Trials and Tribulations

Okay, never tell the Lord that you are currently lacking in trials. He never has problems in finding something to give you that will keep you humbly working to overcome. One of the biggest trials that I have had to deal with over the years is that of a poor back. I suppose that I have not yet learned how to deal with that trial sufficiently yet since he decided to level it on me anew – with all of its force and fury that I have ever felt. Unable to work in the temple, I finally broke down and went to see a chiropractor. As I walked (?) into his door, the good doctor took one look a me and knew exactly what was wrong. He told me I had a compressed disc (possibly herniated) and immediately took steps to reduce the inflammation that was causing the excess pain. Well, I still have the spasms and problems associated with sitting but at least I know what is causing the pain. Some tell me I should stay in bed for a week. Others tell me that I should be up and about, exercising it as much as possible. Some tell me to keep it iced while others tell me to use heat. I don't believe the Lord would call me to serve here only to have me confined to bed all day, so I will try to use wisdom and still do what I can to be up and doing in the temple as often as I can. Please pray for me. And pray for us, that we may have the health and the strength to complete this mission as we have been called.

This last week, we have had the fortune to have the BYU Folk Dance group here to liven things up. They put on a show every evening, alternating between two different programs. To see it all, you need to attend on two different nights. Tonight they are also scheduled to provide a fireside for all of us. They will be here for another week, then they will move on and will be replaced by another group – BYU Vocal Point. After they leave, we will be ready for the pageant. So goes the summer. Something is always happening throughout the summer here at Nauvoo.

Although it has been raining a bit here today, we have had several (two or three) days without rain this last week. Spring temperatures have remained in the 70's. So it has been relatively quite nice. It's a nice time to come visit. So if you ever get opportunity to come this direction, come look us up and enjoy the Spirit of Nauvoo. There is nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world.