written to persuade the Jews that Jesus is the promised Messiah. To do so, he cites several Old Testament prophecies and speaks repeatedly of Jesus as the Son of David, thus emphasizing His royal lineage.

Tuesday- A Cold Winter Day/New Beginnings Program

I woke up about 8:00 am this morning. Craig got up early 5:30 am to play pickleball in Montpellier. He got home just in time to take a quick shower and head to Salt lake today.  He has a birthday lunch appointment with Rayna his past secretary and an afternoon appointment with his Aunt Cheryl about her retirement investments.  She keeps making dumb mistakes without consulting with Craig before hand and then he is left trying to help her fix the mess she got herself in.  Don’t know if he can help her this time.  He is so kind to even bother with her.  He doesn't make any money on it.  He is very giving in his time, in trying to care for his crazy Aunt.  I have spent several hours reading my scriptures and working on the come follow me manual lesson for this week.  I have so many things I want to read and study.  Just take one book at a time and stick to it.  I have the day to myself with Craig gone. He won’t be home till later tonight.  I have New Beginnings tonight. Meeting at the church at 4pm to get things ready.  I do need to take some time in preparing my thought for tonight.   It will be nice to have time to read and study.  I do need to start practicing my solo for this Sunday.  I plan to sing a song I practiced last year and wasn’t able to sing, was going to sing it last week and then that didn’t work out so hoping to make it happen this week.  Todd Bennion is playing for me.  He is so helpful in transposing the music for me.  My voice is not what it use to be.  I can’t sing the higher notes above a high C easily anymore.  My voice range has lowered from all my years of singing as a high soprano.  He just texted and said we can meet latter tonight to practice.  Going to enjoy my day with some solitude time to myself which is rare.  The sun is out but very cold.  Mika Anderson mother text back to me last after I dropped off dinner to them.  She was not home yet from work:  “ Oh my heck this is so good!! Thank you for dinner. Sorry I wasn't here when you brought it. I unfortunately had to work and my wonderful husband me picked me up. Thanks again.”  So glad they liked the meal I fixed.  It is one of our family favorites.  Micheal wants me to fix it every time he comes to visit us.  It is fried chicken with noodles and Alfredo sauce pours over the top.  I serve fresh steam broccoli with it.  Last night I made rolls that turned out really good and my favorite pumpkin pie recipe that I have  made for many years.  I had made extra over Thanksgiving and froze two pies that came in handy for their dinner last night.  I got this recipe from Tasha’s mother in-law Mindy Thomas.  She is a really good cook.  Tasha has learned from her some really good meals.  She fixed it for us many years back at the lake and we all loved it now one of our favorites.  It is easy to fix and very yummy.  Luckily with us being remote from a store I had everything on hand to prepare a meal for them.  I try to keep some meal ideas on hand, with family in and out at the lake I never know when I need to fix a meal.  I’ve gotten two other recipes from in-laws that are now favorites meals, I keep on hand.  Trisha  passed on Shepard pie, from her mother in-law and Dave my son-in-law makes A yummy spaghetti with sausage and pepperoni and it has become a family favorite for all of us.  Fun to get recipes from other families and make them our own.  My girls have all become good cooks, it’s fun to share recipes.
Our New Beginnings Program turned out very nice. Welcoming the new 11 year old girl in the ward to young women and teaching them about the program.  The 11 years old now come in young women;s at the beginning of the year and do not wait until their birthdays, this push up a few of the young women who's birthdays were in the fall.  They can now attend the temple at 11 years old they do not have to wait until they turn 12.  Exciting new changes for the young women program. 
It has been a great success tonight!

Our Young Women Theme this year 2019

Our Fun decoration with the Love Theme for the young women values they are going to be working on

All the young women attending

Our three new young women Aleena Lopez,,Katilyn, Olivia Ward

Monday - Giving Service

I woke up at 7:30 am.  Feeling a little nauseous.  It is a cold winter day we received lots of new snow yesterday.  It snowed most of the day.  The lake is freezing.  It has been below zero for many nights making it cold enough for the lake to freeze this year on the outer edges so far.  It didn’t freeze over last year.  But looks like it is going to this year.  My list today,  work out, I have got to lose weight. I’m back up to 169 lbs.  Craig is at 189lbs, we both need to lose 20 pounds by spring and maintain keeping it off once we get there.  So it is boot camp time getting this weight off.  Need to stay focus on what I eat.  It does make a huge difference in our food choices.  I’m making dinner for the Anderson family tonight.  I’m also meeting with brother Bennion sometime today to start practicing a song for this Sunday.  I need to prepare for our New Beginnings program tomorrow night, Wednesday I want to head to Shannon’s home and stay for a few days to help her prepare for Landon’s baptism this week.  I have a full week ahead of me.  My mother is begging me to come for a visit too.  So I’m thinking of heading out next week and spend some time with her.  I want to get back to working on her history so I can take it with me for her to proof and help me complete the missing info.  I want to stay focus on our study time too!!

My Sabbath Day

I got up at 8am to get ready for our young women presidency meeting.  Our new Church schedule this year is 11:30 am.  This allows us to have a presidency meeting at 9:00 am and give me time to come home and come back for church.  We start the new Come Follow Me- Sunday School program, which includes lesson time at home during the week and then follow up at church on Sunday.  This week the theme is- we are responsible for our own learning.  We need to be more involved and not passive in our gospel learning.   How do I Strengten my testimony at this stage in my life?  need to consistently be learning the gospel, filling my lamp with spiritual gospel oil.  Attending church, partaking of the sacrament, praying and reading my scriptures daily invite the spirit into our home.  I want to do better as a couple. We seem to read on our own but I would like to do it together and discuss our learning together.  This is my goal for the up coming week.  What commandments  can I strive to do better this year?   Ask Heavenly Father what is thy will for me, James 1:5- if any of  you lack wisdom let him ask of God? I need to apply the principles of the gospel by acting upon them. Knowing God is being Charitable to others, striving to be like the Savior in our actions is showing kindness to others in all we do.  These are great thoughts I gained from the testimonies in Sacrament and my Sunday lesson this week.  I’m striving to be kind to all,  After church I had to come home and make a couple more invitations to handout for our New Beginnings program this Tuesday.  Brittany my 2nd Counselor’s has taken the reigns and prepared a great program.  I need to prepare my thoughts for my part of the program.   I dropped off and invite to Mika Anderson and found out her mother is at the hospital for a cyst. I meet Mika's grandmother.  They are not members and need lots of nurturing.  It had been hard on the family with Brother Anderson passing,  Mika’s grandfather.   Her dad and grandfather worked together in running a lawn & maintenance business here at Bear Lake.  There is a huge void with Vern Anderson gone from their lives.  When I got home I texted Mika’s mother asking if I could bring them dinner on Monday evening.  She responded yes.   I had to take a nap by 3:30 pm I was really tired and feeling aches all over, I’m fighting something.  Pray it doesn’t get the best of me this week,  I need my strength and energy,  I have lots to accomplish this upcoming week.  Craig and I were able to begin our study time for lesson 2 this week.  Learning about Mary the mother of Jesus Christ, his conception and birth.  We are told in the scriptures that Jesus is the literal son of God the Eternal Father, and his mortal mother Mary.  Mary was declared a Virgin and did not know her husband Joseph until after the birth of Jesus.  Many questions how could this be ?  Understanding that God does have a perfect immortal body and this body is able to procreate-  Jesus had to have the special powers of an immortal father in order to provide the resurrection for all mankind.  I believe it is true and so Thankful for the love of God and my elder brother Jesus Christ to provide the way for me to return home after I have completed my journey on this earth.  Pray in my study of the New Testament I can gain a greater understanding of the life of the Savior.

Landon Shoping

We took Landon shopping to buy a new suit for his baptism.  We are planning his baptism for next week.  Landon as grown so much.  He pick out a navy blue suit.  He is going to look so handsome in his new suit.  Landon has had all the missionary lessons and had been ready for many months to be baptized.  He had just been waiting on his parents to organize it and get it done.  Hopefully we can make it happen this coming week.  He is our special 10 year old grandson, we love him very much and so happy that he has a desire to be Baptized.  He had a few missionary lessons with us at Bear Lake this past summer and I felt his special spirit in learning and that what he was being taught is true. 

Our Temple Session

We got early and attended the temple today.  We drove down to Salt lake on Thursday morning to meet Stacy and her little family for lunch before they left town.  They are heading home this morning. They have been gone for two weeks and are anxious to head home.  I didn’t get to spend as much time with them as I would have liked.  Living at the lake does make a difference spending time together.  Craig and I did look at several homes trying to find something that fits our needs at this stage I our lives.  It is really hard to find what we want in the location we would like to live.   We looked at 5 homes and no luck yet.  It was so nice to be in the temple, to calm my soul.  There have been several new changes in the temple ordinances.  They were able to shorten the endowment session by 20 minutes which is so nice.  Some how we have got to speed up the process in keeping up with all the youth baptisms.  I complete a family name for Mattie Frances Hart born 1887 in Virginia, Craig completed Hiram Bailes born in the early 1700’s.  He was an old Uncle forgotten.  I found his name listed as a guardian for several siblings in the marriage records as a witness.  Their father Thomas Bailes had died in 1827 Brother to my ggg grandfather John Bailes who also died in 1827. Their father was Thomas Bailes. Thomas Bailes jr  has been mistaken as Thomas senior which has caused confusion in connecting the correct names to the right family.  I have had to spend many hours looking closely at the sources, which is something I really enjoy doing.   So rewarding to connect a lost forgotten ancestor.  The changes in the temple are good up dates to help the work move forward the work in these latter days.

My 62nd Birthday/ A Winter Day

I have been in slow motion today.  Manage to clean myself up today,  I stayed in my Pj’s all day yesterday.  I had a migraine all day and didn’t feel like doing much.  I just watched movies and rested all day.  My head feels a little better today, but it really hurts in the backside of my head. 
We both look pretty funny this morning.
This is a terrible picture of us. Craig worked on our investments for the morning and I looked at homes for sale on my computer.  I spent the afternoon watching movies and relaxing. Hard to believe I'm a year older. Each year goes by all to fast.  We thought about driving to Salt Lake today to see Stacy and her family before they leave town on Friday.  By the time I washed my hair and got ready I was tired.  We went and got lunch at the Bear Trapper just to get out for a bit.  It is a pretty winter day with the sun shinning.  It is very cold only about 16 degrees.  The lake is freezing on the outer edges.  Craig is cleaning the garage up,  I need to pack up our Christmas decorations.  Christmas is over.  I work so hard decorating I don't like putting it away.  I like to enjoy it a little longer in the winter season.  I made a happy New Year Tree this year.  Fun to leave our tree up and change the decoration.  The day is ticking by and we are still here.  Guess we will try to head down to Salt Lake tomorrow.  I'm still fighting a head ache and don't feel up to leaving town.

Love this picture of the grandkids on a winter day playing with cousins while they are visiting. Farrah, Annie & little Enzo at Tasha's home.

First Thoughts

 Light 💡 moment!!! The first thoughts that came to my mind when I woke up this Happy New Year- with the new direction in teaching on Sundays, we can focus our lesson time working on personal progress values this year with the young women. Create those lessons that will help them pass off values during class time. This gives them time to think about the experiences, share their learning and feelings about the value in class time review where your age group girls are and make a plan to accomplish and follow up with them our next class time, spend as long as needed, during the week- help by having the girls text back their progress and journal entries, set goals in our council on Sunday, review what they are working on and have them share on Sunday accomplishments toward working on this value. We have to do better in keeping track and holding them accountable weekly. It is keeping their progress in the fore front of our minds, giving text notes of encouragement along the way. The purpose is helping apply the principles of the gospel by putting into action in their daily lives ! This way we can spend more time as needed on one topic with our young women on Sunday’s.  We don’t have to move from month to month into the next theme. Getting them teaching more and preparing for our Sunday lesson time on the subject.  Focusing on their Personal progress is a great direction for us this year.  I need to review my older girls and make a plan for them this up coming year!!

Happy New Year 2019

We had a fun evening with friends bringing in the New Year!! 
Had fun decorating a Happy New Year Tree this year!! We invited brother and sister Monk, Hassie & Dewayne Gifford, Kathy and Mark Hislop, brother and Sister Pope.  I fixed a yummy dinner and we had fun visiting getting to know one another better.  Bringing in the New Year 2019 We all had a toast of sparkling cider.  Fun to bring the New Year in with Friends.  Our family were all busy doing different things this year.