Sunday, October 12th, 2025: Up @ 3:45, Elder Stevenson dedicates Elko Nevada temple, "Reverence for Sacred Things" Ulisses Soares, Katie Hahn passed away this morning, Katie's party, Amy's lesson, Catherine is getting more forgetful, marriage class, Scott & Christina, hot cocoa by the fire w/ my sweetie

 

238. Fort Worth, Texas

Exterior cladding completed; landscaping and 

interior finish work well underway;

construction estimated to be completed

in early to mid 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 4:1-14

October General Conference

'Simplicity in Christ'

Elder Michael Cziesla

A.S.K.

'Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Relief Society

'Reverence for Sacred Things'

Elder Ulisses Soares

Other

'Follow Him'

'Know Brother Joseph'

'Look Unto Christ'

'Inklings' - President Oaks's talk

Elder Stevenson dedicated the Elko, Nevada temple today. Dedicated temple #209.

Up at 3:45.

Katie Hahn passed away this morning around 4 a.m. Our bishop announced it from the pulpit. She affected so many lives with her positive attitude and good cheer.

James is so good to me. He delivered Judy Hunter's birthday card and gift and Debbie Schwartz's note all before sacrament meeting.

Today was our fast and testimony meeting. James and I are fasting for better health. Here are some of the testimonies that were born:

Bishop Hunsaker - Hope from General Conference. Thank goodness for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Hold fast to the iron rod.

Tina Allen - I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. My granddaughter wants to serve a mission because she wants them to know that Jesus loves them.

Tom Peralta - Jesus is with me wherever I go. Hebrews 5:8 ...yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.

Steve Rosen - 3,200 Saints showed up in Globe to help with the flood cleanup.

Roger Gilbert - Thank you for the help and the meals.

Brother Dobson - Attended General Conference in Salt Lake and took his son Cary who said: "I am loving that so many people love God." Faith in Christ. 

Jimmie Applegate - Jesus is my Master Exemplar. We are either going towards Jesus or going away from Him.

Tamara Applegate - Katie's video thanking those who give blood. Special thanks to Debbie who is being baptized this week. She is all there and focused when she comes to the gospel essentials class. Feeling the Spirit is my goal in class. It's a daily walk with Jesus.

When Brother Dobson bore his testimony I whispered to James: "There's our new bishop." He agreed.

I didn't realize how many people really loved Katie Hahn until Relief Society. Paula Johnson mentioned the party Katie had to celebrate her life because she knew she may be dying. Several people had gone and said how wonderful it was.

Amy Reynolds taught the lesson today based on Elder Soares's April conference talk, "Reverence for Sacred Things." Before she began she introduced Melinda who is a member but has never been. She was wearing pants and a camo jacket. I hope she felt welcomed. Amy stayed by her before and after Relief Society and Natalie came over and spoke with her. 

Catherine Halcomb told me she went to Oklahoma this week and all her friends told her to come home. When she told me they took their dogs in the car, I knew something was not right. I talked to Kerri about it and she says she is remembering the trip they took last year. They did take the dogs but they also took their travel trailer and Kerri's big truck. 

I also sat by Joyce in Relief Society. Joyce is my friend who won't kill critters. The discussion in Relief Society was great. I loved Elder Soares's talk on reverence.

I did not like marriage class today and neither did James. It was all about the dysfunctional family at Thanksgiving. Brother Lauritzen started about by drawing a table with all these chairs around it, representing Thanksgiving dinner. He then drew a dead horse on the table and I said, "Shouldn't that be a turkey?" I got a few chuckles but it went downhill from there. Grandpa is a pedophile and some at the table are his victims. This is not what I signed up for. I thought we would be using a Church marriage manual and be talking about how to make our marriage relationships more celestial. I understand that Brother Lauritzen came from a dysfunctional family and I feel sorry for him. What to do oh what to do. I guess I have a couple of weeks to think about it since we will be gone next week.

Rebecca shared that Scott's leukemia is back, Christina has a tumor and a blood disorder and that Jason and his family will probably be homeless in a week or so. I put all of their names on the Snowflake temple prayer roll. 

Sheri seems to be in a dark place right now. She did give her Relief Society lesson but she feels like she does not have an eternal family. I need to help her realize that if she keeps her covenants that they have been sealed to her and they still have the potential to be an eternal family, Thank goodness for our general conference study group, A.S.K. She responded positively to our discussion.

We were in bed by 8:22. Early to bed and early to rise....

Benson and Scarlett

Our sweet friend Katie and her dog Apollo

Elko, Nevada

Temple Dedication

Stretching Tom

Mason,

Tanner's son

 

Saturday, October 11th, 2025: Up @ 3:48, sleeping a little too long, raining, "Know Brother Joseph", the Branch, started fast @ 1:30 for better health, Cope's spindles, blogged 2 days and walked 12,000 steps, puzzle, In bed @ 8, Judy Hunter's card & gift tomorrow @ church

 

237. Modesto, California

Exterior cladding nearing completion; 

numerous trees delivered; landscaping progressing;

perimeter masonry wall almost finished;

millwork underway on the interior;

construction estimated to be completed

in mid to late 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 3:11-26

D&C

114

October General Conference

'No One Sits Alone'

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

A.S.K.

'Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Other

Liahona

'Look Unto Christ'

"Know Brother Joseph"

Up at 3:48. My internal clock is allowing me to sleep a little too long. It was a good morning, although my left knee is still hurting. 

When I opened the door to feed Sammy and let Tom in I discovered it was raining. Oh my, and now there is fog. I am loving this weather and love it when James builds a fire in the fireplace. It rained solidly for most of the morning.

I started a new audio book today called: "Know Brother Joseph". The chapters are written by scholars who worked on the Joseph Smith papers. 

When I listened to "Follow Him" this week Susan Black said the branch mentioned in Isaiah 11:1 was the Church. I wasn't sure about this so I did some research. It wasn't mentioned in my commentary so I got out my Old Testament Student Manual used in the religion class at BYU. Bruce R. McConkie had a lot to say about the branch. He says it is the Savior. The stem or stump is the crucified Christ and the branch is Christ at the Second Coming, or the Millennial Messiah. I liked his answer.

Tomorrow is fast Sunday. We started our fast at 1:30 this afternoon. James wants to fast for better health and it's his turn to choose so that's that. 

James got some spindles for the railings from Cope Reynolds today. They are a little small but he is going to use them on the end or alternate them with the larger ones. This will save him from having to buy a lathe. Cope would not take any money. They are painted so James will have to sand them but he is so grateful to have them.

James and I worked on the sunflower puzzle today. All of the edge pieces are in and we finished section B except for one piece. I already finished section A. The sections with lots of green are going to be the most difficult and that includes section C which we are now starting. 

I blogged two day and walked 12,000 steps, paid tithing and updated both checkbooks. 

Today is Judy Hunter's birthday. I never did get her card mailed. I will take it and a small gift to church tomorrow to give to her along with a note to Debbie Schwarz congratulating her on her upcoming baptism.

James and I were in bed by 8.

"Knowing that Jesus Christ understands life's pains and joys can give us strength beyond our own as we navigate bitter and sweet."

- Elder Gerrit W. Gong

D&C 112:24

Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord.

These two are always happy for a

sleepover!

Friday, October 10th, 2025: 3:41, elk hunting in fog unsuccessful, conference talks printed, listened to first 11, J rained out burning brush, green chili stew a little hot, puzzle is puzzling, 2 blogposts 13,000 steps, in bed by 8, DGR's conference talk

 

236. Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Stained glass windows installed; exterior cladding completed;

landscaping and interior work underway; 

construction estimated to be completed 

in early to mid - 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 3:1-10

D&C

113:1-10

Come Follow Me

D&C 113

Joseph Smith was "a servant in the hands of Christ."

October General Conference

'The Eternal Gift of Testimony'

Elder Kevin G. Brown

Liahona

A.S.K.

'Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Other

"Look Unto Christ in Every Thought"

Up at 3:41 for gospel study and daily preparation.

James went out in the fog to look for elk but was unsuccessful. 

We had planned on going to the temple but because the Tignor's cancelled we are at home trying to do some "catch up." 

I ran off all of the conference talk and numbered them and put them in files. I am glad that Emily chose President Oaks's talk on the family to base our Inklings study on this semester. I listened to the first 11 talks as a way of "catching up." 

James went out to burn brush but he got rained out. I made a green chili stew. This is a new recipe which called for 28 oz of fire-roasted tomatoes which made it a little hot. Next time I'm doing half fire-roasted and half regular tomatoes. I'm also cutting the pork in small chunks at James's request. I divided the stew and put beans in half of it for James. 

Even though James and I are both working on the puzzle we are not making much progress. It is quite puzzling. We will conquer though because we won't give up!

Sheri chose Elder Renlund's talk for her Relief Society lesson this week and so Kim, Addy and I are also studying it in our study group. I read through it today. I get so much more out of the talks when I read them rather than just listening to them.

I managed to do two blogposts and walk 13,000 steps today. James and I were in bed by 8. I want to get up at 3. James complained about me getting up early and turning on my desk lamp. I told him that's why I got him the sleep mask.

"Beyond redeeming us from our mistakes, the Lord's mercy and grace sustain us through injustices, deficiencies, and limitations imposed by our mortal experience."

- Bishop Gerald Causse, AGC 2025

D&C 112:13

And after their temptations, and much tribulations, behold, I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them.

Sweet boy Benson

Alex in Oregon.

I'm not sure whose dog that is.

 

Thursday, October 9th, 2025: Up @ 2:48 tried to sleep in until 4 but couldn't do it, letter from Registrar of Contractors in my AOL mail they rule in his favor! hunting for elk, "Follow Him", overcast, J's trip to town, carne asada taco,

235. Montpelier, Idaho

Exterior cladding completed;

installing parking lot entrances;

interior finish work and landscaping progressing;

construction estimated to be completed in

early to mid - 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 2:1-19

D&C

112:21-34

Come Follow Me

D&C 112:12-26, 28, 33-34

Those who are truly converted come to know Jesus Christ.

October General Conference

'Be Reconciled to God'

Elder Kelly R. Johnson

A.S.K.

'Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

Liahona

Up at 2:48. I tried to sleep in until 4 but I couldn't do it. 

As I was going through my AOL emails this morning I noticed one from the Registrar of Contractors. I guess they have my email instead of James's. Anyway I skim through and realize that they have ruled in our favor! I am so excited I want to wake up James but I let him sleep a little longer before I tell him. I make a copy of the letter for him and he reads it later. They also said they would be sending us a letter in the mail. We are both relieved and happy, feeling we were treated fairly. They did mention the fact that they were impressed that James has had a license for over 37 years with no complaints, and that certainly was in his favor.

We have prayer this morning and read from the Book of Mormon before James goes out "hunting" for elk with his camera and elk call. He said he saw several and heard even more. He gets a text from the guy who owns the property down from us, Dave Elkin, who still lives in the valley and only comes up occasionally. Dave has a pond where the elk like to drink and he has a camera on that pond. In the text he asks James if he was on his property this morning. James had to admit that he was. 

When James returned we finished the section of the Come Follow Me lesson we were on today and then listen to the rise and fall of Thomas B. Marsh in the book, "Revelations in Context." I had heard the story before. Susan Black told it on "Follow Him". It is a sad one.

It was overcast here all day. The clouds hung low and once in awhile released some moisture. 

James made a trip to town to get gas for the chainsaw and some other work related things. He didn't pick up horse feed because it was raining in Show Low. He looked at lathes, a tool he needs to make new spindles for the railing. It cost $700 and he didn't want to spend that much, which I kind of understand, but he needs a lathe to finish the railing so I think he is just postponing the inevitable. He picked up my Tramadol and brought me a carne asada taco for which I was grateful. I was dizzy this morning and was lying down in bed when James got home. He joined me and we slept about an hour. I felt better and got up and ate my taco. I had to heat it up and added cheese and salsa and did not eat the tortillas. We have an appointment at the temple with the Tignor's tomorrow but Barbara called and cancelled because she said T-Bo couldn't make it. She sounded like she was about to cry. Now James and I have to decide if we are going to go without them. We decide no. I just went on Wednesday and James is stressed about all of the things he has to do. I did make an appointment for us on October 24th with Virgil Cooper in the 9:30 endowment session. We will be gone next week to Texas.

I listened to Inklings this morning. Emily recorded it last night. She is in New York and will speak at a Faith Forum tomorrow with Elder Cook. 

My right knee hurts. I have reached the conclusion that if I continue to walk my daily 10,000 steps or 70,000 a week that I will probably have to have knee surgery. My X-rays show bone on bone in both knee. I did manage to walk 13,000 steps inspite of my knee. 

I did two blog posts, got my Dish bill lowered and paid and paid our Verizon bill. 

When I finished walking this evening I was ready to go to bed. James was ready too. He worked on our sunflower puzzle while I took a shower and got ready for bed. He does a puzzle different than I do, but I appreciate his help. 

Stacy's procedure today went well. We are praying that her cancer tests come back negative.

"We don't stay on the covenant path by never making a mistake. We stay on the covenant path by repenting everyday."

- Sister Tamara W. Runia, AGC 2025 

D&C 112:10

Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.

I watched "A Christmas Prayer" which was about

faith in Jesus Christ. I loved the little girls prayer list,

everything on it was something for someone else.

Moon over the mountain

 

Wednesday, October 8th, 2025: Temple w/ RS sisters, see Shanna Penrod, Snowflake Smokehouse BBQ, Walmart, J chopping & burning wood, another chainsaw miracle, finished "Seekers Wanted", blogged & walked

 

Port Moresby Papua, New Guinea

Palm trees planted; ornamental fence installed; landscaping 

and interior finish work well underway;

construction estimated to be completed in late

2025 to early 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 1:15-30

D&C

112:11-20

Come Follow Me

D&C 112:3-15, 22

The Lord will lead me as I humbly seek His will.

Today I went to the temple with my Relief Society sisters, Teresa Smith, Joyce, and Ingrid. Joyce and Ingrid are sisters but look and act nothing alike. They all winter in the valley so this will be our last trip to the temple for awhile. One of our other temple sisters, Natalie Robles went to an earlier session so she could get home earlier to help her husband on the house they are building. You can watch them build on their YouTube channel "A Boulder Life: Off the Grid."

My friend Susan Hubble who usually comes is taking her granddaughters to Disneyland today. Their mother loved Disneyland and they have never been. I am so excited for them.  I love going to the temple on Wednesday mornings because I get to see Shanna Penrod and give her a hug. She is the one whose husband committed suicide in January. Shanna is a temple worker and when I see her she always reminds me of an angel.

After our temple session we met at the Snowflake Smokehouse BBQ got lunch. Teresa had the mac & cheese with pulled pork, Joyce had the pulled pork sandwich with onion rings, and Ingrid had the St. Louis ribs with fries. I had the strawberry spinach salad with chicken. The food was good and I got to know my friends a little better. Joyce will not kill spiders or flies saying they have as much right to be here as we do. She has a huge gopher snake that climbs up and down the walls on her patio. She showed me a picture. Although I love Joyce and her tender heart I just can't allow reptiles and arachnids to live near me. 

Teresa asked me if I was coming to Debbie Schwartz's baptism on the 18th. I told her I would be gone to Texas to a family baptism. She asked me if I would write Debbie a note, and I said I would. I am so happy for Debbie!

I paid my bill and said my goodbyes and headed for Walmart. I am making my weekly meal, a green chili pork stew. I also had to get catfood and Tom's treat. 

James called me on the way home. I guess he wanted me to pick up something for him at Walmart but I had already left. He was not upset although he says he told me before I left to call him when I got to Walmart. I missed that part. So sorry. He is still chopping wood and burning brush. He chops down dead trees, burns the branches and saves the rest for firewood. He is such an outdoorsman. He ran the chainsaw through his pants again and they still didn't touch his garments or skin. So what if we have to throw another pair of pants away.

I napped with Tom, finished my movie, "Home Turf" starring Nikki DeLoach and Warren Christy, blogged and walked. I did not finish any blogposts today but I did get my 10,000 steps and finished Anthony Sweat's book, "Seekers Wanted."

While I was feeding Sammy this evening I left the door open for a minute and he came in to our bedroom. Tom attacked him in a sort of non-violent way and got him by the throat. I don't think Tom was biting hard but just wanted to warn Sammy that this territory was off limits to him.

"Our preparation to meet Jesus Christ accelerates when we stop asking what God will permit and start asking what God would prefer."

-Elder Steven D. Shumway, AGC 2025

D&C 112:9

Thy voice shall be a rebuke unto the transgressor; and at they rebuke let the tongue of the slanderer cease its perverseness.

Elder Finnegan from our ward serving in

the Seattle, Washington mission.

About 11 years ago I made

Twinkie minions with D's kids.

BL - Before Lola

Teresa and her mac & cheese

Sweet Joyce with her lunch.

Ingrid is beside her. Her food hadn't

come yet.

Another of James's projects is replacing 

rotten railings on our deck.

Tuesday, October 7th, 2025: Up @ 3:58, Nephi cried mightily to God in behalf of his people (I know how he feels), elk are bugling and so is James, Pres. Nelson's funeral, temple cleaning night

 

Port Vila Vanuatu

Steeple frame installed; hanging exterior

cladding panels; installing windows;

construction estimated to be completed

in mid to late 2026.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 1:1-14

Come Follow Me

D&C 111

The Lord can "order all things for my good."

D&C

112:1-10

Priesthood Power

D&C 25

'Seekers Wanted'

Chapter 7

Up at 3:58. 

'Nephi cried mightily to God in behalf of his people.' I know how Nephi feels. Every morning during prayer I cry in behalf of all of the members of my family.

For some reason I was tired today and ended up taking two naps. Maybe it was because I knew that at my normal bed time I would be helping to clean the temple. 

The weather is turning a little cooler. The elk are bugling and so is James. 

When it was time for President Nelson's funeral James was outside burning brush and I called him in to watch the funeral with me. 

Speakers at the funeral included: one of his daughters, his son, President Eyring, President Oaks, President Holland and President Camille Johnson. President Johnson's talk was my favorite. It was sweet and tender and I just connected with her. It was funny when Elder Holland said his mother, who loved President Nelson said to him: "Don't worry son, you're my second favorite apostle." It was also interesting to know that President/Dr. Nelson operated on President Eyring's mother 9 times. President Oaks said not only was President Nelson his greatest gospel teacher, he was also his best friend. President Nelson has over 300 descendants.

I fixed broccoli and soup for lunch, did two blog posts, and walked 11,000 steps. 

James and I left around seven this evening to help our ward clean the temple. Here are some of the other people who came: Stefani Hunsaker, Kip Hunsaker, Brandon Crane, Sam & Amy Gordon, Chris & Becky Skousen, Steve & Tina Allen, Rick & Rosie Lauritzen, Collin & Wendy DeWitt, Willy & Janna Grombach, Susan Goodman, Michelle Sandover, and Doug Brown.

Brother Brown told me how much he loved Cindy's birthday cake so I guess it tasted okay. I always worry about that.

We left home at 7 and got home at 10 and were in bed by 10:30.

"The Father and the Son appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, thus initiating the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the latter days."

- Elder David A. Bednar, AGC 2025

D&C 112:8

And by Thy word many high ones shall be brought low, and by Thy word many low ones shall be exalted.

Charlie, this is my pet Lambie

Hunting for elk with a bugle

call and a camera.

I like this visual aid to Isaiah 11:1

Benson is so adorable!

James's burning brush project

 

Monday, October 6th, 2025: Up @ 2:58 Something has got to change, I can't feel guilty for not getting up at 2:30, new schedule, James has a meeting in the valley with Ravi Gupta, Cream Danish cake for Cindy Brown, made and delivered, James home @ 6:30 p.m., in bed before 9

 

 232. Queretaro, Mexico

Cladding the exterior; framing the exterior pilasters and mission-style

parapet; construction estimated to be completed in

late 2026 to early 2027.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 16:19-25

Come Follow Me

D&C 111-114

"I Will Order All Things For Your Good"

Introduction

D&C

111:1-11

October General Conference

'Do Your Part With All Your Heart'

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Liahona

'Wrapped in Warmth and Love'

Follow Him

Susan Easton Black

Up at 2:58. Something has got to change, I can't feel guilty for not getting up at 2:30. I made a new schedule, starting at 4 instead of 3.

I need to be in bed buy 8:30 on a normal day. 

James left around 8 for the valley. He is meeting Ravi Gupta, who is a friend of Dr. Memon, about finishing his home. He took a contract with him. I have mixed feelings about him taking this job but he assured me he has prayed about it and feels good. 

I started Cindy Brown's birthday cake just about the same time that James left. I am making Courtney Rich's Cream Danish cake. The cake, frosting and filling have cream cheese in them. Cindy says they love cheesecake. I also made a strawberry compote. I started at 8:00 and then finished around 1:30. I made two layers of cake and then had to cut each one of them in half and put cream cheese filling in between them. 

Cream Danish Cake with strawberry compote

At 1:30 I put the cake in my cake carrier and headed east on the 60 to the turn off to Cindy's. It's about 11 miles from the Vernon turn off.

I had to wait about ten minutes for roadwork. When I got to the turnoff I could see a car parked at the side of the road and I assumed it was Cindy. I was right. She had her cute teenaged granddaughter Reagan with her. She probably brought her to hold the cake. Good idea. I wish I would have had someone to hold it. It got a crack in it and I was afraid it would fall apart before Cindy got it home. I checked and she said it did not. She put it in the fridge and this evening she said she is going to share it with her family. They are going out to eat around 4.

I am exhausted but before resting I go in and clean my dirty kitchen. While I was working this morning I listened to Susan Black on "Follow Him." I finished this afternoon.

Before resting I ate some soup and read from my book, "Look Unto Christ in Every Hour." After resting I did some walking, determined to get my 10,000 steps.

James got home around 6:30. I am so grateful he made it home safely. It is always a relief. 

No only was today Cindy Brown's birthday it was also Vickie's and Scarlett's. I missed going to lunch with my brothers and their wives because I was committed to make Cindy's cake. I texted Vickie and told her I was sorry. I hope she understood.

Scarlett loved her birthday presents, the fox purse and the earrings.

Scarlett wants to be a cowgirl

We were in bed before 9 tonight.