Thursday, May 21st, 2026: All of Israel punished because of Achan, A ceremony of covenant renewal, horses are out, snake on our back porch, Inklings w/ Grace & Hilary, Benson 10 months old, Lola's end of 6th grade school year, James works hard

 

Cochabamba, Bolivia

Temple #82

Joshua 7 - Joshua reminds Israel again to sanctify themselves. 

All of Israel is punished because of what Achan did. 

Joshua 8 - Israel destroys the people and city of Ai. This time the Lord allows them to take the prey of the city this time. 

Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in Mt. Ebal. Joshua offered sacrifices and wrote a copy of the law of Moses on stones. A ceremony of covenant renewal was held. 

I listened to Grace and Hilary Weeks on Inklings this morning. It was good. 

Talk: "Follow the Prophet, He Knows the Way" - Michael John U. Teh

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Invitation: 'Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world,' adding, 'Behold, I am the light which ye shall hold up - that which ye have seen me do.'

Promise: It is interesting to me that some people would think that God's prophets live in the past and are not attuned to the times. Everything I know of prophets is the opposite. They actually see into the future as watchmen on a tower.

Favorite Quote: I was prepared to live in the shadows. Imagine my delight to wake up and see the rays of the morning sun shining through our windows.

Affirmation: I am guided by living prophets and anchored in Jesus Christ. I choose faith over fear and trust that God is leading me, even when I cannot see the full path ahead.

James had to "wrangle" the horses this morning. Because the fence builders are here, one of our fences was down and they escaped to the oasis of Dave Elkin's pond. I can't say I blame them. 

Caught on Dave's wildlife camera

James also did the dishes and washed the kitchen window. He worked hard outside today in spite of pain. He's about finished in the front of the house and is now also working in the back.

I got up at 3 this morning with some ideas for my lesson. The desires of our hearts are so important. I read Elder Wu's talk and underlined most of it. I went back to bed for about an hour and a half around 4. 

I managed well today. I walked 13,000 steps, did two blogposts, and made 10 handouts. I also listened to Sheri Dew's BYU Women's Conference talk. It was great!

This is a short description of the book I am now reading, "The Duke's Bargain."

' Eight month after a stolen kiss ruined her reputation, Miss Georgiana Wood is a recluse, cast out of society without any hope of ever finding a suitable match. Longing for redemption, she never expects her salvation to arrive in the form of a handsome, temperamental duke. After a failed bargain left the Duke of Marlow without a promised wife and heir, he must face courtship a final time. He plans to entice his future bride with a priceless family heirloom - one now in the possession of Miss Wood, who agrees to return it if he takes her on three outings in London during the Season to restore her reputation.

As the pair navigate Society's expectations and whispered gossip, Marlow soon sees a new side to Georgiana - an ally and friend. Her wit and courage, grace and allure far exceed that of the eligible ladies he intended to court, and soon, he'd do almost anything to secure her happiness. As Marlow wrestles with duty and desire, Georgiana begins to hope that she could be loved not despite her past, but because of who she truly is. When hearts are tested, truth and secrets revealed, will love be enough to risk it all?'

"Today those invited to the supper of the Lord come from every place and culture."

- Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Benson is 10 months old

He's got a bruise on his forehead from

walking around furniture and falling

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026: Joshua 3:5, cancelled temple appt., no more manna, Joshua 6 walls of Jericho, expectations exceed my ability, Chelsea guilt, po, Shanna's for over an hour, 12,000 steps, 2 blog posts, 5 handouts, Kat & larry here, finished "No Match for Love: dress & good girdle if there is such a thing

 

Reno, Nevada

Temple #81

Joshua 3:5 - How do we sanctify ourselves? 

Joshua 5 - No more Manna!

Joshua 6 - The number 7 indicates completion or perfection. The walls of Jericho fall but Rahab and her family are saved. Jericho was unrepentant, whereas Rahab changed her life and conformed to God's will. Are the desires of my heart aligned with God's will?

How do I do it all? My expectations exceed my ability to perform and it is quite disappointing. My mind keeps going back to Chelsea and how disappointed she probably is in me. What can I do to make it up to her? Invite the kids over to play in the backyard might be a good way to start. I'm going to write her a note.

This afternoon I made a trip to the post office to mail the eight thank you cards for Mom's funeral, Cayli & Mason's birthday cards and Curtis And Aurora's grad cards, On the way home I stopped at Shanna Penrod's to give her my names to take to the temple with the youth on Saturday. 

Shanna came out to my car saying her dog would "eat me up" if I came into her yard. He looks like Willy Grombach's dog. She does have a no trespassing sign on her fence. We talked for about an hour and a half. Shanna did most of the talking. Her husband shot himself in front of her in the house she still lives in because she can't afford to leave. She told me that 2 of her children have turned against her. She shared with me the issues of most all of her family members, including Kyle, her 23 year old grandson who attends our ward. The problem with Kyle is he doesn't have a job so he doesn't pay rent or help pay for groceries. Shanna says he eats four times as much as she does and she likes to eat. 

I admire the strength of Shanna Penrod. She is 65 years old, she is a temple worker and a counselor in the Young Women's.

I was able to walk 12,000 steps, do to blog posts and make five handouts. I finished "No Match for Love" and will start "The Duke's Bargain" by Megan Walker tomorrow.

The girdle I got will work nicely with my new dresses.

Kat and Larry were here today.

"The teachings of the family proclamation were revealed by our Lord Jesus Christ to His Apostles then and now."

- Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Joshua 3:7

And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

 

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026: Joshua 3 sanctify yourselves..., 12 stones, 17 dead trees, praying for rain, 8 names for baptisms, cards rdy to mail oops Amelia instd of Aurora, 20 handouts, James chips a tooth, Alex, Jazmin, Betty, JA - Razr

 

Memphis, Tennessee

Temple #80

Joshua 3:5 - And Joshua said unto the people, sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. The Lord stops the River Jordan.

Joshua 4 - Twelve stones are placed on dry ground so the people will remember the miracle of the parting of the Jordan River. The people passed over on the first day of passover. Joshua was magnified before the people as was Moses.

James went out and did a head count. We have 17 dead trees in the front and more in the back and some we can't even see from the house. This makes me so sad. I am praying for rain.

James is now working on the railing on the balcony on Sheri and Ian's room. This process is taking soo long.

I got 8 names for baptism, 4 females and 4 males, and printed off the cards. I told Shanna I would bring them by today, but I didn't make it. She doesn't need them until Saturday so I still have some time.

I finished all the thank you cards and they are ready to mail. I also have Cayli and Mason's birthday cards ready to mail and Curtis and Aurora's graduation cards. I made a big mistake on Aurora's card so I had to cut it open to remedy the mistake. I put Amelia's name instead of Aurora's. I happened to look at the grad announcement on the frig and realized my mistake before mailing. Whew! 

I did finish 20 handouts today but I didn't blog or work on my lesson. James chipped a tooth so we both need to see Pierce but not this week.

Jared Ammon is coming up next Monday. He is going to look for a used Razr for us. Hopefully we can afford one. Still no word from the surveyor so we still don't have the money from the sale of the land. Dave Elkin is putting up a fence around the property he bought from us. 

I got my Amazon order, a new water thermos which I love, my fruit and veggie supplements, and a casual purple dress.

Kathy visited our sisters today to take them salsa. I told her I couldn't got next week but she needed to go this week because of the fresh salsa.

Elder Bassett's funeral was today.

"Your origin story is divine, and so is your destiny. You left heaven to come here, but heaven has never left you!"

Joshua 2:11

And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

My lunch and Emma M. Lion

volume 2

Jesus walking on the water

Look at how nice our backyard looks,

thanks to James.

Evan in Italy looking for Joshua?

It keeps cold things cold and

hot things hot. How do it know?

Monday, May 18th, 2026: Entering the promised land, unwavering leadership, Tom's nap companion, trip to town by myself, Ross, DT, UPS return, Wlmrt, R&R, EML, miss Peyton & Scotty's ballgame, windy, fundraiser earned $9,000, Shanna's call

Medford, Oregon

Temple #79

Started the book of Joshua. The Israelites are entering the promised land. Joshua is faithful, prepared, and courageous. He trusts the Lord through every challenge. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

I love the story of Rahab in chapter 2. 

Tom needed a nap companion this morning so I obliged him for about an hour. 

James was upset when I got ready to go to town. He knew we were planning on going to the ballgame in Lakeside this evening at 5 and thought we should only make on trip to town. I told him I was sorry but I was going now. Later he told me he wanted to go with me but at this moment he certainly didn't seem like he did. I was happy to go by myself this time.

The first thing I did was stop at the UPS store to return one of the dresses I bought on Amazon. I love how easy it is to make an Amazon return. I picked up a few things at Walmart then went to Ross to look for a purse. I found a black one I liked for $20 so I got it. I found a dark green one on Amazon I liked but it was $40. Sometimes I do economize. 

I also went to Dollar Tree to get some cards, birthday and graduation. I got birthday cards for Cayli, Mason, Emmy, and Ruby. I got graduation cards for Curtis Wilhelm and Aurora Lambson. 

When I returned home I cooked myself a burger with onions and cheese and had some salsa and ketchup as well. Kathy's salsa is very good but it is a little hot. I had a side of carrots with the Peruvian green sauce for dipping. Yum. I offered to fix the same thing for James but he declined. 

I sat down to rest and read from Emma M. Lion volume 2.

I asked James if he wanted to go to the ballgame this evening. He said, "Not particularly, we've already been to two." It was so windy today I just didn't feel like going, so I texted Chelsea and told her. I never got an answer. I hope that isn't an indication that she is upset with me. 

I finished the book I was reading, "Miss Adeline's Match." James and I both really liked it. I started "No Match for Love", one that I have read before. Karen Thornell is the author. 

Tom went outside for the evening. No sign of Scooter or Sammy.

Shanna Penrod called me today and asked if I had any names for the youth to take to the temple on Saturday for baptisms. I told her I would get online and find some and get back to her.

The youth raised $9,000 Saturday night.

Some photos from yesterday in Snowflake

I did not take any pictures in the actual tabernacle.

 

Sunday, May 17th, 2026: Deuteronomy 34 Moses taken unto his fathers, scriptures & prayer before church, Bro. Rosen missed us, Cole Flake blesses the sacrament, Peacemakers high councilman & stake Primary president, Linger Longer, Bro. Jensen's SS lesson, Collin here by himself, cookies in air fryer, chipped tooth bothering me, Snowflake Tabernacle in the Wilderness,

 

Fresno, California

Temple #78

Deuteronomy 34 - Moses was taken unto his fathers. He was translated so later he could appear on the Mount of Transfiguration and the Kirtland temple.

James and I had our scriptures and prayers before church. I also had my personal prayers and scripture study early this morning, the best time of day for it.

Brother Rosen always sits in front of us at sacrament meeting. He says he's been worried about us because he hasn't seen us for a couple of weeks. We explained to him why we had been gone and he and James continued to visit until the meeting started. 

James and I both went over to give Millie a hug. She said she had fallen and hurt her toe and was in a great deal of pain, but she was here. Millie is also now on oxygen. I didn't see my friend Pat. She is on oxygen too.

I was happy to see Cole Flake at the sacrament table today. He is rarely there. He blessed the bread and Resten Tesarek blessed the water.

Our two speakers in sacrament meeting today were from the stake.

Sister Kaelyn Larson, the stake Primary president, and Brother Brian Whatcott from the high council. The topic was being peacemakers. 

Here are a few quotes:

* Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.

* "Contention is destroying the testimonies of many in our stake." - President Beeler

* Please be kind. People remember our unkind words.

* We each need to strive to be more Christlike.

* Avoid what is harsh and hateful.

* Strive for inner peace and joy.

* In the temple we feel the presence of the Savior who is the Prince of Peace.

* How to minimize contention: "What would Jesus do?"

* A soft answer turneth away wrath.

* We need to show grace and forgive one another.

* Love and serve Christ.

Brother Jensen taught Sunday School today. The Applegate's are not here. Sister Jensen did his powerpoint and she did a great job. He gave a very interesting lesson and James and I both enoyed it. 

I noticed that Collin is here by himself and Don & Debbie Schwarz are back. We had Linger Longer after church but we didn't stay.

We went home and had leftover chicken and salad for lunch and then I made four refrigerated cookie dough cookies in the air fryer for dessert. After lunch I read from Emma M. Lion and played a little Match Factory.

I got Keith Butler's phone number and texted him about our 60th high school reunion. I ate some pistachios and chipped a tooth which is giving me a little grief. I think it's one Pierce filled before and the filling came out. A sharp edge is scraping the inside of my mouth. I need to see Pierce, but not this week.

At 3:00 James and I left for Snowflake to see the replica of Moses tabernacle. There was quite a few people. We went inside where displays were set up and then we took the tour of the tabernacle, first the outside court, the inner court, and then the holy of holies. 

Kerri announced today in Sunday School that the tabernacle will be at the White Mountain Youth Camp here in Vernon and they need people to help set it up next Friday and Saturday. It sounds like she's in charge. 

Kathy Crane brought us salsa and chips while we were gone. 

Michael told us before he left he wants to organize a "family reunion" where people come up and work on the cabin.

Greg Anderson told us that he sold his house and will be moving to the valley soon.

Tom was inside all day and he went out this evening and stayed out. I haven't seen the other two. I worked on my blog, the thank yous I am doing, and my handouts for my lesson next week.

In bed by 9.

Brother Jensen's class. That's Brother Rosen in 

front of us, just like in sacrament meeting.

Saturday, May 16th, 2026:Deuteronomy 30 - Remember the Lord, from biscuits to Benadryl, James makes breakfast, Michael shares "their" story, Michael, April, Namira leave for home, Peruvian chicken for dinner, miss Navajo Taco fundraiser dinner, Boone's game, Wlmrt, gas, new Hannah Swensen Mystery,

Palmyra, New York

Temple #77

James asked if we had biscuit mix and then later he came in and asked if we had Benadryl. I guess Michael wanted biscuits for breakfast forgetting that they had purchased some in town yesterday, the kit for making Red Lobster cheddar biscuit. Michael was worried because Namira's face had a little swelling. 

Deuteronomy 30 - Remember the Lord. The Hebrew word zakar, 'to remember,' is used no fewer than 169 times in the Old Testament. Often called the Deuteronomic imperative, the call to remember could be appropriately identified as the Eleventh commandment. Scattered Israel is to be gathered through the Book of Mormon. (See 2 Nephi 25:17-18.) My favorite verses in Deuteronomy 30: 6, 8, 10, 16, 20.

James spent the morning with Michael and April instead of working. He made omelets for them for breakfast along with the Red Lobster cheddar biscuits. Michael made bacon. I'm going to miss the coffee smell in the morning.

King of the Kitchen

I read my scriptures, worked on my journal, took a shower and washed my hair before coming out to socialize. As everyone else was enjoying breakfast, I started the marinate for the Peruvian chicken recipe I got from Trina. It needs to marinate for at least 8 hours. Michael and April are leaving this morning. I am sad they won't be here to try the chicken. 

Michael told the story of how he and April met two years ago on May 20th. He was in Tucson for work and was out running. He saw a hawk drinking from a puddle of water and stopped to watch. April was out running/walking and saw the same thing and she stopped to watch. She was actually worried that something was wrong with the hawk as it was on the ground for so long. When Michael saw April he thought: Now that's a beautiful woman!. I'm not sure what April thought when Michael approached her and asked if she could take a picture of the hawk for him and send it to him since he didn't have his phone with him. Sly way to get her number Michael. Michael asked her out that evening but it was a busy time of year for April, the end of the school year, and she had to decline. That summer April went back to Wisconsin so they had no contact for quite some time. Michael was quite persistent and now they are together. When Michael texted me about bringing her up her he said, "I think she's the one."

James made April a ramp for her bearded dragon and he got her a huge "dowel" to put in her sliding glass door for protection. James and I both liked April and thought she seemed very nice. 

After saying goodbye and taking pictures they headed for home. April's car is parked at Michael's in Tempe and then she has another couple of hours to get home to Tucson. Michael texted me when they arrived in Tempe.

Cute couple

Namira wanted a picture by herself

After saying goodbye to Michael & April, we left for Boone

MacArthur's T-ball game in Show Low. It was at the Show Low

Stake Center on the other end of town. I sat my Chelsea and we had a nice visit. She told me she had to work this afternoon and then they were going to go camping by Big Lake. Peyton said they had 3 1/2 more days of school. Peyton's teacher is giving the kids in her class snails the last day of school. I'm not sure why but I guess to kids that age snails are pretty cool. I remember our kids looking at the snails in Mrs. Larkins yard when they went to piano lessons.

Scotty likes to pitch and Peyton likes to play catcher like her cousin Gracie who played on the Show Low High School team and now has to have knee surgery. 

Chelsea's mom, Elizabeth, had to work today but Jarred's parents are here. Chelsea's sister, Ashley Umphress, is starting a home school called Heritage and Peyton and Scotty will go there next year along with the Wilhelm and Dobson kids. Boone will go to the preschool at the Vernon School. 

I talked to Chelsea about Scooter maybe being their cat and she said they would like to come over and see him sometime. 

After the game we said our goodbyes and James and I headed for Walmart. I got the ingredient to make calico beans sometime this week. 

When we got home James went outside to work and I baked the Peruvian chicken in the oven. The directions call for major overcooking. I need to remember that next time. James loved the chicken but didn't care for the green sauce. I liked them both and there was plenty of green sauce left for tomorrow. 

The evening James and I watched the newest Hanna Swensen mystery on Hallmark, "Best Served Cold." I did manage to get my 10,000 steps today.

"Partaking of the sacrament each week helps us remember Jesus Christ throughout the week."

- Elder Dale G. Renlund

Deuteronomy 30:16

In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

That's Jarred helping to coach.

Boone is on 1st with the yellow glove.

We forgot