October 31, 2015 - Saturday in Nauvoo

Happy Birthday Jackson, and congratulations on your baptism!  Granny and Grandpa are so proud of you and your good example for Mia and Emma and Macie!  We hope you had a great day with your family and friends!  We loved getting the pictures and you looked so good!  We are so grateful for the good examples you had with Hayley and Zac!!

Granny and Grandpa woke up to some pretty steady rain this morning.  But, it did not "dampen" our desire to take our morning walk.... Crazy seniors!  We dressed warm and donned our rain coats and set out for a little shorter version of our normal walk.  We went about 2.5 miles and cut off the trail by the Mississippi River.  Then we came back home and I did my 30 minute workout while mom had breakfast and got ready for the day.

We served together in the Visitors Center and had the opening shift.   Mom met the Garrett Family in the Visitors Center and found out they were on a quick history tour before their youngest son leaves on his mission to the Philippines!  Imagine that!  They also came to the Rendezvous Play tonight and gave us a CD of their five children singing, "Songs of the Savior".  We had no idea they were singers and that they have recorded several albums.  They were so kind and complimentary of the play and our roles tonight.

I saw a few more great pictures today right outside the Visitors Center.  The days are becoming more brilliant and just when we think it can't get any better, these kinds of pictures catch my eye!

Such distinct colors!

Almost like a bright light in the middle of the field!

This view was absolutely gorgeous! 

Both mom and I played our major roles tonight, and we played to about 35 people.  However, they turned out to be a great audience and we both felt good about our efforts.  For me personally, the play is becoming more significant in a very unique way to teach the Gospel through the life and experiences of Nauvoo in the 1840's.  I never thought that I would see the day .......

And, great news!  We got to set our clocks back one hour when we got home from Rendezvous!!  It is always fun to capture an extra hour of sleep, ..... won't you agree?  Have a great night and thank you for checking in with us!!

October 30, 2015 - Friday in Nauvoo

Jackson, Granny and Grandpa are thinking about you for your 8th birthday!  We are so happy that you have chosen to be baptized on your birthday tomorrow, and we are excited that you will have many of your family members there with you!  You are about to begin an exciting journey that many of us have been on as we have embraced the Gospel in our lives!  Way to go, Jack, and Happy Birthday tomorrow!

Mom and I began our day early this morning with our morning prayers and devotional.  We actually got off a little early for our morning walk after this preparation.  It was a cold 36 degrees outside, but we had no wind to speak of and an almost full moon to light our way.  During the hour that it took for our walk, I was able to rehearse the part of the Editor.  It has been so fun to gain the confidence in doing these plays and now we look forward to our performances.... go figure!  And the morning walks are so good for us!

Sunrise over the Mississippi

Fog being heated up by the rising sun

These were two great pictures, noted above, that cried out to be taken this morning.  Still, the picture does not do justice to the actual scenery!  The morning could have been so much more cold had the wind been blowing.  But, the absence of the wind made this morning brisk and invigorating!

Sister Lasher and Sister Knapp in front of Wilford Woodruff Home

Mom had the full shift at both the Heber C. Kimball Home and the Wilford Woodruff Home.  When there are fewer missionaries, the schedulers have us cover two sites.  Fortunately, for mom, these two sites are just around the corner from each other!

I was at the Brick-yard for the full shift as well.  We had only six tours and lots of bricks to make and hack.  The goal is to have over 20,000 bricks made for the 2016 summer season.  It was a good day at the Brick-yard, but I always come back home tired after the long days.

We both were back home by 5:20pm and in for the night.  We are grateful for this warm and comfortable home we have to share here in Nauvoo.  It really is a great place to rejuvenate for our next assignments.  

October 29, 2015 - Thursday in Nauvoo

Mom and I were assigned to the Visitor's Center for the afternoon shift of 1:00pm to 6:00pm.  We are seeing the crowds trickling in now with the colder weather and the lateness of the year.  The temperature did not get above 48 degrees all day even with some intermittent sun.  However, as we bundled up and walked to our assignment this afternoon, it was a great Fall day!

This beautiful day started off with our early morning devotional and prayers.  We took our 3.5 mile walk under a nearly full moon that provided some wonderful light for 6:15am in the Nauvoo morning.  We usually take an hour for our walk, and certainly had plenty of time with our shift beginning at 1:00pm.  When we got home I did a 30 minute workout and was then ready for a nice hot shower.

We are getting some bits and pieces of the political climate here in the United States.  It is always interesting to see one political party tear into its own members, while the other party features bold faced lies, and obviously corrupted people, to represent them in the political races.  Evil is looked upon as good and good is readily classified as evil, and the integrity of our country is dissolving before our eyes.  Pretty sad as we try to teach correct principles to those who see others not only succeeding but thriving with dishonest practices.

No wonder we need to expedite our missionary work throughout the world while there may still be some who are seeking the truth.  How easy is it to justify a little sin and a little corruption with national and international leaders showing them the way!  There is so much work that needs to be done in a very short time-frame.  I can see why the Prophets and Apostles continue to encourage every worthy young man and every senior couple to put on the missionary badge and help teach the Gospel to all who will listen!  The field is white and ready to harvest and boy do we have our work cut out for us for sure!

On a more colorful note, we continue to enjoy the evolution of Fall colors throughout the mission!  Check out these shots;

The colors continue to glow!

This tree is right outside the Visitor's Center!

Thank you for checking in with us tonight!  If you are able, come join us in this marvelous work and wonder!

October 28, 2015 - Wednesday in Nauvoo

As the regular readers already know, Wednesdays are our P-day, and temple day, here in Nauvoo.  And, we take the opportunity to grocery shop as well, so today has been a typical Preparation-day.  It was cold and windy with intermittent rain, but what a beautiful Fall day in Nauvoo!

Tonight I just want to address an issue that is dear to our hearts, both mom and me, that sustains us here in the mission field.  In reality, we should not even be here serving this mission.  The timing was off at the deli, the grandchildren were such a big part of our lives.  We have missed 4 precious baptisms and will miss another one on Saturday.  We have missed the births of two more precious grandchildren and our arms are aching to hold them and cuddle them.  We have missed family dinners, walks around the housing areas in Rigby and in Fruit Heights, and let's not even think about holidays!

And so many family members and friends have been so supportive of us being here in the first place.  There have been so many sacrifices on the part of family members and wonderful friends who have extended financial support and words of encouragement.  We are so humbled by those many expressions of love and caring for two senior missionaries.  And how could we have possibly gotten to this point in our lives without those missionaries, and friends and teachers who taught us the Gospel and nurtured us along the way? 

It is difficult to express how much we love and appreciate each one of you, for your sacrifices on our behalf!  We know that we could not be here without your prayers and words of faith and encouragement in the comments from the blog, and your notes and your text messages, so thank you!

Let it be known that we are working hard to be worthy of all your sacrifices for us.  In every assignment, we are trying to be better and to do better, and we are trying to be encouraging to all of those around us who are serving with us.  As Section 4 of the Doctrine and Covenants says, we are "thrusting in our sickles" with all of our might, mind and strength and we know we have so much farther to go to qualify for your love and prayers.

In a few instances we know, to some degree, about how hard you are working to keep the home lights burning.  So many of your efforts are not readily seen by mom and me, but we are so very grateful for all that you are doing for these two missionaries of the Church!  We are motivated to be a little better beginning today and into the tomorrows as we move forward in this service.  We just wanted you to know that we know, perhaps only to a small degree, of your love and your prayers and your support and your challenges.  We feel that love every day when we get down or discouraged and that means so much to us!

My grandpa Sykes once explained to me why he loved football.  I loved my grandpa and can remember his strong arms of support around me as a preteen and a somewhat wandering kid.  He told me that the game of football was his absolute favorite game because it was the sport where you could be knocked down and, on your own, get up and get back in the game.  Perhaps a mission is somewhat similar to playing football...  There are times that things are going so smoothly that you have to pinch yourself to see if you are really awake.  And there are times that you can let the Adversary get the best of you when things stop going so smoothly....  Come to think of it, that is a good definition of life!

We just need to keep playing hard and follow the Optimist Creed where it says; "talk health, happiness and prosperity to every one you meet, and, be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind".  Words of wisdom to follow and 'ponderize' as we travel through this life together.... and isn't is great that we can travel together??

I think it is...

Perhaps the bottom line is not about us, but how best we can serve our kind and loving Father in Heaven.  His work needs to be done by those who love Him and are willing to serve Him.  And the example of Jesus Christ is our standard to follow in these the last days.  And with that commitment to serve Him, it is the combined efforts of all of us working together to help each other rise to our full potential. 

And those are some of my thoughts on this wonderful day here in Nauvoo.  Thank you for checking in with us tonight!

October 27, 2015 - Tuesday in Nauvoo

The days keep marching on as we have arrived at this day in October!  Mom and I had separate assignments today.  I worked in the Family Living Center from 9:45am until 2:15pm, and mom was at the Lyon Drug and Variety Store all day from 9:45am until 5:00pm.  

One of my favorite stories from the Lyon Drug and Variety Store was the set of china that was discovered by a young fisherman who was fishing in the Missouri River around the mid 1970's.  It was a time when the water flow was low and he discovered the top of a trunk showing, at the water level.  Inside the trunk was a complete set of china that was probably heading for some retail market in the mid 1800's.  

Here is mom with her companion today with the china in the background;

Sister Rasmussen and Sister Lasher (check out that turkey)

Also in the background of this picture, the freshly killed turkey hangs ready to be sold.  Can't imagine buying a turkey like this for Thanksgiving, and yet I don't think the pioneers in the 1800's could ever imagine buying a fresh turkey in the deli case!

The visitors were few today so we had some time to talk and make rope in the Family Living Center.  Of the few visitors coming by the Family Living Center there was a family heading back to Utah after picking up their son who was just released from his mission in Wisconsin.  Of course the mother was beaming and his sister and brother were pretty happy to have him with them.  He plans to enroll in Snow College and pursue his education after he is released by his Stake President and he works for a few months.  

It sure brought back memories of our two missionaries returning home and the reunions we had with college students.  Boy, I sure don't like the idea of being separated from our precious family!!  Wait a minute.... mom and I will be the next returned missionaries!   And graduates from the Nauvoo Theater of Arts!

Today was a cold and rainy day in Nauvoo.  The rain fell steady throughout the day and has continued tonight.  It was a great night to be home and in our warm living-room in our jammies!  Doesn't get much better than that unless you have grandchildren running around and getting roughed up by their Grandpa!

October 26, 2015 - Monday in Nauvoo

Here it is, Monday!  And we were scheduled in the Visitors Center for the closing shift today.  Now that we are working more in the Visitor's Center, I took some of my very favorite CD's to play on the PA system.  Can you guess what they are??  If you guessed playing music, "My Way", you were absolutely correct!  Brother Paul Kenny provided some wonderful background music for our entire shift.  I could not help but think about our wonderful friends and the music they have recorded, and what has been some of my favorite music ever since!  Thank you Brother Kenny!

Since we were up so late last night with the fireside by Ron Meldrum, we didn't get started on our walk until 6:30am.  I got to bed last night at a little past 11:00pm, so 5:00am was a tough time for me to "rise and shine".  But, I finally got going and had a great morning workout with our morning devotional and prayers and our exercise routine.

We left for our assignment at the Visitors Center at 12:30pm and I saw some more Fall colors worthy of recording.  Take a look;

Some additional Fall colors

Looking toward the Carriage ride depot

A view right outside the North entrance to the Visitors center

It was a relatively quiet day with just a hand full of guests coming in.  I have enjoyed connecting with the guests who just arrive here in Nauvoo and come in for some direction for their visit here.  Both mom and I have enjoyed getting to know about people from all over the United States and from a few different countries while serving here in this Visitor's Center. 

In Carthage we would get folks from all over the world during the summer months, but now, with the slow part of the year after August and September months, we are getting more folks from closer cities in and around Illinois.  Most are not members of the Church and we get  to explain what Nauvoo is all about.  Some are very hesitant to talk to us, probably because they think we might try to baptize them.  However, for me, I just enjoy talking to people so sometimes I just carry on a generic conversation and hope they will join in with me.  Most of the time it works and we have a great discussion!

Well, we have had a full day, and tomorrow will come rather quickly, so I will close.  Thank you for checking in with us and checking out what is going on here in Historic Nauvoo!

October 25, 2015 - Sunday in Nauvoo

Mom and I had the assignment to be the greeters for our Sacrament Meeting today.  After our morning prayers and devotion, and in the attitude of our weekly Sunday fast, we walked to the Stake Center.  We arrived at 7:15am and got to say good morning to all the attendees of today's meeting.  Included in the congregation was the tour group that attended Rendezvous last night.  Remember that I wrote about what a great audience they were and how one precious sister came out of the Cultural Hall after the play to let us know she had felt the Spirit with our performance?  

Well, we got to personally say good morning to all of them as well.  They remembered us and were, again, so kind in their comments about seeing us last night.  It was interesting to note that one of the Sacrament speakers made the statement that in coming to the Nauvoo Mission, they were attempting to make "artisans out of artifacts"!  I just don't see myself as an "artifact", but I guess there is some truth to that statement!

Of course we had a marvelous walk to the Stake Center and then down to the Visitor's Center and, after the meetings, back to our home.... how could i pass up some beautiful Fall pictures as we saw them today?

Just outside the Nauvoo Visitors Center

Again, outside the Visitors Center along the parking lot

After our meetings, we came home and had the Skinner's over for lunch.  They will be helping us in the missionary Thanksgiving dinner in November, and we held an informal planning and information sharing meeting with them.  We have sure enjoyed getting to know them better.  He is a retired dentist and now has a little farm in Arizona.  They could well be one couple we keep in touch with after our mission!

Then tonight, mom and I attended a lecture by Rod Meldrum who has done a tremendous amount of research on the Book of Mormon in the heartland of America.  To tell you how impressive his lecture was, mom attended with me and stayed very alert and attentive in his fireside from 7:00pm until past 9:30pm!!  Here is his web site:  www.BookofMormonEvidence.org  and here is a little background from this web page:

About Rod L. Meldrum

Rod L. Meldrum is a researcher, author, and national lecturer on the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, with an emphasis on the scriptural and physical evidences recently discovered indicating North America as the most likely location where its epic history played out. 

He served for seven years as senior scientific researcher on a natural sciences book, was President and CEO of High Country Gourmet, Inc., Orem, Utah, and more recently was Director of Business Development for Interact Medical, a leading LMS (Learning Management System) developer for surgeons and patients in the medical device industry.
 
He and his wife, Tonya, are the parents of four children. He is a fifth-generation member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served a mission in Milan, Italy, and has served faithfully in many church leadership callings, most recently Young Men’s President, High Priest Group Instructor, and currently Sunday School President of his Provo, Utah, Ward.
  
He began his study of issues surrounding the controversy over DNA and the Book of Mormon in 2003 which led to a study of the origins of proposed geographical settings of the Book of Mormon. In addition he completed an intensive study of the Book of Mormon itself and the historical background and documents associated with it. In 2007 he began sharing his research through numerous free presentations within the Inter-mountain Region of the United States.

It is definitely worth the time to check it out!  We have a lot of research to do on this fascinating subject!

October 24, 2015 - Saturday in Nauvoo

Mom and I were up for our big day, today.  It was our Rendezvous day!  We had our morning devotional and prayers and a nice long walk this morning around the flats in Nauvoo.  We got back home at just about 7:15am and made our preparations for the day.

We served together in the John Taylor Home.  This was our full shift day working from 9:45am to 5:00pm.  Then our Rendezvous Play was at 8:15pm tonight because of the Halloween activity that the city of Nauvoo puts on annually, with the help of all the Nauvoo Missionaries.

It is an interesting editorial that John Taylor wrote in the last edition of the Nauvoo Neighbor almost 170 years ago on October 29, 1845;  Think about it....

"As we are making all the preparation in our power to leave the United States next spring, because we are compelled by mobocracy, on account of the weakness of the law and the stupidity or hypocrisy of its executors, to quit the 'asylum of the oppressed', we have thought it advisable to discontinue the Neighbor at this number.

In coming to this conclusion, we fall back on our reserved rights, that we will leave a nation that will not protect its own citizens from the violence of corrupt men; that we will flea from a liberty so terrible that it allows murder and arson to be committed with impunity by a portion of its citizens, because they are a mob; and we abandon the estates and tombs of our fathers because the glory of American freedom has been singed by the blaze of looks in a frolic of enthusiasm to the devil.

It may be thought by some that this step of discontinuing the Neighbor is premature, but, when it is understood that the people of the United States gloat themselves on public opinion, and that opinion, is put in motion and reiterated by men who could whisper, 'sub-rosa', that "it was well that Joseph Smith was killed, for he would revolutionize the world with Mormonism", it will be considered a wise move, for why need we expend money and time, to warn a nation that already is grating its teeth at us, and menacing a threat by a conventional nod, to be gone or we will blot you out from under heaven?

We will suffer wrong than to do wrong, and if there is any glory attached to expelling the Saints from the United States, let the United States blaze in that glory; and if there is any disgrace winding around the escutcheons, and monuments where freedom once was, let it smoke on, till it comes up before Jehovah, and (maybe) he will reward the unfaithful stewards according to their works.

We could fight our way clear, but wisdom says let the wicked slay the wicked:  There is room enough upon the earth for many nations to live in peace, and enjoy the little happiness allotted them without "clashing brave men's armor," to terrify cowards or whet the appetites of monsters.  The Gospel whispers peace.  Our greatness consists of our faith, our union and our submission.  The power that made Nauvoo; that gathered thousands from various climes and kingdoms; that reared the Temple; and that whispers to us now; peace be still and see the salvation of God, can guide us to bring forth a better city, an hundred fold gathering, and five times as good a temple, in five years, where demagogues will not deceive us for our votes, and then connive at our extermination; yea, aside from vexatious lawsuits, we can enjoy more life in five years, than the world has, can, or will realize while money buys judgement, and popularity holds the destinies of the people"

Vice and virtue are the extremes of greatness; the former descends to degradation, and the latter exalts to glory, and that the nation is upon the brink of ruin which is so far lost to decorum, that it refuses to punish sin.  The secrets of this nation will be searched out with candles, and wo to the blood stained mansions of misery!  Pride and wickedness often go across lots so as to enter the banquet of folly at the back door, for fear of the displeasure of good men.  He that hath ears to hear let him hear, for the "dreadful revelry" is nigh and the sorrow too.

We owe the United States nothing; we go out by force as exiles from freedom.  The government and  people owe us millions for the destruction of life and property in Missouri and Illinois.  The blood of our best men stains the land, and the ashes of our property will preserve it till God comes out of His hiding place, and gives this nation a hotter portion that He did Sodom and Gomorrah.  "When they cease to spoil, they shall be spoiled, for the Lord hath spoken it".
 

Here are some pictures I took later on this morning as we were walking to the John Taylor Home.  I wanted to catch these shots with a little more light than we have at 6:30am!

It was raining Fall leaves!

Much better color along Main Street

Mom sweeping leaves in front of the John Taylor Home

Such colorful tree leaves!

We had a surprise visit from the Orchard Family from our home ward.  It was great to see them and have them take the time to come by the John Taylor Home to see us!  They delivered some hugs from our family that were very much appreciated!  Here they are being given a tour by mom;

Entering the parlor of John Taylor's home

Mom and I were off at 5:00pm and headed for home to get ready for the Rendezvous Play.  It was scheduled for 8:15pm tonight because of the Halloween activity put on by the City of Nauvoo.  We got to the Cultural Hall at the appointed time of 30 minutes before show time, 7:45pm, and had our meeting and prayers together.  

By the way, the Editor (me), and the Relief Society President (mom), had a great night on stage!  We have certainly felt the Lord's Hand in our efforts to perform on stage.  We had a precious lady come down the steps from the Cultural Hall after the play and said with some tears, that she, "felt the Spirit", as we performed the play.  For us as missionaries learning the foreign language of "theater", that was the best compliment we could have received as a cast.

October 23, 2015 - Friday in Nauvoo

Here we are at he end of another day.  Mom and I served together at the Riser Boot Shop and we kept pretty busy with several groups coming to visit the site.  We also got a good soaking of rain that refreshed the air and left quite a few puddles of water.  Even in the middle of the rain we had folks coming in for the tour!  We had the long shift day and those days tend to linger on, but at the close of the day, the rain had stopped and we had a nice walk home.  How about these pictures? -

The view right near our intersection of Hotchkiss and Partridge

Here is the view along side of the Pioneer Pastimes area

The brick-way along Main Street in front of the Tin shop

This is my favorite shot along the back road near Brigham Young's home

The day was uneventful and tonight it is pretty quiet here in our home.  For some reason I was so tired that I took a nap this evening.  Go figure, a nap before going to bed!  I have been working out a little harder in the mornings after our 3.5 mile walk, and that is starting to show some benefits as my pants are feeling looser!  

We have been on our treat fast now for almost eight weeks and the end is not in sight.  We have decided to forego any treats until we are completely out of debt.  It is a commitment I am prepared to meet head-on even with my pumpkin pie season staring me right in the face! 

October 22, 2015 - Thursday in Nauvoo

Mom and I were back at the Visitors Center as our site assignment today.  Interestingly, this was our first official day of being the site leaders and it was fun to be there.  However, we found out that the site leaders we are replacing are going home early because of health reasons so our training time has been considerably shortened.  We thought that we would have until the end of December to work with them, but that will not happen.  So many health problems here in the Nauvoo Mission!  Mom and I are so grateful for the good health that we currently enjoy!

Our morning workout was exceptional and we have been able to set up a great morning routine.   Also, our Scripture reading and devotional time is such a great way to start each day!  We were both enjoying this time together this morning by 5:00am.  But mom is always up around an hour earlier so I feel like I am getting up late when it is actually only 5:00am!!

After our site shift ended at 2:00pm, we came home to change clothes and have lunch.  Then we went to the facilities management offices and helped carve pumpkins for the city activity this Saturday.  We won't be involved with that Saturday activity because we work until 5:00pm and then we have Rendezvous at 7:45pm. But, we are not Halloween fans, so missing the festivities of this pagan holiday isn't going to hurt our feelings at all!  But take a look at our art work..... 

Check out that focus!

Here is Mom's, the "before", picture...

And here is mom's "after" picture!  A happy ghost!

What is this guy going to come up with?

What do you think??  Do you see that rat??  No, not Grandpa... the pumpkin rat!

I had a late meeting scheduled for the Visitors Center for an interfaith group at 7:00pm.  I went down to the Visitors Center to get everything ready, since I am one of two site leaders and one site leader has a standing appointment for bedtime, and by 7:10pm there were 6 of 30 or so who came.  So the meeting was cancelled.  Another indication that these interfaith meetings are only well attended if they are not on Latter-day Saint property.

It is really sad when there is such a feeling of opposition to the Mormon folks here in Nauvoo.  There are so many missed opportunities to became better acquainted with each other.  I have noticed that it is generally a one way street when the people around this area want something from the Mormon's if it benefits them.  If it does not benefit them, they refuse to participate.

However, I did have a wonderful experience this evening.  Elder Ramsey gave me a call and asked if I would be at the Visitors Center tonight and I was!  He wanted me to talk to some of his ward members who were planning a Stake Youth Conference for next July here in Nauvoo and Carthage.  He felt I could give them some direction on preparations for Carthage.  That was a great opportunity to assist them in their planning for next summer!  The Carthage experience is absolutely amazing and is the capstone for any  visit here to Historic Nauvoo!

We can only hope that future attempts will one day yield greater feelings.  There is some progress,l but with results like tonight, it is so obvious that we have a great deal of work to do to build relationships in the Nauvoo and Carthage communities.

October 21, 2015 - Wednesday in Nauvoo

Wednesday's are becoming one of our favorite days!  We had our weekly training meeting this morning and then we attended the 9:00am temple session where we were privileged to serve as the witness couple.  This was our 27th visit since we arrived here in late February 2015.  The temple is such a wonderful place to think and ponder and evaluate how things are going in our lives.  I went a step further today and took our "ponderizing" Scriptures with me in my pocket, and reviewed them while waiting for the session to begin.

I was awake bright and early and ready to begin our day this morning.  Even though we did not have time to take our morning walk or go through our exercise routines, I was still ready to get up at 5:00am and get the day started.  We got to our training meeting at 7:10am and it began at 7:30am...  Those that know me......

This was also our day for grocery shopping and laundry and house cleaning.  We drove along the Mississippi River to Keokuk and look at these pictures we captured;

The Mississippi River is to my left.

You just need to see the Fall colors in person!

Right in front of our little house on Hotchkiss and Partridge!

The trees come alive in the Fall!

We had a nice and relaxing afternoon at home before Rendezvous.  We got to talk to some family members and hear from some of our grandchildren.  Oh how we love these little text messages and/or love notes from our family members!

Mom's father had another hernia surgery yesterday, and had a tough time his first night at home.  Mom's sister Julie is there with him until Saturday, and then mom's brother Steve will come Saturday for about 5 days.  We are on alert if he needs additional help.

We are so grateful for the Gospel in our lives and the impact that "ponderizing" is having on our family!  Here are the Scriptures mom and I have selected for this week;

Mosiah 2:41 (Ma)

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

2 Nephi 25:26 (Pa)

26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

This exercise has been such a benefit to me as I focus my reading and effort to better understand how these particular Scriptures affect my life.  We change our "ponderizing" Scriptures every Sunday and it has been a great blessing for us!

Thank you for checking in with us tonight!  Rendezvous went really well tonight as we had our new director make her debut.  It has been a great learning curve for me, as well, in the "theater stage" part of our mission.  Actually, I think I like this new way to communicate principles of the Gospel!  Don't let that get around....