Preparing For The Second Coming of our Savior-

Preparing for the Lord’s Return

By Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is uniquely empowered and commissioned to accomplish the necessary preparations for the Lord’s Second Coming.” 

I loved learning more about the message of the second coming of our Savior this past week in my come follow me study- I especially wanted to highlight some quotes from this uplifting talk-  

Opening of his talk - hope we think about the Saviors pending return when “He will rule as King of Kings and … Lord of Lords.”  His opening- footnotes to the proclamation - The Living Christ- announced to the world in 2000-  this proclamation is so powerful I wanted to copy and record in my journal - The Living Christ The Testimony of the Apostles-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come. He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth. We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world. He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).

Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).

We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).

We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

  The First Presidency-   singed by the first presidency and all the 12 apostle on January 1st , 2000-  

{The opening of a new dispensation - the time when the Savior is promised to return and all things will be revealed -}  

In his talk - quote - the Holy Spirit affirmed two things to me. First, the work of ministering to temporal needs is vital and must continue. The second was unexpected, yet powerful and clear. It was this: beyond selfless service, it is supremely important to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

So yes, let us do all we can to relieve suffering and sorrow now, and let us devote ourselves more diligently to the preparations needed for the day when pain and evil are ended altogether, when “Christ [shall] reign personally upon the earth; and … the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.” It will be a day of redemption and judgment.” 

The church of Jesus Christ of latter-.day saints commits vast amounts of time and funds to the gathering and preparation of a covenant people ready to receive the Lord, you won’t find it anywhere else in the world to this commitment.  

Speaking to the Church in 1831, the Lord declared: D & C - 65:2, 5 -

“The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth. …

“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.” 

This revelation was given in 1831 which has been 188 years ago.  The church has grown and has just about touches every nations in the earth. Our membership is very small compared to the population of the earth.  Yet is ia amazing that the kingdom of God is rolling froth despite the surrounding evils that prevail in the earth.  So the question is- how to we do this as members?   He answered my question by saying - We can prepare ourselves as a people; we can gather the Lord’s covenant people; and we can help redeem the promise of salvation “made to the fathers,” our ancestors. All of this must occur in some substantial measure before the Lord comes again. I can see the church has grown tremendously since the early organization of the church in 1830-  I was baptized in 1968 my area in Texas was just a small branch in that time period and I have seen it grow to 4 full Wards and stake and now has a temple.  That has been - 58 years in my life time I have seen a huge growth of the church.  Is it enough?  We have temple beginning to dot the earth.  Temple work is taking place in all the world.  I know I’m striving to do my part to provide salvation for my deceased ancestors.  First, and crucial for the Lord’s return, is the presence on the earth of a people prepared to receive Him at His coming. 

Are we prepared as members -  I feel there are many that are not prepared, yet I feel at least half are.  It’s so important to strengthen one another in building zion-  Lord Himself prophesied that before His return, the gospel would be preached in all the world “to recover [His] people, which are of the house of Israel,” “and then shall the end come.” Jeremiah’s prophecy is being fulfilled: This great and last dispensation is building steadily to its climax—Zion on earth being joined with Zion from above at the Savior’s glorious return. The Church of Jesus Christ is commissioned to prepare—and is preparing—the world for that day.   While we strive to be diligent in building up Zion, including our part in the gathering of the Lord’s elect ( missionary work) and the redemption of the dead, ( temple work) we should pause to remember that it is the Lord’s work and He is doing it. He is the Lord of the vineyard, and we are His servants. He bids us to labor in the vineyard with our might this “last time,” and He labors with us. It would probably be more accurate to say He permits us to labor.  President Nelson has repeatedly emphasized that the “gathering [of Israel] is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty. And if you choose to, … you can be a big part of it.”  We each need to do our part in the gather of Zion on the earth and on the other side of the veil-  The Book of Mormon was the signal that the gathering had begun. The Book of Mormon itself is the instrument of gathering and conversion.  Also vital to the preparation for the Second Coming is the great redemptive effort on behalf of our ancestors. The Lord promised to send Elijah the prophet before the Second Coming, “the great and dreadful day of the Lord,” to “reveal … the Priesthood” and “plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers.” Elijah did come as promised. The date was April 3, 1836; the place was the Kirtland Temple. In that place and in that moment, he did indeed confer the promised priesthood, the keys for the redemption of the dead and the union of husbands, wives, and families across all generations of time and throughout all eternity. Without this, the purpose of creation would be frustrated, and in that sense, the earth would be cursed or “utterly wasted.”.... From this conference talk I have been edified to keep the course-  

Not Feeling Well

In the middle of our exciting family events I’m not feeling well.  I came home from the shower on Saturday exhausted and went straight to bed at 6:30 pm and slept the entire evening and didn’t get up until the next morning over 12 hours of sleep.  Guess I needed it!! I have been working hard moving the Thomas family was a lot of hard work for me.  My chest started hurting and has had this aching pain in the center of my chest and back area.  My heart rate has been levitated all day on Sunday. Just walking out to the car from church it rose to 136 beats per minute which is high for a mild walk. With the pain in my chest area it is concerning for me.  I felt off all day and and extremely fatigue.  I didn’t want to alarm anyone in the family - I have just had to rest.  So I wasn’t very sociable this weekend.  This morning I woke up at 4:30 am and it is feeling better just a sight tightness in my chest area.  We are playing Pickelball this morning with Rich and his wife Stacy who own the car wash.   We played with them yesterday afternoon and I did ok.  I didn’t know if I would be able to play or not.  It was really windy and hard to hit the ball correctly so hopefully it will be better playing this morning.  I think my heart is acting up - I’m not getting the blood flow I need and could be why I feel fatigue and chest pain.  I have got to lean out my diet from the sugar and fats.  I know I need to loose about 2O pounds.  I’m at my all time high again 170 lbs which is not good with the summer months upon me now.  I always gain in the summer cooking for the family and eating out at Bear lake.  I've got to fugue this out for my continued health. I need to buckle down and get some weight off. I know Craig has been trying.  He has lost 10 lbs. I thought helping the Thomas family for two weeks - I ate very little I would have lost some weight but no such luck. I order a nutri- system meal package for the month.  If I can stick to it I should lose some weight.   I know I need to for my heart health- I feel like I’m a ticking bomb for a heart attack with the symptoms I’ve felt this weekend.  I need to do better - my food order should arrive any day now and I can recommit to a better diet.  

Our Sister Missionary Aubrey

Our Aubrey is doing great on her mission - she has a new companion and only speaks Spanish which is a new challenge for Aubrey.   We are so proud of Aubrey and her courage to be living and serving in a foreign county and having to learn a new language-

 

Our Karlee J

Our Karlee J turned 18 on May 3rd and is graduating from high school this month.  She has grown into a lovely young women - so proud of her and her accomplishments - 

She has had a rough week getting her wisdom teeth removed- that is not fun.  She plans to attend hair beauty school this fall and living in Provo with her best friend Haley-  Saydee is going to be living in the same apartment complex too - It will be a fun time for them both.  I loved my college days living in Provo - that was summer and fall of 1976- it’s been 47 years ago- looking forward to Karlee’s 👩‍🎓 graduation coming up- 

Towner Boys Softball Season

Jude and Yeal had a great softball season this year.  Chad was the coach for Jude’s  team-  we had fun watching them while we were in town for a week- we had four softball games to watch.  It was a busy week and so enjoyed spending time with them as grandparents. 

Thomas Family

The Thomas family are officially in their new home.  Our Darling little Coco- she is chillin in their new home.  I worked hard moving the Thomas family for two weeks.  One week packing and moving and one week unpacking and putting things away.  There was lots to do- we got it done. The new home is lovely- excited to host a fun family party later this summer when their swimming pool is complete.  They are redoing it now.  There is still lots to do to set things up in their home but the past two weeks we have made great progress.   I love their new home !   Coco has a new castle bed it is so darling for her. 

 

Memorial Weekend / Coles Shower

We didn’t think we were going to have any family for the holiday this year.  The weather has been cool and rainy.  The Burbidge family surprised us and came up for the weekend with Lincoln.  Lincoln  and Boston have been anxious to come to the lake this year.  They have been having fun hanging out together and are excited to try out our new Polaris water machine Craig bought for the family this year. He traded in one of the wave blaster for a new one that I can ride on and not feel so tippy on the water. Looking forward to it warming up and summer arriving at the lake.  It has been a beautiful spring in the Salt lake valley this year.  Spring is slowly coming at the lake.   The trees are finally budding out on the leaves.  The weekend has been bustling with people coming into town for the holiday weekend.  We had a full crowd at church yesterday.  Saturday I had to get up early and drive to Kaysville for Cole’s wedding shower hosted by Sharlena-  I told her I would come early to help get ready.   I got up at 6am to get ready for the day and out the door by 8am to make the 2 hour drive.  The shower started at 3pm-  it was a great turn out from family on the Noriega side.  We are few in numbers on our side.  Just me, Trisha and Natasha.   I left at 5:30 to make the drive back to the lake.  Trisha and Saydee were heading up to the lake from Sharlena's home too.  The shower was lovely- Sharlena had everything so nice.  We went to Costco and I bought them new pillows, king sheets and a king topper for the bed we are giving them from Grandma LaVon that has been sitting in our  garage at our Draper home.  They are getting married June 28th- only one more month away- grandma Noriega made them a beautiful King quilt. She does such a great job quilting.  I got them Navy blue king sheets to match.  

Sharlena decorated so pretty!  The most beautiful wedding cookies and they were yummy too ! 

They wore matching shoes.  Chase is a beautiful young lady they make a darling couple.  So wierd to be having a grandson getting married.  We are entering a new stage in our lives as grandparents. 

 

Heading To The Lake

I worked hard again at Natasha’s home unpacking and putting things away on Tuesday -I was so tired when I came home- I had to take a 2- hour nap.  Shannon called and we visited for a couple of hours. I watched a movie Called Otto- it was heart warmer.  About an older man who had lost his wife. He was lonely and missing her an wanted to join her.  He tried four different ways to end his life and each time was interrupted by a sweet, Spanish women- who had stopped by to check on him and bring him food- yummy food she had made.  This softens his heart - she would ask him for help with something she needed done and gave him purpose to live.  In the movie it reminded me of my dear husband how he likes to hold my hand in bed at night when we sleep. The same as Otto did in the movie when he would dream about their life together.  I was missing my dear hubby.  He has been up at the lake for a week working up there while I have been working and helping the Thomas family move.  I wanted to drive back to the lake but it was late and dark and I don’t like driving at night.  I crawled in bed about 11pm. At midnight Craig came walking in.  He drove down missing me and sick he needed his medicine he had left.  So funny but heart- warming at the same time.   We hadn’t spoke, much the past week.  I knew he wanted me at the lake with him but I wanted to stay and help the Thomas family - which they very much needed my help.  Craig was cross that I was not up at the lake with him- I wasn’t ready to come back up - I also wanted to enjoy the pretty blossoms on all the trees in the Salt Lake valley. Spring in full bloom.  They only last a few weeks and I didn’t want to miss out on enjoying the flower show and aroma from the blossoms.  It was lovely this year.  Even though I was working hard each day I enjoyed seeing the flowering trees as I drove back and forth from their home to mine.  I still have to get our back patio door trim painted and buy my spring flowers for the summer season.  So, I’m going to have to go back- I rode up with Craig last night.  I was only able to keep him down for 24 hours and we are back at the lake- Spring is finally coming here! Thing are budding out! Natasha sent me a picture of Cora’s new bed they were setting up when we left yesterday.  Craig and I put a full day in yesterday helping the Thomas family.  We set up Natasha new weight set for her lovely gym in their new home.  We then unpacked thing in the trailer and took the family piano to the DI for donation.  I wanted to keep it but have no need for it and it was beat by the Thomas family- was hoping for a piano player in the family.  I hated parting with the 40- year old piano! It was a family heirloom I had wanted to pass down but it had not been taken care of and was of no use to our family now- Time to let it go. 

Come Follow Me Study / Face the future with Faith / and be prepared

Still working hard unpacking and putting things away at Natasha’s home.  I put 10 hours in on Monday- I’m heading over again today to tackle the garage-I worked hard yesterday unpacking and putting things away in the kitchen- finding the right spot to place things.  I pushed myself and manage to get all the boxes unpacked -sitting on the back porch.  I was beat when I came home-  I’m still tired this morning. Somehow I manage to keep going.  I can feel myslef slowing down.  I wanted to take the time to study the come follow me material this week.  I just listened to a talk by Preisdent Nelsen that he gave in Nov 2020 -  this talk gives me peace-  If we are prepared we shall not fear -  He had given us guidance in how to prepare for the second of Jesus Christ-  

Prophecies about the Savior’s Second Coming can help me face the future with faith-  God has not revealed “the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:13). But He does not want that day to come upon us “unawares” (Luke 21:34), so He has given us counsel about how to prepare.

The Future with Faith- Nov 2020 Confernce session - By President Russell M. Nelson- The future will be glorious for those who are prepared and who continue to prepare to be instruments in the Lord’s hands.

What is Abomination of Desolation ?

 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

My Come Follow me lesson material this week in about preparing for the Second Coming.  My Brother John Wesley was texting me yesterday as we discussed the second coming and preparing.  How do we not feel anxiety as a we see the signs of our time unfolding.  We both have the hearts desire to witness the Savior coming and be apart of the great milliualia reign of the Savior on the earth again a time of peace.  So low and behold when I review our come follow me lesson for this week it is on this very subject - the signs before his coming and how do we prepare? Reading Matthew 24-25 -  the Savior mention the abomination of desolation in Matthew 24:15 - he tells us to stand in Holy place - what does this mean ? I first read in the Bible dictionary on the subject -  Abomination of desolation

 Daniel spoke prophetically of a day when there would be “the abomination that maketh desolate” (Dan. 11:31; 12:11), and the phrase was recoined in New Testament times to say “the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet” (Matt. 24:15).

Conditions of desolation, born of abomination and wickedness, were to occur twice in fulfillment of Daniel’s words. The first was to be when the Roman legions under Titus, in A.D. 70, laid siege to Jerusalem (Matt. 24:15; JS—M 1:12).

Speaking of the last days, of the days following the Restoration of the gospel and its declaration “for a witness unto all nations,” our Lord said: “And again shall the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, be fulfilled” (JS—M 1:31–32). That is, Jerusalem again will be under siege.

In a general sense, abomination of desolation also describes the latter-day judgments to be poured out upon the wicked wherever they may be. And so that the honest in heart may escape these things, the Lord sends His servants forth to raise the warning voice, to declare the glad tidings of the Restoration, lest “desolation and utter abolishment” come upon them. The elders are commanded to reprove “the world in righteousness of all their unrighteous and ungodly deeds, setting forth clearly and understandingly the desolation of abomination in the last days” (D&C 84:114, 117; 88:84–85).

Read scriptures attached - D&C 84: 114 

Nevertheless, let the bishop go unto the city of New York, also to the city of Albany, and also to the city of Boston, and warn the people of those cities with the sound of the gospel, with a loud voice, of the desolation and utter abolishment which await them if they do reject these things.

115 For if they do reject these things the hour of their judgment is nigh, and their house shall be left unto them desolate.

116 Let him trust in me and he shall not be confounded; and a hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed.

117 And verily I say unto you, the rest of my servants, go ye forth as your circumstances shall permit, in your several callings, unto the great and notable cities and villages, reproving the world in righteousness of all their unrighteous and ungodly deeds, setting forth clearly and understandingly the desolation of abomination in the last days.

118 For, with you saith the Lord Almighty, I will rend their kingdoms; I will not only shake the earth, but the starry heavens shall tremble.

119 For I, the Lord, have put forth my hand to exert the powers of heaven; ye cannot see it now, yet a little while and ye shall see it, and know that I am, and that I will come and reign with my people.

120 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Amen.

From these verses I learn the gospel message is what saves us - this is why the church is sending missionaries thru out the world to teach and share the gospel of salvation to all men if they will accept it. There is to come a great cleansing of the entire earth of all wickness- before the opening of the millennium reign - only those living a Terristrial law and a Celestrail Law will be allowed to stay on the earth - all those living a telestial law will be cleansed from the earth because they are not willing to abide by Gods laws.    I look forward to the Regin of our Savior on the Earth!

Jesus Our Savior Will calm the troubled waters of this life

I’m Exhausted

I had another hard- working day! My back is hurting so badly.  I had to come home by 5:30pm.  I laid on the couch for two hours watching the daily news and fading in and out.  I’m aching all over I finally took 8mg of IB Profemin and taking a hot bath. When I woke up this morning, I was thinking it was Wednesday I lost an entire day.  Each day has blended into one packing and moving things over to new house. I tackle packing things up in the old house, the kitchen, the girls bathroom.  Natashas bathroom and the kids craft area that takes time packing up all this little stuff. Mindy came over and helped me tackle the pantry and the refrigerator and she took that over to the new house to place in the refrigerator. It’s total chaos between both homes right now. With Bridger’s packing and moving this week it has turned their lives upside down. Tasha had a very busy week with extra responsibilities at work this week and wasn’t able to help move her things out and Bridger wasn’t waiting on her. Their new home really isn't it ready to move in. There are so many workers still working on painting, light fixtures and electrical outlet. Cleaner people everywhere in the house working. and now we have all the kid’s chaos with their things laying everywhere, not knowing where to put things yet. They slept over last night because Bridger moved all the beds out. I left their place at 9:30 PM last night. Just dead tired. A good night sleep does help and able to start over again today. I’m just resting tonight to rejuvenate myself for another packing and moving day. Don’t know why Bridger didn’t just hire somebody to come in and move them - it would’ve been a whole lot less chaotic. Can’t really put much away right now till we get the workers out. I helped Annie hang up clothes in her closet and then we had to move them out today because the worker had to get in and repair the ceiling so that was a waste of our time. I guess they’re just going to have to live out of some boxes for the time being until we can finally get the workers out of the house and I’m afraid the painters are going to be there for a few more weeks and that’s if they buckle down.  All I can say is I feel bad for Natasha having to be gone all week and then come home to the total chaos!!  She said this was the worst week for her. It was the company’s birthday party celebration and then they had their New York co-owners flying in for two days to entertain, work and collaborate with. Oh, it’s been a crazy week for her. She came home Tuesday in tears from all the stress of her work environment. I have just been trying to alleviate her stress and help any way I can.  Moving is not fun!!!  The new buyers are wanting to get in the middle of June and they have to finish painting and sanding the wood floors there is a lot of home maintenance repair to do on the home before they can move in. So, Bridger had to get everything out of the house so they can start working on their projects. A couple more hard-working days and I think we’ll be able to finish getting everything out and move into the new home.

Helping The Thomas Family Move

Ready or Not - Bridger started moving their things into their new home that they have been remodeling for over a year now.  Two weeks ago it looked like there was no way they would be moving in- there was so much that needs to be completed.  Bridger sold their home and wants to be out by the end of the month for the new owners.  He had a new roof put on the and moved everything out into the garage from the basement so they could start painting unside.  The house is beat from living there for 6 and a half years.  They remodeled this house and moved into it the year we moved to the lake.  It has been a good home for them.  They bought it for a great deal and sold it for 1.7milliion which is amazing.  They made some good money on the home.  They have had to put alot into it in the remodel- but I’m sure they made money on the sell of their home.  Now they are moving to a larger home in the same neighborhood only a few blocks away.   This new home is a dream home.  It is going to be so beatiful.  It is 10,000 square feet. It has taken over a year to paint the entire house. It is huge and has been alot of work. They had to paint all the walls and ceilings- all the doors, and then they had all the cabinets in the house repainted. There is lots of touch up still - The kitchen area they weren’t quite as meticulous as they should’ve been in the painting some of the cabinets.  It is looking ready nice.  The entire house needed to be cleaned from all the construction work.  The main level is entirely wood floors that they had stripped from the dark stained floors to a light oak color. That was a huge task to do. Well, last week, I jumped in and started helping where I could because I could see they needed a lot of help.  It was a terrible time for Nastasha to be in the middle of a move.  She had New York buying in for the week to entertain and meeting all week long.  Bridger was dead set in moving forward without her.  The house needed to be packed up.  The days have of all blended together, I can’t believe it’s been a week now -I didn’t even realize it was already Thursday again!! Tasha had wallpaper hung starting last week and he was all done by this Tuesday. It all added so much to the new house. I cleaned out all the cupboards in her kitchen, which is huge, cleaned the laundry room really well and they’re study and craft room. Everything is just been so dirty. All the cabinets had to be washed down from dust and the shelving washdown. They had a cleaning person come one night, cleaned all the wood floors and the bathroom so nice to that done.  It has taken me and many workers around the clock moving and cleaning and workers finishing up painting.  Yesterday they started cleaning the girl's two bedrooms, her huge pantry and her master closet so we’re making good progress on the cleaning. It’s been a race to get things packed up and moved out of the house into their new house. It’s all been very chaotic. It hasn’t been an organized moved by no means.  Bridger had hispanic men come help him slowly move things over- one little trailer load at a tme.  It took me all day yesterday just packing up and cleaning things as they moved it all, they lifted all  the heavy things out of the house upstairs and moved over. Natasha has had to work all week so she hasn’t been around to help much. It’s been me and Bridger and his Mexican friends that he recruited.. Craig left to go back to the lake on Tuesday night. Monday I spent the day at both houses packing and cleaning I fell in bed dead tired. Craig had to drive to Kaysville to get the sheeting that he needed to fix and repair the trailor ceiling inside that we brought down so they could use it for it moving. We started caulking the ceiling of the trailor. Craig had me up on the top of the roof fixing all the nail holes so it doesn’t leak again. We had such a heavy winter snow that sat on top of it, and bowed the ceiling and leaked lots of water. He has made good progress in repairing it. Tuesday was a really stressful day for me bouncing between helping Bridger and helping Craig with the trailor. They both are a little demanding on my time as I was bouncing between helping the two of them. Craig was so honry on working on the repair of the ceiling. I came over for a few hours on Tuesday morning, but we didn’t make much progress and I know he was really frustrated. I had to come inside and have a good cry.  I hate when Craig gets so mean and yelling at me.  I know he was frustrated but he could be kinder.  I was trying to help the best I could.  By late afternoon we got the job done- put back together so the Thomas family could still use it for their move. Craig did hurt my feelings being so sharp with me. I told him I didn’t like working with him when he’s mean speaking to me - I know it was a frustrating job, but he could’ve been more patient and kind about it. I was dead, tired and overwhelmed. He stressed me out. We came home and he packed things up and headed to the lake. I was not very happy with him at the moment and just needed a break from it all. I’d work so hard and I could hardly move off the couch when we got home I just laid there and watched a Netflix movie to rest for the evening. I got up early yesterday and ran a few errands. I had to take the lamps back that I bought for my basement desk they were too tall. I then spent another hard working day packing up things and moving into their new home. I didn’t get home until 9:30 last night. I could hardly move. I was so exhausted from it all. Mindy Thomas- Bridger’s step Mom came to help, she packed up the kitchen. I scrambled around emptying boxes and trying to find boxes for her to pack the kitchen in while she was there to help and I started unpacking things at the new house so that we would have boxes- trying to put things away. I was finally able to get into the girl’s two bedrooms, with them cleaned from the cleaners yesterday and put things away for them.  Things were all looking really scary on Monday but it cleaned up really nice. They still have both bathroom cabinets that need to be installed.  They each have their own bathroom connected to their bedroom. I love the wallpaper in Anni’s bathroom. It looks so cute and adds so much.. Well, Bridger moved all the beds over yesterday so they’re sleeping over ready or not it’s all a mess still.. Total chaos right now. Tasha didn’t get home until late so I’m not sure how the sleeping situation went for them all. She has just had a really busy week with things going on at her work -she has not been able to help much. She wanted Bridger to wait a week but he has moved forward full steam head - I need to go back over today and see if I can finish cleaning or start cleaning up things at their old house. There’s still lots of miscellaneous stuff scattered everywhere, but we’re making progress. I wish I had taken pictures along the way.  I have just been working hard and fast as I can to get things done.  

Happy Mothers Day

Tommy sent me a picture of my Mom's tombstone marker-  I have not see it until 

Today.  She loved pink roses- she did have beautiful flowers 🌸 

 It’s hard to believe it has a year and a half now since her passing.  We had a special night Friday celebrating Craig's mother death.  They finally were able to get her tombstone in place.  Kelly Symes planned family time at the marker.  She brought a bunch of lanterns we lite and let off to fly up in the night sky.  I had never done this before lighting the lanterns and watching them fly up.  A very fun memorial for LaVon.

The Thomas family gave me the sweetest Mother's Day Card.  The front of the Card was so pretty I framed it and placed in my kitchen in our Draper home to look at.

pictures of our family gathering at Mother LaVon's gravesite lighting lanterns in her memory

Craig and Jan  

The Thomas Grandkids loved watching the laterns float in the night sky

Craig and I lighting our Lantern

Beautiful Spring Day

I woke up early 6:30 am and have spent the past 2 hrs listening to the crazy News happening in our World.  Evil is surmounting on every angle.  I pray 🙏 for the second coming the Millennium to be ushered in.  I pray for the strengthend  courage I need to face what lies ahead of us.  There is going to be a great cleansing of the evil !  It is all mixed in amongst us so I know it is going to be heart wrenching to bare.  Pray I can be a strength to those around me.  We need to keep the faith-  We know that evil will not win in the end even though it appears over whelming right now.  There is so much confusion and forces working against us- This is truely a fight for good vs evil.  I feel the need to attend temple for my spiritual safety and courage to know how to fight the battle that is raging all around us collectively in the world.  My heart aches for all those that suffer because of evil forces.  The Savior knows what we are up against and I have the faith he will provide the tools I need to succeed.  I just have to do so my part by staying in tune with the Holy Spirits direction to navigate in these very trouble times - the darkest in our worlds hisory.  I’m witnessing things before my very eyes being unfolded as foretold in the Holy Scriptures-  I’m trying to fill my life with the good.  There is so much to look forward too-  pray 🙏 to enjoy our lives and look for the good and not let the world events depressed me.  We had dinner with Trisha and Buck last night - fun to visit with them.  Hard to believe our T-girl is now 42 years old.   We came home both tired.  I went to bed at 9:30 pm.  Criag had a rough night, hurting and throwing up with pain.  I told him I think he is dealing with a gallbladder attack.  I know all to well suffering myself. Looks like he is going to have to have gallbladder surgery to remove it.  It is so painful and make you so sick.  He struggled all night.  He finally got some relief after he threw up.   And is sleeping in this morning.  He needs to schedule another doctor appointment.  It takes a tole on me caring for him physically and emotionally.  This has been a rough year so far with his health.  He seems to go from one thing to the next and just not feeling well with no energy.  It’s taking a tole in his emotional state as well. Hard to not let it be discouraging when you just don’t feel well- living life is a lot harder to cope with. Pray I can be strong for him  and not get discouraged myself.  I want to get out and walk and enjoy the beautiful spring blossoms on all the trees.  It is so pretty here in the Salt lake Valley with everything coming alive from our long cold winter.  I scheduled a 7:30 pm temple seasion for tonight.  Going to enjoy this beatiful day.  🌸

Driving To Draper

We spent 5 days at the lake.  I kept busy cleaning and putting the last of my winter decorations away. Feels good to get things cleaned up and get rid of some clutter.  The ice is starting to coming off the lake Saturday May 6th.  By today- the ice is off!  It was a pretty morning seeing the mountains and clouds reflecting on the water.  It was a mirror.  I finished cleaning things up this morning and helped Craig secure our dock on the water edge with the lake water coming up.  There is lots of snow that needs to come down from the mountians.  The canyon mountian snow is still got to melt.  They say it is 85% more snow that has got to melt.  It should fill the lake this year.  It felt good to be in our Bear lake ward for church yesterday.  We had been gone for a month.  Today is our T- girls 42nd Birthday.  See if we can hook up with her today. We pulled our big trailor down.  Craig had to work on the inside ceiling this weekend.  With all the snow this winter it swayed the ceiling in and he is having to replace the ceiling inside from all the ice and snow damage.  Its going to be a big job getting it redone.  Craig is wanting me to help him and that can be a challenge, when he gets frustrated he speaks unkind to me and that hurts my feelings which make me not want to help him at all. So I'm not very willing to help him on this repair project. 

Back At The Lake/Lake Still Frozen

We drove down Tuesday to Ivan’s and stayed at Natasha’s home for the night.  It felt good to sleep in a softer bed.  The hide bed at Stacy’s home was hard sleeping on.  We left by 11:30 am and on the road again to dive the 4 hours to Draper.  We had to pick up some cement sealer for Bridger on our way out of town. We dropped it off when we arrived back in town.  Natasha is in a mess.  Bridger moved all the things in their basement into the garage.  He has ripped out all the carpet and the has painters coming in to paint. The kids are all sleeping on blowup mattress upstairs.  They sold their house and want to be out by the end of the month.  They are pushing to finishing their other home so they can be in it by the end of the month- there is lots that needs to done still- they are going to be running against the time clock to get it all done.  I called Trisha and they listed their home on Thursday and have already sold it. They close on their home in the 21st of May.   They do have till July to move out. Stacy is starting to move in her beach condo this week so they can start their home remodeling this month.  So, we have three daughters in Transition this month. The Burbidge family want to move to St George.  It will be fun to see where they end up. The snow is melting at the lake.  The lake is still frozen on May 3rd. there is so many things that needs to be done here at the lake.  Everything is so messy outside.  There is lots of clean up from our very long winter.  Yeah, is it melting and we can see grass. It has melted a lot the last two weeks that we were gone.  I love hearing the birds chirping away saying spring is here!   I’m over whelmed with all the work that needs to be down.  Just take it a day at a time.  I really didn’t want to come back this early yet.  I wanted to stay at our Draper home.  The weather is so nice there and the blossom trees are all out one of my favorite times of the year.  The Salt Lake Valley is really pretty right now.  It's a month behind here at the lake.  None of the tree are budding out yet.  I really want to head back to Draper and enjoy a few weeks there.  I would love to go to the tulip festival too.  It ends May 14th- we’ll hang out here at the lake for a few days.  I’m getting tired of the back and forth. Just can’t keep Criag in one place for very long.  He always wants to be at the lake.  Marae Holman wants us to check on her house today and let an appraiser in at 10:45 am plus pick up her mail.  Guess they are thinking of selling their place up here.  They really like living in St George.  We did enjoy our time there this winter.  The Gygi’s Mobil trailer roof caved in from all the heavy snow on top.  We are hoping in time they will tear it out. It is a real eye sore next to our place.  The lake is still frozen - our docks are hanging in there frozen in the ice.  Craig was able to get our truck out of the lower garage after being stored all winter - we are at the car wash cleaning it up.  Heading to the Holman’s home- I have lots to do and very overwhelming to me.  I was depressed last night looking at it all and not wanting to be here yet.  I was torn- I really wanted to spend more time at our Draper home.  Spring is so pretty there right now and I wanted to enjoy all the white blossoms.  They just don’t last long- only about two weeks- Hopefully we will make our way back soon. 

 

Leaving California

We had a nice Sabbath day.  We went to church with the Towner family.  After church we packed up and headed to San Diego to spent the afternoon in their 48 foot cruiser boat.  They have it docked at the Marina there.  The weather turned cool and cloudy for the day.  We still had a nice trip.  It’s always fun on the water.  We packed up this morning and said our goodbyes.  They have such a busy schedule. Stacy is going to be packing up this week and moving their things over to a beach condo this week. They are starting a complete remodel in their home.  It needs it.  Yesterday morning the water heater pipe broke leaking out on the entryway floor.  Chad had to tear it out.  The wall is a mess.  They have lots of things to fix in this house so it is ready for a remodel.  They are staying at the beach condo until the end of summer.  It is going to be so nice when it is all redone.  Chad took a cute picture of us in the San Diego Harbor-