Wednesday mornings in the mission field are consistent with training. Today was our weekly training meeting and we spent an hour and twenty minutes in lectures about conference talks and how they relate to the mission. We had several missionaries give their ideas on some of the last conference talks, and then the meeting closed with Elder Holland's closing talk on Sunday afternoon. I have really enjoyed the talks that Elder Holland gives, and I included his talk a few days ago to help encourage me, and each of us, to just keep trying to do our best in my letter to Freddy and in the talk summary.
Mom and I were both up early, this morning, and we had to get to the training meeting by 7:15am. That eliminated the morning walk, but I did get to do my full workout here at the house before we left. Mom was scheduled in the Bakery, on the early shift, and I was at the Brickyard, for the late shift. We had about a dozen tours of the Brickyard, with anywhere from one to nine folks in the group. Then at the Rendezvous Play tonight, we had about 50 in attendance. Still pretty quiet here in Nauvoo as we get ready to gear up for the summer crowds.
It is always so much fun for me to lead tours in the Brickyard or the Blacksmith shop, or the Family Living Center when young children are in the group. I often picture my grandchildren in those groups! I love being around my grandchildren and have always enjoyed being around the youth in our different wards. Perhaps that is why I enjoyed Elder Hallstrom's conference talk. Knowing that we have a loving and kind Heavenly Father, it stands to reason that we are a part of His family and included as His children! It is a very comforting reality and thought for me to ponder and consider over the years. And I have copied the talk summary from the Church website here tonight;
Of the Presidency of the Seventy
Our most fundamental
doctrine includes the knowledge that we are children of a living God.
That is why one of His most sacred names is Father—Heavenly Father. …
… A correct
understanding of our heavenly heritage is essential to exaltation. It is
foundational to comprehending the glorious plan of salvation and to
nurturing faith in the firstborn of the Father, Jesus the Christ, and in
His merciful Atonement. Further, it provides continual motivation for
us to make and keep our indispensable eternal covenants. …
Here on earth, we
identify ourselves in many different ways, including our place of birth,
our nationality, and our language. Some even identify themselves by
their occupation or their hobby. These earthly identities are not wrong unless they supersede or interfere with our eternal identity—that of being a son or a daughter of God. …
… We live in a world
that can cause us to forget who were really are. The more distractions
that surround us, the easier it is to treat casually, then ignore, and
then forget our connection with God. …
In today’s world, no
matter where we live and no matter what our circumstances are, it is
essential that our preeminent identity is as a child of God. Knowing
that will allow our faith to flourish, will motivate our continual
repentance, and will provide the strength to be “steadfast and
immovable” throughout our mortal journey [Mosiah 5:15].
The world is moving so rapidly away from any form of religion, let along acknowledging a Heavenly Father. It is our sweet responsibility to keep sharing this precious fact with all the world. He is our Father, and He sent His Son to die for us, that we might live with Him again. Any wonderful and kind father would take care of his children and provide for their needs and comforts. He is our example, and our Exemplar, and our pattern to follow. I am looking forward to that marvelous reunion with my Heavenly Parents and with the privilege of being together forever with my earthly family. I can't imagine a better "purpose" for this life and for the promises of being together after this life, forever!
What glorious truths! ❤️
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