Saturday, August 23rd, 2025: Up @ 3:45 for my morning study and prayer, basics, alter green dress, feed kitties, pack ice chest, Oreos, etc., 9 am when we leave for the valley, Payson and dead trees, soccer players @ Arby's, S&P's at 1, J leaves for mtg @ Ravi Gupta's, "Beloved Emma"

 

Orem, Utah

188th dedicated temple

Dedicated: 21 Jan 2024

By: D. Todd Christofferson

Book of Mormon

Alma 55:15-35

* What do these verses remind us about Moroni's character? (55:18-19)

D&C

92:1-2

Come Follow Me

D&C 91 "The Spirit Manifesteth Truth"

April General Conference

'Joy Through Covenant Discipleship'

Elder John A. McCune

Up at 3:45 for prayer and my morning study. I did my basic housekeeping and then went upstairs to take up my green dress in the shoulder seam so it fits a little better. I'm going to wear it on Sunday to Joshua's ordination.

I fed the kitties, packed the ice chest and the Oreo's, my purple bag, my Sunday bag, my suitcase, dress, and a blouse to wear on the way home. It was a little after 9 this morning when we left for the valley.

We met Mike the repairman at the Circle K by the carwash in town to return a tool that he left at our house. We drove on to Payson. We are sad about how many dead pine trees there are because of the drought. 

We stopped at the Arby's in Payson. We got there the same time that the boys soccer team from Ash Fork did. Ash Fork is 50 miles west of Flagstaff. They said they came here for a soccer tournament and just beat Winslow 4-0. 

I had a burger patty with lettuce, tomato and pickles. It was quite tasty. James had two roast beef sandwiches.

We got to Stacy & Paul's at 1 p.m. James carried in the suitcases before leaving for Walgreen's to get a notebook to take to his meeting with Ravi Gupta and Armando. Mr. Gupta, probably a doctor, is a friend of Dr. Memon's. He is building an 8,000 sq. ft. home. He fired his first contractor and wants James to give him a bid for finishing up for him. James said it was a disaster and will require a lot of work. 

I visit with Paul for awhile and then Joshua comes home from the gym and I give him a hug. Stacy came downstairs and gave me my birthday present, the "Beloved Emma" book that was on display at her stake women's conference. I love it!! Liz Lemon Swindle is the illustrator. I love her artwork. 

James's meeting started at three and lasted for over two hours. It was too late to go shopping at Deseret Book, Sam's Club, and Costco because James didn't get back until 5:30. Most stores close early on Saturday.

We went to visit James's mom at Cathi & Terry's. Dawn gives me a CD of religious songs and said this is what she plays when she needs to feel peace. She also gave me another birthday card. Thank you Dawn.

We had a nice visit with Mom, Cathi, Terry, Dawn, Zoey, and Wally. Cathi showed us pictures of Ernesto Jiminez and their stake president, President Skopich on the set of the Book of Mormon videos. They are extras in the videos. 

Before we left Dawn said she was driving over to Tempe to turn the outside lights on at the house so people don't know that it is empty. After she leaves Cathi says that she, Dawn, is getting worse and that she shouldn't be driving. Cathi says she has a doctor's appointment this week and Cathi is going to talk to the doctor about Dawn driving. She says we have to get used to the fact that this isn't the Dawn we have always known. She is more like a young child. It is very sad.

On a more positive note Mom says they are going to sell the house and it should sell for $475,000. 

After saying goodbye to everyone James and I headed to the Chandler Walmart on Arizona Avenue. I got a Philly cheesesteak without the bread and it was very good. James waited and got a couple of tacos at Del Taco on the way home. I actually found blueberry Oreos at this Walmart, two packages! One is for Sheri and the other is for James to try. We also got Nutella, jerky, and A&W rootbeer zero. 

Our new bed, Stacy & Paul's old one, instead of twin beds in the bedroom we stay in is very comfy. 

My tender mercies today were Cathi and her positive attitude and receiving "Beloved Emma" from Stacy.

"Ask through heartfelt prayer to Heavenly Father to feel closer to His Beloved Son.

- President Henry B. Eyring, AGC 2025

D&C 90:17

Be not ashamed, neither confounded; but be admonished in all your high-mindedness and pride, for it bringeth a snare upon your souls.

Charlie's story

On the set of the Book of Mormon videos

President Skapich

Ernesto Jiminez

Ernest towers over his friend

Oz backpack