It’s been super hot out east, here in New York. Erik and I think that the trees are experiencing heat stress. We’ve seen trees dropping leaves all around us. Before we know it, the “Leaf People” will be arriving to see the array of colors that will be showing in the trees. The Utah visitors have headed home if they have children because school has started for them. New York state has the regular post Labor Day reentry to school. I am every grateful for our air conditioning in the house and our vehicle. It’s the air cooled seats in the vehicle that bring me comfort and gratitude.

We served the last large baptistry group for the season. They were comprised of a Tri-Stake Youth Conference from New York state. Their leaders were so helpful in organizing the teens. We were hoping that they would come to the temple in a continuous stream but they sent one group an hour. The tender mercy in that was that one of our two dryers decided to stop working and if it had been a constant stream of people, we would never have been able to keep up with the laundry.

I received the results from my extensive bloodwork. Everytime I would ask my doctors in Canada, why my systems were failing, they didn’t have an answer for me. I was doing my own research by reading studies and trying to determine what the core issue was. Here’s how I know the Lord is aware of my needs, I found a functional medicine clinic in Arizona and attended a master class for five days (evenings) and I was intrigued by their plan and that they were going to find the root cause of my disfunction. We drove an hour away for the laboratory that was used for the work. Plus I submitted a test to determine toxins such as molds, heavy metals and environmental toxins.

I finally feel like I have hope and that we can correct the problems. In Canada, the wait to get into a functional medicine clinic is lengthy. So far, I have learned that I am not a type 2 diabetic. I also learned why my thyroid is not functioning and not working with my body. A plan is in place and I will be on their program for eight months. Isn’t it interesting that I have eight months left in the USA? There are no coincidences!

Thus the past week has been focused on getting the results and having appointments (virtual) to determine the course of action. There is much to learn and apply but I am determined. When I explained my resolve to get better, I likened it to my Duolingo study. I told the nurse that I have studied Spanish for over nine years without missing a day, so I’m pretty sure that I will be able to follow the protocol.

Phase one is all about preparing the body to detox and frankly, I’m a little concerned about it. I remember when I decided to go off of sugar about 12 years ago. The first five days, I thought I was going to die. The headaches, vomiting, fever, and general weakness just about did me in. By day three, I started begging the Lord for an Advil (haha). He told me that all the symptoms were the toxins dying and I was not to give in to them. He told me to get a tea towel and lay a line of ice down the middle and roll it up; then place it around my neck. Then to get another tea towel and soak it in cold water, wring it out, and place it on my head. The towel on my head was dry in about thirty minutes and within 5 minutes the headache was gone as was the nausea. Everything started looking up after that. Coming out the other end gave me an incredible feeling of gratitude!

This week has been birthday week in our family. My sister, Tanya kicks off the 16th with her birthday. Then on the 17th is our grandson, Carter. The 18th is our daughter, Kaitlin. On the 24th is my brother-in-law, Kerry. I love to send voice messages, singing Primary birthday songs to everyone. As we were chatting with Carter (the Ninja Creami King), he shared a simple recipe for the Creami; fill the Creami container with fresh blackberries and then top it up with milk of your choice, freeze and then process in the Creami. They are very blessed because at the bottom of their driveway are a lot of blackberry bushes.

At long last I finished my sling purse. It was completed in fits and bits but finally is ready to use.

I had a muffin baking day on Monday last week. Double chocolate zucchini, carrot/zucchini, and apple muffins. Very low sugar in the recipes except for the apple because it was a copycat recipe for the Costco muffins, which we know are just little cakes! Mark brought us vegetables from his garden and I was able to use them in the muffins. Now I will be making muffins that will be more protein packed. Everything is gluten free and they freeze well. The double chocolate muffins are from http://www.asaucykitchen.com. It won’t let me link the website. You can also check out my Pinterest page and look under muffins.

https://www.homeremediesseasy.com/2025/06/carrot-cake-zucchini-muffins-moist_1.html?m=1

This week, the Red Deer Stake had Elder Soares visit and speak. We decided to zoom into the meeting in lieu of going to Rochester 5th Branch.

It was a great conference with the theme that we must be actively preparing for the second coming of our Savior. I loved his analogy of filling in the gaps where we may be lacking so when spiritual erosion occurs, we can be ready to withstand the challenges of these last days. We know that we will experience challenges and trials that may be bitter but we can look forward with faith in knowing our Savior will always be there for us. Reinforce your spiritual foundations so that you can stand strong in the face of adversary.

My sister’s stake in Edmonton had the same theme on the same day. I love to check myself regularly to see where I am on the path and where I can be making improvements that will bring me closer to my Savior and father in heaven.

Have a fantastic week! Fill in your gaps and stay strong; love to all!