Burns in Nauvoo: My Basket of Blessings

November 21, 2021

Today, in Sacrament Meeting, Sister Brown gave a talk on - you guessed it - GRATITUDE! She spoke on having a "Basket of Blessings" and mentioned many items that are in her basket. Today, I'd like to tell you some of the blessings that are in my basket.

1) I am blessed to have an amazing mission companion, who is also my eternal companion, who loves me and serves me, our family and the Lord willingly and lovingly. He's not perfect, but he's perfect for me! We've definitely had our ups and downs as we've journeyed these last 38+ years together but I'm so blessed that we stuck it out! Looking back, our roller coaster ride of life together has been wonderful!

2) I am blessed with 9 amazing children, 5 that I gave birth to and 4 that joined our family through marriage. They are all mine and I couldn't be happier! They are doing a great job raising our 11 grandchildren in the Gospel, they are all really good people, who would help anyone in need. They love each other, support each other and I love them! I'm blessed that they are mine forever! They are very supportive of us serving our mission and for that, we are blessed! We are blessed that most of those children have been able to come visit us while we have been serving here in Nauvoo.

3) I am blessed that, like Nephi, I was born of goodly parents who taught me the Gospel and set a wonderful example of faith in our Savior, of hard work and also having fun together. One quick story - when my brother was on his mission, my Dad was diagnosed with cancer but was able to have it all removed which was a miracle in itself. The tumor was the size of a basketball and hadn't ruptured. The doctor was amazed and didn't know how that could be. A few years later, my other brother was on his mission and my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a total mastectomy. At this same time, I had an ectopic pregnancy. My mom asked me to come to her home so that my Aunt could help us both in our recovery. While I was there, my grandma, dad and I were in the living room. My grandma made the comment that she wasn't going to allow any more grandchildren to go on missions because something bad always happened. My dad, without missing a beat, replied, (and I still remember it even though it's been over 34 years) "We have been blessed because my children have served missions! I'm alive because of them serving and so is Myrna (my mom)!" I know the blessings that come from serving.

4) I am blessed to be able to serve a mission here in Nauvoo. This is my dream mission! We first came to Nauvoo 26 years ago and I felt the spirit so strongly. We have returned so many times that I've lost count. I've been drawn to this beautiful city for a long time. I'm blessed that I've been able to help keep Nauvoo beautiful, whether that's planting flowers or cleaning the mechanic shop, homes or historic sites. I'm blessed to be surrounded everyday by amazing Elders and Sisters that I get to serve with!

5) I am blessed to have ancestors that lived here in Nauvoo. I was so excited the day that my dad told me that we have many ancestors that lived in Nauvoo. I love those ancestors and love learning about them! This week, we were decorating the Cultural Hall for Christmas. Several of us stood on the balcony, overlooking the ballroom on the third floor. We were talking of Joseph and Emma and what it would have been like to see them dancing there. The spirit bore witness to me that my ancestors also danced on that floor. I closed my eyes for a short time and visualized that. Oh what happy times that must have been for them!

6) I am blessed to have made many friends here on my mission, that will be eternal friends! Several of those will be going home next month. That will be really hard but I've been blessed to serve with them and there will always be reunions!

7) I am blessed to have served in many different capacities while serving here in Nauvoo. Each assignment that I've had has brought growth, challenges, new friendships, and brought me closer to who my Savior wants me to be.

8) I am blessed to have been able to serve with so many YSMs and YPMs. They added so much joy to our mission. Our last YSMs (aka the Webb Sisters) leave this week. They have been a blessing to the mission and will be missed, as are all of the young missionaries!

9) I have been blessed to serve here with President and Sister Rizley as our leaders. They are both spiritual giants and I've loved being trained and taught by them. Sister Rizley is a great friend to all and I've learned so much from her! From organizing activities, making aprons, doing yard work together, to even a bike ride together, I have enjoyed every second spent with her. They leave the first part of January and they will be missed! I love them both so much!

10) I am blessed to know that my Savior and Heavenly Father know me and love me! I am blessed to have been raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am blessed that I continue to have experiences that strengthen my testimony and bring me closer to them. They are always there for me - just a prayer away!

I could go on with so many more blessings. As you can see, my "Basket of Blessings" is overflowing and for that, I am truly blessed!

I challenge each of you to take time this week of Thanksgiving and count the blessings that are in your "Basket of Blessings." Each of you are counted in my basket! You have each blessed our lives in great ways. We love you!

Happy Thanksgiving!