A Remarkable Weekend In Rome ~

This is a historic weekend for The Church of JesusChrist of Latter-day Saints. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are excited that the new Rome temple will be dedicated this weekend by our Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. The First Presidency and the twelve Apostles are all in Rome for this memorable occasion. 
The video above is a walkthrough of this beautiful temple, and you will learn many things about what we do in the temples.  
Temple worship is essential to our faith. You can read about why we build temples here.
Here is some information on how many temples we have throughout the world: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has been a prolific builder of temples throughout its history. There are 161 dedicated temples (151 currently open; and 10 previously dedicated, but closed for renovation), 12 under construction, and 28 announced (not yet under construction).
Today our beloved Prophet President Russell M. Nelson met with Pope Francis at the Vatican. You can read about that visit here.
I wanted to testify to you of the importance of the temples in our faith. I hope you will take the time to watch the video and read the links. It will help you better understand our beliefs. I feel that it is important for us all to love one another as true brothers and sisters that we are. We can all benefit by learning about different faiths and beliefs and have the common ground of reference. 
I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father and a divine Savior Jesus Christ. They love all their children that are upon this earth. We believe in Eternal Families and that we can return to live with our Heavenly Parents someday. The temple ordinances are steps we take towards Eternal life.
I presently serve in the Jordan River Temple as an Ordinance Worker. I assist the patrons as they come to the temple in various ways. I love being in the temple. I love watching the patrons come in and see the joy on their faces as they do this great work.  A temple is a place to find comfort, love, peace, and answers to life struggles. It is a house of revelation. 

Grandma's Hands!

The Hands of Time

5 Generation Photo by Pamela McFarland Walsh

A few weeks ago we visited our son Travis, Amanda and their children. We were there for two of our grandson's priesthood advancements. While we were sitting in their Sacrament meeting my youngest Granddaughter, Haven was tracing with her fingers the veins on my hand. I explained that they were kind of like roads. She smiled and continued to be fascinated with my old worn hands. 

It reminded me of a post I made several years ago when I noticed that my hands were aging. Now they are ancient and worn hands. I thought that this was worth posting again since it reminded me of when I used to look at my own sweet Mother's hands as she aged and also those of my Grandmothers. Our hands do tell a story. 

MY GRANDMA'S HANDS

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. 
When I sat down beside her, she didn't acknowledge my presence, and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK 
Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," she said in a clear voice strong. 
"I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands, and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to her. 
"Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?" 
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making. 
Grandma smiled and related this story: 
"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. 
"They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. 
They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.
"They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band, they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. 
They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse. 
"They had held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. 
They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works really well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. 
"These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. 
But more importantly, it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands, He will lift me to His side, and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ." 
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. 
When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. 
I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face. 
This piece was originally published as “Grandpa’s Hands” copyright 2004. The revised version above is posted with the permission of the author. 
I now look at hands with awe at the many things that our hands do and the feats they have accomplished.I too want someday to touch the face of my beloved Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Returning From Hibernation ~

Well, I decided it was time to come out of hibernation today. However, with the snowstorm that just struck; I think I should have waited for a while. I found out that Bears can hibernate for100 days; I thought that was interesting. I have enjoyed my rest from blogging and less social medal, but I feel drawn back into it because I miss my friends. I'm anxious to get back and read how you are all doing

My dearest daughter Jenni and her son Ben shoveled the walks and driveway today. We have a snowblower, but it was out of gas. My beloved husband left at 4 am this morning to work at the temple, so I was happy that we got it done before he came home. Meanwhile, it is snowing again. 

The following is what I have been doing while in hibernation. I have had many enjoyable January moments to write about. 

My wonderful husband and I had a fantastic NewYears Eve with our daughter Jenni, Michael, and their children; Alyssa, Emma, and Ben. The first photo below is a favorite. It shows the girls watching the fireworks from our window. 

Next on my agenda was our Stake Relief Society Presidency made the dinner for the Stake High Priest Quorum and their wives. We had about 85 attend the dinner. It was delicious. We had some great help to get it all done. After the dinner, there was a Stake Fireside, featuring a well-known speaker, Brad Wilcox who spoke on Christ's Atonement and Grace. It was an inspiring message for all.

The following morning, I was up bright and early to drive up to Heber Valley Camp. This camp is above Heber City, Utah. It is a huge camp with many campsites. One of the wards in our Stake was holding their youth winter retreat. They stay overnight in a Yurts. These are round type cabins. 

The drive up was good until I hit the main road to the camp. I pulled into the parking lot and was taken to the camp area in an enclosed like a golf cart. It had a heater which was nice. I was asked to give a presentation on Compassionate Leadership. I had a fantastic young woman named Kayla from the Laural class, who helped me with it. I taught two sessions with 15 -20 youth in each one from the ages of 11-17along with their leaders. It was a beautiful experience, and I enjoyed the opportunity. 

The next day was the Sabbath, and our Stake Relief Society Presidency had two Ward Conferences to attend. I was privileged to lead a discussion on having a Missionary Mindset in gathering Israel. It all centers on ministering as the Savior would have us do. 

We next had a trip to take to Minneapolis, Minnesota to visit my daughter, Christina, Brandon and their children; April, Abbey, Faith, and Levi. The trip was made to attend the ordination of our grandson, Levi. The Aaronic Priesthood was conferred upon him, and he was ordained to the office of a Deacon.  
Our air flight there went very well; except for the first leg to Denver, there was no room for our legs. I am happy it wasn't a long flight. We had to get up at 2:50 am to be at the airport at 4 am. That is a stretch for me. 

Here is our marvelous family that we were visiting. They all join in together to make the meals and clean up. My daughter is very much into nutritional eating. She makes everything from scratch. She has taught her daughters how to cook this way. I think it is fantastic. 

On Sunday, we attended their ward meetings. We are now only meeting for two hours instead of three. Today was their ward conference. This means that all the stake leaders attend and the Stake President and Bishop are the Sacrament meeting speakers. Then the 2nd hour is the Relief Society and Elder's Quorum. Here the Stake Relief Society President lead a discussion like I did last week; except on a different subject that was chosen by the Stake Presidency. 

After the meetings, we went to the Bishop's office for Levi to have the Aaronic Priesthood conferred upon him and ordained to the office of a Deacon. His father then gave him a blessing with this ordination. 

On Monday, the boys went out to sled down the front yard hill. It is a very long hill. They had such a good time. There was plenty of snow in Minnesota. 

That afternoon everyone pitched in and helped to make Tamales. They turned out delicious. That evening they invited a family from the ward and the missionaries to come to dinner. It was a very yummy dinner with even homemade ice cream. We then had a Family Home Evening discussion, and the missionaries gave part of it. It was an incredible evening, and everyone seemed to have a good time. 

Tuesday was our last day with this marvelous family. On Tuesday evening we went out to dinner and then we went to the St. Paul Minnesota Temple. We went there to do baptisms for the dead. This was our grandson Levi's first time doing the baptisms. We had several male and female ancestor's names to do. It was a very spiritual experience for all. 

When we came home from the temple, our sweet daughter asked if her father, Roger would give her a priesthood blessing. Then the other three Granddaughters requested one too. It was an honor for him to bless them. Both Roger and Brandon assisted with these blessings.  It was a profoundly spiritual experience. 

 We got to bed late and then had to get up again at 2:50 am to get to the airport by 4 am. My husband paid for 1st class leg room for the trip home; which was nice. We got to Denver and then had a15 hour layover. We discovered the layover was that long just before we left for the trip. He thought that we got home at 11am instead it was 11 pm. I was very concerned about how we would handle it all. We were blessed to find some lounge-like chairs in a quiet area. You could face two chairs together and actually take a nap as pictured below. I did fall asleep for about an hour. We worked on some computer stuff and then watched a movie off his I-Pad, which was fun. The last leg of the trip was perfect, and we were very grateful to be home. 

We celebrated my sweet husband's 73rd birthday on January 29th. He was sick with a cold, so we didn't have more family with us to rejoice; just those that are living with us. It was a sweet celebration. How I love this exceptional man of mine. I am so grateful to have him as my eternal companion. I am very blessed. 

Last weekend, we traveled up to Sugar City, Idaho to attend the Priesthood ordinations for two of our grandsons. Ryley was ordained a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood and then Kason received the Aaronic Priesthood and ordained to the office of a Deacon. Their father did the ordinations which followed with special blessings.

Some of the family had influenza, so we didn't stay to spend the day with them; which was kind of sad. However, we had the flu last year and wasn't taking any chances of catching it again. 

We headed home and was hoping to not get in a snowstorm that was predicted to be coming. We were blessed to drive home safely. 

I am happy to be back blogging again. In the nine years, I have blogged, I haven't ever taken a break. I am anxious to get back reading the blog posts of my dear friends. I will be by soon. 
Sending a lot of love and hugs to all of you that follow my blog. 

A Winter To Warm The Heart - A Happy New Year!

It was beginning to look like Christmas right after Thanksgiving as we started decorating. I love this time of year and always want to have the decorations up early. 

I had a great time attending a Christmas High School Luncheon with my friends below. Many of them I have been friends with for over 55 years. We have such a good time together. 

On December 3rd, our Brazilian Daughter and Granddaughter came from Brazil for a visit. Adriana was a foreign exchange that lived with us for a year. She has been back twice for a visit. The last time was about 20 years ago. We hadn't met her sweet daughter Gabi. We claim them as a daughter and granddaughter, and they call us Dad and Mom and Grandpa and Grandma. We had such a delightful time with them.

Since Adriana and Gabi were here, we had our family Christmas party with our 4 local families. We had it in at the church. We decorated a little and had a nice dinner followed by a Christmas Program. We have always had a traditional Nativity activity. This year we had three of our Grandchildren, Joshua, Emma and Benjamin participate along with our Great Grandchildren; Jadyn, Lilly, Myah, Sagan, and Katalina. It was such an endearing moment. There was a total of 25 that came. 

We took Adriana and Gabi down to City Creek Shopping Center and Temple Square in Salt Lake City for an afternoon and evening before they left to fly back. We did some shopping, had dinner with them and then enjoyed the lights at Temple Square. It was a great night and not crowded, so we were able to really take in the sights. 

Temple Square is beautiful at Christmas Time. The entire square is lit up with lights, and their Nativity is presentation is spectacular. 

Next was our Church Congregation (Ward) Christmas breakfast and program. It was lovely. The primary children sang for us, and we all joined in singing favorite Christmas hymns. 

Here are my adorable Grandchildren, Benjamin, and Emma enjoying some moments with Santa! 

We went with our Daughter, Jenni, Michael, and the children through a Christmas Light show. The lights all reacted to music as we drove through this event. 

On Saturday the 22nd of December we went up to Heber to visit two of our families and deliver Christmas gifts. We enjoyed being with Sean, Mary, and our Grandchildren, Gillian, Jackson, Jeffery, Joshua, and our great-granddaughter, Jadyn. We missed seeing Joseph and Jonathan. They were working. We also saw our Grandchildren, Jed, Jessica, and two more Great Granddaughters, Myah and Lilly. We loved having a few seconds with them all. 

I added the picture of their reptile enjoying his own hammock. 

We also dropped off some gifts to our Grandson, Jacob, Dana, and their children Sagan and Katalina. Jacob was busy doing a job, so we didn't get to see him. 

Sunday, December 23rd was a special Sabbath day for us. We attended church with our family and enjoyed a fantastic Christmas program. The messages were lovely and the music superb. 

We also celebrated our Granddaughter, Emma's 12th birthday. She was born on our daughter, Christina's birthday day too. We love having these two Christmas gifts. It was fun celebrating with this dearest Granddaughter. She is always a treat to be around. Her Grandma Thomas joined us too. I later had a lovely conversation with my sweet Christina per phone for her birthday. 

I really enjoyed watching my daughter and her two children making a Gingerbread house. I hope they will make this a tradition. I wish as a young mother, I would have done it. They had so much fun putting it together.

Here are a few peaceful moments before we started our Christmas Eve Celebration.

We had a lovely dinner and then another short Christmas program of songs, and two delightful Christmas stories. Then my Grandchildren performed two piano Christmas pieces for us all. It was so fun. I have been teaching them basic piano, and they did such an excellent job for their numbers. 

Afterward, it was the traditional opening of a gift of PJ's. We, of course, had to have a photo moment for this one. 

Christmas morning arrived, and we enjoyed Santa, Socks, and breakfast. After which gifts were opened. It was a fun morning to enjoy. 

I thought I would share with you the wonderful gifts that my dearest eternal companion gave me for Christmas. He has always been the kindest, most generous, and thoughtful man, I know. He is really good at surprises and always comes up with something extraordinary. This year it was one of the best ever. While in Rexburg, Idaho last month we visited a Deseret Book. I saw the picture below of the Savior. It is a new one my Greg Olsen. I became very emotional about this painting. It is such a lovely one of my Savior, Jesus Christ, whom I love with all my heart. I love this painting because it reminds me of the scriptures of how He loves all of his creations even the tiny sparrows. I also like the smile on His face. 

The best was yet to come when I opened the gift of the locket. The top two photos are a photo of a pendant that has been handed down from my Grandfather who was killed in the 1st World War in France in 1918. It is 100 years old. In this locket is a photo of my Grandmother who had died 13 months before my Grandfather was killed and a picture of my Grandfather. 

My parents both have passed away. My dear husband gave me the locket pictured on the bottom with my initial on it and then inside is a photo fo my Dad and my Mom and me. He also wrote a beautiful poem just for me. There were many tears of joy shed at this time. It was a marvelous Christmas moment. 

 

Our daughter's family left to enjoy a Christmas dinner with Michael's family. We then had two sister missionaries join us for Dinner. It is Sister Duncan and Sister Cox. We had a great time with them. 18 months ago they were companions in the MTC (Mission Training Center). They have been serving together for their last 6-week transfer. They were scheduled to go home on December 27th. 

We served with Sister Cox when we were serving our MLS mission. Sister Cox is from California, and Sister Duncan is from Arizona. They were both apprehensive and excited to return home. It's hard for us all to take off those Missionary badges because of all the beautiful experiences that you have when serving a mission for the Lord. 

Roger and I were able to go and see my dearest Aunt Alene. She was staying with her daughter, and we went up and spent a while with her. She turned 98 years old on December 11th. We always enjoy our moments with her. She is the best Aunt ever and very sharp. She still had a story or two to share. I love her so much! 

Happy New Year To You All! 

I pray for you and your family's happiness and well-being. 

May you all have a fantastic year ahead.

“With every new day, new dawn comes—not only for the earth but also for us. And with a new day comes a new start—a chance to begin again. Now is the best time to start becoming the person we eventually want to be.”

  – Dieter F. Uchtdorf

May you know how much I am grateful for each of you that follow my blog posts and for all those that I follow too. You brighten my days with your thoughts, and I look forward to more moments of nurturing our friendships. 

I will be taking a blog break for January. I will be back with my New Year thoughts @ Living Waters in February. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From LeAnn@Living Waters~

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to our family, friends and those on blogging sites and Facebook, 
I wish you a spectacular Christmas Celebration with your families and friends. I love you, and  I am grateful for you and the impact your friendship has had on my life. It amazes me how much I learn from you in various circumstances. It may be a phone call, text, email or thoughts on social media that I feel the connection with you. When you are sad, struggling, happy, or elated; I love reading or hearing about your life and what you are doing. I have learned many great lessons of life from each of you in some way. You have deeply blessed me by being my friend. 
This year has been a growing one for me. I have had many life experiences with family, friends, and in the calling, I have in my church. My love for people has increased ten-fold as I have had opportunities to serve in some way. 
I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I love the special moments I get to serve in assignments and especially in the Jordan River Temple.
I am deeply grateful for my loving husband and our family. Each of our children, spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren hold a special place in my heart. 
I am so grateful for this marvelous time of year when we worship and remember the divine birth of Jesus Christ. My testimony of Him and His life and purpose guide my actions daily. I want to serve and love as the Savior would do. 
Each Christmas our faith has an initiative entitled; #LightTheWorld. This year it was Light the World in your Community by doing something to assist someone in your community. Then Light The World in your families by doing something to serve within your own family. Finally, it is Light The World with your faith. Here you do some things to increase your faith in our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This has been a fantastic adventure for us to participate in this year. 
As we approach the New Year, my husband and I are committed to making this an essential part of our lives. We know when we do these kinds of things our heart draws closer to our Savior and our love for others increases. 
May the New Year be a fantastic year where many of your dreams are fulfilled. 

Come and See!

Here is a unique story that I heard many years ago that I want to share. 

The Secret Of The Camel

The camel is an exotic animal.  It is not one of the most beautiful.  It has thick matted hair that falls off in clumps.  It has knobby knees and a big hump on its back.  It is referred to as a ruminant because it regurgitates its swallowed food to chew again, and then swallows it again.  However, the camel is a wonderful pack animal.  It is used for transportation in many countries.  Camels carry up to six hundred pounds and average twenty miles a day over rugged terrain.  They can travel in hot conditions and go for long periods of time without water.  They truly are amazing animals.  Regardless of its looks or mannerisms, a camel is loved by its master, for it is useful, obedient, and needed.

 Here is the camel’s secret…Each night, at the end of a long day, the camel kneels at the feet of his master.  His master carefully lifts the burden from the camel’s back so it can rest comfortably through the night.  The next morning, the camel kneels again before his master, and the master gently places the burden on the camel’s back for another day.  He is careful to rearrange things here or there if he sees that the pack is wearing a sore spot.  This enables the camel to carry his burden for another day.

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Throughout His life, the Savior was referred to as Master.  He loves us regardless of our looks or mannerisms.  He desires for us to be useful and obedient.  May we practice the secret of the camel.  As we kneel each night at the feet of our Master, may He lift our burdens, that we may rest well and comfortably.  As we kneel each morning, may we realize that He knows of our pain, our suffering, and our sorrows, for He has felt them all.  May our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ be sufficient to help us carry our burdens…for just one more day.

Rebecca Pulliam, Aberdeen, Idaho

With love for all! LeAnn@Living Waters

Light Your Family - #LightTheWorld

Christmas is such a particularly sweet time of year. Our Savior, Jesus Christ is the reason for this season. 
Our beloved Savior was born a babe in humble circumstances. He was born into a family and experienced a lovely family life, but I am sure family drama too. Our Redeemer suffered in some way all that we go through. He alone knows how to lift and succor us in our anguishing moments. Because of what the Prince of Peace did for us; we can return to live with Him and our Heavenly Parents, only if we choose to follow the covenant path. All our beloved Savior asks is that we follow Him. 
Come Follow Jesus Christ. #LightTheWorld as He would. Be a light in your families and do as He would do. 
You can find some suggestions here and here. 
Here is a new song entitled: "Far Away."

Samuel and the Star~

Click on the fullscreen in the bottom right-hand corner of the video. 

This is one of my favorite stories from The Book of Mormon about the coming of Christ to the earth as a newborn babe. Enjoy; this is a cute one. 
Remember to #LightTheWorld. Here is a link to the video for this week. 
We are invited to light the world in our community by helping in our neighbors in some way. Some ideas are to perform an anonymous act of service for a neighbor, volunteer at a homeless, shelter, give blood at a blood bank or blood drive, help clean a church building or countless other acts of service. You can go to #JustServe.org for other ideas.