Monday, December 5, 2011

Liberty Jail

We went to Liberty Jail today. It brought back many memories of 42 years ago. I am reminded of how some chains can set-you free. Like wise the  confinement of liberty Jail seem to have sped up  the Prophet Joseph's understanding about suffering the spirit and revelation. Elder Neal A. Maxwell said it well : " It wasn't until the prophet was physically confined that his mind was fully liberated... The double walls, four feet thick, kept Joseph and his companions in, but they  could not keep the spirit and  revelation out."

Along with Joseph there was; Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Alexander McRae, Lyman Wight, and Caleb Baldwin confined in the Jail. They stayed from Dec. 1 1838 to April 6, 1839. Sidney was released early in Feb. The other 5 stayed until the end.

One thing I was pondering after visiting the jail, was how interesting it is that through some of the most significance experiences, people like the Whitmer's, Oliver Cowdery  and Martin Harris lost their way. But the 5 that endured Liberty Jail never wavered. The exception was Sydney who was released early. Reminds me of the Martin- Wiley handcart company, who found their identity in their suffering as well as finding their unfailing testimonies of the gospel.  A real ponder point. It seems that living things even humans are straighten through struggles.

Facts: Jail built 1830--1833
Extermination order  Oct. 27th, 1838
December 1, 1838, six enter the Jail
March 20-25 1839, Revelation D&C 121,2,3
April 6, 1839, Men leave the Jail
April 22, 1839 men back with families in Illinois

Joseph on the constitution; "Hence we say, that the Constitution of the United states is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner; it is to all those who are privileged with the sweets of its liberty, like the cooling shades and refreshing waters of a great rock in a thirsty and weary land. It is like a great tree under whose branches men from every clime can be shielded from the burning rays of the sun."


Thursday, November 24, 2011

MTC


We entered the Mission Training center on Monday, November 14, 2011.  When we pulled up to the parking area we were told we were "overage", meaning, there were too many senior couples staying at the MTC, we were assigned to the downtown Marriot!  We were a little disappointed, we wanted to have the full "Mission Home" experience.  As it turned out, it wasn't to bad having a little TV a night! 

Each day at the MTC was filled with talks, role play, instruction, studying out of Preach My Gospel, eating, and taking breaks (they are really nice to the seniors, we had a break about every hour and a half).  We loved being around all the young missionaries, they were so enthusiastic, kind and so  respectful. One day 700 new missionaries came into the MTC, it looked an army of ants!

Since we had to leave the MTC at the end of the day, we didn't always return for dinner.  We were able to meet my friend Nora Nyland at a great little Italian restaurant.  It was so fun catching up with here.  We have know each other since 6th grade, but she moved to KC, MO while we were in high school.  She is a professor now at BYU.

I would have to say a highlight of the MTC was attending a devotional Tuesday night.  Tad Callister was the speaker.  His talk was on the apostasy.  It was such a great talk, the next day we went to the book store and just happened to see his book titled, what else?! "The Inevitable Apostasy".  We had to buy it. He never even mentioned the night before that he had written this book.

We left the MTC Friday afternoon.  We met Colette, Wayne and Stella at McDonald's to say another good-by, then hurried home.  Finished packing and got ready to leave the next day.  


  Sister Hale was our trainer.  She did a really great job!  We really enjoyed her, she was so helpful and positive.  She had such a great testimony.  She really made us feel like we could do this . . . that we could be missionaries!

This was our "District".  We spent the week with this group, studying and role playing.  Two couples were going to Ohio and the other couple to New Zealand.

Picture of our car packed, ready to go!

Mission Photo at the Logan Temple.

 The first step in getting ready for our Mission was taking a mission picture. Picture taken at the Logan Temple. We are still smiling at this point because we haven't gone to the Doctor's office. We were less smiley after that month ordeal. We are very sad to be leaving the kids and our parents, but know the Lord will bless our family. This family photo was taken at Bear Lake this past summer. Kit and I are just learning how to Blog and hope to keep our mission experiences on this medium?