Friday, August 15th, 2025: Up @ 3:15, one of the worst nights of my life! Beautiful rainy day, called temple about being sealed to my parents, I fall, temple session & appt. for sealing on my birthday, Karen Gilliland: "Can I crash the party?"

 

Brasilia, Brazil

180th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Sep 2023

By: Neil L. Andersen

Book of Mormon

Alma 51:1-12

* What happens when people are divided?

- Abraham Lincoln said: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." 

Just before the Savior carried out the Atonement he pled for unity:

'That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us.'

The Savior knows that contention divides and weakens marriages, families, friends, neighbors, wards, and nations.

Elder Marvin J. Ashton taught about the negative effects of contention in "No Time for Contention" (April 1978). Elder Ashton shared these ideas for alleviating contention:

1.) Pray to have the love of God in your heart. The Spirit of the Lord can soften hard feelings and mellow a callous spirit.

2.) Learn to control you tongue. 'Think twice before you speak and three times before you act.'

3.) Don't allow emotions to take over, rather reason togehter.

4.) Refuse to get embroiled in the same old patterns of argument and confrontation.

5.) Practice speaking in a soft, calm voice.

D&C

88:86-102

Come Follow Me

D&C 88:67-76  I can become clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

April General Conference

'Thou Art the Christ'

Sister Amy A. Wright

Others

Priesthood Power

Lesson: "Faith: A Bond of Trust and Loyalty" Elder Roman

A.S.K. - "What Lack I Yet?" Elder Larry Lawrence, OGC 2015

Liahona

 21 Days Closer to Christ - Day #15

'The Second Coming of the Lord'

Up @ 3:15. Oh my, this was one of the worst nights of my life. I dreamed of James being in love with some 20 year old. I also had severe pain in my right hip because of the bed. James flipped the mattress yesterday. This side is so hard. I took Tramadol, Lyrica, and moved to the family room recliner where I could use the heating pad. 

I had my Perk which always gets me going in the morning. It was a beautiful rainy day. 

Number one on my To Do List today was to call the temple and find out what I need to do to be sealed to my parents. I spoke with Brother Gardner in the records office. They need to have been sealed, check. I need to bring in a family group sheet. Brother Gardener told me where to go to find it on family search and I ran one off. 

I had an appointment at the temple today for the 3:30 endowment session where I was meeting my friend Ruth Gale. In my excitement to get to the temple early I was walking quickly down the hallway at home in my new pink dress when the toe off my dress shoe caught on the step going up to the kitchen and I fell. I yelled for James to please come and help me get up. I skinned both elbows and one knee but didn't hurt anything else except my pride. James said: "You aren't going to go now are you?" I said, "Yes, now more than ever!"

 I did leave a little early so I could go to the records office to make an appointment and to give them my family group sheet. 

This sister who helped me was very kind. I told her I wanted to make an appointment to be sealed to my deceased parents on Tuesday, August 19th because it is my birthday. She asked me if 2:30 would work and I said that would be fine. She told me I would need to be at the temple at 2:00 and someone would be waiting for me downstairs. She asked me if I had a particular sealer I would like to do the sealing. I told her I didn't know anyone and then she mentioned Brother Gilliland. I said, "Oh yes, he would be perfect. He is in my stake and I am friends with his wife." Brother Gilliland it is and I am delighted. He is the former president of the Phoenix temple. 

While Ruth, Jewel Turley (Ruth's friend), and I were waiting for our session to begin I mentioned to Ruth that I was being sealed to my parents on Tuesday and Brother Gilliland would be the sealer. Karen Gilliland, my friend, happened to be sitting in front of me. She turned around and said: "Who is Brother Gilliland sealing on Tuesday. I told her I was being sealed to my parents and she said: "Can I crash the party?" I told her I would love it if she came.

I am getting excited about it and I am so glad I made that phone call this morning. 

After our session I said goodbye to Ruth and Jewell. We had decided earlier not to go out to eat. 

I was home by 6:00 instead of 7:00 because we didn't go out to eat. I cook myself a smash burger and fill the house with smoke. James comes in from outside and I apologize for the smoke saying I really miss our stove's built in fan that is broke. He promises he will get it fixed. He said the refrigerator repairman was a no-show but will be here tomorrow at 10 a.m. 

I finish my steps and work a little on my puzzle, which helps me to relax. James is a little cranky about getting my phone so late. (This is before we realize he can download the Deseret BookPlus app on his phone).  I chastise him. He apologizes later and so do I. 

Before going to bed I text Joshua and say: "Joshua, you are breaking my heart." I am determined tomorrow that I will express my love to Rowan. I also ask both Rowan and Joshua if they got their birthday cards. 

I finished one blog post and then went in to take a shower. I'm just too tired to do anymore. James and I are in bed a little after 9. I love my "cot" mattress.

Willy was here today and told James how much he loved the soup and Italian bread. He wants Janna to get the recipe from me.

"In our covenant bond with the Father, He is ever the Giver and we the humble recipient.

- Elder Patrick Kearon, AGC 2025

D&C 88:124

Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.

Ro's trip: String Lake

Yesterday was Rowan's 19th birthday

Addy posted this.

Clouds over Montoso

 Charlie enjoying a book

Tom enjoying our new quilt

Thursday, August 14th, 2025: Happy 19th Birthday Joshua! Up @ 2:25, new pink dress fits, Ro's vacation, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier, lasagna soup for Willy G., snickerdoodles, my puzzle, repairman lost will come tomorrow, J flips our mattress,

Saratoga Springs, Utah

179th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Aug 2023

By: Henry B. Eyring

Book of Mormon

Alma 50:21-40

* Why was there never a happier time among the people of Nephi (v. 23). 

"Faithfulness to God brings happiness, even amid turmoil."

D&C

88:67-85

Come Follow Me

D&C 88:62-64 "Draw near unto me."

HBE's AGC 2025 address

April General Conference

'And We Talk of Christ'

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Inklings

Talk: 'Participate to Prepare for Christ's Return'

Elder Steven D. Shumway

Scripture: D&C 84:106

Word: Serve

Phrase: "Who did you bring with you?"

Affirmation: "I am willing. I have a divine mission in mortality, and I choose to fulfill it as I seek personal revelation and willingly serve in my calling, relationship and community." 

Happy 19th Birthday Joshua!

Stacy's cake

Kim's cake

Up at 2:25. My new pink dress fits! Perk so I'm alert. 

For his graduation trip Rowan wanted to go to Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and Glacier National park. His birthday was on the 10th and Darrel & Trina's anniversary was on the 8th. They all left to celebrate at the three national parks and had a blast. Trina said these are the most beautiful places she has ever been. Because Rowan has been gone, he hasn't answered any of the scripture questions. Some of the pictures they have taken have been pretty incredible!

We got some rain this morning. James ask me to come out and sit on the front porch with him to enjoy it. We sat on the porch, watched it rain and enjoyed the wonderful smells.

I made lasagna soup for lunch and then had James take a pot over to Willy with some buttered Italian bread and snickerdoodle cookies. Willy loved the soup and said he wanted Janna to get the recipe from me. He said the bread was amazing!

I love working on my puzzle. These Ben-Ben puzzles with the letters on the back are the only puzzles I want to do. 

The repairman who was coming out to look at our refrigerator, Mike at "Just Whistle" got lost. James sent him a detailed map and he said he would try again tomorrow. 

I had to take a couple of naps today because I got up so early. 

Joshua turned 19 today. He will be getting the Melchizedek priesthood on August 24th. That's the day I teach my RS lesson. I am going to see if Amy Reynolds will trade with me.

I love days like this, cool, overcast, rain, and the opportunity to stay home and enjoy it. I finished two blogposts today and wrote up "Tender Mercies" or "Spiritually Defining Memories" for five days in my "Spiritual Defining Memories" journal. 

Since I didn't take notes during "Follow Him" because we were in the car, I decided to make a list of my favorite D&C 88 scriptures. There are so many! It's going to take awhile to go over all of them since there are 141 verses in section 88. 

I listened to President Eyring's talk, "Draw Near Unto Me" today. He has the best quote:

"Many of you have loved ones who are wandering off the path to eternal life. You wonder what more you can do to bring them back. You can depend on the Lord to draw closer to them as you serve Him in faith."

I am clinging to this quote!

I called Kim today as she and Brian are coming up either tomorrow or Saturday and told her about our refrigerator being out. I told her we had all of our food in the small refrigerator in the garage. She was quite concerned as they always bring up a lot of food plus she is making my birthday cake up here. I told her I would clean the frig and send her a picture so she could see if she thought they would have enough room. Here is the picture I sent:

Kim said this would work

After my nightly shower I always put on Amber Romance lotion. I am out so I am not going to smell as good as I normally do.

I loved Inklings with Emily and Elain Dalton today. They discussed Elder Shumway's talk and how our callings prepare us for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. 

"Daily repentance will bring humility to our hearts."

- Eder Christopher H. Kim, AGC 2025

D&C 88:122

Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesman at once, but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.

Baby Benson

Today's sunrise

Tom practicing walking on the railing

 

Wednesday, August 13th, 2025: Up @ 3:40, It's going to be a great day! CFM - law & light both come from Jesus Christ, love letter to Joshua, Karen S. card & chat, J&P fence, Circle K, Wlmrt, snickerdoodles, MacArthur's postpone

 

Helena, Montana

178th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2023

By: Gary E. Stevenson

Book of Mormon

Alma 50:1-20

* I will prepare to withstand temptation by . . .

* I will stand firm when . . .

"It is better to prepare and prevent than to repair and repent." - President Ezra Taft Benson

D&C

88:42-66

Come Follow Me

D&C 88:6-67 Light and law come from Jesus Christ.

Timothy J. Dyches, "Light Cleaveth Unto Light", AGC 2021

Sharon Eubanks, "Christ: The Light That Shines in Darkness", AGC 2019

April General Conference

"By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Lesson

"Faith: A Bond of Trust and Loyalty"

Elder Sandino Roman

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

'The Infinite Atonement'

A.S.K.

'What Lack I Yet'?

Elder Larry Lawrence

Other

21 Days Closer to Christ #13

The Second Coming of the Savior Jesus Christ

Liahona

Up at 3:40. Oh boy, it's going to be a great day! James seems to be feeling a little better. 

Our "CFM" lesson today was about light and law. Both light and law come from Jesus Christ.

I prayed about Joshua and how he is refusing to answer my question about why he has chosen not to serve a mission. The answer I received was to tell him how much I love him, which I did. Still no response. In the mean time, Evan gave one of his best answers ever to the scripture question today. 

I got an e-birthday card from my friend Karen Schneider today. I thanked her for it and we visited for awhile. It is always nice to connect with good friends.

The MacArthur's were scheduled to come over for FHE at 6. I had my day all planned. My computer was doing an update this morning so I barely got started on my blog post when it was time to go to town. I left at 11. James and Paul were still working on the fence. 

My first stop was at Circle K where I got .25 cents off a gallon for my  gas. At Walmart I got the ingredients for two lasagna soup recipes and a loaf of Italian bread. I'm taking soup to Willy tomorrow and I always/sometimes like to have enough to make two batches. I love that this recipe includes fresh basil. I bought a fresh basil plant and it smells so good. 

I was home before 2. James carried in my groceries for me. He is drilling a hole in the wall under the bathroom sink trying to find the plug in for the refrigerator so he doesn't have to pull it out from the wall. It's hard to do without taking the door off because the island is in the way.  As he is doing this project I remind him that we are having the MacArthur's over tonight and we will need access to this bathroom. 

As soon as the groceries are put away I begin making a batch of snickerdoodle cookies for tonight. We are having FHE with the MacArthur's. I thought to text Chelsea just to make sure she remembered about coming over. Here is the answer I got:

I have been getting ready for a vendor show at the Payson rodeo tomorrow and it's been a little crazy. I'm not sure we can make it tonight and I'll be out of town until Sunday. Can we reschedule for early next week possibly? I'm so sorry! I didn't even know what day it was.

Me: It's okay. Does Monday work for you?

Chelsea: Yes, Monday will be perfect and I'll make sure to keep it in my calendar! What time?

Me: 6. A FHE lesson refreshments and a game.

Well, I'm embarrassed to say I had to cancel Monday because Kim, Brian and Sheri were here and we were going to Charlie Clark's for dinner. We still need to do our FHE.

I decided to take short break on the family room recliner. Tom climbs up on me and James takes my phone. I am at their mercy. I take a nap, finish my puzzle, listen to part B of "Follow Him", shower, and go to bed.

"Through the matchless power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, you can be made whole again."

D&C 88:19

For after it hath filled the measure of its creation, it shall be crowned with glory, even with the presence of God the Father.

I know I'm obsessed

Family Birthday Calendar needs an update

I looked all over for my straw. I finally

gave up and then realized Tom was 

playing with it. Needless to say I got

a new straw.

Tuesday, August 12th, 2025: 4:30 from a plug to a racehorse, love egg bites Trina, "To Be a Jew" J miserable, Hipps's to get Cat, 12,000 steps contact paper on picnic table, love D&C 88

Richmond, Virginia

177th operating temple

Dedicated: 7 May 2023

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Book of Mormon

Alma 49:9-30

* Why is it important to be aware of our weaknesses? (Ether 12:27) 

* Select one thing you are doing to strengthen yourself spiritually or one thing you are not doing. What could you do to increase the effectiveness of that activity to strengthen yourself against evil? (Evil can be anything that takes us away from God and His goodness).

D&C

88:17-41

Come Follow Me

D&C 88 Jesus Christ offers me peace.

April General Conference

'True to the Faith that Our Parents Have Cherished'

Elder Hans T. Boom

Lesson

'Faith: A Bond of Trust and Loyalty'

Elder Samoan Roman

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

'The Infinite Atonement'

Other

Liahona - "Who Wants To Please the Lord Today?"

A.S.K. - "What Lack I Yet?" - Elder Larry Lawrence, OGC 2015

21 Days Closer to Christ - #12 The Gift

The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ

Up at 4:30. I feel like I have gone from a plug to a race horse since my injections yesterday. I am so grateful. I am also grateful to Trina for introducing me to egg bites. They are so yummy! 

In the book I am reading, "To Be a Jew" I love how the Jewish people feel about the Sabbath. "The observant Jew holds a special love for the Sabbath. To persons looking in from the outside, the Sabbath might appear to be restrictive. Yet experienced from within, it is just the reverse. It serves as a glorious release from weekday concerns, routine pressures, and even secular recreation. It is a day of peaceful tranquility, inner joy and spiritual uplift, accompanied by song and cheer." There are 35 pages in the book devoted to the Sabbath.

Evan expressed to me why he is not serving a mission right now. Joshua still hasn't answered me. I am praying for him.

I felt good today because of my injections but James is still miserable. The doctor at the pain center won't write him another prescription for Tramadol until he comes in again. He has an appointment on the 19th so he has to wait until then. In the meantime he is using mine. It's okay because I only too 2 today instead of my usual 6.

James went to Hipps's today to get his Cat. He and Paul Peeler were going to work on the fence but I reminded him that we need to work on fixing the refrigerator. Kim and Brian are coming this weekend and they always use the frig in the garage which is now full of our food. 

I worked hard today and accomplished most of my goals. including walking over 12,000 steps and putting contact paper on the picnic table. James and I ate both breakfast and lunch together today, something that is highly unusual. We love the new chicken "hotdogs" we bought. 

I am a little discouraged because no one from R.E.J. answered the scripture question for today. 

I am loving D&C 88!

"The real destination of discipleship is literally to become as Jesus Christ."

- Elder Michael B. Strong, AGC 2025

D&C 88:14

Now, verily I say unto you, that through the redemption  which is made for you is brought to pass the resurrection from the dead.

Baby Benson

Sammy Lou

Mt. Montoso

 

Joshua's baptism & confirmation

August 2014

YMGP Released

 

Monday, August 11th, 2025: Up @ 4:30, BM - REJ, Max & Adam answer, message to Evan abt serving a mission, leave for valley @ 6:30 Payson, AARA @ 10-Dr Kumar, 4 injections, Culver's Costco, Chandler Eyecare, no mom, Sam's Club, trip home, smoke, rain by Cibecue, 10,000 steps, James doesn't sent letter, mail J's card

 

San Juan, Puerto Rico

176th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Jan 2023

By: D. Todd Christofferson

Book of Mormon

Alma 48:19-49:8

* While Amalickiah was stirring up a Lamanite army to go to battle, Captain Moroni was fortifying the cities of the Nephites. Captain Moroni's preparations to withstand the Lamanites can be likened to over need to prepare for Satan's attacks on us.

* What did the Lamanites do when they saw that Ammonihah had been fortified?

* What can we do to fortify ourselves against Satan's attacks?

"Satan is our greatest enemy and works night and day to destroy us. But we need not become paralyzed with fear of Satan's power. He can have no power over us unless we permit it. He is really a coward, and if we stand firm he will retreat." - President James E. Faust

D&C

88:1-16

Come Follow Me

"Establish ... a House of God"

D&C 88

April General Conference

'True to the Faith that Our Parents Have Cherished'

Elder Hans T. Boom

I got up at 4:30 and read from the Book of Mormon, sent off the R.E.J. question, had my prayers, and sent a message to Evan about serving a mission. I noticed that Max and Adam both answered yesterday's scripture questions. 

We left for the valley around 6:30, going through Payson. We arrived at AARA at 10. My appointment being at 10:15, I was on time. Dr. Kumar gave me 4 injections, one in each knee and one in each shoulder. She is my new hero! I asked her when she became a doctor. She said she graduated from medical school in 2012. I asked, "you mean when you were 12?" She just laughed. She looks so very young and is quite adorable, in my eyes anyway. I am also grateful for modern medicine.

James went to Culver's and got his cod fillet sandwich while he was waiting for me. He was back by the time I was finished. We made our way across the street to Costco, mainly to get James's Pom juice. He uses it as a preventive measure against cancer. Costco no longer carries the Pom juice. The associate I asked said they would be coming out with their own brand but it was not yet available. James suggested we check Sam's Club before going home. Good idea.

Here at Costco we bought: oat milk, egg bites, chicken sausage, protein shakes with no lactose, and blueberries. I'm so glad we brought our ice chest. Before leaving we bought gas for $2.59 a gallon. 

From Costco we went to Chandler Eyecare. I have "Spiritual Defining Memories" notebooks to give Sheri and Addy to go along with Elder Roman's talk that we just studied. We also visited with Cayli and Sariah. Ben was not there because he was sick. Sheri said she had an appointment this afternoon to take him to see a gastro-intestinal doctor. Everyone thinks he is lactose intolerant but he won't accept it. He loves cheese and chocolate milk too much. Addy's hair looked so cute. I wish I would have taken a picture!

We said goodbye and headed out to go have a visit with James's mom. I called Cathi and she said that mom was asleep and wouldn't be up until after 1:30. It was around 11:30. We said we didn't want to wake her and we would see her next time. We appreciate so much the care that Cathi and Terry are giving her. 

Our next stop before going home is at the Sam's Club on Market St. in Gilbert. We hit the jackpot and James was able to get his Pom juice. We also bought 3 comforters as gifts for Christmas, a cantaloupe, a pineapple, cucumbers, and two loaves of Dave's small bread. Time to go home.

This time we went through Globe and only had to stop a couple of times for construction. There was a fire near Cibeque, we could see the smoke ... but there was also rain, and it looked like there had been lots of it. I am grateful the Lord sent rain where it was needed the most even if we didn't get any in Vernon. 

When we got home I made myself some dinner: two egg bites, cheese, cucumbers, blueberries and a shake. After eating I had the energy to get the rest of my 10,000 steps. Next I sat on the family room recliner and read from, "Look Unto Christ in Every Thought", and "To Be a Jew." I fell asleep. Tom joins me. James took my phone to listen to his book while he got his steps. 

My tender mercy today was listening to Noelle Pickus Pace on "Follow Him." 

We mailed Joshua's birthday card in Show Low on the way home. James had decided not to mail the letter he wrote to the Registrar of Contractors. 

One of my 1st Tea Parties

My kitty

Smoke filled sunset

Sunday, August 10th, 2025: Up @ 4:30, Pray, gospel study, Rowan's 19th Bday, James heat rub, feed kitties, Ready to go to church, sacrament mtg - Jesus is my Advocate w/ the Father, Lina Crane, Susan & Pierce Goodman, RS - Elder Palmer's talk, Amy did well, marriage class, soo tired I go home and take a nap, racoon eating Sammy's food, Tom on the roof, Rowan celebrating at Glacier National Park,

 

Quito, Ecuador

175th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2022

By: Quentin L. Cook

Book of Mormon

Alma 48:1-18

* As Moroni strengthened the weakest cities think about weaknesses in your life and how you can strengthen them.

* What was you favorite verse?

April General Conference

'Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Relief Society

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

Elder S. Mark Palmer

Other

A.S.K. - "Faith: A Bond of Trust and Loyalty" - Elder Sandino Roman

21 Days Closer to Christ - #10

'The Second Coming of the Lord'

Happy 19th Birthday Rowan! I know you are on an exciting adventure and I hope you have a wonderful time!

I was up at 4:30 this morning. I had prayer and my gospel study and then I gave James a heat rub on his back and his hands, I fed the kitties, and got ready to go to church. 

As I partook of the sacrament I looked up a name for Jesus. This week I chose the word Advocate. He is my Advocate with the Father. An Advocate is someone who supports a cause, group, or person. I love this definition of the Savior. If I keep the commandments, repent of my sins, and stand as His witness, He will be my Advocate.

Bishop and Brother Allen are gone today which means Brother Skousen is presiding. Brother Knight sat up on the stand with him will Brother Skousen conducted. 

Catalina (Lina) Crane was the youth speaker. Here are a few notes I took: God loves us. God is in the details of our lives. Your eternal progress is of great importance to God. God wants us to choose to do right. God is watching for the good you do. God always loves you.

Susan Goodman was assigned Elder Shumway's talk, "Participate to Prepare for the Second Coming." Why are we ask to do things in Christ's Church? To prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel. There is a growing need for willing souls to serve in God's Church. Serving God is serving His children. Say yes to serving, yes to Christ, yes to the most abundant life. Susan was ask to teach seminary, Church History and D&C. Dive-in or die in the classroom. Preparation was key. My testimony of Joseph Smith expanded and I saw miracles in my life. We engage because we need God. 3 Principles: 1.) Progress toward the measure of our creation. Progress is pleasing to God. Protect our testimonies by praying and studying. 2.) Serving others helps us keep our covenants. Callings help us to do this. They can be joyful and transformative. When we keep our covenants we draw closer to Him. 3.) Help us to feel God's grace and receive His greater love. Ask, what more can I do? Grace from God is our reward. Act in faith and do things beyond our ability and ask for God's grace. His grace can magnify and sanctify us as we make sacrifices before God. Jesus Christ is our focus.

Pierce Goodman - Pierce wasn't left with much time but I felt the Spirit as he spoke about his dad, uncle and mother and the service they gave to help others. Now I know why Pierce is so service-oriented. What are we striving for? To be a person who helps others to feel loved. When my father passed away people came out of the woodwork to speak at his funeral and tell stories about how he had helped them. "My mother was an angel of service until her late 80's." She was constantly serving in the Church and home. We should love one another to show our gratitude to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Life is not easy, but it is good. We show we are His disciples when we love others.

Janna is going to be in the valley this week taking care of a friend who just had surgery. I told Willy I would bring him some lasagna soup on Thursday. I had planned on fixing it for both of them but since Janna is going to be gone, it will just be Willy. 

Amy Reynolds was the discussion leader in Relief Society. We discussed Elder Palmer's talk on bringing those who have been gone from the Church back. There was lots of good discussion. I guess almost everyone has someone in their family who is inactive. 

We had our second session of Brother Lauritzen's marriage class. We talked about the war in heaven and how many of Satan's minions there really are to help lead us astray. "Don't talk about your spouse behind their back. Encourage them to develop their talents and interests. We discussed gender difference again, Men are from Mars, Women and from Venus. There are three communication styles: Aggressive, Passive and Assertive. 

I was so tired when I got home from church I changed in to my comfy clothes and found a comfortable spot to lie down.

Joshua may be ordained an elder next week. I can't get too excited about it because he still says he is not interested in serving a mission. I texted him several times this week to ask him why and I got no response.

This evening Tom jumped down from the roof. James saw a raccoon eating out of Sammy's feed dish. I am glad it was him and not me. I guess he scampered away and hopefully he won't be back. 

As part of my study on priesthood power I am re-studying President Nelson's talk, "Spiritual Treasures." 

As I look at the pictures from Stacy and Kim's women's conference I see the book, "Beloved Emma." I told the girls I was going to stop at Deseret Book on the way home and buy the book. They both said, "wait until after your birthday."

Rowan's post

Addy's post

Trina's backpack

Show Low

Saturday, August 9th, 2025: Leave @ 5:30 for 9am Chandler Stake Women's Conference, Theme: "...and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders unto all those who believe on my name." (D&C 35:8) honey bees, pheumonia, Easter celebration, fixing a tire, Kim w/ me, Paul listens too, Kim's Nutella bars, goodbye Chandler, hello Vernon

 

Belem, Brazil

174th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2022

By: Dale G. Renlund

Book of Mormon

Alma 47:20-36

"Follow Him"

'Stand Ye In Holy Places and Be Not Moved' D&C 85-87

Guest: Robert Freeman

April General Conference

'Faith: A Bond of Trust and Loyalty'

Elder Sandino Roman

Other

21 Days Closer to Christ

The Second Coming of Our Lord

Priesthood Power

Up at 5. Yikes! We are supposed to leave at 5:30. Somehow I managed to get dressed, put on my makeup and raise my arms up to do my hair, which is no easy matter. I drink a shake so I can take my T&T. 

We go the Payson way. I text Kim and ask if Brian can take her to the stake center because we are running a little late. I get there before she does, actually I arrive about 15 minutes until 9. Stacy comes down off the stand and tells me I look beautiful. I tell her she does too. 

Kim and I sit in the back row of the chapel. Paul is there to hear Stacy speak and then he leaves. 

I am so impressed with the theme of this conference and the work that went in to it. The displays are beautiful as are the handouts and the lunch stations. The theme is taken from D&C 35:8 "...and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders unto all those who believe on my name." 

Stacy was the second speaker. The first speaker was a senior from Perry High School. Stacy started her talk by telling about the industry and small things that honey bees do to make a big difference in nature. She told the story of having pneumonia when she was 7. I thought she would tell that she had a blessing and was made well. Instead she said her chest hurt so much that in her little seven year old mind she thought she was having a heart attack and was going to die. She said a prayer and immediately she felt better. She never told anyone about this prayer. I wonder if it was the prayer or the blessing that healed her. Probably the combination of both.

Stacy also talked about being in charge of the stake Easter celebration and how people came together to help. Also, the weather was very hot in the morning so she and Paul kneeled by their bed and asked that the weather would be tempered so that people would want to come. Clouds came, the weather cooled down and people came. Prayers were answered. She also talked about having problems with the tire on her car. She couldn't work and they needed the money that her job brings in. Paul said he couldn't fix the tire. Stacy prayed and the answer came, "Paul can fix it." She texted him and took the car home. When he went out to look at it, something was different and this time he was able to fix it. Another miracle. It was a great talk.

Another sister spoke about growing up in an inactive home. Her grandparents were in the movie "The Windows of Heaven" when she was a little girl. She thought about heaven having windows and that thought stayed with her. Her dad ended up buying a motel and gas station on route 66 in Joe City, Arizona. I guess he didn't know that Joe City is the oldest LDS community in the state of Arizona. One day as a young girl she was out walking by the church when she heard voices singing. The windows were open and she thought, "this must be the windows of heaven." She went inside and became acquainted with the members of the choir and ended up singing with them. Because of this experience she became active in the church. 

The music was great and the Spanish branch did an excellent job decorating. The handouts for the sisters to take home were boxes decorated like bee boxes from Stacy's talk. There was even a gluten free lunch station and takeout boxes for sisters who needed to leave. 

There were service projects set up in various rooms, peanut butter and jelly sandwich for a lunch program, journals for a domestic shelter for women and children and notebooks for police officers to use for people with non-verbal skills. I am so grateful I came. Here are some photos I took:

Bee Boxes

Kim helped me make up a lunch box. Some lunchmeat and cheese, blueberries, cucumbers, carrots and bell peppers. 

James came and picked Kim and I up and Paul picked Stacy up. When we dropped Kim off she gave us Nutella cookie bars to try. I had a couple of bites and immediately texted and asked for the recipe. They were delicious!

We went home the Globe way and we were home by 2:30 in the afternoon. It rained in Show Low, but there was no rain in Vernon. 

Tom came in when we got home and he was in the house the rest of the day. I got my 10,000 steps. Both of our Chase credit cards had to be cancelled because McAfee tried to run a yearly program on our cards for over $212. 

Stacy texted and said Mary Johnson just got $98,000 from the government because Agent Orange was dumped in Globe during the 60's. Everyone in Mary's graduating class got cancer. Stacy said Snowflake can qualify too and dad should check in to it. We definitely will.

James's prayer tonight: "Please heal us of our weaknesses."

"Most important for spiritual growth is the requirement to choose between good and evil."

- President Dallin H. Oaks, AGC 2025

D&C 87:1

Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls.

Finally found the name of the mountain near Superior.

It is called Picketpost Mountain.

Love this family!