Gary and Leah at Whitney store
Example of how the pulpits were made for the Kirtland temple
Kirtland Temple

 

A Life Changing Experience – Nauvoo

During the temple break we drove to Kirtland.  We went on a tour of the temple which was really inspiring to walk through it and realize that Joseph and the other faithful saints had labored so diligently to build it and how the Lord accepted it.  And to ponder the marvelous things which transpired in there and feel a part of that bit of history was most humbling.  Then we toured the restored buildings (the Whitney store, the ashery and sawmill, the Johnson hotel, the Johnson farm in Hiram, etc.) and the missionaries told the histories associated with each.  It was a wonderful trip.  So what does that have to do with the title above?  It’s all part of this wonderful experience we are having here in Nauvoo.  There is such a peace and love that fills the air as you walk where sacred things have transpired.  We feel that each day as we work in the temple and walk the streets here in Nauvoo.  One of the missionaries commented to me one day that his 4000 sq ft home he left doesn’t have any meaning anymore.  He has never been happier than he is now.  We all have the same accomodations and furnishings (including the dishes).  Those things that were so important at home are not anymore.  The only thing that indicates worldly status here are the cars we brought with us and no one pays any attention to them (unless the break down).  Everyone you see waves, or stops to talk, or gives you a warm embrace.  We often comment that we are in a little mini Zion where the outside world is blocked out.  Our biggest concern is how we are going to maintain this spirit when we return home.  If anyone needs anything there are more that enough people who provide the needed help.  We had a lesson Sunday on tithing and its relationship to the law of consecration.  We saw the huge farm of John Johnson, which he deeded to the church for the poor saints who were pouring into the Kirtland area.  Could I do that?  But the Lord commanded them to care for the poor and the needy and that command is still with us today.  Here in Nauvoo we feel that spirit.  But living in the world as we do it is hard to not be caught up in worldly things.  I have compiled a list of scriptures that relate to our responsibility to care for the poor and the needy.  These are just a few: 2 Nep 9:30; Mosiah 4:26, 18:28; Alma 5:55, 34:28; Hel 4:11-12; Morm 8:37-39; D&C 13:15; 26:20; 27:30; 28:13; 34:28; 52:40; 56:16; 83:6; 104:10-18; 105:3-5.  Why did the early attempts at living the law of consecration fail? See D&C 105:3-5.  We must never lose sight of the fact that we are but stewards over the earthly blessings received.  “For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures.  I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine.  And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, and all things are mine.”  D&C 104:13-15.  I long for the day when we will learn to love and care for one another as the Savior loves and cares for us.  As the prophet Joseph said, “Shall we not go on in so great a cause”.