Thursday, May 21st, 2026: All of Israel punished because of Achan, A ceremony of covenant renewal, horses are out, snake on our back porch, Inklings w/ Grace & Hilary, Benson 10 months old, Lola's end of 6th grade school year, James works hard

 

Cochabamba, Bolivia

Temple #82

Joshua 7 - Joshua reminds Israel again to sanctify themselves. 

All of Israel is punished because of what Achan did. 

Joshua 8 - Israel destroys the people and city of Ai. This time the Lord allows them to take the prey of the city this time. 

Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in Mt. Ebal. Joshua offered sacrifices and wrote a copy of the law of Moses on stones. A ceremony of covenant renewal was held. 

I listened to Grace and Hilary Weeks on Inklings this morning. It was good. 

Talk: "Follow the Prophet, He Knows the Way" - Michael John U. Teh

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Invitation: 'Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world,' adding, 'Behold, I am the light which ye shall hold up - that which ye have seen me do.'

Promise: It is interesting to me that some people would think that God's prophets live in the past and are not attuned to the times. Everything I know of prophets is the opposite. They actually see into the future as watchmen on a tower.

Favorite Quote: I was prepared to live in the shadows. Imagine my delight to wake up and see the rays of the morning sun shining through our windows.

Affirmation: I am guided by living prophets and anchored in Jesus Christ. I choose faith over fear and trust that God is leading me, even when I cannot see the full path ahead.

James had to "wrangle" the horses this morning. Because the fence builders are here, one of our fences was down and they escaped to the oasis of Dave Elkin's pond. I can't say I blame them. 

Caught on Dave's wildlife camera

James also did the dishes and washed the kitchen window. He worked hard outside today in spite of pain. He's about finished in the front of the house and is now also working in the back.

I got up at 3 this morning with some ideas for my lesson. The desires of our hearts are so important. I read Elder Wu's talk and underlined most of it. I went back to bed for about an hour and a half around 4. 

I managed well today. I walked 13,000 steps, did two blogposts, and made 10 handouts. I also listened to Sheri Dew's BYU Women's Conference talk. It was great!

This is a short description of the book I am now reading, "The Duke's Bargain."

' Eight month after a stolen kiss ruined her reputation, Miss Georgiana Wood is a recluse, cast out of society without any hope of ever finding a suitable match. Longing for redemption, she never expects her salvation to arrive in the form of a handsome, temperamental duke. After a failed bargain left the Duke of Marlow without a promised wife and heir, he must face courtship a final time. He plans to entice his future bride with a priceless family heirloom - one now in the possession of Miss Wood, who agrees to return it if he takes her on three outings in London during the Season to restore her reputation.

As the pair navigate Society's expectations and whispered gossip, Marlow soon sees a new side to Georgiana - an ally and friend. Her wit and courage, grace and allure far exceed that of the eligible ladies he intended to court, and soon, he'd do almost anything to secure her happiness. As Marlow wrestles with duty and desire, Georgiana begins to hope that she could be loved not despite her past, but because of who she truly is. When hearts are tested, truth and secrets revealed, will love be enough to risk it all?'

"Today those invited to the supper of the Lord come from every place and culture."

- Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Benson is 10 months old

He's got a bruise on his forehead from

walking around furniture and falling