Burns in Nauvoo: Building Zion, One Ah Ha Moment at a Time

This was an amazing week with so many ah ha moments given to me, that have strengthened my testimony of this gospel, of the scriptures and of a Heavenly Father who loves us. It also humbled me.

Let me give a little background. Here in the mission, we have missionaries that are called to be either FM, Site, Family History or Teamster missionaries. It's been a "tradition" that when a Site missionary leaves, the Site missionaries have a farewell dinner or something similar that only Site missionaries attend. The same happens for FM or Teamsters. This last week, we had two couples leave - a Family History (Land and Records) and a Site. Normally, that would mean two different farewell parties, but this time, Pres. Rizley asked that they be combined and that all missionaries be invited. We didn't go because we felt like the Site missionaries really didn't want us there (from comments that I had heard) and because this was "their time". Another thing is that the Site missionaries have had their own Come Follow Me study group, which was recently made available for everyone. We didn't go for a while because we felt, again, like we were invading on Site Missionary time. Since I humbled myself, (and I learned that I wouldn't have to teach it) we started going and we love it and we are learning so much!

This week in training, it was on creating Zion. A scripture was read from 4 Nephi 1:15-17 that tells what a Zion community looks like -

15 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.

16 And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.

17 There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.

Doesn't that sound wonderful! I look forward to the day when we have that again, when Christ personally reigns here on this earth!

Verse 17 really hit me and I had a huge ah ha moment! Where it reads, "nor any manner of -ites", the spirit bore witness to me that I need to see the mission that way also. I need to see the mission as President Rizley always says - "A missionary is a missionary is a missionary". I thought of that scripture this way, "Nor any manner of -ites, no Site-ites, no Teamster-ites, no FM-ites, no Family History-ites". We are all here, serving as missionaries, to build up Zion here in Nauvoo! We are all here serving the Lord for the same reason, just in different capacities and one is no more important than the other. We are all needed. Whether serving a mission or serving in a Ward, this is true!

I am so thankful for that moment because it humbled me and I needed that! I was being stubborn, a bit rebellious and I was missing out on great opportunities and experiences. I've since repented and I'm so grateful for my Savior's sacrifice that makes that possible. That was Tuesday night. Wednesday night, we were in the temple participating in sealings with two other couples from the mission, E/S Heward and E/S King. The spirit was strong in the room as we sealed each other's family members together, giving them the opportunity to be together forever as family. As I looked around the room at these other missionaries that I love dearly, the thought came to me that we each represent a different aspect of the mission. There was a site, teamster and FM couple there but we were there, united in temple service for our ancestors and it was glorious! There were no manner of -ites in the temple that night! Also, I was able to be a witness for the first time and that was a humbling, sacred experience for me.

Saturday, we were able to go to Adam-Ondi-Ahman again. This is such sacred ground and we felt blessed, and again, humbled, to walk there again. Some of my ancestors lived there before they were driven out and eventually ended up here in Nauvoo. I found out where Benjamin Johnson, my uncle, lived but was not able to go there because it was too muddy. There is a place there called "Preacher Rock". It overlooks a valley that is a natural amphitheater. Doug was asked to stand on Preacher Rock and sing as we all stood in the valley below. He sang "The Spirit of God" and we could hear him perfectly. It was another special moment where, again, the spirit bore witness to me. I wonder if Joseph Smith stood on that rock and preached to the Saints when they lived there. I wouldn't be surprised if he did.

Another miracle happened this week! In 2005, when we participated for the first time in the Nauvoo Pageant, I saw a picture hanging in the Carthage Jail Visitor Center that I fell in love with. It is a painting of "The Standard of Truth". I have searched for a print of this ever since then and even took pictures of the print. Well, this week I was able to obtain a copy of that picture and I am so excited! Prayers are answered - sometimes it takes a good long while but I have my picture!!! Oh happy day!!!

One last thing - I was able to help the temple gardeners plant tulip bulbs this week! It was so fun to be outside again! I love Conservation and those that I serve with, but I love a nice day outside! Tomorrow is supposed to hit 70, then it's back to the 40's.

I am so eternally grateful for the blessings that have come into our lives from serving a mission. I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who knows me and loves me and knows how to humble me. He knows my personality and teaches me so that I can understand His desires for me.

I pray that you will each be able to identify things that are holding you back from living the life that Heavenly Father intends for you to live. I pray that you, too, will have your ah ha moments to help you identify those things.

May we all be grateful for our many blessings!