Sunday, July 6th, 2025: Lots of visitors @ church including Kim & Brian, SS, Fast for R.E.J., Charlie's fast, Brian, Flood hero, James's scripture answer

Calgary, Alberta

140th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Oct 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Alma 28:9-29:7

According to Alma, what is the remedy to eliminate sorrow?

Come Follow Me

Sunday School

April General Conference

'Draw Near Unto Me'

President Henry B. Eyring

Lesson

'Your Repentance Doesn't Burden Jesus Christ; It Brightens His Joy'

Sister Tamara W. Runia

Paragraphs 24-26

Forgiveness

'Forgiving What You Can't Forget'

Today is Cid Elmer's birthday. Happy Birthday Cid!

I got up at 4:54 this morning.

Amy Frost and her family are new in our ward. 

Today was our fast & testimony meeting. There were so many people here because it is a holiday weekend. It looked like stake conference. We sat in the very last row in the second overflow with Brian and Kim. 

Matt Riggs, a seventy, presided at our meeting today and bore his testimony. One of my very favorite testimonies was Brother Gassaway's, who is legally deaf. 

I also loved that Stefani Hunsaker bore her testimony to her grandchildren, Camrie's five children. She said, "I know that Jesus Christ lives and that He loves you. 

Brother Gassaway said I lost my hearing as an adult. I know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ hear us. They hear our thoughts and feelings, we matter to them. I know they heals us from the challenges of life. They love us more than we can imagine.

Matt Riggs's testimony: I'm a sinner, how about you. Jesus Christ is the best ever. 1 Nephi 10:6 - Wherefore , all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer. The Savior always does the will of the Father. I am grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in this country.

Sunday School was extra crowded today. I am grateful that Kim & Brian came with us. The lesson started out okay. We discussed D&C 74 discussing whether a member or believer should stay married to a non-member of non-believer. Sever people shared personal examples. And then Brother Applegate made this statement:

"Who wants to be a little bit naughty?" We were all a little taken aback and no one really responded. What he meant was he wanted to go into next weeks lesson, D&C 76. 

Brother Applegate begins by showing us an evangelical conditionalism website. The Spirit left when we were discussing this website and their beliefs. The only time I felt the Spirit was when a sister, I couldn't see who it was, said that whatever kingdom we go to will depend on our testimony of Jesus. Brother Applegate will be gone for his next two lessons and Brother Lauritzen will be taking over for him. I left not very happy with my experience in Sunday School. I think Kim felt the same as I did.

We broke our fast around 1:00. We had beans, chicken, and salad for lunch. I took a nap with Tom. 

When I got up from my nap I addressed A.S.K. (Addy, Sheri, Karen studying general conference talks). Our talk this week was Sister Jones's, "Value Beyond Measure." I shared my favorite quotes and so did Sheri. Addy is still gone on vacation in Oregon. I texted her and told her she was to decide our talk for this week. I suggested she choose the talk from April's conference by President Oaks: "Divine Helps for Mortality" because that is the talk Sheri will be giving next week in Relief Society. I told her that Kim and I were going to Sheri's lesson and invited her to come with us.

I blogged a little and we also got a little rain. Tom got wet and came back in the house. I finished my puzzle, making sure there were no pieces missing. There were not. 

Kim, Brian, James and I watched a Hallmark Christmas movie, "Unwrapping Christmas: Tina's Miracle." 

The Sabbath goes by so quickly. 

The flooding in Texas has affected Connie in San Angelo. They got 14 inches of rain in 24 hours. Lots of damage done. Connie said this is a 70 year storm. 

Charlie asked if she could fast today. Her parents said she could but probably didn't think she would last, but she did. She went without food and water for 24 hours. She is fasting that Longview will get a temple closer than the Dallas temple.  If they get this temple Charlie will be a deciding factor.

My question for R.E.J. today was: "According to Alma what is the remedy to eliminate sorrow?" (Alma 28:9-29:7).  James is the only one who answered. Here is his answer:

"Sorrow comes when we sin against the teachings of Jesus Christ; when we break the commandments. Another form of sorrow comes when we don't get what we want, which is not often what we need, but the natural man is selfish. A third comes when we suffer empathy for others; more especially for the pain or suffering for those we care about. A selfish kind of sorrow comes when we suffer pain of body (disease or injury), or pain or rejection. The sorrow Alma is speaking of is a godly sorrow for suffering for sins committed to others by not following God's law, pain caused from personal injury to others. The pain caused by failing to keep the commandments, from lying, stealing, being deceitful, physical injury to others, cheating to gain advantage of another, etc. Alma 29:2 states that the solution is to repent and come unto God and that eliminates that kind of suffering. It also helps eliminate or reduce the effects of the other types of sorrow or suffering because it gives us an eternal perspective which reduces the effects of those kinds of sorrows as we begin to understand that much of our personal suffering is for our own growth and development to help us become what God wants us to become. I personally believe that Max is an example in our family. His disease caused tremendous suffering in the beginning both to him and to those of us who care so much for him. Yet, after suffering so much physical pain and mental anguish, his attitude has shifted to the point, I believe, that he has become motivated to excel at whatever he does, and even though there will be some highs and lows, he will succeed to have a full and happy life. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer. We can repent, change our lives, every day and stay on the path, if we will. We all have our agency. That is why it is so important to share the gospel with others.

"The Lord loves you personally. He knows your circumstances, and the door to His blessings remains wide open to you."

- Bishop Gerald Causse, AGC 2025

D&C 7529

Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have place in the Church, except he repent and mend his ways.

Since I forgot to post Brian's pictures

on his birthday, here they are.

Miss Charlie on Fast Sunday

Texas flood hero

 

Saturday, July 5th, 2025: Up @ 5:10, prayer first, J stressed abt work, I pray for him, today's priorities: fast, REJ jrnl, blog 2-3 days, puzzle, share Joshua's answer, start fast 1:30-2, Tom & Sammy sleeping together, Kim & i walk os, J-Hipps' to pickup equipment, Kathy & Chuck on their way home from Cali, K&B Wildlife ride to Christmas Tree Trail, Trey Basha, Movie: "A

Brigham City, Utah

139th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Sept 2012

By: Boyd K. Packer

Book of Mormon

Alma 27:16-28:8

D&C

75:25-36

Come Follow Me

D&C 75:1-16 "Labor with your might ... proclaiming the truth"

April General Conference

'My Love for the Savior Is May "Why"'

Elder Ricardo P. Giminez

A.S.K.

'Value Beyond Measure'

Sister Joy D. Jones

R.E.J.

How do we retain a remission of our sins?

Other

'Forgiving What You Can't Forget'

'Christ In Every Hour'

'Looking Unto Christ in Every Thought'

Up at 5:10, prayer first and then scriptures and prayer with James. James is so stressed out about work. I pray for him. He's stressing about the cuts he has to make for this double hip roof. I know he can figure it out. 

Tom is comfy on the couch outside instead of coming inside for his daily "nap." I don't know where Sammy is. 

Today's priorities: 1) Starting our fast, 2) R.E.J. journal, 3) Blog, 4) 10-12,000 steps, 5) finish my puzzle, 6) eat chicken, asparagus & avocado, 7) R.E.J. response.

James got home around noon and we ate and took a nap. We started our fast around 2pm. We are fasting for R.E.J. (Rowan, Evan, Joshua).  I would like to share what Joshua wrote as an answer to today's scripture question:

What am I doing to keep my covenants?

Joshua's answer: "In Alma 27-28, the people of Ammon show powerful covenant-keeping by giving up violence completely, even when their lives are at risk. they choose peace and trust God fully, while Ammon and Alma rejoice in the faithfulness and transformation they see in each other and those they've taught. This makes me think about how I'm living my covenants - am I consistent, even when it's hard or inconvenient? Do I stick to my values, serve others, and stay spiritually grounded through prayer, scripture study, and repentance? Like the people of Ammon, I want my actions to show that my commitment to God is real and lasting."

My response to Joshua:(heart emoji) "I love that you feel this way Joshua! Beautiful answer!

Tom and Sammy slept together on the couch for the first time that I am aware of. Tom finally comes in the house around 3:15. 

I walked outside today because it was so nice. I listened to my Traci Abramson book, "Royal Intrigue" while I was walking. Kim was outside walking too. 

James went to Hipps' this afternoon to pick up his equipment. Before leaving he got another check from Jeff Crane. The Crane's, Jeff & Susan and the kids, Celeste, Easton, Catalina and Eldon are leaving for Utah tomorrow to see their two daughters and son-in-law. 

Today Kathy and Chuck are on their way home from Apple Valley, California where they were visiting Chuck's elderly sister who just lost her husband. 

 It is 7:00 p.m. and I am home alone. James is still at the Hipps' and Kim and Brian took off in Bruce to do the "Christmas Tree Trail" loop. When they got home they were so excited by all of the wildlife they saw. Kim said about 50 deer crossed the road in front of them, they also saw a herd of elk and some turkey. 

Rainbow on Christmas Tree Trail

Elk

Deer

Deer

We all watched a Hallmark movie this evening which we really enjoy, "Villa Amore" starring Eloise Mumford and Kevin McGarry.

When I asked what the Bishop Tarwater and his wife were doing no since his release he said they were serving in the Roseville mission in California where Trey Basha is the mission president.

"The commandments are the path away from pain. And repentance is too."

- Sister Tamara W. Runia, AGC 2025

D&C 75:16

And he who is faithful shall overcome all things, and shall be lifted up at the last day.

"It is both my experience and my testimony that the Savior has something to offer every person, every day, every hour."

- Anthony Sweat, "Christ in Every Hour" p. 3

"Inner purity is the first aid basic element of spirituality."

-Anthony Sweat, "Christ in Every Hour", p. 5

 

 

Friday, July 4th, 2025: Up @ 5:07, J leaves @ 6 for Crane's, Lola's 11th bday, texts from Bunco girls abt 4th of July, Lola's cookie response, roasting poblano peppers, Brian's Breakfast Casserole, Brian's work title, I eat a sugar cookie, Crane's going to Utah soon,

 

Manaus, Brazil

138th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 June 2012

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon

Alma27:1-15

The king had great faith in the Lord. How do you exercise faith in the Lord?

D&C

75:18-24

Come Follow Me

Yesterday's assignment

April General Conference

'The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the Ultimate Rescue'

Elder Quentin L. Cook

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

'The Infinite Atonement' by Brother Tad R. Callister

Lesson

'Your Repentance Doesn't Burden Jesus Christ: It Brightens His Joy'

Sister Tamara W. Runia - continue paragraphs 15-23

A.S.K. (Addy, Sheri, Karen)

"Value Beyond Measure" Sister Joy D. Jones - worthiness quote

Other

'Looking Unto Christ in Every Thought'

'Christ in Every Hour

Forgiveness

'Forgiving What You Can't Forget'

Happy 11th Birthday Lola!

Trina said this is the only picture she took.

Up at 5:07, prayer, family prayer, Book of Mormon, Come Follow Me with James so he can leave by 6 for the Crane's. I feed and water the kitties, take my vitals, and do a basic daily clean and have breakfast. 

Every time I pass by my puzzle I have to work on it a few minutes. I got got over 14 texts this morning for the Bunco girls group wishing everyone a Happy Fourth of July. They are a patriotic group.

I sent a 4th of July message to our kids on our group feed. After I sent it I decided I should have waited because it was a little early.

I texted Lola to wish her a happy birthday. I asked her if the cookies Kim made her were good. She said: "Yes, ad now I am 70% cookie."

Out of 18 cookies she said she ate most of them. Oh dear.

Brian made a carb-free breakfast casserole today. He began by roasting poblano peppers over one of the gas burners on our range. He roasted it until the skin was charred black. Then he put the two peppers in a Ziploc bag to let them sweat for 10 minutes and then he took them out and peeled the skin off and chopped up the peppers for the casserole. I think he only used one. He saved the other one for the burgers he made later. I had one of the burgers which had bacon, provolone cheese and the poblano pepper. Yum.

Here are the other ingredients in Brian's casserole: 1 1/2 cups each of cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheese, grated. 14 eggs, and about 2/3's a can of evaporated milk, sausage, ham, and bacon. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until the eggs don't jiggle. Delicious!

Brian loves to cook but his actual job title is: A mobile notary signing agent. 

Kim brought me two sugar cookies. I ate one of them today. I can see why Lola would get a little out of control with this sheer sugary snack.

James didn't want one of Brian's burgers for dinner. He had beans instead. No surprise to me as beans are his favorite.

During the heat of the day James came in and wrote up a bill for the Crane's. The heat of the day was 81 degrees. The Crane's are leaving for Utah early Sunday morning to visit their two daughters and their son-in-law.

James went back outside to work around 4 and didn't come in until about 8 o'clock. The type of roof on this little pump house is giving him a lot of grief.

James, Kim, Brian and I watched a Hallmark movie tonight called, "Villa Amore" starring Eloise Mumford and Kevin McGarry. It was filmed in Italy and we all like the movie. Eloise Mumford is a favorite of Kim's and mine.

I finished my book, "A Hopeful Proposal" and started "Royal Intrigue" by Traci Hunter Abramson. I also finished listening to "Grace Works" and started "Christ In Every Hour" by Anthony Sweat.

I wanted to share Rowan's answer to today's scripture question.

The question: Alma 27:1-15. The king had great faith in the Lord. How do you exercise faith in the Lord?

Rowan's answer: I exercise faith in the Lord by trying to live by His commandments and sharing His gospel. John 12 says there were many who believed in Him but would not confess it because they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. This shows me that I can better exercise my fait by proclaiming it through words and also by actions and living His commandments.

"Callings ... and other ways we embark in God's work uniquely prepare us to meet the Savior."

- Elder Steven D. Shumway, AGC 2025

D&C 75:5

And thus, if ye are faithful ye shall be laden with many sheaves, and crowned with honor, and glory, and immortality and eternal life.

"Diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world."

- Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, OGC 2010

Happy Fourth of July!

My Fourth of July gift was James

hanging this flag. We hung it for flag day

but had to take it down because of the

wind, but now it's up again.

Brian's casserole

My dinner: a burger w/ provolone cheese,

bacon, and a poblano pepper. 

Dennio's pancakes. Evie says

they were delicious.

The 4th of July,

Texas style

Paula Johnson's LED flag

The Griffin's:

Darren, Camrie,

Addison & Bentley

Addison & Bentley with

Uncle Tyler's kids

Lola memories: 

Born on the 4th of July

I love this quilt

8-10,000 people attended the 

Taylor Rodeo

Texas Tragedy 

My 4th of July puzzle

Beautiful sunset

 

Thursday, July 3rd, 2025: J & I both up @ 4:58, prayer first, vitals, kitties, Prayer, BM, CFM, 6 J meets Paul P @ Crane's, rained on, Inklings, work in garage, dnstrs, blog, Wlmrt insane! K&B here Deliver Child of God & (heart) Jesus pens to Chelsea, more rain,

 

Kansas City, Missouri

137th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 May 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Alma 26:17-37

What do you learn from Ammon's testimony?

D&C

75:1-17

Come Follow Me

D&C 73 I have many opportunities to share the Savior's gospel.

April General Conference

'Right Before Our Eyes'

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Inklings

'Draw Near Unto Me' by President Henry B. Eyring

Luke 24

Care

Phrase: As you bind up the wounds of those in need, the Lords power will sustain you. His arms will be outstretched with yours to succor and bless the children of our Heavenly Father.

Affirmation: I am drawing near unto Him each day as I pray, serve others, and seek to gather Israel. I trust that the Lord loves me and supports me when I follow Him, and I recognize His hand in my life.

A.S.K.

'Value Beyond Measure' - Sister Joy D. Jones

Worth & Worthiness

Other

Grace Works

Look Unto Christ in Every Thought

Follow Him

Up at 4:58. James is up too. I had prayer first, checked my blood sugar, blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level, and weight. After doing this, I feed and water my kitties. James has been out feeding the horses and getting some breakfast. When he gets back we have family prayer, always by me in the mornings, and read from the Book of Mormon, and "Come Follow Me." 

James meets Paul Peeler on the Crane job at 6:00 am. They get rained on as they work. James told me this when he came home for lunch. I hadn't even noticed that it rained. 

I kept busy all morning. I spent one hour listening to Emily Belle Freeman on Inklings. The discussion was on President Eyring's talk, "Draw Near Unto Me." I took notes in my Inklings notebook. Here are a few things I wrote down:

Emily: I love the hymn, "Abide with Me". It gives me strength, warmth, light, and helps me feel taken care of. 

President Eyring says:

1. Gather with the Saints to partake of the sacrament.

2. Search and study the scriptures.

3. Stay true to your promises the Lord keeps His promise to be one with you in your service, making burdens light.

4. If your loved ones wander off the path here is a promise:

" You can depend on the Lord to draw closer to them as you serve Him in faith." 

What we can expect as Covenant Keepers:

1. He will be with our loved ones.

2. His arms are outstretched to us.

3. The Lord's power will sustain us.

4. We will receive direction from the Spirit. 

President Eyring's testimony:

"I am a witness of the resurrected Lord. I testify as a witness of the risen Savior and our Redeemer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

After Inklings I went to work in 20 minute increments. I would spend 20 minutes sweeping out the garage and wiping off and out the freezer and refrigerator. (I'm getting ready for Brian & Kim coming and putting their stuff in this refrigerator.) I would then spend 20 minutes at my desk working on my blog or some other desk work. I spent 20 minutes cleaning downstairs and getting Kim & Brian's room ready for them. Kim always sends Brian down first to check for spiders. I didn't see any spiders but I did vacuum up a big cricket. I am sure Kim will be pleased. 

James and I had lunch together. Beans, cheese, and a protein shake. After lunch I got ready and went in to town. I went to Walmart to get some chicken since I forgot it when I went shopping earlier in the week. It was like a 'going out of business' sale at Walmart. Everyone heard they were closing and came to shop one last time. It was insane! I got out as quick as I could but it was not quick enough!

When I got home from town I went by the MacArthur's and gave Chelsea the three gifts for their kids. The little boxes with the "I am a child of God" pin and the heart shaped Jesus pin. Chelsea thanked me and we talked a few minutes outside. I told Scotlyn I was excited about her upcoming soccer games and I wanted to come and see her play. 

When I got back home, Kim and Brian were here. Yay! We got some rain to welcome them. We went out on the deck for awhile to enjoy the rain.

I started out in my own bed tonight. I let Tom outside at 1 am and at that time I moved to the family room recliner and used the heating pad.

I am working on my new Ben-Ben puzzle. It is places to see in the United States. I love these puzzles so much.

"The formal organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was the culmination of a sequence of miraculous experiences."

- Elder David A. Bednar, AGC 2025

D&C 74:7

But little children are holy, being sanctified through the Atonement of Jesus Christ; and this is what the scriptures mean.

The sky at Walmart today

One section of my puzzle is done

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025: U; @ 4:37, Went to bed @ 11, Heat treatment for James before scriptures & prayer, & work @ Crane's, Too muddy to work At Hipps' calico beans, Boone's game cancelled, clean upstrs, /Tom naps w/me, Jeff Crane gives J a check,

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

136th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Dec 2011

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon

Alma 26:1-16

How can we be instruments in God's hands in bringing others to Christ?

D&C

72:18-73:5

Come Follow Me

D&C 72 The Lord blesses me through the ministry of leaders like bishops.

'Bishops - 'Shepherds Over the Lord's Flock', Quentin L. Cook, AGC 2021

April General Conference

'Spiritually Whole in Him'

President Camille N. Johnson

Lesson

'Your Repentance Doesn't Burden Jesus Christ: It Brightens His Joy'

Sister Tamara W. Runia

A.S.K.

"Value Beyond Measure" 

Joy D. Jones, OGC 2017

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

'The Infinite Atonement' 

Forgiveness

'Forgiving What You Can't Forget'

Other

'Looking Unto Christ in Every Thought' p. 19

Up at 4:37. I went to bed at 11. 

James had his heat treatment where I put heat rub on his back and thumbs. Then he lays on the heating pad for about 10 minutes. He then gets dress, feeds the horses, makes himself a bowl of Malt-o-Meal, and then we have prayer and scriptures and he leaves for Crane's. 

 It rained in Pinetop and Matt Hipps says it's too muddy to work so James won't be going over there to work today. So far it's been overcast here and we've heard some thunder, but no rain.

The Book of Mormon question today was about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. I challenged Joshua to share the gospel with Alana and Evan to share it with Mia. I invited Max to read the Book of Mormon with us and said I would send the reading assignment to him every day. He thought that was a great idea.

I made calico beans today. James had them for lunch and said it was the best lunch he's had for awhile. 

I love reading from "Looking Unto Christ in Every Thought" during my rest time.

Chelsea MacArthur texted me this afternoon and said Boone's game this evening was cancelled. I had planned on going and was a little disappointed because it was to be his last one. She said they handed out trophies on Monday when they weren't there and she seemed a little put out. 

I cleaned upstairs until my feet, knees and left arm hurt so much I had to quit. I had cukes, carrots, and bell pepper, with turkey sausage and a shake for dinner. After dinner I laid on the family room recliner to rest. Tom jumped up on me and we had a nice nap for about an hour. 

Jeff Crane came over and paid some of the construction bills he owes. 

It finally rained this evening and the pine trees smell so good. It is 65 degrees. Kim and Brian are coming up tomorrow. I hope it rains while they are here. James put on a jacket to go outside.

"What does worshipping God mean for you and me?"

- Elder D. Todd Christofferson, AGC 2025

D&C 72:3

And verily in this thing you have done wisely, for it is required of the LOrd, at the hand of every steward, to render an account of his stewardship, both in time and in eternity.

Out to have some family fun!

Elder Zemira Wilhelm & his companion 

serving in the Newport Beach, California mission

The grass is always greener over

the septic tank

The many poses of Tom

My 4th of July earrings