Wednesday, April 16, 2025: Happy 27th Xander, 7:30 oil change in car, shopping, Matt Hipps's, Cheryl Sedig, Penny the talking cat, RS & EQ pick talks for lessons but not Pres. Nelson's

 

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 9:1-19

Come Follow Me

Jesus Christ accomplished a "perfect atonement" for me.

Holy Week: Wednesday

April General Conference

'The Plan of Mercy'

Elder James R. Rasband

"The Lord is merciful and our Heavenly Father's plan of salvation is truly a plan of mercy."

James and I both went to our 7:30 appointment at Walmart to change the oil in the car. I did some shopping. James helped me for a little while until the car was finished. He then drove the car to Lakeside-Pinetop to meet with Brother Hipps's son Matt about doing some work in his yard. Matt Hipps is in our stake and is on the high council. He says he work with the Fort Apache branch and loves it. 

I only waited a few minutes for James to return and pick me up. I bought a couple of small breakfast burritos at Carl's Jr. while I waited, one for me and one for James. I didn't finish mine because I thank it was really bland. James said he really liked it. I wonder if there is something wrong with my taste buds.

After getting home and unloading my groceries I headed to Cheryl Sedig's with the Easter basket I made her. The basket if full of some of my favorite things that I hope she will like too. Cheryl broke her leg in three places and had to stay in bed with her leg elevated. It is in a plaster cast right now. She goes in next week to get a "boot."

We had a nice visit. I felt bad for her because she is a very active person and it must be so difficult for her to have to stay in bed all of the time. It must be hard for Ralph too who isn't use to staying at home. Usually he is with Willy Grombach and they are in Willy's shop or Ralph's. 

After my visit with Cheryl I came home and Tom and I took a nap on the recliner. I listened to Courtney Rich on "Follow Him" and thought she did a great job. I am also addicted to watching Aymie Herman's Penny the Talking Cat videos.

This evening the elder's quorum presidency and the Relief Society presidency met together to choose the conference talks we will use for lessons for the next six months. James was gone less than an hour. He said it was just him and Chuck and Rosie Lauritzen and Kristine Hipps from Relief Society. They chose twelve talks but they did not choose President Nelson's. I was quite upset. The women seemed to think the talk was too short. They also said that they were going to encourage the teachers to mention President Nelson's talk in each lesson. 

I cooked myself a steak this evening. James didn't want one. He walked and listened to our book by Heidi Kimball, "A Guarded Heart."

He also texted with Leigh Ann and Darryl Johnson about the conflict he has with them. He is meeting them on the job next Monday with the Registrar of Contractors.

Tom slept outside again. It was very windy. I think it's blowing in the storm that is supposed to be here this weekend.

Happy 27th Birthday Xander!

Kim made Xander a cake:

Cinnamon bundt cake with a 

cinnamon butter glaze.

Crab apple tree

Tuesday, April 15th, 2025: Tom out all night, sleeping pills, Evan's letter, Lord will open his heart, James bidding another job for Salavador, last check from Beach's, Butter Burger

 

Guayaquil, Ecuador

58th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 8:1-21

Come Follow Me

Because of Jesus Christ, I will be resurrected.

Holy Week: Tuesday

April General Conference

'Thou Art the Christ'

Amy A. Wright

"We want our children to believe in Jesus Christ, belong to Jesus Christ and His Church through covenant, and strive to become like Jesus Christ."

Tom was out all night. He was anxious to come in when I opened the door around 6 a.m. James and I both had restless nights. He took half a sleeping pill in the middle of the night and I took a whole one. I slept in until 6. 

My main concern right now is touching Evan's heart so he will want to serve a mission. Time is running out. He got a scholarship to ASU and $300 is due by May 1st. I started a letter to him today.

Sheri told him if he would read the Book of Mormon she would pay the $300, otherwise he would have to pay half. He said he would read it.

My letter starts out talking about the Book of Mormon and why his mother wanted him to read it. I am praying that if I open my mouth to Evan, Joshua, and Rowan, that the Lord will open their hearts.

James is bidding another job for Salvador. This one is for work on a warehouse. He picked up his last check from Beach's today and then went in to town to take the insurance check to fix his truck to Horne's. He brought me back a Butter Burger from Culver's.

Tom has been going upstairs to sleep lately instead of sleeping in his chair at the high table.

Michael & Alexis ready for prom

April 15, 2016

April 2025 changing batteries

in the smoke detector.

Monday, April 14th, 2025: Leigh Ann Johnson files a complaint against Lambson Construction w/ the Registrar of Contractors, my ministering sisters visit, bread from Hipps's,

 

Bogota, Columbia

57th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Apr 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 7:18-33

Come Follow Me

April 14-20 "I Am He Who Liveth, I Am He Who Was Slain"

Easter - Introduction and Jesus Christ Lives

Holy Week - Monday, "He Healed Them" (Matthew 21:14)

April General Conference

'And We Talk of Christ'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"Christ is at the center of His Church and should be at the center of our lives."

Well here we go. Leigh Ann Johnson, Darryl Johnson's wife filed a complaint against Lambson Construction to the Registrar of Contractors. James has to meet the Registrar at the job on Monday, April 21st. These people have some nerve. James released the lien when they still owe us $7,000 for the job and $2,600 for a personal loan we gave them to get their car out of hawk. Will this nightmare never end?

I love my new eye mister. I put distilled water in it, it turns to steam and soothes my eyes. Much better than using drops. 

I had a visit this morning from my ministering sisters, Stefani Hunsaker and Susan Goodman. They brought me a treat and a gift. 

Here is a picture of the gift:

Pierce and Susan went to Owen's wedding in Bugaloosa, Louisiana. Susan also told about their trip to Oklahoma to take supplies to Pierce's nephew whose house burned down. On the way home the wind was so bad their trailer blew in to a semi-truck. They had to leave the trailer by the side of the road. Susan told how scary it was. I told about my mom being blown in to a semi-truck on the day she passed away. We also talked about fires. 

Tom had been asleep upstairs when Stefani and Susan arrived. He came down, stretched with his bum facing them and then sharpened his claws on the rug much to Susan's dislike. I told him if he couldn't behave he needed to go outside. He was happy to oblige.

James knew I was having visitors this morning. His way of helping out was to wash the dishes and make the bed. I really do appreciate his thoughtfulness.

I paid bills and worked on my closet this afternoon. I also scheduled an appointment to get the oil changed in my car at Walmart at 7:30 Wednesday morning. 

 Cheryl's basket is finished except for some colored pencils. 

A few of my favorite things

Brother Hipps brought us some bread that his wife made. It was a round "loaf" and tasted of rosemary. Quite warm and delicious and it went well with the asparagus and steak that I made for dinner.

James and I started a new book by Heidi Kimball called, "A Guarded Heart." 

71 degrees was the high, making it a beautiful day.

Bread from our friends Bob & Kristine Hipps

Sunday, April 13th, 2025: Stake Conference, Elder Alfonso presides, sit by Rosie & Rick Lauritzen, choir is beautiful and so are the talks, I felt the Spirit

 

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 7:8-17

Come Follow Me

Easter Holy Week

Palm Sunday

April General Conference

'By This All Will Know Ye Are My Disciples'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Our love for God and His children is a powerful testimony to the world that this is truly the Savior's Church."

When we arrived at stake conference we sat in the back by our friends Rick & Rosie Lauritzen. There are advantages to sitting in the back. There is a bigger than life screen and we could see everything perfectly. Here are a few notes that I took:

Prelude by the stake men's choir with a solo "Savior, Redeemer."

Women joined in on "Nearer My God to Thee" (members of Vernon ward that I saw in the choir - Sister Jensen and two of her daughters, Ann Johnson and Tamara Applegate, and Pierce Goodman.)

President Beeler - Thank you choir. I am grateful for ministering angels and the Holy Ghost. I am thankful for Elder Alonso, North America Southwest Area President for filling in at the last minute for Elder Bunker. Elder Alonso presides at this meeting.

"He Is Risen"

Invocation: Harper _______________ (Young Woman)

President Alder: Sustainings

Stake Choir: "Behold the Wounded Jesus"

President Beeler - Palm Sunday celebration. "Behold, I have graven thee in the palms of my hands." 

Pres. Beeler told the story of stacking cut palm branches as a child and how thorny they were. He then said that Jesus takes the thorny dead parts of our lives and renews us. We must stay connected to Christ and help others to do likewise. We can't carry our burdens alone. We must make time and a place for scriptures, prayer, and repentance. We must make our connection to Christ meaningful and worshipful. We need to be finishers in His work. "Will ye also go away"? Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Who will I be a disciple for? Thirty years ago I decided to serve a mission and it changed the course of my life forever. Make discipleship your highest priority. Jesus carries all of our sins and sorrows. Jesus Christ and His power will lift and carry us.

Young sister - Because of love Jesus Christ was crucified. Thursday of Holy Week. John 15:13-14. What can I do for Him? For the Strength of Youth - Become like Christ. I choose to ____________ because I love Jesus Christ! I want to become like Him. Focus on the why..... Matthew 22:37-39 Two great commandments. Take time to connect with Christ and become more kind and loving. Scriptures, prayer, repent. Do the small and simple things. Repent - an invitation and an act of love by Christ.

Ethan Beeler - Matthew 21:14 ...He healed them. I gave Jesus Christ my focus. Could he heal me? I saw small miracles everyday. Invited a group of friends to go to the temple with me. They called us the "Show Low" boys. We went 30 times. Daily intentional focus on Jesus Christ. Scriptures, Repentance, Prayer. The best place to feel Christ's love is in the temple. Jesus is the great healer. RMN - "Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him ins the temple. (Ethan added: ...and be healed.)

"I Believe in Christ"

Sister ____________ (Either Hawaiian or Native American).

Last week of Jesus's life. He was crucified on Saturday. There was darkness and his friends grieved. John 14:26-27...the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost. Peace through the Holy Ghost. 8 year old when asked why she wanted to be baptized: "I want the Holy Ghost to follow me around." The Lord loves youth and the Lord loves effort. The sacrament - filled with His Spirit...Thy will be done. Let God prevail. Turn our lives over to God. He will make a lot more out of our lives than we can. Make desire as a seed working in you. Strong roots in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yesterday's tragedy is tomorrow's triumph.

Choir - "We'll Sing All Hail to Jesus Name"

Elder Jose Alonso - We have some friends here attending for the first time. We want to welcome them. Decide to become children of the covenant, disciples of Jesus Christ. "Here am I, send me." Born in a lowly stable in simplicity and sacredness. I was a physician helping to deliver babies, sometimes 14-15 a day. I used the song, "I am a Child of God" to comfort women in labor. Some would say, "I can't do this, I am done." Then they would feel the power of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ helping them. After delivery they would forget the pain. Jesus's life was marked by righteousness and obedience. For three years he went about doing good. He was not here to be ministered to but to minister. He was bruised for our iniquities. From Hosannah to "crucify Him." Into Thy hands I commend my spirit. Center our lives on Christ as President Nelson has asked us to. Return in glory. He came in justice and mercy. Follow Him for eternity. Glorious and promised return. He is the Redeemer of the world who descended below all things. He is the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, the Great Jehovah. Today is a good day to forgive and forget. Let the Savior heal you. Story of Ted, Sharon, and 4 boys. Stopped attending church. Moved to California. Felt something and moved back to Salt Lake City and started attending church again. Attended the temple once a month. Ted felt to attend more and was going 2-3x a week. Their young some Cooper was killed by a teenage driver. Ted and Sharon embraced him and gave him money for his mission. They were like his second mom & dad. They forgave him so easily because they had the love of the Lord in their lives. They attended his sealing when he got married. Jesus is the Creator, the way, the truth and the life. Blessed is the Risen Lord.

Choir & Congregation - "I Know that My Redeemer Lives"

Benediction - Sister Varga from the Fort Apache branch.

It was in the 70's today but windy. I wore my new dress and new shoes to conference. By the time conference was over I was rubbing a blister on my left (the crooked one) foot. 

I went to the conference looking for how to write a letter to Evan. I definitely got some ideas. I need to finish and send it before May 1st, the deadline for getting the money in to ASU.

We listened to Sister Johnson's conference talk on the way home. It's a good one and I hope it is chosen for one of our lessons. 

James and I both took long naps. James's was longer than mine. I read a chapter from "The Continuous Atonement" and we had scriptures and studied about Palm Sunday. 

I got something caught in my throat after dinner and it took forever to get it to go down. 

He talked to Tim today about Valerie. This is what he said:

Thank you so much for your prayers. Valorie is doing a little better each week. She has another few appointments this coming week. Still on several medications, including two antibiotics, but she should be on the road to recovery. Prayer made a big difference during the whole process.

Also, Sheri texted this morning and said Erik's son Oliver passed out at the end of passing the sacrament when the boys line up. Erik got up and grabbed him and took him out of the chapel. Later Sheri texted Erik and he said they took him to the ER where the doctor recommended that they take him to see a pediatric cardiologist for tests. 

Tom decided he wanted to sleep outside tonight.

Here he is taking his nap

James cleaned out his sock drawer

Sunset from our deck

Stacy, Paul and Joshua were there.

Sunset on the rim

Joshua and Alayna

Joshua, Evan, and a friend

Saturday, April 12th, 2025: James says he's too busy to go to Chandler until after 2 pm, grocery shopping, leave @ 3 for Chandler, Chandler Stake Easter Celebration, Sheila Young

 

Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua

55th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 6:1-7:7

Come Follow Me

People, Places, Events

April General Conference

'True to the Faith'

Elder Hans T. Boom

"Please learn and receive strength from the faith and testimonies of those who came before you."

I kept asking James this morning if we could go to Chandler to support Stacy & Paul at their stake Easter activity. He kept saying that he was too busy. We have stake conference this evening and we would miss it if we went to the valley.

I decided just to go about my day. I thought about going down by myself but decided against it. 

I left to go grocery shopping around 11:15. I went to Walmart and got my car washed before driving home around 2:15. I got a phone call on the way home, from James. He asked me if I still wanted to go to Chandler. I told him yes but it was a little late. He asked where I was and I told him I was just approaching the Y. He told me to hurry home. He helped me put the groceries away and then he told me to go get ready. I told him I was already ready and he was the one that needed to change, which he did.  We left around 3 pm. The event starts at 5:30 so we will be a little late. 

We stopped at Burger House for green mixed burros and onion rings and still made it to K.K. Skousen park by 6:00, record time. 

We parked and as we were walking across the field, one of the first people we saw was Sheri. Even though she isn't in this stake she is helping out. She was in charge of this huge tire shaped target with velcro on it. The participants kick a soccer ball which sticks to the target. It looked like a lot of fun. Sheri and I sat and watched mostly. Once in awhile she would go over and talk to the kids. 

The weather was perfect. This morning while setting up it was extremely hot. Stacy & Paul, and Kim all prayed that clouds would come and that it would be overcast. Their prayers were answered. It was so enjoyable just to sit outside and enjoy the nice weather and be a part of this event.

Adam came by to say hello. He and James went in the Cooper meetinghouse to see the presentation about the Savior. Stacy said she thought he came because he knew we would be here. How sweet. I would have gone to the presentation too but Sheri wanted me to stay with her. 

Kim and Brian were in charge of one of the bouncy houses so I didn't get to see very much of them. Kim did bring me one of her Cadbury egg cookies to try and it was delicious. Stacy also brought me a pulled pork sandwich. I wasn't too hungry because I had eaten half of my green mixed burro. 

I got to visit with a dear friend, Sheila Young, before leaving. Sheila grew up in Show Low. I didn't know her then but I did know her mother and her older sister Wanda. She was in our ward while James was bishop before moving over to the other side of Arizona Avenue. She told me about her husband Dwayne having 8 strokes and a brain bleed. The doctor gave him no chances of surviving, yet he is still alive. I told her about out miracle with James. It was so nice to see her and reconnect.

We left a little after 8. We went and filled up with gas and then started home, the Globe way. It was 11:00 when we got home. We were gone a total of 8 hours. We fell into bed and almost immediately went to sleep.

5,300 filled Easter eggs

I really do wish he would smile. 

I don't want him to look mad or mean,

because he is far from that. 

Chandler Prom

Sweet Scarlett

Evan & Mia ready for prom

From Louisiana, Owen and his new 

bride, Charlotte.

Thank you!

Blooming for the 3rd time.

This is Carmen's.

Chandler Stake Easter Event

Friday, April 11th, 2025: Left for the valley @ 6:30, Tony's Special - give one to Armando, Burn house on Palm & Saragosa, owner a no-show, Target shopping, Cafe Rio, Chase Bank, Costco, Home again, nap w/ Tom, James strips forms @ Beach's, Sent Sammy to look for Tom

Anchorage, Alaska

54th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 5:1-15

Come Follow Me

D&C 33:12-18

If I build my life on the Savior's gospel, I will not fall.

April General Conference

'Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior'

Elder Dale G. Relund

"Follow the Savior's teachings. His instructions are neither mysterious nor complex. When we follow them, we do not need to fear or be anxious."

We left at 6:30 for the valley. Tom was outside this time. We went the Salt River way because there is no blasting on Friday. We stopped at Burger House and got two Tony's Special breakfast burritos. Neither one of us liked it that well. It was too hot. I saved mine and James gave it to Armando. 

I dropped James off at Palm & Saragosa at the "burn" house. Armando was already there. I headed for the Target on south Arizona Avenue. 

I found a pair of casual slip on shoes to wear with my pants, a birthday card for Alex, a notebook and pens for Cheryl Sedig's Easter basket, some cough drops for James, gum and Ice Breakers for Cheryl's basket. I spent over $60. 

When I got back to James I asked how his meeting went. He said it didn't got because the owner, a woman, was a no-show. So, he came 200 miles at her request and she doesn't show. She may have been intimidated by all of the men. She knows and trusts Salvador so he went to visit her and got her to sign the demolition contract. 

I told James I wanted to go to the Gilbert Costco because I may want to go to Deseret Book and I wanted to go to Cafe Rio for lunch. 

After Cafe Rio we found a Chase bank. James got a $375 check from Hatch Dental for a small job Armando did. He said I could have it to use to "pad" my budget. I wanted to use it at Costco so we cashed the check. 

At Costco we spent almost $200. I bought toilet paper and paper towels, toilet bowl cleaner tablets, pistachios, and Pom juice for James. We also got some Fairlife protein shakes, Swiffer duster refills, laundry detergent, and gallon freezer bags. Money certainly disappears fast at Costco.

After Costco we were ready to go home. Even though it was closer to go the Globe way home James went the extra miles to go the Payson way because he knew I wanted to. 

We stopped at our favorite gas station for gas and a large Almond Joy to share. 

We were home by 4 p.m., time for a nap. Tom and I slept on the recliner and James on the bed. I forgot to mention that we listened to "Follow Him" and then our book "Discovering Dahlia" while in the car. 

James goes over to the Beach's to strip forms and didn't get home until after dark. I guess his back went out and that's why it took him so long. 

When it was time for bed Tom was no where to be seen. I asked Sammy if he knew where Tom was. He craned his head to look inside the house. I told him Tom wasn't in here. I said to him, "Go find Tom." He took off running and about 10 minutes later he came back and Tom was with him. I was so surprised that he understood what I said.

Fixing the sewer line

Our 'go-getter' Relief Society president