Saturday, March 22nd, 2025: Finished handouts before noon, the Beckhams, the Cross, Autumn's tea party, James's tree trimming continues - my suggestion, Spring is here, popcorn disaster

 

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2 July 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:19-34

Come Follow Me

D&C 25:11-12

The Lord delights in my "song of the heart."

October General Conference

'Seek Him with All Your Heart'

Bishop L. Todd Budge

"As we concentrate our hearts and minds on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost, we will have greater clarity about what is most needful, develop deeper compassion, and find rest and strength in Him."

I finished my lesson handouts before noon today, all 56 of them. Now for the lesson wrap up.

We have been praying for Donna Beckham as she has been in the hospital with pneumonia. She is a member of our ward and one of my Bunco friends. She sent a text out today to her Bunco friends and this is what she said:

"This is from Donna. I'm better than I was a few days ago. I came home from the hospital last night. I have to be on oxygen for awhile. I still have a horrible cough! They have me on six new medications. This is what is wrong with me - I have pneumonia, influenza A, a bacterial infection and nodules on my lungs. They still don't know what type of bacteria it is. I should be able to play Bunco on Thursday. I will no longer be infectious. Gene also got very sick. He has the flu as well. He has had a fever and isn't moving from his recliner." 

Donna and her husband Gene still need our prayers. I wonder how their daughter Michelle is doing. She had knee surgery a few weeks ago. I hope she is at Bunco so I can talk to her. I am really closer to Michelle than I am Donna, although they are both my friends.

Tom slept on our bed all morning after being out all night. 

If only he could talk and tell us what he

did all night long.

James loaded up tree branches he cut down and put them on the ever growing burn pile. He said he is starting a new pile because the first one is so big. He also went to Beach's and worked for awhile and then went out to see Anthony who is building an addition onto his little house. James pointed out all of the things Anthony was doing wrong and Anthony was grateful.

I tried to make some popcorn today which turned out to be a disaster. The popcorn seeds were old and tasted hard and chewy. James took the seeds and scattered them outside for the birds.

The frustrations of technology. My computer keeps freezing up while I am trying to type up my lesson. I keep having to turn it off and then back on. Along with working on my lesson I am reading D&C 84 & 107 as President Nelson asked the sisters to do in his 2019 talk, "Spiritual Treasures." They are both over 100 verses long. I especially like section 84 and will be studying it in greater detail after my lesson.

I have been sneezing like crazy today. Hopefully this doesn't happen tomorrow during my lesson. I am not a dainty sneezer.

Spring is here. 60 degrees and thank goodness, no wind! We still need more rain. I craved going to the temple this week, but alas, it is closed through March 31st.

We have a new Easter symbol here in Vernon. I first heard about on Facebook when my friend Pam Giles did a post saying she was watching them put it up this morning with the use of a crane. 

Someone on this post said the cross

is an eyesore. I disagree.

I found out later that it was our

bishop and his brother who 

put up the cross.

Yes, it lights up at night!

Autumn's Annual Tea Party

in Tyler, Texas

I love Charlie's long gloves!

Friday, March 21st, 2025: Nice weather but a no-burn day, lesson prep, James's trip to the accountants, what do I need to give up? Principles of revelation

 

Frieberg, Germany

33rd operating temple

Dedicated: 29-30 June 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:1-18

Come Follow Me

D&C 25:10,13

"Lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better."

October General Conference

'Mortality Works'

Elder Brook P. Hales

"I recognize that life's experiences - good and bad - can teach us important lessons. I now know and bear testimony that mortality works! I hope that as a result of the sum of my life's experiences - good and bad - I have compassion for innocent victims of another's actions and empathy for the downtrodden."

It was a nice day today, and there was no wind! James is upset because he wanted to burn some branches but when he called the Vernon Fire Department there was an automated message saying it was a no burn day. He is so frustrated as he trims trees and the burn pile grows bigger and bigger, and I grow more frustrated seeing branches on the ground and dead trees out in the field.

Spent a good portion of the morning working on my lesson. I read an article by former General Relief Society President Linda K. Burton, "Priesthood Power - Available to All". I love this quote by Sister Burton: "Priesthood authority is conferred by ordination, but priesthood power is available to all. Righteousness is the qualifier for each of us to invite priesthood power into our lives."

I worked on my handouts much of the afternoon and evening. I finished 35 and have 21 more to go. 

James made a trip into the accountants today. We had two tax checks returned because they gave us the wrong address. James had to go in to get new envelopes from them so he could mail the checks again.

After reading President Nelson's talk, "Spiritual Treasures" as a part of my lesson preparation I have been thinking about this quote:

" Part of this endeavor will require you to put aside many things of this world. Sometimes we speak almost casually about walking away from the world with its contention, pervasive temptations, and false philosophies. But truly doing so requires you to examine your life meticulously and regularly. As you do so, the Holy Ghost will prompt you about what is no longer needful, what is no longer worthy of your time and energy." 

I gave up diet soda for my last lesson. For this lesson I need to think about it and pray about it and decide how I can better use my time to become closer to the Lord and more righteous. 

Notes & Quotes

"Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears and weaknesses, the very longings of your heart, and then listen. Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will 'grow in the principle of revelation.'" (President Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", AGC 2018). 

I keep this quote in my prayer journal and strive to do what President Nelson says everyday in my personal morning prayers.

And I was so looking forward to seeing it, but if this

is true, I won't be going.

Tim's daughter Melanie in Nauvoo with

friends.

Denise, Aunt Gene, Vickie, and Denise's mom Peg.

I was taking the picture. This was a great visit with

Aunt Gene. I don't remember the year.

 

 

Thursday, March 20th, 2025: Tin Barn Farm video, Ministering sisters cancel, Guthrie fire & Utah, Ravioli in crockpot, Sal's job & more, Beach's - getting sick, gas 25 off, Donna Beckham, handouts

 

Guatemala City, Guatemala

32nd operating temple

Dedicated: 14-16 Dec 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jacob 4:1-18

Come Follow Me

D&C 25:5, 14

"Continue in the spirit of meekness."

October General Conference

'Seeking Answers to Spiritual Questions'

Sister Tracy Y. Browning

"Our fidelity to the knowledge and wisdom we have already inherited through our faithful adherence to gospel principles and sacred covenants is crucial preparation for our readiness to receive and be stewards of communications from the Holy Spirit."

I watched my first full episode of The Tin Barn Farm on YouTube today. It is a video series done by the John & Sandra Wilhelm family in our ward. The family, John and the kids break horses and then sell them. Recently John had quadruple bypass surgery and is still recovering. This video featured Curtis, the 16-17 year son trying to catch a horse and get him loaded into a horse trailer. It took him 40 minutes to do this, with John coaching him the entire time. I was impressed with how patient they were with the horse and with John's coaching. I'm not sure why I watched the entire episode except for the fact that I wanted to see Curtis be successful.

I got a text from Susan Goodman this morning. She was supposed to come for a visit this afternoon at 2. Here is what the text said:

"Karen, life happened and Pierce's nephew who live in Guthrie, Oklahoma had his house burned to the ground a few days ago in the Guthrie fire. We left a couple days ago driving a big trailer to take to him with stuff to help him cleanup and rebuild his place. We're on our way home now but we are still in Texas and won't be to Vernon before tonight. So I'll have to reschedule with you. Stefani is in Utah."

So sad to hear about Pierce's nephew's house, but he is lucky to have Pierce as an uncle!

For lunch I made some marinara sauce with beef, and layered it with the cheese ravioli I bought at Walmart. I put it in the crockpot and let it cook three or four hours and walla, a nice meal. It was good. I wish James liked pasta a little better.

Sal Jiminez has another job for James. Just for using his license he sent James $500.

James came home from Beach's feeling a little under the weather. He came home, took some Tramadol, and then took a nap. He felt better when he got up and went to town to get some supplies and some gas. Gas was .25 off a gallon and he got 25 gallons, saving over $6.00, almost enough to get a carwash.

Jared Ammon wants to bring his new girlfriend up for a visit. We are trying to schedule a time. He wants to help us buy a new Razr but we can't really afford it right now. Hopefully Erik can work his magic and fix the one we have.

My Bunco friend and a member of our ward, Donna Beckham, is in the hospital with pneumonia. James and I are now praying for her along with Valerie Lambson.

I started to prepare the handouts for my lesson today. I am making 56 of them so I can give them to the sisters in Primary and Young Women's. 

I now know the difference between priesthood authority and priesthood power thanks to Sister Linda K. Burton. 

One of the many sleeping poses of Tom

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