November 30, 2015 - Monday in Nauvoo

This is our second week of having our P-day on Monday.  We took advantage of the day by making an appointment in Quincy for winterizing the Honda.  Of course, any chance to take a little road trip to Quincy and visit the bigger city is a treat for us!

The morning started off a little slow.  I spent a little more time last night on this blog, last night, and got to bed at about 10:45pm.  My usual goal is being in bed by 10:00pm, so I missed it by 45 minutes.  Sooooo, I ended up, "rising and shining", at 6:00am this morning.  It was cold and raining this morning, so we hesitated to take our walk.  But after our morning prayers and devotional, we decided to go.  The air was clean and fresh, but it was cold and rainy so we only went the shorter route and got back to the house at around 7:30am.  

We then got ourselves ready for our trip to Quincy, and we were on the road by 9:15am.  The day was wet and cold, but we had a nice time driving to Quincy, getting the car serviced, and then stopping by the local mall, and then Sam's Club.  We then went into Keokuk for some additional items and we got back home by 3:30pm.  It has been a fun day.

When I played the Vignette of "Pa" this summer, I had the privilege of working with one, of the many, fine Young Performing Missionaries, Elder Rosenberg.  I have spoken about him before in the blog, but I mention here now that he is currently serving his full time mission in Italy, and I get his weekly email home.  Here is an excerpt from his letter I received today;

 

Merry Christmas!  Now that thanksgiving is over, I can say that. This has been the week of service! And rain... A lot of rain. But really, oh how glorious service truly is! To lose yourself and find joy, to share with others. Love ittttt. The ever studly Elder Richard L. Evans once said, “We can’t do everything for everyone everywhere, but we can do something for someone somewhere.” So true! Lift where you stand. You can't change the entire world but you can change someone's world. So don't wait, don't hesitate....do. By small and simple means are great things brought to pass. Do your part, and you will see a difference. As a great lyricist of our time once counseled, We're All In This Together!  Or... Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. (D&C 50:22)     

I thoroughly enjoy receiving his letters, don't you agree?....  He seems to be having the time of his life at a time when his life is filled with change!  When he writes these letters with the pure intent to motivate and encourage us back here at home, I am impressed, and grateful, that we had our paths cross this summer! 

 

You see, I could have said, no thanks, to the Vignette.  I had less than 5% confidence that I could memorize those lines, and the challenge to do so was unnerving to me.  Slowly, the lines came with patient mentoring by my eternal companion.  But on the first few nights where I missed a line, it was frustrating.  But with the love and encouragement from mom and others, I could do a half decent "Pa"!  

 

Now, with that said, what a blessing it has been to further these fragile talents with learning "the Editor" part, and, to be able to follow Elder Rosenberg in his quest to be the best missionary possible.  What I have learned from this is to NOT say no to a challenging role in building up the Kingdom.  

 

In fact, I can do more in preparation to be ever ready to say, YES, when the opportunities come my way.  To my grandchildren....., it is OK to get out of your comfort zones!  You will never know what the Lord can do with you, unless you trust Him all along the way!  Look at Grandpa.... here is a man who could always help in building a stage, and now here he is performing on that stage!  Wow!  So many tender mercies....

November 29, 2015 - Sunday in Nauvoo

Welcome! Welcome!  Sabbath Morning!  We were up getting ready for the day and ended up driving to the Stake Center for our meetings.  There was rain all through the day and the temperature stayed in the low 40's.  I had the privilege of helping to bless the Sacrament this morning.  Our meeting was very tender with speakers sharing some very personal experiences with us.  So many of the missionaries here have had tremendous health, family and personal challenges that have taken so much courage and faith to overcome.  If fact, there are many missionaries who are still struggling with difficult challenges but are still willing to put their lives in the service of the Master here in the mission field.

Mom and I had the assignment to serve in the Visitors Center after the meetings today.  I had one couple that had just been married four months and they came into the center and watched the new video, "A Savior Is Born", and "Remembering Nauvoo".  As they came out of the movie, and were looking around the Visitors Center, I told them about the sunstone that we had on display from the original Nauvoo Temple, and, in a moment of realization and discovery, they asked me what was so important about the temple.  Oh boy!  I then realized I wasn't talking to newlyweds just married in the temple!  I then had a sweet teaching opportunity of sharing the message of the Restoration with them. 

When you look at the Church video, "A Savior is Born", also watch the 3 minute video, "A Savior is Born - Animated".  It tells precisely why there is a need for a Savior and it fit so well into my discussion about the Plan of Salvation.  I took our discussion back into the theater to show this video!  By the way, this new video is powerful and needs to be watched several times by everyone who might possibly be interested in "discovering why" there is such a need for a Savior and why there is such a need for the Restored Gospel  in all of our lives.  It will also firmly reinforce what we know to be true!

Tonight, we had our Zone Conference, and our mission president shared experiences he has had with each member of the First Presidency and several members of the Quorum of the Twelve when he was serving as a member of the 2nd Quorum of Seventy.  Now, that was fascinating information as he told each short story about one or two instances he had as he was on assignment with them throughout the world.  Here are some of those special stories;

As a missionary to Holland, he was called and set apart by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve.  Back then, that is how calls were made.  His calling and setting apart was done by Elder Hinckley who had been a General Authority for about 30 days.  He set President Gibbons apart and in the blessing he stated that there will be days with clouds, but to remember that the sun will come out....

With President Monson;  they spent an entire day and evening training and teaching in a Stake Conference Leadership meeting in Las Vegas.  They worked hard until 9:00pm.  He said that he and his wife decided to take the balance of the evening and look at a collection of artwork in an adjoining hotel.  The next morning, as they were talking with President Monson they found out that he had spent the balance of his evening visiting in a local assisted living center.  President Gibbons learned that day that we need to spend our time with things that matter the most.

He was with President Packer when he learned that "fame and fortune are overrated".... and from President Uchtdorf, the Elder Uchtdorf, "don't hesitate as a leading authority to correct if needed, but do it kindly".... and from President Eyring; then Elder Eyring, "following the Spirit is sometimes more important than following the Handbook.  This was in reference to calling a Stake President who was fully qualified and worthy but who had overcome a serious transgression in his earlier life.  They called then President Packer and explained the situation.  President Packer did not ask for clarification on the transgression, but simply asked, "how do you feel".  They moved ahead and issued the call.

And once with Elder Hales; he was on a rare trip to the golf course with Elder Hales.  President Gibbons absolutely loves golf and on this particular day, he knew Elder Hales had huge responsibilities, and he did not want to slow the game down because of his concern for Elder Hales time.  Well, as fate would have it they got behind a group of two young men who were having a tough time moving the ball ahead.... they would hit a ball and then take time to find it, and that was driving President Gibbons crazy.  He kept asking himself why they didn't just let them play through???  

Well, they FINALLY signaled them to play through, and, as Elder Hales passed them, he invited them to join their group.  This really frustrated President Gibbons as they worked their way through the last five holes!  As President Gibbons was putting his golf clubs away, one of the young men came up to him and asked if he was Elder Hales.  The young man told him that he was a returned missionary, but that he had lost his way when he returned from his mission, and wondered if they could talk for a minute.  President Gibbons said yes immediately, and then said he would get Elder Hales and they would talk. 

The lesson learned that day was that you can't separate your hobbies, your family or your work or any special interest with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  You may be needed on the 14th hole of the golf course to help set a wayward soul back on track!

There was a lot of great instruction today and we feel the reinforced blessings of being here serving together at this time.  Thank you for checking in with us!  We love serving together and especially love the learning processes we are going through to strengthen our resolve to be better and to do better in our assignments.

November 28, 2015 - Saturday in Nauvoo

There was a lot of overcast, and, cold temperatures hovering around 32 degrees, this morning, but it did not diminish our efforts to enjoy our morning walk.  We took a brisk walk and stopped briefly at the missionary post office, one of our most favorite places, and there we found a package from home!  It was a 2016 calendar put together by our precious daughter, Ali, with pictures of all of our family, throughout, and posted on every month of the new year!  What a great and wonderful surprise!  Then we were able to talk to Isaac and sing him "Happy Birthday".   It poses a challenge each time we miss a special occasion like this but we are grateful to be able to represent all of our family in the mission field!

Our morning devotional and prayers were shared before we left on our walk.  And we returned after the walk and started getting ready for the day.  Mom worked the hardest and did our laundry before our 1:00pm shift at the Visitors Center.  I was totally lazy after my workout and hot shower.   That means I took a nap before leaving for our site assignment...  

Our shift stayed fairly busy today with lots of people in town.  Some were here for the day and others are here for the weekend.  I still find it interesting that there are people who go to historic places for a major holiday like Thanksgiving.  It will be equally interesting to see who comes for Christmas!

Mom and I got the Visitors Center ready for the debut of "A Savior is Born".  At the web site christmas.mormon.org, the Church is releasing this 2 minute video tomorrow, Sunday November 29th.  I have watched it several times already, and I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing those precious young children testifying of the Savior.  You will need to see it and let us know what you think!  And then share it with everyone you can!  Time is of the essence with the world in such commotion, and this effort by the Church is going to impact so many people for good.  We all need to be a great part of this effort! 

November 27, 2015 - Friday in Nauvoo

Today we had rain and wind as the temperature took a plunge.  This morning it was about 30 degrees when we left the house for our walk.  We took umbrellas and several layers of clothing for the workout walk.  We were able to cover the 3.5 miles in just a little over one hour.  

We were up and going by 5:30am.  Of course that was my time.  Mom was up an hour earlier and going strong by the time I was able to rise and shine.  Our work assignment took us in almost exact opposite directions.  I worked at the Blacksmith Shop and mom work at the Sarah Granger Kimball Home.  Mom took the car and I walked to the Blacksmith Shop and got there about 5 minutes early.  My companion arrived about 10 minutes late so I got everything up and running.

My companion and I had several tours throughout the day and we kept pretty busy.  The fun part of the day was when families would come in with grandchildren aged children!  I love giving those tours and try to put the information on their level.  For example, when I talk about how the Saints had a community that was so willing to work together, I can equate that to brothers and sisters working together and getting along with each other, especially when they are riding long distances in the car together.  Moms and dads love me!

 For Mary's benefit, when I was telling the prairie diamond story I had a lot of youthful participation.  There was an especially astute young lady about 7 years old who blurted out how "clever" the young man was to use a nail to make the prairie diamond from the "Diamond" nail company!  You know then kids are listening when you get comments like that!  And, you know that they will definitely retain some of this information when they get back home!  Good times!

November 26, 2015 - Thursday Thanksgiving Day!

Certainly, it is apparent that one of the most exciting things we are thankful for this year is that we are here in Nauvoo serving our mission, and NOT in the Philippines!  We have been enjoying our time here in Nauvoo and we are especially blessed to have met so many wonderful fellow missionaries.  What a difference it has been to be here this year compared to our experience so far from home last Thanksgiving.

We woke up early this morning and noticed that the temperature was in the mid 50's. The sky was overcast but the air was fresh and our walk around Nauvoo was invigorating.  We were back at our home by 7:15am and we were ready to walk to our 9:45am site assignment by 9:00am.  So we walked over to the Visitor's Center and just as we walked up to the doors, the rain started falling.  By the end of our shift at 12noon, we saw a steady downpour and hitched a ride back to our home!

I got to take a little nap this afternoon before our Zone Thanksgiving dinner.  We also had Rendezvous tonight so I was not too hungry for a lot of food.  Just like the game days in high school!   I could never eat before a game although Sierra High School always fed the athletes before each home game.  But we sure enjoyed the fellowship of the senior missionaries at our dinner party this afternoon!  Take a look at our pictures;

Our Zone Thanksgiving Dinner party!

Here is a great group of missionaries.  That is Elder Hall in the middle.  He is about 6' 8" tall and the site leader for the teamsters.  We love working with him and Sister Hall, and they are both in our Emma Hale cast for Rendezvous.  They have previously served as senior missionaries in Africa.

What a feast!

Thanksgiving with all the trimmings.  While we all enjoy each others company and we work hard every day together, we did miss our precious families today.  We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families back home!!

Our special punch drink mix

Mom and I were in charge of the drinks so we checked out our mission cookbook, "Our Best Bites" and found a nice beverage recipe that I altered slightly.  It was, one part of cranberry juice, to one part lemonade, to two parts club soda.  It was actually pretty good and refreshing and very complimentary to our turkey dinner!  We had cooled the unopened bottles in the freezer for about 4 hours and created a nice little slush before we mixed the beverages together!

About 30 of us for dinner before Rendezvous

The Appersons - entertainment, and check out the turkey pumpkin behind them!

Elder Apperson was a member of a 1960's rock group the Buffalo Springfield.  He played the base guitar and he is very good.  He is such a kind man and he and his wife arranged a song about the Nauvoo Temple construction, taken from a song that was written for the Manti Temple,  and played it for us tonight.  His wife had an ancestor who worked on the Nauvoo Temple, and when Elder Apperson read us the words to the song before he played it, he was very emotional.  What a treat it is to serve with special missionaries like the Appersons!

And take a look at the pumpkin in the background.  I did not pay much attention to it until we had this activity right after dinner.  On our tables, we had paper cutouts of large turkey feathers taped to a pointed stick.  On the feather we were asked to write down something we were thankful for, having been here in Nauvoo.  We then told our group what we were thankful for and stuck the feather into the pumpkin.  

The "thankful" turkey

This is what we created after this fun little effort.  I thought this was a great idea!!  There have been so many wonderful blessings and tender mercies by being here and serving a mission, but just think of the potential this would have sitting around the table with our families!

And then there was Rendezvous tonight.  We had about 50 or 60 in attendance and it was a very good audience group.  Some of the audience came to have dinner with grandparents and parents, and some were here just for a different Thanksgiving experience.  They were such a great audience!  After I gave my closing lines at the end of the play, and as I was exiting the stage, the applause was loud and several members of the audience shouted "bravo"....  I felt really good about our performance tonight!

We hope you had a wonderful day of Thanksgiving!  For mom and me, today was a joyful day.  It was a day that started off by us looking up and seeing our precious family smiling at us from their perch above our bulletin board.  Mom and I shared happy memories about previous Thanksgivings, and realized that Granny and Grandpa were in the right place this year, and doing exactly what the Lord wants us to be doing at this time... sharing His Gospel with His precious children here in Nauvoo.  

Yes, it will be wonderful to be back with our family when our mission ends, but oh what great joy and happiness there is in serving our Father in Heaven and His children here in the Illinois, Nauvoo Mission!

Thank you for joining us tonight, and Happy Thanksgiving!

November 25, 2015 - Wednesday in Nauvoo

Thanksgiving Eve 2015, brings back some memories of Thanksgiving Eve 2014, in the Philippines.  That was a difficult evening for us as we gave our best to trying to make the call to the Philippines work.  We hadn't met the mission president yet, but we did meet the other senior couple in the mission. 

Those feelings of being over 8,000 miles away from home, and attempting to serve a long awaited for mission, under some of the most challenging conditions, are days not to be forgotten.  Comparing those feelings with this year is quite a contrast for sure!

We were up this morning and had our morning devotional and prayers.  I had enough time to work out while mom was getting ready for our weekly Wednesday training meeting.  And we left the house at about 7:20am for the Visitor's Center for the 8:00am meeting. 

The training material was on the new "Christmas.mormon.org" Church-wide effort to introduce the 2015 Church Christmas message that will debut on Sunday November 29th.  The 3 minute video was breathtaking and, just like "BecauseHeLives" Church-wide Easter video message that I have viewed several dozen times, I don't think I will get tired of seeing this in the Visitor's Center theater this Christmas season. 

Part of the training was the mission president role playing different scenarios in introducing the video.  In this picture, the president's sister-in-law and her husband were called randomly to participate;

Wednesday Training and "role" playing

These are Elder and Sister Ramsey and we love working with them!  When Elder Ramsey got up to the podium, the president had just laid out the scenario of meeting these two "friends" at Church and telling them about the video.  Before President Gibbons could say the first words of his "role play", Elder Ramsey grabs the microphone and says; "well hello Larry".....

That greeting totally caught President Gibbons off guard and all he could stammer was something like, "well I had a real good introduction but now my mind has gone blank".... and then Elder Ramsey said, "I was just trying to break the ice"...  It was hilarious and probably the best role play I have ever witnessed!  All the missionaries were rolling in their seats!

Teaching at the Print Shop

Reviewing the press where the books are printed in the 1840's

We worked the all-day shift at the Printing office.  Mom did a great job teaching about the printing trade in the 1840's.  That had to be one of the most tedious jobs back then!  Here is some background information about the newspapers in Nauvoo in the 1840's;

"The chief source of news in Nauvoo was the newspaper. The Saints had published newspapers in Missouri and Ohio. During the siege in Missouri, Church leaders buried the printing press used for the Elders’ Journal. It was recovered in 1839 and brought to Nauvoo where it was used to print the Times and Seasons starting in November of that year. As the official publication of the Church, the Times and Seasons was carefully controlled and supervised by the Prophet.

During its brief history, the Times and Seasons published significant doctrinal items and policy statements, including parts of Joseph Smith’s official history, portions of the book of Moses, and the book of Abraham, which were all later included in the Pearl of Great Price. The paper also featured conference addresses, circular letters from the Council of the Twelve Apostles, minutes of important Church meetings, reprints from other newspapers, and the King Follett Discourse. There were dozens of articles on the Book of Mormon including items on archaeological evidence and discussion of geographical locations.

Nauvoo also had a weekly nonreligious newspaper devoted to agriculture, business, science, art, and community events. When it first appeared in April 1842 it was known as the Wasp, but the name was later changed to the Nauvoo Neighbor. It was printed on the same press as the Times and Seasons and was edited by William Smith, brother of the Prophet. Later John Taylor was assigned the editorial responsibility."

And then there are the lines given by the Editor in the Rendezvous Play;

The “TIMES AND SEASONS” was devoted to the Church, its history and the like, while my paper, “The NAUVOO NEIGHBOR”, was more of a public journal.  It was small so I had to be selective about what I committed to print.  That means that not every event was included.  You’ll just have to trust me that we had our due proportions of disasters, tornadoes, thievery and bully fights, from week to week, even if it wasn’t reported.

But, the important issues, the people to people issues, that explained the kind of people we had here in Nauvoo, and their various comings and goings, THOSE were almost always reported in the “NEIGHBOR”.

So there is a little taste of our day at the Printing Office and at the Training meeting this morning.  We came back to our little home and mom did laundry and I did some cleaning.  I can't believe tomorrow is Thanksgiving!  We will be celebrating the day of Thanks with some fellow missionaries, after our site shifts end.  We work at the Visitors Center tomorrow and all sites close at 3:00pm.  Our Zone dinner is at 4:00pm and then we put on the Rendezvous Play at 7:00pm..... how many folks will come to the play tomorrow???  On Thanksgiving Day????  Any guesses?

November 24, 2015 - Tuesday in Nauvoo

This morning we woke up to 30 degree temperatures and the promise of a mild Fall day.  We had our morning devotional and prayers and then our wonderful walk around Nauvoo.  Of course, I got in my rehearsal session as well for the Editor.  I really enjoy that review time because it helps to build my confidence in my stage production!  I did get a great morning picture during our walk.... see what you think;

Look!  Here comes the sun!

Today, mom and I served at the Brigham Young Home until 2:00pm.  I usually don't get to be in that home but it is always interesting.  I took a picture of some of the China dishware that was uncovered during the restoration process in the 1960's.  This is displayed inb the dining room of the Brigham Young Home;

Damaged China place setting

A complete setting for six

A nearly perfect restored plate

This is one of the most fascinating concepts here in the Brigham Young Home.  The China plates were found during the excavation process back in the mid 1960's.  There were literally fragments and pieces of these place settings buried under the root cellar.  A missionary named John Dalton was serving here in 1994-1995.  He was a potter by trade, and came here on a mission, and was excited to repair these priceless pieces.  

Well, as you can imagine, he discovered during the reconstruction process that the plates represent our lives and how the Atonement is so needed for each of us.  You see, he was able to take a broken plate, much like the Atonement can take a broken and sinful disciple, and help make him whole again.  

The first plate pictured is the example of our sinful and broken lives.  As you go around the table, in the 2nd picture, you will see the various plates in graduated steps of restoration.  Then, the last picture shows the fully restored plate.  

Can you see any lines denoting breakage in that last picture?? .... Nope, it is not there, and that is really how the Savior works in our lives if we let Him.  The key component is that He is there waiting for us, no matter what we have done, to help bring us back into our perfect selves, much like our precious Macie and Faith and Wyatt, my sister's first grandchild!!  Yes, it can be done if we just make the effort to repent of all of our sins and press forward with faith.... nothing wavering.  He is there for us and we can all be made whole again!

Let's go back to that sunrise this morning.  Every day represents a new opportunity to repent and bring new hope to our lives.  It doesn't matter what the world is doing if we can just realize who we are and whose we can become!

Here is another picture that shows the season we are in.  At this time, each year, the oxen are driven one last time and then put out to pasture for the Winter.  This was fun to watch and there were at least 3 separate rides today.  The oxen were the preferred teams to take the Saints to the Rocky Mountains in the 1840's.  They ate the prairie grasses and walked at the same speed as the Saints.  A big benefit was the Indians were not interested in taking these animals from the pioneers, but they did like to target the horses!

A team of oxen and a family exploring Nauvoo!

 Tonight, mom and I attended the 6:00pm temple session.  The temple just reopened after a two week recess and we were anxious to get back there.  And yes,  we filled up the prayer rolls with family and friends!  And mom and I  were even able to stay awake most of the time!  Then, on our walk back home, I caught this picture of the full moon over Nauvoo;

These pictures were taken about 8:15pm

Here comes an opening in the clouds

This cast a nice light on our walk home

A Nauvoo Fall setting

We have had a busy day and we are grateful for the Gospel in our lives.  It is somewhat amazing that this will be our second Thanksgiving away from our precious family and friends.  We received our family picture, yesterday, that is absolutely wonderful to look at every chance we get, and we have received cards from friends that have deeply touched our hearts.  Thank you so much for your love and your prayers.  We love each of you and miss you and will be praying for each of you during this absolutely wonderful time of year!

November 23, 2015 - Monday in Nauvoo

Today was the first day of a change in our P-day.  They moved it to Monday, and we are making the adjustment.  We were up early for our morning devotional and prayers.  By 6:00am we were ready for our walk around the old Nauvoo city and enjoyed a beautiful almost Spring-like morning.  The moon was nearly full and made a nice light around the walking path.

It has been such a great blessing for us to have these beautiful mornings to stay in the best shape possible.  We certainly aren't able to do the workouts we did 10 years ago, but we are both very grateful that we can still do something that helps us strengthen our bodies.  It usually takes me about 30 minutes after our one hour walk to get in all the stretching, in my little routine, and the time is well spent for me.  I feel bad for those who have more limitations on what they can do with various assorted problems with knees, backs, feet and other ailments that keep them from enjoying a more physical life style.

Take a look at this precious picture;

The Missionary bulletin board as seen from the kitchen!

We drove to Sam's Club in Quincy this morning to pick up our "Christmas package".  Our precious family took this picture during our grandson Jackson's baptism, and put it on canvas and sent it to us.  What an absolute treasure!  It wasn't hard to pick the most "looked at" spot in our little cottage!  We are always checking the site assignment and the Rendezvous Play assignment sheets we post here.  There is no better place to put this precious picture and marvel at how everyone looks so good!

The moon was full tonight as we walked down to the Cultural Hall for our Rendezvous Play.  Mom and I had a few small parts tonight as we played to a packed audience.  Seems like Thanksgiving break is in full swing, and, we also noted, that all the new temple missionaries have arrived for their 6 month to 12 month missions.  

On Thanksgiving Day, and on Christmas Day, our Emma Hale cast will be performing the Rendezvous Play and both nights, mom and I have the lead parts.  So, what else would two senior missionaries do on two of the most wonderful holidays to be together with family?  We are looking forward to both of these holidays with our mission family.  The experience will be unique for us, but we will be able to share it with some of the most amazing people in the world.  

When I think of 2 Nephi 2:25, "Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy," I usually have connected that to being with family.  I still do, but what is so wonderful is that we get to serve here in Nauvoo with 60 or so other couples, this winter, who are all temple recommend holders, have a desire to be together forever with their families, and have taken 12, 18 and 23 months away from their precious families to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ here in the Illinois, Nauvoo Mission, with us!....

Do you think we are in good hands?  I think we are!  And, as time goes by, our reunion with our family will be that much more precious and much anticipated!  We love you!  Thank you for that beautiful picture!!

November 22, 2015 - Sunday in Nauvoo

On this Sabbath Day, we were ready to begin the day early.  Mom and I had our devotional and prayers done by 6:30am.  I had the privilege to help set-up the Sacrament this morning.  We got there at the Stake center by 7:00am after walking over from the house.  It was about 21 degrees this morning with very little wind.  I still wore my heavy overcoat and my ears were the only part of my body to suffer a little.  When we got home this afternoon, I quickly found my ear muffs and they are now readily available!

Our Sacrament meeting went well this morning.  I picked up an insight on "stiff neckedness".... have you ever thought of someone who is "stiff necked" as one who doesn't look right, or left.  Up or down? 

That picture caught my attention.  One who is "stiff necked" will not look up and acknowledge God's Hand in their lives, will not look down to worship Heavenly Father, and will not look to the right or to the left on the issues they face.  They look straight ahead and "self" center their thoughts and their words and their actions.

I can't help but think that perhaps I have had that "stiff neck" attitude at times.  At least I do not want to continue down that path knowing that "this is the time to prepare to meet God", and that; as Alma taught in Chapter 12 verse 14,... "our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence."

What I want is a very flexible neck!  

The balance of the afternoon was spent relaxing and writing up the final thoughts on our missionary dinner activity.  Mom gets so uptight about these activities, but having worked the deli, we have found out that getting too anxious about catering for 150 or so people kind of takes your energy away from making the activity as perfect as possible.  Do any of you remember our first big catering job at BYU-Idaho for the 7th Stake presidency and high council??  I thought that I would never survive that first effort, but Jared and Tom showed me how to do hard things easily!  Thank you guys for being patient with me!

One more thought for the day.  Every time mom and I have our favorite breakfast for dinner, I think about my Nana.  There was not a kinder or more loving lady in my growing up years than my mom and my Nana.  Nana was my dad's mom and she loved my dad very much.  I can't imagine the pain she went through when my dad died suddenly while working his shift at the fire department on that Easter Sunday 1953.  She always gave me special attention and was especially kind to me during my pre teen and teen age years.  I knew that I would always find refuge in her home and looked forward to those visits two or three times a year while living in the mountains.  She would made her famous "Chess Pies" for our birthdays - a treat in the shape of a cupcake made out of what I remember as a pecan pie filling.  She also introduced me to peanut butter on pancakes with maple syrup.  I later improved the recipe with a generous serving of whipped cream on top.  I can't help but think that she must be so proud of me improving that meal in such a simple and dignified way...

When Granny and Grandpa get home, I am hoping to spend time with any grandchild that would like to know more about their ancestors that I grew up with.  Grandma Howard, (the hat lady with the best feather tick bed),  Daddy Jack (one of my heroes), Nana (another hero and elect lady), Grandpa Sykes (I played football for him!), Granny 1 (another hero and elect lady), Uncle Earl, (baseball pitcher), Uncle Doyle, (yachtsman), Aunt Beverly, Uncle Lynn, Aunt Gerry...  so many others!!   Family History time!!!  Are you excited to learn about what and who made Grandpa, well... Grandpa?  So many contributed to my life!

Thank you for checking in with me tonight!  We love you!!

November 21, 2015 - Saturday in Nauvoo

We woke up this morning ready to begin this day of service for the Nauvoo Stake missionary effort. It was this that caught our attention as we walked out the door just after 7:00am;

Yes, our first trace of snow for the season ahead!  The wind was cold and the snow was drifting horizontally.  I wanted a warmer day without the wind and, I included that in my prayers this morning! We went ahead and "plowed" through the day, (pun intended), and we were determined to make the most of whatever the Lord had in mind for us.

Of course, mom was up early this morning and I joined her at around 5:20am for our morning prayers and devotional.  I then had a good workout and then got ready for the day.  We had to forgo our walk this morning due to the time constraints, but we were anxious to get this opportunity started.

We arrived at the Stake center at about 7:30am.  We were set to gather at 8:00am so we got there early, (go figure), and turned up the heat and started putting the table set up plans in motion.  Most of our team arrived right at 8:00am and we started with prayer.  I had to take a few pictures of the startup;

How many to set up for???

Where do you want this table Elder Lasher???

Let's think about this....

Relief Society decorators!

Now we are talking!  Priesthood supervision!

A plain table to ......

An elegant table setting! 

We had a great team of missionaries here and on time to help get the tables set up.  Our goal was to have the tables and chairs and the kitchen set up by 9:20am this morning and be back at the Visitor's Center by 9:30am.  We made it!

As we gathered together this morning, the first thing we heard was that some of the folks coming from McComb were cancelling because of the weather.  That was not what we wanted to hear.  We decided to press forward and let the Lord take care of the numbers.  We were determined to prepare our fields....

Here was a fun experience today that we could not have planned for.  While I was in the Visitor's Center, a lady called wanting to take the 2:00pm wagon ride with about 20 students.  She asked if there was a place to have lunch indoors.  She left that message with the front desk and they approached me on the question.  I initially said no and turned my attention somewhere else.

Well, the Spirit had another idea, and that thought came to me as I was reviewing the wagon rides at the Family Living Center about an hour later, that we did have a place for them here at the Stake Center!  I went back by the Visitor's Center and let the missionaries working there today know that we would find a place for them at the Stake Center.

When they came, it was a group of International exchange students going to school in Quincy from from all over the world, coming to Nauvoo for a field trip to learn more about early American history.  We welcomed all of them to the Stake Center and even shared some of our desserts with them as we related the history of the Latter-day Saints in the 1840's.  By the way, they were all prospective members of the Church!

Their homelands were from all over Asia including China and Japan and Africa.  What a missed opportunity that would have been to not have a place for them to have lunch on this cold Fall day!

And the weather was tempered today!  By the time we were ready to start the wagon rides at 11:00am, the sun was breaking through the clouds.  We had almost 150 in attendance at the dinner and had food enough for all.

Perhaps you are already quoting my Scripture that defines the way I felt with the tender mercies that the Lord provided for us on this day of service;  "Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these, my brethren.... you have done it unto me".  And maybe even D&C 18:15-16;

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

 16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

Now, certainly, there was so much good accomplished today with all the missionaries involved. Elder Hall was able to talk to some of the college students who were from Africa about his mission to Africa.  And many of the missionaries went up and down the tables talking to those in attendance from the Nauvoo Stake, many of whom were less active or recently activated.  It was a festive event and went pretty smooth.  The only downside was that there was minimal Nauvoo Stake involvement for follow-up in the coming days and weeks and months.  

Here are a few more pictures from today:

We had three full wagons of this blustery day

The best help in the world!

Good memories .... ask mom!

Family Living Center - starting point for the wagon rides today

Yes, it appears that we had a pretty good day to teach and testify of our work here in Nauvoo.  We had such a great group of missionaries who stepped up and made this day a success.  Our success was magnified by the individual personal efforts of all those involved.