Two Sundays in a row we enjoyed the beautiful weather and the time (since we couldn't
travel to the Galesburg Ward to church) to go on some lovely drives.
This idea Elder Thompson had of a Sunday drive was just perfect.
We were able to see places we hadn't seen before.
This is from Rand Park in Keokuk, Iowa. We found the beautiful drive along the Mississippi River on the west side that goes from Keokuk to Montrose.
We know we have mentioned it before, but we are enjoying the Mississippi River so much.
It is not the Pacific Ocean, but it is beautiful.
Along this road is a replica of the first school house built in Iowa on this very spot.
When you get to Montrose, it provides a very beautiful view of the temple.
We can definitely feel a hastening of the work here in the Nauvoo Temple.
The Spirit is strong. The Spirit of our Savior and the spirit of those Saints that went before us.
They want us and need us and are helping us to get this work done.
"Behold, I will hasten my work in its time." Doctrine and Covenants 88:73
"The Lord has never, to my knowledge, indicated that His work is confined to mortality. Rather, His work embraces eternity. I believe He is hastening His work in the spirit world. I also believe that the Lord, through His servants there, is preparing many spirits to receive the gospel. Our job is to search out our dead and then go to the temple and perform the sacred ordinances that will bring to those beyond the veil the same opportunities we have." Thomas S Monson Ensign June 2014
Every good Latter-day Saint in the spirit world is busy, said President Brigham Young.
"What are they doing there? They are preaching, preaching all the time, and preparing the way
for us to hasten our work in building temples here and elsewhere."
Pres Monson continued, Heavenly Father loves His children in the spirit world just as much
as He loves you and me. Regarding the work of saving our dead, the Prophet Joseph Smith said, "And now as the great purposes of God are hastening to their accomplishment, and the things spoken of in the Prophets are fulfilling, as the kingdom of God is established on the earth, and the ancient order of things restored, the Lord has manifested to us this duty and privilege."
as He loves you and me. Regarding the work of saving our dead, the Prophet Joseph Smith said, "And now as the great purposes of God are hastening to their accomplishment, and the things spoken of in the Prophets are fulfilling, as the kingdom of God is established on the earth, and the ancient order of things restored, the Lord has manifested to us this duty and privilege."
Regarding our ancestors who have passed on without a knowledge
of the gospel President Joseph F Smith declared,
"Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them,
and the darkness surrounding them will clear away,
that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world
of the work that has been done for them by their children here,
and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties."
And, speaking of light, the sunsets continue to be gorgeous.
We didn't really expect these beautiful skies.
When you come from the desert where sunsets are famous you don't expect such
drama in the sky here, but we were wrong.
It was extra special this night, sunset in front of us,
full rainbow behind.
On another Sunday, we drove north along the river and over to Burlington, Iowa.
In Burlington, we found this beautiful park along the river, Crapo Park. Yup, that's what it is called.
It is named for Philip Crapo, however it is pronounced kray-poh.
It has amazing views of the river.
Burlington also has this crazy road called Snake Alley. It rivals Lombard Street in
San Francisco. Pretty cool. You can tell these river towns; Burlington and Keokuk were
really important towns in their day when the river boats were travelling the river.
It is sad to see them deteriorate as these little towns in middle America are struggling to survive.
It is harvest time around here. On our way home Tuesday from Macomb we
saw this farmer out trying to get the crop in before the rain.
We were in Macomb to see the orthopedic doctor. Sis Thompson's knee has some
bone spurs and arthritis. She got a cortizone shot and it is feeling
WAY better! Yay!!! It is so wonderful to be back in the temple working!
Grateful for the prayers and blessing of feeling better.
A couple of random things: They have a new archaeological dig going on.
A foundation was discovered and there has been lots of activity around it.
It is Edward Hunter's home. He was bishop in Nauvoo.
The Prophet Joseph Smith hid here while a sheriff was looking for him in the
attempted assassination attempt of Governor Boggs of Missouri.
It was at this house Section 127 and 128 of the Doctrine and Covenants were written.
Bishop Edward Hunter
His home overlooked the grove where most church meetings were held.
When Joseph had to hide out, he could hear the meetings from Bishop Hunter's home.
And also, once again, here is the view from the back of the Galesburg Ward building.
This corn by next week will probably be harvested. We shall see.
One more beautiful sunset. We are so happy here in Nauvoo.
We love serving in the temple, with the amazing people we get to serve with.
It is such a blessing, one we recognize everyday.