May 10th, 2025: Lola's dance recital in QC, Kim's card & gifts, Costco, Lois, Dawn, Connie, Tim & Allison, Connie's news, home to Vernon,

Tampico, Mexico

83rd operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 27:1-17

D&C 

45:28-75

Come Follow Me

D&C 45:11-15, 66-71 

Zion is a place of safety for the Saints of God.

April General Conference

'Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior'

Elder Dale G. Renlund

James got up early and went outside to walk. When he came back he wanted to take a shower. He could not find a towel so he used the hand towel in the bathroom and a bathmat he found in the dryer. 

Stacy, James and I left to pick up Kim a little after 8 for Lola's recital in Queen Creek which starts at 9. Kim and Stacy chatted in the back seat while we headed down the 202 and then the 24 for Queen Creek.

 When we arrived the foyer of the Queen Creek Center for the Arts was packed with people. I texted Trina to tell her we were here. She texted each one of us a digital ticket. We found our seats in row Q and sat down. I asked a young mother in our row how much the tickets were. I told her my daughter-in-law had bought my tickets and wouldn't tell me how much she paid for them. She made me guess because she said she shouldn't tell me if my daughter-in-law didn't want me to know. Anyway I figured out that the tickets were $15 each. When Trina and her mom came and sat by us I ask Trina if she had bought a ticket for Sheri too and she said yes. We just found out last night that Sheri wasn't coming. I owe Trina $75. She said I didn't have to pay for all of them and I told her I did because I am the one who invited Stacy, Kim, and Sheri to come. 

Lola was in two of the dances at this recital. The first was a ballet to "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." I thought that for a beginner, she did very well. I love ballet because it is so graceful. Her next dance was jazz to a song called "Word Up." Afterwards when we were visiting with Lola I asked which she liked best, ballet or jazz. She said she liked the ballet costume best but she liked to dance jazz better than ballet. 

Lola in her jazz costume

Lola and some of her fans. I asked her if she could dance

in the shoes she has on in this photo and she said, she didn't think so.

Of course we enjoyed Lola's dances the most but second was the Dad's dance. About a dozen dad's got up and danced to a choreographed number and although it was hilarious, they were actually pretty good. After their dance they each did a little dance with their daughters. It was great!

When we dropped Kim off at home she asked us to wait a few minutes while she ran in and got my Mother's day card. She handed me a card, a bag of Dove chocolate caramels and some fuzzy socks. Inside the card was a $50 Amazon gift card. Thank you so much Kim!

We went back to Stacy's and while we were there James talked to Joshua. James said he was concerned that he might not serve a mission. Joshua told him he had a right to be concerned because he didn't think he was going to. James bore his testimony to him and talked about putting God first and the blessings that would come. When I hugged Joshua goodbye I told him to please consider again about serving a mission. He said he would. 

After leaving Stacy's we drove to the Chandler Costco and got in line at the gas pumps. We paid $3.12 a gallon. Everywhere else in Chandler gas is $3.44. I guess it was worth the wait. 

Inside Costco was busy as a beehive. It is always like this on Saturday. We bought Lois an orchid for Mother's Day, joint relief pain pills, collagen tablets, and something called Focus Factor to help with memory. We are suckers for pills which is weird because neither one of us like taking them. The advertisements always make them sound better than they really are.

We called Dawn and told her we were on our way over for a visit. Connie, her son Tim and his wife Allison are here visiting from Texas. Connie and Allison had just returned from a session at the Mesa Temple. 

Lois loved her Mother's Day card. We bought one that looked homemade with a bouquet of flowers on the front that were done with a process called quilling. She thanked us for the Amazon card and the orchid. She told me how many species of orchids there are in the world but I don't remember what it was. It was lots though. Laura had given her the most beautiful and exotic looking orchid I had ever seen. I wonder where she got it. Again, I forgot to take a picture.

We had a nice visit until a little before 2. At 2 Dawn, Connie, Tim and Allison are going over to see Aunt Faye. Dawn invited us to go but James said he was tired and needed to get home to take care of animals. 

Connie walked out to the car with us and shared some news about Tim & Allison. Tim is getting the Melchizedek priesthood and they are going to be sealed in the Lubbock, Texas temple on May 24th. Allison is Tim's second wife and when he asked her to marry him she said she would marry him if he would come to church with her every week. Connie said she has been a godsend. She said Tim has always taken care of her, Connie, and been more thoughtful and attentive to her needs than her other two. She has been praying for this for years. 

She seemed so happy and we were happy for her.

We went home the Payson way and got home around 5:30. My suitcase had tipped over on the front porch right where I left it. I told James if it was a snake it would have bit him when he was locking the front door. I don't think he appreciated my comment.

Tom was happy to see us and slept with us at the end of our bed tonight.

News Flash: Show Low girls softball team lost in the semifinal playoff round to Yuma Catholic, 9-2. Chelsea said they definitely did not play their best. I made a joke that the Catholics beat the Mormons.

Gracie's mom posted this.

They are in our ward.

Ashley Umphress is Chelsea MacArthur's sister and Gracie

is Chelsea's niece. Chelsea has three other nieces on the team and

Chelsea and Ashley's dad is the coach.

I wonder why Stacy has two copies of the same 

family photo. Lois made Stacy and Kim's dresses. 

Sheri had one like it too.

 

Friday, May 9th, 2025: James puts sleeping Tom outside, makes me sad, we leave before 7, Globe stop for gas, Costco, Deseret Book, Cafe Rio, James forgot my suitcase, Chandler Eyecare, Addy, Cayli, Sheri, Ben, Stacy's, James meets Armando at another burn house, I go shopping at Walmart, Deer Valley for Ruby's stake track meet, Whataburger, back to Stacy's

 

Cochabamba, Bolivia

82nd operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 26:14-39

Come Follow Me

D&C 45:31-32, 56-57

I can "stand in holy places" and not be moved.

David A. Bednar, "If Ye Had Know Me", OGC 2016

April General Conference

"Return Unto Me ... That I May Heal You", Elder S. Mark Palmer

"Faith: A Bond of Trust and Loyalty" Elder Sandino Roman

James puts sleeping Tom outside before we leave this morning. I know he's probably better off outside but it still made me sad. 

James closed the garage and drove the car outside the front door. I sat my suitcase on the front porch and say to James as he turns to lock the front door, "don't forget my suitcase." I went and got into the car and didn't think anymore about the suitcase. Big mistake.

We had family prayer and listened to the Book of Mormon in the car. We went the Globe way since we aren't blasting. We stopped for gas at James's favorite 76 station. The gas was on $3.09. On the valley with one stop for construction.

Our first stop was at the Gilbert Costco where we got two flavors of protein shakes and a box of protein bars. a watermelon which turned out to be rotten, a blouse for me and fish oil tablets for James. When we put our stuff in the car I was going to change my shoes and asked James where my suitcase was. He said he didn't know. It wasn't in the back so I went to look in the backseat. It wasn't there either. I told him I knew where it was. It was then that I realized he had left it on the front porch. I was not happy and told James I would need to go on a shopping trip.

We went to Deseret Book where I picked up my conference journal. James tried on temple pants which he didn't buy. For lunch we walked over to Cafe Rio. I noticed the Kneaders next door had closed down. That's too bad as they have great desserts. 

For lunch I had a sweet pork taco and James had a chicken tostado with a side of pinto beans. After lunch we headed to Chandler for James's eye appointment at Chandler Eyecare. It's fun going to the office where Sheri, Ben, Cayli, and Addy work. The only person we missed seeing was Nancy. I forgot to ask Sheri where she was today. I even saw Dr. Carpenter. 

James's appointment was with Dr. Kaiser. Sheri really likes her and she seems very nice. I was so surprised to find out that James does not have cataracts. His eyes have actually gotten a little better. Sheri is going to order him a new pair of glasses and some safety glasses. Sheri says he got safety glasses last time but James says he didn't. I told her we were paying for the glasses. Last time Sheri paid for them.

When we were finished at Chandler Eyecare we headed to Stacy's to drop our stuff off. James had an appointment to meet Mondo at his friends house that burned down. This one is bigger than the last and is in north Chandler. The owner of the house met with James and told him what happened. He said he got into an argument with a guy at work and the guy came and set his house on fire. They caught it on the security camera. People can be so vindictive and mean. The guys whose house burned had to hurry to get his wife and children out.

While James was having his meeting he dropped me off at Walmart where I picked up some makeup, toothbrush and toothpaste, curling iron, brush and comb, and two knew tops. I ended up spending $148. Makeup is expensive and I forgot hairspray so I had to borrow some from Stacy. On the way out of Walmart there is a food place called Charley's that features Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and wings. While I was waiting for James I ordered us some wings. There were only 6 and it cost me $11.45. I didn't realize they came with French fries, which we didn't really want. The wings were just meh. Disappointed.

We went back to Stacy's to drop my purchases off and then went to Walgreen's to get a card and Amazon gift card for Lois for Mother's Day. I thought maybe we could go see her today but we ran out of time, as it was time to head for Deer Valley for Ruby's track meet. she runs at 5 and it is already 4 and Deer Valley is almost 50 miles away. We took the 101 and because of construction delays we arrived right at 5:00, just in time to see Ruby's first race, the 1600. She got 3rd and PR'd at 5.14.02. Something was wrong though. When they called the girls to the stand to get their medals, Ruby was slowing walking over, wiping her eyes. Trina went down to see what was wrong. It seems that the girl that got 4th place told Ruby she better not push anyone on her team again. Whatever happened the coach said it was totally legal and Ruby didn't do anything wrong. Ruby also said the girl had pushed her first. She was crying because she felt bad. The other girl apologized. I told Ruby she apologized because she felt guilty and Ruby said she thought she apologized because I was crying. Ruby calmed down and we tried to pump her up for her next race, the 800. She seemed okay when she went back down on the field.

The 800 wasn't until 7:30. Ruby was ahead at first but then some girls passed her and she ended up getting 4th. We left before the relay but they placed 3rd and they have to come back tomorrow for the finals and run again. 

We stopped at Whataburger on the way home, the one just off Shea Blvd. James ordered a mushroom Swiss burger and I ordered a Whataburger Jr. James's burger was very messy and he got grease all over his shirt and pants and the seat. He said he made a mistake and I agreed without saying anything.

Back at Stacy's I went to bed after prayer and James went outside to do some walking. We left the door unlocked for Joshua who is out on a date with Alayna. Some other news about Joshua. He buses at George & Gather and makes about $400 a night. Yikes! I wonder how long that will last.

1600 winners

800 winners minus #2

Charlie had her piano recital tonight

Scarlett is one of Charlie's biggest fans!

I wish we could have been there!

 

Thursday, May 8th, 2025: James goes to wrong Dr. Smithson office, sugar cookies, Chelsea & Boone, Catherine Halcomb, Cheryl Sedig, Patsy Tedder, Rdy for trip to valley tomorrow

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Apr 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 25:15-26:13

Come Follow Me

D&C 45:11-75

Jesus Christ will return in glory.

Video: "Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them"

April General Conference

'Divine Authority, Sublime Young Men'

Brother Steven J. Lund

Inklings

'Receive His Gift' Elder Kearon

James had an appointment with Dr. Smithson this morning. I told him when they called to remind him of his appointment that he should have asked the girl for directions to the office. He told me he could look up directions online. 

I frosted some cookies this morning for the MacArthur's. I'm going to have to make more cookies for the Halcomb's, the Sedig's and Patsy Tedder who we are visiting this afternoon. Kathy hurried home from the temple so we could make it to Chelsea's before 11:30 when she is going into town to take Jarred to the airport. After our visit we went back home. I put another batch of cookies in the refrigerator to chill and took a break. I told Kathy I would text her when I was ready for the rest of our visits.

 When I got back from Chelsea's James was at home. It was very early and I asked what happened. Here is his story: He went to the office in Show Low but his appointment was not there. Apparently Dr. Smithson has two offices, one in Show Low and one in Eagar. The girl who called to verify his appointment should have told him which office his appointment was at. James should have asked her. Now he has to wait until May 22nd to see the doctor. 

After baking and frosting enough cookies for our afternoon visits Kathy and I were on our way around 2:45. Our first visit was with Catherine Halcomb. I left two cookies, a frosted one for Catherine and an unfrosted one for Kerri. Catherine is always happy when someone comes to visit her. Kerri subs at the Show Low high school and is gone most weekdays. 

 

Our next visit was with Cheryl Sedig, our RS president who has a broken leg. Teresa Smith, another member of our ward, was there visiting. Cheryl was in a recliner and seemed to be in a good mood. Ralph was working on his Jeep and came in to say hello. Cheryl and Ralph would be going with the Grombach's and their other friends this weekend to Crown King if Cheryl didn't have a broken leg.

Kathy had never been to Cheryl's so she had to admire the home and how cute it is decorated. Cheryl showed us where she fell and broke her leg. When we left I told Teresa and Kathy that one night I was here with a group of women. Becky Skousen fell on the step inside the house and Janna Grombach fell outside. 

Our last visit was with Patsy Tedder. Patsy is Janna Grombach's mom and she lives alone. We both love Patsy. We talked for awhile. Patsy knew my family, she grew up with my mom and dad. She said she use to square dance with my grandpa as the caller. She said they did it on horses and performed all over the mountain. I just can't visualize square dancing on a horse. We each gave Patsy a hug and she thanked us for coming saying that she never sees her ministering sisters.

This evening James and I began getting ready for our trip tomorrow. James even put his suitcase in the car.

Notes & Quotes

Inklings: 'Receive His Gift' by Elder Patrick Kearon

Do I know who God is? Do I know who I am? That is the journey.

Gethsemane - Cross - Tomb: The gift is already bestowed. How do we receive the gift. Moroni 10:3 - With gratitude, expressing thanks. All good gifts come from God, don't deny them.

Autumn's ultasound of

Benson McKay Child

Love the toothless smile

Love these two!

Ha Ha

 

Wednesday, May 7th, 2025: Up @ 5:30 leave for temple @ 8 for 9:30 session, clouds & rain around us, Donna Lundgren, Debbie Holyoak, Danny Seymore, Eva's - Grombach's pay for our meal, rain, sugar cookies, deliver to Janna w/ Kathy & chocolate strawberries

 

Memphis, Tennessee

80th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Apr 2000

By: James E. Faust

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 24:16-25:14

Come Follow Me

D&C 45:9-10 The gospel is a standard to the nations.

April General Conference

'Cherishing Life' 

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"President Russell M. Nelson said, "A hallmark of the Lord's true and living Church will always be an organized ... effort to minister to individual children of God ... ministering with loving-kindness to the one, just as He did."

I got up at 5:30 this morning. At 7:15 I began getting ready to go to the temple. We left the house at 8:00 for the 9:30 session, arriving at the temple a little before 9. 

They sky was filled with clouds on the way to Snowflake. We could see rain off in the distance in several directions. A beautiful day with very little wind. 

There were more than 20 sisters in the session but not nearly as many brothers. Online it said the session was full but that was not the case.

I sat by Donna Lundren who sat next to Debbie Holyoak who was the former postmaster in Vernon. She said she still remembers my box number. I told her it had changed recently.

After the session James and I spent several minutes putting names on the prayer roll. We have a lot of family and friends who need temple prayers. 

The weather is still beautiful as we head for Eva's for some lunch. 

We sat at the table just to the left of the front door, in the corner. We placed our order and our food had just come when I noticed Willy & Janna Grombach in the back of the restaurant at the corner table in the very back. James and I both went to say hello. I asked Janna if we could come by tomorrow afternoon to bring her a Mother's Day treat and she said she would not be home. They were leaving in the morning with friends to go from Lake Pleasant up to Crown King in four-wheel drive vehicles. I guess the road is really rough and it's a steep climb. I asked if we could come over this afternoon or evening and she said that would be fine. 

When we were finished with out meal the waitress came by to check on us and to tell us that our friends had paid for our meal. We were grateful and went back to their table to tell them. We thanked them and we said our goodbyes and we headed for the Taylor Walmart to get some baking supplies I needed for the sugar cookies I am making this afternoon.

As soon as I got home and changed my clothes I laid down on the recliner and took a nap. Tom came and curled up beside me.  We got a little rain this afternoon. I couldn't nap long because I needed to get my sugar cookies started as they need to chill for at least an hour. 

Early this evening Kathy Crane and I drove over to Janna's. Kathy had dipped two big beautiful strawberries for Janna & Willy and I gave them two large sugar cookies. They are looking forward to their trip tomorrow. Janna asked us before we left if we would call her mom on Saturday and wish her a Happy Mother's Day. We said we would do better than that, we would go by and visit her tomorrow when we delivered the rest of our goodies. I think this made Janna happy.

I forgot to mention that for Mother's Day Janna's son Cody has planned a five day adventure for the two of them. One night they are going to a rock concert. Daughtery, who was on American Idol is opening for the heavy metal band. Cody, Janna's son, knew she liked Daughtery so that's why he bought her a ticket. They are also going to a sushi bar and he made an appointment for her to get her nails done. He sounds like a very thoughtful son.

Today's Quote & Verse

Quote:

"We need to do more lifting and less murmuring, more upholding the word of the Lord, His ways, and His prophet."

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Verse: D&C 45:32

But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die.

Can this be comfortable

Tuesday, May 6th, 2025: Up at 5:30, kitties, phone game, journal prep, Liahona, Prayer, BM, CFM, my personal study, snowed earlier, Tom sleeps all day, prowls last night, Stacy's tender mercy, James's stake meeting in Lakeside, "A Distant Thunder"

 

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Apr 2000

By: James E. Faust

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 24:1-15

Doctrine and Covenants

D&C 45:9-19

Come Follow Me

D&C 45:1-5 Jesus Christ is my Advocate with the Father. 

Dale G. Renlund, "Choose You This Day" OGC 2018

Video: "The Mediator"

April General Conference

'Draw Near Unto Me'

President Henry B. Eyring

I got up at 5:30, fed and watered the kitties, played on my phone a few minutes, did some journal prep, ate, and read from the Liahona.

I prayed, had my personal study and then read from the Book of Mormon and Come Follow Me with James. 

It snowed earlier this morning but nothing stayed on the ground. Still, we are grateful for the moisture. 

Tom came in at 5, he ate then went to sleep. He is still asleep and it's 2:36 in the afternoon. What a pet ... he sleeps all day and prowls all night.

James wrote a check to the U.S. treasury for our income taxes for $1,550.00 and then went to the post office to mail the check.

Stacy called this afternoon while she was delivering for Grub Hub. She said her car was making a terrible noise and she was afraid it was something serious. I said maybe her tires needed to be balanced. She took it home and had Paul look at it, praying that he would be able to fix whatever the problem was. When he said to her, "I'm not a mechanic, what makes you think I can fix this?" Stacy: "Heavenly Father told me you could." He was able to fix it although it took a couple of hours and she had to cancel her Amazon shift this afternoon. It was a tender mercy and I told Stacy to write it down.

James had a meeting tonight in Lakeside at the stake center. This is the quarterly Elders Quorum/ Relief Society training meeting. James drove with Chuck, Collin, and Stefani Hunsaker in the car. Chuck was a bit of a backseat driver although he sat in the front seat. Collin told the story of paying $400 for a dozen of Gracie Umphress's cinnamon rolls. I guess Sam Gordon paid $550 for the other dozen of cinnamon rolls Garcie made and someone else paid $550 for a Butterfinger cake Donna Beckham made. Janna Grombach was the auctioneer and she said they took in a little less than $7,000. Collin said he thought they took in $6,200 so who knows, it was still a lot of money. 

My left arm hurt so much this evening I quit blogging to lie down and listen to our book, "A Distant Thunder." 

When James got home he walked until almost 11:00 p.m. 

Quote & Verse of the Day

"Praying to Heavenly Father helped me know who He is and my relationship with Him - that I was His beloved spirit son."

                                                 - Takashi Wada

D&C 45:8

I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life.

Paul fixing the tire

Addy memory

Couples bathtub

Stormy skies

Not sure what he is doing, but he's

at the dining room table

President Smithson's daughter

  

Monday, May 5th, 2025: Signed income tax return @ accountants, Walmart, Circle K, Lowe's, Tractor Supply, Culver's, HMM, snow flurries, "A Distant Thunder", Dinner, Tom sleeps outside by Sammy

 

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 23:16-39

Come Follow Me

May 5-11: "The Promises ... Shall Be Fulfilled"

D&C 45 Introduction

Doctrine & Covenants

D&C 45:1-8

April General Conference

'My Love for the Savior is My "Why"'

Elder Ricardo P. Gimenez

Up at 5:14 to feed the cats, and take my blood pressure and blood sugar. I had a cookie, some fresh pineapple and a turkey sausage for breakfast. 

After personal gospel study and "Come Follow Me" with James I got ready and James and I went to town. We went to our accountants and signed income tax documents and then took them home so we could write a check and send them off.

When we finished at the accountants James dropped me off at Walmart while he went to Lowe's and Tractor Supply and spent over $80. We also spent $40 for gas and $243.94 for groceries. Yikes!

I bought mostly meat and veggies for meals and whole grain bread. I did also buy a pair of white tennis shoes and denim capri pants. Clothes come out of our discretionary budget and so do prescriptions and medical supplies. James wanted to stop at Culver's on the way home for lunch. I got a Butter Burger and a cod fillet sandwich.

At rest time I watched a Hallmark movie about hat making during the Kentucky Derby. 

We had some snow flurries this afternoon and Mt. Mantoso had snow on it.

Notes & Quotes

"The healthy, fruitful tree of faith requires intentional effort. And a vital part of that effort is making sure we are firmly rooted in Christ." - D. Todd Christofferson

D&C 45:1

Hearken, O ye people of my church, to whom the kingdom has been given; hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all things were made which live, and move, and have a being.

Forgiving What We Can't Forget

"Forgiveness releases our need for retaliation, not our need for boundaries."

When Charlie learned it was 

snowing at our house.

 

Sophie & Bremen

Congratulations on getting married!

Rowan loves chess

Happy Birthday to my brother Dennis.

He turned 71 today.

Sunday, April 4th, 2025: Gospel study, fast & testimony meeting, Brother Jensen's Sunday School class, Chiamus in D&C, James & Chuck meet w/ Bishop, No Happy Sabbath, "When Hope Calls", Tom outside

 

Palmyra, New York

77th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 22:10-23:15

Come Follow Me

"The Scriptures are Real"

Kerry Muhlstein and Andrew Skinner

April General Conference

'The Atonement of Jesus Christ Provides the Ultimate Rescue'

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"The Father's plan of happiness is based on the Savior's atoning rescue."

I got up at 5:30 this morning. I had time for gospel study, Book of Mormon, the atonement of Jesus Christ, forgiving, and conference talks. We left for church about a quarter till nine and sat in our place on the second row, left row facing the podium.

Today was fast & testimony meeting. We are fasting for health and three young men choosing to serve missions. Some of today's testimonies:

Bishop Hunsaker - How did the cross effect me? Am I grateful for His mission? We need to have the Savior in our hearts and thoughts always. He should be the center of our lives.

Teresa Smith - Latter-day scriptures have increased my testimony of the Savior.

Jerry Scott - The older you get the more convinced of the truth you are. Everything in the scriptures is important. The gift of the Holy Ghost is an amazing thing. 

Theresa Hein - Scotty to Boston to have surgery. I have faith in Jesus Christ. Scotty needs surgery but can't have it because he has had too many. Other problems, mother's illness, economic issues. Everything came to a head. Something turned because of faith and prayers. Scotty now has a new medicine.

YW: Christy Bowen, Chloe Mack, Lily Johnson, Chimi Tesarek, Lily Jameson.

Jeanette Jameson - What we do here really matters. We are here for a purpose. Never judge others, treat others with kindness and respect. Get to know them.

Paula Johnson - Talked about the Last Supper, the Sacrament, the Atonement and Jesus's suffering for us. Thanked Bishop for putting up the cross as it was a reminder of Jesus's sacrifice for all of us. Gratitude for the bishop, the prophet, Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ.

Greg Anderson - Naturopathic doctor starts him on cayenne pepper and it helps with his breathing. We should always be ready to share the gospel. Grateful for the Savior's mercy and grace.

Alicia Hunsaker - I belong to His Church and I know His plan. Gratitude for blessings.

Jensen girl - Choral production about the Savior in the valley. Obey God's will in our lives.

Kathy Crane - I love my Heavenly Father. To get out of a slump, serve others. We have learned to love this area, Chuck has blossomed here. Grateful to have Jeff's family here. Prayer is so powerful.

Brother Jensen taught gospel doctrine covering the last two weeks of the Come Follow Me lessons. He started out by talking by chiasmus and how it not only was in the Book of Mormon but also in the D&C. He had a picture of John/Jack Welch when he was a missionary back in the 60's and asked if anyone knew who he was. 

I said John Welch and he seemed surprised but said I was right and then proceeded to tell his story. 

I was a little apprehensive when I realized that Brother Jensen was going to teach because of what James has told me about his teaching in elders quorum. He says he goes off on tangents and the things he says are way over the head of many of the brothers in the quorum. 

I actually enjoyed the lesson and the discussion that ensued very much. We discussed James Coville and his desire to do the Lord's will and then his shrinking from that desire and why. We discussed baptism and Brother Jensen did add some interesting facts about the fact that 8 is the age of baptism.

James wasn't in the lesson. He had a meeting with the bishop with Chuck, a PPI. He was surprised and happy that I enjoyed Brother Jensen's lesson.

James had a meeting with Chuck at his house this afternoon to go through those things that the bishop asked them to do before they are released in a couple of weeks. He came home with homemade chocolate chip cookies. We broke our fast and had tuna sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies. 

This evening James and I watched "When Hope Calls" together. James agreed that this is a good family show.

Tom slept outside.

Notes & Quotes

Quote:

"You might question whether you know the Savior's doctrine well enough to teach it effectively. ... Don't give in to those doubts. Turn to God for help."

Verse: D&C 43:34

Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds.

This post was written by Staci Thompson,

Kacey and Jared's friend.

James helped Collin unload tables at the park.

The tables were used last night at the YM/YW dinner.

Kevin's son, Bremen married Sophie this

weekend. Kevin wasn't able to make it

because of stormy weather in Houston.