Sunday, April 24, 2016

Ask & Receive. 4-24-16

I stood there for a moment, closed my eyes and said, "Heavenly Father, is their any way thou canst show me where my keys are?" I opened my eyes, and the first thing I saw was what you see in this picture - my car keys lying in the field at my feet!

"Ask, and ye shall receive!" Have a wonderful week. I love you!

Lost Keys. 4-14-16

I had a quiet miracle happen to me this week. I lost my keys when I stumbled and fell walking home from a site a few days ago. I searched the area where I thought they might have fallen three or four times in vain. I finally gave up looking.

Two days later I had the distinct impression I should try looking one more time. So I walked back down to the area. When I got near the place where I fell, I realized how impossible it was to find a tiny set of car keys that flew out of my purse into a big field.

Railroad Museum. 4-24-16

For our preparation day Sis Simmons and I went to nearby Ft Madison and toured the old train museum. My dad would have loved it! I got to hold an authentic civil war rifle. (You can tell I've never held a gun in my life!). I also got to play their old pump organ. It was fun.

A Year in Nauvoo 2 - 4-24-16

A Year in Nauvoo! 4-24-16

For some reason this post isn't coming through with the pictures, so I'm sending them separately.

A Year in Nauvoo! 4-24-16

Nauvoo truly is all its Hebrew name suggests - a beautiful place! I have been here for a year now. Everyplace I look there is beauty.

The Spirit of Nauvoo. 4-24-16

Most beautiful of all are the people. So many are led here, not even knowing why they are coming. And we have so many wonderful stories to tell and glorious truths to share!

Monday, April 18, 2016

I Love It Here! 4-17-16

I invite you all to Nauvoo. It is such a beautiful place! Happy spring!

Clouds of Color. 4-17-16

Even the wild flowers and fields are beautiful!

Color Everywhere. 4-17-16

Nauvoo is heavenly in the spring. There are tulips, daffodils, and blossoms everywhere. What a glorious time of year! It's like taking a walk through paradise.

Here are the Women's Garden and Temple grounds.

Brigham Young 4-17-16

I had a special experience in the Brigham Young Home this week. I wanted to put a special, inspiring quote by Brigham Young on the bulletin board, but I couldn't find one. I finally prayed and asked the Lord to help me.

That day I gave a tour to a young couple with a small baby. At the end, the husband shared a beautiful quote he had read recently from Brigham Young. It was exactly what I was looking for! I asked him to text it to me. It was a direct answer to prayer and added significantly to the spirit in the site.

On Stage! 4-17-16

I was in the Spring Mission Talent Show this week. I accompanied one number on flute and another on piano. I also sang a medley called "Smile" with Sisters Knapp and Hall. Everyone really liked it and it was lots of fun!

The young sister missionaries returned this week from being outbound and new ones from the MTC came in. There are 22 of them, and they are like angels - so sweet and filled with the spirit.

Sunshine! 4-17-16

The sun has finally come out! - Not only in Nauvoo but for me! I am feeling so much better. I have a small lingering cough, but I am really doing well.

My companions and I went to Montrose, straight across the river from Nauvoo, for our preparation day. It was such a beautiful day.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

THE SUN WILL COME OUT! 4-10-16

And yet as I have reflected over the past few weeks, I have realized that the Lord has given me some amazing windows.

Three days ago I woke up with a burst of energy and the clear direction to update the Brigham Young Home Site Book (where I am the site leader). With the Lord's help I did it, and Pres Blair from the mission presidency has been reviewing it as a model for other sites.

It was really cold and windy the day I was assigned wagon tours where you narrate for an hour straight, but the Lord blessed me to do the wagon tours with no kidney pain - a miracle - and very little coughing.

I have made it through three 7:00 am choir practices and 3 Rendezvous performances without coughing at all. The night I was assigned to play the piano for Rendezvous my injured hand was strengthened, and I played well.

I have been reminded of Elder D Todd Christofferson's talk "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread." I am understanding how important it is for me to do all I can, then put my trust in the Lord and wait on His timing. He will take care of me and insure that I serve Him in every needful way - one day at a time. He will provide for my daily needs.

I love you! Have a great week!

IN THE LORD'S HANDS. 4-10-16

Tonight we had a single sister's dinner. It was fun. There are 13 of us now (one is taking the picture.)

I am sitting here in amazement tonight. I have been so sick much of this week again. On top of the nasty sporadic cough I have had for over 3 weeks and my sprained hand, in the last 3 or 4 days I have developed a kidney stone as a side effect from the medicine the doctor gave me. Sometimes I have asked What next? Will I ever get well?

Monday, April 4, 2016

Challenging Week 4-3-16

It has been a trying week. I slipped getting off the horse-drawn wagon and sprained my left wrist, so I haven't been able to play the piano.

I'm still coughing, so I can't really give many tours. So many new missionaries have arrived, and I have been home so much that I almost feel lost in the crowd. I did get another priesthood blessing and I'm sure that will help.

I got my two new companions on Friday. Their names are Sister Marlene Simmons (on the left) and Sister Nancy Rollins (on the right). I love them and have really enjoyed getting to know them. I hope you have a great week!