Wednesday, March 26th, 2025: Overcast, cooler today, Tom rolls in the dirt...he needs a bath, James rdy to pour concrete @ Beach's, EQ mtg, Menu plans

 

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jacob 6:1-13

Come Follow Me

Jesus Christ Blesses Wine in Remembrance of Him. 3 Nephi 18:8-11

"The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven" D. Todd Christofferson, OGC 2017 

"Obtaining and Retaining a Remission of Sins through Ordinances"

David A. Bednar, AGC 2016

October General Conference

'Nourish the Roots and the Branches Will Grow'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"We must ask ourselves: Is my testimony based on what I hope to happen in my life? Is it dependent on the actions or attitudes of others? Or is it firmly founded on Jesus Christ, 'rooted and built up in him,' regardless of life's changing circumstances?"

Today was overcast and a little cooler. It was 99 in Phoenix yesterday. Oh my, the heat is on!

Tom keeps rolling in the dirt and then coming in the house. I spoke my disapproval and I think I hurt his feelings because he went back outside. James told me to Google "How to give a cat a bath."

James is ready to pour concrete and had it all setup until he spoke with Rod Beach. Rod said, "You can't pour tomorrow, I'm not finished with the plumbing." James had to call the concrete company, Chris Pronger, and another finisher he had arranged to help him and tell them they wouldn't be pouring until Monday. 

James had an Elder's Quorum Presidency meeting this evening. He came home from work, took a shower, had a bite to eat, and off he went. 

I spent the afternoon organizing my recipes and putting them in a file. I chose some for this coming week and made my grocery list. Now I feel prepared to go shopping. We feed the missionaries Friday night, but I'm not going to cook for them. I am going to buy pizza after asking them their favorite pizza and favorite pizza spot.

Tomorrow is Bunco. I need a $10 years supply gift and a treat. For my treat I'm doing mini-strawberry cupcakes complete with strawberry frosting. For my years supply gift I think I will do peanut butter and jam.

I am listening to the book, "Snapdragons" by Sarah Eden. James finished the book while walking this evening. For the first time in a few months I got 10,000 steps. Okay, James did a couple of thousand, but it's a start. 

Around 8:50 this evening James and I took a ride to go see if the cross was lit up. It was and I got to see it! It really is awesome.

Notes & Quotes

"If we yearn to dwell in Christ and have Him dwell in us, then holiness is what we seek." - Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Somebody has long legs

Adorable!

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025: Work @ Beach's, pay from Beach's, James has to redo, Stake Family History meeting in Lakeside, 75 degrees, "The Continuous Atonement"

 

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:70-77

Come Follow Me

D&C 27:1-4

I take the sacrament in remembrance of Jesus Christ.

Videos: "The Last Supper", the Bread, the Wine

October General Conference

'Simple Is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ'

President Henry B. Eyring

"I bear witness of the sacred work of teaching Heavenly Father's children the simple doctrine of Jesus Christ, which allows us to be spiritually cleansed and ultimately be welcomed into God's presence, to live with Him and His Son in glory forever in families."

I reminded James this morning before scriptures to take his pain pills. He left for work at 8 and was back at 10:30 because he forgot to take his pain pills. Tomorrow I will make sure he takes them before he leaves the first time.

The Johnsons are still promising to send us money. We even gave them our Zelle information but still nothing. James thinks they will come through by tomorrow. I am still skeptical. They are scammers at heart.

No money from Dianna Miranda either. I wish people wouldn't make promises they can't keep.

This is something our stake president wrote about the cross when he came to our sacrament meeting on Sunday:

"I appreciate these good men and their desire to connect with the Christian community and point people to the Savior. I was awash with emotions and the Spirit as I drove to Vernon Sunday and saw this symbol of Christianity that both caused me to reflect on Him and demonstrates that this is a community of disciples. Great job my friends!"

I love President Beeler. He learned from the best when he was a counselor for President, now Elder, Steven Shumway.

James says he has to redo some of the work he did today. He didn't discover this himself but Brother Beach pointed it out. It wasn't anything James did, just something he wasn't aware of.  He then handed me a check for $5,000 from the Beach's. I was grateful because our funds were getting low. 

James got home from work around 3:30 forgetting that he has a stake family history meeting in Lakeside tonight at 6. He had time to eat and rest for a few minutes before leaving around 5:15 for Lakeside.

It was 75 degrees here today and 99 in the valley. I am so glad I am here! It was perfect weather for James and his "crew" to work outside.

I started reading Brad Wilcox's book, "The Continuous Atonement." It's part of my study of the Atonement which President Nelson asked us to do on a weekly basis. 

I ordered myself a new dress and new shoes today only spending $60. You always take a chance when you order online so we shall see.

Notes & Quotes

"The Holy Ghost is the messenger of grace by which the blood of Christ is applied to take away our sins and sanctify us" (see 2 Nephi 31:17). - D. Todd Christofferson

A bit ridiculous don't you think

Monday, March 24th, 2025: 96 in Phx, 76 @ Beach's, James pours footings @ Beach's, Stacy's call, My trip to town, Finished book, Easter Connection

 

                              Johannesburg, South Africa

                              36th operating temple

                             Dedicated: 24 Aug 1985

                             By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:49-69

Come Follow Me

Mar 24-30 "All Things Must Be Done in Order"

D&C 27-28 Introduction

October General Conference

'O Youth of the Noble Birthright'

Bradley R. Wilcox

"As you fulfill your birthright responsibilities, you are never alone. The Lord of the vineyard labors with you. You are working hand in hand with Jesus Christ. With each new covenant - and as your relationship with Him deepens - you hold each other tighter and tighter until you are firmly clasped together. In that sacred symbol of His grace, you will find both the desire and the strength to live exactly how the Savior lived - differently from the world. You've got this because Jesus Christ has got you!"

Our outside night owl kitty came in, ate, and crashed.

Not a peeping Tom, but a sleeping Tom!

James is at Beach's hoping to pass inspection so he can pour footings today. He did pass and he did pour and came home sore. Paul Peeler and Chris Pronger were his helpers today.

James got a call from Daryl Johnson and his wife was there with him. Daryl says they have been locked out of the barbershop because of the lien James has against it. They want James to take the lien off with the promise that they will pay him what they owe him over the next six months. That is not going to work because we can't trust Daryl to do what he says. James would be a fool to go along with this. James wrote him back and said if he would pay $14,000 of what he owed and the $2,600 he borrowed for his car, James would remove the lien. Daryl said okay and that he would have a check for him in the morning. I'll believe it when I see it. No check but Daryl is promising one on Wednesday now.

I did some cleaning today, some laundry, and caught up on my blog. I got a text from Circle K saying gas would be 25 cents off today from 2-6 for members of the Inner Circle, which I am. I decided I would go into town this afternoon and get some gas, and stop by Culver's for dinner. After pumping my gas I looked at the receipt and realized I had not been given the 25 cent discount. I didn't feel like going inside to dispute it so I let it go. GRRR

I drove through Culver's and got my chicken tenders and an Atlantic cod fillet sandwich for James. I ate two chicken tenders on the way home and saved one so I could put Chik-fil-a sauce on it. The last one I saved for breakfast tomorrow. Each chicken tender has 10 grams of protein.

Yesterday in Relief Society Natalie Robles said she wanted to teach her kids about Holy Week. I texted her today and showed her an Easter book I have that she could use if she would like. I also showed her the one I have by Emily Belle Freeman.

Natalie chose the book on the left.

She wants to focus on the activities of Holy Week

with her kids. I told her she could borrow the book and I would bring it to church on Sunday.

This evening I was sitting at my desk. Tom came up, meowed, nipped at my ankles and then trotted over to the door. That's his way of telling me he wants outside. Tom, you don't need to nip at my ankles to get my attention!

I got a call from Stacy today. Someone gave her some lemons and she wanted James's recipe for lemonade. Here are some updates: 

Johsua got a job at George and Gather, she bought him a suit for prom and hopes he will go on a mission and he can use it then too.

There stake Easter Extravaganza is on April 12th instead of the 19th. We wanted to go but James doesn't want to miss our stake conference which is on the 12th. I am disappointed.

President Beeler sent a message to the members of the stake via email. Here is a copy: It's long but I want to remember it. I love President Beeler!

Sunday, March 23rd, 2025: Up @ 4 lesson, lesson, ready go! Sacrament mtg, RS, snack & rest, blog, deliver invitations and go to see the cross...it's not lit

Chicago, Illinois

35th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:35-48

Come Follow Me

D&C 26:2 "All things shall be done by common consent in the church."

Henry B. Eyring: "The Power of Sustaining Faith" AGC 2019

"The Scriptures are Real" Kerry Muhlstein & Lamar Newmeyer

D&C 27-28

October General Conference

'Days Never To Be Forgotten'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"I testify that those who approach the Lord with a sincere heart and real intent, those who have the name of the Savior upon their lips and the Holy Spirit in their souls, those who embark upon this grand and glorious pilgrimage will discover and experience bounteous celestial blessings and receive a witness that God hears you, knows you, and loves you. You will experience days never to be forgotten."

Up at 4am to work on my lesson outline. I read through the outline taken from President Freeman's talk and I liked it. I added some questions and quotes and felt like I was ready. 

While I was setting up in the Relief Society room Sister Gassaway was talking to Brother Skousen, her priesthood advisor for Primary. When they were finished I handed Sister Gassaway the bag with the handouts for the Primary teachers and leaders. She thanked me. James took the handouts for the Young Women leaders and gave them to Sandra Wilhelm. 

Abigail Jameson was one of the speakers in sacrament meeting. She is leaving on her mission on March 31st and will be going to the Brisbane, Australia mission. President Beeler was the presiding authority on the stand. I think he tries to go hear all of the missionaries speak before they leave.

Abigail Jameson - The life of Jesus Christ. In premortality he was the Great Jehovah. Jesus lived a perfect life. He embodied His gospel. Love your enemies. Matt. 30:13-17 Jesus's baptism. Perfect obedience. 2 Nephi 31: Jesus's baptism - below all things Jordan River. Covenant relationship with God. I love Jesus Christ and that is why I am serving a mission.

Lannie Gillespie - Moroni 10:6, Brain filter, Elder Teixera ye are the salt of the earth. Salt bound to the Savior. Common things can remind us of the Savior - light, sheep, shepherd, branches...

D&C 84:88, We need to look for the Savior everyday in common things. Share with others. As I seeing others as the Savior wants me to see them? Where did I find the Savior this week? If you search for Him you will find Him. I see Him in you. Find Him in all you do.

Search for Him.

I started out the discussion in Relief Society by reading D&C 25 out loud with the sisters and discussing it. I never even used my lesson outline the entire time. I asked questions and used quotes and there was a lot of discussion but what happened to using my outline? People came up to me afterwards and said they enjoyed the lesson which made me feel a little better. One of my former young women, Shelly Applegate came up to talk to me afterwards as did Paula Johnson, Millie Scott, Cheryl Sedig, and Rosie Lauritzen.

When we got home James and I had a snack, a biscuit with butter and jam, and then we both took naps.  I was pretty tired. 

It was a beautiful day today with the high around 60 and no wind. I guess spring is really here. We will continue to pray for more moisture and go to the temple regularly when it re-opens.

I had  asked James to go see the cross this afternoon. He said it would be better if we waited until dark it would be all lit up. We left a little after 7. It was about 7:20 when we stopped at Richard and Cress Miller's to give them an invitation to Owen's farewell party. They were already in bed but not yet asleep. They have three young grandchildren living with them and Richard gets up very early as a truck driver so I knew they would probably be in bed if we waited until on the way home. When we got to the cross, disappointment set in, it was not turned on. The cross is close to the Kenyon's and James gave them an invitation to Owen's party too. I told him he should have asked Brother Kenyon why the cross wasn't on and he agreed.

I thought I would catch up on my blog today but my computer was acting up and it took me much longer than I thought so I only got through Friday.

Love this tote

Ready for Spring

2018 Enjoying his favorite meal

 

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