Thursday, August 21st, 2025: Up @ 3:41 my prayers guided me today, Inklings - Emily & Michelle cut short, postpone repairman until tomorrow so I can make soup, bread, & cookies, J Dr Smithson in Eagar,

 

Okinawa, Japan

186th operating temple

Dedicated: 12 Nov 2023

By: Gary E. Stevenson

Book of Mormon

Alma 53:18-54:12

* When might we have to be "valiant for courage" like Helaman's stripling warriors?

D&C

90:18-29

Come Follow Me

D&C 90:24 "All Things Shall Work Together for My Good."

April General Conference

'Compensating Blessings'

Bishop Gerald Causse

Inklings

'Divine Authority, Sublime Young Men'

President Steven J. Lund

Scripture: Numbers 6:22-27

Word: Bless Hebrew: BARAK abundantly, together, greatly, to kneel, thank

Phrase: 'Some of the most powerful words that anyone is ever allowed to say out loud in this lifetime.

Affirmation: "I am blessed by the power of the priesthood. I am mindful of my covenants as I take the sacrament each week. I understand the power of the priesthood and the power I receive through keeping my covenants.

Up at 3:41. My prayers guided me today. I prayed to know what to focus on today because I was feeling overwhelmed. As I finished my prayers a peace enveloped me and I felt focused and knew what I needed to do. I was reminded of the scripture all things done in wisdom and order. 

My morning gospel study included Inklings as it always does on Thursdays. Emily and Michelle Craig discussed President Steven J. Lund's talk, "Divine Authority, Sublime Young Men." I always enjoy listening to these to sisters and I took notes in my Inklings journal. 

James said Mike the repairman was coming this afternoon. I had plans to be in the kitchen making chicken noodle soup for the Richard & Cress Miller family and didn't want Mike and I to be in each others way. I called and asked if he could come tomorrow instead and he said he could. It's not like we haven't been without a refrigerator for over a month now. I think we can wait one more day for it to be fixed.

James had an appointment with Dr. Smithson today in Eagar. Dr. Smithson called later and talked to James for quite some time about all of the things he found. James does not have fatty liver disease but he does have arthritis throughout his body. He prescribed Tramadol. James complained about how bad he felt and Dr. Smithson said, we are going to take care of that. James was so impressed that Dr. Smithson would call him and have this discussion with him. He likes him more than ever.

This afternoon I made chicken noodle soup, Italian crusted bread with butter, and snickerdoodle cookies. James made the delivery and Cress kept texting me, she couldn't thank me enough. Cress and Richard are raising three of their grandchildren Jacob 10, Geno 9 and Pantera 7. They are two of my heroes. 

Here are Cress's thank you texts:

"Karen, thank you so much. You are such a blessing for our family. I love you so dearly. 

Me: You have the cutest grandkids ever!

Cress: Thank you so much and I love you dearly. The food was delicious and the bread was amazing and the kids loved the cookies. I don't know what my family would do without you. I am speaking from my heart. Thank you so very much. 

We had a nice rainstorm this evening. It was wonderful!

James took his truck into town to fill it with gas. He made the trip just for that purpose because gas at Circle K was 40 cents off a gallon. He also filled up one of our gas cans with diesel and the other with regular gas. 

I discovered something today that is going to save me a lot of inconvenience and stress. I texted Deseret Book and asked if my plus membership could be used by anyone else in my family. I was told that we could use it on up to five devices. I immediately downloaded it on James's phone. No more sharing my phone with him! Why didn't I figure this out a long time ago. 

It was not a good day for the Horak family. Brian had to go to the ER for his diverticulitis. He was released but is still miserable. On top of that their cat Bob was sick so they took him to the vet. The vet told them he had to be put down. This is so sad for all of them because they are very attached to this cute kitty.

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

- Elder Quentin L. Cook, AGC 2025

D&C 90:10

And then cometh the day when the arm of the Lord shall be revealed in power in convincing the nations, the heathen nations, the house of Joseph, of the gospel of their salvation.

Benson is one month old!

The Savior

Tom and Jimmy

August 20th, 2025: Up @ 3:21, said goodbye to Kim & Brian and left for the temple, Sheri ran, took a shower, and left not saying goodbye, Temple w/ Sue Hubble & RS, "The Skillet" J runs out of gas & I rescue him, some rain , called Millie, Sheri's 401K ?

 Bangkok, Thailand

185th dedicated temple

Dedicated: 22 Oct 2023

By: Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Book of Mormon

Alma 53:1-17

* Why was it vital that the people of Ammon keep their promise to God?

D&C

89:20-90:17

Come Follow Me

D&C 90:1-17 The First Presidency holds the 'keys of the kingdom.'

April General Conference

'Participate to Prepare for Christ's Return'

Elder Steven D. Shumway

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

Sister Tamara W. Runia

Other

Liahona

A.S.K. - 'Faith to Act and Become' Elder Ciro Schmeil

21 Days Closer to Christ

I got up at 3:21. I said my prayers, read from the Book of Mormon and sent out the R.E.J. question. I read from the D&C and did the basics around the house. 

Sheri got up and ran this morning. She came back and took a shower and then she left for home without even saying goodbye to anyone. Kim and I were both a little sad. She did have Brian take her picture before she left so I can post it on here. I said goodbye to Brian and Kim and we took a picture and hugged. 

Sheri

Kim & Brian

Let me know when you get home.

I left for the temple at 8 a.m. After checking in at the recommend desk I headed upstairs in the elevator. When the doors opened onto the second floor, the first person I saw, who was getting on the elevator to go downstairs was my dear friend Shanna Penrod. She is a temple worker and was dressed in her whites. She looks like an angel and I gave her a hug and said how grateful I was to get to see her. (Shanna's estranged husband committed suicide in January right in front of her.) She is a saint and an angel.

This is the 9:30 session on a Wednesday morning and it is full. Sue Hubble, January Stratton, my friend from high school, and I all sat on the brothers side. Kathy Hunt Brewer was the sister officiator in the session. She is also a friend from high school. Last year at our high school reunion she shared with me that she had been Nannie's visiting teacher before she passed away. She has a special place in my heart because of her care for my beloved Nannie.

I love the spirit of the temple and the peace I feel when I am here. This is my 20th endowment session for the year.

This is the session our ward Relief Society is invited to attend. These sisters from our ward were in attendance: Teresa Smith, Natalie Robles, and Joyce - not sure of her last name, she is a snowbird but a delightful one. 

After our session Sue and I joined Teresa, Joyce, and Natalie at "The Skillet" for lunch. "The Skillet" is a very popular diner on the Snowflake Golf Course. When I say popular, I mean it was packed and we had to wait about 20 minutes or so for a table. It gave us more time to visit. 

I ordered the cranberry walnut salad. It was huge and delicious.

I love these sisters and enjoyed their company. They are good, righteous women with big hearts. Sue is so special to me. We have a special friendship. She asked me what I had been doing to myself. I asked her what she meant. She said, "You look different. I remember you wearing black skirts most of the time." I told her I cut my hair, lost about 25 lbs. and gave the skirt to Goodwill.

Left to Right: Sue Hubble, Teresa Smith, Natalie

Robles, Joyce and me.

Joyce's lunch

My lunch

On the way home I stopped at the Taylor Walmart to get the ingredients for the chicken noodle soup I am making for Richard and Cress Miller and their three grandchildren that live with them. While I was there I got a call from James. He had run out of gas. My first reaction was "What"?  I'm afraid it wasn't the right reaction and I backed off when I heard how distraught James was. I have learned over the years that it is wise that when you tank is half empty, you fill it. He says he intended to get gas but he forgot.

I told him I would buy a gas can and get gas and bring it to him. 

He seemed appreciative. When I was checking out the woman in front of me said: "You must have been doing church work. You look awfully nice." I thanked her and said: "My husband just called me and told me he ran out of gas so now I have to get gas for him in my church clothes." She said the same thing I said about filling the tank when it's half full. Then she said something that became one of my tender mercies for the day. "Oh well, enjoy him while you can."

That statement changed my heart and all I could remember was how much I loved my sweetheart. 

I was very kind when I delivered the gas. James was already so down on himself. I tried to make him feel better and told him it happens to everyone. 

After changing into my comfy clothes and having a little R&R I began to walk. It rained a little and was so beautiful outside that I went out to walk. I tried to blog this evening but was so tired I showered and was in bed by 9:15.

"The Church is building temples at an unprecedented pace, giving more members an opportunity to worship in the house of the Lord.

- Elder Ronald A. Rasband, AGC 2025

D&C 90:5

And all they who receive the oracles of God, let them beware how they hold them lest they are accounted as a light thing, and are brought under condemnation thereby, and stumble and fall when the storms descend, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and beat upon their house.

 

Tuesday, August 19th, 2025: Happy 77th to me, Prayers & BM, D&C, CFM, Kim frosting my cake, ministering sisters Susan Goodman & Stefani Hunsaker, J's appt @ VPC, Lunch, rdy for temple, Gillilands & Boones my sealing to my parents James, Kim, Sheri, Eva's, Brian @ cabin sick, DoTerra from Denice for Millie, pain in left chest, blessing & baking soda

Feather River, California

184th dedicated temple

Dedicated: 8 Oct 2023

By: Ulisses Soares

Book of Mormon

Alma 52:19-40

* How can working together allow us to overcome difficult tasks?

D&C

89:6-19

Come Follow Me

D&C 89 The Lord gave me the Word of Wisdom to help me be healthy in body and spirit.

April General Conference

'Participate to Prepare fore Christ's Return'

Elder Steven D. Shumway

Other

Lesson, A.S.K., Liahona, 21 Days Closer to Christ, "Follow Him"

Happy 77th Birthday to me! I started out this morning with my prayers and then reading from the Book of Mormon. I sent out the R.E.J. scripture reading and question and read D&C 89:6-19 and worked on 'Come Follow Me.' Today's section was long. James and I studied it together. After Book of Mormon and 'Come Follow Me' James and I wandered into the kitchen where Kim was frosting my cake. She left on of the three layers off of the cake so the pieces I am giving away could fit in the to go boxes. 

I vacuumed the family room and got ready for the visit of my ministering sisters, Susan Goodman and Stefani Hunsaker. 

Susan and Stefani arrived at 10 a.m., right on time. 

Before James left for his appointment at the Virtuous Pain Center in Show Low, we took some pictures:

Stefani Hunsaker, Susan Goodman,

me and the cake.

 Sheri, James, Kim,

me and the cake.

James said his appointment at the Virtuous Pain Center or VPC was disappointing. He did get a refill on his Tramadol though.

I had a nice visit with Stefani and Susan. They are both such good and caring sisters. I love them with all my heart. Susan brought me 4 cans of soda, the healthy kind. I'm excited to try them. They gave me a card and it's in my scrapbook #2.

After Susan and Stefani left I had some lunch and then it was time to get ready to go to the temple. With Sheri driving, Kim in the front seat and James and I in the back of Sheri's car we headed for Snowflake. Sheri and Kim love playing music and for the most part we enjoyed it.

When we walked inside the front door of the temple, a brother asked if I was Sister Lambson. I told him yes. He took all of us aside in the waiting room and asked me some questions about the sealing. We were being treated like royal guests. Sister Neff took Kim, Sheri, and I in to the matron's room and talked with us. As we were going in to the locker room my friend Karen Gilliland came in and gave me a hug. Kim and I put on our ceremonial clothing and we all walked down to the sealing room together, Karen, Sheri, Kim, and I. 

Brother Russell Gilliland, the former president of the Phoenix temple, performed the sealing. He is a man who brings the Spirit. 

His wife Karen was one of the witnesses, and Sheri was the other. 

Kim was proxy for my mother, Bettylea Strickland, and James was proxy for my dad, Marlin Lee Maxwell.  Brother and Sister Boone from the temple presidency were also in attendance.

Brother Gilliland talked about how he had been studying about priesthood power and what it was and how it is manifest. He said the greatest manifestation of priesthood power is God's love for His children. The Spirit was strong. As the sealing was performed I felt a warmth come over me and all of the animosity and anger I felt towards my Dad for all of the things he did to my Mom which caused her grief and eventually led to their divorce over 50 years ago, melted away. All I felt was love and peace and joy. I know Heavenly Father was pleased with the sealing. I hope my parents were too.

One thing I forgot to mention that Brother Gilliland said was that in the Spirit World many changes can occur for the better. People change and become ready to accept the gospel and all it has to offer.

We happened to come out of the temple the same time as the Gilliland's and were able to get pictures with them.

Sheri, Kim, James, me, Karen & Russell

Gilliland.

With the angel Moroni

Without the angel Moroni but with some

of my earthly angels. 

As we left the temple we headed for Eva's for some delicious Mexican food. Sheri ordered some salsa to take home because she loved it so much. I ate it like soup and James ate it with chips. 

Sheri had two chicken tacos, James had his chicken enchilada with green sauce and a side of refried beans. Kim had the chicken stuffed poblano pepper and I had my chili relleno with green sauce. We all loved every bit of our food, especially Kim. She said hers was divine and she was already planning when she could come back again.

It even has a tail.

Since Kim liked this so well I am going

to try it next time, ala carte.

On the way home while Sheri was playing her music I asked if we could play some Marty Robbins in remembrance of my mom. Here is the album Sheri chose:

My Mom loved Marty Robbins and we played

this album over and over when I was a kid.

When we got home it looked like it was going to rain. Kim and Brian even sat on the front porch and waited, but the rain never came out to our place. It did rain at the Halcomb's and the Scott's who live down 3144.

Kim gave me a necklace with the Tree of Life on it. You can open it and inside you put DoTerra on a colored pad. I chose the purple pad and used peppermint DoTerra. It is my friend Millie Scott's birthday today. Kim actually gave me two necklaces. I asked her if I could give one to my friend Millie and she said yes. Millie's does not have the Tree of Life on it. It has swirly designs. I purchased two bottles of DoTerra peppermint from Denice Hall who lives in the Hunsaker/Goodman complex. I gave her a $100 bill and when I arrived she had my two bottles of peppermint and my change in a bag along with four cherry tomatoes from her garden. 

My necklace and the one I gave Millie.

I gave Millie some of my honeysuckle and orange body wash along with a loofa/scrubber, a nice wallet, and the necklace with the peppermint DoTerra. James and I tried to deliver it but Jerry had decided to take Millie out to dinner for her birthday so they were in town at Los Corrals. We put the gift in Jerry's truck and left. I was a little sad I didn't get to give Millie a birthday hug.

Back home I put on my comfy clothes. Kim, Brian, and Sheri were all in the family room getting ready to watch a Hallmark Christmas movie. I said I was going to work on my blog in the bedroom. 

As I was sitting at the computer I began feeling pains on my left side in the chest area. It hurt so much I went from the computer to the recliner in the bedroom to relax. I turned on my favorite new Hallmark movie, "Villa Amore." James took my phone. I told him if I wasn't better by 8 I wanted a blessing. He did not come back until way past 8 and I was a little peeved. I got over it and he gave me a blessing. Kim suggested I drink some soda water, which I did. The combination of the blessing and the soda water seemed to cure me and I was able to go to bed in my bed and sleep comfortably.

Some gifts I received today. A personal letter from James. He gave me cash to buy my cornhole game and some other things a few weeks ago. Kim & Brian gave me the necklace and a $50 Amazon gift card. Sheri gave me a $50 Amazon gift card and she paid for our meal at Eva's.

I am truly blessed and this is a birthday I will remember forever.

Monday, August 18th, 2025: Up @ 3:46 I can't stop thinking about Autumn and Sheri, mighty prayers for them, every 30 min prayers for Autumn, Kacey, Tanner, Kim makes my carrot cake, the house smells divine, Joshua's ordination this Sunday the day of my lesson, Amy R. will switch w/ me, Lasagna soup, Red Door purse shopping, Charlie Clark's, Wlmrt, Circle K, apple pie ala mode Oreos, Polar Pop, Sheri's music, Tom on top of Brian's car, Charlie & Scarlett's earring,

 

McAllen, Texas

183rd dedicated temple

8 Oct 2023

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon

Alma 52:1-18

* What important gospel truth can we derive from Teancum's abandoning his attack on the city of Mulek?

D&C

89:1-5

Come Follow Me

D&C 89-92 "A Principle with Promise"

April General Conference

'The Times of Restitution of All Things' Elder David A. Bednar

Other

Lesson - 'Faith: A Bond of Trust and Loyalty' Elder Roman

Priesthood Power - 'Spiritual Treasures' Pres. Nelson

A.S.K. 'What Lack I Yet?' Elder Larry R. Lawrence

Liahona

21 Days Closer to Christ - Day 18

I was up at 3:46. I can't stop thinking about Autumn and Sheri. I offered mighty prayers for both of them. For awhile during the day I prayed every 30 minutes for Autumn, Kacey, and Tanner. I also prayed for Palmer, Scarlett, Benson, Jared, and Charlie. 

Kim began making my carrot cake today. The house smells divine.

Stacy texted everyone to let them know that Joshua is being ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood this Sunday, the 24th. I told her it was the week of my Relief Society lesson. She asked me if I could get someone to take my place. I told her I would try. I texted Amy Reynolds, the other teacher, to see if she would trade weeks with me. It took her awhile to text me back because she was at work. I was so happy when I received her text. She said yes, that would be fine. Thank you Amy!

I made some lasagna soup for lunch. Kim and Brian both loved it. 

We left for the Red Door consignment store in Lakeside at 3:00. I knew they had the Chala brand purses and I wanted to pick out one for Charlie for her birthday, and one for Scarlett for her birthday. 

I sent these for Kacey to look at. She chose the turtle for Charlie and the fox for Scarlett. 

I texted the turtle, fox, and monkey to Kacey. She chose the turtle for Charlie and the fox for Scarlett, along with the earrings I bought them.

The white dog looks like Ollie.

After we were finished at Red Door we drove on over to Pinetop to Charlie Clark's. They open at 4:30. We were a little early but as soon as the clock ticked 4:30 we walked in through the door. A few people who were in the bar were ahead of us, but it wasn't crowded. 

Brian and I both got ribeye, Kim got a poblano chili chicken dish, Sheri got a salad which she said was delicious. James got the stuffed mushrooms. He did not like them very well. They were huge and were supposed to be stuffed with crab but James didn't like the taste.

Sheri loved her salad, Kim liked her chicken with cheese and poblano chili. Brian and I both had prime rib. Mine was good, I ordered it medium but maybe I should have ordered it medium-well.

My prime rib, carrots, and salad. I did like the horseradish.

It was very mild.

Mushrooms

Sheri's salad

Kim's chicken, cheese and poblano chili dish

We stopped at Walmart on the way home because I needed to get some protein shakes. Sheri and Kim both had something they wanted to get so I wasn't putting anyone out. I told James that since it was my birthday I was going to splurge and get a Polar Pop at Circle K before going home. While I was in Walmart he walked over to Circle K and got me one. How thoughtful. Brian picked these up in Walmart: 

Delicious!

Sheri did the driving because her car is big enough for everyone to ride together and ours is not. She loves playing music while she drives. 

At home Tom let Sheri rub his back. She felt so special. 

Kim, Brian and Sheri watched a Hallmark Christmas movie. I went in my bedroom to work on my blog.

Sunset and where is Tom? He is on

top of Brian's Bronco, Bruce.

 

Sunday, August 17th, 2025: Up @ 2:30, Wilford Woodruff quote about prayer, by 8 I need another Perk, sit in back row w/ KB, Tignor's & Reynold's, Dobson's speak, Brother Brown teaches SS, I sit by Amy Bowen, Catherine w/ Moore's, mts w/ Bros Allen, Knight, Wilhelm about 5th Sunday, marriage class Martians vs. Venusians, Lorraine has lost 30 lbs, Andy & Lily W. attend, chicken noodle soup to Miller's on Thursday, TM - Sheri is coming! Brian is Sheri's 8th favorite person, Joshua says he's not getting my texts, Farmington, NM temple dedicated by Elder Andersen

 

Moses Lake, Washington

182nd dedicated temple

Dedicated: 17 Sep 2023

By: Elder Quentin L. Cook

Book of Mormon

Alma 51:-37

* What cane we learn from the Nephites about maintaining peace in these verses? (51:22)

"Division and contention can destroy peace in our lives just as it did for the Nephites."

D&C

88:125-141

Come Follow Me

Sunday School D&C 88 taught by Brother Brown

April General Conference

'Our Heavenly Guidance System'

Elder Sergio R. Vargas

'Worship'

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Priesthood Power

'Spiritual Treasures' President Nelson

Lesson

'Faith: A Bond of Trust and Loyalty'

Elder Sandino Roman

A.S.K.

'What Lack I Yet?' Elder Larry Lawrence

Other

'21 Days Closer to Christ'

I was up at 2:30 this morning. By 8 a.m. I needed another Perk.

 I love this quote by Wilford Woodruff as I read D&C 88:126. President Woodruff: "There is one admonition of our Savior that all the Saints of God should observe, but which I fear, we do not as we should, and that is, to pray always and faint not. I fear, as a people, we do not pray enough in faith. We should call upon the Lord in mighty prayer, and make all our wants known unto Him. For if He does not protect and deliver us, and save us, no other will. Therefore our trust is entirely in Him. Therefore, our prayers should ascend into the ears of our Heavenly Father day and night."

During sacrament meeting we sit in the very back row of the cultural hall with Brian, Kim, the Tignors and the Reynolds.  The speakers today were Dalton & Alexandra Dobson and their 8 year old son Cary. Dalton is Cary Dobson's son. They moved here to help him on his ranch.

Cary Dobson - I chose to be baptized. The Holy Ghost told me I made the right choice. Once when my horse ran away with me I prayed and the Holy Ghost told me I would be okay. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. I know the Church is true.

Alexandria Dobson - We are now full time ranchers with my inlaws. We are from the Gila Valley. I have been assigned to speak about Elder Michael B. Strong's talk, 'Charity - A Sign of True Discipleship'. In 1 Corinthians 13:2 it says: "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."  Without charity we are nothing. Charity brings us from acceptable to exceptional. Elder Strong says: 

"Discipleship is a deliberate journey that we take to become transformed through the Lord's atoning sacrifice and His enabling power. The real destination of discipleship is literally to become as Jesus Christ is - even to the point where we receive 'His image in our countenances." (Alma 5:14; 5:19). To be the Lord's disciples, we must intentionally imitate His thoughts and actions every day - for example, His obedience, humility, and patience. As we gradually incorporate these attributes into our own identities, we become "partakers of His divine nature."

Dalton Dobson - As we bind ourselves to act as covenant disciples, our relationship with the Father and Son is enriched, our joy enhanced, and our eternal perspective is expanded. 2021 talk by President Russell M. Nelson, "The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation." John 15:9-10 - Keep my commandments and abide in my love that your joy may be full.

Brother Doug Brown taught our gospel doctrine class. Kim and Brian chose seats in the back row and I ended up sitting by Sister Amy Bowen. I got to know her a little better. She has lived in 8 or 9 different states. She says Arizona is by far the best and that she is here to stay. I was not in the lesson very long. I got called out by Brother Steve Allen for a meeting with him, Brother Knight, and John Wilhelm. We are all speaking on the 5th Sunday during the second hour on Home-Based, Church supported gospel learning.

Bishop doesn't think the members of the ward are preparing for Sunday School like they should by reading from the scriptures and using the Come Follow Me manual. 

3rd hour James and I attended Brother Lauritzen's marriage class. We are still discussing the differences between Martians and Venusians. I guess I am going to have to buy the book. 

Lorraine Vaught is in the class. Her birthday is August 15th. Before class started I asked her if she would like me to bring her some carrot cake on Tuesday. She said no, she no longer eats sugar. She has lost 30 lbs. Andy Wilhelm and his new wife Lily attended the marriage class today. Andy's parents, Sandra & John also attend.

Cress Miller is one of my heroes. After Sunday School as she limped down the hallway, she just had knee replacement, I asked her if I could bring her some soup on Thursday. She said that would be wonderful. When I asked what her favorite soup was she said it was chicken noodle. Cress and her husband Richard are in the 60's and they are raising three of their young grandchildren. That is why she is one of my heroes. 

When we got home from church Kim made the announcement that Sheri is coming this afternoon. I asked how that happened and she said, well she wanted to come all along but things at work and home have been a little crazy lately. She asked me if you had anything planned for your birthday. I told her on Monday we were going shopping at the Red Door thrift store and then we were going to Charlie Clark's for dinner. They are supposed to have the best prime rib in the entire southwest. Kim went on to explain that on my birthday we were eating carrot cake, going to the temple where I was being sealed to my parents, and then going out for Mexican food. The temple sealing, 'sealed the deal' and Sheri decided to come. Sheri left around 11:00 this morning and arrived around 2:30. I gave her a big hug and thanked her for coming. She brought a loaf of her homemade sourdough bread. Sheri and Brian got to talking and Sheri said Brian was her 8th favorite person. She posted a picture on Instagram.

I got a message from Kacey that Autumn is struggling with anxiety. She asked us to pray for her. I put her name on the Snowflake temple prayer roll.

While Sheri, Kim, Brian and James watch the movie, "Superman" I am in the bedroom working on my blog. 

Joshua says he is not getting my texts and he says the ones he sends me aren't going through either. 

Brother Neil L. Andersen dedicated the Farmington, New Mexico temple today.

"It is imperative that we have charity in our discourse, both public and private."

- President Russell M. Nelson

D&C 88:126

Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. 

One of my favorite pictures of my

sweet Ruby

Sheri's post

Saturday, August 16th, 2025: Up @ 5:19 Worst night ever to best night ever, Elder Held's talk abt. spir/temp learning, Just Whistle-Mike $400, Dump, K&B here @ 2J'sAmz order made him smile, Brian has diverticulitis, K & I enjoy sunset, Joshua: "You're breaking my heart", Forgot Andy Wilhelm's reception, Cards from Dave & Laura, and our accountant Cheri Witt

 

Bentonville, Arkansas

181st operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Sep 2023

By: David A. Bednar

Book of Mormon

Alma 51:13-21

* What are Church members' responsibilities during a time of war?

D&C

88:103-124

Come Follow Me

D&C 88:77-80, 118-26 "Seek learning, even by study and also by faith."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Become Exemplary Latter-day Saints" OGC 2018

- Elder Mathias Held, "Seeking Knowledge by the Spirit", AGC 2019

- "For the Strength of Youth" - 'Truth Will Make You Free'

- Topics & Questions: "Seeking Truth: Avoiding Deception"

- 'Revelations in Context' - "A School and an Endowment"

April General Conference

' The Plan of Mercy'

Elder James R. Rasband

Liahona

The Whitney Store

Priesthood Power

"Spiritual Treasures" by President Russell M. Nelson

Lesson

"Faith: A Bond of Trust and Loyalty"

Elder Sandino Roman

Up at 5:19 am. I went from the worst night ever to the best night ever. I only got up once and I felt like I was sleeping on a cloud. I love my 'cot' mattress! I did take some Lyrica which probably helped. Thank You Heavenly Father for a good nights rest!

Another tender mercy was in Elder Held's talk about spiritual/temporal learning and focusing our eyes, one eye representing temporal learning and the other spiritual. I wrote it all out in my "Spiritually Defining Moments" journal.

Michael at 'Just Whistle' is our refrigerator repairman. He says it's going to cost $467.00 to order the part and repair the refrigerator. We gave him $400 cash and said we would pay the rest when he came back with the part. 

James went to the dump today. I gathered all of the outside garbages for him and then watered my flowers, vincas and mums.

Kim and Brian got here around 2 p.m. I was telling Kim how much I loved my new chocolate drink, Perk. James heard me and said, "It sounds like you are addicted." I lost it and slugged him in the arm and went off about how negative that was. REPENT! (We did apologize to each other a little later.)

James got his Amazon order today and he finally had something to smile about. 

As Kim and I were visiting, the topic of Sheri came up. We are both worried about her. She told Kim earlier: "It's been a crappy week."

Brian has diverticulitis. He is miserable. He came with the idea that he would rest better here than he would if he stayed at home. 

Kim and I go out on the deck and enjoy the view and the sunset. 

I finished my 10,000 steps by 5:30. I also finish my puzzle, take a picture, and then put it away. 

I wrote to Joshua: "Joshua, you are breaking my heart." I said this because I have texted him several times and he has never answered me. After I texted him this message he answered today's scripture question. 

I thanked Laura for my birthday card. Darrel & Trina thank me for their anniversary card.

Sheri, Addy, and I are listening to the conference talk by Elder Larry Lawrence, "What Lack I Yet?" I asked the Lord this question and got an answer. Now that my knees are not hurting I need to kneel for prayer and I need to stop being prideful. 

Erik spoke with James today and said the company we bought the Razr engine from sent the wrong engine. He is sending it back and they will have to send the right one. Just another delay in a two year series of delays.

In all of the excitement of the day, having Kim and Brian here, James and I forgot to attend Andy & Lily Wilhelm's wedding reception at George Wallace's place. I texted Sandra to apologize and told her I would bring them their card to church tomorrow.

I get to sleep on the 'cloud' again tonight!

"When we exercise faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, we receive clear assurance of Their reality and of Their concern for us."

- Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai, AGC 2025

D&C 88:125

And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.

Charlie and Benson

James's torch. I'm getting one for

Darrel for his birthday.

Yes, he's asleep