Sunday, January 25th, 2026: Up at 4:40 work on lesson until 8:40, left for church @ 9:30, setup, talk w/ Kerri, Reynolds' speak in sacrament meeting, new deacons & priest, RS lesson Olivia Jensen, Bonnie Mendicini,

 

The Savior's Second Coming

will be a New Beginning

Woke up to more snow covering everything. It really is beautiful!

I got up @ 4:40 thanks to Tom and worked on my lesson until about 8:40. I got ready to go and we left around 9:30, about 10 minutes later than I wanted to. James and I both had time to set up for our lesson. 

I talked with Kerri about her mom. She said she is declining and her insurance is refusing to pay for her latest care. She then changed the subject and noticed what the lesson was today. She then said, "I need a new beginning." She is having doubts about herself. I tried to encourage her and told her she was a good person.

Cope and Amy Reynolds were the speakers in sacrament meeting. 

Their topic: The work of the Savior and how it can shape our lives. Definition of disciple - follow the Savior and try to become like Him. Ether 12:41 - seek this Jesus. Do we seek Him? Are we an example of love and kindness. Rejoice in the presence of the Savior. "If the Savior Stood Beside Me." We need to rise above our fears to serve and follow Him.

Cope - How we allow the Savior's works to shape us. Mosiah 3:19. The natural man is an enemy to God ... . This scripture was made for me. For years I was the natural man. "Unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit." An angel came in to my life to help me in 2009. Her name is Amy. She is the most pure person I have ever met. Isaiah 64:8 - "But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."

There was about 10 minutes left when Cope finished speaking. Brother Dobson filled in the time with his testimony. Do our daily thoughts, words, and deeds point to Christ? How can we be good examples? We can overcome our trials and struggles with the Lord's help. We receive no witness until after the trial of our faith. Are we our own worst enemies? How can everything we do point to the Savior? What can I do to help build the kingdom today?

I greeted the Relief Society sisters with kisses, the Hershey kind. 

I asked how many had set goals or resolutions for the new year. No one raised their hand. Anyway, we finally got into the meat of the lesson. "Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning." 

Cheryl Sedig's comment about taking the sacrament was so good and emphasized how we can receive a new beginning every week as we repent and partake of the sacrament. 

After the lesson was over Pam Wood came up and took down all of my visual aids. Thank you Pam. The Jensen's oldest daughter, Olivia, told me how much she loved my spirit filled lesson. She asked if she could have an extra handout to take to her mother. Of course. She told me a little bit about the death of Bonnie Messineo, a family friend. She had suffered with poor health for a long time so her death was a blessing. Her funeral is here on Saturday. I signed up to bring two dozen rolls. I was so grateful to Olivia whom I had never met before.

James said he felt good about his lesson because there was lots of discussion. He mentioned how Brother Dave Westbrook told about receiving a testimony of the Book of Mormon while he was on his mission in Scotland. 

Several people stayed home today because of the snow. James checked on Brother Stevens and he said he was sick and that his wife didn't come because she didn't want to drive in the snow.

I asked Adam if he would like me to continue sending him the scripture reading for the day and he said, "Please!" That made me feel good. I also told Trina about my temple dress I would like to give her and she said she would try it on. She also told me that Costco is no longer going to carry Perk. I told her the Costco on Baseline & Country Club had plenty. She said the Costco on Sossaman near her house is out. I also texted Alex to see how he is doing. He texted back and said he was fine, he was just busy with work and school.

Linda Diewald shared with me that she had an appointment to be sealed to her parents this Thursday. She and I discussed several months ago how our dad's were holding us back a bit. She said after getting all of the paperwork needed that she also had to meet with the bishop and the stake president before they would allow the sealing. Well that is certainly new! I wonder why.

James and I watched the newest Hallmark movie, "Caught By Love" starring Rachel Leigh Cook and Luke McFarland. We both enjoyed it. 

"If you sincerely prioritize studying the Book of Mormon prayerfully each day, you will find greater spiritual strength and confidence in the Lord."

- Eder Ozani Farias, OGC 2025

Moses 6:23

And they were preachers of righteousness, and spake and prophesied, and called upon all men, everywhere, to repent; and faith was taught unto the children of men.

Cousin Rita with her great granddaughter,

Markie Jo. Rita says:

"She is a little miracle baby girl 

and a tender mercy for our family.

Stacy called me today and wanted to know who

Jesus' apostles were and who his brothers were. I told

her to Google, which I did, and found these.

I guess she was watching "The Chosen."

Lola memory

I wondered why Chuck & Kathy weren't at church today

Addy, Kayla, and a friend

Saturday, January 24th, 2026: Snow, RS activity, I'm stressed about my lesson tomorrow, cancel shirt party tonight, Ice storm in Texas and back East, "The Heir of Brownlie Manor,"

 

Mt. Montoso

Why does Tomsy go right out for James and it takes me two or three times?

3-4 inches of snow this morning. James was supposed to go to the church this morning to provide priesthood at a Relief Society activity. He talked with T-Bo and T-Bo said he wasn't needed. 

I was too stressed to go to the activity because I am preparing for my lesson tomorrow. I need to finish my handouts and then finish up my outline and study it. 

Tonight is the Bunco husbands "shirt" party. I said I would make calico beans. Making the beans will take an hour or so and the party will be an hour or two. That is four hours. James is fine if we don't go. 

First I texted Janna and told her. She said she wasn't going either because she has vertigo. So sorry Janna.

The party is at Stefani's so I told her we wouldn't be coming. She said they would miss us. I told her thank you.

I feel so much better! 

A snow/ice storm is blasting across 40 states and affecting 200 million people. Snow in Longview, Tyler, and San Angelo, Texas is affecting our family. Carmen's family is in Pennsylvania and they are expecting about 2 foot of snow. People in Texas aren't used to driving in snow or ice. People are encouraged to stay home and church has been cancelled. Kids are enjoying playing in the snow.

Tanner & Mason

Charlie

Charlie and Lovie

Scarlett & Benson

Carmen & Steve's in York, Pennsylvania

View from Kathy & Chuck's front porch

James's truck

I finished my handouts for tomorrow. 

A notebook that says

New Beginnings on the front,

and a mechanical pencil.

I made 54 of these.

I also finished my lesson outline and ran the lesson off. Next I need to make a copy of the quotes I will handout. There are 10 of them.

While walking today I read a book that I read a few years back:

"The Heir of Brownlie Manor." I remember the book, just not all of the details so I can enjoy reading it again. I managed to walk 14,000 steps.

James cooked my steak this afternoon and also made some corn on the cob. I shared my steak and he shared his corn. We had a delicious meal.

James had an idea that I also used for my lesson. He picked out pictures from our Gospel Art Packet of new beginnings, most of them involving the Savior. We will display the pictures to encourage thoughtful contemplation.

I love my new portable phone charger and "granny" pants.

"When we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, we link our name with His. We identify with Him."

- Elder Dale G. Renlund, OGC 2025

Moses 5:8

Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.

Bunco Husband Shirt Party

Cope Reynolds, Gene Beckham, Ralph Sedig, Roger Wallace, Sean Hunsaker, Steven Allen, Willy Grombach, John Finnell, Kip Hunsaker

Cope, Amy, Stefani, Alicia

Ralph, Gene, Sean

Friday, January 23rd, 2026: Happy 78th Birthday James! trip to the temple, Eva's, Wlmrt, lemon pie, squash stirfry for James's dinner, we rob Walmart - oops

 

78 looks good on him!

Happy Birthday Honey! 

I bought James electronic massage pads for his feet. He has neuropathy. I tried to buy him a Greg Olsen calendar of the Savior too, but it still has not been delivered. I gave him two cards, one was funny and the other was romantic and loving. 

Kim & Brian's card had sweet messages and a $50 Amazon gift card, and so did his mother's. 

We left for the temple at 8:30. We stopped at the post office and Sheri's family had sent a sweet card that everyone had signed. 

It was overcast and rainy today and we could see snow on the mountains. As we were driving James got a call that came up as Dawn Lambson. It was Dawn wishing him a Happy Birthday and then Dawn passed the phone to Mom and she wished him a Happy Birthday and then Terry and Cathi. It was nice and I think James felt loved!

Sheri, Jared, Kim and Darrel texted him and Stacy called him. Sheri also did an Instagram story. 

Sessions in the temple are now every hour. Before there was a 9:30 session and then an 11:00 session. We had to wait in the dressing room to get our new names until 9:50 before we went into the endowment room. I guess they can get in more session this way. 

After our session we went to Eva's for lunch. Her prices have gone up. Last time we were here an ala carte chile relleno was $8.99. Today it was $10.99. James's enchilada and refried beans was $15, and the chicken taco we ordered was $3.99. When I go up front to pay Eva calls me "a pretty lady". She's trying to ease the pain of the higher prices. 

My chili relleno

One of his favorite meals

On to Walmart. We had almost finished shopping. James went to check out while I went to get some hairspray. When I got to the register where James was checking out I noticed there were blueberries all over the floor and some near James's feet were smushed into the floor. Two women were trying to clean up the mess. James took off for the men's room to clean his shoes. I checked out the two items I had and thought we were finished. One of the women cleaning up the blueberries told us to get another pack. That was nice of her and we did that very thing on the way out. 

When we got home, James made an observation: "The bag of Hershey kisses and the sausages you bought were not in bags and I don't think we paid for them." I looked at the receipt and he was right, they were not on the receipt and neither was the case of DPZ we had bought. James called Walmart and told them what had happened and asked what we should do. The woman he spoke to told him to take pictures of the scan codes and when we return we could go to customer service and pay for the items. We won't be back in Taylor until the next time we go to the temple, hopefully next week.

James went to Applegate's to work and I made his Eagle Brand lemon pie with the pecan crust we bought at Walmart. He takes a couple of hours to set up in the refrigerator but will be ready for him to eat this evening. 

I walked and worked on my handouts and made James some dinner. I made squash, mushroom, onion, and cheddar sausage stirfry. James said it was delicious.

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026: Tom starts my day @ 4:30, Personal study of Moses 4 & Genesis 4, James @ Applegate's w/ more ABC, Bert needs more information, Inklings "Cheering Each Other On," nervous snacking all day, 12,000 steps, "Mayhem on the Marzipan Express," J sees 35 elk

 

Kacey & Mason

Tom woke me up at 4:30 this morning. I like to get up early but on cold mornings it's also nice to sleep in. Thanks Tom. Is this what you call sleeping in?

I studied Moses 4 and Genesis 4 for my personal scripture study this morning. I learned a little more about why Cain's sacrifice was not acceptable. For one thing, he had been asked to make it by Satan and he lacked faith. His sacrifice was not an animal sacrifice and therefore was not in the similitude of the Only Begotten Son.

James went to Applegate's this morning to meet someone from Hatch Concrete with another load of ABC. Again, the Applegate's are not home. 

We got an email from Bert this morning from Nexa Mortgage. He needs more property tax information and page four of all of the bank statements, even though they are blank. Go figure.

I listened to Emily on Inklings today. The talk was "Cheering Each Other On" by Sister Anette Dennis.

I nervously snacked most of the day today. I tried to keep my protein level up and my carb level down. 

I walked 12,000 steps and finished the book I started yesterday. It was a short one. I worked on my RS handouts while watching a movie, "Random Acts of Christmas" starring Kevin McGarry and Erin Cahill. As a bonus, Jaclyn Smith was the grandma to Erin Cahill's little boy.

James and I are using pictures from our gospel art packet for our lesson on Sunday. Examples of new beginnings that the Savior offers.

James went back to the Applegate's and worked until after dark. In his travels he saw 35 elk. They have come down from the high country because they know it is going to snow and they are more likely to find feed in the Vernon area.

"Whatever the cause or degree of disaster we face, there is always dry ground for hope, healing, and happiness."

- Elder Matthew S. Holland, OGC 2025

Moses 5:1

And it came to pass that after I, the Lord God, had driven them out, that Adam began to till the earth, an to have dominion over all the beasts of the field, and to eat his bread by the sweat of his brow, as I the Lord had commanded him. And Even, also, his wife, did labor with him.

Cellos candy display at Dollar Tree.

Small box with 3 chocolate covered cherries.

I buy one every time I go in.

Jared & Mason

I wonder if this is on a Sunday

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026: Jared & Kacey's 9th anniversary, Jared's tribute to Kacey, and Kacey's to Jared, James & I go to town: SSA, BB, Taco Bell, Dollar Tree, Home Depot,

After the sealing

This was another one of those great days Jared!

Not sure why James and Albert are in this

picture but Loren and I aren't. 

Today is Jared & Kacey's 9th anniversary.

Happy Anniversary!

The Flagstaff temple location was announced today. It will be on the southwest corner of Butler Avenue and S. Fourth St. Plans call for an 18, 850 sq. ft. single story temple and an ancillary building. This will be the 9th temple in Arizona.

James went to work at Applegate's this morning. 

He has to be back by 12:30 so we can leave for his 1:10 appointment at the social security office. 

When we get to the social security office I drop James off and head to the Book Barn to look for a Greg Olsen calendar with pictures of the Savior like the one that I ordered from Amazon which has not yet come. It says it is held at the carrier station and they need more information to deliver it. It is not UPS but some carrier I have never heard of and have not been able to contact.

I was hoping Book Barn would have one, but they were out of all of their calendars except one with temples. I was disappointed. I should have bought the calendar at Deseret Book. 

I went back to pick up James. He told me that he would have his card in 5-10 days, sooner than they said mine would come.

We stopped at Taco Bell for lunch. I asked for a crunchy chicken taco but the guy behind the counter said they no longer have them and suggested I try the cantina chicken taco, which I did. It was quite tasty and I was glad he suggested it. James ordered a steak burrito and was a little disappointed when it came with rice on it and very little steak. Next stop, Dollar Tree.

I got a birthday card for Jacob Barrett, Cress Miller's grandson who turned 12 yesterday. I texted Cress and asked what his favorite candy bar was ... Hershey's with almonds. Jacob turns 12 and was ordained to the Aaronic priesthood last Sunday. James was happy because he found dark chocolate covered raisins. He says this is the only store around who has them. 

James made a quick trip in to Home Depot to get some wooden stakes for Applegate's. 

I got cards from Jared, Kacey, and Charlie thanking me and expressing their love for me in the mail today. It was just what I needed to feel better. Thank you so much!

I had rest time with Tom and then did some walking. I ended up walking 16,000 steps. I started a new book. Well actually it's a book I read a while back and decided to read again. It is by Anita Stansfield and is called, "Mayhem on the Marzipan Express."

James went back to Applegate's to spread ABC. I worked on my lesson posters and handouts and blogged for last Saturday and Sunday. 

Sammy somehow got locked in the garage. James lets him out.

"Those who take upon themselves the name of Christ become His disciples and witnesses."

- Elder B. Corey Cuvelier, OGC 2025

Moses 4:4

And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.

10 Years Ago

Sealed with a kiss