Wednesday - Hot In Salt Lake Valley

I woke up early at 6:30 am to get ready for the day- We have John Scott one of our YSA young men to wash our windows- he is arriving at 8:30 am which is good starting early. It’s hard for me to get it all done, also climbing up and down the ladder my poor back does not like it. So nice to have help- we have lots of windows at our lake home. We had to be on the road by 10:30 am to drive to Sandy for my yearly dermatology appointment. Craig’s back has been hurting him for two weeks now- so painful he has been limited what he can do. So we Both have a chiropractor appointment too today. I enjoyed our drive down the sunflowers along the mountainside are blooming - so pretty- The dermatologist froze several areas on my back and took a biopsy of a mole on my back. I have a bad rash on the front of shins- it must be a sun rash I laid out on Sunday and out a little to much sun— it is really itchy- so he gave me a cream.

YSA Our Summer Social

It’s officially the Summer Season at Bear Lake is here-Yeah let the fun begin! President and Sister Symes hosted an outdoor activity at their lovely home on the lake. We had fun playing volleyball, corn hole, spike ball, eating yummy pizza from our Local Summit 🍕 pizza. Thank you Brother and Sister Daun for putting together our fun activity. We had about 50 in attendance- President Symes with our Elder Missionaries - they have been a great support to our YSA Branch- teaching Several Young single adult the message of Jesus Christ Sister Droesbeke and Sister Dahl made us yummy pasta salsa to eat and enjoying the yummy pizza The net is up for VolleyBall- everyone had a great time playing.Eating Pizza and hanging out by the Beautiful Bear lake-

Memorial Day

Today is a beautiful sunny day. This has been such a nice memorial weekend. The best we have had weather wise for several years. Most of them are cold, windy and raining. So feel nice to have some nice weather the year. Our little town is hopping with visitors. We had 77 attend our YSA sacrament meeting. It was a mad rush serving our ice cream treat, Sundays after our meetings. It is fun to visit and get to know the new members coming in for the summer season. It’s a quiet weekend for us with no family coming to visit. Natasha and her family are spending time at their lovely home down south in Ivan- Trisha and Buck enjoying their new home with a swimming pool in St George- Stacy & Chad in California, Shar & Dave are working on-finishing their basment in their new town home- Chaudhry family enjoying their new big portable swimming pool in their backyard. So everyone is busy doing their things with their family. The older Grankids are all grown up now working and trying to figure out their path for their lives. It’s just Craig and I most of the time. We did pull our boat out for the first time this season and went for a boat ride. It is still cool riding in the boat- the sun is out and it is a lovely day just needs to warm up more for being on the water. At least we have had a nice memorial weekend and not cold and rainy- we have enjoyed being outside tinkering the yard and laying in the sun. I got a little to much yesterday laying out- it doesn’t take much Sun time to be sunburned- I need to be more careful it hurts and is not fun when to have a sunburn. We are playing our YSA activity for tomorrow night- looks like the weather will be nice so going to have to gear up for hosting at our place tomorrow. We have been at the church the past two weeks so it will be nice to be outside. The Daun’s are incharge this week one of our senior couples for our activity committee. They had planned at the church again this week but the local YSA members want to go outside. It should be nice only a 15% change of rain- but sunny so guess we try to host here at our home if the weather permits.

Sharlena and Dave received bad news last week he was laid off from his KSL radio weekly show of 8 yrs. So now he is looking for a new job. It came as a shock! So they are having to readjust their lives now. Life has it challenges. On Mothers Day my poor sister ended up at the ER from a stress attack- Randy her son move to Texas to spend some time with her her partner John said that he could come, but once he was there, he was not having it and told him he needed to leave. Things have gone from bad to ugly. He confronted Randy and tried attacking him with a ranch and had a gun and they were so frightened Michele ended up at the hospital again. They then sent them to a homeless shelter so they’ve been staying there for the past two weeks. she’s in the process of getting a restraining order and trying to get back into our house her John has totally freaked out with Randy being there so I don’t know what she’s going to do if she’s in a pickle sounds like she is divorcing him and going to try to move back to Utah but in the meantime, she’s gotta work through all the legal problems, they do have a home that they’ve lived in for the last 14 years and according to Texas law, they have a common law marriage so she should be entitled to some money out of their home she’s got some battles to fight, but she’s left with no money and at a homeless shelter I feel so bad my heart just aches for her right now. Craig and I just Venmo him $100 to try to get him through the week in the process. She’s working on her legal paperwork and Randy‘s out trying to find a job. She doesn’t meet with the judge until June 9 so that all depends on what happens there Alec last week cut the tip of his finger off and had to have some surgical emergency surgery to get his finger taken care of so that has been a challenge for him trying to work his job and having a hurt finger it’s not Fun. Fingers have a lot of nerves. I remember when I cut my finger really bad from the snowblower. It was hanging by a thread that was the most painful thing ever and I felt like an invalid for weeks so I feel bad for Alec. Prayers for our family who are struggling right now

Study Apostle Renlands Conference talk April 2025

Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior

By Elder Dale G. Renlund

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Follow the Savior’s teachings. His instructions are neither mysterious nor complex. When we follow them, we do not need to fear or be anxious.

Quote- October 2024 President Russell M. Nelson taught, “Now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.” 

Footnote 4 - brother Renland - quoted President Nelson April 2020-Our ultimate quest in life is to prepare to meet our Maker. We do this by striving daily to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.And we do that as we repent daily and receive His cleansing, healing, and strengthening power. Then we can feel enduring peace and joy, even during turbulent times. This is exactly why the Lord has implored us to stand in holy places and “be not moved.”

These teachings are crucial because personal preparation to meet Him is central to life’s purpose.-

He tells of a young primary girl who is sacred and anxious when she hears about the second coming - quote whenever the Second Coming is mentioned. She said, “I’m scared because bad things are going to happen before Jesus comes again.” I have to say the more I have learned about the event leading up to- I know things are going to get bad before they get better and makes me feel anxious myself, like this young primary girl- Brother Renland leads into a message which can gives us guidance and comfort- as we prepare for his second coming- “Toward the end of His mortal ministry, Jesus Christ was asked when He would come again. In answering, He taught three parables, recorded in Matthew 25⁠, about how to prepare to meet Him—whether at His Second Coming or whenever we leave this world- These teachings are crucial because personal preparation to meet Him is central to life’s purpose. Brother Renland goes into detail about each of these parables told by Jesus - first - The Savior first told the parable of the ten virgins. In this parable, ten virgins went to a wedding feast. Five wisely brought oil to fill their lamps, and five foolishly did not. When the bridegroom’s imminent arrival was announced, the foolish virgins left to buy oil. When they returned, it was too late; the door to the feast was shut.

The Savior said - “For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall … abide the day.”

He highlights received the truth, have the Holy Ghost as our guide- and be not deceived!!

In other words, we do not need to fear or be anxious, because we will survive and prosper. They the five wise virgins would prevail. This is comforting to me- so how do I accomplish in being a wise virgin ? I do not want to be deceived- this message shares in this talk goes well with my come follow me study D&C section 50. I learned there are many counterfeits- to lead us from truth and to deceive us. Section 50 revelation gives us guidance on how not to be deceived.

If we are wise we will accept the truth gospel of Jesus Christ thru priesthood ordinances- covenants, baptism, temple covenants -

Next, we strive to remain worthy of having the Holy Ghost always with us. This capability must be acquired individually and personally, drop by drop. Close quote - We can not give the Holy Ghost to another person - they receive it by their righteousness of keeping gods covenants to alway remember Jesus Christ in their own lives- every time I read the scriptures, attend my church meetings, attend the temple, service, standing in holy places add my personal oil to my lamp the light and guidance is the Holy Ghost- footnote 7 quote by Bednar -

“As the wise virgins emphasized properly, each of us must “buy for ourselves.” These inspired women were not describing a business transaction; rather, they were emphasizing our individual responsibility to keep our lamp of testimony burning and to obtain an ample supply of the oil of conversion. This precious oil is acquired one drop at a time—“line upon line [and] precept upon precept” (⁠2 Nephi 28:30⁠), patiently and persistently. No shortcut is available; no last-minute flurry of preparation is possible.

“Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom” (⁠D&C 33:17⁠).

Converted unto the Lord By Elder David A. Bednar

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles conference talk 2012 - this is another powerful talk to study as brother Renland added as a footnote in his talk- footnote 7

Brother Renland quotes - Consistent, personal, private acts of devotion invite the Holy Ghost to guide us. foot note 8 - 2Nephi 32:5 For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.

#3 The third element that Jesus highlighted is avoiding deception. The Savior warned: “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”

Footnote - Matthew 24 - 3 ¶ And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world⁠?

4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5 For many shall come in my name⁠, saying, I am Christ⁠; and shall deceive many.

Quote brother Renland -“The Savior knew pretenders would try to deceive the very elect and that many disciples would be duped. We should neither believe those who falsely claim divine sanction nor venture into metaphorical deserts or secret chambers to be taught by counterfeits. - footnote 10 -

JST Matt. 1:5 And Jesus answered, and said unto them: Take heed that no man deceive you;

6 For many shall come in my name, saying—I am Christ—and shall deceive many;

8 And then shall many be offended⁠, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another;

9 And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many;

21 Behold, these things I have spoken unto you concerning the Jews; and again, after the tribulation of those days which shall come upon Jerusalem, if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there, believe him not;

22 For in those days there shall also arise false Christs⁠, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.

25 Wherefore, if they shall say unto you: Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: Behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not;

26 For as the light of the morning cometh out of the east⁠, and shineth even unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. ( all will know the coming of the Son of Man at his final coming to the world 🌎)

Beautiful Sunny Day

Yeah the sun is out -it has been cool and cloudy for the past week here at the lake- today the sun is out and it feels so good sitting outside on our upper deck soaking up the sunrays- I woke up at 4:30am and couldn’t go back to sleep-

YSA Spring Weekly Actvities

April 1st - Dinner at Smoot’s house at 7pm followed by some Easter cookie making! 150 south 70 west. Garden Ciry-We all had a great time creating our Easter cookies Lindsey Wahlburg Kyle Cazier Jared BrekmanKara

Sisters Kalissa and Karissa Parker

Kara’s cookies are so darling Z Keetch Jackson Pratt

April 7th - YSA activity tomorrow: Meet at Epic Adventure Center @6:30 for dinner, then cross-country skiing! Beginner-friendly & gear provided for all! This was an adventure - Z Keetch

President Symes with Transtrum Sisters Jodi - Janna

April 10th - Temple night Thursday Schedule 7:30 endowment or baptism Meet at InNOut at 6 for dinner or at temple @7. For Carpool meet @Epic Adventure @5

April 19th - YSA tonight Dinner @ Smoot’s (150 S 70 W, Garden City) at 6:30 After we’ll help rake leaves nearby for a sweet lady in need please come help! We all had a great time giving service and singing Happy Birthday to Sister Smoot - happy 60th -

April 22nd- Pickleball at the Garden City Pickleball courts by the KOA tonight @ 6:30 Barbecue Hamburgers hotdogs and the fixins. Feels so good to be outside - the weather is warming up. We all had a great time learning Pickelball skills and play serval games.

April 29th -Trivia and brisket tonight at the Keetch’s house 2236 S Sweet water parkway, Garden City. See you at 7! Thank Keetch’s for hosting a fun activity-

Saturday May 10th 4:30pm at the St Charles building we’ll be doing Lego pinewood derby. Dinner will be provided. We all had such a great time making our Lego car and racing -

YSA Weekly Activities

January 13th 2025 -YSA activity today: Montpelier Temple Visitor Center at 5:30. Meet us there or carpool from the garden city Visitor Branch building at 4:45.

January 21st -Come hang out with us tonight at 7pm in the visitor building to play games and have dinner. President Symes and Sister Symes taught everyone how to play Farkle a dice game.

January 28th-Stake ski night tonight @ Beaver Mountain 5-9 PM Entry paid Rentals $20 - we enjoyed hanging out in the lodge drinking hot coco eating a hot dog and donuts-

February 2nd -Sunday evening -Tonight @ 6 there is a Young Adult Broadcast w/ Elder Uchtdorf. We will be watching it at President Symes home 2630 N Bear Lake Blvd Garden City.

February 4th - our weekly activity-Tonight for YSA meet at 584 W Logan Rd, Garden City between 6:30 & 7 to get geared up with snowshoes. Then we’ll head up to the rest area overlook for a short snow shoe hike into a bonfire and hotdog roast.

February-10th, Montpelier YSA asked me to extend the invitation to their movie night tonight at 7 at the church on 8th Street for anyone who wants to go.

February 11th -Pocket Change Poker and other games tonight at the Rasmussen’s @7pm Bring a game. Come late if you need to. 78 Hollow Dr Fish Haven.

February 18th- Roller skating tonight in Logan @ the Cache Valley Fun Park Meet @ visitor branch around 6 or so and we’ll car pool over to skate and then get food- we all had a great time roller skating. Afterwards meeting at Panda Express for some yummy food-

February 25th- POOL PARTY & PIZZA TONIGHT!!! We have the pool at Water Dance booked from 6:45-9 BRING YOUR OWN TOWEL! 185 S 100 W, Garden City-

March 4th- Activity will be @ the St Charles building @7 where we will have the option of playing either Volleyball, Basketball or Soccer-fun gathering to get out of the snow and enjoy some physical activity.

March 11th - invite to our YSA st Patrick’s Party - Dinner and games at the visitor branch tonight at 7. We’ll play “Tough Luck” but feel free to bring other games you might want to play 👍 we all had a great time-

March 18th-Snowmobiling Tuesday Meet@ 584 W Logan Rd @6PM to bus to Beaver Creek Lodge Snowmobiles& brisket provided RSVP by responding to this message - This is a Highlight for us all to drive our own snowmobiles-

March 25, Tonight we’ll be playing 9 square and having BBQ chicken sandwiches at the Bloomington Hall at 7! See you there! we all had a great time - we had several competitive games of nine square-

March 27th - Our Temple Challenge is coming to a close - can everyone Talley their points and send to Sister symes- recall what you have contributed the past three month-Shout out - to Brother and Sister Droesbeke and Brandon Snow they earn 328 points of temple activity the past three months- So awesome - President Symes and Symes contributed 75 points 😄 Blessings for us all in our efforts to help gather Israel on both sides of the veil.

Let Games Begin !

Our YSA group is growing! May 13th we meet at the visitor church building in Garden City. We had about 40 in attendance. We serve chicken salad sandwiches, with chips and strawberry shortcake. They all enjoyed playing rounds of cornhole and visiting with one another. May 2oth we had about the same amount attending our weekly activity this week with serval new members. We served Barbecue pork sandwiches,chips,veggie tray and Sister Symes made yummy chocolate chip cookies. We then all gathering into a circle- and played a game called when the When the Big Wind Blows! We all had some good laughs ! Afterwards we broke into smaller groups to play games- two of our new girls brought a portable badminton game.

Makena Johnson with Brandon Johnson they are dating both with the same last name. Brandon is in the process of being taught the missionary lessons- he receives the award of being the wind master caller as he was left standing in the circle the most times- welcome new friends

Jodi Transtrum our new Relief Society PresidentEthan Peterson from Farmington - and is working at Mikes Market- Whitney Whinward

Macie Muller - she works at Pickelball playhouse and is from Salt Lake City, Utah Lydia Boyd - is from Mesa Arizona - she works at Pickleville play house and Bear lake state parks- Zaric Palmer and he works at Lazy D Ranch-

Bryan from China and is working at Mikes Market

A Cool Day

It’s a cool and windy spring day at Bear lake. The lake is coming up! It feels like we are living on a house boat-

we have had lots of wind with the waves blowing in toward us- it sounds like were at the ocean with the waves rolling in- we poured our new cement ramp just in time before the spring run off-we spread rock on the north side of the driveway which finishes things off nicely- my boat looks so pretty with the spring bulbs I planted in the fall. So fun to see them pop out. will enjoy our our new cement ramp entrance to the lake.

spring daffodils and tulips are so pretty and our canoe boat. I our rock project looks great- we planted grass seed at the end of our new blacktop driveway and it is growing- yeah over time it should fill in nicely- I woke up early this morning and read for an hour and my doctrine and covenants study material for this week- enjoying immersing in the Scriptures. I then fell back asleep up at 9 AM. I’m tinkered the morning away. I need to make chocolate chip cookies for our YSA activity and it’s already noon. I had to run to the store to get more chocolate chips and take time to journal for a bit, but I need to get to work. We are hosting the ySA activity tonight at the church with the cool weather. We have to be inside again we should have a fairly large group tonight.