CHAPTER 15 WEEK of AUG 23 to AUG 27

August 27, 2014--a very significant day in our family history!

In honor and celebration of Martha Sophronia Iverson Middleton's birthday today we share this bouquet of peonies, one of her favorite flowers.  Although she is now waiting for us on the other side of the veil we wanted to wish her a very happy 103rd birthday!  She would have added her vote to our favorite hymns (see below).  She believed in the truths we testify of (see below) and is waiting to greet each of us when it is our turn to progress to the other side.  We feel her presence with us as we serve each day in the temple and are trying to be half the temple worker she was.  She strived to do the important gospel basics everyday by praying, reading and pondering scriptures and serving others.  She is one of those many family angels cheering for us and even helping us from the other side and we need to remember that!!! Here are some memorable pics of Martha, Mom, Mother, Grandma Martha:

So take a moment right now and say it out loud--Happy Birthday!!!

 

The Lucas Men went on their "Man Hike" this past week thanks to their awesome wives and children who let them have this wonderful time together.  We are so blessed to have had these wonderful son's come to our home when it was their turn to come to earth.  We love you John, Josh, Jared, Justin and Jeff and the outstanding men you are.

 

 

Our past week continued to deepen our testimonies of the temple and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We have witnessed several local couples here in this temple district who drive long hours to come to serve in the temple.  This is done in all the temples of the church throughout the world and shows the sacrifice and commitment to serve the Lord in His holy house by doing whatever it takes.  We honor all who make the sacrifice to attend the temple no matter how close or how far from home that may be.  Sometimes as we are serving we may be prone to be a little discouraged by the numbers in attendance but we learn from the brethren that "Time in the temple is never wasted".

In Sacrament Meeting on Sunday 3 of our favorite hymns were sung which always infuse our testimonies:

1.
#140
Did You Think to Pray?

 

1. Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ, our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor
As a shield today?

 

[Chorus]
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray.

 

2. When your heart was filled with anger,
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace, my brother,
That you might forgive another
Who had crossed your way?

 

3. When sore trials came upon you,
Did you think to pray?
When your soul was full of sorrow,
Balm of Gilead did you borrow
At the gates of day?

Text: Mary A. Pepper Kidder, 1820-1905
Music: William O. Perkins, 1831-1902

2.
#194
There Is a Green Hill Far Away

1. There is a green hill far away,
Without a city wall,
Where the dear Lord was crucified,
Who died to save us all.

 

2. We may not know, we cannot tell,
What pains he had to bear,
But we believe it was for us
He hung and suffered there.

 

3. There was no other good enough
To pay the price of sin.
He only could unlock the gate
Of heav'n and let us in.

 

4. Oh, dearly, dearly has he loved!
And we must love him too,
And trust in his redeeming blood,
And try his works to do.

Text: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1818-1895
Music: John H. Gower, 1855-1922

3.
#300
Families Can Be Together Forever

1. I have a fam'ly here on earth.
They are so good to me.
I want to share my life with them through all eternity.

 

[Chorus]
Fam'lies can be together forever
Through Heav'nly Father's plan.
I always want to be with my own family,
And the Lord has shown me how I can.
The Lord has shown me how I can.

 

2. While I am in my early years,
I'll prepare most carefully,
So I can marry in God's temple for eternity.

Text: Ruth M. Gardner, 1927-1999. © 1980 IRI
Music: Vanja Y. Watkins, b. 1938. © 1980 IRI

Each of these hymns inspire, comfort and testify of what we believe to be true.

We truly believe that sincere prayer will bring the tender mercies of the Lord that are needed each day in our lives and that miracles are the result of sincere and fervent prayer.

We truly believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and redeemer and did atone for each of us and that His gospel has been restored here on the earth in these Latter-days through the prophet Joseph Smith and that there is a living prophet today, Thomas S. Monson as well as living apostles.  Jesus Christ's true church with His authority is on the earth today in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

We truly believe that God has a plan for us that gives us purpose and direction and that by following His plan and living the gospel of Jesus Christ we will find lasting happiness and be able to endure life's challenges.

For more of what we believe we invite you to visit www.mormon.org.

 

 

Aug 26, 2014 Chuck’s Nauvoo Moment

Nauvoo Moment (Inspirational Facts & Temple Symbols)

The rebuilt and rededicated Nauvoo Temple is an inspiration to all of us. Here are some inspiring facts and symbols related to this sacred structure on the hill here in Nauvoo. [Please remember that temple symbols like most methods used by the Lord to communicate with us (parables, types, shadows, etc.) reveal their meaning in layers. There is rarely just one meaning to be gleaned from any symbol, or collection of symbols.]

•On February 5, 1844 William Weeks attempted to disagree with an element Joseph Smith had suggested for the Temple, Joseph replied: “I wish you to carry out my designs, I have seen in vision the splendid appearance of that building illuminated, and will have it built according to the pattern shown me.”

•The temple is equally 1 mile from the Mississippi River to the West, North and South. It is quite literally the “center place” of the peninsula that is Nauvoo. The temple is at the heart of the people, both physically and spiritually.

•The modern Nauvoo Temple sits directly on the site of the original Temple. This is a symbol in itself.

•Hugh Nibley said that the elongated point of the Starstones of the Nauvoo Temple indicate “the projection or transmission of light to the earth from on High,” a primary purpose of temples.

•The Sunstone being “personified” or having human characteristics suggest the Saints who’s glory is compared to the sun (the celestial kingdom). (D&C 76:70) The Smithsonian’s Museum of American History purchased for $100,000 in 1989 an original Sunstone of the Nauvoo Temple from the Historical Society of Quincy, IL.

•The moon, sun and star stones reveal a rich cosmic symbolism. The Moon orbits the earth once every 27.32 days. The earth rotates around the sun every 365.26 days. Our solar system rotates around the center of the galaxy approximately every 250 million years. We are moving ever closer to the concept of “God’s Time.” In this sense, the Temple becomes a “Time Machine,” suspending the world, and allowing us to view creation, the atonement, and our relationship with the Father and the Son.

As we begin to understand the lessons taught us without and within the walls of the Temple, we make the Temple the center of our personal universe. Our world begins to revolve around it. We stand in holy places, and are taught the order of the universe.

•The circular round Star Colored windows symbolize “the bright and morning star” Jesus Christ. The circle has been recognized since antiquity as a symbol of perfection or eternity (and consequently, heaven).      

•The Temple Clock gives the Saints the ability to look to the Temple to know the time of day, reinforcing the role of the Temple in marking our place in time and space.

•The Temple Bell is an audible reminder of the covenants made there. The Nauvoo Temple is the only Temple to possess a bell. The current Nauvoo bell tolls the hour… a similar reminder to the Saints to come to the house of the Lord, and to remember the covenants they make there.

•There are two doors on the west entrance of the temple, and each contains two doors. Is there any meaning here? Perhaps the most powerful meaning of the symbol 2 is Christ’s character…God & man. In Hebrew tradition the number 2 also represents life-force, the creator.  

•The Nauvoo Temple features twelve steps leading up to the entrance, and the oxen in the baptismal font number twelve. The number twelve represents priesthood authority.

I have quoted freely from R. Lane Wright’s recent book Testament in Stone, Symbols of the Nauvoo Temple and Their Meaning. He is a friend we have met here in Nauvoo and we serve with him in the Temple. His hope is that his study of the symbols of the temple will help bring us closer to the Savior. I believe he has succeeded in more than a small way.

CHAPTER 14 WEEK of AUG 14 to AUG 22

Once again we have had another wonderful week serving our mission at the Nauvoo Temple.  We were blessed to have Jared and Alexandria's family with us last weekend as well as Ron and Shari Vehikite's family with us.  We had a grand time experiencing Nauvoo, eating, laughing and just plain enjoying each moment.

Here is a link to our photo album of this visit:

https://picasaweb.google.com/115812081811963320986/JaredLucasfamNauvoo?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPue_d27jq2v4AE&feat=directlink

Temple attendance has slowed a bit since the Pageant but the spirit remains constant and it is just so inspiring to serve in the beautiful Nauvoo Temple with our faithful sisters and brothers who serve with us.  Each bring their own spark with them which enlightens and inspires us.  Our temple presidency is trying a few new schedules to see how they are received by the temple district which shows how much they want to help those in this temple district to be able to come to the temple.  This brings to mind how we each need to evaluate our temple attendance and make necessary adjustments if need be to make the temple attendance a higher priority in our lives.  The Lord is doing everything He can to make temple attendance as easy as possible.  So take a moment and consider this extremely important aspect of your discipleship and choose to do whatever it takes to come to the temple.

This week we also were able to watch the devotional message given Aug 19, 2014 at BYU Education week from Elder Bednar on the use of social media.  He quoted Brigham Young:

"Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind has been given by direct revelation from God, though but few acknowledge it.  It has been given with a view to prepare the way for the ultimate triumph of truth, and the redemption of the earth from the power of sin and Satan. We should take advantage of all these great discoveries, the accumulated wisdom of the ages, and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work."

He noted that this address added on to a talk he gave in 2009 titled "Things As They Really Are":

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2010/06/things-as-they-really-are?lang=eng

LDSLiving Magazine did an article entitled "Top Takeaways from Elder Bednar's Talk on Social Media" that included the following:

"...Six examples of ways gospel messages have recently had an impact thanks to social media channels:

- The #BecauseofHim Easter campaign

- A recent "I Pray When..." campaign

- The BofM365 scripture study Instagram account

- The way many members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve are beginning to be personally involved with social media accounts on sites like Instagram and Twitter.

- The growth of the LDSConf hashtag, which was originally started in 2008 by a faithful member.

- The sixth example turned out to be an exciting announcement about a new film called Meet the Mormons. The film was originally meant to be shown only in the Legacy Theater in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, but now will have worldwide distribution through various available digital channels. It will be released in select theaters in the United States soon after October general conference, but will later be shown in visitor's centers, on television, and through internet movie and social media channels. Watch the trailer for the film that debuted during the talk by clicking the link for YouTube below:"

 

http://youtu.be/yOEA3nVMngA

"Throughout his talk, Elder Bednar used many forms of media, including a slideshow and several old clips of past conference talks from prophets such as Gordon B. Hinckley and David O. McKay.

"He even projected some basic social media guidelines on a screen behind him:

"1. Be authentic and consistent. Be truthful, honest and accurate online.  Our content on social media should be uplifting and constructive, showing we are disciples of Christ.

"2. Edify and Uplift. Don't argue, debate, condemn, or belittle. Share the gospel with genuine love and concern, even if you are bold in defending your beliefs. We should use social media channels to project the light and truth of the restored gospel into a dark and confused world. 

"3. Respect Intellectual Property. Don't create your own content using someone else's art, name, photos, music, video, or other content without permission. Another big announcement was made at this point: "The content in Media Library on LDS.org, unless otherwise indicated, has been cleared for use by members without seeking permission from the Church." Go so social.lds.org for more info. 

"4. Be Wise and Vigilant. The most memorable line from this section? The internet never forgets. He reminds members that no matter what the app or program says, something posted on the internet will be there forever, so be wise with what you post. 

"At the end of his talk, Elder Bednar also issued a challenge for members. He said that we have accomplished only a trickle of missionary work on Social Media right now. He said "Beginning at this place on this day, I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally sweep the earth as with a flood.

"He concluded by reminding us that we don't need to become social media fanatics or spend hours composing messages, but each of us can contribute consistently to the growing flood of truth and righteousness as the work continues to hasten." © 2014 LDSLiving.com-- http://www.ldsliving.com/story/76656-top-takeaways-from-elder-bednars-talk-on-social-media

Definitely food for thought and another way to be part of the "Hastening".

Along with Elder Bednar's counsel lds.org has just recently announced the following:

"A new feature called Inspirational Playlists—similar to a YouTube playlist—allows you to start the first video in a playlist and then sit back and relax as the rest of the the videos play automatically. These playlists were designed to allow you to watch content continuously without having to navigate all over LDS.org to find the videos you want to watch."  For more information please click the following link:
 https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-inspirational-video-playlists-will-entertain-and-uplift?cid=HPTH081414350&lang=eng

As well as noting the LDS Media Library link that explains much of what all of this is about--definitely something to peruse at your convenience and is a great resource to know about:

https://www.lds.org/media-library?lang=eng

We have been doing some family history work in the last couple of weeks.

For those of you with IPads or Androids, there are two new apps.  If you go to www.familysearch.org and scroll to the bottom you can find click there for more info:

We have added some photos and will be doing this when we have time.  So check it out it is pretty awesome. (Windows Surface users are still be aced out, but hopefully the future will bring the app to that device as well.)

To conclude our post today we are going to take the advice of Elder Bednar and post a few gems that we hope will uplift and inspire--please at least note the first one--it is a great reminder of our cheering team on the other side of the veil:

CHAPTER 13 WEEKS of JUL 22 to AUG 12

This has been a very busy 3 weeks.  It began with a P-Day trip, attending the last of the Susan Easton Black Durrant lectures, attending Pageant Events and having John’s family here which including seeing Megan’s singing group, Addo-Lumen perform on Mulholland Street, as well as visiting with friends who were visiting Nauvoo, being inspired in several different meetings and events and just continuing to experience Nauvoo and our mission here and fulfilling different assignments.

Just one item to add to the last chapter or blog entry.  On Sunday night, July 20 we had a special temple missionary meeting with the temple presidency.  What a special treat we had.  The presidency had invited the Pageant Core Cast to come and do the vignette they performed at the Seventies Hall.  We were never able to go because it was always scheduled at a time we were in the temple so we were excited for the performance.  It was just wonderful.  It was entitled—Go Ye Into All the World—and it was about the sacrifice of the brethren to leave their families and go when called to serve and how their families supported them in their efforts.  They shared the following story of Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young which includes the famous shout—“Hurrah, Hurrah for Israel”:

Heber C. Kimball recorded the following experience, describing the challenge he and Brigham Young faced as they left their wives, children, and humble homes to journey to Great Britain in response to their mission calls to that land.

    "September 14th --- President Brigham Young left his home at Montrose to start on the mission to England. He was so sick that he was unable to go to the Mississippi, a distance of 30 rods, without assistance. After he had crossed the river he rode behind Israel Barlow on his horse to my house, where he continued sick until the 18th. He left his wife sick with a babe only 3 weeks old, and all of his other children were sick and unable to wait upon each other. Not one soul of them was able to go to the well for a pail of water, and they were without a second suit to their backs, for the mob in Missouri had taken nearly all he had. On the 17th, Sister Mary Ann Young got a boy to carry her up in his wagon to my house, that she might nurse and comfort Brother Brigham to the hour of starting.

    "September 18th --- Charles Hubbard sent his boy with a wagon and span of horses to my house; our trunks were put into the wagon by some brethren; I went to my bed and shook hands with my wife who was then shaking with a chill, having two children lying sick by her side; I embraced her and my children, and bade them farewell. My only well child was little Heber P., and it was with difficulty he could carry a couple of quarts of water at a time to assist in quenching their thirst.

    "It was with difficulty we got into the wagon, and started down the hill about ten rods; it appeared to me as though my very inmost parts would melt within me at leaving my family in such a condition, as it were almost in the arms of death. I felt as though I could not endure it. I asked the teamster to stop, and said to Brother Brigham, 'This is pretty tough, isn't it; let's rise up and give them a cheer.' We arose, and swinging our hats three times over our heads, shouted, 'Hurrah, hurrah for Israel.' Vilate, hearing the noise, arose from her bed and came to the door. She had a smile on her face. Vilate and Mary Ann Young cried out to us, 'Goodbye, God bless you!' We returned the compliment, and then told the driver to go ahead. After this I felt a spirit of joy and gratitude, having had the satisfaction of seeing my wife standing upon her feet, instead of leaving her in bed, knowing well that I should not see them again for two or three years."

--- Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball, Bookcraft, pages 265-266.

The following is BYU artist Robert Barrett’s rendition of this sacred event:

 

 

Tuesday—July 22—today we went to Kalona, Iowa with our P-Day Missionary group.  Kalona began as an Amish settlement.  They have a tour there and we went on the tour.  We also had dinner at one of the Mennonite farm houses and it was a very yummy turkey dinner.  It was a hot and humid day but it was a very interesting tour.  We went on a tour of the Kalona Historical Village and then stopped at an Amish Bakery, a Cheese Factory and a Wood Working store.  The pictures should give a flavor for our day in Kalona.

These 3 pictures are of a beautiful Amish farm:

This is an Amish Phone Booth—solar powered.  They receive messages here and then can make calls.  While we were stopped here an Amish man drove up in the carriage seen in this picture.  We were asked not to take pictures of the Amish people because they do not appreciate it.

These next two pictures are from the Historical Village and the farm house where we had dinner:

 

Wednesday—July 23—today we had a very special Skype event.  The phone rang and Chase was on the phone and then all of sudden Lance’s voice chimed in.  How did this happen???!!!  Chase had Skyped Lance and then clicked on the phone button which called my phone instead of the normal Skype call on the computer.  This led to a fantastically fun time with my grandkids in 3 different states and me here in Nauvoo.  Alexandria captured the event with the following awesome picture.  Thanks Alexandria!  We even played name that tune!  Thanks you awesome grandkids!  You are the best!!!

 

That evening we went to Susan Easton Black Durrant lection on the “Martyrdom” and the Pageant assignment.

Thursday—July 24—how appropriate that we went to the last Susan Easton Black Durrant lecture before the Durrant’s mission is completed in August on Pioneer Day!  The title of this lecture was Nauvoo, Past and Present.  All that happens in Nauvoo is “In Memory of Joseph Smith”.  She emphasized that when you come to Nauvoo attending the temple should be number one on the priority list.  Brother Durrant gave this bit of wisdom to consider:  “Some guy told me he left the church because he had so many questions, for me I'm staying because I have found so many answers.”  It has been a true pleasure getting to know the Durrant’s.

Friday—July 25—rain, rain, rain!  We had the pm shift today.  We had heard that the Haslam’s were in Nauvoo and so we stopped by to say Hi.  We also were reminded in prayer meeting today of a talk given by Elder Lionel Kendrick titled, Enhancing Your Temple Experience.  He gives this counsel and recommend it for further study:

“One of the great blessings that we enjoy today is the opportunity to attend the temple. With an ever-increasing number of temples, the blessings of the temple are available to a growing number of Church members.

“These blessings should not be taken lightly. The Savior has commanded that we should “trifle not with sacred things” (D&C 6:12). The temple and the holy ordinances are indeed sacred, and we should be spiritually sensitive to them. It is a sacred blessing to attend the temple to worship the Lord.

“There is a difference in just attending the temple and having a rich spiritual experience. The real blessings of the temple come as we enhance our temple experience. To do so, we must feel a spirit of reverence for the temple and a spirit of worship.

SPIRIT OF REVERENCE

“Reverence is an expression of deep respect, honor, and adoration for the Lord. It is having reverence for His name, for His words, for His ordinances and covenants, for His servants, for His chapels, and for His temples.

“It is an outward indication of an inner feeling that we have for Him. We should always remember that it is by His invitation that we come to His holy house, the temple of the Lord. We should respond to His invitation by being worthy, by being prepared, and by having the temple as a priority in our lives. While in the temple we should act as if we are in His holy presence.

“To be reverent is not just to be quiet. It involves an awareness of what is taking place. It involves a divine desire to learn and to be receptive to the promptings of the Spirit. It involves a striving to seek added light and knowledge. Irreverence is not only an act of disrespect for Deity, but it makes it impossible for the Spirit to teach us the things that we need to know.

SPIRIT OF WORSHIP

“The temple is a place of worship. Reverence is a supernal form of worship. It is the form of worship that is found in the celestial kingdom. In the vision of the degrees of glory given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, this celestial worship was described with these words:

“And thus we saw the glory of the celestial, … where God, even the Father, reigns upon his throne forever and ever;

“Before whose throne all things bow in humble reverence, and give him glory forever and ever” (D&C 76:92–93).

“Our worship in the temple is in preparation to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son. We should worship Them in a spirit of humility and in a spirit of reverence.”—Ensign, May 2001.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/04/enhancing-our-temple-experience?lang=eng

This was also the week that another new temple video began in the Nauvoo temple making it the 3^rd new film released in the past year.  Each new film enhances the temple experience and shows Heavenly Father’s love for His children with His plan of happiness and salvation.  These films also show the many facets of Satan and his multiple ways to deceive.  The temple is truly the Lord’s University for us to learn His ways and be infused with His power to meet each new day in our lives.  Let us never give up our quest to keep the temple a place we always want to go and make choices that will allow us to be there.

Saturday—July 26—this morning we went to the Trail of Hope where the Pageant core cast were doing it instead of the Young Performing Missionaries.  It was an awesome experience.

The portrayal of Jane Manning and brief story of her walk to Nauvoo:

  In October 1843, the new Mormons traveled together from Wilton, Connecticut, to Buffalo, New York. Jane recorded that the Manning family became separated from the main group when boat authorities refused them passage. As the other members of the Wandell party boarded the vessel, Jane’s little group began walking the eight hundred miles to Nauvoo. Jane recalled:

“We walked until our shoes were worn out, and our feet became sore and cracked open and bled until you could see the whole print of our feet with blood on the ground. We stopped and united in prayer to the Lord, we asked God the Eternal Father to heal our feet and our prayers were answered and our feet were healed forthwith.”

Eliza R. Snow portrayal:

 

This is the actor who plays Arthur Ashton, the fictional character that tells his story in the British Pageant.  He was at the end of the Trail of Hope inviting us to remember the spirit that we felt and the sacrifices of the saints that walked this trail towards the west.

 

After our pm shift we went to Casey’s a convenience store in town that has pretty good pizza.  While we were waiting for the pizza we saw the following on the bulletin board:



 

 



Yes, that’s our Megan with the Addo Lumen group!

Sunday—July 27—today we stayed in Nauvoo for church because John’s family was arriving today.

Who should come up and greet us at Sacrament Meeting, Shauna Taylor, our dear, dear, friend!! She and Stephanie’s family came to Nauvoo to perform in the Pageant for the last week.  So awesome to have her in Nauvoo.  More about our visits with her later.

The Nauvoo 1^st Ward had an awesome Sacrament Meeting.  Lon and Nancy Simpson were baptized on Saturday and then were confirmed today.  They were asked to share their story.  Their son had been baptized a few months ago.  Brother Simpson had studied religion and believed in God but always wanted something more from the churches he attended, especially acting the part during the week and not just on Sunday’s.  He also thought that some of the ministers were captives or slaves to the congregation and he thought that was wrong.  He also wanted his family to be on board with any decision he would make.  He was really impressed as he was taught the gospel about accountability.  Hearing him talk about accountability was so impressive and truly showed what a golden convert he is.  He understood what the Lord teaches about choice and accountability—definitely something to ponder.

Brother Simpson is probably in his late 50’s or early 60’s showing that it is never too late to make right choices.

Sister Simpson said that once she realized that her previous baptism that she had in another church would be a stepping stone to finding this church she was willing to submit and be baptized.

Regarding choice and accountability we share the following:

The Lord has said that all people are responsible for their own motives, attitudes, desires, and actions.  The following scriptures teach us about accountability:

I will judge every one according to his ways: Ezek. 18:30;

They shall give account of every idle word: Matt. 12:36;

Give an account of thy stewardship: Luke 16:2;

Every one of us shall give an account of himself to God: Rom. 14:12;

The dead will be judged according to their works: Rev. 20:12;

Our words, works, and thoughts will condemn us: Alma 12:14;

We are our own judges, whether to do good or evil: Alma 41:7;

Ye are permitted to act for yourselves: Hel. 14:29–31;

This thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable: Moro. 8:10;

All must repent and be baptized who have arrived at the years of accountability: D&C 18:42;

Satan cannot tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me: D&C 29:46–47;

Children shall be baptized when eight years old: D&C 68:27;

Every man will be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment: D&C 101:78;

It is given unto men to know good from evil; wherefore they are agents unto themselves: Moses 6:56;

Men will be punished for their own sins: A of F 1:2;

No wonder that Choice and Accountability is one of the Young Women’s Values and a value we need to review in our lives more frequently:

In God’s plan of happiness we are free to choose.  The choices we make will either lead us to freedom by following our Savior and allowing His atonement to work in our lives or our choices will lead us away from Him where we will be captive in Satan’s power.  We will be accountable for the choice we make.

The following from author, Mac Anderson, gives a clear and beautiful message about the choices we make:

“One…

“One tree can start a forest,

“One smile can begin a friendship,

“One hand can lift a soul,

“One word can frame the goal,

“One candle can wipe out darkness,

“One laugh can conquer gloom,

“One hope can raise our spirits,

“And…one choice can change your life.

“Think about that. One choice, just one, can change your life forever. Simply put, your life today is what your choices have made it, but with new choices, you can change directions this very moment.

“…we’re always one choice away from changing our lives.

“For me, the idea of changing your life with a single choice is highly motivational. It offers tremendous hope, regardless of your circumstances, for a better tomorrow.  Have the courage to make that choice change your life forever.”

One thing that has been testified to us over and over again here on our mission and throughout our lives is how trying to choose to be in the right place at the right time choosing the right has brought forth abundant blessings we could not have received by doing otherwise.  We haven’t always done the right thing and the road has been filled with smooth pavement, rocky pits and detours but we testify that through God’s plan and the blessing of repentance and our Savior’s atonement, where He will make things right for us, we can return to live again with our Father in Heaven as long we continue to try and never give up—which is not easy, but will be worth every effort.

Maybe by just choosing to review the following portion from the chapter on the principle of agency from the Gospel Principles Manual it will lead us to make a choice that is needed for our progression at this time. 

“One of the greatest gifts we receive from our Father in Heaven is AGENCY-- The right to choose between good and evil and to act for ourselves.”

“Thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee” (Moses 3:17).

“God has told us through His prophets that we are free to choose between good and evil. We may choose liberty and eternal life by following Jesus Christ. We are also free to choose captivity and death by following Satan. (See 2 Nephi 2:27.) “

“In our premortal life we had moral agency. One purpose of earth life is to show what choices we will make (see 2 Nephi 2:15–16). If we were forced to choose the right, we would not be able to show what we would choose for ourselves. Also, we are happier doing things when we have made our own choices.”

“Agency was one of the principal issues to arise in the premortal Council in Heaven. It was one of the main causes of the conflict between the followers of Christ and the followers of Satan. Satan said, “Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor” (Moses 4:1). In saying this, he “rebelled against [God] and sought to destroy the agency of man” (Moses 4:3). His offer was rejected, and he was cast out of heaven with his followers (see D&C 29:36–37).”

“Agency makes our life on earth a period of testing. When planning the mortal creation of His children, God said, “We will prove [test] them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abraham 3:25). Without the gift of agency, we would have been unable to show our Heavenly Father whether we would do all that He commanded us. Because we are able to choose, we are responsible for our actions (see Helaman 14:30–31).”

“When we choose to live according to God’s plan for us, our agency is strengthened. Right choices increase our power to make more right choices.”

“As we obey each of our Father’s commandments, we grow in wisdom and strength of character. Our faith increases. We find it easier to make right choices.”

“We began to make choices as spirit children in our Heavenly Father’s presence. Our choices there made us worthy to come to earth. Our Heavenly Father wants us to grow in faith, power, knowledge, wisdom, and all other good things. If we keep His commandments and make right choices, we will learn and understand. We will become like Him. (See D&C 93:28.)”

“Agency requires that there be a choice.  We cannot choose righteousness unless the opposites of good and evil are placed before us. Lehi, a great Book of Mormon prophet, told his son Jacob that in order to bring about the eternal purposes of God, there must be “an opposition in all things. If not so, … righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad” (2 Nephi 2:11).”

“God allows Satan to oppose the good. God said of Satan: “I caused that he should be cast down; And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice” (Moses 4:3–4).”

“Satan does all he can to destroy God’s work. He seeks “the misery of all mankind. … He seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself” (2 Nephi 2:18, 27). He does not love us. He does not want any good thing for us (see Moroni 7:17). He does not want us to be happy. He wants to make us his slaves. He uses many disguises to enslave us.”

“When we follow the temptations of Satan, we limit our choices. The following example suggests how this works. Imagine seeing a sign on the seashore that reads: “Danger—whirlpool. No swimming allowed here.” We might think that is a restriction. But is it? We still have many choices. We are free to swim somewhere else. We are free to walk along the beach and pick up seashells. We are free to watch the sunset. We are free to go home. We are also free to ignore the sign and swim in the dangerous place. But once the whirlpool has us in its grasp and we are pulled under, we have very few choices. We can try to escape, or we can call for help, but we may drown.”

“Even though we are free to choose our course of action, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions. The consequences, whether good or bad, follow as a natural result of any choice we make (see Galatians 6:7; Revelation 22:12).”

“Heavenly Father has told us how to escape the captivity of Satan. We must watch and pray always, asking God to help us withstand the temptations of Satan (see 3 Nephi 18:15). Our Heavenly Father will not allow us to be tempted beyond our power to resist (see 1 Corinthians 10:13; Alma 13:28).”

“God’s commandments direct us away from danger and toward eternal life. By choosing wisely, we will gain exaltation, progress eternally, and enjoy perfect happiness (see 2 Nephi 2:27–28).”

 

JOHN, JEN, MEGAN AND KATIE ARRIVE IN NAUVOO!

John and Jen arrived just in time for the Young Performing Missionaries Trail of Hope experience.  They had a long trip just like Josh and Sherri’s family had but they were ready for all Nauvoo has to offer.  Making it in time for Trail of Hope really set the stage for a wonderful time with them here in Nauvoo.  Jen took some wonderful pictures and with her permission we will share some of them with you in an album you can link to that will give you a flavor for the time we spent together with them.  The Nauvoo Sites, Pageants, Grandpa John’s, Hotel Nauvoo Buffet and Addo Lumen activities kept us busy but we enjoyed each moment and the Nauvoo spirit followed us everywhere!  A wonderful time had by all.

Here is the link (this album also includes other picture at the end--there are captions in many of the pictures):

https://picasaweb.google.com/115812081811963320986/JohnAndJenVisitToNauvooPlus?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCL3braKdyc-uKw&feat=directlink

The rest of this post is blended together with the rest of the days and weeks of this past 3 weeks.  So here are the highlights of those days:

--As we mentioned earlier, it was such a special treat to have Shauna Taylor and her family here in Nauvoo for the last week of the Pageant.  We could not have planned any more moments with each other if we had tried and the thing of it is that we did not try.  Once again Nauvoo comes through.

--The last night of the British Pageant we were walking over to do our last finale performance when we got to the corner and the lightening and rain began and the announcement came over the loud speaker saying that there would a 30 minute delay until the storm blew over and then the Pageant would resume and finish.  Many people left but many people returned and in that 30 minutes we met Shauna and were able to chat and bid our farewells.  Once again, only in Nauvoo.  We did finish the Pageant and were so grateful to have had that experience as part of our mission because of the message of the British Pageant—TRUTH WILL PREVAIL!!!

--We had the opportunity of hosting Break the Fast once again and when we received our guest list were pleasantly surprised to be able to host George and Susan Durrant.  Their mission is over now and they have gone home and in November will be beginning a new mission at the Visitor’s Center in St. George.

--We also were able to have lunch with a friends from our San Diego Temple Shift—Cindy and Keith Griffiths.  We also ran into Dixie Clifford and her daughter Kathy who we knew from our days in La Habra.  Once again the connections and serendipitous events are just awesome perks of the mission

--The Young Performing Missionaries hosted what is called a Sociable (like a Fireside) for their last time before their mission is over.  It was a wonderful experience with a great message about Home!  Such talent!  Today, we were able to be part of serving them a breakfast before they left for the airport.  The hope for America was evident in these fine young people.

--The week and days after the Pageant left brought a considerable stillness to Nauvoo.  The energy level diminished and it was even overcast until today when the sun finally came out.  The peace and spirit are still here but the post-Pageant blues were felt by many.  The number of visitors dwindled considerably also.  We were glad to be busy at the temple, going to the last performances that the Young Performing Missionaries and Senior Site missionaries performed and being part of the assignment to serve the breakfast that we have already mentioned.  We also had lunch at a Mexican restaurant today with some friends that we have met here in Nauvoo that used to live in the San Diego area in Carthage.  Out of the 3 Mexican Restaurants we have tried so far back here this one is number 1 on the list.  It was pretty good.

--We are looking forward to Jared’s family visiting this week and we think that this will also include a visit from Ron and Shari’s family coming over from Indiana.

We end with the sentiments of the finale song sung at Sunset on the Mississippi from the classic hymn—Come, Come, ye Saints—All is well, All is well and we hope the same for each of you.  We also want to share this thought from one of the Young Performing Missionaries who learned and understood the following comment he heard in a meeting—“You have to leave Nauvoo to have the full Nauvoo experience.”  We have been given our release date as Monday, October 27, 2014, so we will be leaving Nauvoo, the city beautiful heading to Pleasanton, California for Cody’s baptism!!!

August 1 Nauvoo Moment from Chuck

Nauvoo Moment (It’s Not Over)           

John, Jen, Megan & Katie this week completed a wonderful visit to Nauvoo. We were able to visit many of the pioneer sites and shows. (Nauvoo & British Pageant included)

Megan also performed with her singing group Addo Lumen in Nauvoo while they were here. During their show Megan sang a song she wrote “It’s Not Over”.  The song’s message inspires the listener to have hope even during the hard times.

"It’s Not Over” could be the motto for Nauvoo.

The enemies of the church thought if they killed The Prophet & his brother, drove the Mormons out of Nauvoo, desecrated and destroyed the temple that it would be over for the Mormons. They were wrong!

Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum are revered today by millions. The Mormons are back in Nauvoo and the Nauvoo Temple has been rebuilt and rededicated to the Lord.

It is obvious to any visitor to Nauvoo that “It’s Not Over”.

It has been witnessed to us over and over again that just like Nauvoo we as individuals and families can rise from the rubble & ruin of yesterday. We can rebuild our lives and relationships. We can change direction if necessary & return to the path of duty. Some of the best things we ever do will be done willingly because we have to.  ---It’s Not Over---

One Scripture:

“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”--Matthew 17:20