January 17, 2016 - Sunday in Nauvoo

Today marked the official transition day to our new mission president.  President and Sister Hall have replaced President and Sister Gibbons as the Illinois, Nauvoo Mission President.  The Gibbons were called into service after he was released from the 2nd Quorum of the Seventy and arrived here in Nauvoo in January 2014.  The called mission president became ill in November 2013, and could not fulfill his assignment.  President Gibbons was 74 at the time of this call, and came to Nauvoo with his wife after the brethren determined they needed the replacement.  We have enjoyed President and Sister Gibbons and will always remember their kindness and positive attitudes.

Taking a look at the thermometer this morning, we had a barely positive reading!  It was 2 degrees and very cold.  After our morning devotional and prayers, we left for our Sacrament Meeting at 7:10am.  The meeting began at 7:50am and you all know we love to get there early!  The mission choir was practicing their musical number, and what a great way to prepare to take the Sacrament.  It was almost a Paul Kenny thirty minutes of prelude music experience!  I loved coming into the Chapel and hearing Brother Kenny playing his heart out for all who would come early to hear!

In the Sacrament talks this morning, I had this thought;  We were being taught about the Tree of Life, and the Iron Rod leading up to the tree.  So many times we are taught to never let go of that "Rod of Iron", to avoid being lost and losing our way.  But the speaker brought up two scenarios that I had not thought of.  What do you do when the person in front of you stops.  Do you let go of the iron Rod to pass him?  And another scenario, what if one of you "wayward" children are calling to you from the 'big and spacious building'.  Do you let go of the Iron Rod to go and help them?

Thinking about this today has generated some thoughts.  As for the person stopping right in front of you;  wouldn't it be in our best interest to stay behind them and give them encouragement instead of using the passing lane, (if there is a passing lane.....).  And for the "wayward" child, wouldn't it be in our best interest to stay on the path, clinging to the rod and shouting out encouragement and inviting them to come and join you?

I think that is the way Lehi may have suggested when he saw his family confused and wondering how to get on the path.  He beckoned to them and some found their way!... However, Laman and Lemuel made the decision to not try to get on the path.  Tough choices for a parent and eternal consequences for the child.  Both scenarios are thought provoking.... what would we do?

Mom and I had a quiet and restful afternoon.  We attended our District Meeting tonight and were back in our warm and cozy cottage by 8:00pm.  We have had a refreshing and edifying Sabbath Day.  I got to talk to some family members tonight and even spoke to my Aunt Toni who is 95 years old.  She represents the last connection on my side of the family with that generation.  PopPop, at 92 years, represents the last connection to that generation on mom's side.  There is so much I want to pass on to my grandchildren!