Crump Crew in Nauvoo: It's not sweet corn...it's field corn!

Fall is slipping through our fingers as we watch the leaves change colors, the days grow more chilly and the geese head south for the winter. Each season here brings a new sense of amazement. In reference to the above picture...in illinois 99% of the corn grown is field corn, which is used to make ethanol, high fructose corn syrup, animal feed and other products from the starch of the corn. The corn is harvested after the plant starts to die and the kernels dry up. For the longest time I wondered why these farmers weren't harvesting their corn and letting it all dry up and die. Well, there's the reason. It's not sweet corn, it's field corn.

On Saturday I had the opportunity to go to Carthage and help with a tour group from Spain. These members of the church had saved their money for years so they could make a trip to visit a few Church history sites. It was a great experience to be with them. There were 45 people, which we divided into three groups and I got to be with Elder and Sister Munns' group. I didn’t do much in the way of speaking Spanish. I was mostly there for moral support, to answer any questions and help guide the group along. The best part was when we were in the martyrdom room. There’s a recording that is usually played that describes the events of July 27, 1844, but they don’t have it in Spanish. So Elder Munns had some of the information printed in Spanish and asked a few people to read different parts. The spirit was strong at that point. But when we sang the song, "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" together in Spanish, the spirit became overwhelming. It was the best feeling ever. The guests could feel it and didn’t want to leave. I loved every minute of it. What a tender mercy.

This week in the office has been a little crazy as we planned for the Single Adult Mega Conference that took place this weekend (over 700 people) and the Mission Presidents’ Seminar next week. The Mega Conference wasn’t as well planned out as it could have been so emergencies that came up fell on us to take care of. That can be stressful when there are last minute things. The Mission Presidents’ Seminar, however, is the total opposite, everything is planned down to the last detail, which creates a mountain of things to do. But then there are fewer surprises :0) And fewer surprises is just what we want when we host Elder Neil L. Andersen, Elder Carl B. Cook, Elder Gifford Nielsen, other General Authorities, as well as over twenty mission presidents and their wives!

President Lusvardi has asked that Scott and I serve in the Printing Office next week when they all come. We have six minutes to quickly explain the printing process, the significance of the building, and extend an invitation to them. That’s a daunting task...trying to teach them something! We are blessed to have the opportunity to do it though. So we’ll see how it all goes.

In thinking back about General Conference, I have been so blessed as I try ("try being the operative word here.), to act on President Nelson's invitation to fast from social media for ten days, as well as read the Book of Mormon every day in order to finish it by the end of the year. It has brought me peace, calm and a sense of quiet strength each day. With blessings like that, why would I not want to continue to follow his counsel? Not a question at all.

I came across two quotes this week that struck a chord with me. The first is by John Taylor. He said, "I pray that I may act all the time with reference to eternity." If each decision I make, I do so thinking about the impact that decision will have on my own eternity, then my decisions would take on a whole new dimension. I would be able to see beyond the moment and choose more wisely.

The second quote is from Mary Field Gardner, "We did not complain. We were too thankful to be at Nauvoo." I hope to always be thankful for the simple fact that I can serve here in Nauvoo.