Don't cry because it's over; just smile because it happened!

Notes from Sacrament meeting:

The theme was families. Of course I have the best family in this world or the world to come!

The first speaker talked about an aspect of family that we sometimes ignore: our ancestors. I could relate to what she told, because our story is similar. Missionaries were willing to go without purse or scrip to Denmark, to Sweden, and other places to preach the gospel. Our ancestors were willing to accept it. Then they immigrated to America, leaving friends, extended family, and the comforts of home. They experienced persecution, seasickness, illness and hunger. And when they got to America they then walked a thousand miles to get to Zion. Were they thinking of us? They had great faith. From their descendants have come many many more missionaries. Their sacrifice was worth it!

Andreas Fugl

Hanna Carlsson Fugl

Johannes Olafsson

Johanna Christensen Olsen

Another speaker talked about our responsibility to teach our children. There will be rejoicing in heaven if there are no empty chairs. That is certainly my hope--that when we settle down in our mansions above, there will be no one missing. I know I've not done as well as I should with this responsibility. One time when Carl was a teenager, he came home from church and said, "Why didn't you tell me that we should pray morning AND night?" Good question. What else did I miss telling him?

Carl Eldon Olsen

After church we held our last choir practice in the Assembly Hall because we're singing there next Sunday at the final testimony meeting. We'll be singing "Gaelic Blessing" and "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." We're also singing tomorrow night at the closing social--"In This Very Room." That song really sounded cool in the Assembly Hall! It has been a privilege and a joy to play for this excellent choir. I have never and will never have such an experience again. Well, perhaps in Heaven.

Perhaps this experience in Nauvoo really is the MTC for Heaven. I have learned so much, and not just about temple work. I've learned about my weaknesses and what to do about them. I've learned to love Eldon even more! How is that possible? He's never so handsome as he is in his white suit. I've learned to be content with where I am; what a comfortable feeling. I'm so grateful I've had this experience. The Lord has truly blessed us. I know that without the saving ordinances in the temple, our family would not have the chance to be together forever.

The closing song in sacrament meeting was:

I have a family here on earth,
They are so good to me,
I want share my life with them
Through all eternity.
Families can be together forever
Through Heavenly Father's plan.
I always want to be with my own family,
And the Lord has shown me how I can.
The Lord has shown me how I can.