Crump Crew in Nauvoo: What's not to love?

Every day I wake up just grateful to be here and to be serving our Heavenly Father. The Hymn, “We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet” says how I feel…”We feel it a pleasure to serve thee and love to obey thy command.”

Our mission continues to focus on increasing our spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation, as President Nelson has asked us to do. He said that we will need the “guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” I have spent every day this past week working in the office. The days fly by because there’s so many tasks to accomplish. I have learned a lot of new skills. However, almost every day, there is something I don’t understand how to do and am at a loss for how to accomplish it. I try every angle I can think of and then, finally, I bow my head and ask my Heavenly Father to clear my mind of the frustrations and help me see what needs to be done. Without fail, the answer comes into my mind so clearly and it’s just the revelation I need. I am grateful for these tender mercies of the "guiding, and directing" influence of the Holy Ghost every single day.

Scott enjoys his days in the Blacksmith, Brickyard and Browning Gun shop. He especially loves being in Browning Gun and sharing the story of Jonathan Browning with the guests. So, he was excited when they asked him to be the site coordinator there. That just means he oversees things and makes sure it all runs smoothly. He was able to meet some people this week who were from one of the towns in England where he served his mission. They had a nice visit. It was a great reminder that, even though we may not see the fruits of our labors, the relationships we build with others can have a lasting impact.

This week we had the chance to go to a National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa. The other National Cemetery I have been to is the one in Washington D.C. and it is massive. This one was smaller and a little more personal for me. As we walked along the rows and rows of headstones that marked the graves of soldiers from every war since the Civil War, I was all of a sudden overcome with emotion and a strong feeling of gratitude for all of those who have served our country. Because of their ultimate sacrifice, I enjoy so many freedoms in my life today.

Fall is slowly making its way here. The leaves haven't changed yet but I can tell it's on it's way. The squirrels scurry across the grass with a mouthful of nuts to store, the Canada geese that came through here in the spring are back, the air has cooled considerabley and as I walk along the streets I hear the occasional but steady sound of walnuts, pecans, chestnuts and hickory nuts falling to the ground. Fall is on the way.

Here are a few pictures of our visit from Elder Cook and Bishop Causse, as well as other pictures from the week.