Nauvoo - Labor Day - 2012

This weekend, we had the tremendous privilege to go visit historic LDS Pioneer sites in Old Nauvoo, IL. The spirit of that city is nearly overwhelming – the hardship, sacrifice, consecration and unshakable faith that those early Saints lived and breathed was truly inspiring. We all left with a greater desire to give more of ourselves in building up the Kingdom of God on the Earth to establish Zion among us. It was wonderful to take our girls with us and explain to them the legacy of faith from both of their parents that they have been entrusted with. Gretchen’s ancestor, Milo Andrus, was a member of the Quorum of the 70 in Nauvoo and was instrumental in establishing several colonies of Saints out west after the Exodus. Similarly, my ancestor, Parley P. Pratt was a member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. On our drive over we read stories to each other of our ancestors. It was heartwarming to think that our ancestors shared accounts of the same historical event, but, from different perspectives, all the while never imagining that two of their descendants would one day meet and fall in love, only to return to Nauvoo to pay tribute and learn more of their ancestors and their legacy of faith.

Gretchen and I had the opportunity to go to the Nauvoo Temple. It was humbling to think of how much the Saints sacrificed in time, talents and means to build up a temple to their God. The men tithed every 10^th day to build the temple. The women crushed their china plates to provide beauty to the plaster. Everyone sacrificed to build the House of the Lord. To think that after many years a temple had been rebuilt in Nauvoo was a tender mercy of the Lord. As we went through the temple session, I couldn’t help but think of the Saints who tirelessly wanted to receive their endowments before making the trek west so that they could have the necessary faith and spiritual power to overcome the trials that would prove them in their journey. I also thought of how I was walking the same path as many of my ancestors did those many years ago.

We all left having felt a burning in our hearts testifying to us that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet and that sacrifice does bring forth the blessings of Heaven. We hope to return to Nauvoo, the City Beautiful, for many years to come!

Here is Milo's name at the House of the 70's

 Seventies Hall

 Parley P Pratt's house

Overlooking the Mississippi