Sunday, February 1st, 2026:Zion - covenants, agency, prayer, Johnny Wilhelm's broken leg, Bishop Crane's testimony, Anthony Romyak, SS,Teresa Hines, Paula, Kerri, Pat, Sunday ride, A.S.K.,

 

I'm feeling sad and anxious this morning. Why can't I be happy?

Where can I turn for peace?

This from "Follow Him": 'Zion is built through covenants, agency, and heartfelt prayer. 

Our ward's fast and testimony meeting this morning was conducted by Bishop Crane. His testimony was heartfelt. New calling : Sandra Wilhelm from YW to nursery leader. Rosie Lauritzen RS service leader and Teresa Hines as her assistant. New to the RS activities committee: Amy Gordon and Marci Westbrook. New member: Anthony Romyak.

As we were going in to church, Teresa Hines told me that the rolls I brought for the funeral luncheon yesterday were "to die for." Metaphorically speaking I presume. Thank you Teresa.

Johnny Wilhelm broke his leg wrestling this week. For the first time in a very long time, he did not pass the sacrament. I missed him.

We talked to Paula about the things we had wanted to donate. She said they had so many donations and that many were left at the park under the second ramada for anyone to take. She said we could take our items there or bring them to the library a week from Monday during food pantry distribution. James told me he wanted to take our items to Deseret Industries when we go to the valley next week.

Jimmie Applegate taught Gospel Doctrine today. He compared the Gardens (Eden, Gethsemane, and Tomb) to the temple. Interesting, but I was disappointed that he didn't go over Moses 6.

Kerri says her mom is now in a wheelchair because she keeps falling. We will be going to see her next week.

I also talked to Janna about her mom Pat. Pat is now on oxygen all the time and she keeps missing church and Janna thinks it's because she doesn't want to come to church and have everyone see her oxygen tank and tubes.

James and I went for a ride this afternoon. I wanted him to show me where the Stephen's live, which is off Stanford road. After we found the Stephen's home we decided to look for the Robles' but their drive was roped off. Disappointing. We went home looking for the Tarwater's but no luck. Well, at least I now know where the Stephens' live.

Sheri, Kim and I commented on the talk Kim chose by President Holland. I am not sure what happened to Addy. Maybe she is too busy with school. This week I chose the talk given by President Nelson in April 2021 "Christ Is Risen; Faith In Him Will Move Mountains." Sheri was excited and said it was one of her very favorite talks ever.

I texted with Max and Michael and got responses from both of them. I also worked on my wooden heart handouts this evening. 

James and I watched the latest episode of "When Calls the Heart."

I made pork chops and red potatoes and James heated up some corn for dinner after we broke our fast.

"Reconciliation signifies the restoration of a broken relationship, particularly, between God and humanity, by removing the barrier of sin."

- Elder Kelly R. Johnson, OGC 2025

Moses 6:63

And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me.

Friday, January 30th, 2025: Thomsy the alarm clock, Apollo in the yard, Temple endowment session, Eva's, Walmart, Hatch Concrete, rolls for tomorrow, painted heart ornaments, Trina's text & my text

 

Charlie gets glasses!

Thomsy gets me up at 4:30. I fed him and got myself some Perk. 

James discovered, when he went out to feed the horses, that Apollo was in the yard, eating the grass. James said the barbed wire was down and he needed to replace it. 

We left for the temple at 8:30 this morning. I ran off family names: Beulah Fontella Montgomery and James Henry Lewis.

We arrive at the temple a little early, but since James couldn't find his recommend, it's a good thing. One of the sisters had to take his name upstairs and probably get his membership number and soon he was able to get passed the gatekeeper. His recommend had been in his shirt pocket and when he bent over to get our temple bags out of the back seat, it fell out on the ground. We found it when we returned to our car.

There were 8 brothers and 7 sisters in our session. It is rare that there are more brothers than sisters but that was the case today. I got to sit in my favorite chair, second row, last chair, against the wall. James and I participated in the prayer circle. Our friend, Brother Coltrin, also participated. 

After our session, I was in locker 8, 2rder of refried beans. This time lunch was under $30, $29.06. On to Walmart.

James paid for the three items we failed to pay for last week which came to a total of $27.58. I bought a few items and ended up spending over $50. The spending never stops!

When I got home I started some Rhodes rolls, 2 dozen for tomorrow's funeral. James and I both walked and listened to our books, my book is "Catherine's Intrigue". I painted a few wooden hearts which are part of my RS handouts. 

Texts between Trina and I regarding the temple dress I gave her. She tried it on and likes it. I'm not sure if she will use it.

Tom went out for the night. 

"Where we choose to spend our time and focus our attention, as well as what motivates us . . ., says a lot about our hearts."

- Elder Ronald M. Barcellos, OGC 2025

Moses 6:52

And he also said unto him: If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you.

Thursday, January 29th, 2026: Moses 6, "Inklings", Home Depot, Walmart, Taco Bell, Tractor Supply, Kerry Muhlstein, 2025 tax information, Charlie & Benson,

 

Benson & Mason

So adorable!

Tom got me up at 4:43 this morning. He is my alarm clock.

 Sometimes if I leave food in his bowl he lets me sleep in.

I am loving Moses 6. We listened to "Follow Him" and now I am reading it. 

I listened to Emily and Elaine Dalton on Inklings today discuss "They Are Their Own Judges" by Elder Bednar. I love these two women and their wise counsel. Here are a few notes that I took:

"Believe and Become or Believe Not and Perish"

Repent - change, turn away from sin and turn toward the Lord

Choose our destiny. Progress is pleasing to God. 

Moses 7 - Learn about the character of God.

Moses 7:28 - The Lord wept. He is with us. Choose Him. Help each other. 

Judgment is to restore. Ultimate restoration is when the Lord comes.

Righteousness from Heaven. 

What does it look like to walk with God?

Faith to accept His mercy. Rhythm, cyclical nature, scriptures, prayer, sacrament, temple 

Yoke/Covenants - taking the sacrament

What did I overcome to become?

James is still working on the cost breakdown for Applegate's house. It is a long and tedious process and difficult to get the information he needs. 

James and I left for town around 10. He dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Home Depot. He bought a measuring tape, some spray paint and some spray polyurethane. At Walmart I bought candy for my lesson handouts, a new sweater with hearts on it and some night cream. I spent $95.96 and James spent $50.86. Later we had lunch at Taco Bell, which was $12.55, and then we stopped at Tractor Supply for horse feed. That was another $55.26. Why is everything so costly? We listened to Kerry Muhlstein's podcast, the scriptures are real. Kerry speaks Hebrew fluently and is an Egyptologist and an expert on the book of Abraham.

When we got home I worked on the tax information for 2025. James shows me the categories and I begin going through the Lambson Construction checkbook. Every twenty minutes or so I take breaks and listen to my book, "Catherin's Intrigue."

Tonight is Bunco, but I am no longer a part of the group. It is funny, but I am not even sad. I do not like going out at night. I will miss my friends, but not the game.

Tonight I continue to walk and work on taxes and do a little blogging. Amy Reynolds called me and reminded me that I signed up to bring two dozen rolls to Bonnie Messineo's funeral on Saturday. I told her I had not forgotten and we would have them there by 10:30. 

James went to Applegate's to get a check from Tamara for Hatch Concrete for the ABC they poured. Hatch Concrete is ran by Jared Hatch, Jerald Hatch's son. Jerald was one of James's best friends in high school and a fellow wrestler. We will take the check to them tomorrow after going to the temple. 

Did I feel the Spirit today or see the Lord's hand in my life?

During Inklings and scripture study and my personal prayers I did.

Charlie and Benson

Wednesday, January 28th, 2026: Happy Bday Pat, postpone lunch until next week, J said: "If we are going to the valley we need to leave before 8", Away we went: Costco, OG w/ Sheri & Addy, Hobby Lobby, don't visit Catherine

Perk pile at the Baseline & Country Club

Costco. I sent this picture to Trina and she was so excited!

Happy Birthday to my dear friend

Patsy Tedder!

We are going to lunch together next week.

James took me to the valley on a whim. It was 7:10 and I was studying Moses 6 but feeling a little sad when he said, "If we're going to the valley we need to leave by 8." I said, "I thought you wanted to wait until Friday. He said, "Either one." That's all it took to get me going! We listened to Kerry Muhlstein on "Follow Him" along with Hank Smith and John Bytheway.

It was around 8 o'clock when we left. We went the Payson way because we weren't sure if they were blasting in Superior, although it didn't say anything on the marquee. The only thing I like about the Globe way is when you come out on the other side of Superior and see the Superstition mountains. I love that view!

We went straight to Costco when we got in to Mesa. I wanted my Perk. I shouldn't have worried, they had plenty. I got six cans, one case. I also got a case of Fairlife shakes, my lifeline, James got a bottle of Pom and a box of his favorite crackers, I bought him a package of Godiva dark chocolate, a pair of black pants, 1 case of paper towels and one of toilet paper and a bag of laundry detergent.

We did the self-checkout, but never again. It was quite an ordeal and we needed some help. Since we were going to lunch with Sheri and Addy, I skipped my hotdog at the food court. 

We were meeting Sheri and Addy at Olive Garden for lunch at 12:50. We were a little early so I suggested we go to Chandler Eyecare and have Addy put the temple dress I brought for Trina in her car. 

We got to Olive Garden before Addy and Sheri and so we were walking around the building when they drove up. Sheri thought maybe we didn't know where the entrance was but Addy said, "I think they are just walking."

James and I had planned on paying for lunch because we had invited Sheri and Addy but Sheri was sneaking and paid before we knew it. She said it was for Dad's birthday. Thank you Sheri. James did have one of his favorite meals, chicken marsala. I had the chicken parmesan and Addy and Sheri had soup, salad, and breadsticks.

I forgot to take a picture of Sheri and Addy. I am kicking myself for my forgetful neglect. I am writing this on Wednesday, February 4th. I texted Sheri and asked her to send me a picture of her and Addy together. This is the picture that she sent:

These two are good friends!

I talked a little bit at lunch about my anxiety and depression. Sheri knows what I am talking about because she had it for months. After lunch she texted me and said she wanted to come up for her birthday, Feb. 20th, and we could talk. She also said she was going to send me something that has been helping her. She said she is finally "pulling out" of her depression. I am sad when they leave and we say goodbye. I told James I was too sad to go see Catherine but we would go see her on Feb 11-12 because that's when I told her I was coming. 

Hobby Lobby is right behind Olive Garden and I talked James in to going in and looking around. He didn't mind too much because he likes the store too. We found some new wooden hearts for my Relief Society handouts. These are much bigger. James put four packages into our basket. He really liked them. I didn't protest. 

James asked me which way I wanted to go home. I told him I would let him decide. He said: "Well, because I know that Payson is your favorite way, that's the way we will go. As we were driving up Highway 87 from Mesa to Payson I made the comment that I missed seeing the Superstition Mountain. James said, "Turn around and you will see it." It wasn't close up like it is off the 60 but I did see it. We also got to see Four Peaks and Red Mountain.

Superstition Mountain

We got home around 5:00 this evening. Tom, of course, was happy to see us. In our many potty stops I've decided that most Circle K bathrooms are meh!

We are supposed to go to the temple in the morning with the Tignor's. I wanted to change it to Friday morning but T-Bo said they had a prior engagement. I took a shower and did some walking and then James and I went to bed. Tom slept on the corner of our bed on his blanket.

James got a text after we were in bed from T-Bo. The neighborhood has a broken waterline and they won't be able to go to the temple tomorrow. He said they would have to postpone until next week. 

I cancelled our appointment for tomorrow and changed it to Friday's 10 o'clock session. 

"Music has always been at the heart of 

teaching children the gospel."

- Sister Tracy Y. Browning, OGC 2025

Moses 6:34

Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee  before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you;

therefore walk with me.

 

Tuesday, January 27th, 2026: Finished Moses 5 & started Moses 6, trip to town by myself, red paint for my wooden hearts, I get tax info & insurance info & sent it to Bert,

 

Today's sunrise

This morning for my personal scripture study I finished Moses 5 and started Moses 6. How grateful I am for the Prophet Joseph Smith and the truths revealed in Moses and Abraham.

I went to town by myself this morning to get some red paint to paint the wooden hearts I bought for handouts for my Relief Society lesson on the family. I bought two bottles of acrylic paint and 1 bottle of spray paint at James's suggestion. He says it will be faster, go on smoother and won't leave streaks. The problem is you can't spray paint in the house and do I really want to paint outside in this cold weather. If the acrylic paint looks good, that's what I'm going to do. I also bought some artist brushes and some cardstock for the lesson quote which will be part of the handout. 

I went to Dollar Tree and bought their last two packages of wooden hearts. After I was finished shopping I went to Taco Bell, because after all it is Taco Tuesday, and got a chicken cantina soft taco. 

Back to getting tax and insurance information to Bert. I told James earlier I needed our property parcel number and county account number. He said he didn't think we had a parcel number. I told him I could look up our tax information online if I had those two things. Later Bert told James he needed the parcel number. James went upstairs and found an old tax bill with the account number and the parcel number on it. Duh!

With this information I was able to pull up the tax records I needed and emailed them to Bert. By the way, James had three calls into the county office and never got a return call from any of them. It's a good thing we were able to solve the problem by ourselves. 

I also got onto the Liberty Mutual website, the insurance carrier for our home, got the information needed, and sent it to Bert. 

James and I discussed my desire to go to the valley to get some Perk and to visit Catherine Halcomb. I told him I either wanted to go Wednesday or Friday since we were scheduled to go to the temple with the Tignor's on Thursday. He said Friday would be better for him so I agreed, although I kept thinking, the sooner the better.

Tom, our fickle cat went outside just before bed.

"Our relationship to God and the purpose of our mortal life are explained in terms of the family."

- DHO, OGC 2025

Moses 6:31

And when Enoch had heard these words, he bowed himself to the earth, before the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying: Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?

Monday, January 26th, 2026: Feelings of anxiety - mostly financial, recent tax bills & receipts on taxes & insurance, melting snow = mud, Culver's, accountant's office, propane bill paid, Walmart, calico beans for James,

 

Culver's Cashew Chicken Salad

Today's lunch

I am having feelings of anxiety this morning. I think most of it is because of finances. Now Bert, our reverse mortgage guy, wants our most recent tax bill and a record of two years showing we weren't late on any payments. The problem is, we don't have our tax bills because they are paid through our mortgage. We need our account number and parcel number to access taxes on the Apache county website.

It was sunny and quite warm today, hence the melting of the snow which leads to mud where we live. My clean car is now covered in mud. It makes me sad. I think I am a city girl after all.

We made a trip to town this afternoon. Our first stop was at Culver's for my cashew chicken salad. James keeps trying different things. Today he had shrimp. When he was finished eating them he said: "That was about enough food for a three year old." I shared the rest of my salad with him. He especially likes the cashews. 

Our next stop was at our accountant, Cheri Witt's office, to turn in our quarterly tax report and another form. While we were there we mailed all of the forms and our propane payment. 

Next we went to Walmart to pick up my Valsartan, one of my blood pressure medicines. I also ended up buying a few groceries.

I just can't seem to shake this feeling of sadness. I know I need to have more faith and focus on the Savior, but James is constantly in pain and still has the stress of providing a living at 78 years of age. This is the situation many self-employed people find themselves in. 

James and I both have stressful to do lists. He has to try and give Applegate's a ballpark estimate of what their home is going to cost to build. That is easier said than done. I am worried about our reverse mortgage and getting all of the information to Bert that he asks for, typing an addendum to our living trust with all of the changes, and making handouts for my lesson on February 8th.

I made James some calico beans this afternoon for dinner. He loved them and was very appreciative that I actually fixed dinner.

I told him that I want to go to the valley either on Wednesday or Friday to get some Perk before Costco runs out. Although he doesn't really understand the urgency of it, he said he would go with me.

I bought this at Costco today

There scriptures were found in 

President & Sister Holland's home

by their daughter Mary. They loved

the scriptures!

Elk in our field in 2016

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