Wednesday, March 19th, 2025: Hi today 42 & windy, "Follow Him" Morgan Pearson D&C 25, Pres. Nelson "Spiritual Treasures", Donna Beckham in the hospital, leftovers chicken tacos for lunch, meatloaf, potatoes & sweet potatoes for dinner

 

Taipei, Taiwan

31st operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Nov 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jacob 3:1-14

Come Follow Me

D&C 25 

Video: "An Elect Lady"

I have an important role to play in God's kingdom.

"An Especially Noble Calling" Sister Joy D. Jones, AGC 2020

October General Conference

"I Am He"

President Jeffrey R. Holland

"Brothers and sisters, I testify that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the vehicle God has provided for our exaltation. The gospel it teaches is true, and the priesthood legitimizing it is not derivative. I testify that Russell M. Nelson is a prophet of our God, as His predecessors were and as His successors will be. And one day that prophetic guidance will lead a generation to see our Messenger of Salvation descend like "lightning . . . out of the east," and we will exclaim, "Jesus of Nazareth." With arms forever outstretched and love unfeigned, He will reply, "I am he." I so promise with the apostolic power and authority of His holy name, even Jesus Christ, amen."

Thomas woke me up at 4:45 by getting right in my face. He wanted to eat and go outside. It was cold, but he didn't seem to care. The high today was 42, and it was windy.

I finished listening to Morgan Pearson on "Follow Him." She went through D&C 25, which is the Lord speaking to Emma Smith, verse by verse. It was very powerful. I want the sisters in our Relief Society to read section 25 and put their name in place of Emma's as they read. I also want the sisters to read President Nelson's October 2019 general conference address, which he gave in the women's session. It is so powerful. I am finally beginning to understand just a little bit what it means for women to have priesthood power. Power comes through making and keeping our covenants. The power that comes is not because of the covenants themselves, but it comes from Jesus Christ whom we make the covenants with. Priesthood power comes from Jesus Christ. I am praying to better understand it so when I discuss it in Relief Society with the sisters we can understand together. 

I watched Barbara Morgan Gardner's Grounded podcast which was done in Joseph and Emma's home in Harmony, Pennsylvania. Barbara begins the podcast with these three questions regarding D&C 25:

1.) What does God need me/Emma to know?

2.) What does God need me/Emma to do?

3.) What does God need me/Emma to become?

I went around the house and gathered all of my books regarding women and the priesthood:

1.) 'Live Up To Our Privileges, Women, Power, and Priesthood' by Wendy Ulrich.

2.) 'The Priesthood Power of Women in the Temple, Church, and Family' by Barbara Morgan Gardner.

3.) 'Women and the Priesthood What One Mormon Woman Believes' by Sheri Dew.

4.) 'Woman and the Priesthood' by Rodney Turner.

The last book by Rodney Turner is the oldest. James gave it to me for Christmas in 1975. 

I finally caught up on my blog. It's difficult to be behind the week of my lesson because it takes so much of my time to catch up, time that I want to spend in preparing my lesson/discussion.

Delighted to hear that Joshua wanted to get his patriarchal blessing and got to spend some time with their stake patriarch, Mitch Jones. We have known the Jones's for a very long time and I can honestly say that Mitch is one of the kindest, most righteous men I have ever met and his wife Louise is his equal. We raised our children together in Chandler although we were never in the same ward. 

I am grateful for Joshua and his desire to receive a blessing from the Lord.

Gotta try this!

I love that they are holding hands!

45 grams of protein!

My sweet sleeping kitty!

Tuesday, March 18th, 2025: Restless sleep last night, tired today, J's new prescription, Dr. Smithson, Morgan Pearson on "Follow Him", Lucien Maxwell, Liahona talks, Elder Bednar's talk

 

Dallas, Texas

30th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Oct 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jacob 2:17-35

Come Follow Me

D&C 24

The Savior can lift me "up out of my afflictions."

October General Conference

'In The Space of Not Many Years'

Elder David A. Bednar

"If you or I believe we could be afflicted with and by pride, then we consistently will do the small and simple things that will protect and help us become 'as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon us.' 'Blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble.'"

I did not sleep well last night, waking up and going back and forth between two recliners. As a result I am still way off my schedule. 

James went to town to give the tax information to the accountant and to pick up a prescription we forgot yesterday. He is on Amlodipine instead of Nifedipine. That's the new medicine I am on too. The only difference is my prescription is 2.5 mg and James's is 10 mg. 

When we were at the temple on Friday a member of our stake presidency, President Smithson was in our session. President Smithson is a doctor. In our search to replace Dr. Moffat I called Dr. Smithson's office and was told he was not taking any new patients. 

James decided he was going to speak to him before leaving today. I left the celestial room before James spoke to him. When we met in the upstairs gathering room James said he had spoken to Dr. Smithson and he said to tell the office when he calls that he had talked to the doctor and he would take him. I said, "What about me?"

He said he didn't mention me but he would call him and ask. I am not going to let him forget that statement.

I did some laundry today and posted two blog posts. I also took several little naps. James told me that Morgan Pearson is on "Follow Him" this week and I got really excited. Not only because the lesson includes D&C 25 which was given to Emma Smith and is part of my lesson I am giving in Relief Society on Sunday, but because I love Morgan.

James worked at the Beach's today in spite of the blasted wind. When he got home he made another delicious salad similar to the one he made on Sunday. I made some cheddar bay biscuits and hamburger patties for dinner. James helped me do the dishes which was most appreciated as I am still struggling with my right arm. 

I wrote a message to the family about praying for Tim's daughter Valerie. 

A new Snow White movie is coming out and

I want to see it!

James's salad

My next birthday cake....maybe

Monday, March 17th, 2025: Finished Evan's letter & mailed all 3 letters, Wlmrt, Circle K, Trac Sply, Culvers, Dennis, Denise, Evie, WCTH best episode ever Little Jack has diabetes

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated 25 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jacob 2:1-16

Come Follow Me

Mar 17-23: "Seek for the Things of a Better World" 

D&C 23-26

Introduction

October General Conference

'Embrace the Lord's Gift of Repentance'

Elder Jorge M. Alvarado

"Our process of 'at-one-ment' with God may feel challenging. But you and I can pause, be still, look to the Savior, and seek to find and act on what He would have us change. If we do so with full intent, we will witness His healing. And think of how our posterity will be blessed as we embrace the Lord's gift of repentance!"

My arm seems a little better, but still not completely healed. It was well enough for me to finish Evan's letter and get his letter and Rowan's and Joshua's letters ready to mail. We mailed them in Show Low. 

James wanted to take the tax information in to our accountant but he didn't quite finish so he will take it in another time, probably tomorrow. We left a little before 1. James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Tractor Supply to get horse feed and then to Circle K for gas and a carwash. 

When I was checking out Dennis, Denise and Denise's 7 year old granddaughter Evie. They came to Walmart to get acrylic paint so they could paint rocks. Evie is out of school on spring break. Dennis noticed I wasn't using my right arm and asked me what was wrong. I told him and he said he was going to help me by bagging my groceries for me. A few minutes later James walked up and took over for Dennis. Dennis said Evie loves to climb stairs. I told him he should bring her out to the house and she could climb our stairs. 

Evie gave us a hug and we said our goodbyes. 

On the way home we stopped at Culvers for a late lunch. James got his cod fillet sandwich and I got four chicken tenders. I only wanted three but the smallest amount they had was four. BBQ sauce was okay for two of them but I waited until I got home to eat the other two with Chik-fila sauce. 

We also stopped at Beach's to see if the ground was dry enough for James to work tomorrow. It is.

I watched "When Calls the Heart" today. It was so good. Little Jack has diabetes. It reminded me of when Adam was five years old and we found out he had it. One of the best episodes I have ever seen. This really is a good show.

Thank you Dawn for these pictures.

Letters to Rowan, Joshua, and Evan

 

Sunday, March 16th, 2025: James goes to church by himself & hands out invitations, High council Sunday, Jeff Crane teaches Sunday School, Kathy's offer, 60 degrees & sunny, WWRS Devotional

 

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jacob 1:1-19

Come Follow Me

Sunday School

October General Conference

The Man Who Communed with Jehovah'

Elder Kyle S. McKay

"Joseph Smith is now part of that heavenly priesthood of which he spoke. As he promised his friend, he is not far away from us, and on the other side of the veil, he is still working with us, and with a power greatly increased, to roll on this kingdom. What joy and thanksgiving, I raise my voice in 'praise to the man who communed with Jehovah.' And above all, praise to Jehovah, who communed with that man!"

James went to church alone this morning with Owen's invitations in his pocket. I had tried to get someone to help him hand them out but the Hunsaker's were out of town at a wedding and Kathy was down with a bad leg. I think he will be fine as there are only about 20 invitations.

Today a high councilman spoke in our sacrament meeting. The program was wrong and James can't remember his name. He said he gave one of the best talks on forgiveness that he has ever heard. 

Sister Whatcott, the new counselor in the stake Relief Society presidency, was the other speaker. 

One of the older Jensen girls played the piano and James said she was really good. One of the younger Jensen girls sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" and James absolutely loved it. He said she has a beautiful voice. I asked him if she was as good as Sister Golly and he said yes. I wish I would have been there because this is one of my favorite hymns. 

Jeff Crane taught Sunday School and again I wish I would have been there. It's hard to get ready for church though when you can't lift your hand up above your head to do your hair and put your makeup on. 

Kathy said Chuck brought home an invitation and they were really cute. She asked if we gave one to Virgil Cooper and his sister Nadine Singleton. I said no, but I have some extras and I can give them one.

There is a Worldwide Relief Society Devotional this evening and a testimony meeting at our stake center. Kristine Hipps and I were going to go together. She texted me and said she wasn't feeling well and was going to have to beg off. I told her I wasn't able to go either so it was fine. 

I watched the broadcast at home where Elder Renlund was the main speaker. It reminded me of the talk he gave last year in Show Low. 

By not going to the stake center I missed out on the testimony meeting and popcorn bar. 

James made dinner for us. I had him make protein pancakes using the Kodiak mix I bought. If you use milk and an egg there are 21 grams of protein in each serving. He also made a most delicious salad using red cabbage, lettuce, celery, green onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. We used the basalmic vinager Sheri bought in Italy and it was one of the most delicious salads I have ever eaten.

James also cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes. Thank you Honey.

It was a beautiful day today. Sunny with the high 60 degrees.

Tom looking at the snow

"I'm not going out there."

Tom and his new friend Sammy. They finally

tolerate each other.

Dreamy treehouse

 

Saturday, March 15th, 2025: Still can't raise my right arm, more snow, James stays home & works on taxes, finished Owen's invitations, roast in the crockpot, Val's 2nd surgery,

 

Boise, Idaho

27th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-30 May 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 33:1-15

Come Follow Me

People, Places, Events

October General Conference

'The Joy of Our Redemption'

Kristin M. Yee

"Each day is a new day filled with hope and possibilities because of Jesus Christ. Each day you and I can come to know, as Mother Eve proclaimed, "the joy of our redemption," the joy of being made whole, the joy of feeling God's unfailing love for you."

We got more snow last night so now we are up to 5 inches. We are so very grateful for the moisture Heavenly Father has sent.

I managed to finish Owen's invitations and got them ready to hand out. James will hand them out at church tomorrow. 

James worked on taxes this cold and blustery day since he couldn't work at Beach's. I put a roast in the oven this morning and it smelled good all day in our house. 

I paid some bills today, worked on my blog, and lounged on the recliner. It was rather a boring day. The roast was delicious though.

Tim's 15 year old daughter Val has been in the hospital for a month now. She had a strep infection and her organs started shutting down when they air-evacuated her to a bigger hospital four hours away from where Tim & Becca live. She was in a coma for awhile and then seemed to be doing better but has had severe stomach pains so they did surgery. They can't seem to figure out what is causing the stomach pains. Becca and Tim have a family at home, four hours away with small twins. Gail, and Cheryl and her girls have been helping out but this has been very difficult for the entire family. James told Tim that our family would be praying that they could find out what was causing the pain and be able to help her.

I had told Ruby earlier this week that I wanted to hear about her track meets. She texted me this afternoon and said she had a track meet today and things went really well. I asked her what the meant and she said she got first in the mile and the 800. I told her how happy I was for her and that I was doing the happy dance for her and that she had made my day!

We went to bed around 9 p.m.

 

Friday, March 14th, 2025: 11 o'clock temple session w/the Tignor's, lunch @ Eva's, beautiful snow, fell and hurt my right elbow

 

Mexico City, Mexico

26th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 Dec 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 32:1-9

Come Follow Me

D&C 21

Obeying God's word through His prophets will give me divine protection.

In All Patience and Faith

Watchmen on the Tower

October General Conference

'Holiness to the Lord in Everyday Life'

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"Holiness to the Lord makes daily living sacred. It draws us closer and happier to the Lord and each other and prepares us to live with God our Father, Jesus Christ, and our loved ones."

We had about 2 inches of snow covering everything outside this morning. It looked beautiful. A nice day to stay at home, but we had plans to go to the temple with the Tignor's. We left the house at 9:30 to pick up T-Bo and Barbara. There was snow all the way in to the edge of Snowflake although it looked like powdered sugar. 

It was windy and quite chilly in Snowflake today, but quite cozy in the temple. James and I both had one of my family names, Julia Walker and Ernest McKinley Strickland. This is my 8th time at the temple this year and James's 7th. The temple will close after Saturday's sessions until the end of March.

After our session we had lunch at Eva's. I had a shredded beef taco, and a chicken enchilada with red sauce. James had a chicken enchilada with green sauce and a side of refried beans. Barbara had a chicken enchilada with green sauce, a tostado, and a side of rice and beans. T-Bo ordered the nachos. Our food was good and we enjoyed visiting with T-Bo and Barbara. Every time we visit with T-Bo we find out more about his past. He said two of his daughters were murdered and told us a little about one of them who was a prostitute. How sad for him. I am so grateful that he found the gospel and hopefully can help his family.

I listened to Emily and Michelle Craig on Inklings this morning discussing Elder Buckner's talk. I love both of these sisters.

No more snow today, but we may get some during the night. James and I both took naps when we got home. Later this evening as I was getting up out of the recliner I lost my footing and fell, hitting my right elbow hard on the floor and on the edge of the bookshelf in our bedroom. My right elbow is the one I can't totally bend so my arm is straight. Right now it hurts when I try to lift it above my head or straighten my arm. It seems that I take a step forward and then fall backwards. I slept on the recliner where I can keep my elbow still.

When it's cold outside, Tom sleeps

Resting before going to the temple