All of us have had our lives turned upside down with
the Covid 19. Many of our activities have been canceled. We had a spectacular
Stake Relief Society Event planned for March17th, and Our Stake Relief Society Presidency had to postpone it. My husband and I were working in the Jordan River Temple, and then all temples were closed throughout
the world
We have three grandchildren serving missions. Our Grandson, Elder Michael Adamson, was released from his mission three months early from the Spanish speaking, Lubbock, Texas Mission. Then our Granddaughter,, Sister Taylor Jo, Williams, was brought home from New Zealand after just starting her mission. We now have our Granddaughter, Sister Abilene Workman, serving in the Phoenix, Arizona mission while under Quarantine. There are some miracle stories as thousands of missionaries from the US serving throughout the world were brought home.
Lubbock, Texas Mission Wellington, New Zealand Mission Phoenix, Arizona Mission
Here's what we have been up to since being in Quarantine. On March 22, We celebrated our Granddaughter, Alyssa's 16th birthday. We had a grand moment with them all. This is the last family event we had before the slow down in our lives.
Our Granddaughter, Sariah, is living with us. She was attending Utah State University and came down to our home to finish up her classes online. She is not working right now, and I can assure you staying with her Grandparents has been a challenge for her. On a lovely spring day, we took Sariah up to the Quirrah Mountain Temple. It was such a beautiful day to be out and about.
We then had a low key Easter Celebration. We were able to stay home and hold our own church Sacrament meeting. My husband has the Priesthood Authority do this sacred ordinance. It was actually a very sacred and spiritual moment. We do this each week, and we sing hymns and are assigned messages to prepare. Our Granddaughter is an accomplished pianist who brings joy to our hearts as she plays for us.
Here are photos of me hanging out with our Sammy on one of those Sabbath days - Then Sariah having a moment with our Fur Baby.
Project Protect is a challenge to make 5 Million Medical Grade Masks for Health Care Workers in Utah by Intermountain Health Care and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Charities. Our Stake Relief Society Presidency was asked to initiate this in our Stake. I decided to join in making these Masks. I don't sew much, and I don't have a sewing machine. It was given to my daughter. However, in our storage, we have an old Singer Sewing Machine of my Mothers. I was sure that it would work, but a little nervous that it wouldn't. My husband brought it upstairs and did research on how old it was. We found out it was made in 1936. On eBay, it is worth around $2000.00. The miracle is that it worked perfectly.
I had picked up 100 pre-cut masks, and the first day it took me several hours to complete about 33. I only had 2 days to do this. Therefore, my sweet husband and our wonderful Granddaughter joined in and helped by pinning the fabric and etc. It was a fantastic effort, and I loved being able to complete it. Many sisters in our Stake contributed, and the first week one million masks were made in our area. I think that is another miracle.
Our next adventure out of our cabin occurred on Saturday, April 25. The weather was lovely. It's been cold, and this was one of the first days of warming up. We drove to Heber City, Utah, and had a picnic at the park. We were able to keep social distancing, and it was perfect to be out for a while.
My husband has been working hard on our yard and putting in a garden box. Here is our Sammy watching him closely.
My dearest husband finally got me into the dirt, helping with our garden. This is a miracle. I have PTSD when it comes to dirt. As a child, I worked in the potatoes fields on my Dad's farm. I worked side by side with Navajo Workers. They were awesome, but I didn't enjoy picking potatoes in the dirt at all.
The truth is, I would go off and play. Favorite things to do: be a cowgirl, like Calamity Jane or watch ants building their hills. These are such precious memories to me.
Well, what have you all been up too during this siege? I'd love some comments.
Be safe, and stay in if you can! Sending loving thoughts and hugs your way!
What an unusual Easter we will experience this year. I feel in my heart that maybe it is actually an extraordinary one. Since our Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson invited us to Fast and Pray on April 10, Good Friday for the Corvid 19 to be controlled, our Caregivers to be blessed and protected, our economy to improved, and life to be normalized. The invitation was for all the world, and many faiths and others joined this fast. It was incredible to read all of the marvelous experiences that people had when fasting and praying. Many expressed that they felt peace, comfort, and awareness that indeed a loving Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, were near and listening. I think in the last several weeks that much good has been going on in the world. People have been humbled and are now more aware of one another and have more caring hearts. Miracles have occurred, and I feel there will be even more. I ask you all to look for those daily miracles in your lives. Look for those blessings that are there just for you. Today, I am sharing a couple of videos for you to enjoy! May the second video bring you comfort and peace in your heart and within your family.
A video presentation of Joseph Smith's First Vision -
We also participated in our homes what is entitled; "A Solemn Assembly." This is a very sacred practice that is usually only done when temples are dedicated and other special moments. We wave a white handkerchief with the Hossana Shout. This is like when our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, came into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Because of the Corvid 19, all of us were in our own homes, watching or listening to this. We all stood and followed the Prophet in waving our handkerchiefs while saying these sacred words. We have 16 plus million members that we pray were also experiencing this beautiful moment.
Our Prophet issued a request to all members of the church and an invitation to the world to fast and pray on April 10th, Good Friday. I am sending out this message to all that might read it as an invitation to fast and pray with us. I believe President Nelson is the Prophet to the world. We hope many faiths will join us on this day's fasting and prayer. Here is the quote from our Prophet: "Let us unite in pleading for healing throughout the world. Good Friday would be the perfect day to have our Heavenly Father and His Son Hear us!... Let us prayerfully plead...that the present Pandemic might be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy strengthened, and life normalized." We were much blessed by hearing the conference messages, and our hearts were lifted, and our minds inspired. Our faith in our Heavenly Father and our Redeemer were increased. May many fast and pray so that our prayers will be answered. I have many treasured friends that I love throughout the world that I am praying for. I know that it is a challenge for all of us to Stay Home and Stay Safe. You are in our prayers, and we are grateful for you all. We have our Granddaughter, Sariah, living with us right now. She returned from her full-time mission in Sacramento, California last July. She was going to Utah State University, and then it was closed due to the virus. We are happy to have her with us. With her positive attitude, she brings great joy into our home. The sad thing is that she has a boyfriend that she isn't able to see since we have the stay at home directive.
We have had 3 grandchildren that have been on missions for our church. Our Granddaughter, Sister Taylor Jo W. came home last night from the Wellington, New Zealand mission. She was saddened to leave because she had just barely started. However, she will decide on whether she returns or is reassigned to an area in the United States once the Pandemic gets better.
We have had thousands of missionaries brought home due to Corvid 19. We are saddened to have this happen, but it was prophesied many years ago by the Prophet Brigham Young. At this point, not all missionaries have been brought home. Many are still doing work in their own home countries. It was also prophesied that temples would close for a time, this was given at the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple by Wilford Woodruff.
Our Grandson, Elder Michae A., will return tomorrow from the Spanish Speaking Lubbock, Texas Mission. He is released after serving 21 months in the mission field. It's 3 months earlier due to the Pandemic. We are so proud of the great work he has done while in the mission field. He has touched many hearts, taught and baptized several individuals and families. We have a granddaughter, Sister Abilene W. that is currently serving in the Phonix, Arizona mission. She has been on her mission since February and is quarantined in her apartment with her companion. Their missionary endeavors are now online. We love reading her faith-filled emails each week. I'm so proud of the work she is doing. We are looking forward to the time that we can again mix with our friends and neighbors. Meanwhile, we will do all we can to prevent more spread of this dreadful virus. We are praying for all the world to be healed and life to be healthy again. I have enjoyed reading many marvelous stories of the generosity and love for one another, that is the result of his present struggle. Hearts are being softened and turning towards our Savior. There is much good in the world, and we are watching that come to pass daily. We do pray for our Health Care workers, who are on the front lines. We have Nephews and Nieces and our son James who are in the medical field and fighting to save lives. May we all pray for them. Stay Home - Stay Safe- You are important to me, and I'm sending prayers and hugs!
This weekend, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrates the 200 year Anniversary of the First Vision received by the Prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith. This is an exciting time for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also many that are not of our faith. We believe in Prophets, Seers, and Revelators, as found in the original church established by our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. We believe that our Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, is a Prophet to the world and also our twelve Apostles. This last year we have been preparing for this celebration. Our Prophet told us last year that this would be an unusual celebration. With the present Pandemic, it is going to be very unique. This weekend is our 190th Annual General Conference that will be televised throughout the world. Here is a link to this conference. Tune in and hear our Prophet and Apostles speak. You will find direction, comfort, and peace from the messages that will be given. There will be beautiful music from The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square that has been pre-recorded for this event since it will be held remotely through the gift of media.
The First Vision - Now You Know~
This video gives an overview of the First Vision and should answer any questions you might have. Many years ago, We received a copy of a Poem entitled, "The Calling" by Michael T. Hurst from his Uncle. It had a profound effect on my husband and me. I pray you will feel the sweet feelings of the spirit as you read this precious poem. Michael was in his 20's at that time and had cancer of which he later passed away. This is a heartfelt poem of the first vision that I hope you will take a moment to read.
The Calling By Michael T. Hurst
Hyrum’s brother in the morning
Ere the sun caused cock to crow,
Arose from sleep and lit a candle
And read the Bible by its glow.
His young heart was deeply troubled,
Greatly burdened by his plight,
For he wondered, more than most men,
Which of all the sects was right?
Then from James a partial answer
Struck his mind like hammer blows
And drove itself into his bosom;
‘Ask of God’, said ancient prose.
From the cabin, through the barnyard,
Strode the lad with easy grace.
Past the plowed fields, newly seeded,
To a predetermined place,
Nestled deep in yonder forest,
Cuddled in a womb of green,
Looking back and all around him –
Only shadows; he’s unseen.
Filtered through the shimmering treetops.
Morning sunlight gilt the youth
And kneeling humbly in its aura,
Joseph prayed to learn the truth.
Suddenly bright skies were blackened,
A great thick darkness gathered round,
While evil powers, frenzied, fighting,
Bound the lad and stopped his sound.
Never yet such awesome power,
Never viciousness so real,
Never loomed such great destruction
As the lad was caused to feel,
Urgent prayer was nigh abandoned,
Almost squelched by evil might,
When rescue came in one bright instant;
Blackness was dispelled by light.
What a shaft of glorious brilliance
Blessed the forest there that day.
As all eternity rang an answer
To the boy who went to pray.
Flee, the denizens of darkness,
From the presence of a greater one,
One whose sacred luminescence
Dims the glory of the sun.
Standing tall in might and glory,
In the air, o’er forest sod,
Above him, speaking, introducing,
Joseph saw the face of God.
God the Father, great, eternal,
Glorious, yet much like man,
Calling once again a prophet,
To reveal the gospel plan;
God the Father, great, eternal,
With his own Beloved Son,
Son and Sire, both stood together,
Glory, countenance, all as one.
“Joseph, this is My Beloved,
Hear Him,” and so Joseph heard
God’s predicted declaration
Of men’s departure from his word.
“Joseph!” ‘Twas the voice of thunder,
Yet was kind and filled his soul.
And he listened to the Firstborn.’
Who revealed to him his role.
For the church of old had fallen,
Plunged to darkness from its light;
But with guidance from the heavens,
Morn could break up the night.
Morn, as when the rosy day-dawn,
Maturing, Love breaks exuberant ray;
And the shouting voice of sunlight,
Conquering, holds the night at bay.
Thus the light the Lord was giving;
Guidance was, for years ahead;
Knowledge to restore salvation, For the living and the dead.
Joseph faced long years of struggle,
Years of toil, and prayer and tears;
Years of Kirtland, Nauvoo, Carthage,
Persecution; hell’s fires fed,
Ere he’s seen full forty seasons,
Years that leave young Joseph dead.
But he felt exhilaration,
Wonder, reverence, worship, awe;
All his life would be a witness
To the truth of what he saw.
Then the vision, closing, left him
Lying limpid, in the wood.
Having heard God’s great assignment,
He would do it as he should.
Then rising, moving, through the shadows.
Joseph stepped into the sun,
And a prophet walked the pathways
Where a little boy had run.
We can all have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. I thought I would share this beautiful music, Entitled: "My Own Sacred Grove by Anie Killian
May you all take a moment and tune into our conference and see and hear the voice of our living Prophet of today and the twelve Apostles. Here you will receive direction, comfort and peace received as a revelation from Jesus Christ. If you have an open heart you will feel the spirit testify that what is spoken is true.
Have a special weekend, stay home and be safe. Love to you all!
