Sunday, September 7th, 2025: Up @ 2:24, blogged about my birthday, James & I bear our testimonies - I share my temple experience, Bro. Rosen "Be the spark", Marriage class: man cave vs. S wave, A.S.K.,

 

Auckland, New Zealand

203rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Apr 2025

By: Elder Patrick Kearon

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:34-52

* How do you remain humble and refrain from pride?

April General Conference

"Cherishing Life" - Elder Neil L. Andersen

A.S.K.

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

Other

"Follow Him"

Up at 2:24, a little early but I have important things to do this morning. I changed my schedule a bit. I get up at 3 and have prayer and meditation. Next is Book of Mormon, Come Follow Me and reading from my D&C study guide.

At 5:00 I blog for two hours. I will never catch up on my blog if I don't blog two entries a day and that has not been happening when I blog later in the day. I was able to finish blogging my birthday this morning and almost finished the 20th this evening. It was a good start. 

Today is fast and testimony meeting, both James and I bore our testimonies. I told about my experience in the temple of being sealed to my parents. I testified that all I felt was love and if you want to feel of God's love for you, go to the temple. James testified of the importance of the sacrament and our opportunity to repent and do better. He testified of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. Some of the other testimonies: Lots of Primary children including Pantera and Juniper. Pantera is 7 and Juniper is probably 5 or 6. Juniper said: "I know we can all learn from our trials." Not the testimony you normally hear from a young child. 

Joe & Corrina Westbrook and their family are back in our ward. Kyah, their oldest daughter just returned from a mission in Montana. She is what Brother Rosen called in his testimony a "spark" in her family. Her dad Joe shared his testimony in sacrament meeting for the first time since I have known him. Kyah made some really good comments in Sunday School. It will be great to have her in our ward until she decides to attend a singles ward.

Here are some others who bore their testimonies:

Tom Peralta, Bridget Jordan, Kyle Penrod - Shanna's oldest grandson, Scott Sandoval, Tanya Osborn, Becky Skousen, and Mike Brady.

We attended Brother Lauritzen's marriage class after the second hour. Today we talked about the man cave for men and the S wave for women. James told about the time I was stressed out with the kids and he took me to stay in a hotel room in Mesa. I remembered that incident but not so sure I am happy that he shared it.

Kim is now a part of our A.S.K. general conference study group. We went to pick up our soup pot and cookie sheet at Kate Hahn's this evening. She is back at the Mayo Clinic. Her husband and dog are with her. They don't lock their house so we were able to go in and get our pot and cookie sheet. We did up some dishes while we were there. I am so sad for Kate. I wonder if she will ever be well again.

James spent the evening writing a letter to Ben & Cayli. I listened to part of "Follow Him."

"Your repentance doesn't burden Jesus Christ, it brightens His joy."

- Sister Tamara W. Runia, AGC 2025

Our house

Sunset

Moon

Saturday, September 6th, 2025: Up @ 2/5 next time up at 2, rained during the night, James watches Willy & Ralph weld his fence, Scottie's game, Jarred & Chelsea, Safeway, Cemetery, our old house says Ellsworth on the mailbox,

 

Tallahassee, Florida

202nd dedicated temple

Dedicated: 8 Dec 2024

By: Patrick Kearon

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:19-33

* Why do you think these Lamanite prisoners wanted to be a free people by choosing to go to the land of Ammon?

D&C

97

Come Follow Me

97:18-28

Zion is "the pure in heart."

April General Conference

'Draw Near Unto Me' 

President Henry B. Eyring

A.S.K.

'Spiritually Whole in Him'

President Camille N. Johnson

Other

Liahona

'Beloved Emma'

'Live Up To Our Privileges'

Woke up at 2:00 and decided it was too early and that I would sleep another 30 minutes. The next time I woke up it was 5:00. Next time I will get up at 2:00. On the other hand, maybe my body was telling me I needed that extra sleep this morning. It was a great morning. When I went outside to feed Sammy it smelled so good and it was evident that it rained during the night. 

Willy Grombach and Ralph Sedig came over this morning to do some welding for James on the fence, otherwise James would have come with me to Scottie MacArthur's soccer game. The game was at Frontier Park in the middle of Show Low right next to where I used to live when we lived in the little house behind the store. I told Chelsea and Jarred that I used to go frog gigging in the creek and that there was a Spudnut shop that made the most delicious donuts. I told them about walking to the Show Low Elementary School and smelling those donuts on the way to school. So many memories close by.

We are on the 'Racoon' field and Scottie's team is called the Jaguars. The Jaguars lost to the red team, I'm not sure what the name of their team was. They had a little girl on their team that just wouldn't stop. Every time they made a goal she would run over and tell her dad, making sure he saw it. So cute ... why couldn't she be on our team?

I told Chelsea & Jarred about my dream of Jarred becoming the new bishop. I told them a bishop needed to have a good character and a kind heart and I felt like he had both. I told them that even if Jarred didn't become bishop they needed to start coming to church because we could really use them in the ward. I am grateful I have a relationship with these kind people where I can tell them exactly how I feel.

When the game was over and we said our goodbye's Scottie came over and gave me a hug and thanked me for coming, which made me feel good. As I was walking back to my car and noticed a young boy, probably about 9 or 10 walking towards me. My heart jumped as he looked so much like James Hayden at the age. It brought a tear too my eye. James was such a sweet boy.

I needed to use the restroom so I decided to make a trip to Safeway, and I am so glad I did. I got six packs of A&W Zero for half price. You had to buy four six packs, which I did. I got two packages of blackberries for $5 which was $3 off and I met Josephine who was born in Poland and who lived there during World War II. We had such a nice visit as we were standing in line to check out. She also worked at Yale many years ago as a secretary. 

I mailed the letter to Premier Imaging and a birthday card to Denice Hall. I drove up Central Street to go to the cemetery and I passed our old house I noticed that the mailbox said Ellsworth on it. This means that Trenda Wilhelm Ellsworth does live in our old house. Wow...what a coincidence.

James was working on the fence by himself when I got home. Willy the welder had gone home to see his sister who is here visiting. James is also working on replacing part of the deck because some of the boards were warped, so he has two projects going on right now. 

We started our fast at 1:30 today. We are fasting for Autumn, and Ben & Cayli. I am focusing on Autumn and James is focusing on Ben & Cayli. 

"God rejoices in our progress, and so should we, even when we still have work to do."

- Elder Steven D. Shumway, AGC 2025

D&C 97:15

And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it;

Soccer coach. I was trying to get the back of his shirt which

says: I Coach, They Play, You Cheer.

Also, I love the sky in this picture.

That's Scottie in the pink socks. She is one of the

best players on her team.

Go Jaguars!

I love it too!

My half price rootbeers

Friday, September 5th, 2025: Up @ 2:41,Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, Happy 47th Bday Darrel!, Amazon fast for 2 weeks, Max got 96% on his EMT test,

 

Casper, Wyoming

201st operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Nov 2024

By: Quentin L. Cook

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:1-18

* How can we be like Moroni in raising our voices to promote righteous standards today?

D&C

97:1-11

Come Follow Me

D&C 97:8-9 "They are accepted of me."

April General Conference

'My Love for the Savior is My Why'

Elder Giminez

Other

A.S.K.

Lesson

GCJ

"Women and the Priesthood"

R.E.J.

Spiritually Defining Memories

D&C 109

Up @ 2:41. Happy 47th Birthday Darrel!

Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. 

Max got 96% on his EMT test. We are so proud of him. He is such a determined young man and sets goals for himself and then goes out and accomplishes them.

Benson is having trouble breathing and has been in the hospital for tests. I have been praying for him and for Autumn every 30 minutes. The doctors finally sent him home and told Autumn if he had any more problems to contact her pediatrician. Autumn is still worried about him so I continue to pray for them.

James's back is free of pain. He woke up happy for the first time in as long as I can remember. Oh happy day!

I finished Sheri Dew's book, "Woman and the Priesthood" and started Wendy Ulrich's book, "Live Up to Our Privileges." 

This afternoon I met Ruth Gale and Jewel Turley at the temple for the 3:30 endowment session. I wore my new temple dress and shoes. I love the shoes but the dress is too long and I had to have someone help me zip it. Also, there were five other people with the same dress on. Oh well, I guess we are all supposed to be equal in the temple.

I also used my old robe and it is too big as is my newer one. I guess I need to order a small and short one. 

After the session we talked about going to dinner. I left it up to Ruth because she has Jewel with her. We decided to pass this month but go the following month and "catch up."

I got a call from Cheryl Sedig today. She is making a change to our ministering assignment. Now instead of having Janna Grombach Kathy and I have been assigned Cindy Brown. I told her we would keep Janna too, but she said no. I am excited to get to know Cindy better.

On the drive home from Snowflake it was still light and I enjoyed the white fluffy clouds, green in Shumway, and the mountains near Vernon. There is so much beauty in the world that the Lord created for us.

"The Lord is fulfilling His promise. The Savior's restored Church is being established throughout the world."

- Elder David A. Bednar, AGC 2025

D&C 97:8

Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice - yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command - they are accepted of me.

7 yrs ago when Darrel turned 39

My how time flies!

Charlie looking like a pretzel as she

reads her book.

I'm not as in to Christmas in October as some,

but I do like Andrew Walker.

I think I will send this to Addy

Evan

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.