A trip to Palmyra

We took our first road trip this weekend to Palmyra. Most of you know but some may not that Palmyra, New York is a historical site for our church. Joseph Smith lived there as a boy and it was in Palmyra that he received revelation concerning the restoration of Christ's church. Click here to learn more about the prophet Joseph Smith. Anyway, it was a wonderful weekend filled with spiritual experiences, teaching moments for the kids, and the making of beautiful family memories. Jesse and I were both able to go to the temple while we were there and were both able to do work for my family members who have passed on. I know there is a variety of religious backgrounds of those of you reading my blog, but let me just share with you the significance that this weekend held for me. Not only were Jesse and I able to share with our children the very sacred and special nature of events that took place in that part of New York in the early 1800's, but we were also able to be a part of providing works such as baptism by priesthood authority to family members who didn't have the chance while yet living. In the past I've explained to people that I am the only member of the church in my family. It is exciting to know that should they choose to accept this work done on their behalf, I may have 22 new family members who are also members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If any of you have questions, feel very free to ask me, or by clicking here.

For my sisters, I know we each have our own ways of coping with the loss of dad. I've been in your homes and have seen your beautiful pictures of dad and the reminders of his life. I have yet to put up my pictures because of the pain it still causes and have envied your ability to have him be such a visual part of your lives. I feel that pictures or reminders, if not accompanied by the pain, would be a wonderful way to feel close to him. However, this weekend while in the temple I was able to feel closer to him than I have since his passing. Although I never doubted where dad went after his passing, it was hard at times to conceptualize this place our father now exists and we are not allowed to go at this time. While in the temple, that place became very real to me. It was almost like there was only a veil over my eyes that kept me from seeing dad. I hope that by sharing this I can further strengthen our beliefs that we will once again live with our dad. It is incredible to know that our father in heaven loved us enough to create a plan that allows families to be reunited after this life. Heaven would not be heaven without mom and dad and each of you.




Here are some pictures of our trip.

Palmyra Temple

The Smith Farm

The Sacred Grove

Does it look like Asher is praying?

Monument at the Hill Cumorah

The Grandin Press

Lake Canandaigua - very scenic trip!