Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025: up @ 3:30, weighed 135, Cheryl's surprise party my frozen veggie tray, Pat sick oxygen @ 84, DG Market, Wlmrt, J @ Hipps's,

 

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Aug 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon

Alma 37:26-47

*What things does Alma ask Helaman to teach the people?

D&C

82:1-10

Come Follow Me

D&C 82:3 The Savior has given me much and requires much of me.

Video: Works of God

April General Conference

'Divine Helps for Mortality'

President Dallin H. Oaks

Lesson

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

Sister Tamara W. Runia

Liahona

A.S.K.

'Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Other

'Look unto Christ in Every Thought'

'The Infinite Atonement'

'Grace Where You Are'

Up at 3:30. I am now weighing 135 lbs. I started in February at 152 so I am down 17 lbs and only have 13 more to go. I am more than half way there. 

My friend Janna is throwing a surprise birthday party for Cheryl Sedig, her friend and our Relief Society president. I was asked to bring a veggie tray to the party. I bought two the other day and put them in the refrigerator in the garage. When I went to get them out today I realized that they were both frozen. I immediately turned the frig setting up. 

When I got to Janna's, Donna Beckham helped me. We ran water over the carrots, and broccoli and it seemed to be okay. The celery was mush and had to be thrown out. We ended up with mostly carrots. 

When Cheryl arrived we all sang Happy Birthday to her. She seemed a little embarrassed but managed to say "thank you." She later told Janna: "I hated it on the outside, but loved it on the inside."

Those who came to the party: Janna, Donna B., Teresa Smith, Debbie Schwarz, Rosie Lauritzen, Alicia Hunsaker, Amy Reynolds, Lorraine Vaught, Judy Hunter, someone I introduced myself to, her name was "Jo", Lynne Wallace, Teresa Hein, Cyndi Pronger, and Sally Sedig. Others may have come later. I left after talking to Cheryl and wishing her a happy birthday.

Pat, Janna's mom, wasn't able to be there because she is sick. She probably has pneumonia. Her oxygen level is around 84, even on oxygen. I missed seeing her. 

There was so much food to go with the main dish of pulled pork. Cyndi brought two pies with beautiful meringue on the top. Rosie made a cake, Lynne brought sweet potatoes, there were salads, etc.

I had some errands to run. I drove to DG Market in Linden because I wanted to get slippers for Pat and for Catherine. I got each of them a pair of slippers, and heart-shaped boxes and a doormat for outside our bedroom/deck door.

I went on to Walmart and bought ingredients for banana pudding which I am making for Owen & Charlotte Peeler who are coming to visit. There is a dinner and get together for them on Friday evening at Goodman's FRC (Family Recreation Center). I'm also making calico beans and I got ingredients to make Weight Watcher's vegetable soup. I ran in to Maxine and Gary Thompson. Maxine talked about Pat and I going to the temple next Tuesday and how she gave Pat a name to do. I hope Pat is well so we will be able to go.

Back at home my feet are hurting, my hands and neck. After I put my purchases away I took some Tramadol and Tylenol and turned on the heating pad and sat on the recliner for a rest.

James is at the Hipps's and doesn't get home until around 8 p.m. He got no help from Paul Peeler today. He was so tired when he came in. 

I am tired too but I finish my steps and work on my blog. I texted with Addy about Oreos and ducks. Would she please draw me another duck because my last one is fading away. 

I started a new book about WW II in Austria called, "The Heirs of Falcon Point." I am excited about this book!

I made a discovery today. Our refrigerator is not working. I unloaded the most critical things and put them in the refrigerator in the garage. Thank goodness for that second frig!

"For any listening who have (had or participated in) an abortion, please remember: Although we cannot change the past, God can heal the past."

- Elder Neil L. Andersen, AGC 2025

D&C 82:1

Verily, verily, I say unto you, my servants, that inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I, the Lord forgive you.

I swear these things are alive as they

dance across the garage floor.

New Provo temple across from the MTC,

I can't remember the official name.

It looks like Tom is waring Sammy to

keep his distance.

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025: Up @ 4:22, J finishes Virtuous Pain Center (VPC) papers before his appt. , Pat cancels our movie date she is sick, It's raining, high 65, J gets his own Tramadol, refrigerator making a funny noise, new bag, sciatic pillow, D's interview, freezer not working

 

Paris, France

156th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Book of Mormon

Alma 37:11-25

1. What did Alma give up to serve a mission besides his sins?

2. How can we do the most good to our fellow beings?

3. How does the Lord know you love Him?

Three questions. You can answer 3, or 2, or 1, or all, but please at least answer one.

D&C

82:14; 81:4-82 

Come Follow Me

D&C 81:4-5; 82:18-19 "Thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings."

April General Conference

'Joy Through Covenant Discipleship'

Elder John A. McCune

A.S.K.

'Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Lesson

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

Sister Tamara W. Runia

Other

"Follow Him"

"Grace Where You Are"

Forgiveness scripture

Up at 4:22 and so was James. Part of our "Come Follow Me" lesson today was a video about when President Monson was a bishop and a family who were refugees from Germany moved in to his ward. Their friend had found them a bare bones apartment that lacked any kind of warmth. President Monson took the problem to the ward council and everyone said they could do something. The result was a beautiful, warm home with even a Christmas tree to welcome the family. It was so heart-warming and made me wish I could be a part of such a project.

James has an appointment at the Virtuous Pain Center today. From now on I'm calling it the VPC. He finished up the paperwork they said had to be done before his appointment. He came home with his own Tramadol and he has another appointment on August 19th at which time he will probably get a cortisone shot or some pain meds. They want him to get some more MRI's and CT scans to determine what is causing the pain. He did feel like he was going to be getting some help from. 

Janna texted me and said her mom, Pat, wouldn't be able to go to the movies with me today because she is sick and needs to go to the doctor. We were going to go see, "How To Train Your Dragon."

It is raining, o blessed day! We got some good solid rain today, off and on, all day. The high was around 65. 

I spent most of the day working on my blog. I blogged Sunday, July 13th but it took me a long time because that is the Sunday we were in the valley. I also walked over 10,000 steps and did chores throughout the day. 

I noticed the refrigerator was making a funny noise and then later James discovered that the freezer wasn't working. We had to take everything out of it and put everything in the two freezers in the garage. 

Darrel had a phone interview with the hospital in Shiprock. When I asked him out it went he said he thought it went well.

I got a my new Sunday bag in the mail today. I also got the sciatic pillow I ordered but I am sending it back because I already got my money back on my credit card because it took so long to get here.

I want to share Evan's answer to the scripture question today:

Question: (There were 3 questions. Evan chose to answer question #3.) The third question stands out to me the most, how does the Lord know I love him? Alma teaches that the Lord preserves His people and guides them when they keep HIs commandments. In general, the Lord know we love Him when we choose Him over everything else, even when it's hard. He knows we love Him when we turn away from sin, keep our covenants and let him guide our choices, not just our feelings. Sometimes I wonder if my small efforts are enough to show the Lord I love Him. But He sees every prayer I whisper, every time I choose kindness over anger, every time I keep trying when I want to give up. He sees when I open my scriptures seeking to know Him better. These daily choices, even when small, are how I show I love Him.

"Draw near Christ by always remembering Him. Seek Him diligently through scripture study."

- Henry B. Eyring, AGC 2025

D&C 81:6

And if thou art faithful unto the end thou shalt have a crown of immortality, and eternal life in the mansions which I have prepared in the house of my Father.

The Hatch's are home!

Lola's 1st day of 6th grade was yesterday

Ruby is a Junior this year

My new Sunday bag

Up @ 3:59, An exciting day, Baby Benson Child's birthday! J's heatrubs, printer not working, I fixed it, new puzzle, Tom sleeps, Max's answer, J & P work on fence, Doctor's appt., worried abt. J's cough

 

Hartford, Connecticut

155th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Book of Mormon

Alma 36:25-37:10

*How has God delivered you from your trials?

D&C

81:1-3

Come Follow Me

D&C 81-83 "Where Much is Given Much Is Required" 

Introduction

Newel K. Whitney and the United Firm, 'Revelation in Context'

Jesse Gause Counselor to the Prophet, 'Revelation in Context'

April General Conference

'Eternity's Great Gifts: Jesus Christ's Atonement, Resurrection & Restoration' Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Atonement

'The Infinite Atonement'

Lesson

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

Sister Tamara W. Runia

Other

'The Holy Covenants' Anthony Sweat, "The Taste of Eternity"

A.S.K. - 'Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior' Elder Dale G. Renlund

Liahona

'Follow Him' Eva Witesman

'Look Unto Christ'

Up at 3:59. I am always happy when I am a little ahead of the game. Today is an exciting day. Baby Benson McKay Child is coming down from heaven to bless our family. I was so excited to receive Kacey's text and pictures after Benson was born:

Mom and baby are doing well, 8 lbs. 4 oz.

Congratulations!!

So precious!

I know I showed photos yesterday of James hanging my yoke but it actually happened today. My friend Janna has a cricket machine. We are going to put under the yoke the scripture reference Matthew 11:28-30. We aren't going to do the text itself because there isn't enough room.

I found a place for my larger picture of the Savior.

I am happy with this arrangement.

James worked on getting a bill ready to present to the Crane's. The printer isn't working which is driving us both crazy. One of my goals for the day was to get it fixed. With some online help I was able to get it up and running again so James can print out his invoice to the Crane's and I can print my lesson for Sunday. 

Oh yes, and then there is James's letter to Rowan which I typed and printed out today so we could mail it to him. It is 2 1/2 type written pages long.

I worked on my new puzzle today, just a little bit here and there. "Out of small things proceedeth that which is great."

Tom slept most of the day, part of the time by James as is his habit.

Sleeping buddies only Tom's awake

The only person answering today's scripture question was Max. He gave a great answer:

Question: How has God delivered you from your trials?

Max: Alma felt relief and rescue after he was visited by an angel of God and could not speak, hear, or move his limbs for 3 days. It was only after he remembered and acknowledged his many sins that he felt them washed away through the forgiveness and mercy of God. I especially like Alma 36:15 where he expresses his fear of even being in the presence of God, for it was this fear that led him astray. This resonates with me. Once I let go of my fear and realized God is merciful I became a lot less burdened in the struggle of day to day life. God has delivered me from my trials in a similar way to Alma. He revealed his presence to me, not from an angel, but in looking at my many mistakes, just as Alma did in those 3 days. I sorrow from what bad decisions I've made, but also feel great joy at the opportunity for redemption. I believe I can only become the best version of myself once I accept the mistakes I made, as Alma did, and hold myself accountable for what I did wrong. God revealed the error in my ways. He showed me I can be happy with less. He is enough. I am enough. This life is not everything. The things of the world mean very little to me. Yes, I need them to survive, and I want to make my family proud, and eventually have one of my own. Family is what matters. Family and the betterment of one's self through God. These are everlasting. (This makes me tear up a little. What a sweetheart Max is!)

James and Paul did a little work on the fence today. It has been neglected for quite some time and there is still a lot more work to do when James is not so busy working for other people.

James and I both made doctors appointments today. I am seeing Dr. Craig Brady on August 7th about swelling in my feet, my heart rate in the mornings, and a prescription for thyroid meds and Tramadol.

James is seeing Dr. Sean Smithson on August 14th. I'm not sure all of the things he will be addressing at that time. He has so many issues.

I asked Rowan on his private thread today if he had a testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the gospel. He never answered me. I sent each one of the R.E.J. boys a private text but Evan was the only one who answered me. 

I am worried about James. He has a horrible cough. It may be those pains meds he was taking. He went off of them so I hope the cough disappears.

"Seek to understand the opportunity to link everything we do with our love for the Savor."

- Elder Ricardo P. Giminez, AGC 2025

O Happy Day!

Now Charlie wants a

little brother.

 

Sunday, July 20th, 2025: Up @ 4:25, shake & pills, then prayer, devotional & marinate chicken before church, Alders moving, Tom Peralta's son passes away, Oksana, Bro. Lauritzen teaches SS, J grills chicken, J answers Rowan's questions, J cuts my hair

 

Star Valley, Wyoming

154th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct 2016

By: David A. Bednar

Book of Mormon

Alma 36:1-24

*Can you relate to Alma's conversion story? What delivered him?

Come Follow Me

D&C 79-80 The call to serve God matters more than where I serve.

"Called to the Work" David A. Bednar, AGC 2017

April General Conference

'Compensating Blessings'

Bishop Gerald Causse

Lesson

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

Tamara W. Runia

Up at 4:25. Breakfast first so I can take my pills. Prayer, Book of Mormon - R.E.J. Prayer with James, Come Follow Me, and Book of Mormon with James. I also marinated some chicken before going to church. 

James and I wore yellow and black to church today. We have started this matching thing. 

Oksana came over to say hello before sacrament meeting and gave me a hug. I introduced her to James. 

Today is high councilman Sunday. David Skousen, Chris Skousen's brother was our visiting high councilman. His speaking companion, Sister Cavey from the stake primary presidency. 

Before speaking Brother Skousen took care of some stake business, releasing President Alder from the stake presidency. President Smithson was released as second counselor and called as first counselor. Merlin G. Larsen was called as second counselor. Sister Alder was released as the stake music director. I guess the Alders are moving back to the valley. We will certainly miss them here in our stake.

Sister Cavey talked about receiving God's greatest gift. Eternal life is God's greatest gift through the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of

 need. Christ can transform us. Good works allow God to change us and it is a way for us to show our love for Him. 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Mosiah 5:2 ... we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.

David Skousen Gifts Heavenly Father has blessed us with from the talk by President Oaks, "Divine Helps for Mortality." 

1.) We know where we came from and why we are here. Lucifer's plan was rejected and many followed him. 2 Nephi 2:11 - There must needs be opposition in all things. If you've never known the good you can never know the bad. 

2.) God's provision of a Savior, Jesus Christ, who would suffer to pay the price and provide forgiveness for repentance of sins. 

3.) The Resurrection 

4.) The light or Spirit of Christ. 

5.) Commandments.

6.) Manifestations of the Holy Ghost.

7.) The gift of the Holy Ghost.

God is ever the Giver and we are His humble recipients.

Cress is here but she is in a lot of pain. I am proud of her for coming though. Brother Peralta's handicapped son passed away this week. Before he passed he said to his dad: "Dad, did you know that Jesus has white hair?" Barbara Tignor called me after church and asked if I would put Chloe Mack's name on the temple prayer roll because she was crying because her uncle passed away. I said I would, and I did. Chloe is Tom's granddaughter. 

Brother Lauritzen taught gospel doctrine. I sat on the front row with James on one side of me and Catherine Halcomb on the other. Catherine said to me during the lesson: "I can't hear a thing." It must be so frustrating for her. She does have an appointment in the valley this week to see an audiologist. 

I thought Brother Lauritzen did a fantastic job teaching D&C 76 and I told him so. I also told him that James decided we could take the marriage and parenting class he is going to teach beginning on August 3rd. 

I saw Collin and Wendy DeWitt before Sunday School started. Collin was talking to me about the Garfield Gang. Wendy came in and then left. Colling followed shortly thereafter. I am not sure what the problem was. 

When we got home James grilled the chicken I marinated this morning, and I heated up some green beans and corn. James left the chicken on the grill a little too long and he didn't use the meat thermometer like he did last time, so the chicken was a little dry, but still tasted good. I made a root beer freeze using A&W Zero, a vanilla protein shake and some ice. It was good.

James is answering Rowan's questions about no Book of Mormon evidence in the Bible, why do prophets contradict each other, and why was there an apostasy. I asked what Rowan meant by why do prophets contradict each other and he said he was referring to the Adam God theory that Brigham Young talked about. 

James's letter to Rowan is super long and I will type it for him tomorrow.

James cut my hair. I asked him to layer it a little bit in the back and he ended up tapering it. It is different than what I wanted but I still like it. I needed something new.

I did two blogposts today, July 10th & 11th. I watched the John Tanner story while I was blogging. He was an amazing man who helped financially with the building of the Kirtland temple. Jared Carter, the missionary who baptized him, healed his leg.

"As we turn to Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, He rescues us from the storms of life through the Atonement."

- Elder Quentin L. Cook, AGC 2025

D&C 78:22

And he that is a faithful and wise steward shall inherit all things. Amen.

Notes

"Doubt your doubts, before you doubt your faith."

-Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, OGC 2013

My yoke. It is small, like a lamb yoke,

because I want to be yoked to the

Lamb of God.

Tom and James yet again

This is the pain med James has been taking.

When he saw these side effects, he quit.

Couch buddies

Cluff Reunion.

Tammy, her older sister, Val, and Colleen.

I knew their mom well and most of the 9 kids.

 

Saturday, July 19th, 2025: Up @ 3:55 to a wet world! Yes, it's raining, J's heat trtment aftr 2 talks on gratitude, Viktor Frankl, hurt knee, dislocated finger, cut on face from rusty saw blade, torn miniscus, HD, ER, Wlmrt, home nap w/ Tom, James walks

 

Fort Collins, Colorado

153rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Oct 2016

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon

Alma 35:1-16

*How are the people in Jershon an example of charity?

D&C

80:3; 80:1-5

Come Follow Me

D&C 78:19 I can receive all things with thankfulness.

'Grateful in Any Circumstance' DFU, AGC 2014

April General Conference

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

Sister Tamara W. Runia

Other

Liahona

Look unto Christ...

Forgiving

The Holy Covenants

Up at 3:55 to a wet world. Yes, it's raining! 

I gave James his heat treatment this morning because he was in so much pain. 

Our "Come Follow Me" lesson today was about gratitude in any circumstance. This is what James had to say about it. "It's hard to be grateful when you hurt so much." It made me sad to hear how much pain he is in.

In my book, "Look Unto Christ in Every Thought" I read about Viktor Frankl's experience in the Auschwitz concentration camp during the Holocaust. "Who we become and what we overcome is the result of what we think."

James hurt his knee yesterday at work. Today he was unloading the tools out of his truck so we could go buy some trees and flowers when he tripped. He dislocated his finger. It was turned almost backwards and he put it back in the socket. He also cut his cheek on a saw blade. He came in the house and called: "Karen, I need your help." When I saw him the side of his face was covered in blood. He has a big gash on his right cheek. I cleaned him up and put a bandaid on his face. I wished I had a splint to put on his finger but there isn't anything like that in my new first aid kit. 

We were on our way to town when James showed me a picture of the saw blade he cut his cheek on. I said: "You have go to go to the ER and get a tetanus shot. He agreed and said he also wanted a splint for his finger and some pain pills. 

When we got to town we went to Home Depot first because James thought they would have the two trees he needed to replace the ones of ours that died. They did not but I bought some potting soil and two marigold plants to go in my "pumpkin" containers. Next we went over to Lowe's but they were out of trees too. James didn't feel like going to the nursery. He wanted to go to the ER. I dropped him off and then I went over to do my grocery shopping at Walmart. 

The ER did x-rays and they think he has a torn meniscus in his knee, a CT scan of his head. They were going to release him and he reminded them that he came in for a tetanus shot, so they gave him one. He did not ask for pain pills or a stint for his finger. I am no sure why. I probably should have stayed with him. He said he had pain pills at home besides Tramadol. Okay I said.

When we returned home I took a nap with Tom while James walked.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is growing in members and families, missions and missionaries, meeting houses and temples."

- Elder Ronald A. Rasband, AGC 2025

D&C 78:21

For ye are the Church of the Firstborn, and He will take you up in a cloud, and appoint every man his portion.

Notes

"Gratitude in Any Circumstance" Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

*Do we drink from the Bottle of Bitterness or the Goblet of Gratitude?

*With an eye of faith we can look beyond our everyday circumstances trusting we will one day understand the circumstances of life.

"The Healing Power of Gratitude" by President Russell M. Nelson

*In everything give thanks.

1. God on social media and start a gratitude journals using #givethanks.

2. Remember that prayer brings forth miracles.

My new chair doesn't match but

it fits right in.

The grill was a mess after cooking smash burgers on it

so James cleaned it. He does a good job!

My new slippers. I'm not sure why one is so white and

the other one looks dingy. I guess it's the lighting.

There is just something about a heart-shaped

glass box to put earrings in.

Nap time

Friday, July 18th 2025: Up @ 4:20, J's going to Crane's to help put on the sub-roofing, Came home and slept, J's lunch: Calico beans, roast, green beans, carrots, Dinner: banana pudding, cleaned grill, J went to Hipps's, sad story about Armando, "Simply Anna"

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

152nd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Sep 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Book of Mormon

Alma 34:17-41

D&C

78:16-79

Come Follow Me

D&C 78:17-18 The Lord will lead me along.

*What kinds of things should we pray for?

April General Conference

'Participate to Prepare for Christ's Return'

Elder Steven D. Shumway

Lesson

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

Sister Tamara W. Runia

Other

Liahona

'The Holy Covenants'

"Follow Him"

Up at 4:20. James was up at 4:30. I was already saying my prayers.

James is going to the Crane's to finish up the sub-roofing this morning. Hopefully Jeff doesn't ask James to put on the metal roofing but I'm sure if he does, James will do it. 

James came home and slept several hours after working. It is peaceful and quiet here today.

James's lunch: calico beans, roast, green beans, and carrots. For dinner he had banana pudding. I'm not sure what else. How does he stay so skinny?

I got a text from Michelle Beckham today. She said, thank you for my card, it was so nice of you to think of me. I wish now I had given her a better card. Michelle always helps me carry in my food or gift, whatever I have at Bunco. She is very kind and helpful.

I did two blog posts today, July 6 & 7. I wrote a text to Joshua about sharing the gospel with Alana. Rowan has questions about Restoration doctrine. He said Elder Bednar's talks just made him have more questions. So far he hasn't shared what the Restoration doctrine he has an issue with. There is something from the Restoration he doesn't want to teach that is why he is conflicted about filling out his mission papers. Max gave such a sweet answer to today's question and Adam gave a good answer too.

Question: What kinds of things should we pray for?

Max: I do not know if there are specific things to pray for. Perhaps just what we are feeling at the time or struggling with, we can thank God for all of our blessings of course, for it is important to not forget them, but as far as what to ask for I would say not for things of the world, but for spiritual strength and courage to help us overcome our obstacles.

Adam: It says everything, but hones in on the needy, wanting and those who need help or hurt.

I cleaned the grill this evening. James went to Hipps's and got home while I was outside finishing up. He asked me to go with him to return Owen Taylor's harness that he borrowed. He told James a sad story about Armando. He has his kids staying with him and his dad put an eviction order on his front door. Evidently his house belongs to his dad. 

I have a new puzzle to work on and a new book I am listening to. 

"Simply Anna" is the name of the book by Jennifer Moore. It takes place in Jamaica back when the British owned land there.

"The Master Healer will heal all our afflictions - physical and emotional - in His time."

- President Camille N. Johnson, AGC 2025

D&C 78:20

Wherefore, do the things which I have commanded you, saith your Redeemer, even the Son of Ahman, who prepareth all things before he taketh you:

This is Evie, Denise's granddaughter and Rachel's daughter.

Her 8th birthday party

Our kitty couch

The Grombach's and the Beckham's at the

24th of July celebration at the

Taylor rodeo.

My new puzzle