Wednesday, May 27th, 2026: Joshua 7-8 Gideon, "Summer Villa" finished "The Provincial Peer" and started "The Proper Scandal", J - 'Can you help me', cut his finger to the bone, San Diego arrangements, Stacy's Acorns account, boys trip to Italy, James's feet hurt him

 

Fukuoka, Japan

Temple #88

Judges 7&8 - The rise and fall of Gideon. Gideon's father called him 'Jerubbaal' which means contender with Baal. Gideon was referred to by this name. Baal and Ashteroth were the Canaanite God's of weather and fertility. Israel began worshipping these gods when they forgot Jehovah. Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal. There were only 300 soldiers chosen to fight the Midianites so the people would know it was the Lord who fought the battle. How might we liken Gideon's army to modern missionaries? - Thousands of missionaries are sent out to teach millions throughout the world. Gideon's small band of men's weaponry consisted of a pitcher, a lamp, and a trumpet. 

"May we always remember this profound lesson and that we are banner bearers of the Lord Jesus Christ, upheld by the Holy Spirit of God, faithful and true to the end, each one devoted to give our all to the cause of Zion and bound by covenant to stand close together." (Emily Belle Freeman, 'Written On Our Hearts', 45). 

When Gideon died the people went back to worshipping Baal.

I watched a Hallmark movie while working on my blog. This movie is one of my favorites starring Victor Webster and Hilary Burton, "Summer Villa." 

I finished my book, "The Provincial Peer" and started "A Proper Scandal" by Esther Hatch. In the Scandal series this is book one out of four. 

I was in the kitchen when I heard James say, "Can you help me"? I thought he needed help outside, but when I opened the front door, he wasn't there. I thought maybe he needed to use the bathroom. I waited a few minutes and then I knocked on the door and then opened the door, James was running water in the sink and there was blood everywhere. "I cut my finger to the bone." It just kept bleeding. I got some gauze and tape and we were able to doctor it and get the gauze on, which helped stop the bleeding. I took a damp rag and cleaned up the blood drops off the floor. It was just a matter of time that something would happen to James. I thought it would be falling off a ladder, but an accident was inevitable. As soon as he got his bandage on he went right back up that ladder to go to work. GRRR. I will be so grateful when this project is finished! 

Jared texted tonight about getting rooms in San Diego. They are all so expensive. The Embassy Suites in LaJolla is $850 for two nights. We finally decided on a Best Western on Hotel Circle for $700 a night. Jared is booking the rooms and I am sending him a check for our half. He doesn't do Zelle and I don't do Venmo. 

Stacy called to say Acorns funder her $900 for referring and signing up 3 people, Paul, Joshua, and me. Congrats Stacy!

Joshua and Evan returned home from Italy today. Joshua gave Stacy a big hug and said: "Adulting is hard! I can't believe you had a kid when you were my age."! Stacy then told me the story of a delayed flight, and lost luggage! Sheri intervened and took care of things. She bought an air ticket for the luggage and when someone from the airlines said the luggage would be delivered tomorrow Sheri said, "Their luggage is in Madrid!" She had the airlines deliver the luggage to their hotel.

It was not a good day for me...I was depressed. It was not a good day for James either. His feet are really hurting him. He used the vibrating machine before going to bed.

"The greatest example of proving and strengthening occurred through the Savior's Atonement . . . He proved faithful in every moment."

- President Henry B. Eyring

Judges 6:14

And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

Jared left his Habernero sauce.

Even as a small boy, he loved hot sauce.

Trenda has always been wise beyond her years.

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026: Goodbye to JA & Taliq they hike Mt. Blady, James works and I read Judges 4-6, PO - Janna's card, Circle K, Wlmrt, HD, Tractor Supply, gospel study, "The Beach House", Evan & Joshua back from Italy

 

San Jose, Costa Rica

Temple #87

Jared Ammon and Taliq left this morning after breakfast. They said they were going to go hike Mt. Baldy and then go home. They won't get rained on today, but it is cool and windy.

Taliq had his eyes closed in

every picture. I'm not much of a

photographer.

They both love to run!

James worked outside while I read about the Judges of Israel and worked on my blog. I enjoyed reading about Ehud, the left-hander from the tribe of Benjamin and how he stabbed Eglon, which led to 80 years of peace. Judges were appointed and chosen by Jehovah to deliver Israel from its frequent bondage. My favorite is Deborah in Judges 4. Deborah is a prophetess, a woman who has received a testimony of Jesus and enjoys the spirit of revelation. People come to her for counsel as she sat under her palm tree. She inspired Barak to go to battle for Israel. One Bible scholar explains that the term wife of Lapidoth (vs. 4) could also have been translated in Hebrew to read ' a woman of a torch-like spirit.' This quote from Emily Belle Freeman in her book: "Written On Our Hearts", 42. Deborah's torch-like spirit had the power to instill courage in others and to inspire them to follow the command of the Lord. Where did this power come from? Remember, Deborah was a prophetess. The scriptures teach that 'the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy' (Rev. 19:10). Perhaps Deborah's strength of spirit came from her testimony of Jesus.'

Evan and Joshua made it back from Italy today. I guess it was quite an adventure. 

I mailed a birthday card to my friend Janna today. I hope she gets it in time.

Around 1:00 James and I made a trip to town. We listened to this week's "Follow Him" on the way. We went to the post office to mail Janna's card and then it was Circle K for drinks. James dropped me off at Walmart while he did an Amazon return and then went to Home Depot. When James got to Walmart he picked up a prescription and then helped me check out. He complained about spending so much money on groceries. He suggested we come grocery shopping once a month. I laughed. We can't even keep it to once a week. We never stopped to eat. We did pick up horse feed at Tractor Supply. When I got home and saw those huge horse feed bags in the back of the car on top of where I thought the groceries were, I freaked out. James assured me he had moved the groceries aside so I ended up apologizing to him. 

My day normally starts with prayer, journal writing and scripture study then prayer, Book of Mormon, and "Come Follow Me' with James. I also listen to a conference talk from the last conference and spend a few minutes looking at the talk that my RS lesson will be on. It's a great way to start the day. I work on my journal and blog, walk and listen to my audio book and for a little R&R I sit down and read a little from Emma M. Lion. 

This evening I watched a 2018 Hallmark movie on my phone, "The Beach House." Andie McDowell, Chad Michael Murray, and Minka Kelly are in the movie. Minka is beautiful! This story is about a woman, Andie McDowell, who lives in a beach house in South Carolina where Loggerhead turtles build their nests. The woman loves these turtles and much of her life is spent protecting them. This is the last summer with her turtles and her beloved family and friends, as she is dying of cancer. This movie shows how a family can come together in a crisis in spite of differences. It demonstrates the power of love and what is really important in life. I really enjoyed it. James stopped his walking for a few minutes to watch part of it with me.

"God's commandments and counsel are found in the scriptures and the words of His servants."

President D. Todd Christofferson

Judges 2:22

That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the LORD to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.

"The Beach House"

Minka Kelly & Andie McDowell

Watching the baby turtle

Mother-Daughter time

Hiking Mt. Baldy. Jared said this

was the most beautiful place he has ever 

been in Arizona.

Monday, May 25th, 2026: Rain since early this morning, JA & Taliq arrived during the night, Joshua 2&3, Alma 5, JA & T visit horses & Tom before going to town, hike Greens Peak in the snow, rain & hail, James works outside, I made beans, JA & T steak dinner - they share with me

Montreal, Quebec

Temple #86

It was raining when I got up this morning. When I told James he said, "It's been raining since 3 a.m." Wow! This is so exciting because we rarely get rain in June! We need it so badly! It was a glorious morning!

Jared Ammon and his friend Taliq got here a little after one. When they get up they go and visit the horses and then Jared asks about Tom. Tom is asleep on the recliner in our bedroom but I take them in to see him. They pet him and afterwards, he gets up and walks away.

The guys are going in to town to get food for dinner. James offers eggs for breakfast but they decline. 

When Jared and Taliq get back from town they get ready to go to Greens Peak. They brought two cars, Jared's Mustang and Taliq's SUV. They took the Mustang to town and the SUV to Greens Peak. 

They ran up the mountain in rain, hail, and snow, but they did it. 

James worked outside when it wasn't raining. He climbs the big tall ladder in the front to sand and stain, even though I ask him not to. 

I made calico beans for him today. He loves them. It's a day when you want to sit down to a hearty bowl of soup, stew, or beans.

The cookies I made yesterday are quite popular. The guys like them and so do James and I. I had two today. James had quite a few more. He says he had ten...I hardly think so.

This evening Jared cooked steaks on the grill and Taliq made broccolini and fried potatoes. They invited me to eat with them. I told them I would have some steak, which I did. It was delicious. It was during dinner that Jared told me he was volunteering at an animal rescue center. Right now he is working with dogs but he hopes to work with cats too. He does love animals.

James was working outside and said he didn't need any steak. 

Tom slept most of the day in the house, cuddling with me and then James. He decided to stay outside tonight. 

Today was a beautiful day! Happy Memorial Day!

I got a card ready to send to Janna Grombach for her birthday on the 28th.

"Among the qualities that adorn true disciples of Christ, temperance stands out as a reflection of the Savior Himself."

- Dale G. Renlund

Judges 2:7

And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel.

I ordered one of these today.

Gues which color I ordered?

This is what I would say to Debbie Schwarz

about her husband Don.

My yummy breakfast

Can you find Dave, James, and Terry.

Cousin Jeanie is in this photo too.

 

Sunday, May 24th, 2026: Read and took notes on Alma 5, lesson outline, off we go, huge crowd in sacrament meeting, my lesson, homeward bound, James blesses & visits, I make cookies

 

Villahermosa, Mexico

Temple #85

I got up at 4 this morning to do final preparations for my lesson. James thinks I am crazy. He got up a little before 6.

I studied Alma 5 because I felt like the questions that Alma asks could benefit the sisters. What a chapter! 

This is the statement our bishop made when he got up to conduct sacrament meeting: "Welcome to stake conference." The room was filled clear back to the second overflow. 

My new dress shows my garments in the back if it' s pulled the wrong direction so I had to put my white sweater on. Thank goodness I brought it.

Cary Dobson, Dalton Dobson's 9 year old son was the youth speaker today. He did a great job! One of his favorite Primary songs is: "I Will Find My Own Sacred Grove."

Amy Bowen and Jennifer Golly were the main speakers. Their topic: "How I Find Jesus Christ Over and Over Again." Amy grew up in a non-religious home where her parents used and abused alcohol. She did not feel loved as a child by her parents or the Lord. She got a scholarship to attend Utah State University in Logan, Utah. She met a returned missionary there who was so kind and friendly to her. She ended  up joining the Church but had to go home because of lack of funds. Even though she joined the Church she felt like God hated her. Back at home she had no friends at church and no one reached out to her so she quit going for awhile. Fast forward to 2009 she is married and living in St. Johns. It was at this time she got her temple endowments. She and her husband were struggling and he ended up committing suicide in 2012. Amy began attending the temple. She said she was trying to align herself with God. She began to realize the Savior loves her just as she is.

Because it is Memorial Day weekend Jennifer talked about the military and the service in her family. She talked about trust, faith, and obedience as it pertains to Jesus Christ. Jennifer's Oma grew up in East Berlin during WWII. Because of malnutrition she was only 4'9". Her Oma was able to come to America and became a citizen. If someone asked her if she was German she would say, "No, I am an American." Jennifer joined the Church when she was 25. She has done temple work for her family, providing a welding link between generations. Christ is calling us home. "I am grateful for the Lord's hand in my families story.

My lesson went well. I told the story of Ammon, Lamoni, King Lamoni's father and Aaron from the Book of Mormon. We had a good discussion. I missed seeing Millie, Janna, Pat, Maxine, Barbara Klug and Barbara Tignor. Debbie Schwarz talked about her husband meeting with the bishop to talk about baptism and some questions he has. She talked to me afterwards and thanked me for my lesson and handouts. She is such a sweet person.

After lunch on the day I teach I like to just crash and relax. James had things to do this afternoon. He and Chuck went to the Tignor's and gave each of them a blessing of health and administered the sacrament to them. Afterwards James went to visit with Greg Anderson. Kim said she didn't come to church today because she isn't really friends with anyone and she was embarrassed by the fact that they are moving. I told James we should invite them to sit with us until they move. 

On the way home from the Anderson's James saw a guy and his two kids broke down by the side of the road. When he stopped to help the ten year old boy said to him: "Thank you so much kind sir. I said a prayer and you came right away."

I made cookies for James while he was gone. Chocolate chip with oatmeal and walnuts. They were quite delicious. I also finished listening to Camille Fronk Olson on "Follow Him."

"God doesn't just want us to do what is right. He wants us to choose to do what is right."

- Elder Dale G. Renlund

Barbara, the love of T-Bo's life.

The Tignor Saga

Happy Sabbath from this sweet girl!

Sister Kapp is one of my all-time favorites!

Cayli's 23rd Birthday

Made by Sheri with love!

Lemon curd tarts from Kim!

Mason's 2nd Birthday!

Summer & JB

Tanner & Kate with Mason

These two love each other!

Saturday, May 23rd, 2026: The indomitable Mary Ellen Edmunds has passed away - oh how I love her!, $5,000 in J's account, "A Provincial Peer", rain clouds - no rain, finished handouts, "favorite sins"

 

Nashville, Tennessee

Temple #84

5 am. prayer first. I then began worrying about James's account as he has been writing checks to Kat & Larry from his account and also his vehicle insurance comes from that account. I checked and he has just a little over $200 in the account. I transferred $5,000. The checks he write to Kat & Larry are always for $200. That's how much he pays them every time they work.

"London society are vultures, waiting for prey." - Georgiana Wood, "The Duke's Bargain."

I started "A Provincial Peer' by Sian Ann Bessey. Here is a short descriptions of the book:

Lord Benning is no ordinary nobleman. The heir to an earldom, he feels more at home working on the farm at his country estate than socializing in the ballrooms of London. (This is in 1796). So when a mysterious, veiled woman mistakes him for a farmhand, he takes the assumption in stride and though he is not offended, he is intrigued. Following a devastating outbreak of smallpox, Caroline Granger and her young daughter Meg, retreat to Caroline's childhood home in the village of Leyfield in Gloucestershire, England. Left widowed and weakened by the ravages of the disease, Caroline wears a veil to hide her facial scars and to prevent the inevitable gasps of horror or murmurs of pity others offer in response to her altered appearance. Caroline is mortified when she learns of her error in addressing Lord Benning - or Benedict, as she called him during their growing up years - as a farmhand. But shared childhood memories and a precocious 4 year old inevitably draw Benedict and Caroline together, and it's not long before she realizes that Benedict accepts every part of her, including her scars. With newfound courage and a growing love for Benedict, Caroline feels the first stirrings of hope. But when the disease that took so much from Caroline finds its way to Leyfield, she stands to lose more than she can bear, and Benedict must decide exactly how much he is willing to risk at a chance for love. - The doctor who actually helped find a cure for smallpox is featured in this story. It is a good one!

One of my very favorite BYU Women's Conference speakers, Mary Ellen Edmunds, passed away. I will always remember and lover her for her sense of humor and her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I actually finished my handouts today. I ended up with 59 instead of 60. I'm not sure why but now I get to keep a key. Because the talk this lesson is based on is so short I read lots of extra things to supplement my knowledge and remembrance of "I Will Give Away All My Sins to Know Thee." Should I focus on the desires of our hearts and how important they are, or should I tell the conversion story of King Lamon's father from the Book of Mormon. Maybe both.

I walked 12,000 steps, which takes about two hours, did one blogpost, which takes about an hour, and started another before getting caught up reading and working on my lesson. 

I cooked steak for lunch and it was soooo good. I guess you could say it is my favorite food, along with the shrimp at Culver's right now. (My favorites change from time to time.) Here was what James was doing when I called, "lunch time."

Am I ready to get rid of my favorite sins to know God?

Strange things on the table.

Friday, May 22nd, 2026: Scriptures, Kat & Larry, trip to town, Culver's shrimp, "Follow Him" w/ Camille Fronk Olson, text from Jared about San Diego temple open house on June 19th

 

Tampico, Mexico

Temple #83

Alma gives us the judgeship so he can preach the gospel full-time.

Joshua 23 - God will continue to bless Israel if they are faithful. Cleave unto the Lord your God, as ye have done unto this day. If Israel begins to worship false gods they will be destroyed. ...fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth.

Joshua 24 - Choose you this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. The Lord our God will we serve, and His voice will we obey. Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua.

Kat and Larry came today. James got them started and then we went to town. Our first stop was Walmart where James dropped me off. He went to Home Depot to get a tool he needs and then he went to Circle K for gas and drinks. We nee one more fillup to get the next 40 cents off day. 

While I was shopping I tried to call James a couple of times but he didn't answer. Finally I texted him and he called me back. I told him to come to Walmart and get some wings while I checked out. He showed up while I was checking out and said they didn't have the kind we liked so he didn't get any. 

On the way home we stopped at Culver's and went in and got 10 shrimp and shared them. They were delicious and it was the cheapest lunch we have ever had at Culver's. On the way home we listened to Camille Fronk Olson on "Follow Him." I love Camille. I remember hearing her speak at BYU Women's Conference when she was Camille Fronk.

We got a text from Jared this evening. He and Kacey got two extra tickets to the San Diego temple open house on June 19th and they want to know if we would like to meet them there. Of course we would!

"Many join the Church at great personal sacrifice and desperately need the love and support of their fellow saints."

- Elder Quentin L. Cook

Joshua 23:3

And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God is he that hath fought for you.

James's photos of a gopher snake on

our back porch. Disgusting, but yet I

am putting them on here.