Happy Birthday Lis!

December 15, 2015

My life seemed full; I had six children, the youngest in school, freeing me up to do pretty much what ever I wanted.  There were some things going on in our life at the time that made me feel like I needed to spend an afternoon in the Temple seeking answers.

Little did I know that my answer would be to add another child to our family.  Our lives would never be the same.  Elisabeth came in our old age, at least old for bearing children. But what a blessing.

It has been her responsibility to keep us young. She grew up almost an only child.  By the time she was in Elementary school Diana was in Middle school, same with High School, with seven years separating them.

Elisabeth loved the kittens and she had the ability to find them, no matter where

the mother cat hid them.

She was almost four years old when she started playing the violin. I know she stayed with it to please me. But she has a natural talent and I just tried to give her the opportunity to develop it. Sometimes she hated the violin, but she would never let me know.   She kept it inside.  I'm not sure when she truly developed a love for it, but it must have been Dara Morales.  This teacher opened her eyes to some beautiful music..  It may have been the  Utah Youth Symphony and Barbara Scowcroft.  I have always been happy she stuck with it, because Elisabeth plays like an angel.

By the time High School came along she was already good on the violin, so she tried some other likes.  One of them was Tennis.  She loved playing and made some good friends doing it.  She also developed her singing voice.  That opened her up to getting the part of the Sour Kangaroo in Horton Hears a Who.  Her voice was stunning.  Then she got the lead, Lola, in Damn Yankees.  She stole the show each time.

She was amazing as Lola in Damn Yankees

Elisabeth got an opportunity to attend BYU Idaho on a music scholarship.  It was hard to have her go so far from home, but she grew in her music more than I could have guessed.  However, she had other goals.  These brought her to get her Associate Degree so she could go on a mission. 

Deciding to serve a full time mission was an event that came through the encouragement of her sister Anne.  Her call came and she was on her way to the Malaga, Spain mission.  She had spent about three to four months in the Canary Islands when the missions were realigned and she ended up getting a new mission call to Madrid, Spain.  

Finishing her mission, she knew exactly what she wanted as she came home. That was to marry her dearest friend, Shane York.

 

Shane and Elisabeth

Life was busy for them.  Shane finished school at Weber State University while Elisabeth had transferred to The University of Utah, where she finished in music.  They were blessed from Heaven before she graduated, and this brought little Conrad into our lives, the greatest blessing of all.

Cute Baby boy Conrad

Elisabeth is still very busy, and her life is filled with caring for this cute boy. The greatest joy a mother can have is to watch her children grow in righteousness. Giving love to many.

Dad and I love you Lis!!! 

Happy Birthday!!!

Missing Home!

December 12, 2015

Last night we had almost 400 people come into the Visitor Center to view Annie the Jerusalem donkey and Breezy and March the sheep.

 Each new family was greeted outside and invited into the Center for Christmas videos, or to have some refreshments (cookies and hot cider) in the residence. We finally got home about 10:00 p.m. We were just too tired to even go to bed.

The Ward Christmas party is tonight. It is potluck, and I have not even decided what to take.  We are at the Visitor Center all day today until three this afternoon, so hopefully I will think of something good and festive to take.  I miss my kitchen, I miss baking and preparing for my family to visit.  I feel like my cooking skills have been put on pause. 

Oh well, it is rewarding to have so many people come and enjoy these beautiful lights.  They are truly stunning this year.  About eighty percent of these visitors are not members of our Church, but they want to feel Christmas, and this is the best place in all New England for those feelings. I am happy to be here.

Rogers note:

The Jerusalem donkey shown here is a special breed noted for the cross on its withers and back.  We got this donkey from a Church member living in New Hampshire.  She brings it every year for the duration of the Christmas season.  During the season we get about 40,000 visits from people of New England.  Most just drive around the circle, just to see the LED light display.  

We put the donkey, with two Nubian sheep, at the center of the display so the children will come to the mangers and pet the animals.  We point out that it was a donkey like this one that carried Mary to Bethlehem.  And the sheep represent the shepherds, who were first to visit the Savior at his crib side.  Over 5,000 persons have stopped their cars and come to the manger and then into the Center to see messages on the Savior of the world. 

In all it has been a wonderful celebration this year.  The weather has been mild, and the lights very bright.  It is the best nativity display in all New England.    

Happy Birthday Amy!

December 5, 2015

Early in December of 1967 we were waiting patiently for our first baby to come.  I was due December 17th and I wondered what it would be like. I had felt her move inside me for months, an experience that filled me with wonder. However, December 5th she decided to come.  We went to the old Dee Hospital where Doctor Johnson admitted me to Labor and Delivery. I needed a little help, so and IV was started.  Little did I know it would take all day and then some to get her here.  Amy was born at 7:17 p.m. Weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz.  She was beautiful, her little round face was perfect.  I never had felt this kind of joy before.

Amy decided to come right in the middle of Roger's finals at Weber State University, which was difficult, but he seemed to manage. During my whole pregnancy Roger insisted we were having a boy, so everything I bought in preparation was blue. My mother said "you need one thing pink," and she made me a soft pink quilt that was well used for many years.

We moved to the University of Utah when Amy was eight months old. She was so much fun to have around while Roger was at school and work for most of every day.  I started to read to Amy when she was three months old, and everyday we would read stories, sing songs and play.  I loved being a mother.

This is Amy's second birthday cake. I had taken a cake decorating 

class from Continuing Education in the Salt Lake School District 

We lived many places and Amy shared each one with us.  She was just two when we moved to Texas (San Antonio and El Paso); she was three when we moved back to Ogden, four when we went to Pima, Arizona, five when we came back to Granger, Utah; from there we moved to Provo, Utah, Sylmar, California, then back to Ogden and then to Peterson, Utah. 

Each of these places hold special memories for all of us.  In Granger, when I went to Parent Teacher Conference, the teacher said she didn't know Amy and she was sure she wasn't in her class. I said I was sure she came here everyday.  The teacher looked at her roll and there was Amy's name.  She said "Oh, she must be the little shy girl that sits at the back of the class."  The teacher was very embarrassed. That same thing happened in the sixth grade.  Mr. Goodrow said she wasn't in his class, and when he looked at the roll, there she was.  This time I wasn't so nice; we had been there three months.  He said there wasn't a score next to her name, so she would have to make up all the work that hadn't been entered. 

I told him that was not going to happen, that he would grade her on what she handed in from that point on.  He said he had some girls in the class enter the scores.  His mistake.  You do not want to upset the "Momma Bear."

Amy Senior Year at Morgan High School

Amy did well at the schools in Morgan.  She was in the drama program and in many plays.  She became the Drama Sterling Scholar and won the state scholarship, which she used when she went to BYU.  She was also a Student Body Officer at Morgan High School.  

It was during one of her many competitions that she met McKay Jensen, and her life was set on an amazing course from that day to this.

Amy and McKay's engagement picture

From the day of their marriage to today they have worked as a team.  Each building on the other's strengths and each supporting the other in every endeavor.  One of those endeavors took them to the University of Illinois, Champaign, Urbana, where Amy earned her Doctorate and Mckay his Masters; both came back with honors. 

But the most important part of that experience was the babies Amy carried home with her, Lauren and Lily.  These beautiful girls were born in Utah and became the most precious of all God's Gifts to their Mom and Dad, and a blessing for us all.

What a cute family! McKay, Amy, 

Lauren and Lily

Life at the Jensen's is busy to say the least.  The girls are in High School now, McKay is on the School Board and Amy is an Associate Dean at BYU.  

They are world travelers.  they have seen Rome and Denmark and many other places, participated in many cultural events in several countries.  The best trip for us, was when they came to see us here in Vermont.  We had a great time and will always be thankful they are in our lives.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY!

We Love you!

Note from Dad:  Five-year-old Amy and I bonded when we took a trip across the U.S. together with my folks.  Susan had just had Mary, so she couldn't go.  On that trip we experienced a tornado, four flat tires, traffic jams and little yellow car blues.  But we came back cemented together.  As we sat at the grave of David Whitmer, we realized that the Book of Mormon would always be a true witness. David Whitmer, even though he had left the Church, said, "I testify that I saw and held the plates of gold and that Joseph was a prophet."  This was written on his grave stone. 

 

For the Strength of Youth

November 23, 2015

It is really cold today.  The sun is shining and the sky is clear. The FM missionaries are about finished putting the Christmas lights up. This Friday and Saturday we have a Live Nativity and the lighting program to kick off the Christmas season. This also starts the very, very, very busy nights.  Last year we had about 40,000 cars drive past and 5-6,000 people come into the residence for cider and cookies. We will be open for twelve hours each day and our schedules will be crazy.  BUT it is amazing to greet and visit with so many people, most not members of our Church.

The leaves are all gone now and we can see the rolling hills through the trees.  This monument is captivating in every season.

Roger has had some interesting experiences this past few weeks, so he is going to put them on this post.

Roger:

I teach a small Sunday School class.  In the class are two foreign exchange students.  One is a Muslim from Tunisia; the other is a Roman Catholic from Rome.  There are four Mormon girls and one Mormon boy.  We have all sort of bonded.  We laugh and cry together and discuss the gospel, allowing everyone to say what they want.

Last week was one of those crying weeks.  Miriam believes devoutly in Allah.  Of course, last week was the Paris attack where 130 persons were killed by terrorists professing faith in Allah.  The lesson was on how we can stand up for our beliefs.  I asked, "have any of you ever had to speak up for your beliefs?"

Miriam's hand shot up.  "I have been on Twitter all night," she said. "We do not believe in killing people like this.  The Quran (Koran) does not teach this anywhere!"  It was such a stunning statement that we all started to cry.  I saw in the face of this little Muslim girl (16 years old) a hope for all the Muslim world, and a hope for the western world for peace with about one third of the earth's population.

Elder Brent Nielsen, of the Seventy, came to our ward two weeks ago.  He said of this refugee problem from Syria, "Perhaps this is the way the gospel will be introduced into the Muslim world."  As a soldier in Vietnam, I watched this very thing happen in Vietnam. While we were in that war none of us could see hope for that Buddha inspired nation.  But today thousands and thousands of Vietnamese people are members of the LDS Church.  Could it not be the same for the Muslim nations?

One other story.  Yesterday in class I wanted to play a small piece of video featuring Elder Uchtdorf.  As I put it up on the computer, the piece came up with Elder Uchtdorf speaking perfect Italian.  I don't know how it happened: I touched no such button, but there it was--perfect Italian.  Chincthia translated it for us and we went on, laughing and joying in the Spirit of Christ.      

One Year

November 10, 2015

This weekend we had a wonderful opportunity to meet with Elder and Sister Brent Nielson of the Seventies Quorum.  He was here visiting our mission, spending time with the young Sisters and Elders, and meeting with our Senior Missionaries in New Hampshire Manchester Mission.  

I loved many things about the instructions we were given, but one that caught my attention was the importance of UNITY.  This is something we need in every aspect of our lives.  He said if we would put down the sword of rebellion and take up the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ in our everyday lives, if we would quit finding fault in others and build up those we associate with, we would find that those we love, our families, the people in our work place and the world, would become our fast friends and we would do anything for their benefit.

If we would follow Jesus Christ's call to "come unto me," and then truly follow His ways we could find true joy.

I had two young women, students from Montreal, come to the visitors center.  They were full of life and excitement.  They were thrilled to be here.  They wanted to know everything I could tell them, they wanted every pamphlet and pass along card we have, they wanted the Proclamation on the Family, and The Living Christ, they wanted a Book of Mormon.  They were not members of our Church but knew someone that had made a wonderful impression on them. They are seeking truth and God's plan.  I hope what they learned here will help them reach out to Christ and come unto Him.

Several years ago we visited Denmark with Amy, McKay, Lilly and Lauren.  One of the places we visited was The Church of Our Lady, on Stroet Street, where the famous Christus stands in prominence.  There in the same church are statues of each of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ from His time on the earth.  They are beautifully done. The one of Peter holding keys is especially important.  These are the keys to the kingdom of God, and were restored to Joseph Smith in 1829.  They are held today by President Thomas S. Monson. The reason I put this in the blog today is that all we teach, the stories we tell here at the Visitors Center, are ll encompassed by those keys of authority present in our lives today.  

Roger standing by Peter the Apostle.

We had two Senior Sister missionaries who left to return home to Utah yesterday.  They had spent most of their time in Maine.  They helped teach a young mother who had sought refugee status here in the States.  She was found protesting against her government in the Congo, where she was fighting for freedom.  She was jailed, beaten, and raped.  She was released from jail and went to her home only to have a neighbor come to her and to tell her that the police were on their way to jail her again. They helped her get to a Catholic Church, to safety, and there to come through the underground to the U.S. She brought her young boys, ages six and four, but she still has no idea where her husband is, or if he is still alive.  The missionaries taught her and she knew what they told her was true.  Last Friday she was baptized; on Saturday I was able to give her a tour of the Visitor Center.  Her countenance and spirit were pure and good.  She is on her way now with Sister Farr and Sister Edwards to a place of safety where she can work towards citizenship and freedom for her family.

There is a spirit about this place that is amazing.

Thank you for the picture Marjean.

With the way the world is today it is nice to have a place of peace in my life.  I love this mission. I love this scripture too from Paul: 

Ephesians 6:11-18

11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.

15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

I love home! I love my family more than words can say.  I love the Lord Jesus Christ, and I am thankful daily for the Atonement in my life. 

 

Fall

October 28, 2015

There is something awe inspiring each time there is a change in the seasons. Fall in Vermont is one of those times.  I am in awe at the beauty of God's creations and I get to be a partaker.  Fall crept in softly.  We had "leaf peepers" early in September and while the flowers and the Monument were beautiful, they missed the color that came the second week in October.
  

Multitudes of Leaves at JSM

We had many visitors during this time, many who had never been here before.  Some from home.  All of them in awe of this beauty. The leaves lasted about five days and then the brilliance was gone. My mother taught me to see beauty in all I see and as each day came there was a different beauty, the rust, gold and browns were stunning. 

We had family who visited.  It was fun to share this fall weather with them. We drove on back roads that I am sure were not on any map. Roger got very good at stopping on a dime for the picture needing to be taken.

My heart has been touched many times this fall.  I have wanted to see Vermont in the fall my whole life. When Roger and I opened our Mission Call, I was moved with the fact that My Father in Heaven knows me so well that He felt to bless me with a Vermont experience.  My testimony of Jesus Christ has grown, the love I have for His gospel has grown. The heavens are opened again and Heavenly Father has given us Prophets to guide us through these troubled times.

Our mission time is going fast.  We shall lose this opportunity to see what Vermont has given to the world.  It will be always in our mind, always in our hearts, always in our souls.  We have loved our mission and we will continue until we're home.  We thank our Heavenly Father and our Lord, Jesus Christ, for this opportunity.

OCTOBER!

OCTOBER?  REALLY?

I really can't believe it is October already! 

Where did September go?

We were told that September would be slow. School is back in session and the "leaf peepers" would not be coming until the last week of the month and the first part of October. September, however, has been a surprise to us all at the Visitor Center. Hundreds came.  The fall flowers have bloomed and are beautiful, the air is crisp and there is sharpness in the light. 

A couple came to see this beauty last week.  They were Jewish. They have lived in Vermont for the past eight years, and this was their first time at the monument.  The husband was wanting to see it from a historian's point of view, and his wife was humoring him. I greeted them and the conversation turned a way I didn't expect. She became so excited, she said "are you the Mormons?"

I told her we are The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but sometimes people call us Mormons.  She told me that when she was ten years old her father took her to the World's Fair in New York.  She saw the Salt Lake Temple model and she saw a movie about life after death (Man's Search for Happiness).  She was so happy to learn that everyone would live beyond the grave that she told her father she wanted to be a member of that Church.  He told her that she was being silly, and he wouldn't let her join.

  

After our talk she called two of her friends in the area and told them they needed to come and see this site.  She said she couldn't believe she had not stopped by until now and said she would be back to see if she could find the same feelings she had felt when she was ten at the World's Fair.

Yesterday I taught seven young men from Colorado City, Utah.  It was a challenge, but I believe they were thinking differently when they left.  They seemed less haughty, less sure of themselves.  I also taught an elderly man and his wife, three sisters and a daughter.  They had many questions; some were pleasant and others glared at me like they wanted to shoot me.  But the elderly man had some wonderful questions that I was able to answer for him, and he was impressed with our message.  

Then tonight I had a really weird man come in.  He said he was writing a book of himself named "Why is he so happy"? Then he proceeded to take my picture, then a selfy, and then he hugged me (against the rules) and kissed my hand.  It really was very creepy.  I guess I should be glad he is happy.

I love meeting people of all kinds.  Most that come are kind and responsive. I love telling the Joseph Smith stories from Vermont.  I love the testimony that I have gained of  this great prophet and the Restoration. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for the Gospel.

Roger also said tonight: "Where else in the world can you teach a dozen people who come to you?  It's a marvelous mission!"

Denis

September 10, 2015

In the very early hours of the morning of September 10, 1969, Denis Roger Petersen was born. I had been to Primary the day before and Roger had gone to the Temple with our neighbor. It was hot, and when I entered the door to our apartment at the University Village on the U of U campus, I went into labor.  I tried to get hold of Roger at the Temple; the only place they could page him was the dressing room.  So I did the next best thing; I called Sue and Craig Jensen, our neighbors.  They said they would drive me to the hospital in Ogden (which was an hour away), so I arranged for another neighbor to care for Amy, and I got my bag ready to go.

Because Sue Jensen had had her last baby in the elevator of the hospital, Craig was nervous; so he packed news papers and a shoe lace, and he put pillows and blankets in the back of his car.  I wrote a note to Roger telling him where I had gone, and I was hanging it on the door of our apartment when he came running up the stairs.  I was so glad to see him. Craig was too.

Denis was ten months old when Roger started active duty in the Army.  He had to go to San Antonio, Texas, and then I would meet him when he finished and we knew where he would be stationed. Roger got homesick for us and sent for us early. I had to pack and clean the apartment and get everything moved to my folks, and then drive to meet him.  Mom and Dad would not let me drive to Texas alone, so they rearranged their schedules so they could drive with me.  They in their car, and Marjean and I in the blue Volkswagen bug.  The two kids rode with Mom and Dad on a mattress in the back seat of their car. The trip was long and HOT. We were very happy to get to San Antonio, and Roger was glad we made it safely. 

In San Antonio we spent many hours in the swimming pool at our apartment. Within a few weeks Denis, at 10 months, could doggy paddle the width of the pool.

Our duty assignment was William Beaumont Hospital in El Paso, Texas.  We moved into Biggs Field housing.  Our neighbors across the street from us, Jim and Sandy Barber, had a dog that Denis loved. He and Toby spent many hours together.  Denis was fast too. He had a little horse on wheels he called UpGee, and he could go down the street in seconds. We had to watch him closely.

Roger, Toby and Denis

We moved many times with Amy and Denis. They seemed to thrive in each place.  Denis wanted a bike.  Roger told him that if he could teach himself to ride a bike he would buy him one.  Denis had borrowed a neighbor's bike and taught himself in four days. 

When we got to Peterson, Denis was ten years old.  He was a great friend to Brad Milliner and Chris Hinds.  These kids were not members of our Church.  But the three were inseparable.  They are both members today and Denis had the privilege of baptizing Brad.

Denis was Senior Class President, the Art Sterling Scholar for Morgan High School, he played football, ran the hurdles, and he was also Prom King. 

Denis served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Oakland, California.  It was there he met another missionary, Melissa Drayer.  They got together after they came home, and they knew they were meant to be together for eternity.

Melissa has supported Denis in all his endeavors. She moved many times so he could serve in the military.

She supported him while he sought after, and accomplished, a Ph d at George Washington University.

The greatest thing they have done together is bring to this would an amazing family, Josh, Branden, Jessica, and Faith.  We love you all!

Happy Birthday Denis!

All From One Ward

September 7, 2015

All From One Ward

After Church on Sunday we were gathered at the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial. We began discussing all the great things that had occurred in this area of Vermont. "How many general authorities do you think once lived in this immediate area, now the South Royalton Ward?" asked Elder George Osborn, Director of the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial.

The question led us on a quest.  A small quest, but an infinitely interesting one.  We counted up all

 the Patriarchs to the Church (general authorities): Joseph Smith Sr., Hyrum Smith, William Smith, and Uncle John Smith.

There was one President of the Church--Joseph the Prophet.  But there were six Apostles: Joseph Smith Jr., born in Sharon; Hyrum Smith, born in Tunbridge, William Smith, brother to the Prophet, and born in Royalton; Lyman E Johnson and his brother Luke, both born in Promfret, Vermont, and Albert Carrington, born in Royalton.

Hyrum Smith was the second counselor in the First Presidency, but he was finally Assistant President, replacing Oliver Cowdery in that calling.  There were also two Assistant Counselors in the first Presidency--Uncle John Smith (lived several years in Tunbridge) and Albert Carrington.

All these had their initial foothold on life in the area now occupied by the South Royalton Ward.  Not bad for one Ward! Is there any other ward in the Church that can claim so many great priesthood leaders?

We then expanded the search to the state of Vermont.

There were two Presidents of the Church--Joseph the Prophet and Brigham Young.  But there were ten Apostles: Joseph Smith Jr., born in Sharon; Hyrum Smith, born in Tunbridge, William Smith, born in Royalton; Lyman E Johnson and his brother Luke, both born in  Pomfret, Vermont, and Albert Carrington, born in Royalton.  Oliver Cowdery of Wells was the second Apostle, right after Joseph.  Erastus Snow of St. Johnsbury was also an Apostle.  It was Elder Snow who opened Scandanavia to the gospel and who did so much to settle Southern Utah.  And we cannot forget Brigham Young, from Whitingham, and Heber C. Kimball, of Sheldon, Vermont.  It was Elder Kimball who opened England to the gospel.

All these had their initial footholds on life in the Green Mountains.

Our discussion continued, "If we expand our investigation a little, let's say to any prominent person in the Church born in Vermont, then what happens? The list became much greater.

Again, Oliver Cowdery was born in Wells, Vermont.  Even though he left the Church for a while, he came back.  And again, Brigham Yound was born in Whitingham, Vermont. Today his statue graces the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. Then there are the Carter Brothers, Jared and Simeon and Gideon.  Gideon was killed at the Battle of Crooked River.  These three brought the gospel to little Benson, Vermont, where they took over the stone chapel of the Free Will Baptists. When the Saints went west more than 100 of their converts went with Brigham Young. (See Larry Dahl, Sacred Places of New England, pp. 88-134.)

There was also Newell Knight and Newell K. Whitney from Marlboro, Vermont.  Newell Knight was the recipient of the first miracle of the Church. And Newell Whitney was the man who welcomed the Prophet to Kirtland, and he became Presiding Bishop of the Church.  And there was Shadrach Roundy of Rockingham, Vermont.  He was one of the early bishops in the Church.  Also from Rockingham was Zera Pulsipher, who baptized Wilford Woodruff.

We should not forget Don Carlos Smith, little brother to the Prophet.  He was born in Norwich, just before Lucy left Vermont with her eight children.  Of course, we should not call him "little" because he was 6'4" tall, and he was a Brigadier General in the Nauvoo Legion.  Emma thought him the handsomest man in all Nauvoo.

Other notables include Lorin Farr, of Waterford, Vermont.  Farr West, Utah is named after him, and the U.S. Congress originally thought the junction of the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific Railroads should have occurred in his little town.

There is also Elias Smith, born in Royalton, Vermont.  Elias was the great law maker of the early Utah Territory.  He saved the Church many millions of dollars with his keen understanding of the law.  We also must not forget Cyril and Anson Call from Woodstock and Fletcher, Vermont.  Anson recorded the great revelation on the Rocky Mountains from Joseph's own mouth at Montrose, Iowa.

And there was Jacob Gates, of St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Jacob was the First Quorum of Seventy. He, with sixty others, was arraigned with the Prophet Joseph at Richmond Missouri.  He very probably lay beside the prophet with George W. Robinson, of Pawlet Vermont, as Joseph rebuked the guards.

There were many others:  Asael Smith, Grandfather to the Prophet, from Tunbridge Gore. It was he who prophesied that a prophet would come from his family.

We should not forget the great women of the Church who came from Vermont; Lydia Gates Mack was grandmother to the Prophet, and, although she died two years before the First Vision, it was Lydia who taught the Mack children to read and write and think.  Mary Duty Smith was wife to Asael.  She came to the Church when she was 93 years old, and is buried near the Kirtland Temple.  Lucy Mack Smith, of course was matriarch of the entire Restoration.  Sophronia, her daughter, was born in the Tunbridge Gore.  And Kathrine second sister the the Prophet, also lived for a while in Vermont with the family before going to Palmyra.  And there was Clarissa Lyman Smith, mother of George A. Smith. She was born in Brookfield.

All of these great souls were rooted in Vermont granite.   It is no wonder this beautiful Monument to Joseph's birth stands so tall and stately.  I'm sure there are still some we have forgotten, but it is well to remember those here.

Article by Elder Roger K. Petersen

Feeling the Spirit

August 11, 2015

I don't know how the Spirit can testify stronger to my heart, that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, than he did this morning. Not many people were coming to the center, so I decided to watch the movie "Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration."  It is touching, to say the least. I was filled with the Spirit of the Lord as I watched.

Joseph Smith

I could hear people in the map room; so I looked out the door: Roger needed my help.  There were two families there, and I could tell they shouldn't be combined for the tour.  I took one of the families, a father, mother and son with me into the other room and started to tell the story of Joseph Smith and the First Vision.  The room was filled with the Spirit of the Lord to the point of bringing tears to all of our eyes.  These were members of the Church, and we had a connection that was wonderful.  I taught, they listened and commented; we had an experience of beauty.  

As I finished the tour the mother pulled me aside and told me that her son had been called to this, the Manchester, New Hampshire Mission, but because of health reasons was not able to come.  It was hard on them, living in Utah, when something like this happens, but he wanted to see and experience the Spirit of this mission.  I can truly say this was an amazing young man.  He will find a way to serve, even if it can't be here and now.

I know this gospel of Jesus Christ is true.  I know it with every part of my being.  I know that the atonement is real, it is for me.  I know that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration and because of his life and the trials he bore, through him, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is restored to the earth. While this earth is reeling from acceptance of sin, and the family is being torn to shreds by fads and trends, I know that my family is eternal, our choice is to serve God and His Son. I know that this Church is Christ's and it is lead by his Prophets. 

I love Jesus Christ, I love my Father in Heaven; they have shown their love for me by providing a way for me to return to them.

I look forward to the day when the Savior Jesus Christ returns to this earth. It is His and the fullness thereof.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNE!

August 3, 2015

Today, if I was home in Utah, I would go out to my wildflower garden and cut the most beautiful, most colorful flowers in the garden.  I would put them in a "Pringles" can that had been wrapped with colored paper, put rocks in the bottom of the can to hold it firm, water them and take them to adorn a spot in Eden.

Anne was born August 3, 1976, in Ogden, Utah.  The umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck five times; each time there was a bearing down pain her heart would stop beating.  The urgency in the doctor's voice made me nervous. I was relieved when she was here and healthy.  I don't know if her birth was the reason I felt protective of her, but I seemed to be so from her earliest days.

Anne was three years old when we moved to Peterson.  She loved to play outside and would bring me wildflowers every day.  Many times the grasses in the field would hide her from my view; playing hide and seek was easy then.

There wasn't anything that didn't interest her; she wanted to try it all.  She knew if she wanted it badly enough she could do it.  She decided, in High School, that she wanted to be in the Jazz Band. She made it as the percussionist; she taught herself to play the bass guitar and played the drums in the parade. She was on the Seminary Council, and she was also on the ZCMI Teen Board.  She also loved to run, so she tried cross country, where she took the Region first place, and she also loved hurdles.  That was amazing to watch.

Anne's picture for Teen Board

Anne could do anything she set her mind to: she was a runner, a writer, a cook, a musician, a good friend to everyone she knew, but what she loved most of all was being a wife and mother.

Anne Petersen Creager 1976-2009

Life is not the same without her here.  She is missed every day. Her love of life made ours better and without her we would never have known the joy that she brought to this earth.

I love you Anne, Happy Birthday!

Roger wrote one of my favorite poems about Anne after she died.  I am adding it to this post:

Pumper Girls

Today, with my head in the palm of my hand,

Lying on the newly mowed lawn,

I listened for a message from Anne:

"Listen, Dad,"

She said softly:

"Stop brooding!

There is still bounce in those 

Three little girls' eyes.

They still climb on the swing set

And laugh.

'Look Grandpa, I'm a Pumper Girl!'

And one at a time they still rise

To the sun,

Hair flying like wondrous little

Egrets in a Florida marsh wind,

 Their feather plumes trying to be like those 

Of New York women.

"No more crying!"

She repeated.

"I'm the mother bird, and though I rose

Through the hurricane

Into the eye, where rest, peace,

And calm reign, I am not sad!

Surely I'll return to claim

The three little fledglings on the other side

Of the storm, when the Red of the rising

Sun will take us all to glory,

"Now, get up off the grass

And push those Pumper Girls!"

McCady, Maiya, MaLeah 2009

                     

July 29, 2015

There have been times in my life when experiences have filled me with joy to the point of it filling my whole being.  Yesterday was one of those days.  Our sweet, beautiful granddaughter Emily Bott returned home from serving an eighteen month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Lima, Peru. It is no small thing for a nineteen year old to leave her family and travel such a far distance to teach our brothers and sisters of the world that God loves them and there is an Eternal plan for them.

Emily is on the right

She has lived worthy of blessings from the Lord.  She has chosen to be righteous in a world of unrighteousness.  She has chosen to be morally clean in an immoral world; she has chosen God's laws to govern her life.  The word JOY can hardly even describe the feelings in my heart because of her choice to serve.

Emily in the Peruvian Mountains

I wanted to be at the airport to greet her coming home yesterday, but Roger and I are serving our own mission here in Vermont.  It is amazing to feel the power that comes from making the choice to serve. 

The family at the airport, mom, dad, brother, sisters,

aunts, uncles and cousins

I look forward to our homecoming next spring.  There will be JOY in my heart then. I will hug these dear ones and give thanks to the Lord for how they each bless my life.

Welcome home Emily!!!!!!!

This is Roger: "When I talked to Emily yesterday I told her: thanks for coming home in glory!"  She cried, "Thanks Grandpa.