March 30th, 2025: Cut J's hair, Prelude - "Consider the Lilies", 3 Waypoint guys, Fast & Testimony meeting I am the last one, 5th Sunday discussion, Cherry pie, Owen's Farewell @ the Crane's

 

Portland, Oregon

42nd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Aug 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jaron 1:1-15

Come Follow Me

D&C 28:8-9

Why was a mission to the Lamanites significant?

October General Conference

'Sons and Daughters of God'

Elder Reuben V. Alliaud

"I testify as with the Apostle Paul that 'the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.' "

'Focus on Jesus Christ and His Gospel'

Elder I. Raymond Egbo

"As we focus on Christ and follow His prophet, we too will be led to Christ and the joy of His gospel. President Nelson has taught: 'Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy bring God's power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, 'who for the joy that was set before him endure the cross' (Hebrews 12:2)."

I cut James's hair this morning before church. It looks so much better! 

We got to church early enough to hear the prelude special number, "Consider the Lilies" sung by Alicia and Stefani Hunsaker, Kathy Crane, and Tamara Applegate. It was beautiful.

Three of the guys from Way Point came and sat in front of us. There was Micah and Johnny and the last one I didn't know. We talked to them after the meeting. 

I bore my testimony, I was actually the last person. I had Emily Freeman's book about Easter with me and I knew there was something in there about lilies. I looked it up and wrote it in my journal: "Lilies represent the spiritual meaning of Easter and are sometimes call the 'white-robed apostles of hope.' They symbolize life, purity, hope, faith, renewal, promise, and remembrance. Lilies testify of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of life everlasting. They symbolize a deep and abiding belief in the resurrection of the Lord." I kept reading this throughout the meeting and had a strong feeling that I should get up and bare testimony of the symbolism of lilies. 

I didn't read from what I wrote down from President Freeman's book but I emphasized the fast the lilies were a symbol of faith and of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of life everlasting. I thanked Sister Golly for arranging the musical number and for the sisters who sang it. I mentioned Sister Gillespie's talk from last week about finding Christ in our everyday lives. 

When I sat down James said mine was his favorite testimony. Of course he probably just said that to show his love and support for me. 

Kim and Brian came to the meeting. I wasn't sure they were going to make it when we left the house for church, but they did. We sat in the front and they sat way in the back. I went back to talk with them and Kim said she wasn't feeling well and they were going to go home before the second hour started. 

Before second hour we all got a copy of the following booklet, or one similar to it.

President Sedig and President Crane talked about ministering.

The bishop talked about the Remember Him Initiative, or is it the Hear Him Initiative presented in January. He told about going to the pastor in charge of the summer revival near the Jesus sign and asking him if he could put the cross on his property and he said no and then proceeded to tell Bishop what we believe in, much of what was simply not true. The Bishop set him straight but it didn't do any good. Another part of the initiative is a breakfast at the park on April 19th at 9:00 am. None of the other churches wanted to be involved. The breakfast is for the entire community. Bishop said we may have 600 people show up and we may only have 100 but he is going to prepare for the 600.

Bishop also talked about keeping our covenants and building security. 

I put the cherry crumble pie I bought in the oven when I got home from church. It takes over an hour to bake it and then it is supposed to sit for two hours. It's for Owen Peeler's farewell party which starts at 4 p.m. After baking the pie and setting it out to cool, I went in to the bedroom to take a nap.

James and I left for the party at the Crane's at 3:50. The Hunsaker sisters, Alicia and Stefani were there helping Kathy, and the Kostusiak's, who brought Owen's favorite beans were there, and Owen who looks really great after losing 60 lbs. We had a blessing on the food and more people came throughout the evening. This was what was on the menu:

Chicken and pork on homemade rolls, frog-eye salad, coleslaw, and Dave's beans. For dessert people brought pies because Owen's favorite dessert is pie, any kind. Here is a list of the people who came before we left: Bishop & Alicia Hunsaker, Sean & Stefani Hunsaker, Wes Smith, Dave & Ellen Kostusiak, Cress & Richard Miller and their 3 grandchildren that are living with them, Fred & Barbara Klug, Cope & Amy Reynolds, T-Bo & Barbara Tignor, Josh Harris, Vance & Erin Goodman, Pierce & Susan Goodman, Jimmie & Tamara Applegate, Jeff & Susan Crane, Robert & Kristine Hipps, Rick & Rosie Lauritzen, Chris & Becky Skousen, Chuck & Pam Wood, Sam & Amy Gordon. After we left several other people came:

Ed & Debbie Miller, Dave & Rosa Westbrook, Nadine Singleton, Virgil Cooper, and John & Sandra Wilhelm and their kids. Such a great turn out to have a last supper with Owen.

Owen is standing, wearing the green shirt and talking to Chuck Crane.

The back of Tamara, Susan, Barbara Klug, and on the other side

of the table Wes Smith and Jimmie Applegate.

Back of Amy & Sam Gordon, Pierce talking to his son Vance,

seated at the table left to right: Alicia & Bishop Hunsaker, 

Cress Miller, Rosie & Rick Lauritzen, T-Bo & Barbara Tignor.

To the left: Josh Harris, Owen, Chuck, and Sam Gordon standing,

Kathy behind them, Pam Wood, Stefani Hunsaker, Chuck Wood in 

the kitchen. Dave & Ellen Kostusiak, Barbara Klug, Jeff Crane, Susan Crane and the back of Tamara's head. Susan and Tamara are sisters.

Kim and Brian went on the Christmas Tree Trail loop this evening. When they returned I asked if they saw any wildlife. Kim said, "we saw tons!" Several big herds of elk, probably over 100, and a small herd of deer, which she said she had never seen before. When I told James he was sad that we didn't go with them. He said the elk are probably moving back up to the high country. Sorry they weren't able to get any pictures.

Kim has been working on a puzzle since she has been here and she finished it this evening. It's a good one:

Postage stamps from around the world

Not so Happy Sabbath

Charlie, Jared & Kacey all missed church because

they are battling the stomach flu. Charlie is

outside getting some vitamin D.

Tom in a rare pose of prayer.

One of my all-time favorite actors.

March 29th, 2025: Up @ 4:14, James works @ Beach's, Pizza in air fryer, Brian's pasta fagoli, J & I did some cleaning in the garage, Martha Stewart bars, "Hearts Around the Table - Shari's Second Act"

 

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 1987

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Book of Mormon

Enos 1:11-27

Come Follow Me

D&C 28

Jesus Christ directs His Church through His living prophet.

Dale G. Renlund, "A Framework for Personal Revelation", OCG 2022

October General Conference

'Sacred Scriptures - the Foundation of Faith'

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"The sacred scriptures and living prophets are a major way a loving Heavenly Father makes His plan of happiness available to all His children."

I got up at 4:14 without Tom's help. James put him outside at 2:45. 

James went to work at the Beach's this morning to get ready for his concrete pour on Monday. He came home around lunch time. We heated up leftover pizza in the air fryer and it tasted really good and was crispy just like Elder Selbe said.

I put a roast with some veggies in the crockpot this morning for dinner. I also set out some rolls to rise and told Kim & Brian they were welcome to have dinner with us. Brian made some of his pasta fagoli soup this afternoon and shared it with us.

Tom was in the house this afternoon and looked out the window and saw Kim walking with her headphones on. He didn't recognize her and ran into the bedroom under the bed. Such a scaredy cat.

James and I did some cleaning in the garage this afternoon. He took the seats from the Razr and moved them to the storage building along with the bags of sand that he says he needs for the back patio. 

I started scraping off the dried mud and picking it up. James began helping me and did most of it we me standing by watching or helping him pick up with the dust pan. It looks so much better!

The roast turned out quite delicious. I let the rolls rise too long but they were still good. Kim made Martha Stewart bars for dessert. There goes my diet.

Kim, Brian and I watched the second installment of the series, "Hearts Around the Table." This one was called "Shari's Second Act."

Notes & Quotes

And thou must open thy mouth at all times, declaring my gospel with the sound of rejoicing. Amen.

-D&C 28:16

I Love Babies

They have delicious beans too!

Love this

Friday, March 28th, 2025: Cat Day, Two naps w/ Tom, James hate office work & the computer, Pizza Factory pizza for dinner for us, the Elders, & Kim & Brian

 

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Oct 1986

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Book of Mormon

Jacob 7:21-Enos 1:10

Come Follow Me

D&C 27:15-18

The armor of God helps me stand against evil.

M. Russell Ballard, "Be Strong in the Lord"

Ephesians 6:11-18

Jorge F. Zeballos, "Building a Life Resistant to the Adversary" OGC 2022

October General Conference

'Behold I Am the Light Which Ye Shall Hold Up'

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"In our time," President Nelson has said, "a whole, complete, and perfect union of all dispensations, keys, and powers are to be welded together (see D&C 128:18). For these sacred purposes, hoy temples now dot the earth. I emphasize again that construction of these temples may not change your life, but your service in the temple surely will."

The Tom Cat woke me up at 4:15 this morning. I fed him and then he went outside. Who needs an alarm clock when you have a Tom Cat.

Today is National Respect Your Cat Day. I respected my cat by taking two naps with him.

I'm there somewhere

James stayed home and did office work today. He is always a little frustrated when he has to spend the day working on the computer. He said he sent three emails that didn't go through and while he was typing a proposal hearts kept coming up at the end of the sentences. I told him his computer was possessed and he needed to get a new one. He agreed but said he couldn't afford one right now. 

We fed the elders in our ward this evening. We gave them the choice between roast and pizza. They said either one would be fine. I chose pizza. Last time we fed the missionaries I remember one of them saying they liked pizza so I've had it in my mind that was what we were going to feed them. And besides I wouldn't have to cook because we would go into town and pick up the pizza.

They said they didn't care where we got the pizza so I chose Pizza Factory because Stacy & Paul always go there when they come. I texted Kim & Brian and they were on their way and would probably arrive around 6, the time we were scheduled to feed the elders. I asked them if they wanted a pizza from Pizza Factory and Kim said they would love a large half pepperoni half pepperoni and sausage so I added it to my order. The elders wanted meat lovers and James & I want a thin crust veggie. All of the pizzas were large. My total cost was $84.78. I didn't tell James. I paid for it online when I ordered.

I made a salad and set it in the frig before we left to pick up the pizzas. We set the table and James filled a pitcher of ice water. I ordered to pick up at 5:15 so we left around 4:45. When we arrived at Pizza Factory very few people were there. We walked right up to the counter and I said, "we are here to pick up an order." The guys says, "Karen"?, and I said, "yes." James grabbed the pizzas and put them in the back of the car and grabbed packets of parmesan cheese and red chili flakes. 

We got home at 5:50. Bruce was parked in front but no sign of the elders truck. Kim was in the family room with Tom and Brian was downstairs. Kim said they wouldn't be joining us because they were exhausted. When the elders came she went downstairs too.

Elder Flores was here last month. The other elder, Elder Selbe, is new. He is from the same area of Washington as Cayli. He says he lives about 45 minutes away from where she lives in Richland. 

I said the blessing on the food and we enjoyed our meal together. The pizza was a little cold so I suggested we could heat it up in the microwave. Elder Selbe said it was so good heated up in the air fryer, which I have sitting out on the counter now because it makes it crispy. We had already used the microwave but will definitely try the air fryer when we have leftovers tomorrow. 

We had a nice visit. Elder Selbe and I did most of the talking as he asked me several questions. James was quiet because he has laryngitis. Elder Flores did an object lesson. He had a cotton ball which he lit on fire and popped into his mouth. He asked if we expected him to do that and of course we said no. He likened it to having faith saying that sometimes the Lord asks us to do difficult things and if we have enough faith we will do them even though at the time we may not understand why. It's kind of like what Sister Hinckley says she always did, obedience first and understanding later. 

Sadly, they aren't really teaching anyone right now except Heather Workman's kids. They want to teach Micah from Waypoint. The guy the were teaching, Noble, graduated from the program and moved away. We told them we would pray for them. 

Elder Selbe and Elder Flores

They took their leftover pizza with them.

Kim & Brian came up and enjoyed their pizza. We visited for awhile and then I said goodnight and went into the bedroom with Tom. James had done the dishes and was now outside walking. He came in a few minutes later and we went to bed together. It was a good day and I'm so glad it is over. It's nice to have Kim & Brian here and it was nice to have the missionaries and the Spirit they bring into our home. 

We had James's birthday dinner here.

My three drinks from left to right:

Water, Koolaid water, and my protein shake.

First birthday since she has been gone.

 

Thursday, March 27th, 2025: Max's text, Inklings, Wlmrt, Circle K, Culvers, Naps, Pink babycakes, Bunco @ Lynda Finnell's, Alicia's cookies are divine

Buenos Aires, Argentina

39th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Jan 1986

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Jacob 7:1-20

Come Follow Me

D&C 27:5-14

The Lord gives His servants priesthood keys to direct His work.

October General Conference

'The Words of Christ and the Holy Ghost Will Lead Us to the Truth'

Elder Takashi Wada

"Brothers and sisters, I am grateful for our Heavenly Father's plan of salvation. Because He loves us, He prepared the way to return to His presence through His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Knowing this incredible plan will help us know we are children of God and we can become like Him. I am grateful for this important truth. I bear you my witness that the words of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost will lead us to receive eternal life."

James and I got the sweetest text from Max late last night. I happened to get up and look at my phone during the night and read it. James read it this morning. We both responded and Max responded back. One of the things he said was: "I am looking for a greater purpose and perhaps that is a life guided by God." 

He committed to watch "as much of conference as he could", and to reading the Book of Mormon. I had to share that much with Sheri and she is so happy. 

You never know how you are affecting other people unless they tell you. I never would have guessed Max was so tender-hearted and that he felt the way he does. You just can't judge other people. It is a wonderful thing when they share a little bit of their heart with you.

James and I went to town together this morning. We took the truck because Circle K has gas for 40 cents off a gallon. James got 15 gallons and saved $6.80. I say saved but that's not really true because we spent it somewhere else.

My grocery list was quite long. I am making chicken stir-fry this week so there were lots of veggies on the list. I made a copy of my list and gave it to James and told him to get the veggies, which he did. He got regular lettuce instead of butter lettuce but other than that he did quite well. He got the kitty litter, which is so heavy that I can't lift it. I also made him get the Malt-O-Meal which was on the top shelf pushed back so that I couldn't reach it. I spent more money than I normally do, but we will have groceries for awhile. 

We stopped at Culver's which is so predictable as I am obsessed with their chicken tenders right now. James got his cod fillet sandwich and a waffle cone with chocolate ice cream which cost over $5. We vowed we would give up our Culver's habit after this, at least for awhile. My chicken tenders, his sandwich and ice cream came to a grand total of $22.81 and that's with the senior discount.

After getting home and putting the groceries away, I had to take a nap and so did James. His was short, mine was long. I meant to get up at 3 because I have Bunco tonight and I'm making mini cupcakes. Tom came and climbed up with me and we stayed there until 4.

The missionaries came during this time and visited with James. We are feeding them tomorrow night. James told them we were getting pizza and they seemed quite pleased.

I made strawberry baby cakes and James helped me frost them with pink frosting. I wanted to make them fancy but I ran out of time.

I put the peanut butter and jelly I bought as my years supply gift into a gift bag with some tissue, and James helped me load up the car. I left about 5:35 to go pick up the Hunsaker twins, Stefani and Alicia. I'm driving but I don't know where Lynda Finnell lives so Alicia is the navigator. 

Those attending Bunco tonight: Janna Grombach, Becky Skousen, Amy Reynolds, Tina Allen, Lynda, Oksana, Maddie - Lynn Wallace's sister, Michelle Beckham, Cheryl Sedig, Alicia, Stefani, and I. 

There was some good food tonight. My favorites were the sliders that Lynn sent. She has a sick grandbaby at home so Maddie is taking her place, and the thumb print cookies Alicia made with chopped pecans. I took one home to James and he loved them too.

Bunco news: Tina Allen fell and injured her right shoulder and had to have surgery. A few months ago she had her left shoulder replaced. Stefani got a new turbo-charged Mini-Cooper. Alicia said when Bishop asked other churches in the area about placing the cross on their grounds they turned him down because "we don't believe in the same Jesus as they do." Such non-Christian behavior. One place he asked was the place where the Jesus sign is, where they have the summer revivals. How sad. It's great where it is though, right next to the Kenyon's home. 

Contrary to what it says on her Facebook feed, Becky Skousen is not a bitcoin expert. Someone hacked her accounts, including her bank account. What a mess!

When I left for Bunco I told James he was going to have to cook his own potstickers. When I returned home he told me not to buy pork potstickers because he only likes the chicken ones. I wish he would have told me that when I put the bag of pork ones in our basket at Walmart.

Joshua's track poster

He thinks he's hiding

I don't know what kind of flower this is,

but it is beautiful.

Love this family

Tom trying to figure out how to go outside

without having to deal with Sammy.

 

Wednesday, March 26th, 2025: Overcast, cooler today, Tom rolls in the dirt...he needs a bath, James rdy to pour concrete @ Beach's, EQ mtg, Menu plans

 

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jacob 6:1-13

Come Follow Me

Jesus Christ Blesses Wine in Remembrance of Him. 3 Nephi 18:8-11

"The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven" D. Todd Christofferson, OGC 2017 

"Obtaining and Retaining a Remission of Sins through Ordinances"

David A. Bednar, AGC 2016

October General Conference

'Nourish the Roots and the Branches Will Grow'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"We must ask ourselves: Is my testimony based on what I hope to happen in my life? Is it dependent on the actions or attitudes of others? Or is it firmly founded on Jesus Christ, 'rooted and built up in him,' regardless of life's changing circumstances?"

Today was overcast and a little cooler. It was 99 in Phoenix yesterday. Oh my, the heat is on!

Tom keeps rolling in the dirt and then coming in the house. I spoke my disapproval and I think I hurt his feelings because he went back outside. James told me to Google "How to give a cat a bath."

James is ready to pour concrete and had it all setup until he spoke with Rod Beach. Rod said, "You can't pour tomorrow, I'm not finished with the plumbing." James had to call the concrete company, Chris Pronger, and another finisher he had arranged to help him and tell them they wouldn't be pouring until Monday. 

James had an Elder's Quorum Presidency meeting this evening. He came home from work, took a shower, had a bite to eat, and off he went. 

I spent the afternoon organizing my recipes and putting them in a file. I chose some for this coming week and made my grocery list. Now I feel prepared to go shopping. We feed the missionaries Friday night, but I'm not going to cook for them. I am going to buy pizza after asking them their favorite pizza and favorite pizza spot.

Tomorrow is Bunco. I need a $10 years supply gift and a treat. For my treat I'm doing mini-strawberry cupcakes complete with strawberry frosting. For my years supply gift I think I will do peanut butter and jam.

I am listening to the book, "Snapdragons" by Sarah Eden. James finished the book while walking this evening. For the first time in a few months I got 10,000 steps. Okay, James did a couple of thousand, but it's a start. 

Around 8:50 this evening James and I took a ride to go see if the cross was lit up. It was and I got to see it! It really is awesome.

Notes & Quotes

"If we yearn to dwell in Christ and have Him dwell in us, then holiness is what we seek." - Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Somebody has long legs

Adorable!

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025: Work @ Beach's, pay from Beach's, James has to redo, Stake Family History meeting in Lakeside, 75 degrees, "The Continuous Atonement"

 

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:70-77

Come Follow Me

D&C 27:1-4

I take the sacrament in remembrance of Jesus Christ.

Videos: "The Last Supper", the Bread, the Wine

October General Conference

'Simple Is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ'

President Henry B. Eyring

"I bear witness of the sacred work of teaching Heavenly Father's children the simple doctrine of Jesus Christ, which allows us to be spiritually cleansed and ultimately be welcomed into God's presence, to live with Him and His Son in glory forever in families."

I reminded James this morning before scriptures to take his pain pills. He left for work at 8 and was back at 10:30 because he forgot to take his pain pills. Tomorrow I will make sure he takes them before he leaves the first time.

The Johnsons are still promising to send us money. We even gave them our Zelle information but still nothing. James thinks they will come through by tomorrow. I am still skeptical. They are scammers at heart.

No money from Dianna Miranda either. I wish people wouldn't make promises they can't keep.

This is something our stake president wrote about the cross when he came to our sacrament meeting on Sunday:

"I appreciate these good men and their desire to connect with the Christian community and point people to the Savior. I was awash with emotions and the Spirit as I drove to Vernon Sunday and saw this symbol of Christianity that both caused me to reflect on Him and demonstrates that this is a community of disciples. Great job my friends!"

I love President Beeler. He learned from the best when he was a counselor for President, now Elder, Steven Shumway.

James says he has to redo some of the work he did today. He didn't discover this himself but Brother Beach pointed it out. It wasn't anything James did, just something he wasn't aware of.  He then handed me a check for $5,000 from the Beach's. I was grateful because our funds were getting low. 

James got home from work around 3:30 forgetting that he has a stake family history meeting in Lakeside tonight at 6. He had time to eat and rest for a few minutes before leaving around 5:15 for Lakeside.

It was 75 degrees here today and 99 in the valley. I am so glad I am here! It was perfect weather for James and his "crew" to work outside.

I started reading Brad Wilcox's book, "The Continuous Atonement." It's part of my study of the Atonement which President Nelson asked us to do on a weekly basis. 

I ordered myself a new dress and new shoes today only spending $60. You always take a chance when you order online so we shall see.

Notes & Quotes

"The Holy Ghost is the messenger of grace by which the blood of Christ is applied to take away our sins and sanctify us" (see 2 Nephi 31:17). - D. Todd Christofferson

A bit ridiculous don't you think