Sunday, July 25, 2010

The Kirtland Temple

The first Temple ever Built


Historic Kirtland Ohio

The Schoolhouse In addition to serving as a school, this building played an important role in the public life as Kirtland's "town hall" and as a gathering place for various groups. The school also served as a place for the Saints to gather weekly to worship through prayer, devotional music, sermons, and partaking of the sacrament.

For some of my family/friends that are not members of the church I included a few references. Not in my words because I could not explain it as well.
Anyway let me know if you have a question.The Kirtland Ashery stands as a symbol of the law of consecration which the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith at Kirtland. Newel K. Whitney built a small operation on this property in 1824 and four years later replaced it with the large industrial complex that has been replicated at this site. He later consecrated the ashery and its proceeds to the Church.








We took a few moments to stop and smell the flowers!

Everything owned by the church is so well maintained.
It was such a privilege to hear the history and stand in these very special places.
These early saints sacrificed everything for the gospel
.
Late in 1830, members of the newly organized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were directed to gather to Ohio. The Prophet Joseph Smith and his wife Emma were among the first to travel to Kirtland, arriving at Newel K. Whitney's general store in early February 1831. The Whitney's, who were converts, welcomed the Smiths and opened their home
to the Prophet and his wife.
Several months later, in December 1831, Newel K. Whitney was called as the second bishop of the Church. As bishop, he used part of his store to organize goods that were used to help the needy. He also allowed Joseph and Emma to live at the store and use a room as an office. While living at the store, Joseph received about 20 divine revelations that have since been included in the Doctrine and Covenants. A room in the store also housed the School of the Prophets, allowing leaders of the Church to study the gospel together


Middleford Ohio Amish country

This is very normal in Middleford Ohio. The Amish hang out there laundry



They pack their vehicles.They plant gardens.
They "Whoa" when they need to stop! They work together.




They take walks .I really didn't know much about the Amish. What we saw and I do know is that these are kind people that embrace a simple life. The girls have their hair in perfect braids and their dresses are neatly pressed . The have great smiles . We saw a big family cookout with the kids playing volleyball and the adults enjoying each others company all in the heat of the day with all the long dresses and hats. I couldn't take so many pictures because even though they didn't t seem to mind I felt I was invading their privacy. What a calming effect this had on me. We saw another family with a father , mother and baby about the ages of my boys. The father handling the horse with the mother siting next to him holding her baby. Very Sweet.
This is where they park their horses while they shop.


Natalie & I were shopping in a country store. She wanted a Amish dress but...... she learned you don't buy them. If she wants one she will have to make it!A Good Day!!


Friday, July 23, 2010

Jet boat at Niagra Falls

















This was so fun! Kinda like a giate sea doo!






Niagra Falls

Niagara Falls was very beautiful.
































This was really something to see.
The power of the falls is amazing
































Watkins Glenn New York

We decided to rent a boat for the day and spend some time on lake Seneca! You may wonder why we would do this since we live in

Lake county Florida ....


But..... The finger lakes are beautiful.. refreshing cool, no speed limits and NO GATORS!!





We Played


We Rested



Watkins Glen is said to be the Grand Canyon of the East Coast!


We saw the most beautiful waterfalls , bridges ,
steep cliffs and huge trees.
































I wish you could have seen Natalie's face when she saw this Amish family.

I had told her we would go to a Amish
community during our trip Ohio.

She didn't expect to see them here.

She was totally fascinated!








After a while of walking straight up we couldn't help think of a few friends that were hiking 6 miles each day . I don't think I am in great shape but not bad either. After about 1 mile straight up I thought there is no way I can go any further... Again we thought about the scouts. They were continually in our prayers.















We really enjoyed this part of the trip!
I 'm glad we took the time to do this.























Notice the lightweight jacket????











Fun Fun Fun