June 5, 2016 - Sunday in Nauvoo

It was a beautiful Sabbath Day here in Nauvoo.  We got to share it with our precious family as we attended the missionary ward at 7:50am.  It was so much fun to be together on this special day of fasting, and partaking of the Sacrament together, and participating in other Sabbath Day activities.  We had our breakfast for lunch meal, and then went to the Old Nauvoo Pioneer cemetery, where Mary was able to find her ancestors grave marker.  That was a special blessing to gather around the marker!  And I even got to hold precious Faith!

Faith taking a Sabbath Day nap... in Grandpa's arms!

Here are some sweet pictures of the breakfast for lunch activity.  Looks like we had a good reception for the food fare, and Grandpa remembered how to make the special pancakes for the kids!  Loaded with whipped cream!

Breakfast of Champions!

And here are some pictures around the temple before our meetings, and then, again, after our meetings.  I had Bobby and Jacob walk to the Church with me this morning, and Anna joined us on our walk back to the house!  They should sleep very good tonight!

The morning clouds gathering around the temple

Perfectly posed picture

 

Brothers learning about the perfect example of brothers Joseph and Hyrum

After our sweet experience at the Nauvoo Pioneer Cemetery, we drove out to Carthage.  This is such a special place to visit and feel the Spirit of Joseph and Hyrum.  We got there at 12:30pm, just as they were opening.  I quickly got a key and headed into the jail to tell the story of the Martyrdom, while the first visitors were being shown the movie.  I had about a 15 minute head start, to set the stage, for the events of June 25, 26, and 27, 1844.  I also took some pictures to preserve the experience;

Remember the special feeling in the Martyrdom room?

All together for this special day

I could not let Mary pass up an opportunity to play for Joseph and Hyrum

Perhaps a new special feeling between these brothers?

If you look closely at Bobby's tie in the picture with Jacob in front of Joseph and Hyrum, you will notice the "Elder Lasher" name tag!  All the young Lasher's wanted one for future reference and use!  Bobby wore it today because he was dressed as a missionary!

A "cooling off" moment with a frozen pop!

A picture in front of the Mansion House

We enjoyed a busy afternoon walking Parley Street and visiting the Community of Christ visitors area.  The former RLDS run this area, and charge for admission, but we just walked the sites and enjoyed the afternoon breezes. 

What a blessing it is to have the fulness of the Gospel in our lives!  The dilution of the principles of the restored Gospel are all around us.  Sometimes we have been given so much in our lives that we don't fully appreciate what we have and what we have the privilege of sharing.  Every person in the world today needs exactly what the Gospel has to offer.  It is up to us to reach out and share this precious message every single day, until everyone has the chance to accept it or reject it.  Knowing what we know, and having experienced what we have experienced, we hope and pray that more people will be willing to accept this wonderful message.  It will change their lives, no matter what they have, or have not, done.