Monday, April 13th, 2026: "Stand Still and See the Salvation of God" Exodus 14-18, S,P,JA Greens Peak in car & then J's truck, JA's pics, taxes & extension, Mail cards, KFC, Finding Sofie

Toronto, Ontario

Temple #44

Today I ordered mini teacups for my lesson handouts. The lesson is on President Oaks' talk, "Alive in Christ." Emily chose his talk to base this 6 months of Inklings on. The title of her study is: 'Pour Forth Love' and that's where I got the idea of the teacup which will represent pouring forth love.

The new "Come Follow Me" lesson for the week is based on Exodus 14-18 and is titled: "Stand Still and See the Salvation of God."

Jared Ammon got a new camera and wanted to go to Green's Peak today to take some photos. He, Stacy and Paul left in Stacy & Paul's car after some trepidation. They were not gone long when they came back with a low tire. James told them they could take his truck so off they went again. Here are some of the pictures JA took:

James and I worked on taxes. He caled to make sure the accountant had filed an extension. He was assured they had. We have so much more to do. We were surprised to learn that the interest plus other charges on our business line of credit amounted to over $2,000. As soon as the cancer money we got comes through on our account on the 17th we are going to pay off this line of credit.

James is a faithful walker. I am not as faithful. I didn't feel well today so I only walked a little over 5,000 steps.

I made a trip to town today by myself. I mailed Alex's birthday card, Palmer & Autumn's anniversary card, and Sheri & Ian's anniversary card. I also stopped at KFC and picked up a 16 piece bucket of chicken and 10 biscuits for dinner. I was prepared to pay for dinner but Stacy insisted she wanted to pay and she covered most of the cost. The chicken and biscuits were well received. I made some corn to go with the rest of the vittles.

Sofie ran off this evening on Paul's watch. He had taken both of the dogs outside to do their business. Sofie won't do anything on a leash so that's why she was loose. Paul was in his stocking feet. He said Sofie began to wander off even though he was calling for her to come back. She walked out into the field and just kept going. Paul came into the house for help. I asked James to shine his lights out into the field. He did, but no Sofie. Paul and JA were walking around in the field calling 'Sofie' and shining the flashlights on their phones. Stacy was downstairs and didn't know. I didn't want to tell her but JA felt like they needed her help and went downstairs to get her. Stacy drove her car out in the field, I drove mine, and James took the truck. James drove up beside me and said he was ready to quit because he had been all around the field. I told him that since he hadn't found her he couldn't stop looking. He drove away and it wasn't 5 minutes later when he called and said he had found her but she wouldn't come to him. I called Paul and told him and he was so relieved. He sent Jared down to help with Sofie. She went to Jared and Sofie came home.

Such a tiny thing to cause so much trouble.

 

Sunday, April 12th, 2026: We forgot it was fast Sunday, 2 roasts in the crockpot, blue dress, blue suit & tie, Millie's hug & kiss, Pantera's hug, Olivia Jensen's testimony, Scott's post - The End? Stacy, JA, Paul, Vader, & Sofie here, dinner, "The Chosen" JA's pictures

 

Las Vegas, Nevada

Temple #43

James and I both forgot that today was fast Sunday. James was quite distraught over the matter. 

I put a roast in the crockpot this morning and then on second thought, I added another, just to make sure I had enough to feed everyone this evening. Stacy and Jared Ammon are coming and I know Jared is a big meat eater.

Today was blue day. I wore my blue dress with the white flowers and James wore his blue suit with his blue tie. We have this thing we do in trying to match each other. It is all in fun.

Millie Scott called to me as I walked into the chapel. She normally sits in the front so I was surprised to see her sitting in the back. Maybe it's because she is now on oxygen. I gave her a hug and a kiss and asked if she would have her surgery this week. She said yes, she was scheduled for it on Tuesday. This means she is well and is therefore good news.

Brother Dobson conducted the meeting today and bore his testimony. Others who bore their testimonies: Sam Westbrook, Cope Reynolds, Amy Bowen, Stefani Hunsaker, Marci Westbrook, Mike Brady, Burt Lardenslager, Te-Bo Tignor, Mary Gilbert, Tina Allen, and Olivia Jensen. 

James and I were most touched by Olivia Jensen's testimony. She is the Jensen's oldest daughter who is here for a visit. I cannot adequately convey here my feelings and how I felt the Spirit as Olivia spoke. She was so eloquent, yet sincere. It was a sermon in a testimony. Here are a few notes I took: The Book of Mormon reminds us that all things denote there is a God. God reveals his nature through nature. Fossil Springs hike. Natural spring watering a huge Cottonwood tree. Flowing water that can't be turned off. Alma, Lehi. His love is always flowing. Isaiah 58 The law of the fast is a law of love. Living water in us is an abiding love.

Very spotty I know but maybe someday when I go back and read this I will remember the feelings I had.

Stacy, Jared Ammon, Vader, Sofie, and to my surprise Paul arrived this afternoon/evening, just in time for dinner. We had roast with au jus, mashed potatoes, corn, salad, rolls and cherry cobbler for dinner. Everyone seemed hungry and most appreciative. 

Paul is struggling with his arthritis and asked to use a cane.

Stacy & Paul watched "The Chosen" the Passover episode. 

The dogs are getting old. Sofie can't see very well  and Vader has some arthritis and can't jump up on the couch anymore.

Jared Ammon went took some photos and shared them with me.

Sunset

Night sky

"Building an understanding of the Savior's eternal Atonement line upon line, precept upon precept, provides a spiritual inoculation against the wiles of the adversary."

- Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi

Exodus 13:21

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

Such great faith

Cousin Rita and her great-grand baby

Saturday, April 11th, 2026: Promise of the Passover, RS activity, Ready for tomorrow's company, 56 Jesus figures, Murdoch Mysteries season 18, D home safely, Scott-the end?, Last Supper, Houston temple, nature shot, Inklings study schedule, James on scaffolding

 

Portland, Oregon

Temple #42

How is the promise of the Passover extended to modern Israel?

"Obedience to the Word of Wisdom keeps one free...'And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them' (D&C 89:21). This reference to the first Passover reminds us that, n faith, ancient Israel was obedient to the commandment to take blood and 'strike it on the two side posgs and on the upper door post of the houses.' ...So, in faith, modern Israel is commanded to obey the Word of Wisdom. It becomes our token of a covenant with the Lord - a spiritual separator of covenant Israel from the rest of the world" (Nelson, Power within Us, 80).

There was a Relief Society activity at the church this morning. James was on the priesthood holders on duty. Te-Bo was there too. Amy Bowen taught a class on gardening in the Vernon area.

I did not go to the activity but stayed home to clean and get ready for company. I went downstairs to the basement and then upstairs to make sure everything was in order. I found more Jesus figures, I now have 56 out of 99. Addy said some are hard. Indeed!

I dusted, swept and mopped using vinegar and water and was pleased with the results. I worked inside while James worked outside on the scaffolding.

I walked 10,000 steps and watched several episodes of season 18 of Murdoch Mystery.

I knew Darrel was coming home to Mesa this weekend and I had to check to make sure he made it safely. He did.

Yannick Bisson & Helene Joy from

"Murdoch Mysteries"

Friday, April 10th, 2026: Snowflake temple w/ James, Tignor's doing sealings, Eva's chili relleno, Stacy, JA coming on Sunday, scaffolding, "Forever Phoebe", J&K @ Houston temple, f

Frankfurt, Germany

Temple #41

James and I attended the temple today for the first time since March 13th. Our friends the Tignor's were there too doing sealings. Today our family names were: Lora Brown and Hardy Vance Lewis. James said he wants to do sealings but I told him I need to keep doing the endowment because it is something I need right now.

After our session I was in the dressing room when my phone started ringing. I couldn't believe it because I always turn the ringer off. I hurried and silenced Stacy's call. I hope no one knew it was my phone. How embarrassing.

We went to Eva's afterwards and I got my chili relleno. We saw and spoke to Allen & Delsa Frost on our way out. They just finished working a shift at the temple because we saw them there too.

I called Stacy back and she said she was coming up on Sunday with Jared Ammon and they would be staying until Tuesday. I told her that since they were traveling on Sunday I would make a roast and have dinner ready for them when they got here. 

We stopped at the Walmart in Taylor and saw another friend from high school, Barry Flake. I bought all we would need for dinner on Sunday and James said he would make his cherry cobbler. 

I started a new book to listen to while I am walking, it is one I have read before, "Forever Phoebe." It's been long enough I don't remember the story.

"You live in challenging times when the adversary seeks to make you his. Do not be drawn off."

- Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Exodus 11:7

But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast; that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

Houston, Texas

They did Kacey's dad's work

Sheri and Alex out on the town

 

Thursday, April 9th, 2026: Plagues continue, Inklings "Pour Forth Love", Verizon store, Circle K, Walmart, James's new phone, filet mignon, Scott's post, bluebird, lilac bush, James sanding a log, Evan & Max

 

Denver, Colorado

Temple #40

After reading about the plagues in ancient Egypt it was refreshing to listen to Inklings where Emily discussed President Oaks' conference messages. Here are some things she shared from his closing message.

The Spirit of the Lord has inspired all of us to:

1. concentrate our worship

2. focus our learning

3. unite our testimonies

on the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Father's plan for our eternal increase and joy.

Jesus Christ knows and loves each of us perfectly and invites us to:

1. walk with Him

2. abide in Him

3. follow His example

of ministering to others one by one in charity and love.

We invite all to:

1. study

2. ponder messages prayerfully

3. act in faith on the principles they explain. 

The Lord has promised, "Unto him that receiveth I will give more. 

As we treasure up and act upon the teachings of this conference, the Lord will continue to teach and inspire us with personal revelation and guidance.

I promise this to each of us as we follow the directions of the servants of the Lord and "look to God and live."

James and I made a trip to town this afternoon. It is 40 cents off for a gallon of gas at Circle K, which only happens once a month. I dropped James off at the Verizon store as he has finally decided for sure that he wants a new phone. He is trading in his I-phone 8 for an I-phone 16. 

When I got to Circle K I pumped my gas and was surprised when the receipt said I paid only $4.00 a gallon. The initial cost was $4.65 and with my inner circle membership I get 5 cents off which means the gas should have been $4.20 a gallon.  I also washed my car. The front of it was covered in bugs and the windshield was covered in whatever was left of bugs after they hit it.

After washing my car I went across the street to Walmart. I did my shopping and was surprised when James never called to say he was finished. I drove back to Verizon and waited for James to finish up. I could see him inside leaning against the counter talking to someone. 

When James came out he was carrying a bag so I assumed he got his new phone. He did, an I-phone 16. He ordered me a new phone also, an I-phone 16 pro. I am trying to decide if I really want or need a new phone.

A bit of the blues today but tomorrow we are going to the temple so that should cheer me up.

"As we strive to improve our communication with our Heavenly Father, He will bless us to feel more profoundly that we are His children."

- Elder Brik V. Eyre

Exodus 7:7

And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.

Wednesday, April 8th, 2026: In Globe @ 9:15, Tom Thompson & $98,000, So grateful, AARA infusion & Edith, Costco, Visit Mom, Dawn, Rebecca, Terry & Cathi, Deliver Trina's Perk, Tom, Ruby, Ruby's fan club, Scott's update, Nelda passes away

 

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Temple #39

We left for Globe and then on to the valley around 7:15. We arrived in Globe at 9:15. We entered the outside elevator of a building on Oak & Broad and rode it to the second floor, just as Jonell directed. After taking a right turn and walking down a hallway and making a right turn, I saw a door slightly ajar with the words: Tom Thompson, Attorney at Law. The room was at the end of a small hallway and as we walked closer I saw an older man sitting at a large desk. He stood up when he saw us. After handshakes and introductions we all sat down. (I loved the old fashioned, sturdy chairs we sat in). Mr. Thompson handed us a check for $98,000. $2,000 is his fee, which is very fair. He said there would be no taxes to be paid. I thought to myself, there will be tithing. 

Mr. Thompson seems like a very nice man. He returned all of our documents to us including James's medical records, school report cards, his baptismal certificate and his birth certificate. I am sorry that JoNell is not feeling well and that I didn't get to meet her. She is the one I spoke with so many times on the phone. 

We were not sure this day would ever actually happen and we are so grateful. I thought we would be getting $48,000 at the most. Heavenly Father really is looking after us!

On to the valley. James dropped me off a little early at AARA while he found a Chase Bank where he deposited our check. The teller said it would not be available until April 17th. That is fine.

After my infusion today I saw Edith who is a physician assistant who works with Dr. Kumar. I really like her. I told her I needed to schedule my next cortisone injections. She said I could do it by just texting the office number. Good to know! 

Neither Kim nor Sheri are available for lunch. Sheri is making cupcakes and Kim has a new cat she is afraid to leave with Louie their other cat. 

We did our Costco shopping, buying Perk, Pom juice, and Fairlife shakes, and toilet paper. After shopping I got my hotdog and drink at the food court which cost me $1.62. James didn't eat. We visited with a 93 year old gentlemen who shared our table. He said he owned a famous hot sauce company from Louisiana and asked us if we could guess the name of it. We couldn't. He said it was "Tabasco." He was right, it is very famous. 

We drove to Cathi & Terry's and visited with them, Mom, Dawn, and Rebecca. Today is Rebecca's birthday and she came to visit mom. 

Cathi had said that Mom is getting weaker and it was good that we came. She said she has been sleeping 11-12 hours a week.  When I talked to Mom she said her blood pressure was low and she could feel herself getting weaker. We still had a nice visit. Cathi told us that Nelda, Jeanie and Hayden Lambson's older sister had passed away this past weekend. The funeral will be on Saturday in Ramah.

We drove to Trina's and gave her the Perk she ordered, two containers. She gave me $50. I told her she shouldn't have to pay for them because they left so much food at our house. We got to see Rowan and Lola too. 

We went home the Payson way and listened to 'Suitors and Secrets' which we are both reading.

Kacey said: "Charlie's working on reading the BoM before

her baptism. We read Jacob 5 today. She got tickled imagining what

'evil fruit' might look like and do. Haha!

Snowflake Christus

Tuesday, April 7th, 2026: Exodus 8, RS &EQ mtg @ Cheryl Sedig's 6 month lesson schedule, Loose ends: Getting rid of the Razr & selling engine, Finishing taxes & trust, Upkeep on house, James H, D&'T's house, Ruby, Trina & Loka, Jesus is Risen,

 

Lima, Peru

Temple #38

Exodus 8.

Why would Pharaoh harden his heart yet again after witnessing God's miracles? Pharaoh's behavior exhibits a pattern. During the time of stress, Pharaoh was willing to promise anything. But as soon as the stress ended, he hardened his heart and became unwilling to do what he had promised. Why would he do this? Am I ever like this? Is it because of a hardened heart or because of weakness and selfishness. Am I willing to give up some sins provided God will permit me to keep others? This is not right and I must be continually watchful of the desires of my heart and my behavior.

James and I attended a meeting this morning at Cheryl Sedig's to help plan the Relief Society/Elders Quorum lessons for the next six months. Others who attended: Cheryl Sedig, Donna Beckham, and Brother Sandoval who is the elders quorum president. Here is what we scheduled for the next six months: (A is for Amy, the other teacher).

April 26th (Me) - 'Alive in Christ' President Dallin H. Oaks

5/10/26  (A) - 'Love All, Love Each' Elder Gerard Causse

5/24/26 (Me) - 'I Will Give Away All My Sins to Know Thee' Elder Wan-Liang Wu

6/14/26 (A) - 'Joy of the Covenant Relationship' Elder Mutombo

6/28/26 (Me) - 'That Ye Love One Another As I Have Loved You' Sister Kristin M. Yee

7/12/26 (A) 'Choose Jesus Christ as Your Guide' Elder Rowe

7/26/26 (Me) 'The Character of Christ' Pres. D. Todd Christofferson

8/9/26 (A) 'Jesus Christ Is Not Our Burden; He Is Our Relief' Elder David J. Wunderli

8/23/26 (Me) 'Best Days and Worst Days' Pres. Emily Belle Freeman

9/6/26 (A) 'Because of Jesus Christ' Elder Dale G. Renlund

9/13/26 (Me) 'All Who Have Endured Valiantly' Elder David A. Bednar

9/20/26 (A) 'Encounter at the Empty Tomb' Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf

9/27/26 (Me) ' I Feel My Savior's Love' Elder Pedro X. Larreal

10/11/26 (A) 'Jesus Christ - the True Vine' Elder Ulisses Soares

All of the talks that I wanted got chosen. I am so grateful and I am excited that I get to lead the discussions for the talks by President Oaks, and by President Freeman.

Loose ends that are bothering me: Selling the Razr engine, getting rid of the Razr and getting a new one by our anniversary. Finishing our taxes, getting our trust addendum notarized and finding out the password on my bank account instead of facial recognition.

I'm also worried about Darrel & Trina selling their home and we are praying for them. I am worried about the upkeep on our home and James dangling from a ladder or scaffolding.

James and his wife

Darrel & Trina's home in east Mesa

Ruby the Racer

Is that Lola?

The Resurrected Lord