The Good Doctor

Staying in the (Dr.) Willard Richards was truly not only an honor, but a welcome refuge from the packing and cleaning of our Nauvoo apt. We felt a calm and peaceful feeling there, also gained a greater appreciation for Willard Richards. He was a faithful friend and dependable recorder for the prophet. He was assigned many responsibilities for the Church. When Joseph was asked why Bro. Richards had so many callings he said, "I have looked long for a man with feelings like my own heart...Willard Richards is the man!" Willard was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, who was jailed with Joseph and Hyrum Smith and John Taylor in Carthage. Shortly before the martyrdom, the jailer suggested that the prisoners would be safer in an iron-barred cell next to the bedroom. Joseph asked Elder Richards, who was called the "doctor" by his friends..."If we go into the cell, will you go in with us?" The doctor answered, "Brother Joseph, you did not ask me to cross the river with you - you did not ask me to come to Carthage - you did not ask me to come to jail with you - and do you think I would forsake you now? But I will tell you what I will do; if you are condemned to be hung for treason, I will be hung in your stead, and you shall go free."

Signing off - thanks for your viewing

Temple President and Matron

President Wayne and Sister Joan Peterson

In 1846, 14 year old Elvira Stephens left Nauvoo with many of the fleeing Saints. She looked across the river from Montrose and longed to feel the Spirit of the Temple... so, in severe winter conditions she returned to Nauvoo and entered the temple to fortify her soul for the upcoming challenges that befaced her. Then back across the ice to the camp of the Saints. The view of the Temple and the feeling of peace she felt there beckoned her once again and again. She returned not just once, but three consequetive times... so, was her longing to be near the Temple... In her journal, later in life she stated that it was that experience while leaving Nauvoo and returning three times to the Temple...it was that extra effort, that "sustained her for a life time". As JoAnn and I leave Nauvoo after a season of serving in the House of the Lord, we too, have learned as did Elvira, that "returning to the Temple" gives us spiritual and physical strength to endure all of life's trials.

Mission coming to a close soon

Beginnings and endings are a constant in the cycles of our lives. Each season brings its own unique and self-containing set challenges, blessings and opportunities - leaving us forever changed. Whether here or elsewhere, we are all at another beginning.

Fall in love with Nauvoo

Mission-Field, of Dreams

"Build it and they will come"

I think that's what Joseph Smith heard when he was considering building the magnificent Nauvoo Temple! And...they did come, from all over! More than 20,000 people resided in the City of Joseph at one time, prior to be driven out to the West -and now with the reconstruction of the Temple...they come again, from all over the world! We are to have been workers here these past 6 months and will miss it greatly...will make the most of every day in the coming two weeks. There is a special Spirit here and indeed...they (those from the past) have returned to rejoice and experience it all, with us.

The Spirit of Elijah

"In the work of redeeming the dead there are many tasks to be performed, and all members should participate prayerfully selecting those ways that fit their personal circumstances at a particular time...Our effort is not to compel everyone to do everything, but to encourage everyone to do something" Elder Dallin H. Oaks

We have enjoyed the visit of JoAnn's Sisters and husbands and Esther! Brother, Randy and Susan are also here. Yesterday in the temple we performed the ordinances for 150+ persons...starting from baptisms to endowments to sealings. It was a glorious day.

The end is not always the sweetest

The cucumbers did indeed stay sweet all the way to the end - but it was sad to take out the worn out plants today (between conference sessions).

JoAnn was so moved by the experience, she penned her thoughts in a poem.

"We planted cucumbers in pots so small

And watched them grow very tall.

With sun, rain, water and God's tender care,

We picked our first cucumber in early July,

And each day brought more as the Summer did fly.

Fresh, juicy, crunchy, delicious to the taste,

We enjoyed every bite, none went to waste.

As the Summer ended we had picked 40 or more!

It was a Mission Blessing - that's for sure!"

Roy and Janeen's Visit

It's been fun having R&J here - they are trying to get all they can in - in the short few days in the City of Joseph. We were invited by our friend, Karen, innkeeper of the Willard Richards home to tour the home and see the artifacts. We decided to bring dinner with us! I cooked salmon and JoAnn prepared some delicious salads. It was a delightful evening. Roy played the "period" organ and we had a family home evening and talked about family and spiritual temple experiences. It's up early for R&J then off to Carthage and more touring of homesites. Thanks to family and friends who have written this past week - it's great to receive encouraging letters.

Cleaning - Pioneer Style

Want the soap recipe? Write me. Wow, this soap really works great!

Just before sunset, we got our chores done...

Sister Fannie made some pioneer soap and washed the clothes and dried them in the Nauvoo sun... all ready for "pure white" temple service tomorrow. Elder Lorenzo scrubbed the toilet and the cabin floor, and picked another cuccumber from our bountiful harvest of delicious veggies.

Craig and Sarah in Nauvoo!

View from Nauvoo home

Personal blessings of temple worship

Personal blessings of temple worship; It is the house of the Lord, a place of revelation and of peace. As we attend the temple, we learn more richly and deeply the purpose of life and the significance of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Make temple worship and temple covenants and temple marriage, our ultimate earthly goal, the supreme mortal experience...let the meaning and beauty and peace of the temple come into your everyday life more directly.

President Howard W. Hunter

Nauvoo Annual Grape Stomp - 5K

Visitor Center Sisters

The Sisters have discovered Elder Howard's smoothies and Sister Howard's healthy muffins...seems nearly all 20 Sisters have been invited or invited themselves on their various "P" days. We love to help them get off to a healthy start. We love them and like to help them in any way...they inspire us to be better missionaries. Reminds us of the statement from President Hinckley: "This great cause of the Lord is growing in strength and power and capacity across the earth. You and I are a part of it. You have as great a responsibility within the sphere of your assignment as I have within the sphere of my assignment. None of us can afford to slacken. All of us need to stand up and declare the truth. Walk in faith and faithfulness. Do good. Help others and bring glory to the great cause of the Lord Jesus Christ in these latter days."

"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)