Liken the Scriptures

We are told to liken the scriptures unto ourselves.  Find those things that apply to our own lives. Last week I was reading in the Book of Mormon in Mosiah 11.  As I was listening to the text being read to me, the following verses jumped out at me.

23 And it shall come to pass that except this people repent and turn unto the Lord their God, they shall be brought into bondage; and none shall deliver them, except it be the Lord the Almighty God.

24 Yea, and it shall come to pass that when they shall cry unto me I will be slow to hear their cries; yea, and I will suffer them that they be smitten by their enemies.

I thought about the situation we are presently in with the Covid 19 restrictions and social distancing.  I also thought about how the world has forgotten God.  He is not allowed in schools or other public places.  He has been pushed out!  We have been involved in two worldwide fasts for the purpose of ending the corona virus.  I expected some great miracle after the first one and when the second one was announced, I was sure there would be some miracle ending to it.

Now as I read these verses, I feel that we are in bondage because there are so many who are not humble and do not repent or even recognize deity.  The Lord is slow to hear our cries and our enemy is holding us bound.

Nevertheless, I still pray for a cure and an end to this pandemic.  I desire to go back to the temple and have visitors return to an open Nauvoo historic site.

Sisters on Sunday

Last Sunday we had a Sisters of Sunday Relief Society type of meeting.  It was supposed to be a sharing time for half of us and the other half was supposed to go for a walk and get to know one another.

When we showed up Sister Rizley had each of us introduce ourselves.  If was evident by the first six or so sisters that we were not going to do any of the things planned.  We spent half an hour getting introduced to them.

When it was my turn, I said my name, where I was from and how many children and grandchildren I have.  They wanted more information but I said I would save it for the walk.

We used up all of our time.  At the end we spread out around the garden and sang As Sisters in Zion.  Sister Warner thanked me for trying to speed things up.  People didn't really take the hint.

It was a fairly warm morning and the sun was shining so it wasn't too bad. 

Still, we spent all of our time being introduced.  It was good to get a feel for the new sisters whom I don't know anything about.

We brought our lawn chairs but were told we wouldn't need them.  I should have kept it with me anyway.  The concrete benches were pretty cool to sit on.

It was a beautiful place to meet but after Friday night's gathering, I don't believe we will be doing this anymore.  I do love the women's garden!

Socially Distant Campfire

After the concert a few couples met at the Parley street firepit for a campfire.  It was such a fun time to be together even though we maintained our distance.  I would much rather sit closer and be able to be all one conversation or just get to know a sister more intimately.

Elder Bailie brought his own homemade roasting stick.  Dollar General has roasting sticks about a foot long for a dollar.  Elder Bailie duct taped one of those to this stick.  I've missed his sense of humor. 
We stayed long enough for it to get dark and see the stars appear.  The temperatures were perfect as well.  Soon it will be much too warm for a campfire.  These are my friends and how I love them!  I yearn to be able to be physically together and not having to be socially distant. 

Socially Distant Concert...Oops

On Friday night we have socials with the other missionaries.  We've been doing this for a few weeks.  They usually happen via zoom.  Elder Munoa and some other missionaries began going to local nursing homes in December and putting on mini concerts.  He wanted to do the same thing for us.

It was decided that we would get together in the women's garden and sit a minimum of 6 feet apart and wear our masks.  We didn't even need to wear our masks as of May 1st if you are outdoors and maintaining social distancing. 

 The problem is that we are a group of more than 10 people.  Sister Flanders is an amazing violinist.  She gave some wonderful undertones to some of the music and then got the crowd engaged with Orange Blossom Special.  That made us think of the Sunset on the Mississippi show that will not be happening this summer.

Elder Munoa writes music.  He and Elder Draney, who has gone home, collaborate.  Elder Draney writes the lyrics and Elder Munoa puts it to music.  He sang some beautiful original pieces.

I noticed this tree as I sat and listened to the music.  It is actually two of the same type of tree but the blossoms are different colors.  It is so beautiful!

Just as the concert was over and we were getting our treats and leaving, Robert the full-time security officer, came to get President Rizley.  Someone complained to the police that we were gathering and there were a large group.  I don't know how he explained it but I assume he didn't get ticketed.  It was a wonderful time with beautiful music and the setting was perfect with all the beautiful blooming flowers!

Painting the Hyde Home

My boss is Jared Willyerd.  He's a really good guy.  He's so kind and patient.  He takes the time to teach us just how he wants things done.  He lets me try and gives me great direction.  He is an essential worker during this shut down.  He's been putting in a lot of overtime.  He always comes in to work on Saturdays because he wants to get things done.

On Friday night he was working at the Orson Hyde home painting the exterior.  It was already past 7pm when we stopped.  I told him we were available to help finish the job on Saturday.  Just as we pulled into the compound my phone rang.  It was Jared asking us to come help him.

We spent about or maybe just over four hours helping him paint the home.  The sun was shining brightly and it was warm so the paint dried quickly.  I have such a sense of accomplishment as I work in these historic homes.  I am doing what those early saints would have done.  I am their hands in this day to restore what they once had.  I'm so thankful for the feelings I get and how I'm assisting in the work too.  Just in a different way.  I'm blessed to be able to be a missionary at this time in my life!

Our Backyard

In our condo we occasionally had deer in the yard or running through the yard.  Mostly there were a lot of cats in the neighborhood.  Since we've moved to the Village Inn, we have deer every evening.  Lots of birds if I put seed out for them.  But if I do that, the raccoons come and eat the seed.  Lots of squirrels as there is a nut tree.  They're fun to watch and strangely the don't bother the bird feeder.

Last night as we had our first campfire in our backyard, the deer started emerging from the woods.  First one and then another and suddenly there were five.  This one led the way up onto the mowed grass to move to the field next door.  Two others followed.  When we made any noise they looked at us momentarily and then went back to their grazing.

There are a total of nine apartments at the Village Inn.  There are three on the left of this photo.  Ours is on the right.  Then there is another building with four more.  Ours isn't the largest but I like it best of all of them.

We have an upstairs suite which is really nice.  None of the others have a second bedroom.

We had a second bedroom in the condos and lots of neighbors and everything was new.  It was a wonderful place to live but we have such a great view here and it it our own house.  We share the garage.  Well, we would if someone lived there.  At present, we are the only couple living in any of the Village Inn apartments.  We love it here!

Elder Steve Jensen

When the "safer at home" order began in Illinois only certain missionaries were able to do any kind of work.  Many were sent home and only the essential group was allowed to stay.  Sister Jensen works in the scheduling office so once we open back up she will be very essential  

Elder Jensen called me one day to say that he was willing to repaint the wagons and carriages.   They need it!  I took him the tools he would need and asked him if he wanted a pair of painting bibs.  They belonged to Elder Mensel who is a much larger man than Elder Jensen.  I see he has put them to good use. 

When he needs supplies or direction, he calls his boss, ME.  I'm not sure why I was the one he reached out to.  Perhaps because I work in the paint shop and he doesn't have a number for Jared.  He keeps me smiling and he's doing a great job.  He will finish the wagons and be ready to start on the carriages this week.  Great job Elder Jensen!