Nauvoo offered another beautiful Spring day, today. The early morning temperatures were in the high 40's and the air was, again, crisp and clear. We absolutely love mornings walks like we had today. And the rest of the day was just as spectacular with the high temperatures in the low 80's! The warmest day so far this year.
Mom and I began our day with our morning devotional and prayers. We got a little later start, than usual this morning, because of the late night last night with the mission talent show. However, we were only 15 minutes later than usual, so that wasn't too bad at all. We both had a split shift today, and our sites were right across the street from each other. Mom was in the Lucy Mack Smith home and I was at the Brickyard. We got to share the two hours between our shifts, together and had lunch, a sweet nap, and made preparations for our weekly fast.
Then, tonight, we had two Rendezvous shows scheduled, with a big "if" on the second show. Ultimately, there was room in the first show for extra guests, so, the second show ended up getting canceled. Mom and I were grateful to get home earlier tonight, because of our Church schedule tomorrow. I have been asked to help prepare the Sacrament, so we will get there around 7:00am.
I have often felt the influence of the Holy Ghost in my life. It has become more recognizable, with time, and with obedience and practice. It is interesting to note that the Holy Ghost really is a Comfort to me, and has been a sought after Companion in many of my challenging circumstances. It was noteworthy, as I read the talk summaries, again, of how gentle He speaks to my mind and my heart. Now, if I can only get better at listening and hearkening to these promptings! Here is the summary of that talk, by Elder Hales, from the Church website;
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The Holy Ghost
provides personal revelation to help us make major life decisions about
such things as education, missions, careers, marriage, children, where
we will live with our families, and so on. In these matters, Heavenly
Father expects us to use our agency, study the situation out in our
minds according to gospel principles, and bring a decision to Him in
prayer. …
I remind all of us
that the Holy Ghost is not given to control us. Some of us unwisely seek
the Holy Ghost’s direction on every minor decision in our lives. This
trivializes His sacred role. The Holy Ghost honors the principle of
agency. He speaks to our minds and our hearts gently about matters of
consequence. …
The revealed truths of
the restored gospel came through the pattern of seeking in prayer, then
receiving and following the promptings of the Holy Ghost. … I testify
that today, revelation from the Lord to the First Presidency and the
Twelve comes according to these same sacred patterns. …
The Holy Ghost is the medium for God’s work, in families and throughout the Church. …
… I offer my testimony
of the personal revelation and constant flow of daily guidance,
caution, encouragement, strength, spiritual cleansing, comfort, and
peace that have come to our family through the Holy Ghost. Through the
Holy Ghost, we experience “the multitude of his tender mercies” [1 Nephi 8:8] and miracles that do not cease.
We have been blessed with another great week! The time away from our precious family and friends has been challenging, at times. We know that the adversary wants us to stumble and fail in our attempts to be the best missionaries we can be. Certainly the thoughts and precious memories of being with family, and helping them in their lives, has been the greatest challenge. But we are doing well and the blessings of this mission will be held in the highest regards throughout the eternities!
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