My Library Angel

Friday, September 3, 2010

Sister Hepworth works in the library at BYU-Idaho. She was my angel when I was there. She always had a treat for me and she was always smiling and happy. She had some difficult things that went on in her life and she always stayed positive.

I happened to see her this weekend when I was in Rexburg. She has just recently been diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer. She has recently undergone chemo and is still smiling. I love this lady.

We had the chance to talk though and she reminded me of how not in control over life we are. It is in the Lord's hands and we have to trust his timing in our lives. She mentioned how she was prepared for anything at this point, but obviously Heavenly Father has a plan to keep her here longer.

I for one am grateful He has. She was an angel in my life this weekend to remind me of how precious life really is. Thank you Sister Hepworth!

My New York Holiday Part 2

So--I need to finish my Holiday story! I've been so crazy the last several weeks that I haven't had time.

One of the most amazing places I went in upstate New York was to the Peter Whitmere home. This home was the were several events in church history took place. The translation of the Book of Mormon took place here and the Church was reorganized here. I feel that this visitors center taught me the most about the gospel and the way that the church works. After the tour, it all made sense to me. I was able to see that every time the church was reorganized--or even organized--it followed the same pattern, with a prophet, the 12, and other offices as necessary. I think the flow charts they had there were awesome. Plus, to see what circumstances Joseph and Hyrum had translated and get an idea of what it was like really made an impact on my thinking. I also remember that all the Whitmere's were involved in the restoration as well--that made me think of how important their family was to the restoration.

Me in front of the Peter Whitmere home.

The Visitor's center and the church that they meet at in Palmyra.

We also went to the Hill Cumorah. It was amazing to see the beauty of this place. To think of how much happened at this hill. The pageant reminded me of the different prophets who had actually gone to this hill. Moroni with the plates to bury them and Joseph Smith to uncover them. This hill really is sacred and important.

In the visitor center here, they have a statue of the Christus. I love the setting behind it of the Sacred Grove.

Me with the monument at the top of the hill. We had to climb up this slippery hill because it had rained the day before in our flip flops and flats. We weren't as prepared as we should have been. But, it was great to see the view at the top and see the symbolism in the monument.

When we got back to New York, it was time for Penny's blessing. This is us on her blessing day. I was grateful I had the chance to attend and be with Amanda and her family this day.

We went to church in the Manhattan Temple. This is where Amanda and I met many years ago. This temple reminds me of the importance of the temple and families. My testimony was strengthened here several years ago from our miracle that happened.

This holiday was much needed and I appreciate Amanda for letting me come and visit. It was a great spiritual experience for me and helped me to see that I need to be where I am for a reason.