Elllie Lynn Pickup, Snow, Snow, and More Snow, Jan. 8 - 21

Our Front Door

Tuesday, Jan 8th

The temple was busy this morning.  Both sessions were overflowing: 53 and 43 respectively in a room set up for 42.  I was the Veil Coordinator for the earlier session and was amazed at how beautifully all the patrons were able to complete the session. 

I love this talk and the beautiful imagery of the healing waters Ezekiel saw and how they relate to temple work. Here is a quote from Elder Renlund's address. Elder Renlund, April 2018 Conference --Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing

"...An earlier prophet also foresaw blessings for both the living and the dead. A heavenly messenger showed Ezekiel a vision of a temple with water gushing out of it. Ezekiel was told: “These waters issue out … and go down into the desert, and go into the [dead] sea … , [and] the waters shall be healed. “And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: … for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.”  

Two characteristics of the water are noteworthy. 

First, though the small stream had no tributaries, it grew into a mighty river, becoming wider and deeper the farther it flowed. Something similar happens with the blessings that flow from the temple as individuals are sealed as families. Meaningful growth occurs going backward and forward through the generations as sealing ordinances weld families together.

Second, the river renewed everything that it touched. The blessings of the temple likewise have a stunning capacity to heal. Temple blessings can heal hearts and lives and families."

I love this and feel this power as we serve frequently in the temple. 

Monday, Jan. 14th 

Things I learned from the witnesses to the Savior's birth.   

The Shepherds were going about their daily work when suddenly a proclamation was made to them about the Savior, someone whom they believed in. And once they were told about where to find him they went quickly to worship him and to see for themselves. I think about how we go about our daily living as young mothers, as senior missionary couples, as providers, neighbors, etc. and those moments in our lives when the Lord's existence is proclaimed to us. It may come in a feeling, it may come through music, it may come in the smile of a newborn baby, it may come in a teaching moment with our children. But when it comes, hopefully I can stop what I'm doing. my daily work, and spend a few moments in worship. So that I might feel more deeply the joys of knowing the Savior.

The Wise Man had a different background and the things that I learned from them is that they didn't have to worry as much about their daily living. They were scholars and studied the words of the prophets. I'm not sure what their text was but it was enough that they recognized the star when it appeared in the sky. So when the sign was given that the Savior had been born they were eager to go and see. Sometimes in our lives we're farther away from the Savior than the shepherds but if we will stay focused on the light and the promise of his existence the signs that show that he really is there we will come to know and see Him.  Also, we should use our means and talents to move toward the His light.  The wise men had gold and frankincense and myrrh  and they were quick to give these to the Savior. I think about my responsibility to use the gifts and talents the Lord has given me to worship the Savior.  Do I worship Him with a talent of music? Do I worship Him with the ability to organize and plan things? Do I keep Him in my sights when I teach something?  

Simeon spent his life waiting for just that moment. But in the course of waiting he had pressed forward with his duties and his responsibilities. We have been given promises;  some of them were general to all God's children such as prophecies and things to look forward to in our times.  And we would be well to watch and wait and recognize them when they come. But there are also specific promises that we have been given. Those can be found in our patriarchal blessing and through personal revelation. As we reflect on those promises we should stay true and faithful and wait with anticipation knowing and trusting that all of God's promises are sure.

Anna is an beautiful example of the rewards that come when we endure to the end.  We do not know much about her but we know that she spent her later years in temple service and received a witness of the Savior.  What a joyous day that must have been for her. 

3 John 1:4 

Elizabeth Lynn Pickup, born Jan. 17, 2019

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Sweet Ellie

Thursday, Jan. 17th

Welcome to earth sweet Elizabeth Lynn Pickup.  Weighing in at 5lbs. 14oz. 17 inches long to Sean and Rachel.  She is adorable and petite.  How is is possible to love someone so far away.   

And now there are three...

Saturday, Jan. 19th.

We joyfully worked in the baptistery in the morning.  We had three or four families come.  What a great joy it is to see youth and their parents and grandparents come to do the work of the Lord.  We managed well to keep a sweet spirit about us and prayed that those serving would also feel it.  One father, in particular, was moved to tears several times as he performed the ordinance of baptism.  It was tender to see his response to the spirit. 

Sunday, Jan. 20th

Church was cancelled today due to weather. We got up and read scriptures, watched some scripture studies, Worship Service, and Music & the Spoken Work on BYU TV. Around 2pm we headed out with Bonds and Stallards to make snow angels for President Kimbler.  We ended up stopping by President Miner’s as well.  Then pulled off at the White house to make angels for the temple missionaries that live there. 

Making Angels

Standing in the snow

Snow Angel

Elder & Sister Pickup, Elder & Sister Stallard, Elder & Sister Bond

In the  evening we read and discussed the Come Follow Me curriculum and enjoyed learning and discussing the events around the Saviors birth together.

 

Monday, January 21st

It has been snowing constantly since Saturday afternoon and this morning was another dig out.  Some missionaries were unable to attend the fitness class we had planned at 10:30 but 7 of the 10 couples made it and we enjoyed ourselves.  Miner’s had invited us over for ‘brunch’.  It was beautiful and delicious.  Sister Miner had set up and decorated the room so beautifully making us feel welcome and like honored guests.

She served a breakfast casserole, all sorts of sweet breads, fruit, yogart with fruit and granola, yummy fresh juices.  It was amazing and wonderful.

Elder Stallard, Pickup, Leavitt, President Miner
Sister Miner, Leavit, Pickup, and Stallard

Sean video called so I could meet sweet Ellie Lynn.  She was awake for most of the call and I so loved seeing her and feeling her sweet spirit.  

take by Sister Schwendiman