Oh love effulgent, love divine...

“Oh love effulgent, love divine! What debt of gratitude is mine.  That in His offering I have part, and hold a place within His heart.” – Hymn #187

I guess that’s how I’m feeling this Sunday evening.  I have a heart full of gratitude, I am blessed to partake of His atonement and I know that I have a place in His heart because I see the multitude of blessing he has bestowed upon me, my family and those I cherish.  Scott and I have seen many tender mercies throughout this week as we have tried to be better and serve better.  We have the blessing of being surrounded by amazing missionaries who are willing to do what is asked of them, whenever and no matter how often.  I sit in amazement during our Sunday meetings, as I listen to comments in Sunday School and Relief Society, at the depth of testimony each of these missionaries has. I have learned so much from them in the few short months we’ve been here.  It hurts my heart that so many have finished their missions and are heading home, but I know that our friendship will continue. 

This week we have concentrated more on receiving personal revelation and feeling the promptings of the Holy Ghost.  Scott served in the Brickyard, Blacksmith and Browning Gun, and there were times that he was in the right place at the right time, to give a tour to certain people that he has the capacity to teach and touch.  He’s so good at relating the information he shares to individual people.  We have fewer visitors these days so it’s easier to take a second and feel the spirit guide our day.  I have been a little overwhelmed by the tasks in the office, just because there are so many skills that I need to learn and things to do.  But I have noticed that when I take a second to think of the promises and blessings given to me in the temple, and in my Patriarchal Blessing, I receive the inspiration I need to accomplish whatever task I have. Clear ideas have come to my mind that help me know what to do and how to do it.  There is just a peace I feel when I remember who I’m doing this for. 

A few thoughts from this week:

• We can have a constancy of revelation if we will learn to detect it as it is happening. - Boyd K. Packer
• Revelation rarely includes an immediate explanation - Dallin H. Oaks
• Go to the temple, and if you cannot go inside for any reason (the Nauvoo Temple is closed for three months), then visit the temple grounds.  Just being on the grounds is sacred and we can hear the still small voice of the spirit give revelation. - M. Russell Ballard
• Just because it's true today, doesn't mean it can't be more true tomorrow.  Continue to seek for more truth.

 We made a quick trip up to Iowa City, Davenport, Iowa and Moline, Illinois on our pday this week.  I had to pick up my laptop after it was repaired, so we went to an antique car museum as well as the John Deere Pavilion.  They were both very interesting.  At the John Deere pavilion I certainly learned a lot.  Not being a farm girl, I had no idea how much technology is in something as simple as a tractor, let alone a combine or harvester.  Innovations in technology help in land conservation, farming, forestry, crop yields and so much more.  I was clueless! Geez, there’s always so much to learn!

I know I post quite a few pictures of the daily scenes we see here, but sometimes those are the images from our early morning walks that bring peace and are a reminder of where we are, and whose we are.

At the antique car museum.

Scott's practicing his wheel loader skills :0)

...and it's a good thing I was a school teacher
instead of a machine operator :0)