Week #10, 12 - 18 February 2017

The news of this week was amazing weather!  Temperatures were in the 40's, 50's, 60's, and even in the low 70's one day.  And, we had sunshine all day long for several days.  What a change it was and everyone's spirits seemed to be lighter.  We have had lots of wind and the locals say:  "The wind starts blowing in March!"  I guess it will be hard and furious then.

We had a good Sunday and trip back and forth with the McBride's.  We enjoy our time with them and sharing experiences and family happenings.

Family Home Evening was square dancing in the Cultural Hall on the original floor the early Nauvoo saints danced on.  Brother Adams, one of the missionaries, is a professional square dance caller and he took charge and we had a great time.  You would have thought we were a bunch of kindergarten children with not remembering left from right!

The Cultural Hall was originally built as the Masonic Hall as many of the early members of the church were masons.  The third story had been badly damaged and was taken off by some people who had used the building for a home.  When the church purchased the building in the 1960's and began the restoration process, they discovered a treasure just beneath the roof.  The ORIGINAL floor for the third story.  This story was used for banquets and parties and dances.  We could only imagine Joseph & Emma, Brigham & Mary Ann, Hyrum & Jerusha,  Heber C. & Vilate,  and all the other wonderful people dancing and laughing during happier times here in Nauvoo.

 President Smith decided to sit on the other side of the room for the instructions.

 We were trying to listen and be ready to dance.

We broke up into about six sets of four to begin.  Elder Adams gave instruction and walked us through a few moves and turns to get used to the calls he would make.  Away we went, having a great time and our square did well with going the right direction.  We danced awhile and then Elder Adams said to take a short break and then get back into squares with different people.

What a fun time that was.  Elder Fetzer was a hoot as anytime his wife wasn't hanging on to him he was off into the neighboring square just a smiling and have a great time.  We would round him up back with us and away we went.  We laughed and laughed and were worn out by the time we stopped  chasing after him.

We had another break and then into different squares again.  Everyone had a fun time and so happy we were able to dance.  We walked to the Family Living Center afterward for refreshments which centered around Valentines Day.  It was all a great activity.

 Elder Emang, Sister & Elder Cole (from Peoria, AZ).

 Sister & Elder Adams (from Snowflake, AZ).

During the week we made our three trips to Burlington for light therapy and shopping.  We seem to figure out something to buy each time we go.  We also worked on the scanning project at Brother Shurts' and I went to my family search class at Sister Swing's. 

Our time in the temple was great.  We had various assignments and duties throughout our shifts and were trained Thursday evening to be baptistry coordinators every Thursday evening.  We did not have any patrons, so hopefully when they do come, we will remember what to do.  Elder and Sister Thompson (from Mesa, AZ) were our trainers as we are replacing them.  They will be going home in April.

 Bald eagles are in plenty supply along the river and Dad managed to get a few photos of them.

Not sure what these water fowl are.  There must have been thousands of birds on the way to Keokuk on Saturday.

The Despain's and us are in charge of family home evening on the 27th, so we spent time throughout the week following up on plans, creating a flyer to pass out, and getting supplies together.  It should be a great activity.

We celebrated Valentines Day and sang happy birthday to Nelson and Caleb.  It is always great to speak with family and share in their day.  Nelson shared his news of being part of the Tucson Temple open house committee.  Caleb was excited to be 5.  He is looking forward to going to school in the fall.

Lorili, Gabe, Henry, Caleb, Eliza

One of the days we were at Wal-Mart, I happened to see Hawkeye shirts and just simply could not resist getting some for the Thorson children.  Since they are such great hawked fans, they should at least have shirts to go with the attitude.  They make quite the Spirit Line!

Temple Fact:  Did you ever think about the early saints needing a recommend to enter the temple?  I am not sure I have, read this:  "The command of heaven is to you, to all, gather; and when you arrive here, if it is found that you have previously sent up of your gold or your silver, or your substance, the tithings and consecrations which are required of you, for this building, you will find your names, tithings, and consecrations written in the Book of the Law of the Lord, to be kept in the Temple, as a witness in your favor, showing that you are a proprietor in that building, and are entitled to your share of the privleges thereunto belonging."

". . .the Prophet Joseph instructed the brethren in charge, to the effect that none should be allowed to participate in the privileges of the House of God excepting those who shall produce a certificate from the General Church Recorder, certifying to the fact that they had paid up their tithing.   The practice of issuing these certificates - the predecessors to modern Mormon temple recommends - continued from the winter of 1841-1842 and after Joseph's death in 1844."  (A House For The Most High by Matthew McBride, pp. 85-86)