Sunday, August 24th, 2025: Up @ 3 am mrng study until 8, rdy to go, Pray w/ J, Gal 3rd Lambson ward, Sheri's lesson, Oreos to D's fmly, Joshua's ordination,

Red Cliff, Utah

189th dedicated temple

Dedicated: 24 Mar 2024

By: Henry B. Eyring

Book of Mormon

Alma 56:1-17

* What do you find unique about the 2,000 warriors?

April General Conference

'Divine Helps for Mortality'

President Dallin H. Oaks

Up at 3 a.m. Prayer first. I have so many names on the temple prayer roll and I go through them everyday. I did my early morning gospel study until around 8 am when I went back upstairs and got ready to go to church. I had prayer with James and then when he went to get dressed he realized he forgot his white shirt. He woke Joshua up and borrow a "tiny" one from him. It's a good thing he had his suit coat to hide how short and tight the sleeves were. 

We attended Sheri's ward which is our old ward now called the Galveston 3rd ward. It's where most of the Lambson's go, Cathy & Terry, Dave & Laura, Kristofor & Kristine, Erik & Amelia, and Sheri's family. 

These are some of the people I said hello to: Crista Moreno came over and gave me a hug, Lynda Cull, Sherry Holtey, Laurie Jensen, Jackie Hall, Amelia, and Kristine. I sat by Robin Finlinson during Sheri's lesson in Relief Society. Before the lesson started there is a missionary moment, announcements, and a spotlight. Today the spotlight was on Kate Gunther. She works in construction and when the question was asked, "if you wrote a book what would be the title?" Kate said, "In the Shadow of the Porta-Potties."

Sheri's lesson was taken from Elder Relund's talk, "Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior." I enjoyed the lesson and the comments that were made. Afterwards I spent a few minutes talking to my friend Jackie Hall. 

James and I went back to Stacy & Paul's and had a simple lunch. They were gone to their meetings. Not only was it simple but it was quick. Afterwards we drove out to Darrel & Trina's and delivered Oreos. Ruby and Rowan were the only ones at home. I left the Halloween Oreos for Lola, the Selena Gomez ones for Ruby, the apple pie ala mode for Addy, and the regular flavored for Rowan. Joshua took the mint flavored so now all I have left is the thin Oreos for Evan and the blueberry ones for Sheri and I will give them to them after Joshua's ordination. 

We didn't visit long. Rowan had just gotten out of the shower and was getting ready to come to the ordination. We left and I think he was right behind us. We all made it in plenty of time.

Those attending the ordination:

Paul's parents, Marvin & Mary Johnson, Chad Schaub, George & Tina Johnson, Bishop Taylor, Joshua's bishop now and a high councilman. Paul, Stacy, Adam, James and I, Kim, Brian, Sheri, Ian, Evan, and Rowan.  Paul ordained him and did a nice job although at the end he called him Adam.

Here are some pictures we took:

Joshua with James and I

"Grampa and Gramma"

Proud Parents!

Adam, Stacy, Joshua, Paul

Adam was Joshua's only brother who came.

Kim & Brian - Brian is Joshua's elder's

quorum president.

Evan, Joshua, Rowan

Mary & Marvin

Back at Stacy & Paul's, Paul began cooking dinner. Sophie likes me now. If I sit down she will come and sit by me. Shipley loves her bean bag chair.

My bag of Oreos.

I'm a little ocd.

Shipley in her "happy place."

We packed up, gave hugs, and said our goodbyes. It's James's turn to decide our route so we are going home the Globe way. We got home around 5 amid scattered showers, on the way home, but not at our place. Forestdale is lush and green. 

I had dinner, blogged, and put my stuff away. Tom and I rested together on the recliner. When I got up he followed me around. 

James trimmed my hair in the back, I took a shower, and we went to bed around 9, with Tom at the end of our bed on his blanket.

"We ... treasure the gift of choice, of moral agency - helping to strengthen righteous choices approved by God that bring eternal happiness."

- Elder Neil L. Andersen, AGC 2025

D&C 90:24

Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work toether for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.

 

Saturday, August 23rd, 2025: Up @ 3:45 for my morning study and prayer, basics, alter green dress, feed kitties, pack ice chest, Oreos, etc., 9 am when we leave for the valley, Payson and dead trees, soccer players @ Arby's, S&P's at 1, J leaves for mtg @ Ravi Gupta's, "Beloved Emma"

 

Orem, Utah

188th dedicated temple

Dedicated: 21 Jan 2024

By: D. Todd Christofferson

Book of Mormon

Alma 55:15-35

* What do these verses remind us about Moroni's character? (55:18-19)

D&C

92:1-2

Come Follow Me

D&C 91 "The Spirit Manifesteth Truth"

April General Conference

'Joy Through Covenant Discipleship'

Elder John A. McCune

Up at 3:45 for prayer and my morning study. I did my basic housekeeping and then went upstairs to take up my green dress in the shoulder seam so it fits a little better. I'm going to wear it on Sunday to Joshua's ordination.

I fed the kitties, packed the ice chest and the Oreo's, my purple bag, my Sunday bag, my suitcase, dress, and a blouse to wear on the way home. It was a little after 9 this morning when we left for the valley.

We met Mike the repairman at the Circle K by the carwash in town to return a tool that he left at our house. We drove on to Payson. We are sad about how many dead pine trees there are because of the drought. 

We stopped at the Arby's in Payson. We got there the same time that the boys soccer team from Ash Fork did. Ash Fork is 50 miles west of Flagstaff. They said they came here for a soccer tournament and just beat Winslow 4-0. 

I had a burger patty with lettuce, tomato and pickles. It was quite tasty. James had two roast beef sandwiches.

We got to Stacy & Paul's at 1 p.m. James carried in the suitcases before leaving for Walgreen's to get a notebook to take to his meeting with Ravi Gupta and Armando. Mr. Gupta, probably a doctor, is a friend of Dr. Memon's. He is building an 8,000 sq. ft. home. He fired his first contractor and wants James to give him a bid for finishing up for him. James said it was a disaster and will require a lot of work. 

I visit with Paul for awhile and then Joshua comes home from the gym and I give him a hug. Stacy came downstairs and gave me my birthday present, the "Beloved Emma" book that was on display at her stake women's conference. I love it!! Liz Lemon Swindle is the illustrator. I love her artwork. 

James's meeting started at three and lasted for over two hours. It was too late to go shopping at Deseret Book, Sam's Club, and Costco because James didn't get back until 5:30. Most stores close early on Saturday.

We went to visit James's mom at Cathi & Terry's. Dawn gives me a CD of religious songs and said this is what she plays when she needs to feel peace. She also gave me another birthday card. Thank you Dawn.

We had a nice visit with Mom, Cathi, Terry, Dawn, Zoey, and Wally. Cathi showed us pictures of Ernesto Jiminez and their stake president, President Skopich on the set of the Book of Mormon videos. They are extras in the videos. 

Before we left Dawn said she was driving over to Tempe to turn the outside lights on at the house so people don't know that it is empty. After she leaves Cathi says that she, Dawn, is getting worse and that she shouldn't be driving. Cathi says she has a doctor's appointment this week and Cathi is going to talk to the doctor about Dawn driving. She says we have to get used to the fact that this isn't the Dawn we have always known. She is more like a young child. It is very sad.

On a more positive note Mom says they are going to sell the house and it should sell for $475,000. 

After saying goodbye to everyone James and I headed to the Chandler Walmart on Arizona Avenue. I got a Philly cheesesteak without the bread and it was very good. James waited and got a couple of tacos at Del Taco on the way home. I actually found blueberry Oreos at this Walmart, two packages! One is for Sheri and the other is for James to try. We also got Nutella, jerky, and A&W rootbeer zero. 

Our new bed, Stacy & Paul's old one, instead of twin beds in the bedroom we stay in is very comfy. 

My tender mercies today were Cathi and her positive attitude and receiving "Beloved Emma" from Stacy.

"Ask through heartfelt prayer to Heavenly Father to feel closer to His Beloved Son.

- President Henry B. Eyring, AGC 2025

D&C 90:17

Be not ashamed, neither confounded; but be admonished in all your high-mindedness and pride, for it bringeth a snare upon your souls.

Charlie's story

On the set of the Book of Mormon videos

President Skapich

Ernesto Jiminez

Ernest towers over his friend

Oz backpack

Friday, August 22nd, 2025: Up @ 4:15, TM-JoNell J qualifies, town for me, J waits for repairman Mike, mailed Charlie's card & present, returned battery, ordered new one, Wlmrt, $227 to fix dryer, DT cards for Sept, Circle K, search for BB Oreos, LOC late fee, Amaz. order, Tom sleeps w us, Charlie's sad story

 

Lima, Peru Los Olivos

187th dedicated temple

Dedicated: 14 Jan 2024

By: D. Todd Christofferson

Book of Mormon

Alma 54:13-55:14

* Why was Moroni unwilling to do what Ammoron said?

D&C

90:30-91:6

April General Conference

' Eternity's Great Gifts: Jesus Christ's Atonement, Resurrection, and Restoration' 

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Other

A.S.K.

Lesson

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

The Second Coming of Our Lord

Liahona 

'Look Unto Christ in Every Thought'

Up at 4:15. 

One of today's tender mercies is when I called and spoke with JoNell at Thompson, Montgomery, DeRose law firm in Globe. This is the law firm that handled Mary Johnson's "Downwind" case where she received $50,000 tax free. JoNell said that not only Globe and Snowflake, but New Mexico has opened up regarding Agent Orange dumping. If James lived in New Mexico between 1944 - 1962 for only one year, he would qualify. He lived in New Mexico several years in that time frame. JoNell said she would need a report card or some kind of school record to verify, and his pathology reports regarding his cancer. Prostate cancer doesn't qualify but James also had colon and rectal cancer. JoNell said this to me: "There is a good chance of you getting $100,000 tax free." Wow!

I did errands in town today while James waited for Mike the repairman to bring the part for the refrigerator. Now our dryer isn't working so he is also going to fix it. 

The first thing I did in town was visit the UPS store. I mailed Charlie's birthday package and returned the battery James bought for his chainsaw that wasn't the right size. After getting the refund, James will order a new one. 

The repairman cost us $287.00 and he's not sure the part in the refrigerator is going to fix it. It didn't. We decide we are going to have to order a new one. The dryer is fixed though.

At Walmart I looked for Oreos. I promised the buys, Rowan, Evan, and Joshua if they would answer the scripture question one day I would buy them all their favorite Oreos. They all answered the question. I guess bribery works. I also promised Addy apple pie ala mode Oreos and Sheri the blueberry ones. Here are the ones I found and bought today: Oreo regulars for Rowan, Oreo thins for Evan, Oreo mint flavored, Selena Gomez Oreos, Halloween orange (regular flavored) ones, and apple pie ala mode. They did not have any blueberry. 

I also had to buy a new ironing board because James broke the old one when he was "working" on the dryer. Now I have a new board to go with my new iron. 

On the way home I stopped at Dollar Tree and got cards for the month of September. I got a sympathy card for Kim, Brian, and Joe, and one for the Peralta's and Mack's who lost their son and brother. I got birthday cards for: Darrel, Tamara Applegate, Chelsea MacArthur, Kacey, Denise Maxwell, Dawn, and Lois. I also got an anniversary card for Kim & Brian. There was a birthday card with a pink flamingo on it and although I already had a card for Addy I couldn't resist getting her the flamingo one. She hates them so Sheri and I tease her about them. 

I went to Circle K for gas and went inside looking for blueberry Oreos. I couldn't find a cookie in the place. Lots of other garbage, but no cookies. I decided to go to Safeway and check there. No blueberry cookies but I saw my friends Cheryl Sedig and Teresa Hein which was a treat. I also went to the Maverick station but like Circle K, no cookies. 

I stopped and got the mail and noticed a letter from Chase bank. They say we are late on the payment for our business line of credit. They automatically take it out of James's account but they have been taking it out on the 12th and it's due on the 5th. I spoke with someone named Christian and he told me what I needed to do. He also combined out accounts so now I only have one sign on. I am so happy about that! I either need to set up autopay for the line of credit or remember to pay it by the 5th. 

I got a box from Amazon. James got his cot mattress to put on the bed. We still have one more coming which will make 3 in all. I also got the book I ordered for our marriage class, "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus." I was so excited to receive this book that I read the introduction. I think it's going to be good. 

I got my 10,000 steps. We had green beans and chili cheddar dogs for dinner. The dogs were our beddar cheddar turkey links. 

I vacuumed the living room and family room while walking, I blogged August 12th, and responded to the scripture question of the day to Adam, Max, Rowan, Evan, and Joshua. 

Charlie shared her miniature (3") Christus at school today during show and tell because it is so special to her. She came home sad because she said the kids didn't even care about it. This broke my heart. Because of Charlie I ordered my own 3" Christus. 

We are leaving for the valley in the morning around 9 a.m. Joshua is being ordained an elder in the Melchizedek priesthood on Sunday and James has a business meeting tomorrow afternoon.

"The reason behind our actions relates to our love for the Savior and our Heavenly Father."

- Elder Giminez, AGC 2025

D&C 90:11

For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ.

No sunflowers in the fields this year,

only beside the highway.

These are from years past.

Autumn and Benson

One of my favorite pictures of

my little Ruby.

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.