Tuesday, January 28th, 2025: Up @ 5:41, Tom stays with me, laundry, kitchen floor, dusted blinds, 2nd clock, Town-White Mtn Steel, Sonic, Walmart, Circle K, snow in Vernon, Hot & Sour soup for dinner, Erik on the Razr,

 

McAllen, Texas

183rd operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Oct 2023

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 18:5-20

Come Follow Me

D&C 3:1-16

I can trust God.

'Which Way Do You Face?' Elder Lynn G. Robbins, OGC 2014

October General Conference

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

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

President Nelson: "One of our greatest challenges today is distinguishing between the truths of God and the counterfeits of Satan. That is why the Lord wared us to 'pray always, . . . that we may conquer Satan, and . . . escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold the adversary's work' (D&C 10:5)."

Up at 5:41 and took a shower. No matter where I am slept last night, first the bed, then the recliner, and then the bed again, Tom was right there with me. 

Elder Rasband said in his conference talk that President Nelson had announced 168 temples and then at the end of this conference he announced 17 more. That makes 185. Wow!

I am still doing laundry from the weekend. Lots of towels and sheets. I also swept and mopped the kitchen and dining room floor and dusted blinds again today. 

I love our new clock above the fireplace. A funny thing happened today. Amazon delivered another one. Big mistake, because I only ordered and paid for one. I went online and filled out a return request. Now we just need to take it to the UPS store. 

We went to town this afternoon in the truck. James had to pick up some pipe at White Mountain Steel. Afterwards we went to Sonic for something to eat. I got a Sonic Jr. cheeseburger. The bun was very wrinkly and the sandwich did not seem fresh. A disappointment for sure. I also got a cherry limeade and it was not a disappointment. James got a chili cheese dog and mozzarella sticks. 

James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Circle K to get gas. With the amount of gas he got, he saved $5.00 because he used the .25 cents per gallon off deal from Inner Circle. 

After I finished my shopping at Walmart we stopped at the China Buffet and picked up two quarts of Hot & Sour soup. We had it for dinner. It is so delicious, especially on a cold snowy day like today. Yes, we got more snow!

James talked to Erik about the Razr. Since Erik is the one that put the new engine in a couple of years ago, he was doubtful that it could be ruined. He told James when he picked up the Razr to bring it down and put it in his backyard and he would look at it and see if it could be fixed. We are hopeful that Erik can work his magic!

Even though there isn't that much snow, I am truly grateful that we are receiving some moisture.

Big surprise at Walmart...didn't want to buy a 12-pk.

So I bought this instead.

It was okay with ice but I don't

think I would buy it again.

Before I got a chance to make the bed,

this happened.

Picture taken in Vernon by

my friend Lynda Finnell

Monday, January 27th, 2025: Up @ 5 w/ pesky Tom, feeling quite good, Studied the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Did 3 blog posts Jan 16, 17, 18, J's new chainsaw - He loves it!, Scheduled timeshare, renewed J's commercial contractor's license, played "Pinky" with Tom,

Moses Lake, Washington

182nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Sept 2023

By: Quentin L. Cook

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 17:48-18:4

Come Follow Me

Jan 27-Feb 2

D&C 3-5

"My Work Shall Go Forth" Introduction

October General Conference

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

Elder Takashi Wada

"Matthew 11:28-30, in which Jesus said to His disciples:

'Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." This was the first time I remember reading the words of Jesus Christ. Though I did not understand all the words He said, His words comforted me, lifted my soul, and gave me hope. The more I read His words, the more I felt like I should try the virtue of His words. I had never felt like I felt that day. I felt I was loved. I felt that Jesus Christ was someone I knew."

Up at five with pesky Tom. I'm actually feeling quite good. I used all of my individual study time this morning to study the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Later in the week I will study "The Living Christ", the Liahona, my RS lesson, "Heart of the Matter", and "Forgiving What You Can't Forget." I am also writing a letter to Rowan about serving a mission. I intend to write one to Joshua and Evan too.

I did three blog posts today, January 16th, 17th, and 18th. By the end of the week I should be all caught up. 

We got lots of mail today. James got his battery operated chainsaw. He tried it out and he loves it! We got lightbulbs, and I got my D&C study guide, and we got our Memoforce pills which are supposed to help with memory loss. James got his zipper kit but he says the zipper in his coat in unfixable so he is getting rid of it.

James put knobs on my desk drawers. Thanks honey. I renewed his commercial contractor's license, scheduled our week at the timeshare, and played "pinky" with Tom. I watched "Wicked" on my phone while I was working on my computer. I dusted blinds, vacuumed up James's sawdust from using his chainsaw, he had it all over him, and worked on a 2025 budget notebook. It was a busy, productive day!

My amaryllis are blooming!

Charlie's starry night picture,

with a polar bear.

She's got some talent!

 

Sunday, January 26th, 2025: James goes to ward council, Ward Conference, Waypoint visitors and stake visitors too, Catherine Halcomb, YMYW choir, Michael's breakfast bagels, goodbye to everyone, home alone again

 

Bentonville, Arkansas

181st operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Sep 2023

By: David A. Bednar

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 17:31-47

Come Follow Me

"Follow Him"

October General Conference

'Nourish the Roots, and the Branches Will Grow'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"If you ever feel burned out or overwhelmed by your Church calling, try refocusing your service on Jesus Christ. Make it an expression of your love for Him. Nourish the roots, and the branches will grow. And in time, they will bear fruit."

James was asked to go to ward council this morning. It starts at 7:30 and goes until 8:30 so I was home alone when it was time to get ready for church. Today is our ward conference and James said that President Beeler conducted ward council. He came home with a list of things for a 72 hour kit, a 1st Aid kit, and a kit for your car. He wants me to work on getting the stuff on the lists.

When I arrived at church at 8:50 James was waiting for me in the foyer. He said that our regular seats were taken. Collin and Chuck left after ward council to go pick up a group of guys from the Waypoint addiction recovery center and they sat in the 2nd and 3rd rows on the left where we sit. We sat in the middle benches, back a ways in front of Kathy & Chuck Crane. 

Our youth choir provided the prelude music for sacrament meeting and they sounded beautiful. One of the Jensen girls was the choir director. 

President Beeler and President Alder were on the stand. President Smithson was absent because he had to be at the hospital today. 

Karen Gilliland was released as a counselor in the stake Relief Society today and a Sister Whatcott was called in her place. The secretary was also released and Lindsay Shaw from our ward was called. She will be working with Sister Beverly Wilcock, and Stefani Hunsaker, along with Sister Whatcott.

Bishop Hunsaker announced Kim Penrod's funeral at 11:00 this coming Friday. He encouraged us not to judge but to be a support to the family. Shanna was not here today. 

Bishop Hunsaker and President Beeler were the speakers in sacrament meeting. Here are a few notes:

Bishop Hunsaker - I shouldn't have put batteries in my pacemaker today. Knowing Jesus Christ, invite Him to be with you throughout your day. Youth, picture the Savior with you in your classes. On Judgment Day how will you feel when He asks you: "Where was I during your life?" "Did you know me?" We need to give our weaknesses to the Savior. Go to the Lord's house often. Take time to know where you are at with the Savior.

Youth Choir Musical No: - "Look Unto Christ"

President Beeler - I have felt some of the same promptings as Bishop Hunsaker. I have many dear friends here in Vernon. The Lord's net is our connections with each other. Bishop Hunsaker's pace hasn't slackened. We all need to be "healers." We always have access to God's love and power. We need to open the flood gates of "Living Water" all the way. I am grateful for the sacrament that makes this meeting sacred. I have had some profound experiences with the Savior at the sacrament table. Told the story of the Cibecue Branch Christmas party. They expected about 40 people and 200 hundred showed up. People went home and got food they had to share. They prayed and just kept serving and serving and serving and the supply never ran out. Our God is a God of miracles. If you wish to find Jesus, make the place you are, holy. We will also find Him in His holy house.

During the second hour James and I went up and sat by Catherine Halcomb. She said to me that she was disoriented and didn't know why she was here. I asked her if she recognized everyone and she said yes. She is beginning to lose her memory and it is really bothering her. She forgot to replace the batteries in her hearing aid so she didn't hear much of what was going on. She had her tablet with her and was playing a word game on it. 

President Beeler and Sister Wilcock led the discussion in the second hour. The discussion was on President Nelson's recent conference address on preparing for the Second Coming of the Savior. We had a good discussion with lots of participation. Just a couple of quotes from President Nelson:

"God uses the unlikely to accomplish the impossible."

"All those who will not endure chastening cannot be sanctified."

When we got home Michael was cooking breakfast bagels for everyone. He offered me one and I ate half and saved the rest for later. James had eggs and ham and bacon minus the bagel. We both had some of James's pie, which is going to be the death of both of us.

Everyone got ready and left soon after breakfast. We gave hugs and said our goodbyes.

Sammi, Namira, Dallin, Joe, Jared Ammon, Michael

 Nap time for James and I after everyone left. Tome came in from outside and it looks like he's been rolling in the dirt. I was so tempted to give him a bath.

We went on a little drive this afternoon to return Susan Goodman's plastic bowl that she brought fruit salad in way back when James came home from the hospital. Pierce came out to say hello to me and asked me if I had lost anymore teeth. I told him no, they were all hanging on quite well. He said he offers his services 24/7 if anything needs fixing. So sweet.

Later James returned the "missile" he borrowed from Jarrod MacArthur who said he actually needed it right now to do some underground digging.

I blogged January 14th & 15th before going to bed.

Happy Sabbath!

Saturday, January 25th, 2025: Felt better, Big brkfst for guys, blog, guys help James outside, birthday pies, Sammi helps me make dinner, newest HMM

 

Brasilia, Brazil

180th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Sep 2023

By: Neil L. Andersen

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 17:17-30

Come Follow Me

Review

October General Conference

'Simple in the Doctrine of Jesus Christ'

President Henry B. Eyring

"Teaching simply allows us to share the saving doctrine early on, while children remain untouched by the deceiver's temptations that will later confront them, long before the truths they need to learn are drowned out by the noise of social media, peers, and their own personal struggles. We should seize every opportunity to share the teachings of Jesus Christ with children. These teaching moments are precious and far fewer compared to the relentless efforts of opposing forces. For every hour spent instilling doctrine into a child's life, there are countless hours of opposition filled with messages and images that challenge or ignore those saving truths."

I felt better today, not great, but better. I fixed bacon, eggs, and biscuits for anyone who wanted to eat, which turned out to be me, James, Joe, and Michael. Jared Ammon was out running and I guess Sammi and Dallin were still sleeping. Joe and Michael went on their Starbucks run before breakfast. Namira had an accident in the kitchen so James put her in her pup house.

After breakfast I worked on my blog while the guys went out to help James clean up the tree branches in the backyard. 

This afternoon I finally made James his birthday pies, one with chocolate crust and one with graham cracker. Dallin was helping me squeeze lemon juice into a cup when he slipped and all of the juice spilled all over the counter. He was embarrassed and felt so bad. He offered to go into town and get more lemons. I laughed and said that wouldn't be necessary. I had some reconstituted lemon juice and I would use it, which I did. The pies were still delicious. 

James came in this afternoon and said he tripped over the dog leash and fell hard and hit his head on the concrete. He has a scratch on the side of his face and his eyelid is red. It is the opposite side of his face from where his surgery was. 

James took me to Dollar General and bought me DPZ and Little Debbie cakes. He reluctantly supports my addictions.

Later on I came back in to the kitchen to make dinner. James said he would help me. I started boiling water for mashed potatoes while James peeled potatoes and I cut them up. I got out the asparagus and broccoli and biscuits. About this time I put the potatoes in the water and then Sammi came in and asked if she could help. Yes! She got the asparagus and broccoli ready and cooked them, along with the biscuits. 

I worked on the chicken, I'm making Long John Silvers recipe. I mixed up the coating for the chicken, then realized I needed another batch for the amount of chicken I have. I asked Sammi and she mixed up another batch. She also fixed the mashed potatoes, cooked the biscuits, and both veggies. She is quite a whiz in the kitchen. She put in some frozen mac & cheese in the microwave for her dinner. She is gluten-free and for some reason, she doesn't eat chicken. 

The boys said the dinner was delicious and they were very grateful, especially Michael who said the chicken was great. He asked for some jam for his biscuit and was so excited to see we had raspberry jam. I guess he loves raspberries. Good to know.  James did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen, bless his heart. I went in to the bedroom and watched the latest Hallmark movie, "The Perfect Setting."

Tom getting his daily brush down

from James

Our new clock

Friday, January 24th, 2025: Miserable this morning, both arms hurt from vacuuming yesterday, Tell JA we are going to the temple , Drsng Rm3 hard time drsng, Lelia Beatrice Strickland, Barbara's long Chinese name, John & Sandra Wilhelm, Birthday lunch for James @ Eva's, Go home - straight to bed, Michael and Namira and Joe arrive

 

Saratoga Springs, Utah

179th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Aug 2023

By: Henry B. Eyring

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 17:1-16

Come Follow Me

D&C 2

The Lord sent Elijah to turn my heart to my ancestors.

Gerrit W. Gong "Happy and Forever" OGC 2022

October General Conference

'O Youth of the Noble Birthright'

Brother Bradley R. Wilcox

"Our mortal experience could be compared to a cruise ship on which God has sent all His children as they journey from one shore to another. The voyage is filled with opportunities to learn, grow, be happy, and progress, but it is also full of dangers. God loves all His children and is concerned about their welfare. He does not want to lose any of them, so He invites those who are willing to become members of His crew - that's you. Because of your choice to make and keep covenants, He offers you His trust. He trusts you to be different, peculiar, and set apart because of the important work He trusts you to do."

I was miserable this morning when I got up. I was wishing we weren't going to the temple until this afternoon but we are scheduled for the 11:00 session at the Tignor's request. Both of my upper arms hurt, probably from al of the vacuuming I did yesterday. Somehow I managed to get dressed and ready to go.

Before we left this morning we told Jared Ammon where we were going. He was up but Sammi and Dallin were not.  We picked up the Tignor's and made it to the temple by 10:30. Instead of locker 7 or 8 I was in locker 3. I am going through with a family name, Lelia Beatrice Strickland. My friend Barbara got a Chinese name from the temple and it was very long. She had it all figured out how to pronounce it. 

John and Sandra Wilhelm were also in our session. There were 22 sisters in the session. I had a difficult time raising my left arm. When it was time for the prayer circle the Wilhelm's and the Tignor's both participated but I told James no by shaking my head. I just didn't think I could do it. The brother who took me through the veil was at least 6'5" tall. It was very difficult to get my arm up on his shoulder. 

A few minutes in the Celestial room and then on to Eva's for James's birthday lunch paid for by T-Bo. Thank you T-Bo. James and I both go the chicken enchilada lunch special. I couldn't finish all of my enchilada so I gave it to James.

Barbara got a phone call from a friend and went outside to take it. While she was gone T-Bo told me the problems with her son Tim. On the way home we talked a little bit of politics. T-Bo is a big Trump supporter. 

We stopped at the Taylor Walmart and I got the things I needed to make James two pies. I also got heart-shaped Little Debbie cakes for Barbara, T-Bo, and myself. Happy Valentine's Day. James got non-dairy ice cream for himself.

I went home and went straight to my recliner after changing in to my comfy clothes. I never did get up, but stayed there the rest of the day. I was going to fix dinner for everyone, but it's just not going to happen. I asked James to apologize for me. I had a Powerade, lemon yogurt and toast for dinner. 

Before going to bed we heard Namira which means Michael and Joe are here too.

Thursday, January 23rd, 2025: Happy 77th Birthday James! My card & note & Harvest Nut n Grain pancakes, lots of calls & texts from family & friends, Brioche French Toast for Bunco, Bunco gift I am giving: Puzzle, lotion & soap, dusting slippers, Sheri deposits Landings check, James's mtg, Pajama Bunco Party @ Patsy Tedder's,

 

Helena, Montana

178th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2023

By: Gary E. Stevenson

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 16:17-39

Come Follow Me

JS-H 1:48-60

God will prepare me to work in His kingdom.

October General Conference

'Days Never To Be Forgotten'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"'Men and women are, that they might have joy.' Heavenly Father has provided the plan of happiness that enables joy through His blessings. These include living in His presence eternally as families. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to God's plan to redeem us. To receive eternal life, we must come unto Christ. As we do so 'and help others do the same, we participate in God's work of salvation and exaltation.'"

Happy Birthday James! I started off by writing a love note in the card I got for him. He said it was the nicest one he has ever gotten. 

The next thing I did was go in and make authentic 'copycat' Harvest Nut 'n' Grain pancakes from IHOP. They were delicious but took awhile to make. James cut up his leftover prime rib and cooked it was a fried egg for the protein part of his breakfast. 

There is something I forgot to get yesterday for James's birthday. He always wants an Eagle Brand pie and I forgot to get the ingredients. I guess we can stop by the Taylor Walmart after the temple tomorrow.

James got lots of cards, texts, and even phone calls today from family and friends. I know it helped him to have a happy day.

I made some Brioche French Toast today and put it in the frig to soak. I will bake it this evening before going to Bunco. I also cut up some fresh strawberries and bought some whipped cream. I finally came up with a gift idea for Bunco. I'm giving away the jigsaw puzzle I got from the White Elephant Christmas game. I also put in the lotion and handsoap I got from Teresa Hein for Christmas and some duster house shoes. Stefani Hunsaker got my gift.

I was going to go into town today but I ran out of time and out of steam. Sheri deposited the $9,050.00 check we got from The Landings job that they never sent. Armando picked it up and took it to Sheri. 

James had an Elders Quorum Presidency meeting this evening and I had Bunco. Dallin, Sammi, and Jared Ammon came up this evening, getting here just before I got back from Bunco.

Bunco was held at Patsy Tedder's and she announced this would be here last game with us. She did say she would be a substitute. I think I'm the oldest player now. It was pajama night and we all brought breakfast foods. Candied turkey bacon from Lynda Finnell, Pancakes from Donna and Michelle Beckham, eggs bites from Janna Grombach, green chili and cheese grits from Tina Allen, a delicious breakfast casserole made by Amy Reynolds. Patsy provided the drinks and I brought my French toast. I'm not sure what Becky or Lynn brought.

Lynn had her arm all bandaged up. When I asked what happen she said she got cut by a chain saw while helping her husband cut down limbs. She had to have one surgery and will probably need another. She didn't lose any fingers, thank goodness.

I saw something on the way to Bunco I have never seen before. Oh how I wish I could have gotten a picture! There were 20-30 antelope in the field on the side that borders 3144 where the water supply is. Someone was filling up the water barrels and the antelope were standing in about five lines at attention. They looked like soldiers. If I hadn't seen it I might not believe it! 

Bunco. This is Stefani Hunsaker. She

and Alicia bought the cutest little cups at

Dollar Tree and filled them with yogurt,

granola, and fruit.

Lynda Finnell, Tina Allen, Donna Beckham