Tuesday, May 6th, 2025: Up at 5:30, kitties, phone game, journal prep, Liahona, Prayer, BM, CFM, my personal study, snowed earlier, Tom sleeps all day, prowls last night, Stacy's tender mercy, James's stake meeting in Lakeside, "A Distant Thunder"

 

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Apr 2000

By: James E. Faust

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 24:1-15

Doctrine and Covenants

D&C 45:9-19

Come Follow Me

D&C 45:1-5 Jesus Christ is my Advocate with the Father. 

Dale G. Renlund, "Choose You This Day" OGC 2018

Video: "The Mediator"

April General Conference

'Draw Near Unto Me'

President Henry B. Eyring

I got up at 5:30, fed and watered the kitties, played on my phone a few minutes, did some journal prep, ate, and read from the Liahona.

I prayed, had my personal study and then read from the Book of Mormon and Come Follow Me with James. 

It snowed earlier this morning but nothing stayed on the ground. Still, we are grateful for the moisture. 

Tom came in at 5, he ate then went to sleep. He is still asleep and it's 2:36 in the afternoon. What a pet ... he sleeps all day and prowls all night.

James wrote a check to the U.S. treasury for our income taxes for $1,550.00 and then went to the post office to mail the check.

Stacy called this afternoon while she was delivering for Grub Hub. She said her car was making a terrible noise and she was afraid it was something serious. I said maybe her tires needed to be balanced. She took it home and had Paul look at it, praying that he would be able to fix whatever the problem was. When he said to her, "I'm not a mechanic, what makes you think I can fix this?" Stacy: "Heavenly Father told me you could." He was able to fix it although it took a couple of hours and she had to cancel her Amazon shift this afternoon. It was a tender mercy and I told Stacy to write it down.

James had a meeting tonight in Lakeside at the stake center. This is the quarterly Elders Quorum/ Relief Society training meeting. James drove with Chuck, Collin, and Stefani Hunsaker in the car. Chuck was a bit of a backseat driver although he sat in the front seat. Collin told the story of paying $400 for a dozen of Gracie Umphress's cinnamon rolls. I guess Sam Gordon paid $550 for the other dozen of cinnamon rolls Garcie made and someone else paid $550 for a Butterfinger cake Donna Beckham made. Janna Grombach was the auctioneer and she said they took in a little less than $7,000. Collin said he thought they took in $6,200 so who knows, it was still a lot of money. 

My left arm hurt so much this evening I quit blogging to lie down and listen to our book, "A Distant Thunder." 

When James got home he walked until almost 11:00 p.m. 

Quote & Verse of the Day

"Praying to Heavenly Father helped me know who He is and my relationship with Him - that I was His beloved spirit son."

                                                 - Takashi Wada

D&C 45:8

I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life.

Paul fixing the tire

Addy memory

Couples bathtub

Stormy skies

Not sure what he is doing, but he's

at the dining room table

President Smithson's daughter

  

Monday, May 5th, 2025: Signed income tax return @ accountants, Walmart, Circle K, Lowe's, Tractor Supply, Culver's, HMM, snow flurries, "A Distant Thunder", Dinner, Tom sleeps outside by Sammy

 

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 23:16-39

Come Follow Me

May 5-11: "The Promises ... Shall Be Fulfilled"

D&C 45 Introduction

Doctrine & Covenants

D&C 45:1-8

April General Conference

'My Love for the Savior is My "Why"'

Elder Ricardo P. Gimenez

Up at 5:14 to feed the cats, and take my blood pressure and blood sugar. I had a cookie, some fresh pineapple and a turkey sausage for breakfast. 

After personal gospel study and "Come Follow Me" with James I got ready and James and I went to town. We went to our accountants and signed income tax documents and then took them home so we could write a check and send them off.

When we finished at the accountants James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Lowe's and Tractor Supply and spent over $80. We also spent $40 for gas and $243.94 for groceries. Yikes!

I bought mostly meat and veggies for meals and whole grain bread. I did also buy a pair of white tennis shoes and denim capri pants. Clothes come out of our discretionary budget and so do prescriptions and medical supplies. James wanted to stop at Culver's on the way home for lunch. I got a Butter Burger and a cod fillet sandwich.

At rest time I watched a Hallmark movie about hat making during the Kentucky Derby. 

We had some snow flurries this afternoon and Mt. Mantoso had snow on it.

Notes & Quotes

"The healthy, fruitful tree of faith requires intentional effort. And a vital part of that effort is making sure we are firmly rooted in Christ." - D. Todd Christofferson

D&C 45:1

Hearken, O ye people of my church, to whom the kingdom has been given; hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all things were made which live, and move, and have a being.

Forgiving What We Can't Forget

"Forgiveness releases our need for retaliation, not our need for boundaries."

When Charlie learned it was 

snowing at our house.

 

Sophie & Bremen

Congratulations on getting married!

Rowan loves chess

Happy Birthday to my brother Dennis.

He turned 71 today.

Sunday, April 4th, 2025: Gospel study, fast & testimony meeting, Brother Jensen's Sunday School class, Chiamus in D&C, James & Chuck meet w/ Bishop, No Happy Sabbath, "When Hope Calls", Tom outside

 

Palmyra, New York

77th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 22:10-23:15

Come Follow Me

"The Scriptures are Real"

Kerry Muhlstein and Andrew Skinner

April General Conference

'The Atonement of Jesus Christ Provides the Ultimate Rescue'

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"The Father's plan of happiness is based on the Savior's atoning rescue."

I got up at 5:30 this morning. I had time for gospel study, Book of Mormon, the atonement of Jesus Christ, forgiving, and conference talks. We left for church about a quarter till nine and sat in our place on the second row, left row facing the podium.

Today was fast & testimony meeting. We are fasting for health and three young men choosing to serve missions. Some of today's testimonies:

Bishop Hunsaker - How did the cross effect me? Am I grateful for His mission? We need to have the Savior in our hearts and thoughts always. He should be the center of our lives.

Teresa Smith - Latter-day scriptures have increased my testimony of the Savior.

Jerry Scott - The older you get the more convinced of the truth you are. Everything in the scriptures is important. The gift of the Holy Ghost is an amazing thing. 

Theresa Hein - Scotty to Boston to have surgery. I have faith in Jesus Christ. Scotty needs surgery but can't have it because he has had too many. Other problems, mother's illness, economic issues. Everything came to a head. Something turned because of faith and prayers. Scotty now has a new medicine.

YW: Christy Bowen, Chloe Mack, Lily Johnson, Chimi Tesarek, Lily Jameson.

Jeanette Jameson - What we do here really matters. We are here for a purpose. Never judge others, treat others with kindness and respect. Get to know them.

Paula Johnson - Talked about the Last Supper, the Sacrament, the Atonement and Jesus's suffering for us. Thanked Bishop for putting up the cross as it was a reminder of Jesus's sacrifice for all of us. Gratitude for the bishop, the prophet, Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ.

Greg Anderson - Naturopathic doctor starts him on cayenne pepper and it helps with his breathing. We should always be ready to share the gospel. Grateful for the Savior's mercy and grace.

Alicia Hunsaker - I belong to His Church and I know His plan. Gratitude for blessings.

Jensen girl - Choral production about the Savior in the valley. Obey God's will in our lives.

Kathy Crane - I love my Heavenly Father. To get out of a slump, serve others. We have learned to love this area, Chuck has blossomed here. Grateful to have Jeff's family here. Prayer is so powerful.

Brother Jensen taught gospel doctrine covering the last two weeks of the Come Follow Me lessons. He started out by talking by chiasmus and how it not only was in the Book of Mormon but also in the D&C. He had a picture of John/Jack Welch when he was a missionary back in the 60's and asked if anyone knew who he was. 

I said John Welch and he seemed surprised but said I was right and then proceeded to tell his story. 

I was a little apprehensive when I realized that Brother Jensen was going to teach because of what James has told me about his teaching in elders quorum. He says he goes off on tangents and the things he says are way over the head of many of the brothers in the quorum. 

I actually enjoyed the lesson and the discussion that ensued very much. We discussed James Coville and his desire to do the Lord's will and then his shrinking from that desire and why. We discussed baptism and Brother Jensen did add some interesting facts about the fact that 8 is the age of baptism.

James wasn't in the lesson. He had a meeting with the bishop with Chuck, a PPI. He was surprised and happy that I enjoyed Brother Jensen's lesson.

James had a meeting with Chuck at his house this afternoon to go through those things that the bishop asked them to do before they are released in a couple of weeks. He came home with homemade chocolate chip cookies. We broke our fast and had tuna sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies. 

This evening James and I watched "When Hope Calls" together. James agreed that this is a good family show.

Tom slept outside.

Notes & Quotes

Quote:

"You might question whether you know the Savior's doctrine well enough to teach it effectively. ... Don't give in to those doubts. Turn to God for help."

Verse: D&C 43:34

Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds.

This post was written by Staci Thompson,

Kacey and Jared's friend.

James helped Collin unload tables at the park.

The tables were used last night at the YM/YW dinner.

Kevin's son, Bremen married Sophie this

weekend. Kevin wasn't able to make it

because of stormy weather in Houston.

 

Saturday, May 3rd, 2025: Another home recovery day, rain never came, blood sugar & pressure under control, James miserable, delicious pork chops, YMYW dinner, finished "Heart of the Matter"

 

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 21:28-22:9

Come Follow Me

People, Places, Events

D&C 44

April General Conference

'Right Before Our Eyes'

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"We are grateful to be on earth when the Church is increasing in numbers and influence, but more importantly in the hearts and lives of its members. We are known as disciples of Jesus Christ. We share our testimonies of Him, His Church, His ways, and His covenant path. We are His people, and He is our Savior."

Another day spent at home. Another day that looked like rain but it never came. 

I seem to have gotten my blood sugar and blood pressure under control for the most part today. It takes effort and constant recording. 

James felt miserable today. Stacy thinks he needs to go to the doctor sooner than later. I told her he has an appointment next Thursday. Stacy is worried about internal bleeding. 

Sheri called her dad this morning. A clog in one of their water lines is causing flooding in the basement. James told her what to have Ian do. So many problems. 

James and I took a couple of naps today. It was one of those kind of days. I made pork chops for lunch and they were delicious. I tenderized them with baking soda for about 10 minutes before washing it off and baking them. 

Tonight was the YM/YW fundraiser dinner. We paid for tickets but didn't end up going. I wanted James to go pick up feed but he said he didn't feel like it so we missed out on Navajo tacos. The main part of the fundraiser is the dessert auction where people bid on desserts and pay mega bucks for them. Kathy Crane said she thought for sure I would bring one of my cakes. Now I am feeling guilty.

We finished "The Sound of Rain" and started the second book, "A Distant Thunder." I also finished President Nelson's book, "Heart of the Matter."

Notes & Quotes

 

"As you fulfill your birthright responsibilities, you are never alone. The Lord of the vineyard labors with you." 

-Bradley R. Wilcox

OGC 2024

D&C 43:20

Lift up your voices and spare not. Call upon the nations to repent, both old and young, both bond and free, saying: Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord.

7x at the temple this year

Joshua

Friday, May 2nd, 2025: Slept in until 8, prayer, BM, CFM with James, upper arms aching, clouds & promise of rain, I am exhausted & stayed home all day, High blood sugar, "Someone Like You", Apollos misfortune, Tom sleeps with us again

 

Tuxtla, Gutierrez, Mexico

75th operating temple

Dedicated: 12 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 21:9-27

Come Follow Me

D&C 42:61, 65-68; 43:1-16 God gives revelation to guide His Church - and to guide me.

"Hear Him" - President Henry B. Eyring

"Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", President Russell M. Nelson, OGC 2018

"All Things Must Be Done in Order" Revelations in Context, 50-53.

D&C 43:1-34

April General Conference

'Spiritually Whole in Him'

Sister Camille Johnson

James and I slept in this morning. He was up before I was which is highly unusual. I slept until 8:00, something I rarely do, of course I rarely go to bed at midnight.

This first thing we did this morning was have our prayers, Book of Mormon study, and "Come Follow Me" study. I noticed my upper arms were especially sore and achy this morning. I was reminded of the fact that Dr. Kumar said I could call and schedule cortisone shots and that gave me some comfort.

We had clouds and promise of rain but we actually got very little, rain that is. We had planned on going to the temple today but I cancelled our appointment. I was just too tired and needed a day just to stay home and rest. I told James we would go next Tuesday or Wednesday. 

I haven't taken my blood sugar for a very long time. My monitor broke and the new one I ordered doesn't fit my phone so I had to order another one. I used it for the first time today and was shocked. My blood sugar was 195!! That is way to high. Of course it might be because I ate two pieces of garlic toast this afternoon. I took some Berberine and waited an hour and took it again. This time it was 124, almost in normal range. James took his, it was 86 which is just about perfect. I must cut back on my carbs. I also had ice cream today and that wrecks havoc on blood sugar if you are pre-diabetic. I didn't have anything to eat after 4 o'clock today so hopefully I am back to normal in the morning. 

I had stomach cramps this evening so instead of working on my blog I sat down and watched a movie called "Someone Like You." James joined me about half way through. We both loved it. 

When James feeds the horses in the morning he feeds Apollo first and then Luna. Apollo hurries and finishes his food and then goes over and takes the rest of Luna's on a typical day. Today James locked him in the stable and left thinking he would go back in a few minutes and let him out. He forgot and it was passed noon we he let him out. So sad...but he deserves to be taken down a notch the naughty horse!

Tom slept on James's side of the bed tonight.

Joshua's graduation announcement

The many naps of Tom

Thursday, May 1st, 2025: Appt. w/ Dr. Brady, new prescrip @ Walmart, J & Chuck visit Sandoval's, Leave for valley, Sheri's water heater, HD, Wlmrt, K&B's, Joshua's performance, home to Vernon

 

Oaxaca, Mexico

74th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 20:12-21:8

Come Follow Me

D&C 42:30-42 "Remember the poor."

Sharon Eubank: "I Pray He'll Use Us" OGC 2021

"The Law" Revelations in Context 93-95

D&C 42:53-93

April General Conference

'As a Little Child'

President Jeffrey R. Holland

"Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

I had an appointment with Dr. Brady this morning. He will be my new primary care physician. Because of Dennis I was able to get in to see Dr. Brady. 

Dr. Brady put me on a new blood pressure regimen. 10 mg of Amlodipine instead of 5, 50 mg of Metoprolol instead of 100 and 350 mg of Valsartan instead of 100 of Losartan. I will come back in two weeks to check how I am doing. 

The doctor is very friendly and proactive. I think I am going to like him. His brother lives in Sheri's ward in Chandler although she says she doesn't know him. 

I went to Walmart and got my new prescription and then headed home. When I got home James was gone with Chuck to visit a new couple in the ward, the Sandoval's. When he got home we got ready and left for the valley. It was 12:30.

We stopped at the Burger King in Show Low for lunch and then at my request James turned onto the 260 to go through Payson. The other side of Heber we had to stop for road construction for a few minutes. We also stopped at the Circle K in Payson for gas and a free Polar Pop and Gatorade. 

The first place we stopped in the valley was Sheri's. James realized he needed something at Home Depot. I went with him to the one in south Chandler. Back at Sheri's I dropped James off and headed for the Chandler Walmart on Arizona Avenue. I returned the jeans I bought in Show Low and tried to find a size larger in this Walmart but they didn't even have Levi capri jeans at this one. I bought some black sweats and a pair of cheap black tennis shoes. 

Sheri called and asked if Dad and I wanted In n Out Burgers and I said yes. She took my order and when I drove up to her house James was outside chomping on his burger. Sheri brought mine out to me. We finished eating in the car. James wanted to drive past the "burn house" which we did. All that is left of the house are the outside walls. On to Kim & Brian's.

I refreshed myself in Joe's bathroom and then the four of us were on our way to Joshua's performance at Chandler Center for the Arts. 

The show starts at 6:30 and we were just a few minutes early. We met up with Stacy & Paul and we all sat together. 

I'm not sure what to say about the show. I guess the parts were written by the seniors themselves. The performances were "raw." 

It was a takeoff on "The Wizard of Oz." Joshua was the scarecrow who wanted to sing but was told he couldn't by Dorothy. I really thought his performance was the best with the wicked witch of the west a distant second. 

No scenery, minimal costumes, just

dialogue. 

Stephanie Likes is the drama teacher at Chandler High. Her mother was Stacy's fifth grade teacher and Stephanie was a year behind. Mrs. Likes and her husband were at the performance too. A blast from the past.

We left at intermission and so did Kim and Brian. Joshua's part  was over and we are driving home tonight. It was 7:30 when we left. The weather is absolutely gorgeous this time of night in Chandler. We enjoyed the walk back to our car. 

James had a difficult time sitting but somehow he did it and we made it home at 11:00. Tom was happy to see us. He was outside since we left. He came in and ran through the house. He slept at the foot of our bed. James is hurting. We make it to bed around midnight. 

I got a text from Joshua. Basically he thanked us for coming and said he knew it was a sacrifice and he really appreciated it and that he loves us. It was sweet and I texted him back telling him I thought his performance was the best and that we loved him too.

Such a handsome guy!

Such a sleepy guy!

Wednesday, April 30th, 2025: Leave @ 6 for valley, Burger King - taste buds off, Payson way, some construction, "Follow Him", :20 - no one there, AARA, Darryl meets James, Costco, Sheri's hot water heater replaced, Jersey Mike's, "The Scriptures are Real", James's mtg, "Sound of Rain", "The Coroner", Kathy has pneumonia, Chuck food poisoning

Albuquerque, New Mexico

73rd operating temple

Dedicated: 27 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 19:25-20:11

Come Follow Me

D&C 42

The Lord gives me commandments because He loves me.

Video: "The Prayer of Faith" Elder David A. Bednar

D&C 42:30-52

April General Conference

'Confidence in the Presence of God'

President Russell M. Nelson

"As we diligently seek to have charity and virtue fill our lives, our confidence in approaching God will increase."

We left for the valley at 6:00 for the valley this morning. James stopped in Show Low at Burger King to get a Whopper, Jr. He got me a chicken wrap and some onion rings. The onion rings didn't even compare to Burger House's. 

We went the Payson way at my request. We did run in to some construction and had to stop awhile but were soon on our way again. 

The line of traffic going up the mountain was the longest I have ever seen. We listened to "Follow Him" most of the way. 

We were running a little late. James has an appointment at Bama Barbershop on Ray & Alma School at 9:20 with Leigh Ann Johnson, or at least he thought he did. The construction up Alma School from the 202 was at a crawl and he was there a couple of minutes after 9:20 only to find that Leigh Ann was not there. He checked his phone and saw that she left a message earlier this morning saying she wouldn't be there. She did say Darryl would be there in an hour or so. James dropped me off at AARA and then headed back to the barbershop. 

I was early but Frances came and took me right back for my infusion. A few minutes later a girl came and got me for my appointment with Dr. Kumar. When Dr. Kumar came in I didn't recognize her and had to ask to make sure it was her. She is a tiny little thing and doesn't look much older than 25. When had a nice talk, she looked at my joints and I told her about the constant pain in my upper arms. She said if they continued to bother me I could come in and get cortisone shots. I liked that idea. 

When my appointment was over I called James. He was with Darryl at the barbershop and said he would leave in 10 minutes. I told him I was going to walk across the street to Costco, which I did. 

Here is a list of the things I bought: Some tan capri pants, two tops, another kitchen mat, and sheets for the beds we sleep on when we stay at Stacy's. James got here just about the time I was ready to check out. He asked if I had gotten him any pomegranate juice. When I told him no he hurried to the back to get a bottle. We checked out and headed for Sheri's house. Her hot water heater went out and she asked James if he could put the new one in. 

James needed a blow torch so Sheri and I walked down to Terry & Cathi's to borrow one. Leaving Sheri and Max there to help James I got in the car and drove over to the Deseret Book in Gilbert. I wanted to see if the General Conference journals were out yet. They aren't, but the sister working there said I could order one. I said I was going to order one to be sent to my house but I didn't want to pay for postage. She said if I had it delivered to the store there would be no postage, so that's what I did. It will be here in a couple of weeks. 

Max and James were still working on the hot water heater when I got back to Sheri's. She came out and asked if I wanted something from Jersey Mike's. I added my order to everyone else's and then went to pick up the order. The Jersey Mike's in south Chandler is very close to Ziggi's Coffee. (Just a funny little side note since Sheri's family has a dog named Ziggi.)

James was walking away from Sheri's when I returned. He was finished and said he could not have done it without Max's help. He had to take the old water heater out and it still had water in it. He said it weighed about 400 lbs. and he and Max lifted it together. 

James had one more little thing to do to the water heater but won't be doing it until we come back tomorrow because he needs a part.

James has an elders quorum presidency meeting this evening. We headed for home a little after 2 eating our sandwiches on the way. Now my car smells like a sub shop. We listened to Kerry Muhlstein and Stephen Harper on "The Scriptures are Real." We also listened to "The Sound of Rain" the book we are reading. 

We got home right at 5:30. James brought the stuff in and then got ready for his meeting and left. I had a couple of blueberry Eggos and watched an episode of "The Coroner." 

James came home with the news that Chuck wasn't feeling well because of what he said was food poisoning and he said that Kathy has been in bed all week with pneumonia. Oh dear and I don't even have time to take her a meal.

A couple of heroes