"If It's on the Lord's Mind, It's on the Prophet's Mind"

This street sign in Nauvoo reminds me to choose the right, even if everyone else is turning in a different direction. Stay on the covenant path to Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost will be with you, always. “The Spirit is the most important single element in this work. With the Spirit magnifying your call, you can do miracles for the Lord in the mission field. Without the Spirit, you will never succeed regardless of your talent and ability” (Ezra Taft Benson [address given at the seminar for new mission presidents, June 25, 1986]).

This weekend Bishop W. Christopher Waddell (here is the talk he gave last week in General Conference -Just as He Did-) and the Directors for Temporal Affairs came to Nauvoo for some business that was none of my business, but important nonetheless. On Sunday night, Bishop Waddell spoke to all the missionaries in Nauvoo at a special fireside. He spoke on Priesthood Keys. I have never heard the principles of priesthood, keys and authority discussed so completely and well! I took several pages of notes and then transcribed them quickly to help me remember better. I will give you two tidbits (in addition to the Benson quote above):

1. Since President Nelson became the prophet of The Church, we have heard about the gathering of scattered Israel and preparing the Earth for the Savior’s second coming more than ever before. Why? "If it's on the prophet’s mind, it is on the Lord’s mind."

2.  Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, keys operate. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we have repentance. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we have baptism. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we have the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we have temple ordinances. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we have priesthood power, authority and keys. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we have hope.

Scenery

Our favorite evening walk is down Parley Street to the Mississippi River. Frequently we see a colorful sunset. Here is one from last week.

History

Sunday we served in the Seventies Hall. It is a reconstruction on the footprint of the 1844 building. There were 35 quorums of the Seventy (Seventy is a priesthood office in the Melchizedek priesthood of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Traditionally, a member of the Church holding this priesthood office is a "traveling minister" and an "especial witness" of Jesus Christ, charged with the mission of preaching the gospel to the entire world under the direction of the Twelve Apostles.  The Church teaches that the office of seventy was anciently conferred upon the seventy disciples mentioned in the Gospel of Luke 10:1-2. Multiple individuals holding the office of seventy are referred to collectively as seventies.). Many missionaries were called and prepared to serve in this place.

 

Dear Friends Passing Through

Elder and Sister Lichfield (Robert and Jill) completed their missionary service in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. On their way back to Richland, Washington they stopped in Nauvoo for a couple of days. We had hoped they would come through Nauvoo on their way home, but were not certain it would happen. Then we found out that Jill's sister and brother-in-law were coming here to serve a mission. Not only is Sister Draney Jill's sister, but Elder Draney is Robert's first cousin! We were very happy to share the Lichfields with the Draneys!

I hope you enjoyed my mish-mash of experiences...until next week!