"Build a House...."

The Lord said:

"Build a house to my name...that I the Lord may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people...And I will show unto my servant Joseph Smith
all things pertaining to this house...Build a house to my name, even in this place, That I may bless you, and crown you with honor, immortality, and eternal life."
D&C 124:27, 40, 42, 55

The Willow - past and present

On one particular visit to Nauvoo in 2001, I was driving toward the small cabin which had been Joseph and Emma's first home. As I drove down the road which led to the cabin my attention was drawn to a beautiful weeping willow tree growing just behind the Nauvoo House. Its green limber branches swayed in the breeze so beautifully it was like watching a dance that had been choreographed by nature. I sat silently, enjoying the warm breeze as I wondered how long the tree had been there, how many scenes it had come to witness during its life, and what sad or happy events had it felt while it stood in its grace, weeping for those who had passed. I sat mesmerized for a few precious moments, thankful for what I have, grateful to those who had been at this place and had suffered many trials and sacrifices in order to stand up for truth. The willow tree represented more to me than just the beauty of nature. It made me realize how important the preservation of life and truth is to us all, and that we should never forget the many scenes that have brought us to where we are now, so we may remember and learn from all that passes by. Kim Smith (great great great granddaughter, Joseph and Emma)

It's what's inside, that counts

Geodes have an outer shell of chalcedony, a variety of crytocrystalline quartz, composed of silicon dioxide.

Geodes found in Illinois range from less than 1 inch to 2 feet in diameter. They generally occur in limestone. One of the most famous areas in the country is in western Illinois. It's amazing, that people come from all over the country to the Nauvoo, Hamilton, Quincy areas, in search of a special prize within...Geodes are a lot like people...if you take the time to look closely inside, they are each special in their own way. The temple, limestone quarries close to here and are a likely place to find a special treasure...yet, the most priceless treasure is found within the limestone walls of the temple itself!

Nauvoo Temple Missionaries Spring/Summer '09

There 62 couples is addition to the Temple Presidency and Temple Recorder and their wives. We arrived end of April and will serve until the end of Oct. The couples represent 30 temples in the US from which we came. Next month President Petersen will interview 16 couples and ask them to extend their mission to staff the temple for the winter and train the newly called couples that arrive end of April 2010...and so it has been since the temple was dedicated in 2002. We are thrilled to have been joined this group of dedicated missionaries for this brief time. We have made some good friends and love serving with such a wonderful Presidency, Matron and her assistants. In addition to this group, another 50 workers come from the surrounding communities to serve as they are able.

The Destiny of Nauvoo

The destiny of Nauvoo is to become a sacred monument to the Prophet Joseph Smith and those stalwart, faithful Saints who suffered and sacrificed so much that we might have a fullness of the Gospel. The principal value of Nauvoo is as a sacred, historical sight where the fullness of the Gospel was restored - a place where members of the Church may feel the spirit of the people who lived here and be strengthened in their desires, efforts and convictions by and increased understanding and recognition of the faith, testimony and dedication of the people who built this beautiful city.

Warsaw, a pleasant experience

For weeks we have passed by the sign pointing to Warsaw, prejudging (we suppose) from the past reputation the City has for mistreating the Saints in neighboring Nauvoo. As we entered town, we knew we were in for a pleasant experience. We found very friendly folks. We met 80 year old Betty who makes something out of everything and sells it at her craft store housed in one of the 1800's brick buildings. Jennifer runs the "Scoops" local soda fountain. Bob (78yr) is one of the locals who comes in for chocolate pie and coffee. Bill and Mary welcomed us to join them (and Bob) for lunch. They told us of a large house at the edge of town just above the Warsaw "Bottoms" (river road) where Joseph Smith stayed while visiting Warsaw (I assume prior to the worst of the persecutions).

Busy "P" Day

Quincy was a place where the residents welcomed and housed/fed the fleeing Saints from the mobs in Missori. It is still a friendly place where we enjoy visiting, shopping, eating. Everyone returns our greetings with a smile and are willing to talk as the occasion arises. The City erected a plaque in the park commemorating the arrival of the weary Mormons. President Hinkley added to the kind words of the Mayor saying, "Eternal will be our gratitude for the people of Quincy who provided shelter to the homeless"