FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH…

We have a Zone Meeting every month and in that meeting they have a disc of pictures that people have taken in the mission.  I love it!!! So many talented people that “see” beauty with different eyes than I have.  I mean who sees the reflection in a raindrop!!! Come on.  But how I love it.  Nauvoo means “beautiful place” and I truly think it is. I marvel at the sunsets, the Mississippi, the change of seasons and all of the profuse colors, the animals, I love the animals and your dad can’t do one danged thing about the squirrels!!!!! RUN FREE! I  just stand in awe at the workmanship of our Heavenly Father’s hand.  So in order to remember it, I am just going to post a bunch of pictures so that I can reflect on my time here,  and that you can enjoy it as well.

You see these huge barges going up and down the river all hours of the day and night.  It is fascinating to watch them go through the lock and dam.

These are the tug boats that push them up and down.

Looking through the bullet hole that killed Hyrum Smith to the window that the Prophet fell out of.

While we are sitting in the sites, we make things for the humanitarian efforts here in this area.  These are “Boo” bears that we give to the police and firemen.

Layettes for every baby born in Hancock County.

Double sided adult bibs for the nursing homes.

Hats and booties.

Quilts, I think I helped make over 10 in the last two weeks.

Remember I said that the Mississippi is the route for over 40% of migratory birds.  I love watching them fly in.

These are sitting in the river by the hundreds.

Bald Eagles nest here.  We saw two more today on our way to Keokuk.

We have had several days of beautiful fog that hasn’t lifted all through the day and night.

Geese fill the fields.  I love to watch them fly over and hear their wonderful honks!



The sunsets are this stunning almost every night.

I would love to know how to paint!!! Isn’t God an artist!!






My favorite……………….

Training our new baby oxen……I see them several times a week because they are in the Brigham Young pasture.

So, I am grateful for eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart that appreciates it all.