February 7, 2016 - Sunday in Nauvoo

What a beautiful spring-like day we had today!  Snow is forecast for tomorrow, but today we were able to walk to Church and enjoy the fresh February air.  Today was our Fast and Testimony meeting at the Sacrament meeting.  We got there at the meeting about 7:20am, after stopping at the Visitors Center to drop off our lunch, and, to get the building ready for the meetings after the Sacrament Meeting.

We had a few visitors this morning at the Sacrament meeting.  There has been a good group of members from all over the United Sates staying over for the Sunday meetings.  We had some interesting testimonies given today.  It is always interesting to see how senior missionaries, with vast Church experience, interpret what "bearing a testimony" really is!  

After our meetings for Sunday school and a combined Priesthood/Relief Society meeting, mom and I reported for our duties at the Visitors Center.  We had the early shift from 11:00am until 2:00pm.  We had several visitors during our shift.  But, perhaps the best visitors were two workers from Ft. Madison who are here working on a major building project.  

That project is about to end, so they took the opportunity to come to Nauvoo to see what the city is all about.  Both were not members of the Church, but they both took some literature and each took a copy of the Book of Mormon.  And they indicated they would like to come and see us do the Rendezvous Play Thursday night!  We are looking forward to them coming back to see us!

We got home from the Visitors Center about 2:30pm this afternoon.  We enjoyed a marvelous walk home, and we were glad to be home!  We had our favorite breakfast for dinner meal this afternoon!  Then we decided to stay home tonight and enjoy a very peaceful and quiet evening together.  It doesn't get any better than this!  It has been a good Sabbath Day.

February 6, 2016 - Saturday in Nauvoo

On February 6, 1846, the Saints had just begun their exodus from Nauvoo just 2 days prior.  They were being forced out by mob violence and were experiencing the same treatment they had from the Missouri mobs of 1838-1839.  I just can't imagine how they must have felt to be driven out of their warm homes and away from their beautiful gardens and prosperous businesses.  Especially on that very cold month of February 1846, where the Mississippi River froze over on one of the few times in recorded history.  

It turned out to be a blessing to help most of the 10,000 Saints cross that river and get away from the evil treatment from these lawless mobs.  Imagine an entire community moving itself.  This is the only time this has happened in American History!

This morning we held the annual reenactment of the beginning of that exodus.  The date was February 4, 1846, where the first of the Saints crossed the river with barely more than the clothes on their backs and provisions and equipment that they hoped would sustain them until they reached their destination in the Rocky Mountains.  The program was well done and I had the privilege of offering the opening prayer.  My sweetheart caught a picture of that historic moment and I am posting some others that may be of interest;

Mom and I waiting for the program to begin

The attitude of prayer for a sacred occasion

Mom and Sister Skinner - about 500 in attendance!

Three presenters of pioneer stories including Sister Goodman

 We are assembled in the Family Living Center and we had people from all over the United States here to remember their ancestors who were part of the Exodus.  This reenactment is an annual event and is well attended.  The presenters in the bottom picture gave readings on the history of that first week.

Many of the countries represented - and the Nauvoo Temple in the background

Four years of temple building to leave it within weeks of the dedication

Ice on the river and mid 30 degree temperatures today compared to -14 in 1846

President Hall - Keynote address

And a descendant eagle no doubt from his 1846 family!

The pictures pretty much tell the story.  We had tempered weather today compared to the minus 14 degree temperatures they had on February 4, 1846.  And as the month of February progressed the temperatures dropped even more to allow the river to completely freeze over.  One picture shows some ice on the river, but there is no way it could be walked on today!

By the way, after mom and I had our morning devotional and prayers, we had time to take our full walk.  Then we walked back down to the Family Living Center and then down Parley Street to the river's edge.  Then we walked back to our little cottage.  We had dinner and then walked to the temple for the 12 noon session and we were asked to be the witness couple.  

After a much needed nap, after the session, we went to our site assignment at the Visitors Center from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.  Yes, mom went with me!  We were there to host a fireside with a brother who tied the life of Abraham Lincoln with the Mormon's.  He had some interesting stories but it was not quite what people thought it might be.  We were there to help answer questions in the Visitors Center before and after the presentation.  We had 2 other couples there with us.  However, we were not really needed with the group that came.  We were just needed to make sure the building got locked up!

It was a long day but we made it through.  I got to see my friend, Riley, who came with his dad and grandparents.  He was so excited to see his "missionary friend".  We connected and had some fun together and I was able to reinforce some Gospel principles in our activities.  These are wonderful memories for us!

February 5, 2016 - Friday in Nauvoo

This week the Exodus is the main topic of conversation here in Nauvoo.  We are in the 2nd day of events that are associated with the enactment programs here.  The Community of Christ Church, (RLDS),  is playing a substantial role in having speakers teach about the "Untold Stories" of the pioneers here in the 1840's.  We are seeing groups coming in from many areas, and with tomorrow's actual reenactment walk down Parley Street, we will see folks from all over.  

Mom and I both had separate assignments today.  She worked at the Post Office and I had the Blacksmith's Shop assignment.  Both sites were very quiet all day.  Mom never did have any visitors but at 4:30pm we had 3 groups come in for the final 30 minutes of my assignment at the Blacksmith Shop. That is typically how it happens on these slow days!

Our morning devotional and prayers always set a wonderful tone for our day.  And our 3.5 mile walk was cold and brisk and very refreshing. I spent another 30 minutes in some stretching exercises, and that was the conclusion of my morning preparations for today.  After our site assignments, mom and I went to the Visitors Center to post some signs about the Exodus Reenactment tomorrow,  and then we came home to enjoy a very nice quiet evening.  I am close to completing another knitted hat for one of my Grandsons!

February 4, 2016 - Our 39th Wedding Anniversary - In Nauvoo

We had a wonderful anniversary today.  It was cold but no wind was blowing so our walk was invigorating as always.  We were up and getting ready for the day by 5:30am.  Of course mom was up earlier... We had our morning devotional and prayers and enjoyed the walk around Nauvoo.

I had an appointment in Carthage for my hair cut today, and we drove out there for the 10:45am appointed time.  We got back just in time for our lunch and then we were off to the Visitors Center for our late shift.  We had a few more visitors today here at the Visitors Center.  We are preparing to do the annual re-enactment of the Exodus of the Saints from Nauvoo.  The events begin tomorrow and go through Saturday, and people are starting to arrive for the weekend events.

What a privilege it is to be here on the 170th anniversary of the Exodus from Nauvoo.  On February 4, 1846, the Saints began that exodus.  They left their beautiful homes and gardens, and their magnificent temple, and were forced to leave almost everything behind to take this journey.  They had a few short months to build and pack over 2,000 wagons, with very basic supplies, for a trip to the Rocky Mountains.  Most did not even know what was ahead of them but they were willing to follow a Prophet of God.  

The Rendezvous Play is a production about their lives and experiences, and, ultimately, their decision to follow the Prophet.  It was such a blessing to perform that show tonight in front of over 50 guests, in the audience, on this anniversary!  I think our performance was aided by some of those pioneers tonight from the 1840's!  I felt a sweet presence with me as I delivered my lines!

It is interesting to note some of my history here.  I was baptized on July 24, 1971.  July 24th!  I had no idea what the significance of that day was for many years in the Church!  That was the day the Saints arrived in the Salt Lake Valley.  And then when mom and I were married on February 4, 1977, we had no idea what the significance of that day was!  It wasn't until we accepted a mission call to the Illinois, Nauvoo, Mission that we were able to learn about the significance of this day.  It was the day the Saints began that trip to the Rocky Mountains and the Salt Lake Valley!

It was such a sweet experience tonight, for me, to represent the printing industry in the 1840's!  The tender mercies that the Lord has for us are innumerable.  He blesses us in so many ways and today was one of those special days for us.  

In 1977, mom and I set the foundation stones for our children and grandchildren.  As I look back from today to that wonderful day in February 1977, I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me and my family!  And the blessings continue to come as our faith grows and our determination to serve increases.

February 3, 2016 - Wednesday in Nauvoo

It was 39 years ago, tonight, February 3, 1977, that mom flew in from Austin, Texas, to Los Angeles, California, to marry me in the Los Angeles Temple.  Imagine that!  We were set to see each other for the third time since our very first meeting, on October 29, 1976.  We met in San Antonio, Texas, through my sister Jackie.  I was working for Longs Drug Stores in Santa Maria, California, and Jackie was in San Antonio for nurses basic Army training for her Army reserve unit.  She met mom there in San Antonio and called me while I was living the bachelors life at Shell Beach in California's central coast, and suggested that I come out to San Antonio and "meet my future wife".  

Being the obedient brother, I did just that!  I had just completed the grand opening of the brand new Santa Maria Longs, and we had just worked hard for the previous 8 weeks to get the store ready to open.  My manager gave me the long weekend off after the very successful grand opening, and the stage was set.  We celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary tomorrow!

We had our weekly training meeting today and just before the meeting began, the new mission president came by and acknowledged receiving my letter of suggestions.  Let's see what that means in the coming days!  The meeting went well and mom and I separated for our site assignments.  She worked at the Scovil Bakery and I worked at the Tin Shop.  Neither one of us had any visitors.  But I did complete another hat!

Tomorrow will be another milestone in our lives.  Marriages don't normally last for 39 years in this day and age.  And especially with such minimal dating and getting acquainted times that lead up to marriage.  This truly was a match made in Heaven because it wasn't something we could have done on our own.  Mom was told many times that her future husband would, "never walk up to your door"... That she would have to go out and hit the gentile dating scene.  She refused to do that and preferred waiting on the Lord's timing and dating in the Lord's way.  Lucky me!  And the Lord knew how pathetic I was in finding my eternal mate, especially with my dismal start in the Church.

But, Heaven has looked down on me very favorably over the years.  Married life was started on the left foot so to speak.  We got married in February 1977, and began living together in May of 1977.  She had the Army commitment in Texas and I was moving fast in my career path at Longs in California.  Trying to get her a transfer to California failed miserably, and it was time for me to leave my career and begin our married life together in Texas.  What an absolutely amazing adventure!

It was difficult to get to know each other for the first few years.  We had so many obstacles to overcome and we are still "getting to know each other".  Full time senior missions have a way of helping that process!  We have successfully discovered that this eternal relationship depends on including our Heavenly Father.  And we have learned so many times how patience, thoughtful consideration of each other, humility, and prayer are needed every single day.  I am still learning my lessons.  I want to be better for her, and I need my Fathers help to be the best I can be.....  so much to learn and so little time!  Thank goodness she is forgiving and patient with me!

Oh, speaking of being considerate, I need to make her an anniversary card!  Here's to the next 39 years!  (However, we will be home for #40!)....  Thanks for joining me tonight!

February 2, 2016 - Tuesday in Nauvoo

We woke up to a heavy rain this morning.  It was in the high 30's with no wind, but lots of rain at 5:00am.  By the time we had finished our morning devotional and our prayers, the rain had subsided considerately.  That was just enough for us to bundle up at 6:00am, and don the umbrellas, and we went for our walk around Nauvoo.  We actually went about 2.5 miles.  Our normal distance is 3.5 miles but we finished up at home with our individual workouts.  The rain was getting pretty steady as we arrived back home!

Our site assignment was at the Visitors Center this morning, for the early shift.  We got things opened at 8:45am, and we did not have one guest come in.  And that must have been the pattern of the day since our Rendezvous was cancelled.  It was not our cast tonight but it was cancelled.  We had already made plans and attended the 6:00pm temple session.  We were invited to be the witness couple again tonight.  As we came out of the temple the humidity was 100%.  There was no rain but the air was thick with water!

This has been a good day today.  I have not heard back from the mission president on my letter that detailed some suggestions.  Maybe he has not had time to read it yet so I will see if we get any feedback over the next few days.  I will hope to have at least an acknowledgement! We did find out that he resides in the Rexburg ward that Rob and Laura were attending when they were living in Rexburg.  It is a small world!

February 1, 2016 - Monday in Nauvoo

We had a little different preparation day today.  I was slow to get ready for the day when I got sidetracked in writing up some mission notes.  That put me back by about 45 minutes.  This was after our morning walk, so at least that was on time!  Our Mondays have been pretty open for us the past few months, but tonight we had Rendezvous on the schedule.  That meant that the whole day was not our own!

After our morning devotional and prayers, and walk around Nauvoo, and my mission notes, we were ready for our trip to Keokuk.  I am being very careful with the spending of money.  We went straight to the grocery store and got the basic supplies and got back home by 11:00am.  

I finished up another knitted hat and started another one today after we got back home.  But on our way back from Keokuk we saw several eagles.  Take a look at this picture and see if you can see him.  I caught the picture right before I got a phone call.  As we were talking on the phone he flew off and I missed a pretty good shot of his spread wingspan flight!

The eagles are plentiful along the highway to Keokuk next to the Mississippi.

His flight from this branch was magnificent and he headed to the water for some fishing.  He landed on the ice, out about 100 yards from the shore, and then I lost track of him.  Good times!

We had our Rendezvous Play tonight.  We had 7 in the audience including our new mission president and his wife.  Mom and I had the smaller parts tonight so no pressure for us!  I think the show went well.

Then, my final thoughts go back to Father Lehi.  I keep thinking about all that he had to go through with his family and his friends.  Back in his day there were many prophets who came to testify of the wickedness of the people and Lehi got called at about 600 BC....  I can't imagine how he must have felt when friends mocked him, when he had to leave his wealth behind, and, when, along the way, his sons murmured, and his wife murmured.  Then Ishmael's family turned against him, and food became scarce, and Nephi's bow breaks, and his brother's bow's lose there spring.... and on and on.  It must have been such a Job experience for him.  I know the Scriptures are written for our day..... how would I have reacted?

It is surprising and sobering to see that he, too, murmured against the Lord, but only briefly.  He recognized the wrong he had done, and he quickly got back on track.  And the most powerful record, in the Book of Mormon, was where Nephi never wavered.  What an example of staying true to the faith!  

But I also note that there is hope that when we do stumble and fall, we can get back up and press forward with renewed faith and energy.  This is our time to prepare ourselves to meet our God, and if we do fall, He will help us get back up, if we allow Him to!  Isn't it wonderful that we can work together in this great cause?