Ark Encounter

I do not know who or what group has created this life-sized replica of Noah's ark, but it is impressive.  When we walked to the ark it was cool and breezy and when we walked out it was raining.  Only appropriate.  hehe

So many liberties have been taken in trying to figure out how things were stored and arranged.  They even gave the women names which they admit the Bible does not have.

These jars contained oil, water, grain and whatever needed to be kept safe from being spoiled.

This is the view looking up to the top of the ark from the first level.  It makes sense that there had to be some form of natural light.  There were "oil lanterns" all throughout but I can't imagine that there were that number of lanterns.

The animals were separated into "kinds".  This is the horse kind.  The assumption is that other breeds came later.

The thing I couldn't agree with was  the number  of "dinosaurs" aboard the ark.  I believe they were already extinct prior to the flood.  

What really intrigued me and made so much sense was the gardens that were growing there.  It makes sense that they would grow vegetables in order to have fresh things to eat.  All of these things were on the third level with natural light.

Some of  the veggies were grown in troughs while others were grown in hanging pots.  Still others in the garden spaces below those things. 

This is a depiction of Noah and the dove.  It appears that the dove is coming back with the olive branch.  There were some videos to stop and watch which were interesting as well.  I think we could have spent all day there if we wanted to but we didn't feel that it was necessary.  We got the general feeling of the place.  A nice place to visit but not something I think is a must see.

 

Kirtland Temple

Pat and I decided to take a short vacation during spring break.  Our initial plan was to go to Kentucky to the Ark Encounter and then possibly to Nashville.  But then I told him that the Rizleys were in Kirtland giving tours of the newly acquired Kirtland Temple.  We decided that we would go there first and then south to the Ark.

Marilyn texted me and asked when we would arrive.  I told her that we would take the tour the following morning and only with them.  She was so cute as she said they volunteered for the first tour of the morning and put our names on the list.  

It was so good to see them and hug them again and just be together.  We didn't have much time to just visit prior to the beginning of the tour but we got a photo or two.

During the tour we were reminded that the temple did not belong to the Community of Christ nor did we now "own" it.  It belongs to the Lord!

This window was an original.

On the third level of the temple only 25 people are allowed at a time due to the age and stability of the building.  I'm sure at some point it will be closed and reinforced.

This is Joseph Smith's desk where he wrote much.  I can only imagine which revelations were written at this desk.  So much revelation was given in Kirtland.  More than any other place.

We have had this tour before.  The last time was in 2018.  Back then it was very historical and not spiritual.  This time was very different.

As the Rizleys spoke of the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of the dedication, they asked us to sing "The Spirit of God".  I was asked to begin and direct the singing.  It was difficult to do it as my voice felt constricted and the tears flowed.

A rainy, drizzly day but it did not damper our spirits.  How I love these people!

In the Visitors' Center are these two portraits of Heavenly visitations on the dedication day.  Moses, Elias and Elijah came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and restored priesthood keys.  

Our Savior, Jesus Christ came and appeared to Joseph and Oliver and accepted the temple.  He needed this temple in order to have the keys restored to the earth.  What a sacred site that is now in the hands of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.  The tours now are just so sacred.

 

Waffle House

After Easter we took a short trip to Kirtland and Williamstown, KY.  We invited Tom to join us.

His first experience at Waffle House was very much appreciated.  He enjoyed the food as much as his dad.  Bonus - this one was in a nice part of town and was also very clean.

 

Easter

 A few months ago when the First Presidency announced that Easter would be Sacrament meeting only and that and Christmas would always be that way going forward, I thought about how we do a Christmas program and why can't we do an Easter program as well?  After all, there is a lot more scripture on the life of Jesus and His atonement, crucifixion and resurrection.  I spoke to Bishop Rickert and asked if I could do it and he agreed.

I spent some time in the four gospels and 3rd Nephi as well as Jesus the Christ and a recent talk by Elder Stevenson.  I had a thought back in February that I should have Amy and Luke Jensen sing, "Gethsemane" for Easter.  She agreed to do it.  With that in place I began to formulate a program.  I picked out more music and then tried to put the scripture I wanted to use in an order that would make sense.  Then I fit the music in.  I had to go back after I had it submitted it to the bishop and revise it just a bit.

Easter morning following the sacrament, Becky Hoffman began as the narrator.  She had the perfect inflection in her voice and paused at just the right places.  She was the perfect person to do the narration!  Amy and Luke's song was perfect.  I couldn't stop my tears.  Bishop Rickert sang a special number as well as the Primary and finally the seminary class.  The bishopric members each bore their testimonies and then we finished with He is Risen!  

The Spirit was so strong for me and I hoped others felt it as well.  Bishop asked me what I could possible do to top it next year.  What a great compliment.  Then as I was attempting to leave, Chad stopped me and asked if I had written the program.  I told him I had.  He expressed that he had never experienced an Easter celebration better than this one.  He always had one when he attended his previous church but not like this one.  I told him that I just followed the Spirit and it worked.  

I have some ideas for the future and I hope that those thoughts are what the Spirit confirms to me.  If not, then I'll just go forward with what it does confirm.  I hope all that were there, felt the Love of our Savior!

Power in the Sun

One of my favorite things to see is the breaking of dawn and the setting of the sun.  So often spectacular views are given as the day begins and/or ends.

Thinking about the power of the sun is incredible.  It gives light and heat to our world.

I love  the sunshine shining through my windows in the winter and warming my house.

At night I love a full moon!  It gives such light especially when bouncing that light off of the water or the snow.

This full moon photo looks like it could be the sun.

As I contemplate the power of the sun and it's ability to help things grow and give us so much light especially in the summer and warms us it is a wonderful metaphor for the Son.

The Son of God, my Savior and Redeemer does the exact same thing as the sun in the sky.  He offers us the chance to grow and fills our souls with light and warmth.  

He may not personally come into my house like the sunshine does but He does enter as I open the door for Him.  Through the scriptures, prayer, good books and music I can feel his presence.  

I am ever grateful for the Son!  There is such power as I depend upon Him and His atonement.  I know that He lives and loves me.  I am always grateful for my testimony of Him and all that He has done for me!

 

Love

I was unable to go out and walk with Tracy and Erica due to watching Eddie so I went out by myself a couple of days.  One afternoon after the snow had melted, I found this "heart" on the road.

A lot of times while I walk alone I will either pray or listen to scriptures on my phone.  I felt the love of my Heavenly Father as I came upon this spot in the road.  The creations on this earth are so wondrous!  I appreciate them so much.  I love the Spring season and although it was slow in coming and staying I found this symbol today that made me happy!

 

Getaway in Sturgeon Bay

We typically have a week away in Florida sometime in March or April.  Dennis and Phyllis Allsop have built a new house and are moving so we won't visit them until the fall.

Since we didn't go somewhere warm and enjoy the beach, we went to Door County instead for three days.  

We climbed Eagle Tower in Peninsula State Park and enjoyed the view on a beautiful sunny day.

It sure is a different view when the trees are bare. 

I liked the view with the pine trees against the dark blue water. 

I commented that rebuilding Eagle Tower and making in hanicapped accessible had to be a huge undertaking and the cost had to be astronomical!

We visited the Maritime museum.  This is the view from the 10th floor. 

Here's the view out of the window of our little rented cottage.  

Since it was St. Patrick's Day weekend, there was a parade in town.  We attended for a little while but when the parade is not with people and businesses I know, it just doesn't hold the same interest.  The tower was lit up for the occasion.  

It was a wonderful few days away from everything and just being together.  We went to all our favorite shops up and down the peninsula looking for the perfect pieces to display in our new bathroom.  I found some nice things but nothing that I felt I had to have.  

Sunday morning we made the 2 3/4 hour trip to Adams-Friendship for their ward conference.  A long drive but so worth it to be with those young Rice boys.  Only two in the Primary on this day but what great boys they are!