Tuesday, December 30th, 2025: Dr. Brady, Walmart, Settlers of Catan, Joshua & Alayna leave for home, I spend all my Amazon gift cards, Josh Spears on "Follow Him", Applegate's our only job,

 

Book of Mormon

Moroni 9:20-10:7

Come Follow Me

The Old Testament testifies of Jesus Christ.

October General Conference

'The Book of Mormon - An Immeasurable Treasure on Our Journey'

Elder Ozani Farias

I left for my appointment with Dr. Brady this morning at 7:35. My appointment is at 8:20. I am supposed to be 15 minutes early. My car thermostat said it was between 16 - 22 degrees on the way to town.

It is cold.

This appointment is so Dr. Brady can prescribe Tramadol for me. Because Tramadol is a controlled substance, it is supposed to be a requirement for me to see my prescribing doctor every three months.

Chrissy took my vitals, my blood pressure was 116/62 and my weight was 119, with my clothes on, of course. 

I always enjoy visiting with Dr./Bishop Brady. He is very positive and friendly and he was happy to prescribe Tramadol for me.

I went over to Walmart to pick up a few items, hoping my prescription would be ready before I left, but it wasn't. I will have to come back.

Joshua, Alayna, Rowan, and Evan were playing Settlers of Catan at the dining room table when I returned. They ended up playing two games, Joshua won one, and Evan the other.

After the games, Joshua and Alayna packed up to return home. I hope they enjoyed their visit and will come back again.

Joshua & Alayna

Thanks for coming

This is Joshua last year when

he visited in December

I had $150 in Amazon gift cards that I got for Christmas. I have spent them all. I still have my $100 Deseret Book gift card that James gave me. I will probably spend it tomorrow when we go down to the valley for my cortisone injections.

I am loving Josh Spears on "Follow Him" talking about the Old Testament. Maybe I will get his new book, "A Modern Guide to the Old Testament." I already bought The ESV (English Study Version) of the Bible at Emily Belle Freeman's recommendation. I also have Brother Valletta's study guide for the Old Testament. How many do I need?

James has no real work right now. He's planning on pouring concrete at Applegate's and helping with the flooring at Gupta's office if that pans out, but nothing else. 

Our financial future looks a little bleak right now. I was hoping to get the Downwind money by now, but that isn't happening as fast as it should either. Will it ever come? We need to make some changes. I do not want James to have to work anymore.

"How easy it is for us to dismiss the source of our redemption because the ingredients and the instruments seem embarrassingly plain."

- President Jeffrey R. Holland, OGC 2025

Article of Faith 1:8

We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

And the fun continues!

 

Monday, December 29th, 2025: A new week which will include a new year, a new beginning, "Look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear not," talk to Jonell about Downwind case, Catherine's diagnosis, trip to town in truck, It's cold! Culver's, TM-"Follow Him" with Joshua Sears

 

Chihuahua, Mexico

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; groundbreaking not announced;

Book of Mormon

Moroni 9:1-19

Come Follow Me

Dec 29-Jan 4 "The First Testament of Jesus Christ." 

Introduction to the Old Testament

October General Conference

'The Good News Recipe'

Elder John D. Amos

A new week, which will include a new year. It's a new beginning, and a fresh start. I am keeping this scripture from the D&C in mind:

Look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear not. D&C 6:36. Saying this verse throughout the day has brought me peace, comfort, and joy. I will continue using it. I may find one in the Old Testament I like as well, but for now this one works for me. 

I called the law office handling our Downwind case and spoke with JoNell to see if she had any new information for me. She said they called the justice department and received the information that they are way behind in these cases. JoNell encouraged me not to give up and to call back again in two weeks, which I will do.

I made an appointment today to see my primary care physician, Dr. Brady tomorrow morning. I can no longer get my Tramadol refilled through AARA and in order for him to write me a prescription, because Tramadol is a controlled substance, he had to see me every 3 months. My appointment is at 8:20 tomorrow morning.

I texted Samii to see how she was doing but I got no response so I texted Dallin. He said that her hand is healing nicely. I certainly hope so.

Kerri Halcomb called me today. I made have already posted this, but in case I haven't, she said that her mother was diagnosed with dementia with anger issues. They have a memory care unit in the facility where she is living, and she will be moved into it very soon.

I am glad to hear that she will be getting some professional help. 

Joshua, Alayna, Evan and Rowan all went into town to go grocery shopping. They shopped at Safeway and brought back Wagyu burgers for dinner tonight. They invited James and I to eat with them.

James and I also made a trip to town. We took the truck because James is buying a pole for the railing. We stopped at Circle K for Polar Pops, and then James dropped me off at Walmart. It is cold today! James went to UPS to return one of the shirts we got from Costco but they couldn't take the return for some reason, so James ended up keeping the shirt. He opened the package and loved the shirt. I like it too.

At Walmart I bought DPZ, my bagged salad, cabbage with bacon and sunflower seeds, and Beddar Cheddar turkey links. We picked up lunch at Culver's where I got my favorite chicken cashew salad with raspberry vinaigrette. James got a crispy chicken sandwich. He didn't like it nearly as much as he likes his cod fillet sandwich but he wanted to try something new. 

We had to make a stop at tractor supply. I now have two shirts I ordered from Costco and neither one of them is the right one for the Bunco gals husband party. I got the information from Janna yesterday and today I ordered the right one. James is getting three new plaid shirts. 

Evan cooked me a Wagyu burger for dinner. It was delicious and, to me, is worth the extra money. Some people would probably not agree.

Cheryl Sedig, the RS president, okayed me teaching Elder Kearon's lesson on the 4th Sunday. It is on the schedule for the 2nd Sunday, but that is our ward conference and the stake will be teaching.

We are going down to the church on Thursday morning, New Year's day, to clean with Steve & Tina Allen. We always clean the church the first week of the church with the Allen's. It's one of our traditions.

"Regardless of where we are on our path of discipleship, our lives will fundamentally change if we better understand who we really are."

- Elder B rik V. Eyre

D&C 42:12

And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel.

Charlie bowling

This was a video and she came back

so excited!

Sunday, December 28th, 2025: Up @ 4:50 to finish lesson prep, James is up too, best sacrament mtg ever! New RS counselors, My lesson Paula, Julie, Jordyn, Shelly, Kristine, Bryelle, Barbara,

 

Book of Mormon

Moroni 8:1-30

Come Follow Me

"God be thanked for His matchless gift."

October General Conference

'Taking on the Names of Jesus Christ'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

I got up at 4:50 and James's alarm went off at 5. We are finishing up our lesson preparations. We left for church around 8:40, later than I wanted to. No one else was up. I was hoping Joshua would go with us, but not so.

This was one of the very best sacrament meetings I have ever been to. Ken Martin, who is a recovered drug addict and spent 10 years in prison, told about a time when he was in solitary confinement for 11 months. He said there was a toilet in his room, and they shoved his food under the door. I believe he called it "the Pit." 

Brother Martin said his grandmother wrote him a letter and sent him a set of scriptures to read. She said she knew if he would read them, they would change his life. Having nothing else to do, he read the scriptures, and they did change his life as he "pursued a path of light." "When I was a lost soul, and He came for me."

Brother Martin bore witness that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. He said, "He is my God. My testimony is a lens I look through. Jesus Christ reigns. He has my heart and my knee. It is my will that needs more bending."  So powerful!

When Jennifer Golly, our favorite soloist, didn't sing last week in the Christmas program, we were disappointed. She made up for it today. 

She sang a song, I had never heard before, "In the First Light."

I texted her after church and she gave me the link on YouTube.

James and I both loved the song and Jennifer's beautiful voice.

Michael Gassaway was the last speaker. He said he had been studying about the "Great and Dreadful day of the Lord." He asks himself the question, "How can I make this a great day?" Faith, repent ... receive the atoning blood of Christ. Have a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Reconcile. He had a disagreement with his brother that was ongoing, so he called to apologize. He made a list of people that he needed to talk to. Do all you can and then rely on Christ. Do I keep my favorite sins? How do we get rid of them?

"I give unto men weaknesses ... Ether 12:27. Weaknesses become strengths. Elder Richard G. Scott said, "When we face challenges we can't overcome alone, we experience a personal walk in Gethsemane. Be humble. Repent. I remember them no more. D&C 58. 

Sins: Confess, forsake, forgive. How can Heavenly Father forget our sins if we keep bringing them up? Forgive ourselves. Look for the good in others as my wife Ayesha does. Replace sins with something good. Back to the basics. Faith, repentance ... prepare for His Second Coming.

Rosie Lauritzen and Natalie Robles were released as Relief Society counselors today and I believe most of the people on the activities committee were released. My dear friend Janna Grombach was called as the first counselor in Relief Society, and Donna Beckham as the second counselor.  Cheryl Sedig is still the president, and Kristine Hipps is still the secretary. Donna and Janna are both personal friends of Cheryl. Honestly, I will miss working with Rosie. Later I spoke with Janna about the changes. She said Rosie did not know she was being released and had hurt feelings. Rosie wasn't here today. She was visiting her sister in Tucson. Janna said she was worked with Cheryl today and Cheryl does not always work well with others. I am so sorry for Rosie. 

I felt that my lesson went well. Afterwards several people came up to talk to me: Paula Johnson, Tamara Applegate, Pam Woods, Bryelle Rohner, Shelly Applegate, Jordyn Applegate, Julie Wilhelm, Kristine Hipps, and Barbara Tignor. 

I asked James how his lesson went and he said, "okay." He said there was lots of discussion.

Back at home, as we were in the bedroom changing our clothes, Joshua knocked on the door and asked for three bandages. I thought he must have cut himself and didn't think too much of it. Later I found out it was Samii who broke a bottle of soda and cut the palm of her hand. James and I ended up taking a nap and when we got up, Dallin & Samii had left for home. I was so sad we didn't get to say goodbye, and I was doubly upset when I found out that Samii got hurt. I texted Dallin and he said it wasn't a big deal and we shouldn't worry about it. I still felt bad and sad and like I was not a very good host.

Rowan and Evan arrive in time to have dinner with us. We had grilled honey-lime chicken, rice pilaf, corn, and broccoli. After dinner, Rowan and Joshua did the dishes and then went back to their game of Scattergories with Evan and Alayna.

This evening we FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. They are in Nauvoo on a Church history/temple trip. Charlie showed us her mini-snowman and the room she is staying in. She talked about all of the fun activities in Nauvoo and she was very excited about the little bit of snow they got. Kacey has done a session in the Nauvoo temple and will be doing her 25th visit to the temple this year in the Kansas City, Missouri temple. It was a fun visit!

"All God needs to accomplish His purposes and help us become who He wants, is for each of us to turn our hearts fully to Him."

- Elder Ronald M. Barcellos, OGC 2025

Ether 3:14

Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters.

Charlie's little snowman

Kacey said the Mississippi River was frozen and she could

imagine the early saints crossing it as they were driven

from their homes in Nauvoo

Saturday, December 27th, 2025: Pres. Holland passes away, rain, scared Tom, Vader barks, finished my handouts, work on lesson, S,P,J,A leave for Greer, Dallin & Samii came in last night, trip to town, S,P, V, S go home, pizza & Settler of Catan

 

Retalhuleu, Guatemala

Planning and approval phase; site location announced;

exterior rendering released; groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 7:35-48

Come Follow Me

"He will someday return to earth." 

"He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world."

October General Conference

'Smiling Faces and Grateful Hearts'

Elder Carlos A. Godoy

My weight today was 117.

The first news of the morning, President Jeffrey R. Holland passed away at 3:15 this morning. He died of kidney disease. He will be sorely missed.

It was rainy today. Tom heard Vader bark this morning and it scared him. He crawled under the bed, and it took us awhile to convince him that he should come out. He jumped up on the bed and sacked out. 

I finished the handouts for my lesson tomorrow and then worked on my lesson outline. Stacy, Paul, Joshua and Alayna, left for Greer this morning. It was rather a dreary day. I wonder what exactly they expect. Maybe they will get some lunch. Before they left, Stacy showed me a beautiful rainbow outside the front door. I loved it.

Stacy said she and Paul will fix dinner tonight and we will fix it tomorrow night. Paul is having an arthritis flareup and needed to borrow one of our canes. The bottom of his heel is swollen and inflamed. He is taking Tramadol. 

The group didn't stay long in Greer.  Stacy texted me and said, not only was Paul feeling miserable but now she wasn't feeling well either. They have decided they are going to go home. Initially they were going to stay until Monday. 

For some reason I forgot to take a "going away" photo of Stacy, Paul, Vader and Sofie. Before they left Paul had to go downstairs and take a nap because the Tramadol he is taking makes him tired. It no longer has that effect on me.

James and I went into town to get ingredient for tomorrow night's dinner. We decided we are going to make honey-lime grilled chicken with rice pilar, broccoli, and corn. 

While I was shopping at Walmart, I was in the cereal aisle looking for protein bars when I looked up and saw Dallin. He said he and Samii got in around 3am and didn't bring much food, hence the shopping trip. It was fun to unexpectedly see him.

This evening Joshua, Alayna, Dallin and Samii played "Settlers of Catan" and ate frozen pizza for dinner.

James and I worked on our lessons in the bedroom. We went to bed pretty early planning on getting up early to finish our preparations.

Tender mercies:

* "The humble, holy, and wise told of Christ's birth." DHO

* Rise Zion - Guest, who is a temple worker, told of a sealer who had the gift of tongues, but only when he was in the temple.

"Primary music is one of God's most tender tools for planting the seeds of testimony in the hearts of the Savior's youngest disciples."

- Sister Tracy Y. Browning, OGC 2025

Helaman 5:9

O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.

Alayna, Joshua, Samii, Dallin

Thomsy in his King Tut position

Sheri & Ian's, mostly Ian

Friday, December 26th, 2025: Luke 2 by tree for Kim, MIchael's girlfriend attacked by a dog, Alayna & Joshua here, broken Martinelli's, Stacy & Paul arrive later, Alayna & Joshua's dinner, Kerri's text about her mom's diagnosis, work on our lessons, Inklings w/ Emily & Grace

 

Tuguegarao City, Philippines

Planning and approval phase; site location

announced; exterior rendering released; 

groundbreaking not announced.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 7:1-34

Come Follow Me

"He will someday return to earth"

October General Conference

'Forsake Not Your Own Mercy'

Elder Matthew S. Holland

One of the things Kim asked for this Christmas is a video of James reading Luke 2 by the Christmas tree. We made the video today. After all she has done for us, it was the least we could do for her. She says it is her favorite Christmas memory.

It was difficult to want to get up this morning, but once I was up, I felt pretty good. Tom spent the night outside and was anxious to come in and eat.

After our morning devotional James and I tried to plan our day. He said to me: "Let me work on my bid for Gupta's office flooring one hour. Then I will go outside and work an hour before I help you put sheets on the beds upstairs. I said, "So, in two hours?" Yes.

Stacy texted while I was downstairs putting sheets on the bed in the basement. Joshua & Alayna have already left, and they are already in Show Low. I ran, slowly, upstairs to tell James I needed his help right now,

We put sheets on the two beds in Darrel & Trina's room. I checked the trashes and did a quick clean of the bathrooms and some quick dusting.  I also cleaned bird poop off Sheri & Ian's balcony.

It was actually quite a while before Joshua & Alayna got here. They went shopping at Safeway and had lunch at Pizza Factory. 

When Joshua & Alayna got here they began putting their things away, using the refrigerator in the garage. I forgot to tell them that the bottom shelf in the refrigerator door was broken. They had lots of drinks, including two Martinelli's sparkling apple ciders. They broke all over the garage floor. I felt so bad. I taped the shelf and when I made my next trip to Walmart, I bought them two more Martinelli's.

At 11:43 I got a text from Stacy saying they were on their way up. A little later they had a car issue and returned home. At 2:39 Stacy texted they were leaving again. Paul is in a lot of pain. He can barely walk. She said they rested up a bit and are now on their way. 

Of course, Vader and Sofie are with Stacy & Paul. The first thing Stacy wanted was to do a puzzle and since she was cold, James built her a fire. As Stacy and I were visiting she told me that Michael had to make a trip to Tucson because the neighbor's dog had attacked his girlfriend, April. This is not the first time this has happened, so he is going to confront the neighbors.

Alayna was the chef for dinner and Joshua was the sous chef. They made pasta with broccolini, sausage and a light sauce. It was really quite delicious. Afterwards James and I volunteered to do the dishes and clean the kitchen. No one objected.

James and I worked on our Sunday lessons this evening. Our lessons are based on Elder Steven C. Barlow's October conference address, "Loves Thou Me?"

I got a call from Kerri Halcomb today about her mother Catherine. She said that she has been diagnosed with dementia and anger related issues. I guess this explains why Kerri was having such a hard time dealing with her. She will be moved to the memory section of the facility and will be getting a new roommate. Hurrah! I am also excited she will be getting the help that she needs for her dementia.

Some of my tender mercies today:

Reading Moroni 7 and "Come Follow Me" and listening to Emily and Grace on Inklings. I need to ask myself the question: "What more can I do to help build Thy kingdom?

"Peacemaking still begins in the most basic place - in our hearts."

- Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Mosiah 15:1

And now Abinadi said unto them: I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people.

This boy is so adorable!