April 5, 2016 - Tuesday in Nauvoo

Our morning routine was, again, invigorating as we prepared for our day.  There is nothing quite like taking the time to pray as a family, and individually, and then read Scriptures together, discuss and ponder them together, and then talk about ways they apply to our lives.  And this discussion is usually continued as we take our walk around Nauvoo together.  See what lies ahead for senior missionaries?  

I feel that the time mom and I have spent on this mission has been so edifying and uplifting and has strengthened our relationship.  And we see real growth coming from our children as they love us and support us, and yes, even as we dearly miss each other..  The blessings have been worth every effort we have made or have at least attempted to make.

We both had separate schedules today.  Mom worked at the Seventies Hall from 12noon to 5:00pm, and I worked at the Brickyard from 9:45am to 5:00pm.  I had the opportunity to work with a new missionary today, Elder Winegar, and he is doing a great job on his tours and in learning the processes in the brick making.  We enjoyed working together.

Then, tonight, I substituted in the Lucy Mack cast for the sick Editor.  In fact, both cast members who play the Editor were down.  That gave me the opportunity to keep my dialog sharp and we had two shows tonight!  Both audiences were fun to play for.  Mom got the night off and sat right next to me on the bench, even staying up until 9:30pm with me!....  The Jeppson's will know right where mom sat!

My reflections tonight go back to President Eyrings opening remarks on Saturday morning.  I got to hear that talk in full, and I loved how he put the perspective right on each one of us, individually, to get the most out of the talks that were prepared under guidance and inspiration from the Lord.  Here is a summery of his remarks that I took from the Church website;

Numbering more than one or two, a multitude of His disciples are gathered in this conference, and as promised, the Lord is in our midst. … By the power of the Spirit, we can feel that He is here with us today. … … We all have had seeds, or the word of God, planted in our hearts at one time. …

All of us have had our faith tested by precious blessings delayed, vicious attacks of those who wanted to destroy our faith, temptations to sin, and selfish interests that reduced our efforts to cultivate and soften the spiritual depths of our hearts. …

… There will be a precious opportunity in the next few days to choose to have our hearts softened and to receive and nourish the seed. … … If you listen with the Spirit, you will find your heart softened, your faith strengthened, and your capacity to love the Lord increased.

Your choice to pray with full purpose of heart will transform your experience in the conference sessions and in the days and months that follow. …

I loved the perspective of "choice" and "precious opportunity" to listen to the speakers.  Having "the Lord in our midst" was a marvelous blessing for a disciple of Jesus Christ!  

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we took this same attitude into our Sacrament Meetings and prayed for the Holy Ghost to bless not only the speakers, but bless us to be sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit given just for us.... even praying "with full purpose of heart!  I think that talk was significant for me and a reminder about personal preparation!