May 2, 2016 - Monday in Nauvoo

We had a great Preparation day, today!  The weather was cool, with temperatures this morning at the high 40's, and this afternoon in the low 50"s.  However, there was very little rain!  We had our morning devotional and prayers, first thing this morning.  Then we took our extended walk around the flats in Old Nauvoo.  We got home just before 7:00am and finished our preparations for the day.

The Temple has reopened and the Monday schedule has been expanded.  Sessions began at 8:00am this morning, so we were able to attend the 9:00am session.  We were asked to be the witness couple.  And most of the patrons this morning were the new temple missionaries here for the summer sessions.  We have already seen the Dalling's from Rexburg, and saw the Hurley's from a distance during the Sacrament meeting yesterday from Rigby.  We have been blessed to work with both of these new temple missionary couples back at BYU-Idaho.

Once we got back home after the temple session, I took the car down to FM and gave it a good scrubbing inside and out!  I always have enjoyed a clean car!  Then mom and I enjoyed lunch together and cleaning up the dishes.  It was, "precisely", after the dishes were finished, that my nap began calling!  I was obedient and answered the call...

With the changing of the month, our nights for Rendezvous, for May, changed as well.  We have our shows this month on Monday's and Thursday's.  Tonight mom and I had brief parts and pretty much gave supporting roles in the songs.  We had a very good audience tonight!

Let me close with a thought or two about "fear".   I have posted the Bible Dictionary's meaning of the word "fear".  There is so much going on in the world today, that fear really is out of control.  But for us, fear should be in control and, for me, a refocus made on what really matters in this life.  It has been helpful, for me, to put in perspective what Elder Joseph B. Worthlin said; "Come what may and love it"....  Things of this life may be terrifying, but should never "feared".  However, things involving the eternities, I think, need to be reverenced as an essential part of our "attitude of mind" as we seek to return to our Heavenly Father... Here is that definition; 

Care should be taken to distinguish between two different uses of this word. The “fear of the Lord” is frequently spoken of as part of man’s duty (Ps. 111:10; Eccl. 12:13; Isa. 11:2–3; Luke 1:50); it is also described as “godly fear” (Heb. 12:28). In such passages fear is equivalent to reverence, awe, worship, and is therefore an essential part of the attitude of mind in which we ought to stand toward the All-holy God. On the other hand fear is spoken of as something unworthy of a child of God, something that “perfect love casteth out” (1 Jn. 4:18). The first effect of Adam’s sin was that he was afraid (Gen. 3:10). Sin destroys that feeling of confidence God’s child should feel in a loving Father and produces instead a feeling of shame and guilt. Ever since the Fall God has been teaching men not to fear, but with penitence to ask forgiveness in full confidence of receiving it.

Now, just a couple of the many Scriptures that give us hope, and take away that "fear";

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:27

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full glory:

“Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”  1 Peter 1:7–9

Reading 1 Peter 1:7-9, and realizing for the first time, that, "our trials are more precious than gold"!  Think of that profound statement!   The eternal benefits of trials verses the worldly benefits of riches.  Is there really any choice here?  Knowing what we know about the opportunity to live with our Heavenly Father, again, and with all of our precious family members, it really is a "no-brainer" for me!  We just need to hand in there as these trials come to us.  It will be to our eternal benefit.

Thank you for checking in with us tonight!  We are so grateful for the love and the support from so many family members and friends!