Crump Crew in Nauvoo: November 2019

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Have a grateful day!

Each week that passes by, and it gets closer and closer to our leaving Nauvoo in December, Scott and I get a little more nostalgic. We have thought a lot about the many experiences we have had, the people we’ve had the opportunity to serve with, the streets we’ve walked, and the inspiring pioneers we’ve learned about. Most of all we have talked about how we have changed and learned more about the Savior and his love for us. To know that he has provided us with these experiences is humbling. We hope we have done our best to be his servants. We also know how grateful we are to family members and friends who have supported us in so many different ways. We could not have focused on serving well without your help. See, there I go, getting all sentimental. I think that’s going to happen more and more as our time here draws to a close. So get used to it :0)

Probably our favorite experience this week was having President and Sister Lusvardi in our home for a visit. We love them and are grateful Heavenly Father saw fit to have our paths cross. What a blessing they have been in our lives.

As this is Thanksgiving week, I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the blessings of each and every day. I want to live in thanksgiving daily. How can I not be grateful? God has given me everything. How can I not serve him as a way to express that gratitude? That’s why it is a blessing to me to serve as his missionary. So, with that, I say…Have a grateful day!

Crossing the Mississippi River to Fort Madison as the sun was setting.

Some serious renovation going on at Heber C. Kimball's home.
We're hoping they have it complete before we leave.

My very favorite missionary companion :0)

Sunday, November 17, 2019

"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven..." - Rev. 14:6

What?! November is halfway over! The fall leaves are pretty much gone and it’s time to prepare for winter. I have noticed that the squirrels feel the same way. They are all over the place, dashing from tree to tree, attempting to collect nuts for their winter stash. It just cracks me up to watch them. I think that in my pre-mission life I was much like those squirrels, hurrying from place to place, so focused on my destination that I didn’t notice the cars on the road that almost squashed me! One of the blessings of life in Nauvoo is the feeling of peace and calmness I always have. Even when Nauvoo is busy there is still a sense of peace and calm. Maybe that’s because this is the Lord’s consecrated place, we are his covenant people and we have a focus that is on him. He brings peace and calm.

The most eventful thing that happened this week was the Angel Moroni Exchange :0) On June 28^th there was a severe thunderstorm that came through Nauvoo and lightning struck the angel Moroni atop the temple. He was a bit charred, so on Tuesday the Church brought in two very large cranes and swapped out the blackened statue with a brand new, shiny statue. The whole process took about four and a half hours. The cranes were assembled, a practice run was done and then the actual exchange took place. It was a beautiful sight when Moroni was once again bright and new.

The day's event gave me reason to think more about the temple, the covenants we receive, the “spiritual treasures” (as President Nelson calls them), and the revelation that is possible in the temple. I love spending time in the temple. It is another way I feel peace. Being in the temple, and having the temple in me, calms my heart. Sister Mary Cook, Elder Quentin L. Cook’s wife, recently said, “Every time we visit the temple and perform ordinances there, we are walking on holy ground. We are walking where Jesus walks. No wonder we feel His love so powerfully when we are in His temple.” So my invitation is to take time this week...go and walk where Jesus walks. You will feel his love and you will find more peace.