Keeper Of The Sword Fireside

Doug and I were staying with Eldon and Jan Kearl in Fish Haven, Idaho as part of our summer in Utah and Idaho. While visiting we were invited to go to a Fireside tonight to listen to Howard Carlos Smith (no relation to Joseph Smith) talk about his Great, Great Uncle Joseph Bates Noble and his relationship with Joseph Smith. Joseph Bates Noble was one of Joseph Smith's eight body guards.

Joseph Bates Nobel

Bodyguard to the Prophet Joseph Smith 

This picture is Joseph Smith giving his last public address as the Lieutenant General of the Nauvoo Legion. Joseph Smith spoke for 2 hours to a large crowd 6 days before he was martyred. Read Speech

Joseph and Hyrum knew of the warrant and traveled to Carthage on their own. Joseph spoke said they needed to go back to Nauvoo to get my bishop Joseph Bates Noble. He gave Joseph Bates Noble the sword and told him to hide it away. He also gave him to give the 1812 Musket. He gave Joseph Bates Noble a gun that Joseph Smith told him to give to Porter Rockwell. He also gave him a letter to give to his wife Emma Smith.

Above is the Casket Cane (left) Nauvoo Legion Sword (middle) with the Scabbard (right)

This Sword was given to Joseph Smith by Wilford Woodruff in 1834.

The sword is 40" long and the scabbard is made of tin.

These were hidden away for 165 years before they were shared with the public in 2008.

Joseph Bates Noble
His home in Nauvoo, IL
His adobe home in West Bountiful, UT 

This is the 1812 Musket Riffle given to Joseph Bates Noble

After the mob shot and killed Joseph and Hyrum, A member of the mob had a knife in his hand to cut off the head of the prophet after he fell though the window at Carthage for the $1000 reward when suddenly a light beam came out of the sky and frightened him and he ran away. Originally they wanted to behead the prophet with his own sword and place his head on the sword to display.

After Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith were martyred his eight body guards along with others traveled to Carthage to retrieve the bodies.  They brought them back in retrieval caskets. The bodies were displayed for the Saints to see their beloved prophets. After the mourning period new caskets were brought in and the bodies were placed in these caskets. They placed sandbags in the retrieval caskets and the flowers around the display caskets were placed on the caskets with the sandbags to protect the bodies. The bodies were buried behind the Mansion House with a beehive on top. The sandbag caskets were buried in the cemetery. In 1920 the bodies were moved to their current location in Nauvoo.

Emma Smith asked for the top of Joseph Smith's oak retrieval casket and had 12 sticks made from the wood. The 12 sticks represent the 12 tribes of Israel. These 12 sticks were given to very special people. Eight were given to Joseph Smith's body guard, one to Brigham Young and it unknown who received the other three. There are two casket canes/sticks in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum in Salt Lake City. Video

After the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith their wives, Emma Smith and Mary Fielding Smith wanted locks of their husbands hair. Mary had a locket that had locks of their hair in it and she is buried with that locket.

The lock of hair on the top with the loop is Joseph Smith's hair.

The straight lock of hair is Hyrum Smith's hair.

These locks of hair were placed in Joseph Bates Noble 1872 Family Bible on Page 111 

and was placed their by Joseph Bates Noble. 

Brigham Young shared that when Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdry returned the gold plates were not placed in a box in the Hill Cumorah. When Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdry walked to the Hill Cumorah it opened up in a triangle and was bright inside. They saw a wooden table with stacks and stacks and stacks of golden plates. They placed the gold plates on top of the other plates. They also saw the sword of Laban hanging on the wall. A few days later they went back inside and saw Laban's sword placed on top of the place and were told that is shall not be scabbed again.

It was a very interesting and spiritual evening. If you want more information READ HERE.

Heartbroken

Last week I had a really nice dinner with a dear friend. It was great catching up and sharing family stories. Taking about children, grandchildren, travel...you know everything you share with a friend. The best thing about it was that it was just us girls, no husbands, no children. You couldn't have asked for a more relaxing evening.

Of course, like girls always do, we shared some personal family stories and family happenings. What are girlfriends for if you can't share what you're feeling? So, we shared! Some stories were funny, some serious, some sad and some heartbreaking!

I remember when I was Relief Society President in 2001-2003 and the importance of keeping confidences. At times it was difficult to do, but that was an important part of that calling. It was quite a learning experience to say the least. Many lives are entrusted when asked to keep a confidence.

I remember recently, that a dear friend shared with me some family struggles. She's devastated and crushed with the decisions her children are making. All she can do is be supportive and at the same time watch helplessly as they go through this journey of life. We as adults see the pitfalls and do our best to guide and direct our children. There are times they listen and other times ignore our heeding. It's something parents deal with when watching their children stumble and try to pick themselves back up again.  After our two hour dinner my friend asked me to keep the conversation confidential and to not even tell my husband. Well, those that know me know that I do not keep secrets from my husband, but this time I felt it was important to keep this confidence. And keep it I must!

Here I sit crying! My dear friend accuses me of telling my husband about our conversation because her child said I did! I'm dumbfounded! I shared my conversation with no one and yet I stand accused of not keeping a confidence. I'm heartbroken! My thoughts turn to this...Is her child feeling guilty? Is her child telling my friend that I shared this with my husband to maintain control of the situation? What is their motive? All I know is that I did not share the conversation with my husband.

In my humble opinion, the only time a confidence should and must be broken is when a life is in danger. Well, this was not the case! Now, I must go through this pain of not being trusted by this dear friend! She did say to me that if I didn't say anything then she believed me. Yet, how does one un-ring a bell? How does one gain another's trust again? Especially when they are told by their own child that you did! A new bridge will need to be built between us. I can honestly say, I will be more cautious in the future when speaking with this friend because I do not want my integrity challenged again!

No Denying The Spirit

I've been emotional concerning family/friends questioning the gospel of Jesus Christ that I know! Today I wish to share some experiences of my husband and myself.  I'll first begin with my husband, as I find it to be a most amazing story!

When Doug was a little boy he learned to play the organ, he loved it and played well. So, when traveling to Utah to visit family in Ogden it was not surprising for Doug to ask his mother to take him to see the big organ in Salt Lake City.  Keep in mind, Doug and his family are not LDS. They had no association with the church, no friends, no family whatsoever were affiliated with the church. Yet, when he went to see that organ he had a special feeling. He didn't know what that feeling was, he just knew he liked how he felt when he was there. He went there many times during his childhood. He always wanted to go back because he liked the feeling he got while at Temple Square.

At the age of 17, Doug wrote in his senior yearbook his personal thoughts. He expressed how he always wanted a little sister, he wanted to marry someone not only "til death do us part" but forever!

He moved to Mesa, Arizona at the age of 19. When he saw the Mesa Arizona Temple he had the same feeling that he experienced when he was a little boy on Temple Square. He didn't know that these two places were connected, but he just knew it was a special place. At the age of 23 Doug was introduced to the LDS church. This is when he met Skip and Robin. He took the missionary lessons and Skip baptized him in December 1975. Robin became that "little sister" that he always wanted.

Nine months later I moved to Mesa, Arizona with my family.  Doug and I were set up on a blind date to watch General Conference in October 1976. We dated for about 5 weeks and he asked me to marry him...2 months later were were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on January 21, 1977 for Time and All Eternity.

Now, who can question what happened? Here is this little boy having these feelings when on Temple Square and the same feelings come when he's in Mesa. This can only be attributed to the spirit touching him. It cannot be explained any other way and I challenge anyone who questions an innocent child!

"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:4

Who can question that 17 year old boy that wrote his deepest personal thoughts down on paper?

We married for Time and All Eternity...not til death do us part!

January 21, 1977

Don't Judge

Today has been an emotional day. I have someone that is a very close family member that is struggling spiritually. I've been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since the age of eleven. I went to Primary, early morning Seminary, Young Women's, and attended my Sunday meetings for over 39 years. I personally have not struggled with my testimony, however there was a time when I felt "less active" because I had a fireman for a husband and he had to work some Sundays. During that time I struggled going alone, not due to a lack of testimony...I just didn't like going alone.

Being a member of the LDS church can be a challenge, especially when you have no children. The LDS church is very family oriented and it's highly unusual to be a member and not have children. During our early years of marriage it was difficult for me to go to my Sunday meetings when seeing families come to church with their little ones.  I despised Mother's Day!  It was the worse day of my life, every year! It took many, many years to bear the pain of being childless and to change it to being the sister in the ward that helped, loved and cared for little ones.  It began with Primary! I loved my Sunbeam classes! Those little ones have that unconditional love and brought much joy into my life. Later it moved to helping a sister in our ward with her children while her husband served in the bishopric. I found that I can share my love for other children in church to fill that void.

Has it been easy? No! But, did I let it destroy my testimony and make me question what my role was as a wife and member of the church? No! I knew that my happiness depended on my attitude and having faith in my Savior. I've know since the age of eleven that becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was and is where I'm supposed to be. When my family joined the church we had family members shun us! We had friends question us about joining the church. We did not waiver in our testimonies. Being a member has truly blessed me and my family's lives. My current calling is to be a companion to a 10 years old autistic girl during Primary. Oh, the love, joy and frustration all rolled up into one! However, I wouldn't change this experience for the world!

My heart aches when I learn of someone questioning the gospel that I love. I do not understand their trials and/or feelings regarding women in the church and their roles. It bothers me that Satan is working so hard on them and they don't see it that way. I know they also struggle with church leaders, especially with those serving in their wards. We have to realize that our ward leaders are men/human and make mistakes.  We are not all perfect! With that being said, I know the church is true and I believe that with all my heart...even when something is done or said that I may not agree with.

I find that when discussing this topic, it only causes more frustration, confusion, animosity towards the church, it's teachings and leaders. At times I feel that it is a losing battle. It's not dissimilar to a bible scripture battle between someone and the missionaries.  The missionaries are put into a "no win" situation. In these situations, the person questioning the church has studied, asked others questions, and read in preparation to the discussion. I feel that this is exactly the same as someone questioning missionaries with bible in hand...a "no win" situation! The results don't change and both parties leave frustrated.

So, what is one to do? Listen to their concerns, their questions, hear their explanations without agreeing for fear of giving them false affirmation and more reasons to question. I have come to the conclusion that all I can do is pray for them, love them and not judge them.

Morning Reflections

Today I decided to take a morning walk to the Cedar Fort Post Office. I had two reasons why! First, I needed to mail a letter and second, I needed to get my walk in for today. So, why not talk a morning stroll to the local post office!

The first thing I noticed is that it isn't as hot as at home in Mesa.  The temperature at the time of my walk was 89* which is a far cry from 109* at home! As I began my walk down a country road I reflected on how peaceful and quiet it is.  No traffic! No crowds! Just complete peace.  I could hear the horses naying, the cows mooing, birds chirping and critters rustling in the grass long the side of the road. It is such a difference compared to the city.

No one on the highway. Only one person at the post office! This so much different than living in the city. This is heaven on earth! Complete bliss!

As I'm walking along I notice all the rocks on the country road. Each rock is different. Some are dark, others light. Some are large, others small. Some are rough, others smooth! Are we not all different just like the rocks? Some may say a rock is a rock, but I say no they are not. Just as we are not all the same. We all look differently, act differently, think differently. We like different things, do things differently, and choose differently.

My choices may not be your choices and vice versa. Yet, with our differences we can get along. When you encounter dark times, can you see the light? If you suffer with struggles in your life do you decide if they will be big or overcome them to make them small? When times are rough, do you seek to smooth them with prayer, action and determination? We are the writer of our journey on the Book of Life! There are some rocks or challenges that we have no control over, but how do you handle those that may arise? Do you become bitter, angry or downtrodden? Or, do you seek love, peace and comfort from the Savior? 

Life on a country road is no different than we are. We too can have peace and tranquility if we choose to do so. I love the song, "All Creatures of Our God and King" because it is He and His Son that created us and this world for us to enjoy. It is up to us to make of it what we want. We are given the tools to be happy, if that is what we choose to be or not! So, when you think about the rocks in your life, it is up to you to decide if you want happiness!

One Man, One Woman

My thoughts on the Supreme Court Ruling! 

The Supreme Courts decision does not alter or change what our Heavenly Father wants for His children.  As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I believe that a marriage is between one man and one woman.

In 1999, President Gordon B. Hinckley told the members of the Church the following:

"We regard it as not only our right but our duty to oppose those forces which we feel undermine the moral fiber of society. Much of our effort, a very great deal of it, is in association with others whose interests are similar. We have worked with Jewish groups, Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, and those of no particular religious affiliation, in coalitions formed to advocate positions on vital moral issues. ...Latter-day Saints are working as part of a coalition to safeguard traditional marriage from forces in our society which are attempting to redefine that sacred institution. God-sanctioned marriage between a man and a woman has been the basis of civilization for thousands of years. There is no justification to redefine what marriage is. Such is not our right, and those who try will find themselves answerable to God.

Some portray legalization of so-called same-sex marriage as a civil right. This is not a matter of civil rights; it is a matter of morality. Others questions our constitutional right as a church to raise our voice on an issue that is of critical importance to the future of the family.  We believe that defending this sacred institution by working to preserve traditional marriage lies clearly within our religious and constitutional prerogatives. Indeed, we are compelled by our doctrine to speak out.

Nevertheless, and I emphasize this, I wish to say that our opposition to attempt to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group. As I said from this pulpit one year ago, out hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married.

I commend those of our membership who have voluntarily joined with other like-minded people to defend the sanctity of traditional marriage. .... You are contributing your time and talents in a cause that in some quarters may not be politically correct but which nevertheless lies at the heart of the Lord's eternal plan for His children, just as those of many other churches are doing. This is a united effort."

-President Gordon B. Hinckley
LDS General Conference, October 1999

My beliefs on marriage have not changed or wavered. However, I do believe in kindness, love and mercy for those that have different views.

I personally know people that are gay and lesbian.  Do I agree with their life style? No, I don't! They in turn may not agree with me being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon as many refer to us. However, I choose the path of kindness and love, not hate! I love them as friends and children of God!

I have a friend that shared this analogy with me. She said, "Eggs come in different colors. They all look different on the outside, but when you crack it open...they all look the same inside!"  We are all God's children!

Victory or Victim?

I have come across many people throughout my life.  I've seen some that stand tall surrounding themselves with positive, good and goal oriented people.  They are genuinely happy and their lives reflect that happiness.  Life is not without it's challenges, we are not immune from adversity, illness and other life altering experiences.  Yet, they go through life with a different attitude than others.  It doesn't make those times any easier, but it's how they approach each day!

I've also seen others that constantly blame others for their difficulties in life.  Such as: how they hate their boss, get upset with a utility company when their electricity is turned off or when they get that eviction notice.  Those that surround themselves with positive minded people are successful while those that are victims will always be victims.

I came across a video, as I watched it I found it interesting.  I reflected on those associations that I have at home, work, church and friendships.  Who am I surrounding myself with?  Are they uplifting or always feeling sorry or down trodden? I'm pleased to say that I've been blessed with good people, that have been positive influences in my life.  I consider myself successful! I may not be rich with money, but I'm rich in friendships.  I know I can always call, ask or share my life goals, experiences and feelings and be truly respected.   Again, I may not be a millionaire or a billionaire, yet I feel rich in my relationships. Life is what you reflect and if it's happiness and joy then that's what others see in you.  But if you are always negative, others will not want to associate with you.  No one wants to be around a sour puss!

While going through my cancer journey, I chose to be positive and happy.  I was claiming victory over cancer.  I was not a victim!  I didn't have time for that.  I also felt it was better to have positive energy around me, I didn't have time for negativity.  I've carried that positive attitude/feeling with me ever since and it's been 9 years since my diagnosis.

I choose "Victory"!  What about you?

Pretty In Pink

Today I went to my oncologist for my annual appointment. I find it not stressful seeing him. I think it's because I know I'm cured. 

Dr Bachrach and I went through the formalities. You know, "how are you", "what have you been doing", "what's new". After the pleasantries we got down to business.

He went over my blood work. Nothing to really report. It seems the one thing that keeps popping are my liver enzymes. Well, those numbers have been elevated for over 30 years. It has been discussed that when or if those numbers change then we will address it at that time. As far as cancer is concerned, no sign of it! My CA125 is in the normal range! Can we say hallelujah! 

So, here I am today 9 years cancer free! 

Google Me!

This is a true story that happened a few years ago while Doug and I were on vacation. I've told this story several times and feel that it's worth sharing here on my blog.  As I write this, I am determined not to embellish or exaggerate when sharing my experience. First and foremost, I will not use the names of those involved to protect the innocent...Me!

My friend shared with me that her sister in law was a writer. She did not go into detail about what books she wrote, just that she was a writer.  I thought this was interesting.  I knew that I would be meeting this writer and was curious as to what she wrote. 

So, on a beautiful Utah summer day, Doug and I were visiting with our friends and the writer would be there as well.  It was a nice gathering of people, about 35 were there. We had a nice BBQ, tractor rides, horse riding, buzzing around on the quads, kids running around playing, along with chickens doing what chickens do.  You couldn't ask for a nicer day.  

After eating, the adults sat around in the lawn chairs relaxing and visiting.  This was my golden opportunity to open up a discussion with the writer. I said, "I understand that you are a writer." She said, "Yes". "Well", I asked, "what do you write?". Her response to this day still surprises me and to those I share this experience with, she said, "Google Me!".  I was stunned!  In my mind I was thinking, "Really? Are you kidding me? Who says that? Google Me?"

What I find more fascinating is that I did not Google her!  That comment made me so not interested in what she writes.  After all, she's not world famous! She's no Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, etc, if she was I would have recognized her name from the beginning!

The moral of this story is, when someone asks what you do...don't say "Google Me"!

Bragging Rights!

This is the first time I've have posted more than one wedding on my blog in one post! Well, I've been frustrated lately and have been feeling a little down about my talents.  So, why not share it here!?!?

My Niece Sabrina Bissett's Wedding Day June 17, 2000

Mary Washburn's Wedding Day May 17, 2005

  Wes and Mary Filhart

 I made a lei for Wes and a lei bracelet for Mary to keep with the Island Theme!

My Nephew Landon Magnusson's Wedding Day August 12 , 2005

Landon's Bride ~ Natalia

Bridal Bouquet is silk.

My Nephew Justin Magnusson's Wedding Day April 16, 2008

Justin and Katie Magnusson

Bridal Bouquet is fresh flowers.

Shannon Green's Wedding Day April 16, 2010

Parker and Shannon Leavitt

Shannon made her own fabric roses. They were absolutely stunning!

The bridal bouquet is "One Of A Kind"!

Lyndsee Lenkersdorfer Wedding Day May 2010

CW and Lyndsee Walker with Lyndsee's parents, Alan and Vickie Lenkersdorfer,

Jaimee Lenkersdorfer (sister) and Jeremy (brother in law) and Kaylee (sister) Baldwin

Bridal Bouquet is all fresh flowers.  

Yellow calla lilies, Orange and Hot Pink Roses!

Jaimee Lenkersdorfer's Wedding Day March 2011

Seth and Jaimee Carpenter

 Bridal Bouquet created with all silk flowers! Stunning!

My Niece Alisa Magnusson's Wedding Day March 12, 2012

Alexander and Alisa Lake

Alisa has two bouquets. The bouquets pictured above are silk.

The bridal bouquet pictured above is made of fresh flowers.

My Neice Heidi Magnusson's Wedding Day April 4, 2014

Tim and Heidi Borgardus

Heidi's Bridal Bouquet is made of silk flowers

Michele Morris' Wedding Day April 25, 2015

Sheldon and Michele Hassell

Bridal Bouquet is all fresh flowers!