Wednesday—July 9—today
our day began at the Arrival Center at about 7:15 AM. As we have mentioned before, what a wonderful
facility for patrons coming that may need to change clothes, shower, have a
cool place to wait for family members attending the temple and so forth. Today we had another “perk” of serving on a
mission. This particular day started off
with a steady flow of baptistery groups and others. Around noon it kind of tapered off and 2
couples came in wanting to change clothes.
As I looked at one of the sisters, I said to myself, that sure looks
like Ardeth Kapp, but didn’t say anything until they came up to the desk and
then I said she looked familiar to me and did we perhaps know each other. She immediately said I am Ardeth Kapp. Now, for those of you who may not know,
Ardeth Kapp was a former Young Women’s General President. She served from 1984-1992. She also happens to be friends with Sharon
and Addie, our dear friends. Darren
Henderson from the Lake Poway Ward Henderson’s served as the AP when they were
mission president in Canada. She has
written over 10 books and has inspired me and many more. It was a joy to meet her.
Tonight was the Susan Easton Black Durrant lecture on the
Nauvoo Temple. We continue to learn from
her wealth of knowledge. Tonight was the
British Pageant debut. Wow, what a
wonderful production. This was also our
day to shine in the finale singing, Called to Serve, Oh Say What is Truth and
Redeemer of Israel. J
Here is a summary of the 2 Pageants:
The Nauvoo and British pageants celebrate the legacy of the
early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Narrated by Parley P. Pratt, the pageant emphasizes the
prophetic mission of Joseph Smith and honors the sacrifice, faith and courage
of the Saints who gave their all to build a city and a temple to their God.
The British pageant explores events surrounding the
beginning of the Church in the British Isles and the impact of the British
member's abiding faith and deep love for one another and the Savior.
The pageants are filled with authentic hymns and folksongs,
lively dances, and tender moments that share the joy these early Church members
found in living Christ's gospel. Through words taken from journals, sermons,
and historic records of the period, the pageants invite all to feel the
powerful testimonies of these faithful Christians.
Here is a link to the British Pageant: http://www.mormon.org/british-pageant
"It's a true story. It's a good story and a story
that's still being written, which might be why you're here," said Ashton,
the fictional character who narrates the British Pageant. "Let me tell you
why I'm here -- because in 1837 my daughter Sarah came home on fire talking
some nonsense about some prophet in America. Then again, if you do some real searching, you'll discover that what
you once thought was nonsense is really the truth, and in the end, the truth
can change you."
Thursday—July 10—today
was another lecture by Sister Durrant on the establishment of the Relief
Society. We learned that the 2 main counsels that the Prophet Joseph gave the RS sister's more than once was (1) bridle your tongues and (2) provoke your husbands to righteousness. On our PM shift there is a local
ordinance worker, Janet Buss, who I was chatting with. This is the sister-in-law of Carolyn
Buss. Carolyn Buss was on Marilyn’s
mission. So in just 2 days, we have
visited with connections to Marilyn’s friends proving once again how the
mission connections are so fun.
Friday—July 11 thru
Monday July 14—the rest of the week concluded with our normal routine. The flooding on the Mississippi has gone way
down, we had dinner on Friday night after our temple shift at the Hotel Nauvoo
Buffet—Josh the potatoes and gravy are still good. On Saturday night there was another thunder
and lightning storm and we heard that our fellow missionary, Mary Anderson, who
drives with us to Rock Island fell and fractured her knee cap. She is the second sister missionary in the
last month who has fallen and injured a knee cap. Sister Vasas had to have surgery, Mary’s was
still attached so there was no need for surgery. We heard from all of our family and so
appreciate hearing what they are up to and hearing their voices. How grateful we are that we know that through
Heavenly Father’s Plan--
Missionary Message
As missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints we have been called and set apart with authority to preach the
principles of the gospel. If you are a
serious reader of this blog you will see that we have tried to do that in some
form or another. This week has been no
different than any other week with inspiring messages received here on our
mission in Nauvoo. We invite you to
consider the messages that are within in this blog past and present and the
messages they convey. We testify that if
they are considered with a sincere heart that your faith will be strengthened
and heart lightened with the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know that “TRUTH WILL PREVAIL” through the
gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is
the church that God has given His authority to in these Latter-days. It is our prayer and deepest desire that we
may all seek the truth the gospel can bring into each of our hearts and minds.
1.
President Nelson shared the following in one of our
preparation meetings this week:
“Latter-day Saints need to remember that we who live now are
being called upon to work out our salvation in a special time of intense and
immense challenges-the last portion of the dispensation of the fulness of times
during which great tribulation and temptation will occur, the elect will almost
be deceived, and unrighteous people will be living much as they were in the
days of Noah.… Therefore, though we have rightly applauded our ancestors for
their spiritual achievements (and do not and must not discount them now), those
of us who prevail today will have done no small thing. The special spirits who
have been reserved to live in this time of challenges and who overcome will one
day be praised for their stamina by those who pulled handcarts. -- Neal A.
Maxwell (Notwithstanding My Weakness, pp. 18-19.)
2.
Sister Nelson also reminded us of a landmark talk by Elder
Joseph B. Wirthlin entitled “Finding A Safe Harbor” given in October 2000
General Conference in a thought she gave this week. She said her Safe Harbor is always within the
walls of the temple. Here is the link to
the talk and some of the key points to consider:
“In our own storms in life the Savior is our solace and our
sanctuary. If we seek peace, we must
come unto Him.
“Be assured that
there is a safe harbor. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten
you. Your
Heavenly Father—who knows when even a sparrow falls... He loves you and
wants the best for you. Never doubt this. While He allows all of us to make
choices that may not always be for our own or even others’ well-being, and
while He does not always intervene in the course of events, He has promised the
faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations.
“Draw close to the
Lord Jesus Christ. He bears a special love for those who suffer. He is the
Son of God, an eternal king. In His mortal ministry He loved them and blessed
them.
“Be of good cheer.
The Man of Galilee, the Creator, the Son of the Living God will not forget nor
forsake those whose hearts are drawn to Him. I testify that the Man who
suffered for mankind, who committed His life to healing the sick and comforting
the disconsolate, is mindful of your sufferings, doubts, and heartaches.
“Then,” the world
would ask, “why does He sleep when the tempest rages all around me? Why does He
not still this storm, or why would He let me suffer?”
“Your answer may be
found in considering a butterfly. (Image added)
Wrapped tightly in
its cocoon, the developing chrysalis must struggle with all its might to break
its confinement. The butterfly might think, Why must I suffer so? Why cannot I
simply, in the twinkling of an eye, become a butterfly?
“Such thoughts would be contrary to the Creator’s design.
The struggle to break out of the cocoon develops the butterfly so it can fly.
Without that adversity, the butterfly would never have the strength to achieve
its destiny. It would never develop the strength to become something
extraordinary.
“Adversity can
strengthen and refine us. As with the butterfly, adversity is necessary to
build character in people. Even when we are called to sail through troubled
waters, we need to know the place of adversity in shaping our divine potential.
“You are stronger
than you think. Your Heavenly Father, the Lord and Master of the universe, is
your Creator. Our spirits are eternal, and eternal spirits have immeasurable
capacity!
“Our Father in Heaven…expects
us to square our shoulders, roll up our sleeves, and overcome our challenges.
“That kind of
spirit—that blend of faith and hard work—is the spirit we should emulate as we
seek to reach a safe harbor in our own lives.
“President Howard W. Hunter said: “If our lives and our
faith are centered on Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go
permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on the
Savior and his teachings, no other success can ever be permanently right.”
“Living the gospel means we will be better prepared to face
life with serenity and peace. “Search diligently, pray always, and be
believing,” the Lord admonished, “and all things shall work together for your
good, if ye walk uprightly.”
“Draw close to the Lord Jesus Christ. Be of good cheer. Keep
the faith. Doubt not. President Gordon
B. Hinckley, has said: “We have nothing to fear. God is at the helm … [and] He
will shower down blessings upon those who walk in obedience to His
commandments.”
3.
This from Sister Carole M. Stephens,
first counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency, and her message from
her October 2013 General Conference talks entitled—Do We Know What We Have? 
“Sons of God, do you know who you are? Do you know what you
have? Are you worthy to exercise the priesthood and receive the power and
blessings of the priesthood? Do you embrace your roles and responsibilities to
strengthen homes as fathers, grandfathers, sons, brothers, and uncles? Do you
show respect for women, womanhood, and motherhood?”
“Daughters of God, do we know who we are? Do we know what we
have? Are we worthy to receive the power and blessings of the priesthood? Do we
receive the gifts given to us with gratitude, grace, and dignity? Do we embrace
our roles and responsibilities to strengthen homes as mothers, grandmothers,
daughters, sisters, and aunts? Do we show respect for men, manhood, and
fatherhood?”
“As covenant sons and daughters, do we have faith in our
Heavenly Father and His eternal plan for us? Do we have faith in Jesus Christ
and His Atonement? Do we believe that we have a divine nature and destiny? And
in our efforts to achieve this destiny and receive all that the Father has, do
we understand the importance of receiving priesthood ordinances and making,
keeping, and renewing our covenants with the Lord?”
“We are beloved spirit sons and daughters of heavenly
parents, with a divine nature and destiny. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, loved us
enough to give His life for us. His Atonement provides the way for us to
progress on the path to our heavenly home, through sacred priesthood ordinances
and covenants.”
For those of you who
are following our blog we thank you and appreciate the comments we receive.
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