Christmas Song: What Shall I Give?

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2009-12-42-what-shall-we-give?category=topics/christmas

This is President Monson with the song "What Shall We Give" under his words.  Giving, not getting is the spirit of Christmas.  He reminds us that Christmas is Christ.  "If we are to have the best Christmas ever we must reach out for the carpenter's hand."

What shall we give to the babe in the manger,
What shall we offer the child in the stall?
Incense and spices and gold we've a-plenty-
Are these the gifts for the king of us all?
What shall we give to the boy in the temple,
What shall we offer the man by the sea?
Palms at his feet and hosannas uprising;
Are these for him who will carry the tree?
What shall we give to the lamb who was offered,
Rising the third day and shedding his love?
Tears for his mercy we'll weep at the manger,
Bathing the infant come down from above.

Family Sing Along

Third Annual Wardle Christmas Family  Sing-along
Monday, December 2, 2013 7 p.m.
We would like to invite you to our home for an evening of singing
1789 Cocomo Pl Manteca, CA  Please bring a snack to share
Please RSVP and let us know if you have a favorite Christmas song or hymn
 209*665*4439   408*888*8526

Christmas On Temple Hill: Oakland Temple

http://www.templehillevents.com/Days_of_Christmas.html

Days of Christmas starts tomorrow, Saturday.  It will feature an orchestra, choir and dancers with two shows and the tree lighting   between.  Performances continue through New Years with dancing, ballet, choir, story telling, bell choir and piano playing.  What is even greater is all the acts are free.  You can use the link above to discover what act is being presented the night you visit, or you can use it to plan a special performance you may wish to see.  Some nights there is live nativity, but every night there is the larger nativity.  I hope you enjoy.  Our family has always found a night or two to visit.  Miranda especially wants to see "Behold the Gift" this year which is a presentation of the life of the Savior through dance.

Christmas is Christ

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2009-12-41-the-christmas-spirit?category=topics/christmas
This is a short from the Church about remembering the true meaning of Christmas.  Sometimes we get caught up in the worry about money, or the worry about what I want for Christmas, and forget that Christmas is "Christ".

Our Turkey Day: 2013

Just a few pictures to highlight our day.  I started Thanksgiving yesterday by going to the home of Kayla's (Jeremy's wife) family for dinner.  They served Korean barbeque which I had never had before.  We also played Risk.  I lost out first, which made for a quicker game for me.  They were still going when I came home.  Man Skylar is a cutie.  He is one now and walking all over.
This morning we made our self busy with preparations.  Charity and Anthony came by with Camberly for a quick lunch as they were off to Mountain View to have their real feast with Charity's in-laws.  Camberly arrived in a pretty dress and left in pajamas due to blowing out.

Coming over for lunch were Mark and Dianna.  Natalie is home from school.  Heather and Anna were here but Joshua is working in Utah and Nicole was at her boyfriend's home.  We also had friends of the Normans, Jen and Forrest Williams and their daughter Sara.
We served the traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner and it turned out very well.  I had the job of carving.
We played games, a card game with everyone playing--all twelve of us.  Also a few other smaller games.  I had a nap while everyone play Pit.  We ended with Rook which was fun. 

Tony's Thanksgiving Pictures

 Meet Toby Turkey.  He eats toast and turkey.  He drinks tomato juice and Tang.  He is from Toys R Us but lives in Turkey.  He likes to collect ties and toys.  When he grows up he will be a Taco Bell employee.  Toby Turkey is great.

 Tony built a turkey in school, but even more impressive is his turkey story.  I like his use of "t" words.

He also has a picture of Bey Bladers on the fridge.  On the right is Pegasus with his warrior Jinga.  On the left is Matsamuda and the Blade Ray Striker.  In the middle is their powers.
This is artwork from first grade 2013

Mary the Mother of Jesus

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-027-mary-the-mother-of-jesus?category=topics/christmas

This is from, Bible videos.  It shows snippets of Mary's life, and her relationship with Jesus.  I like to think of Mary through the eyes of Nephi, and the vision he saw of her 600 years before the birth of Jesus.

13 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white.
14 And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou?

 15 And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.

 16 And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?

 17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

 18 And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

 19 And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!

 20 And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.

 21 And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!
I love those verses, and the image it paints of Mary, with the Lamb of God in her arms.

They Give Up Their Christmas: Madera Grape Farm

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-05-01-they-gave-up-their-christmas?category=topics/christmas

People serve Christ in many different ways.  These people pick grapes,  and turn them into raisins, which are shipped to all the world.  This is a very moving story.  For their efforts you have to love these Saints who live only an hour and a half south of where we live.

Member Missionary 8: Abish, Ammon, the Queen and King Lamoni

Abish, the queen and King Lamoni

Our Sister Missionaries visited this week, and expanded on the step of praying for missionary experiences.  They made it more specific:
Pray to hasten they work:
1. Pray for us as missionaries and our investigators.
2. Pray for your own missionary experiences.
3. Pray for courage to open your mouth.
4. Pray for the people you talk to to have have soft hearts.
5. Pray for the spirit to be there.

The sister presented their theme by telling the story of Abish, who when she saw Ammon, King Lamoni, his wife and many of his servants overcome by the spirit, she ran door to door telling everyone to come and see.  When they came there was much murmuring, but when the queen and Lamoni were restored, the heard the cause of their having collapsed, and some were converted to the gospel, and others were not.  But Abish ran telling everyone, because she didn't know whose heart would be touched.  Therefore we see the need to invite all to come and see, and some will accept and others will not be ready.

Merry Christmas from President Eyring

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-12-0020-president-henry-b-eyring?category=topics/christmas

President Eyring talked about the first perfect gift of Christmas, the offering of God's Son as a gift for all mankind, to set us free.  He then talked about our efforts as worldly people to give good gifts.  In giving, both giver and receiver are reminded of the gift of Jesus Christ.  He also pointed out that missionaries, in partnership with Jesus Christ, offer the gift of eternal life.  He then talked about families offering gifts of music.  We can sense love singing with our families.  He also wonders if one day we will join with angels in singing those same hymns.

Stake Choir Concert Dec 1

The stake choir and stake men's choir, and possibly a children's choir and several ward choirs are all participating in the Stake Choir Concert.  There will be lots of good music and it will be a great performance.  Sister Christensen is conducting and coordinating.  She is also playing flute.  I am singing tenor in stake choir, ward choir and men's choir.  It is going to be fun. 

It is in the Northland building which is on Northland, East of the 99.  Be careful of the construction, it can be confusing.

LDS Bible Video: Mary and Elizabeth Rejoice Together

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-003-mary-and-elisabeth-rejoice-together?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&&lang=eng

This short video reenactment of the Bible shows the journey of Mary to visit her cousin Elisabeth, and shows the baby leap in Elisabeth's womb, and Mary prophesy about the Lord.  This is very well done. 

First Transfer Is Done

I don't like transfers.  I didn't like them as a missionary, and I don't like them now.  They were always a stressful time, new companion, new area, new ward or branch etc.  We went through a few days not knowing where Caleb was.  He just said he was going to be with a new elder and that they were opening a new area.  It wasn't until today he discovered he did not move very far.  He is a bit South in the Manchester Branch, and says his current area actually borders his old.  He is in the same stake.  He said the branch was pretty small.  His new address:
208 Seeley St
Manchester, IA 52057
I hope he lands someplace for Thanksgiving.  He says he is living with an elderly couple, and they have some nice stories to tell.  He is sharing a car with the other missionaries who are in the branch.  He says he knows his zone leader, Elder Aiasau from the Sycamore Ward in Tracy.  That is my sister's ward and where Mark, brother-in-law, was bishop until recently.

What I Heard in Church today and Elder Christensen Homecoming Report

A couple of things I found noteworthy from church today.  Sister Paneda, a young sister, pregnant with twins, talked on gratitude.  She said an attitude of gratitude helps when faced with adversity.  If we are focused on the good, hardships,  though still hard, are a little more bearable. 
Another young sister, Sister Devey also said something very interesting.  We were talking about putting on the armor of God, so as to have a protection from the fiery darts of Satan.  We were saying things like prayer, and scriptures, but Sister Devey put it all into focus.  She said she would not go outside in the morning without doing some things to take care of her physical appearance.  She wouldn't go out in her pajamas.  She takes care of her hair, has a bath, brushes her teeth etc.  She mentioned that in the same manner, we must take the time to prepare ourselves to meet the world spiritually.  We should as much time in spiritual preparation, prayer, scriptures, attitude, etc., as we do with physical preparation.  Sister Ellis added that this preparation should come from inside, it cannot be an outside preparation only.  However, by doing these things, we then put a force field around ourselves to protect us from Satan's temptations.
The other part of sacrament meeting was a missionary report from Elder Eric CHristensen.  He talked of their going the extra mile to have three investigators at church on day.  They had set a goal.  They only had two there, and so with five minutes until church they took to the neighborhood.  They invited the first family, nope, the second, maybe, the third a young woman in a bikini appeared at the door, and the invitation was brief, if you like our meeting starts in three meetings, then onto the next home.  Still no one committed, so they headed back to the meeting.  There was somebody on the front row they didn't know.  Turns out it was bikini girl.  She embraced the gospel, as did many members of her family.  You never know.  He also talked about how different people came to know the church; how they were invited.  Some to play basketball, some to a baptism,some by the missionaries.  The spirit it was gives the increase, our job is to invite.  He quoted "Preach my Gospel."  Our duty is to invite people to Christ.  To invite.

Young Women Project of Love

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-channel-programs?lang=engThese young women did something incredible, inspired by the movie "The Coat: A Story of Charity."  http://mmboebillywardle.blogspot.com/2013/11/christmas-movie-review-coat-story-of.html

There acts say, "look, there is something you too can do to make a difference."  One person at a tie, making a difference, makes the world a better place.  None of us is big enough to fix everything, but we can make life better for the one, or the few.  Merry Christmas

Life in Manteca 82: 120 Bypass Death Trap

The bypass works if everyone would drive safely.  At the end of the bypass, the right lane goes South, the left lane goes North.  We usually get on at Main, and then have to change lanes to go North on 99 to church where we usually go.  The problem is the South going lane, to Modesto, is more used than the other, and consequently slower.  Too many people stay in the left lane, and then cut at the last second.  This does two things, it slows down the left lane, and when they cut into the other, they often cut people off, causing breaks and collisions and accidents.  The article enclosed says seven deaths in the past five years, and hundreds of injuries.  Where I live, if I go to Modesto I usually avoid the 120, and take Woodward to the 99 instead.  It is just to scary and too risky; and there are too many people who want to get there a couple seconds faster.  Of course there are those who don't know how it works, and who aren't prepared.  When you add those to the mix, this is an accident that has happened over and over again.
http://www.mantecabulletin.com/section/1/article/91468/
Miranda brought this to my attention.  If she takes the freeway to work in Ripon, she goes this way.  I encourage her to go the other way, but there is a train track to cross.

The Angel Visits Mary

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-002-an-angel-foretells-christs-birth-to-mary?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&&lang=eng

This is one of the Bible videos produced by the Church.  This telling is beautiful.  The sounds and the views are very artistically done.  Mary's response is beautiful, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word."

http://whilhelmsthoughts.blogspot.com/2013/11/my-music-behold-handmaiden-of-lord.html
My music on this subject

The True Spirit of Christmas from President Monson

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-12-0030-president-thomas-s-monson?category=topics/christmas
As only President Monson can tell, he gives us the message of love and hope as it relates to the Christmas season.  He teaches us how to be better people by his example, and by his words of inspiration.  I am thankful for a prophet.

Ace Train 42: Raccoons, Rainbow and Vietnam Memorial

Tonight as I left work there was a very nice rainbow.  It wasn't long, but very thick and looked like it went through the colors twice.  Then as I walked along, it became longer, almost a full arch, but not doubled anymore.  I thought, let me get across the street, and I will stop and take a picture.  Only problem was when I got across the street it was gone.
I don't get the opportunity much anymore to catch the early light-rail, which gives me 20 minutes for a walk, but my boss gave me a ride one day last week.  I got off one stop late and walk over to the HP Pavilion (SAP Center) green.  I don't know if it is new, or old and I missed it, but there is a nice Vietnam War memorial with all the soldiers who died form San Jose listed.  It is close to the visitor center.  Being on that side I crossed the Los Gatos Creek on a walk bridge, and discover a family of raccoons on a knocked over tree.  There were five or six good size raccoons.  I wish I had my camera, and didn't think of using the I-pad.  It was just as the sun was going down. 
As for the train ride, I sleep to work, and get on the internet with the WiFi provided.  I am in the first car now, which is the car with the internet connection.  I watch LDS movies or Your Tube movies.

Merry Christmas from the Cast of the Bible Videos

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-12-87-goshen-nativity-interviews?category=topics/christmas

In this short clip there are interviews with many of the cast members of the Bible video series produced by the Church, particularly those who portray scenes of the nativity story.  There insights are very inspiring.  I found myself in tears as I listened to their stories, and felt their love for the Savior.  I too love the Savior, and for that reason love this time of year.

Merry Christmas from the First Presidency

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-043-good-tidings-of-great-joy-the-birth-of-jesus-christ?category=topics/christmas

This is so beautiful, each of the members of the first presidency testify of Christ, with Christmas scenes throughout.  Jesus is our savior, and his birth is a real, holy event.  May we find peace in this time or worship, and remember the reason for the holiday is the gift of a redeemer.  I am looking for Christmas devotional this year.

A Chinese Christmas Carol Weekend

This is my annual Christmas Carol weekend.  (Tradition this year and last.)  There are over forty versions of "A Christmas Carol" and so I am doing my best to watch a lot of them, and then offer my critique in my Movies, Music and Books blog.  http://mmboebillywardle.blogspot.com/
I have been watching many different versions of "A Christmas Carol" on Netflix, YouTube etc.  I have seen a play and a musical.  I have watched several different short animated cartoons, some better than others.  My most pleasant surprise was "A Christmas Carol: A New Musical, which is available on You Tube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHi7k_lba-w&list=HL1384670239

The other thing about this weekend was I ate out at two different Chinese restaurants.  After previously having sworn off Panda Express,  Miranda and I went there, and I enjoyed it.  They still don't have sweet and sour, but what they have is good.  I had a chicken and a shrimp dish with fried rice.  The rice was rather bland and starchy, but the main courses were very good.  They charged an extra dollar for shrimp for some reason.
We went to New China restaurant last night for take out.  This time we got sweet and sour pork and almond chicken.  Both dishes were very good.  Part of the reason for going there was to get fortune cookies for a Tony.   He didn't go with us Friday as he was at school for movie night, Monsters U.  Sheri who went with Tony was also feeling left out.  Back to New China, it was very good. We had to wait a bit, but we pigged out on Chinese both Saturday, and left overs Sunday.

Joseph Smith: The Prophet

http://bwardlehistory.blogspot.com/2013/11/joseph-smith-prophet-of-restoration.html 

Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.  I feel this in every fiber of my body.  I marvel that since I feel this so strongly, that others cannot feel it through the same spirit.  I know that in studying the Book of Mormon, the Spirit of that book testifies of Joseph’s call to be a Prophet.

It is so important that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, for through him the Gospel, and the priesthood keys have been restored.  We have all the pieces of the gospel necessary to salvation, not part of the Gospel which may have trickled down through a world which had gone through apostasy, but the entire gospel has been restored.  I accept Joseph Smith as a prophet of God.  I do not worship him as a god, but I revere  him as a prophet and marvel at the things he endured to bring about the restoration.

Holiday Gift from Piano Guys and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Piano Guys O Come Emmanuel

Only 40 days to Christmas, and I plan on sharing something Christmasy every day until then.  As I listen to the music, and watch the scenes of Jesus' birth and life, I am overwhelmed by his love for me.  Just as he helps up the woman caught in sin, and then touches her, so too he helps me up as I am caught in sin, and imperfection every day.  But then he touches my heart.  This short brings tears to my eyes.  I love the Savior.

A Christmas Gift from the Missionaries.

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2008-12-02-a-light-unto-all-a-christmas-gift?category=topics/christmas

This is beautiful.  it shows the birth of Jesus, and gives testimony of missionaries from all over the world, testifying of his birth, and of his glory, that only through him may we return to Heavenly Father.  This is from LDS.org where I have noted there are fifty Christmas selections.  I love Christmas, and I love the Savior, so this gives me something to do on the train.  I intend to watch them all, and likely write a little something about them, except for those that are recorded songs.
This is the first I watched, and it is something special.  The testimonies of missionaries are sweet.  My son is also serving a mission.  I am sure he would add his testimony.  I will add mine as he is not available.  Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.  He is the reason for Christmas.  I love Him and pledge my heart to Him.

Member Missionary 7: Motivational Video

http://bwardlehistory.blogspot.com/2013/11/church-history-video-ensign-to-nations.html
There is nothing like seeing the growth of the Church to get you excited about missionary work.  The film "An Ensign to the Nations" does just this.  It shares several different examples of missionary success stories, and the Lord preparing people and nations to receive the gospel.  It shows the gospel being preached by missionaries, by members, and by those not yet members.  She shows the growth of the church in every continent.
The movie concludes with a stirring rendition of "A Marvelous Work is about to Begin."  This includes showing many different temples, and also different groups singing the song including missionaries, young people, at the Hawaii Temple and at the Argentine Temple.  The movie is very effective and sets the tone for wanting to do more.  It was produced in 1997, and since this time the church has seen considerable growth. 
It was made for TV by the church in 1997, and is very inspiring. 

Thanksgiving Decorations: 2013

Sheri and Miranda make the switch from Halloween to Thanksgiving decorations very simple.  She removes the scary Halloween stuff, Jack o'lanterns, witches, ghosts, etc., but leaves the pumpkins and autumn leaves.  She then adds some turkeys, and this year other birds, and there you have our Thanksgiving decor.

Primary Presentation: Angel Singers

Tony was my little singer in church today.  I always love the primary (children's) presentation which is an annual event.  The primary did an excellent job, and the songs were well presented.  They combined smaller groups with the entire group on a couple songs, such as the baptism song, they used ASL on a couple songs, such as "I Am a Child of God."  This was very effective.  I don't know who taught them, but it appeared they learned well.  They reading parts were also well done.  One of the highlights was Maddie telling the story of her own baptism and then the baptism of her father the following day.  This was a special event in our ward, and reciting it with the primary program helped us all remember the emotions.  Maddie related how her father had felt the spirit at her own baptism, and decided the next day he should also be baptized.  She remembered how happy she was when he told her.  Kudos to the Northland Ward Primary.  They are about thirty children, but sounded like angels today.

Member Missionary 6: Our Responsibility

http://billywardlegen.blogspot.com/2013/10/three-missionary-letters-to-isaac-from.html

As I transcribed some correspondence between a member and my great-great grandfather when he was serving a mission in England, the member reporting on his efforts, it got me thinking about the history of member missionary efforts.  From the earliest days of the church, growth came by introducing friends and family to the missionaries. Here are a couple quotes from today's Sunday school lesson:
President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “My brethren and sisters, we can let the missionaries try to do it alone, or we can help them. If they do it alone, they will knock on doors day after day and the harvest will be meager. Or as members we can assist them in finding and teaching investigators” (“Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep,” Ensign, May 1999, 107).
http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2010-07-074-those-warned-must-warn-others?category=doctrine-and-covenants/section-85-section-119&&lang=eng
President Kimball also said: “Our great need, and our great calling, is to bring to the people of this world the candle of understanding to light their way out of obscurity and darkness and into the joy, peace, and truths of the gospel. I believe we must not weary in our well-doing. I believe it is time again to ask ourselves the question, what can I do to help take the gospel to others and to the inhabitants of the world?” (“Are We Doing All We Can?” Ensign, Feb. 1983, 5).
There is great joy in sharing the gospel, true there is a little fear, but if we step out with faith, God will send angels to assist, and He will be on our right hand and our left hand.
I wish you great peace and joy in touching the hearts of others.

Life in Manteca 81: Sister Thomas' Husband Passes Away and Criminal Behavior

Sister Thomas' husband is younger than I, yet he passed away suddenly from a heart attack.  Sister Thomas often substitutes as chorister and is in the ward choir where she sings tenor.
Bishop asked me to sing "Amazing Grace."  I always like to sing, and I did better with this song than I did for the stake Broadway review.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.


Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

I really liked the last verse, and sang it softer for effect.

Now for a different topic.  I am bringing this up so we can all be aware and on the lookout.  Sheri and April walk together, and have noticed holes by the light posts.  Yesterday they saw a city crew repairing the damage and asked them what was up.  Turns out people have been trying to break into the control center for the street lamps and steal the copper.  They rarely actually get to the copper, and cause expensive damage.  If they actually do get anything it is maybe $100 worth, causing $2000 damage in the meantime.  All of us pay for the damage the inflict, so we should be on the look out.  They also put the community in danger from dark street lamps.

They usually don't get through, just cause damage

$2000 damage

Last topic, our neighborhood is changing.  The residential area is filling in with houses.  Use to be you could walk cross country, but not any more.  Too many houses.  We also have a new subdivision going in behind us.  Fortunately there are plenty of parks as well.

All new houses in the last couple months

Mal Educado #2 (Bad Manners)

http://billywardlefamily.blogspot.com/2011/11/mal-educado-bad-manners.html

I previously wrote a blog on this topic a couple years ago, but something that happened on the bus this week brings back the topic.  I was on the bus, standing because I only go a couple stops, and because it was crowded.  A mother carrying an infant boards the bus, and no one stands.  There was a man, probably about thirty sitting comfortable.  I must admit I stared at him wondering why he didn't offer his seat.  A young lady stood up and the lady was able to sit down.  Maybe I kept looking at him, because he got my attention and pointed to sort of a half seat that was available.  I indicated I was fine, but I wonder about people sometimes.  Maybe we need the rule written down, but so let me state clearly, if a woman boards the bus with a child in tow, in her arms or is pregnant, and the bus is crowded, please give your seat, don't make her ask.  
I went for a walk today, going past Tony's school.  There were at least four dog piles on the sidewalk, I wonder about people sometimes.
That's enough for my complaining.

Happy Halloween from Iowa Missionary Style

Caleb sent a Halloween greeting to Miranda.  I discovered it on the fridge, and thought I would pass it along.  Missionaries have to get some recreation some way, and a Halloween Card is one way to do so, and to be creative.

Family History Fun

Speaking of having a good time, entering and sharing photos through family search is fun.  They hit one million photos a couple months ago, and are now at 1.3 million, so things are really happening.
https://familysearch.org/blog/en/we-hit-one-million-photos/
It is easy to do, and is creating the largest data base of genealogical photos in the world

I Am a Child of God: Primary Program this Coming Sunday

"I am a Child of God" is a good theme for a children's program.  I am looking forward to watching and hearing the primary this coming Sunday.  I know they have been working hard.  Tony is a member of the primary, and it will be fun to watch him.  Sheri is the President and Sister Hoban is the music leader, Brother Barker plays the piano. 

A Family of Bloggers

My Blogs:
http://billywardlefamily.blogspot.com/
http://billywardlegen.blogspot.com/
http://bwardlehistory.blogspot.com/
http://mmboebillywardle.blogspot.com/
http://whilhelmsthoughts.blogspot.com/
my sites are family blog, genealogy blog, history blog, entertainment blog, and my history/poetry blog.

Caleb's Blogs:
http://eldercalebwardle.blogspot.com/?m=1
(Miranda manages and posts Caleb's letters)

Charity's blog:
http://charity-dawn.blogspot.com/
family blog

Miranda's blog:
http://miranda-lifeasiknowit.blogspot.com/

Mark's blogs:
http://lambandtyger.blogspot.com/
http://thecommonastronomer.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/thecommonastronomer
http://www.myspace.com/asdecemberleaves
A couple of his sites include his music, but not all of it. 

Natalia/s blogs:
http://nmooret.blogspot.com/
http://mooretn.blogspot.com/

Sheri writes in her journal, but doesn't feel she wants her thoughts online.  Jeremy does not yet have a blog.

Mormon Video: The Good Samaritan

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/1998-05-01-the-good-samaritan?category=feature-films

This depiction of the Good Samaritan really adds depth to the story.  The actor of the Good Samaritan also portrays Jesus, and the actor of the victim also plays the lawyer who questions Jesus.  This story starts by providing insight as to why Jesus taught in parables.  The robbery scene is very brutal.  However, there is one who shows compassion.  I have been thinking about why the actor who portrayed Jesus also portrayed the Good Samaritan.  Could it be pointing to Jesus, who heals our wounds and makes us whole again when we fall among spiritual thieves such as sin, or unkind words or deeds.  I would strongly encourage you to give this movie a view.  It is very well done.  The concluding line, go and do likewise is very well put.