The Power of An Apostle

This last week Elder Dallin H. Oaks from the quorum of the twelve was here in Nauvoo visiting with his family. On Thursday morning he came to the Trail of Hope. It was a really wonderful experience to see his whole family. He is such an amazing influence for light. After I was finished with the Editors Vignette he said in his booming voice: "Well Done". Then he shook my hand. Upon grasping his hand I felt such a strong force of light enter into my body. It was so interesting for me to learn about light and how being a righteous vessel of the Lord can make other people's countenances beam. He was also able to come to some of the other shows here in Nauvoo and he just being there made everyones day a little brighter. Not to mention he brought the good weather with him. The whole week he was here the temperature stayed in the mid 70's... which is unheard of for mid -July in Nauvoo, IL. It was miraculous

The Ballroom

On the third floor of the Cultural Hall is the original ballroom floor from the 1840's. It is one of my most favorite places here in Nauvoo. The spirit that I feel in that room alone compares to the Temple. The acoustics in that room is impeccable. Some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard was in that ballroom.  This last week some of my friends from home were able to be here in Nauvoo. One of my dear friends is obsessed with acoustics and the concept of sound. The Young Performing Missionaries went up to the ballroom with our guests and sang together "Invocation". The spirit that swept over that room was indescribable. "there shall he be in the midst of them that love him". As we were in a circle of missionaries and close friends, I felt the spirit bear witness to me of the love that God has for all of his children. As we sang in perfect harmony, I had chills run over my body and a very warm feeling of light entered the room.  As Missionaries we have the unique opportunity to bear testimony of that Love through music. I will never forget that experience of pure testimony and love as music pulsated through my body. 

Nauvoo comes Alive!!!

Surrounded by a huge field of wheat, with the wind gently blowing back and forth, it is easy to feel the Love of God. As I stood out a little ways off Parley street. the setting was perfect. The clouds were absolutely perfection and it was as if God himself painted a picture in the sky for us. The sunset was in a perfect array of orange, pink and yellow, with a faded blue atmosphere to top it all off. 

It was so poignant to me as I stood in that field of wheat that although I am not perfect, as long as I do the BEST that I can and Love much, I have a loving Heavenly Father who will make up the difference. I am so touched at how forgiving and merciful God is. His timing is perfect and his miracles many. Many more than the human brain could possibly even imagine. He guides us as we trust in Him and have faith that all will work out for the better. My testimony is constantly strengthened as I see His hand in my life EVERY DAY!   

This week while I was talking to a senior missionary and he mentioned that he was from Genola. This is a small little city where my dad grew up as a boy. Come to find out, they were neighbors. It was such a wonderful coincidence. He told me of stories about my grandparents and more specifically about my grandfather. Turns out that my grandpa and this senior missionary's father were in a barbershop quartet together. I was told stories about how my grandfather would sing so beautifully and so in tune. They said that when he would sing he would sing with his eyes closed so he could hear the tightness of the harmonies. Today in church, we as Young Performing Missionaries sang a song for a special musical number. I prayed that Grandpa Davis would be there singing along side of me. As I sang, not only could I feel his spirit, but it was almost as if I could hear his voice. After the meeting, I was talking to the senior missionary again. He said that my grandpa would be very proud. I told him that I prayed him there to sing with us. The senior Elder said that he could picture him up there singing right along with his eyes closed and everything. I love that picture so much. I love my family and I learn a great lesson from my grandfather. We always need to listen and try to hear the voices of others so that we are more in tune. And in life, it always helps if we listen to the Holy Ghost. Then we will always be in tune.

The Nauvoo Pageant got here this last week. I am so excited to dance in Pageant. What a wonderful and marvelous opportunity to bear pure testimony on stage as I dance my lil' heart out. Pure joy was that of the saints of old. Their Love for Nauvoo is present just by the spirit that one feels here. It will be miraculous to witness the miracles that are bound to happen as this production of testimony comes together!

Trials Bring Forth Blessings!

This week has been wonderful and has lead me to ask a lot of questions. But all of those questions has lead me to receive revelation as to why God lets things happen. And also to try to differentiate between a loving Father in Heaven who allows trials to come upon us and a God full of Mercy who wants us to learn by giving us the opportunities to grow through struggles. I know that both ring true in some instances. This last week was a week full of trials; personally trying to dig deep into myself  and find out different ways that I can look outward so that I can more fully serve those around me and also trails that affect our group such as sickness, and even death.

I have found myself a lot asking the question, WHY? We have been called to do such a work. Why would be be presented with trials that would make it difficult for us to perform our calling? I have come to the conclusion that not only does Heavenly Father need servants who have been called, but servants who are willing to change and be used to accomplish a specific purpose. I have come to think about why Joseph Smith and even more so, Emma, went through so much trial. It was to give them experience so that they could press forth with faith.

Whenever we experience trial and opposition, we have the choice to make the best of it, or to make it a negative experience. As we choose to be righteous in our actions the Lord pours his richest blessings upon us.  This week we were challenged by a priesthood leader to "prove in all things." My testimony is strengthened everyday when I see that I have influence for wondrous things when I am perfectly in tune with the Spirit. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is so true. I know that I have a God and Creator above who loves me. I know it with my whole HEART! Oh how great this calling! 

Happiness is a Choice!

This last week I had a great experience on the trail of hope. It was starting to rain and I was supposed to be playing my violin for Eliza R. Snow. I was nervous that it would be so bad I couldn't play. (recap - the Trail of hope is performed outside) And that made me sad because I knew that there was someone on the Trail who NEEDED that experience. So I prayed so hard with 100% faith that if I took out my violin it would not get wet. So. I did, and even though my body was getting wet. Not a bit of rain got on my violin. It was as if Angels were holding umbrellas over my head.  It was a miracle and testimony to me of how much these performances that we are doing are really touching those who see them.

This week we also ended up putting the "cheerleader" audition (Egg skit) together. It is so so so funny! Loved it so much! The crowd went nuts. It was great! I am so blessed just for being here in this city. The spirit is so strong and I know that my ancestors are here helping me be a light to those who come here for a testimony strengthening. 

Earlier this week I had an opportunity to walk out into the middle of the wheat field that is on parley st. I went out into the middle where I could see the temple radiating up on the bluff. I know that this is holy ground that we live on. the sacrifices that were made here made it so. My testimony is strengthened every day just by knowing that I have the choice to be happy and to be a positive influence for the other people in my life!

1st Week of Miracles

This week has been so wonderful! I am being constantly reminded that the Lord showers tender mercies among us. We have truly been blessed. I am 100% sure that the Nauvoo Performing mission is the only place in the whole entire world that you could get 20 actors and actresses to learn, rehearse, polish, and open 5 full fledged musicals and vignettes, in such a short time. I am constantly in awe of the help that we receive on a daily basis from ones who are beyond the veil. I had the opportunity this past week to go to the Family History Center here in Navuoo and more particular, I have been thinking a lot about my Grandpa Davis and my Great Grandpa Terry. I had a very special experience on the trail of hope on Friday where I was almost sure that I felt them there with me testifying of those who have gone on before. Miracles happen in this sacred city. I have a very strong testimony of that. These next couple months will be ones of great peace as we full-heatedly jump into charity and humility.

I have to share this funny story: One of the vignettes that we do is called, Youth of Zion. In one part of it, I am supposed to hurtle a half fence that is actually not really a fence, but more of a wooden road block so cars don't park there. Anyway, as I was about to hurtle this fence for our vignette, I started to  jump and then somehow my foot got caught wrong and I totally fell flat on my back in the middle of a performance. Pretty humiliating. But, we all had a good laugh. I threw in a couple of good improv lines and it went over fine. Haha. 

I close with a Gaelic blessing: 

May those that love us, love us. 

And those that don't love us, may God turn their hearts.

And if he doesn't turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles.

So we will know them, by their limping.    

Full Moons

What a wonderful week! This week we opened up all of our shows. It has been many miracles put together to make it all work. I know that there have been angels on both sides of the veil helping us to put it all together.

I wanted to share a really wonderful experience that Sister Smith and I actually had while we were on the Trail of Hope. for those who have never been to Nauvoo or don't know what the Trail of Hope is, it is the street that the saints who left Nauvoo in 1846, traveled on one last time before they made their exodus across the west. We as Young Performing Missionaries represent those who walked that street and recite journal entries. Sister Smith was playing Elisa R. Snow and I was actually playing the Violin for her. She sang the song that she wrote; Though Deepening Trails (pg 122) when we got to the trail that night, the stage for us to perform on was literally perfection. the temperature was cool, the humidity was rather low, there was a slight breeze, and the moon was perfection. It was perfectly full and I felt like God himself lassoed it down to be a little closer.

In the midst of that Sister Smith was having an allergy attack. She could not stop sneezing. So, After saying a prayer, and relying on the lord, a group came down the trail. I actually recall having 9 groups come that night. Sister Smith didn't sneeze one time the whole entire performance. Then, was the realization moment of the miracle. Not 15 seconds had passed by after the last group when she sneezed again. We looked at each other in realization of the small but powerful miracle and testimony which had taken place.

There will be many, many miracles throughout this summer as guests start arriving to Nauvoo. I am excited to share my testimony with them of the spirit that here is ever so present. I know that God lives and that he loves us. I know that he will continue to bless us as we give him our all.

Oh... Another real fast story. Last night we performed sunset by the Mississippi on the outdoor stage in 60 degree weather. While I was grateful for the coolness, but those of you who play instruments will understand that it is difficult to play in the cold. And for me, it was hard to play Devil went down to Georgia on the violin. My fingers would NOT warm up and I was struggling to play at the tempo that I needed to to give a good performance. I know that angels were present as my fingers slid across the fingerboard. When I finished I never had felt better about a performance.

The Lord is doing his work, piece by piece. Nauvoo is a testimony of that to me and to the world.

Knitting

In the Book of Mosiah we read;

And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.

As the saints of old built Zion, that is our goal as well. The more that we look outward, the easier it will be to see those who need our help and to help those whom the Lord needs to be attended by earthly angels. Zion is build upon obedience and charity. This last week here in Nauvoo has been wonderful. Rehearsals still commence until Friday when we finally open all of our shows!!! YEA! I know that blessing will flow upon us as we strive to be a Zion community. 

We all have imperfections, but the Lord is willing to work with us as we work to overcome them. A little example of that from me this week actually happened yesterday. It was the first time we were wearing microphones. I had to run back into the dressing room to grab some mic tape and I forgot that my mic was still hot (on) and loud on the stage. Well... me being me, I started humming and singing. Everyone on stage was dead silent... Of course what else would they be during a prayer. Yep... I was singing to my hearts content backstage and everyone else was trying to pray up front... I am grateful that even though we have weaknesses, Heavenly Father still loves us and will work with us to accomplish his work. 

This next week will be full of wonder experiences. Some of my favorite things from this last week include: "Is that a thing?" - Bro. Davies, Drivers ed training, Mark Lusvardi, Puppets, Spiral Staircases in the temple, Clogging in front of the cultural hall, Walks to the Mississippi river 

Finally Home

I am sure most people have experienced going on an extended vacation or a long family trip and walking in the front door of your house when you get back. It just feels good to be home. I had a very similar experience coming back to Nauvoo. IT just feels like home. The spirit that surrounds and abides in this wonderful city is that feeling of peace and that feeling of home. I love Nauvoo. 

The temperature in regards to the weather has been extremely wonderful. It is cool. Elder Striplin (from Australia) thinks that is too cold. But I keep on telling him that he needs to remember this coolness so when it is 115 degrees with the heat index, he can remember the "cold" and feel better about the sweat dripping off his face :P

I am so excited to serve with such wonderful people who are willing to consecrate this time in their lives to serve our Heavenly Father. I know that the angels will attend us as we continue to seek the Hand of the Lord in ALL we do. 

Things I love About Nauvoo: Wilmore formation, Elder Davies Choreography, Mississippi mud in 50 degree weather, hand hugs

Miracles Again

As we were turning northbound onto Mulholland Street from Highway 96 in Nauvoo, I caught my first glimpse of the temple. I felt chills run all over my body. I was so full of joy that I didn’t even know how on earth I could contain my happiness. In the summer of 2012, I spent my time there serving as a Young Performing Missionary with the temple as our backdrop. That was one of the best summers of my life. I often reflect on the joy and light that I felt while I was serving then. My Journey started way before that though. In February of 2010 I received an invitation from President Monson, to serve as a full-time missionary in the Yerevan Armenia Mission. In my call packet, it said that I was to report to the Missionary Training Center on June 23rd.  About a month after I got my call in late February, I got a phone call from Church Headquarters and they presented me with the option to come into the MTC 3 months early. They said my report date, if I chose so, would be March 31. ... ... ...  Done and done. I knew that it was my obligation to serve as soon as I could. So, I dropped all other things that I was occupied with and got ready to go. I unfortunately had to quit two theatrical productions that I was involved in to do so, but I knew that the Lord had bigger things in mind; even if those things didn’t come into my knowledge until nearly a year and a half later.

As my mission in Armenia was coming to a close, I was transferred to a companion who had been a Young Performing Missionary in the summer of 2010. He did this before he came to serve in Armenia. He told me all about it and how much I would love it. So, while I was a full-time missionary, I turned in my application to be a YPM for the summer of 2012. Miraculously, I was accepted and planned to go on May 4th after returning from Armenia in April. After I was accepted, I realized that this opportunity would not have been possible if I would not have accepted the invitation to go to Armenia early way back in 2010 - in March instead of June! A wave of gratitude passed over me as realization hit me, and I knew I was doing what the Lord wanted me to do. Sometimes the Lord’s plans take a couple years to accomplish, but they are what are best for us.

After returning from Nauvoo last summer, I immediately missed it as I returned back to Utah - for those of us who have been to Nauvoo, this sacred city REALLY becomes our true home. I wanted to go back and serve again, but I knew that it was far out there and kind of out of the question. Eventually, fall came around and I was in the temple one day. As I sat praying about decisions that needed to be made about my life, I was prompted to just flip open the scriptures and start reading. I thumbed across a scripture in the Old Testament that said, "And ye shall praise him with song and with dance." Tears just about came to my eyes as I basked in the mercy of God. I was so grateful for that revelation, but whether to audition was still a rather difficult decision. I didn't want to take the opportunity away from someone who had not yet been. I decided to just put it in the hands of the Lord. As I had learned previously, if I was supposed to be there, I would be. I pressed forward and sent in an application and went to the callback auditions. On January the 5th, when Elder Camp called me to let me know that I had been called to be a YPM again, I knew that it was no mere happenstance. Heavenly Father has a plan for me in Nauvoo this upcoming summer and I know that it all has a purpose. I am so grateful that already I have been an instrument in the hands of the Lord in encouraging others who I know to audition/apply to come to Nauvoo as well. It truly has made me realize how much Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ love each and every single one of his children! This summer will be full of wonderful experiences. Trials will obviously present themselves (as they always do), but with the help of the Spirit, we will take courage and conquer all that comes in our path. Miracles happen in Nauvoo; those of healing and those of extraordinary wonder. I look forward to the summer of 2013 with utmost excitement and know that all who have been called to go, will be there for a reason. "There shall he be in the midst of them who love him."