Thursday, September 4th, 2025: 2 then 5, Happy birthday Aaron Lambson, TM-JS praying for his enemies in DC 109, "The Plan of Mercy" Inklings, mercy seat link, carne asada taco, soup to Kate, Joshua's car accident, "Jesus & Lamb" painting

 

Deseret Peak, Utah

200th dedicated temple

Dedicated: 10 Nov 2024

By: Russell M. Nelson

Book of Mormon

Alma 61:6-21

* Why do we need to "resist evil" in our words and actions?

Come Follow Me

The Temple is the House of the Lord

D&C

96:1-9

April General Conference

'The Atonement of Jesus Christ Provides the Ultimate Rescue'

Elder Quentin L. Cook

A.S.K.

'Spiritually Whole in Him' - President Camille N. Johnson

Other

Liahona

Beloved Emma

'Women and the Priesthood'

Inklings

Talk: "The Plan of Mercy" Elder James R. Rasband

Scripture: Moroni 10:3

Word: MERCY  Hebrew: Racham - great compassion, tender love

Phrase: "This pattern of revelation following a plea for mercy is a familiar one in scripture."

Affirmation: "I am blessed by the Lord's merciful plan. I recognize and express gratitude for His mercy. I know I can experience His as I attend the temple and pray for the guidance and comfort of the Holy Ghost.

I woke up at 2 and thought it was too early and that I would go back to sleep for another 30 minutes. The next time I woke up it was 5 o'clock. It's okay. I don't like to set alarms because I hate to be woken up when I am sleeping soundly. I like waking up when I feel like it. I guess I needed those extra hours of sleep this morning.

One of my tender mercies today was reading about Joseph Smith blessing his enemies in the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland temple as recorded in D&C 109. Seeking the Lord's mercy is one of the most powerful ways to feel the witness of the Holy Ghost. 

I love this scripture from D&C 110:5 - Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice.

This talk by Elder James R. Rasband was incredible and I so much enjoyed Rio and Shima discussing it on Inklings. One of the points brought out was that the Book of Mormon is the Book of Mercy. 

Watched and listened to the video Kacey sent to me, "The Ark of the Covenant."

James had the epidural in his back this morning at the Virtuous Pain Center. After wards he called me and asked if I wanted him to bring me something. I couldn't think of anything I wanted so I said no. I was quite pleasantly surprised when James came home with a carne asada taco for me from Aliberto's. It was delicious and I was so grateful! I'm glad I had done my hair and makeup before James got home so I looked decent when I accepted his gift.

James was told to "take it easy" for the rest of the day. That is so hard for him to do. He did lie down for awhile when it started to rain. 

This afternoon was spent preparing dinner for Kate Hahn, a sister in our ward who was just released from the Mayo Clinic. She has had cancer for many years now. She always wears a knit hat to church to hide her bare head. Now she has had kidney surgery and there have been complications. Normally when she eats she can't keep anything down. I hope she can keep my chicken noodle soup down.

James and I had a difficult time finding where Kate lives. She lives off of 5158 but there are two of them. Of course we went to the wrong one first. We wandered around in the wilderness for quite some time before we called Kate for further directions. Finally, just about the time the suns was going down we found her. She was home alone except for her big dog. She shut him in the kitchen while we delivered the food: chicken noodle soup, Italian bread, and Hazelnut bars. I didn't realize that Kate's husband wouldn't be joining her. Later I found out he works out of town four days out of the week.

Later Kate told me that my soup was the only thing she was able to keep down in weeks.

Joshua was the victim of a driver who t-boned him when said driver turned in to the wrong lane. Joshua was not hurt but Stacy's car is totaled. 

I got an Amazon packaged today. I tried on the dress in the package and didn't like it so I will be sending it back. I also got a painting of Jesus and a lamb. This is my third different one and probably my least favorite.

If mud represents sin the little guy

is a real sinner!

"Worshipping together as 'the body of Christ' has unique powers of and benefits as we teach, serve, and sustain one another."

- Elder D. Todd Christofferson, AGC 2025

D&C 97:2

Verily, verily, I say unto you, blessed are such, for they shall obtain; for I, the Lord, show mercy unto all the meek, and upon all whomsoever I will, that I may be justified when I shall bring them unto judgment.

Kacey sent me this picture. She said her friend lives in

Kansas and this is what the sunflowers look like

where she lives.

Vernon sunflowers a few years ago

Today's Amazon order: Perk, Autumn Romance lotion,

large serving forks, a dress I returned, picture of lost lamb

and the Savior running after him.

Scarlett & Benson

I can't find the invitation in my photo album, but

will keep trying and they hopefully will be

forthcoming.

 

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025: Up @ 2:00, couldn't go back to sleep, I listened to some of the songs from the new part of the hymnbook, "The Deep,Deep Love of Jesus," "This Is The Christ:, Cress's carrot cake, new refrigerator arrives, lasagna soup w/o noodles, J working on deck

 

Salvador, Brazil

199th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Oct 2024

By: Neil L. Andersen

Book of Mormon

Alma 60:29-61:5

* What conditions indicate the serious nature of Pahoran's situation? (61:3-5)

D&C

95:8-17

Come Follow Me

D&C 95

The Lord chastens those He loves

D&C 121:43-44; DTC, "As Many As I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten," AGC 2011

April General Conference

'Right Before Our Eyes'

Elder David A. Bednar

A.S.K.

'Spiritually Whole in Him'

President Camille N. Johnson

Priesthood Power

'Spiritual Treasures'

President Russell M. Nelson

Other

'The Priesthood Power of Women'

Barbara Morgan Gardner

Up at 2:00 a little early, even for me. I listened to some of the new hymns. Two of my favorites are "Oh the Deep, Deep, Love of Jesus", and "This is the Christ." I also finished the book, "The Priesthood Power of Women," by Barbara Morgan Gardner. Now on to Sheri Dew's book, "Women and the Priesthood."

My main project for the day was to make a carrot cake for Cress Miller's birthday. Cress is one of my heroes. She turns 65 and she is raising three of her grandchildren with the help of her husband Richard. They are three of the cutest kids ever!

Cress asked that I not put any nuts in her cake because Richard doesn't have teeth to chew them up. James and I delivered the cake together. He drove and I held the cake. The Miller's and their grandchildren only leave two or three miles away.

Geno, Grandma Cress, Jacob & Pantera

(Aren't the kids cute!)

We finally got our new refrigerator delivered today and the old one picked up. It is not quite as wide as our old one and you can see behind it so James will have to put some wood on the wall behind it.

We love it though. It's been so long since we've had a refrigerator that dispensed ice and water we are on cloud nine!

The drawer you see between the freezer

and the refrigerator can be used either

as a refrigerator or a freezer. We

are using it to store our fresh vegetables

and fruits in.

I walked over 10,000 steps today, worked on my World Wonders puzzle and blogged for August 18th. I keep telling myself I am never going to catch up until I start doing two blogposts a day. I also made lasagna soup without the lasagna noodles, I add cheese instead and it is delicious! 

James has been working on replacing warped boards on the deck. Because of this he has a big spot where all of the decking is pulled up. If you go outside using the door from the family room that goes on to the deck you could fall right through.

At one point James did fall through,

although it wasn't at this time.

Sammy likes me again and is rubbing up against my legs. He is the most fickle cat I have ever met. We should have named him Luke with the middle name of Warm.

I finished the book, "Under the Scottish Sky" and started Sheri Dew's book, "Women and the Priesthood."

"Our divine nature and covenant relationship with God entitle us to receive divine help."

- Elder Sergio R. Vargas, AGC 2025

D&C 95:12

If you keep not my commandments, the love of the Father shall not continue with you, therefore you shall walk in darkness.

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025: Up @ 3:29, 77/53 temps w/ overcast skies, the Messiah shall rise from the dead, Woodland lake bridge & Grumpy Jake's w/ Halcomb's, Catherine: "When I was a girl in Missouri...,

 

San Pedro Sula, Honduras

198th dedicated temple

Dedicated: 13 Oct 2024

by: Dale G. Renlund

Book of Mormon

Alma 60:14-28

* Moroni's letter continues. Why is he so upset?

D&C

94:15-95:7

Come Follow Me

D&C 94; 97:10-17 

I can be "wholly dedicated to the Lord."

April General Conference

'Spiritually Whole in Him'

Sister Camille N. Johnson

A.S.K.

'Spiritually Whole in Him'

Sister Camille N. Johnson

Other

'The Priesthood Power of Women'

Sister Barbara Morgan Gardner

I was up at 3:29 this morning. I have to get up early to get everything in that I want to do. Actually, this is a little late. 

Today the weather was perfect in my opinion, the high was 77 and the low was 53 with overcast skies. 

One of my tender mercies for today is knowing that the Messiah shall rise from the dead. What a comfort it is to know that Jesus has overcome death and provided a way for us to live with Him and Heavenly Father and our families again as long as we prove worthy through repentance and obedience. I am so grateful.

Another tender mercy is regarding the temple. This scripture is referring to the Kirtland temple:

D&C 97:16

Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God.

At 11:00 this morning I picked up Kerri and Catherine Halcomb and we headed for the covered bridge at Woodland Lake Park in Pinetop-Lakeside. We went the back roads passed George Wallace's place instead of going on the 60 because of road construction. I think we all enjoyed the more scenic route. 

It was overcast when we got to the park. You turn off White Mountain Blvd. by the Chevron station where James did some concrete work years ago. Kerri brought Catherine's wagon, she calls it her Mom's "push me, pull you." We were enjoyed the weather, the scenery, seeing people out walking with their dogs, and taking pictures on the bridge.

Kerri and Catherine

Me with my friend Catherine

We left the Woodland Park and headed for Grumpy Jake's. Kerri said she would like to buy us lunch. Thank you Kerri.  Kerri had a brisket sandwich with fries and Catherine and I split a large chicken, walnut, cranberry salad which was delicious!

What a fun time I had today with the Halcomb's and I believe they enjoyed it too. When I returned home James was gone to get parts for his Cat. I was going to sit on the recliner and read. I decided to return the book, "To Be a Jew" to the Halcomb's so I put it in my Sunday bag and replaced it with "Pride and Prejudice" as one of the books I want to read in the coming months.

For dinner I made grilled onions, smash burgers, and green beans. Delicious!

One of the things Catherine said today was new to me. I knew she grew up in Oklahoma and then later when she got married she moved to Colorado before moving to Arizona, so imagine my surprise when we passed some horses on our trip to Pinetop-Lakeside and she said:

"When I was a girl in Joplin, Missouri sometimes I would ride my horse to school." 

Catherine has done many things in her 91 1/2 years on the earth.

Also, I asked Kerri why Brother Gilbert was using a walker at church and she said that he just recently had hip surgery. Thank you Kerri, that explains it.

Today's Amazon deliveries: bed ruffle, barber cape, Jesus & a lamb painting, and a maroon Tree of Life journal.

The rain tonight smelled so good. Sammy loves me again!

"Jesus Christ will manifest Himself in mercy in His holy temple and in every part of our life if we will seek Him."

- Elder James R. Rasband, AGC 2025

D&C 95:1

Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation and I have loved you. -

Kerri's elk shirt

Grumpy Jake's has great "artwork" and plays "oldie" music

I love it!

Monday, September 1st, 2025: Up @ 2:18 Perk & Prayer, Mediator, Sammy still gone, MacArthur's have sick kids, "Look Unto Christ" & nap w/ Tom, J works on fence, Cat needs anti-freeze, Chuck goes to the dump,

 

Mendoza, Argentina

197th dedicated temple

Dedicated: 22 Sep 2024

By: Ronald A. Rasband

Book of Mormon

Alma 60:1-13

* What was Moroni's purpose in writing the epistle to Pahoran?

D&C

94:1-14

Come Follow Me

Sep 1-7: "For the Salvation of Zion"

D&C 94-97

Introduction

April General Conference

'As a Little Child'

President Jeffrey R. Holland

Other

Lesson

'The Priesthood Power of Women'

Up at 2:18. I start my day with prayer and Perk. I do some planning and make a to do list for the day. The name of the Savior for the day is: Mediator. 

I miss Sammy. I am not sure where he is but I haven't seen him in a few days. 

We had invited the MacArthur's over for F.H.E. this evening. Chelsea called and said she had sick kids so they wouldn't be coming. I told her we would try again next Monday night. 

I read from my book, "Look Unto Christ in Every Thought" and took a nap with Tom. James had been working on the fence when he came in and said that the Cat needs anti-freeze. 

Chuck called and said he was going to the dump. James was down working on the fence so I went out to get the garbage ready for Chuck to build up. When James came up he was upset because he didn't think I put enough of the small bags into one of the large bags. He made the comment that the dump charges by the  bag and I didn't care about that. It hurt my feelings and I retreated into the house.

I prayed that I could "let it go" to avoid contention. James did apologize later.

One of my tender mercies today was during "Come Follow Me." I loved reading about how the women and children worked on the temple when the men went to march in Zion's Camp. 

James and I left for town around 3:30. I drove and made it to Empire Cat right at 4 when it closes. No cars were in the parking lot and I reminded James that it was Labor day. 

Our next stop was Goodwill. James insists that I fill out the donation slip as he says it will help with out taxes. 

I have been sending texts to Joshua through Paul. I asked him to answer today's question and I got no response. Is that the way of this generation. They just ignore you if they don't want to answer?

I bought a frame for the duck that Addy drew for me. 

Ducky

Addy didn't respond to doing baptisms for the dead. I guess she is pretty stressed about school. I told Sheri maybe we should wait until fall break. 

I also bought the ingredients I needed to make a carrot cake for Cress Miller's birthday on Wednesday. I also bought what I needed for homemade chicken noodle soup to take to Kate Hahn. I also bought more Nutella for hazelnut bars. James got antifreeze and picked up our prescriptions. 

On the way home we could see dark clouds in the direction of our house but it hadn't rained at our house, the rain was just beyond us.

This evening I blogged for August 16th, finished my puzzle, and finished walking my 10,000 steps. I also paid bills, James's credit card, Rocket mortgage, Dishnetwork, and Navopache electric.

"For our faith to lead to salvation, it must be centered in the Lord Jesus Christ.

- Sister Amy A. Wright, AGC 2025

D&C 94:8

And ye shall not suffer any unclean thing to come in unto it; and my glory shall be there, and my presence shall be there.

Sunrise over Montoso

Zemira and Jesse, now known as

Elder Wilhelm and Sister Pronger

Paul:

One of my puzzles that I keep doing

over and over and over again.

Sunday, August 31st, 2025: 2:38 prayer, names of Christ, Robles speak in sacrament mtg, 2 hr speakers: Me, John Wilhelm, Bro. Knight, Steve Allen, Ruthie's eye, Khloe Mack, Julie Wilhelm, weekly schedule, James temple recommend interview, Joshua's new job, Stacy's date w/ Adam, Joshua uses the Melchizedek Priesthood, six missionaries from our ward

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

196th dedicated temple

Dedicated: 15 Sep 2024

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon

Alma 58:30-59:13

* How can we come to "trust in God" like Helaman and his army?

April General Conference

'Confidence in the Presence of God'

President Russell M. Nelson

Up at 2:38 a.m. I had my prayers and studied a name of Christ. These are the names I studied this week: Alpha & Omega, Bread of life, Deliverer, Good shepherd, Lamb  of God, Light of the world, living water. 

The Robles , Jacob, Natalie, Ethan, and Makenzi spoke in sacrament meeting today. I especially liked Natalie's and Makenzi's talks. Here is how Natalie started out her talk. She said: Why did I come to church today. She then said that Elder Giminez says that "Jesus is his why." She talked about how in the D& C the Lord calls Joseph Smith and others His friends. She asked us to ask ourselves the question: "How do I make the Savior my friend?"

Makenzi shared some things Elder Stevenson has reminded how we can be a light to the world:

1) Live the gospel 2) care for the needy, 3) invite others to receive the gospel, 4) do family history work.

I gave the Mack's and the Peralta's a sympathy card for the death of their son, brother, and uncle. It had several scriptures to read. Chloe thanked me for the card. Ruthie Wilhelm got a pencil poked into her eye so she is wearing a protective plastic device on it to keep herself from touching it. Julie Wilhelm is here for awhile. She works for the US Forestry and is here visiting from Utah.

I was the first to speak in the second hour. I stressed the importance of studying the "Come Follow Me" lessons at home and coming to church prepared to share and discuss what we have learned. I used the example of the lesson on D& C 88 and went through the subheadings and how I use a study guide and write in my "Come Follow Me" journal. I bore my testimony of the importance of gospel study in our lives.

Brother Wilhelm was next, the Brother Knight, and Brother Allen. The bishop spoke at the end. He wants the members of the ward to read the scriptures and study the lessons before coming to church on Sunday, hence the reason for this meeting.

Bishop Hunsaker came up to me afterwards and said: "When you got up to speak I turned to Brother Knight and said: 'She's so cute.'"

I am old enough to be his mother.

We did not have marriage/parenting class today. 

 After lunch and a rest I went over my weekly schedule. It looked something life this:

Monday: F.H.E. with MacArthur's 

Tuesday: Woodland Lake & covered bridge with Halcomb's

Wednesday: Cress Miller's birthday cake

Thursday: Chicken noodle soup for Kate Hahn's dinner

Friday: Temple with Ruth and Jewell Turley

Saturday: Scottie MacArthur's soccer game

James had a temple recommend interview with Steve Allen today. Now he needs to have it signed by a member of the stake presidency. 

Stacy called me this afternoon. Joshua is quitting his job at George & Gaither and Alex his getting him a job at the restaurant he works at in Scottsdale. It is a high end dining establishment for the rich & famous and is not anywhere I would ever want to go. It's called Ocean 44. Stacy is worried about transportation. The nice thing about G&G is that it is just a couple of miles away from their house. This restaurant is in north Scottsdale. It looks like Joshua might need to use some of that $8,000 he has saved to buy a car.

Stacy is sick with a virus right now. She told me a date she went on with Adam which made me happy as their relationship has not been good since Adam became an adult. Adam bought the tickets and Stacy bought the popcorn and drinks.

I am reading the preface to "The Second Coming of Our Lord" and I am amazed at all the changes since the first publication of the book. 

So many interesting things have happened in the world and within the Church.

I did not realize that we have six missionaries from our ward, four out in the field and two service missionaries. Those in the field:

Elder Wilhelm in Newport Beach, California, Elder Finnegan in the Seattle, Washington mission,  Sister Pronger in Independence, Missouri and Sister Jameson in Australia. Brother Deven Crane is here in Arizona on a service mission and Sister Bridget Jordan who is in our ward and is serving a family history mission. Since we have been in the ward we have not had this many missionaries out at one time.

Paul and Joshua gave someone a blessing of healing today. Joshua anointed and Paul gave the blessing. This is a first for Joshua and Stacy was very proud.

"Living prophets in our day - who receive revelation from God to teach and lead us,...are increasingly inviting us to come unto Christ."

- Gary E. Stevenson, AGC 2025

D&C 93:38

Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God.

A few of my flowers

A deconstructed smash burger w/ lettuce,

tomato, green beans, cheese

East Fork #95, Greer

 

 

Saturday, August 30th, 2025: Up @ 2:38 prayer, Perk, Tender Mercies, BM, DC & CFM, prayed to find Airpods and I did, J moves out old frig, Paul Peeler helps, James's saw miracle, cleaned my closet,

 

Layton, Utah

195th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2024

By: David A. Bednar

Book of Mormon

Alma 58:13-29

* What did you learn from the poor military decision the Lamanites made at this time?

D&C

93:38-53

Come Follow Me

Finished with lesson, read D&C 93:40-53

April General Conference

'The Love of God'

Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai

Other

A.S.K. - 'Confidence in the Presence of God' - RMN

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

'The Priesthood Power of Women' Barbara Morgan Gardner

I was up at 2:38 this morning. Who wants to sleep when there is so much to do! 

We had several tender mercies today. My computer wouldn't come on. I said a prayer and boingo, it came on. I misplaced my Airpods today. I looked everywhere I could think of and then I said a prayer. After saying the prayer I thought to look in the pocket of my jeans which were hanging up in the closet. There they were. 

James got his heat treatment on his hands, feet, and back. We read from the Book of Mormon, did the "Come Follow Me" section of the lesson for today and had prayer. 

James's big accomplishment today, as far as I am concerned, was getting the old refrigerator moved outside. He got it out into the entryway and then he asked Paul Peeler to come over and help him get it outside on the front porch. He told him it would take five minutes. It took much longer, but they did it. Thank you Paul!

 Waiting for our new frig to be delivered.

We thought the new refrigerator was going to come today but they postponed it until Tuesday. Monday is a holiday. We were a little frustrated because we waited all day for someone to come.

Jared sent me a request today. He said he would like me to tell him about my experience of being sealed to my parents because he is talking about temple work to the youth in his ward. I sent him my experience and how I felt about it.

Stacy told me today that Joshua has not received any of my texts for the past two weeks. Something is wrong with his phone. From now on I will send the scripture readings for the day to Paul and he will forward them on to Joshua. 

James was using a saw today. It slipped and it cut his pants above his knee but did not cut his garments or his skin. We consider this proof that garments really are a protection if you are living your covenants. What a blessing and a tender mercy!

Crisis averted

I cleaned one section of my closet. It took me awhile because it was the section that needed the most work. I loaded the car with stuff for Goodwill.

I made omelets, turkey bacon, and spinach for dinner. James and I both love to buy fresh spinach and cook it down with vineager. It is delicious!

I am giving a talk tomorrow during the 2nd hour about study the "Come Follow Me" lesson at home to prepare for a discussion at church during Sunday School. I typed out my outline and I believe I am prepared. Home based, Church supported gospel learning.

"While we hold ourselves to the Lord's high standards, let's also be patient with one another. We are each a work in progress."

- Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, AGC 2025

D&C 93:36

The glory of God is intelligence, or in other words, light and truth.

Not on Saturday, probably yesterday

My friend Lynn Wallace and her

white turkey, Snow White.

Trina's trip with her mom and sisters-in-law

Lexy and Lacey to see her sister Tristan

in Washington state.

Trina, Lexy and Tristan

Ditto

A marmet. James says they are native

to the high country in northern California

to Washington.

Suzy, Trina's Mom and her sister Tristan.

Somehow I missed getting a picture of

Lacey and I am sorry.

Friday, August 29th, 2025: Rain, James jumps out of bed - bags of concrete in truck, brisket in crockpot, beans, nap w/ Tom, Elders Perkins and Laster for dinner

 

Salta, Argentina

194th dedicated temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2024

By: D. Todd Christofferson

Book of Mormon

Alma 58:1-12

* What did the Nephites do when they faced a lack of provisions, lack of reinforcements and fear they would be destroyed by their enemies? 

D&C

93:33-36

Come Follow Me

D&C 93:40-50 

"Set in order your own house."

April General Conference

'Receive His Gift'

Elder Patrick Kearon

Other

Lesson

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Priesthood Power

"The Priesthood Power of Women"

"The Savior in Kirtland"

Up at 3:01 - Prayer, Perk, gospel study. Around 6 I gave James his heat treatment on his feet, hands, and back. He then laid down with the heating pad on his back and one on his feet. He told me to wake him up in 30 minutes. I fed the cats and noticed it was raining and said, "We are getting some rain." James jumped out of bed and said: "I've got bags of concrete in the back of my truck. It wasn't supposed to rain." He said he had a tarp in the pump house so I ran and looked while he got dressed. I couldn't find it and went to the storage room which didn't look very promising either, it was then I got an idea. Why not pull my car out of the garage and drive the truck in. By this time James was dressed and outside and I shared with him my idea. I jumped in the car and drove it out onto the driveway and James drove the truck in. The truck barely fit where we could put the garage door down because of the trailer hitch. It is very tight but it worked! Crisis averted.

James thanked me profusely for helping him and coming up with the idea of putting the truck in the garage. He was very grateful.

We are feeding the missionaries tonight and I am cooking a brisket in the crockpot. A new concept. I got it in this morning around 8. It needs to cook for 8 hours. Later in the day I made Calico beans to go with the brisket. We also had green beans and Italian bread. (Pioneer Woman's recipe that Jared introduced to me). I had made James regular beans this week. I added them to the Calico beans at James's request so the beans would not be so sweet. 

This afternoon I took a nap with Tom, holding him in my arms like a baby. He will only let me hold him when he is going to sleep. 

We haven't seen Sammy for awhile. I wonder if he is visiting Kathy's black cat.

I listened to the new hymns while I was working today. I love "Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus."

Some things I received in the mail today: 1.) 3" Christus (I dropped it and broke the hands off. I was reminded of something Sheri said in her last RS lesson I attended. Statue of Christ with no hands. We are his hands.) 2.) Honey container, Beehive shaped. 3.) 10 new drinking glasses, just in time for feeding the missionaries this evening. 4.) a new dress 5.)James's white temple pants (listed as golf pants on Amazon).

Elder Perkins had a different companion with him this evening. I guess they are on splits. This new elders name is Elder Laster and he is from Florida. He was interested in our horses and thought Luna was one of the most beautiful paint horses he had ever seen. He use to work on one of the Church ranches in Florida.

The elders seemed to enjoy the brisket, they both had an ample amount, and for dessert we had Nutella bars which Elder Laster loved. Before leaving Elder Laster shared a message from D&C 34:1-2:

1) My son,..., hearken and hear and behold what I, the Lord God, shall say unto you, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer;

2) The light and the life of the world, a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not;

Thank you Elder Laster. It was nice meeting you. Elder Laster's missionary badge is in Navajo because his first area was on the reservation.

Before the elders came I packed up some food and had James take it to Pat Tedder. I had invited her to come over and eat with us but she declined because she just isn't ready to go out with her oxygen tank yet. 

"Jesus Christ ... is the rock upon which we must build so that when times become difficult, we will be able to stand firm."

- Elder Hans T. Boom, AGC 2025

D&C 93:28

He that keepeth His commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.

Elder Perkins on the left, the tall one, and

Elder Laster on the right.

Before I broke his hands off

I love this honey pot

Kacey's post

Our new "classic" glasses