THRUSDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2015
ANOTHER INTERESTING WEEK HAS BEEN LIVED.
We began the week by listening to Elder Scott's funeral. He was such a great man and lived an interesting life. He had great tributes paid to him during his funeral service.
We spent the day thinking of the three apostles who have departed this life.
We then walked to our daughter's home in the evening and watched the Blood Moon rise and go into an eclipse. It was fun to see our grandchildren paying close attention to this great happening. We had a little difficulty getting up for Seminary the next day, but we arrived on time.
The media had all kinds of shots of the moon, but the moon in Jerusalem was a fun photo shot to see.
We learned that our dear friend, Cheryl Hickey, 1947-2015, lost her battle with breast cancer on Sunday evening. We were very saddened with this news. Her funeral will be this Friday at 11:00 AM. I suppose we are getting to the age when this will be happening a lot. We have served in the temple with Cheryl and Don and Cheryl's mother Eula Jones for years. Our heartfelt love and prayers go out to them and their family. I know Eula has spent years watching Cheryl suffer, but it has to be difficult to bury your daughter.
On Tuesday morning we got a text from our son Ryan that he was being laid off from his job with Chesapeake Oil. He had heard rumors, but was still hopeful that he would make the cut. One of our Seminary students father also was laid off along with over 500 other people. It has been a sorrowful time for all who have been affected. Ryan chose to look at the positive side. He loved working for this company in their tech department. He said they gave him a good severance package and were kind to him as he left. He will miss working with that company, but has faith that he will find some other employment just as good or even better. Way to go Ryan. We appreciate your positive example, faith and devotion. Our love and prayers are with you as you search for new employment. We have been blessed to have this son in our lives.
So Grandpa taught the first two days of Seminary and I taught the last three days. Grandpa served in the temple each day also. This week we have been teaching about Abraham and Sarah receiving new names from the Lord. They have been taught patience, faith and compassion. Abraham and Lot took their families into a promised land of Canaan. We watched how Abraham avoided strife over the choosing of land to divide between the two families. Lot chose to face his tent to the City Sodom while Abraham chose to face his tent toward an alter he built to the Lord. While Lot and his family enjoyed the "city life", Abraham learned about making covenants with The Lord. He was promised that all of us would be a part of that covenant. Abraham was in his late 80's and still was not a father. I'm sure he and Sarah had discussions about how not having children makes this covenant somewhat obsolete.
The Lord told Sarah to give Hagar to Abraham to wife. Then Ishmael was born. As our son lost his, employment and many of his friends continued to work for Chesapeake, this story of Hagar and Sarah touched Grandpa and I deeply. "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Through messengers from the Lord, Sarah learns that she will become a mother to Isaac. Abraham was 99 and Sarah 89 when the promise of Isaac became sure. That was fun to teach....then I got to teach about the covenant of circumcision, the downfall of Sodom and Gomorrah (as I'm writing this it is pouring rain outside...at least it's not fire and brimstone!), Lots wife turning to a pillar of salt and of course Lot's two daughters each having a son by their father Lot. The first son was Moab (Moabites) and the second son was Benammi (Ammonites)....we just love teaching the truths of The Old Testament. So far we haven't had any impatient phone calls from Seminary student's parents! I wonder if they shared these lessons with their parents this week? Now we watch how the world has changed since Ishmael had 12 sons and Isaac also had 12 sons. The Abrahamic Covenant is being fulfilled, despite the "city life". Grandpa and I can't wait to receive help for this calling from General Conference...how about you? This life is a test.
We just returned from the viewing of Cheryl Hickey. So sad for her husband and family. She looked beautiful and very restful in her casket. We pray all will go well for her service tomorrow. She had so many people come to visit with Don at the mortuary. That is a great tribute to Cheryl. We hope Cheryl enjoys her new calling in heaven.
FRIDAY, 2 OCTOBER 2015
We saved Ryan and Sarah a seat at the service for Sister Hickey. It was great sitting with them as this memorial service took place. We loved the pictures the family shared. Don and Cheryl were married 50 years. That was a great tribute to this unique sister & her husband. We pray her family can enjoy the knowledge they will be together again. Thank you for letting us learn more of your wonderful mothers life and love for her family. "Till we meet again".
Grandpa needed to go back to the temple after this, so I chose to attend also and we spent the afternoon serving in The House of The Lord. This was a great way to prepare our hearts and minds for the General Conference weekend.
Then in the late evening we cheered on the sons of Bronco! They won the game against UConn, 30-13! Hurrah for the Cougar's of BYU! Grandpa Arthur had a most restful nights sleep...after "talking to the team on TV" all evening! Ha...yes, he was worn out.
SATURDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2015
185th Semi-Annual General Conference
We slept till 7:30 AM. We Seminary Teachers need our beauty rest on the weekends. We are now ready to listen and learn from our Prophets during General Conference. Our love and prayers are with you all in Salt Lake City Conference Center this weekend.
Thank's to each speaker for the well thought through messages. We rejoice and sustained all including the three new "holy men-apostles", Elder Rasband, Stevenson and Renlund. We look forward to hearing them on Sunday. Blessings to each of our Presiding Authorities.
SUNDAY, 4 OCTOBER 2015
We awoke to a clicking water pump. Grandpa Arthur turned off the pump till we can get some help tomorrow. Having our own well water is good till a pump goes out. I suppose it was good we were home this morning and could hear the clicking. Life is full of surprises.
Our daughter and her family do not have BYU TV at their home so will be joining us for Conference sessions today. After attending Cheryl's funeral we decided we best get pictures when we have family around us. This picture is after listening to Conference all day. The grandchildren did really well at listening.
They even all enjoyed being together as a family!
During the intermediate hymns there was a little wiggling going on.
They gave me a Grandma hug. Thank's for your example Cheryl Hickey.
Blanket's and boys go together to keep them occupied while listening to speakers.
Yes, Grandma and I am listening too. Ha!
Snuggle time with mom.
Grandma, Grandma come see what my Dad let me have! Luke kept asking his dad to replant this tree!
This was so touching to see as the children's choir performed. The younger boy uses a walker, but his older brother helped him stand so he too could sing. "He's not heavy..."
We were blessed to hear from President Monson on Sunday morning. Thank you, President Monson, for your example and leadership. "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet"
Three new Apostles have joined the brothern's ranks. We are so grateful and thankful for each of these great priesthood holders. Thank you for you examples and the words of wisdom given this past weekend. May Our Heavenly Father bless each of you during the coming months till our next conference. Our love and prayers are with each of you.
185TH SEMI-ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE
We have been spiritually fed. Just like Sister Stephens Granddaughter, Chloe, we know we are loved, and we will do our best to obey. We must submit our will to God.
MONDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2015
We loved teaching early morning seminary today. We talked with our students about what they learned this weekend at conference. Several of them mentioned that they had put a scripture up so they can ponderize them this week! Not only did Elder Durrant catch the youths attention, but they are acting on his words and pondering them. Good job Elder Durrant.
I came home and made a list for us to ponderize.
PONDERIZING:
MOSES 1:39
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
MOSES 7:18
18 And the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.
ABRAHAM 3:22-23
22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;
23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.
GENESIS 1:26-27
26 ¶And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
GENESIS 2:24
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
This is our first 5 Scripture Mastery Scriptures for Old Testament. Can you ponderize them?
To quote President Uchtdorf "As a patient, I'm not very patient"! I suppose this blog is not simplifying my life. It is helping me keep a record of the events that we are experiencing and so I have a way to look back and ponderize our life! May each of you know that this life is the time to prepare to meet God. May you enjoy the journey and share your joy with family and friends along your way. We pray for each of you and especially for all our children and grandchildren. We carry your burden's, your sorrow's, your hopes and your love. May you never doubt that you are loved as we all journey together. We hope you will look towards the teachings of Our Savior Jesus Christ and not just enjoy "the city life".
Until the next GENERAL CONFERENCE, "You better believe We believe"!
Watch Elder Neeley's video on YouTube.
Hug's always,
Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene
Arthur & Gene
SUNDAY, 4 OCTOBER 2015
We awoke to a clicking water pump. Grandpa Arthur turned off the pump till we can get some help tomorrow. Having our own well water is good till a pump goes out. I suppose it was good we were home this morning and could hear the clicking. Life is full of surprises.
Our daughter and her family do not have BYU TV at their home so will be joining us for Conference sessions today. After attending Cheryl's funeral we decided we best get pictures when we have family around us. This picture is after listening to Conference all day. The grandchildren did really well at listening.
I'm listening, honest I am.
Are you alright, Jacob?
We have been spiritually fed. Just like Sister Stephens Granddaughter, Chloe, we know we are loved, and we will do our best to obey. We must submit our will to God.
MONDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2015
We loved teaching early morning seminary today. We talked with our students about what they learned this weekend at conference. Several of them mentioned that they had put a scripture up so they can ponderize them this week! Not only did Elder Durrant catch the youths attention, but they are acting on his words and pondering them. Good job Elder Durrant.
I came home and made a list for us to ponderize.
PONDERIZING:
MOSES 1:39
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
MOSES 7:18
18 And the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.
ABRAHAM 3:22-23
22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;
23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.
GENESIS 1:26-27
26 ¶And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
GENESIS 2:24
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
This is our first 5 Scripture Mastery Scriptures for Old Testament. Can you ponderize them?
To quote President Uchtdorf "As a patient, I'm not very patient"! I suppose this blog is not simplifying my life. It is helping me keep a record of the events that we are experiencing and so I have a way to look back and ponderize our life! May each of you know that this life is the time to prepare to meet God. May you enjoy the journey and share your joy with family and friends along your way. We pray for each of you and especially for all our children and grandchildren. We carry your burden's, your sorrow's, your hopes and your love. May you never doubt that you are loved as we all journey together. We hope you will look towards the teachings of Our Savior Jesus Christ and not just enjoy "the city life".
Until the next GENERAL CONFERENCE, "You better believe We believe"!
Watch Elder Neeley's video on YouTube.
Hug's always,
Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene
Arthur & Gene
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