Amish, Birthday, and Snow, Nov. 6 - 19

Tuesday, Nov. 6th.

We arrived early to the temple today to help with the early morning session.  It is true that we will perform the ordinance to “the one” as we had only one patron come for the session.  These can be moving and uplifting sessions, however, the Lord would be more pleased should the chairs be full.

We worked two shifts today and rested between them.

Here is an article that I found interesting and have reflected on it several times.  It helps me look and behold the powerful work we are doing in the temple. 

Questions President Nelson's Grandfather Asked a Visitor from the Spirit World

This "precious gift" President Nelson shared was one his grandfather Andrew Clarence Nelson, or A.C. Nelson, shared with his family through his journal. 

Through this entry, President Nelson and his family were able to learn of a visitor from the spirit world his grandfather received 27 years before President Joseph F. Smith's 1918 vision of the redemption of the dead and gain important answers to what life after death is really like:
When my Grandfather A. C. Nelson was a young husband and father, just 27 years old, his father died. Then, about three months later, his father, now deceased, came to visit him. The date of that visit was the night of April 6, 1891. Grandfather Nelson was so impressed by his father's visit that he wrote the experience in his own journal for his family and his friends. And thanks to your encouragement, I took his journal entry and created this document and made copies of this document for every member of the family.
Listen to my grandfather's words about that sacred experience:

Amish Quilt

"I was in bed when Father entered the room. He came and sat on the side of the bed. He said, 'Well, my son, as I had a few spare minutes I received permission to come and see you for a few minutes. I am feeling well, my son, and have had very much to do since I died.'
"'What have you been doing since you died, Father?'
"'I've been traveling together with Apostle Erastus Snow ever since I died. That is, since three days after I died. I received my commission to preach the gospel. You cannot imagine, my son, how many spirits there are in the spirit world that have not yet received the gospel. But many are receiving it, and a great work is being accomplished. Many are anxiously looking forth to their friends who are still living to administer for them in the temples. I've been very busy preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.'
"'Father, can you see us at all times, and do you know what we're doing?'
"'Oh, no, my son. I have something else to do. I cannot go when and where I please. There is just as much and much more order here in the spirit world than in the other world. I have been assigned work to do, and it must be performed.'
"'We intend to go to the temple and get sealed to you, Father, as soon as we can.'
"'That, my son, is partly what I came to see you about. We will yet make a family and live throughout eternity.'
"'Father, is it natural to die?'
"'It is just as natural to die as it is to be born, or for you to pass out of that door.' And here he pointed at the door. 'When I told the folks that I could not last long, it turned dark and I could not see anything for a few minutes. Then the first thing I could see was a number of spirits in the spirit world. The paper you gave me, my son, is dated wrong. But it makes no particular difference. Correct records are kept here.'"
"'Father, is the gospel as taught by this Church true?'
"'My son, do you see that picture?' Pointing to a picture of the First Presidency of the Church hanging on the wall.
"'Yes, I see it.'
"'Just as sure as you see that picture, just as sure is the gospel true. The gospel of Jesus Christ has within it the power of saving every man and woman that will obey it, and in no other way can they ever obtain salvation in the kingdom of God. My son, always cling to the gospel. Be humble, be prayerful, be submissive to the priesthood, be true, be faithful to the covenants you have made with God. Never do anything that would displease God. Oh, what a blessing is the gospel. My son, be a good boy.'"

 Nov. 8th—18th

  

Silver Sneaker 

We are adjusting to a new schedule at the temple.  We have also started exercising with the Bonds at the Palmyra Community Center on MWF.  We look forward to this Silver Sneaker class and feel the instructors do a good job of getting us moving and working all our muscles.  One morning we stayed and road the bikes in the workout center.  We bought a membership and hope to use this to keep us in better shape through the winter.

Helen’s roof did not get finished this week.  Her husband, Len, had some concerns that halted things plus the weather has been snowy and cold.  Ray offered to discuss things with Len and he was willing to come to the door when we dropped Helen off.  Their conversation was very productive and I was proud of how Ray was able to communicated with Len and answer his concerns.  In the end, I think the project will move forward if weather permits.

Beautiful Amish Bench

Monday, Nov. 12th 

We had an outing to the Amish Country Store with lunch at the Oak Hill Café.   It was a beautiful day, sunny and cool.  It wasn’t as informative as I had hoped.  Pauline was friendly but didn’t really have a structured tour.  We shopped and looked at quilts then went outside for a buggy ride and to look at the chickens.  I think some missionaries were bored but overall we enjoyed the day.  Lunch was delicious.   I had the squash soup and BLT.  Ray had a beef sandwich and hot cocoa.    On the way home we stopped to peak in the window at the Hemdale dairy.  They have automated milking machines and the cows lay on water mats. 

Amish Marble Toy

Elder Pickup driving the cart with Pauline

Elder Pickup driving with Pauline

Amish Horse and Carriage along the Highway

Hot Cocoa - yummy

Wed., Nov. 14th  - Let winter begin

Friday, Nov. 16

Ray’s birthday was busy with Dr. Appt. and PT.  We did manage to eat some birthday cake before heading to the temple.  Sean called as we were getting ready to leave and joined in the birthday song.  I took the cake to the temple.  President and Sister Miner loved the frosting.  I have to say it was one of the better German chocolate frostings I have made.  I promised Ray a second cake so I made one after our temple shifts on Saturday.

I must have been a bit tired because I added the can of evaporated milk to the cake mix (instead of the frosting) and did not realize it until I mixed it together and found it quite runny.  At first I thought it was the extra egg whites I added (from the frosting eggs) but soon realized the error.  I added a 1/4 cup of flour and hoped for the best.  The cake turned out eatable though it took almost 20 extra minutes to cook in the middle.  The frosting was again very yummy.

Snow fall during the night

This week was busy at the temple.  Several own endowment sessions, baptisms, and unexpected things.  I was able to help in the office from time to time which I also enjoy.

On Friday morning we woke up to 14 inches of snow.  Yes, that is accurate 14 inches.  We were amazed at the amount as we shoveled out the car.  School was cancelled and the children were busy playing on the mountain of snow in the corner of the parking lot.  All that snow in just one storm.  We are in for a long winter. 

All in one snow storm

Local children playing on snow pile

Finding the car under all that snow

When we got back from appointments, on Friday, the cleared parking spaces were all occupied.  Ray had another errand to run so I decided I would clear off a parking spot.  14 inches of snow the size of a parking space takes a bit of effort.  I was just finishing and debating about tackling the remaining two spots that were about half filled when a pickup with a snow plow pulled up.  It was the owner of the end business building.  He had an office on the 2nd floor and were working at preparing the first floor for a business.  He was so friendly and surprised that we lived right there.  I think he was wondering what this old lady was doing shoveling the parking lot.  He was not responsible for clearing our lot but offered to push the last of the snow for me.  I was grateful as I was tired and sweaty. 

Happy Birthday Elder Pickup

Happy Birthday

Sunday, November 18

After church today, we had a thanksgiving “dish-to-pass”  It was wonderful food.  I helped wash dishes afterward while Ray vacuumed.  The sisters kept talking about how he could vacuum while holding Scotty (President Petriatis’s three month old)  First they were amazed that he would vacuum let along hold a child while he did it.  They thought only mothers could multitask in such a way.  I just had to smile.

It is tradition to read from the Book of Mormon on the way to church, then another book on the way home.  We read from Saints today.

Wednesday, Nov. 7th

We were able to visit with Holly, Anna, Nora, Zane, and Lyla last night as we were preparing to bed.  It was such a joy to hear their voices and get caught up on their lives and goals. 

Holly shared about how our 8 daughters as part of their time together last weekend went to the temple and they thought of me and how this would bring joy to my heart.  I am so grateful for any good influence I have had but recognize that the influence of heaven and of the spirit is truly what is necessary to bind us to each other, to the temple and ultimately to our heavenly home.

St. George Temple 2018
Kristi, Holly, Jennifer, Samantha, Jessica, Rachel, Brenda, Sharee