So we bought a new van...which sent me into a state of anxiety and sleepless nights as I have hard time spending $$$...since ours was deteriorating and when the ac went out, that was the last straw.
Ok, I got side tracked. Our dear friends, the Gales invited us to go to Nauvoo with them. We had been wanting to before we left this side of the country, so we drove the quick 7 hours up there, with a brief stop in St. Louis.
I had no idea Nauvoo was the place to be in the Summertime! The town is crawling with talented missionaries who can sing, dance, act, play trombone. It was so fun to go back in time through music as well as through the history. One of my favorites was the trail of hope which is the path down Parley street to the Mississippi River. Posted along the path were journal entries from the saints who were driven out of their home on a freezing February day to escape the mob threats. So many families left their all their comforts behind with hope to find peace in Zion.
So much sacrifice.
So much faith.
So much hope.
It was inspiring. When I think about my own life and what it would be like to leave everything I own and start walking in the middle of winter with my children in hand, who would probably be begging to go home back to their warm beds or asking for me to carry them. And my husband who would fearlessly be leading the way with gun strapped to his back (at least that's how I'd picture him) and a look in his eyes of unwavering faith in the Lord. I'm pretty sure I would be praying for Christ's atonement to strengthen my abilities, to give me more courage than I owned, to deepen my faith and that our family would be surrounded by angels as we began a trek into the unknown.
I also think about the women who's husband's were not with them as they were on missions in Europe or who left to serve in the Mormon Battalion or who's husband were killed by the mobs already and they fearlessly led their little ones into the unknown.
There are moments right now when I think Doug's and my life is so consumed with serving in the Church and providing for our family that our time together is limited, but at least we can kiss each other goodnight before we rest in our warm beds and wake up the next day to it all again.
When your faith in God is unshaken by whatever life experiences we are asked to endure, that's living a life for God.
My top 5 favorites:
1. Nauvoo Temple
2. Trail of Hope
3. Musical performances
4. Beautiful scenery
5. Enjoying it with family and friends.
Beautiful!
Pics from St. Louis
The Nauvoo temple has become a favorite of mine since we visited last summer. There is just something about that place that no other place or temple has. So glad you got to enjoy it. Now when are you moving to Bend? :)
ReplyDelete