Sunday, June 8th, 2025: Up @ 5:37, Harry here, Sacrament meeting Lily Jameson, tamara & Jimmy Applegate, RS - Teresa Smith teaches, Beautiful day, James loves his beans, eat dinner outside, Follow Him w/ Scott Esplin, Pres. Nelson dedicates Syracuse, Utah temple

 

Asuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 12:28-13:9

Come Follow Me

D&C 59:4-19 Commandments are a blessing.

D&C 59:9-19 The Sabbath is the Lord's day.

April General Conference

'Divine Authority, Sublime Young Men'

Brother Steven J. Lund

'Return Unto Me...That I May Heal You'

Elder S. Mark Palmer

Lesson

'Receive His Gift'

Elder Patrick Kearon

Liahona

'What Makes a Ward United'?

I was up at 5:37. I always check the clock. Harry is here again to join us for breakfast. 

I tried to get as much studying done before leaving for our meetings. James says this on the way to church: "I saw a finch and an oriole." 

Sometimes I feel like I'm on a safari or something. 

The Rosen's are here this week. Micah and John from Waypoint sat in front of us next to Lorraine Vaught. When the meeting was over Lorraine gave Micah a big hug. It was heartwarming. He's probably in his 20's and Lorraine is in her late 70's. Collin is here to, by himself.

Sacrament meeting went something like this:

Youth Speaker: Lily Jameson - This is the first time Lily has spoken in sacrament meeting. 2 Nephi 2:25 - Men are that they might have joy. (I can't hear very well). We can sugar to our sour situations to make them sweeter. Bore her testimony. She did well!

Tamara Applegate - Sister Runia's talk on repentance. Hope, love, acceptance. The Savior's love for you. Sometimes the covenant path feels like the covenant hike. * Does the Savior know how much I love Him in spite of my sins? * Do I have feelings of being judged, shamed, or blamed? The invitation to repent is an indication of God's love. Our desire to repent is an indication of our love for Him. When we bring a broken heart to him, he is immediately there. Your worth never changes and is not dependent upon your obedience. Obedience does bring blessings though. Jesus Christ gives light to those in darkness. We don't earn the Celestial Kingdom, we just do those things that qualify us to be there.

Sister Jane Rosen's  piano solo.

Jimmy Applegate - Elder Renlund's talk, "Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior." Parables of the ten virgins, talents, and the sheep & the goats. Don't be a goat. "I know you not, or you know me not."

"Oil of conversion." * Who are the unwise? Am I? The ten virgins were those who professed a belief in Christ. Acronym: HALT = Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. * Do we doubt ourselves and does that halt us from taking action? The ability to adapt keeps us from being halted. Consistent action. 

Teresa Smith led the discussion in Relief Society. She had the room set up differently. Two rows of sisters on each side of the room facing each other. I was not a fan. It reminded me when we used to sit in a circle. 

There were lots of announcements before we even got to the lesson. I signed up for an activity the Primary is having on Saturday, June 28th because they said they needed grandparents to help the kids with their activities. All supplies and instructions will be provided. What's funny is James signed up in elders quorum too. 

I also signed up to feed the missionaries on July 17th.

June 17th the RS is attending the 9:30 session at the temple.

June 19th the sisters are going on a tour of the Lodestar Gardens near Concho.

Aug. 9th - Tour the Red Rock Lavender farm. Meet at the church at 12:30.

Aug. 14th - Dough starter, and sewing class at Teresa Hein's home from 9-12. Pam Wood, an expert quilter in our ward will be there.

This Wednesday is game day at Judy Hunter's. 

Rosie Lauritzen led the RS council discussion. 

*What are fast offerings used for and what is tithing used for?

Carrying for the poor and needy a commandment since biblical times.

Lesson Discussion led by Teresa Smith:

'The Atonement of Jesus Christ Provides the Ultimate Rescue'

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Teresa had assigned several sisters ahead of time to discuss a trial they had gone through and how the Atonement of Jesus Christ had helped them. 

Joyce LaPrie told about her mother and her beloved dog dying on the same day.  

Susan Crane told about one of their cars breaking down on their move to Virginia, Jeff getting kidney stones, and Celeste getting lost. 

Teresa Smith told about her daughters drug abusing boyfriend abusing her and her children being taken away because she joined him in his drug activities. Out of four children two were adopted by an LDS family and Teresa and Wes get to see them from time to time. Teresa misses the younger two children. She showed us a cloth doll that she bought for her three year old granddaughter whom she never sees. 

Teresa passed the giggling doll around and asked people to share a blessing that has come from them living the gospel. After the comment the person is then supposed to squeeze the doll and make her giggle. 

The best part of the lesson was when we sang the song "Gethsemane."

James loves the beans I cooked for him. That is what we had for our main meal today. Tom begged to lay down with James and so James went and laid on the bed and of course Tom joined him.

Oh dear Tom, you are upside down

The evening was so beautiful that James and I ate our dinner outside on the deck. 

I listened to Brother Scott Esplin on "Follow Him" while working on my blog.

President Nelson dedicated the Syracuse, Utah temple today. This is the first temple to be built with two baptismal fonts.

Quote

"Please realize your immense capacity to influence your peers as you love, share, and invite them to explore the gospel of Jesus Christ."

-Elder Gary E. Stevenson, OGC 2024

Verse

D&C 59:18

Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the ey and to gladden the heart.

More pictures from Autumn's shower:

Jared made the Italian creme cake

It looks yummy!

Syracuse, Utah Temple Dedication

Syracuse, Utah Temple

Saturday, June 7th, 2025: Up @ 6 and running to catch up, J @ J Cranes, Harry the cat here, washed os blankets, walking more steps, anniversary puzzle, "Never Doubt I Love", finished "Isadora" book Autumn's baby shower, Trezises @ resort, letter from Terry, glazed carrots for dinner

 

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 12:20-27

D&C

59:10-24

Come Follow Me

D&C 59 Who was Polly Knight?

April General Conference

'Cherishing Life'

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Liahona

Lesson

'Receive His Gift'

Elder Patrick Kearon

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Matthew 27:50-52

'The Infinite Atonement' p. 49

Forgiveness

'Forgiving What You Can't Forget' chapter 12

I got up at 6 and I am still "running" to catch up. James is working at Jeff Crane's this morning. He is going to be pouring a concrete pad for his pump house and is preparing the ground. James will be doing all of the work on the pump house.

Harry the Cat was here this morning so I fed 3 cats. James says it's a mistake but how can I ignore a hungry face. The cat doesn't ever stay too long anyway. 

One of my goals today was to clean and organize the deck outside of our bedroom. It is one of my happy places and right now it needs some TLC. I washed the blankets Sammy and Tom sleep on. I spread the biggest on the couch on the deck. Later I went out and took this picture:

I love that Tom is beginning to tolerate

Sammy more. He is being a good 

big brother!

I decided that I needed to start walking again. My goal being about 12,000 steps a day to make up for Sunday and still have 70,000 steps a week. I figured 1,000 steps every hour starting at 6 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. would do the trick. It's after six in the evening when James usually wants to use my phone.

I worked on our anniversary puzzle all week. It's divided into six sections with letters on the back: A, B, C, D, E, F. I did sections A-E during the week, finishing section E this evening. James came in from work and started doing section F. 

I listened to "Never Doubt I Love" while walking and I finished the book I borrowed from Kim, "The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley."

Today was Autumn's baby shower for baby Benson McKay Child.

It was at Kacey and Jared's and Jared made the Italian cream cake, which sounds delicious and it will be delicious if it's anything like Lois' Italian cream cake.

Today was the last full day at the resort. I think Ben, Cayli, and Evan were there. Sheri and Addy had lunch at one of Sheri's favorite restaurants LeGrand Orange which is located in Phoenix. Sheri loves their pizza which surprises me because growing up she didn't really like pizza.

We got a letter from Terry today regarding affairs between Lois and Dawn. Terry is Mom's power of attorney and there is a bit of a conflict between her and Dawn. Several years ago Mom quit claimed a deed to Dawn for the house. Since then she has found out that Dawn plans on giving the house to LeNae's daughter Heather when she, Dawn, passes away. LeNae has been Dawn's friend for a very long time. She was a member of the Church but left the Church and took Dawn with her. Mom thinks that LeNae and Heather both take advantage of Dawn and she does not want Heather to end up with the house. Now Mom is saying she only gave 30% of the house to Dawn and the other 70% to her other children. Terry said that is not according to the quit claim deed and if she wants that to be so, she will have to re-do her will. Dawn, on the other hand, believes the house was given to her and she is claiming it. David is the executor of the will and I guess he and Terry will have to work things out with Mom before she passes.

I made glazed carrots for dinner. James said they were too sweet. I liked them.

Quote

"I testify that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the vehicle God has provided for our exaltation."

-President Jeffrey R. Holland, OGC 2024

Verse

D&C 59:5

Wherefore, I give unto them a commandments, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve Him.

Autumn's Baby Shower

Wish I could have been there!

Sheri's post

Resort memory from 2016

James, Joshua, Max and Evan playing Tenzi.

James working on our 'anniversary puzzle'

Friday, June 6th, 2025: 9:30 temple session w/ J, Rick Goodman officiated, 20 names on the temple prayer roll, Arby's for lunch, Taylor Walmart, Nap & Isadora Bentley, puzzle, walk, sweet potato for J, Were there horses in the BM, Dallin & JA say no, J works @ Cranes, Jeff says "don't sell", typed a letter for James to send to City of Chandler attorney regarding Johnson court case

 

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 12:1-19

Come Follow Me

D&C 58:42-43 The Lord forgives me as I repent. 

How can I be sure the Savior has forgiven me?

Tad R. Callister, "The Atonement of Jesus Christ", AGC 2019

D&C

59:1-9

April General Conference

'Draw Near Unto Me'

President Henry B. Eyring

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Matthew 27:50-52

'The Infinite Atonement' p. 47

Forgiveness

'Forgiving What You Can't Forget' Chapter 12

Lesson

'Receive His Gift'

Elder Patrick Kearon

Liahona

James and I went to the 9:30 session at the temple today. Rick Goodman, Harold and Dennis' former bishop and good friend, officiated at the session. There were 7 brothers and 14 sisters in our session. It was a wonderful experience on this beautiful day. I put 20 names on the temple prayer roll. I love the temple for so many reasons. My new friend, Sister Claudia Morris works on Friday mornings at the temple and she made sure she came over and said hello to me. 

I suggested we go to Taco Bell for lunch since we were going shopping at Walmart and Eva's would take too long. James didn't want to go to Taco Bell. He chose Arby's instead. I ate the meat from a pulled pork sandwich. It was quite good.

On to Walmart for protein shakes, celery, cucumber, pineapple, cantaloupe, Almond Joy to share with James. 

Tom was left in the house while we were gone which wasn't a problem. It was nap time when we got home. I also read from "The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley." When I got up I typed a letter for James for the attorney of the city of Chandler, Linda Grogan. 

I worked on our puzzle, walked and cooked a sweet potato for James's dinner. I didn't accomplish anything else on my list. 

While I was walking I listened to "Never Doubt I Love." 

Stacy sent me a text or call, I can't remember, if I knew anything about horses actually existing during Book of Mormon time. Jared Ammon said no horses were in America until the 1500's. I did find an article on Scripture Central about a scientist who found proof that there were horses during Book of Mormon time. 

I stayed up late to get my 10,000 steps. Yes, I am back to walking and I am determined to get my steps by myself without James's help. 

James went down to work at Crane's and told Jeff about the possibility of us selling our home by next summer. Jeff was pretty upset and the last thing he said to him when James left was, "Don't sell."

Rowan texted James today and told him about a fish he caught at Lake Mary. The big one that got away.

Verse

D&C 58:64

For, verily, the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth - the gospel must be preached unto every creature, with signs following them that believe.

Quote

"We cannot look to and focus upon Jesus Christ as the 'mark' if we only see ourselves."

-David A. Bednar, OGC 2024

Sleeping Mason

There is nothing as precious

as a sleeping baby

I love this yoke, but it's just a painting

Tom checking things out first thing

in the morning

Lola, Addy, Ruby, and Rowan

I loved them at this age!

Ruby and Lola now

Yoke 

Thursday, June 5th, 2025: Up @ 5:30, kitties, vitals, jrnl prep, prayer, Inkling: Emily & Sage, Jesus Garden @ Thanksgiving Point, J 50cents off a gallon on gas,

Lubbock, Texas

109th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 11:21-46

Come Follow Me

D&C 58:42-43 The Lord forgives me as I repent.

Bradley R. Wilcox "Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness"

D&C

58:47-65

April General Conference

'My Love for My Savior Is My 'Why'

Elder Ricardo P. Giminez

Lesson

'Receive His Gift'

Elder Patrick Kearon, also the heart Jesus pins are here!

Liahona

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Matthew 27:47-49

'The Infinite Atonement' p. 46

Forgiving What You Can't Forget

Inklings 

'My Love for the Savior is My 'Why'

Elder Ricardo P. Giminez

Emily & Sage notes:

* The Jesus Garden at Thanksgiving Point has a portrayal of Jesus walking on the water. * Am I good at hearing the Spirit? * Growing up unto the Lord is what mortality is all about. * God loves us as we are but he loves us too much to leave us as we are. * Progress by degrees. * Let others know the why of prayers, scripture study, commandments, etc. We Believe in a Spiritual Plan of Progression. Practice, practice, practice. Routine vs. Relationships. * Matthew 11:28-30 (Emily's favorite) 28-Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29-Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30-For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Emily showed us the yoke she has hanging in her kitchen. Now both Kacey and I are looking for one.

There are three youth/family camps in our ward, plus the stake girls camp up on the McNary road. One of those camps is within a mile of our house. It is called 'Kick'n'Back'. Stefani Hunsaker, who came over today to borrow my carper shampooer told me it was fixed up really cute and they don't mind if you drive in to look around. 

One of the others is Pierce Goodman's FRC, Family Recreation Center, which has bathroom facilities and lots of forest land around to explore. The other is Bridgett Jordan's which is over by George Wallace's place. George's son is running his place now and it is used only for weddings or parties, no overnight camping.

James burned his finger cutting rebar even though he had gloves on. He worked this afternoon helping Jeff Crane put in a sewer line. 

I listened to Kerry & Julie Muhlstein on "The Scriptures Are Real." 

Kerry's favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusting in the Lord with all thine heart. He says: "Wisdom is to trust God's wisdom."

I worked on our Anniversary puzzle and made James some corn for dinner. He does not like to eat meat or cheese for dinner because he says it plugs him up. 

I also updated my scrapbook today. My heart shaped Jesus pins were delivered today. They are a part of the gift I am putting together for the Relief Society sisters.  Kim and I planned our Father's Day dinner for James and Brian. 

I askes Sammy this evening to go find Tom. He looked at me as if he understood and took off running. 

Highway 60 construction

My turkey sausage

Anniversary puzzle

Trezise's at Stonehenge

Cabin memories:

Rowan, Ruby, Trina, Lola, Dallin

Addy, Rowan, Lola

 

Wednesday, June 4th, 2025: Harry here for brkfst, J works @ Crane's then goes to town to get my new tire, Downpour, Culver's chicken tenders, Apache county treasury fiasco, order Autumn's shower gift, "I am a Child of God" buttons, power sprayer, message to Emmy, J' talks to Chandler city attorney, Cranes are home

 

Snowflake, Arizona

108th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Mar 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Alma 11:1-20

D&C

58:30-46

Come Follow Me

D&C 58:26-29 I can "bring to pass much righteousness" of my "own free will."

Dale G. Renlund - "Choose You This Day"

April General Conference

'The Atonement of Jesus Christ Provides the Ultimate Rescue'

Elder Quentin L. Cook

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Matthew 27:44-46

'The Infinite Atonement' p. 45

Forgiveness

'Forgiving What You Can't Forget' p. 164-66

Liahona

Lesson

'Receive His Gift'

Follow Him

Guest: Whitney Johnson

Today is Emmy's 20th birthday. I texted her for her address so I could send her a card but she never texted me back. I sent her a Happy Birthday text. 

Harry was here for breakfast this morning. James says I shouldn't feed him but how can I feed the other cats and not him. So I fed him.

James worked at the Crane's this morning and then went to town to get my new tire. While he was gone we got a downpour. It was beautiful! I looked towards town and the church and it looked like it was not raining in that direction. Water is running everywhere. I posted pictures on Monday. This is such a blessing because we normally don't get rain in June. It is one of our dryest months.

James brought me chicken tenders from Culver's. I ate two for lunch and then two for dinner. 

Tom comes in when the hard rain starts and cuddles up on our bed. I love the rain.

We got a delinquent tax notice from Apache county in the mail. I went online and found where they had received our payment. I ran off the receipt and then tried to call the county. Our taxes are paid through our mortgage. The first time I called I waited 30 minutes and when they said I was number 1 in the que, the phone went dead. So frustrating. I had to start over. This time I waited under 30 minutes and was number 1 again when voicemail came on and told me to leave a message. I am not impressed with this particular department of Apache county government.

I am going to send in the mail proof of payment and be done with it.

I ordered Autumn a shower gift today. It is a baby sling to carry a small baby in. It was something she registered for on Amazon. I also ordered "I Am a Child of God" pin buttons for my lesson on the 22nd. 

James and I used the new hand power sprayer to clean the crevices and grout to clean the countertops in our bathroom. It works great and there are no harsh chemicals because the steam is just distilled water. The only problem is I have a difficult time holding the button down to make it spray. 

James spoke to the attorney in the lawsuit Darryl Johnson has filed against the first individual who did work on his barbershop. Her name is Laurie Grogan and she represents the City of Chandler. She told James how nice it was that he was testifying in behalf of Darryl Johnson. (I told him he shouldn't). She said his testimony was critical to Darryl Johnson's defense.

I was sad because we were getting all this rain and Kathy and Chuck Crane weren't here to enjoy it. When Chuck got home he told James it rained on them all the way from Kansas. I guess they've had their fill of rain.

Quote

"To decisively and unquestioningly make the Lord's will our own requires majestic and heroic discipleship!"

- Elder Ulisses Soares, OGC 2024

Verse

D&C 58:26

For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

Kyah is a former YW in our ward

So cute!