April 11, 2016 - Monday in Nauvoo

Our P-day arrived again after a fairly quick work week!  We always look forward to this day to resupply and finish up some chores around the house and to take some time to rest and relax from the routines of the mission.

We enjoyed our morning devotional and our prayers as we began the day.  We took our walk around the flats here in Old Nauvoo and got back to the house a little over an hour later, around 7:00am.  Our goal was to drive to Keokuk and do our necessary shopping and then return back to Nauvoo for the 10:00am temple session.  Even though our favorite grocery store opens at 9:00am, we still made it!

We then drove home, after our temple session, to change our clothing and work around the house.  I was so excited when I saw this bad boy in our drive-way;  (no not the driver!.... the lawn mower!!) The FM group dropped it off while we were away and then I got to mow the lawn!

I get to mow the yard!

It was the perfect day to mow the yard, and the perfect temperature.  The sun was out, and the breeze was cool, with temperatures in the high 40's.  Take a look at how much lawn we have;

Here is the front yard

The open side yard

The ample back yard

A view of the side yard looking toward the front drive-way

As I continue to ponder the General Conference talks, I am grateful for the subtle reminders we get when we listen to the talks the first time, and, probably even more so, as we review the talks multiple times, before the conference issue of the Ensign comes out.  One of those subtle reminder talks was given by Elder Steven E. Snow on being humble.  I have copied the talk summary here from the church web-site;

Elder Steven E. Snow
Of the Seventy
If we humble ourselves, our prayers are answered; we enjoy peace of mind; we serve more effectively in our callings; and if we continue to be faithful, we will ultimately return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. …

…We must all strive to become more humble. Humility is essential to gain the blessings of the gospel. Humility enables us to have broken hearts when we sin or make mistakes and makes it possible for us to repent. Humility enables us to be better parents, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, neighbors and friends. On the other hand, unnecessary pride can dissolve family relationships, break up marriages, and destroy friendships. It is especially important to remember humility when you feel contention rising in your home. …

Simply living life can be and often is a humbling experience. Accident and illness, the death of loved ones, problems in relationships, even financial reversals can bring us to our knees. Whether these difficult experiences come through no fault of our own or through bad decisions and poor judgment, these trials are humbling. If we choose to be spiritually attuned and remain humble and teachable, our prayers become more earnest and faith and testimony will grow as we overcome the tribulations of mortal existence.

Included in the definition of "humble" are these words; not proud, arrogant or assuming... and further insights to the companion word, "humility", to humble is this from the True to the Faith booklet - To be humble is to recognize gratefully your dependence on the Lord—to understand that you have constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that your talents and abilities are gifts from God. It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear; it is an indication that you know where your true strength lies. You can be both humble and fearless. You can be both humble and courageous.  

It is definitely not easy for me to be humble or to show humility.  I love the example of Levi Savage who traveled with the Willie Handcart Company.  He had some very strong words of caution for the Saints as they began their trek to the Salt Lake Valley late in the season, but he loved and supported his leaders after the decision was made to press forward.

The good news is that I am working on that aspect of my life here in the mission field!  Of course we know that the Lord said words to this effect, "things will not be easy, but work hard and make the improvements you need to make, and it will be worth it!"  Add humility to those efforts, and we have a seriously good combination of attitude and personal effort!