Friday, April 30, 2021
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Monday, April 26, 2021
In God's hands . . .
Zion National Park
Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my friends Sidney and Joseph, your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; . . .
Six months after Freeman and Huldah Nickerson were baptized, they went to Kirtland to visit Joseph Smith to request that he and some other elders come up to their home in Canada to preach the gospel to their family (Joseph Smith Papers, Documents: Volume 3). They were grateful to hear the message and enter into covenants, and they wanted their families to hear experience the same joy. When Joseph, and others agreed to go, several members in Kirtland came with requests that the Prophet stop on his way to visit some of their loved ones as well. This is a common pattern throughout scripture, someone finds the gospel then immediately wishes it for others. This same love was manifested by Joseph while he was on his mission. At the time, he was twenty-seven years old and had two young children at home. A man who joined the Church had recently turned against it, and was stirring up persecution against the members of the Church, in particular Joseph and his family. The city of Zion was being ransacked and the potential trouble was weighing heavily on Joseph. He spent many nights praying for his family and the Saints he loved so much—those back home and the ones he was meeting on his mission. One anxious day, Joseph prayed and was promised in the revelation that all those he loved were in God’s hands. For those he would preach to he was promised words, “in the very moment” he needed them (D&C 100:6). God will fulfill all His promises, we might not know when or how, but blessings will be given at the moment we need them. I pray for my family, I love them so much, and I do see evidences that God is holding them in His hands.
Doctrine and Covenants 100:15
Therefore, let your hearts be comforted; for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly, . . .
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Beautiful Zion...
We finally got to visit the Property, aka Rustic Pines. Mark, Tiffani, and the Grands were headed down to the Property so Tim had the idea that would be a good time for us to visit. We have been invited several times. Tiffani's parents have a nice place that's about a mile away from Zion National Park.
The sap on the Pines smells a bit like vanilla and sometimes chocolate.
I heard Colby say, I kinda want to sleep at the cabin. I wish we would have had room for all the boys but Colby and Grey did sleep over. They took a shower and we watched a movie. Grey fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow, that mountain air makes a guy tired. They slept so good and I loved waking up, and talking with them all cozy in the bed. We had a complimentary breakfast and it was delicious. We went back to the cabin and played a few games, and then it was time to go. We were thankful to spend time with family in such a beautiful setting. We appreciate Brad and Cindi's hospitality.
A Brief History of Zion National Park
Like many areas in the State of Utah, the area we know of today as Zion National Park was first explored by Mormon pioneers, missionaries, and explorers. Initially establishing their Southern Utah footing in the Cedar City area, these early settlers eventually expanded all the way to the southern desert region near what was eventually dubbed the Virgin River and Zion Canyon. At this point in history (the 1850s), the area was harsh, wild, and had been scarcely explored, being inhabited solely by Southern Paiute Indians. As you can imagine, these early white settlers were completely astounded at the magnificent beauty of the towering cliffs, majestic slot canyons, and everything else that the modern world has come to know and love about Zion.
A man named Nephi Johnson, along with a Paiute guide was charged with the task of venturing into the main canyon to determine if the land could be satisfactorily farmed. When he returned with good news, these early Mormons commenced establishing a proper settlement, which was not easy from an agricultural perspective. By the early 1860s, the town of Springdale had formally been established. Naming the area Zion is credited to one of these early settlers, Isaac Behunin. Zion is a Biblical word that is prominent in the Mormon lexicon that refers to a place of spiritual sanctuary. To the LDS people, it symbolizes an eventual religious utopia and a final gathering place in the last days. The selection of this word to represent the area shows the level of respect and awe these pioneers had for it. Modern visitors surely wouldn’t disagree when seeing the unmatched beauty of Zion Canyon.
As was often the historical result of white settlers moving into an area on the western frontier, over time the Native Americans primarily died from disease and those who didn’t travel elsewhere (in this case further south) to make new homes for themselves. The next four decades (1870-1900s) saw an influx of outside visitors in the form of permanent settlers, explorers, railroaders, ranchers, and miners. Famous explorer John Wesley Powell gave an alternate name to the area, Mukuntuweap, which is the Paiute word for “straight canyon”.
Finally, in the summer of 1909, President of the United States William Taft declared the area as federally protected and officially named it Mukuntuweap National Monument, deciding to go with the Paiute name rather than the one chosen by Utah’s early pioneers. State residents were not pleased, to say the least, with President Taft passing over the name they had originally chosen for the area. In 1918, after almost a decade of grievances, the assistant director of the recently-formed National Park Service, Horace Albright, changed the name of the park to Zion National Monument. There is, in fact, a bit of controversy surrounding this decision as acting director Stephen Mather was, at the time, battling severe depression (which surfaced in extreme, periodic episodes, according to accounts). It was during one of these unfortunate sabbaticals that Asst. Dir. Albright took it upon himself to alter the name of the park. Then, only a year later in 1919, the word “Monument” was replaced with “Park”. Zion National Park has remained the official name ever since. Zion National Park history continued years later in 1956 when the boundaries of Zion were expanded to include the Kolob section, which before that point was its own national monument. Zion National Park is visited by approximately four million visitors each year and ranks 4th as the most visited National Park.
We enjoyed a hike to Jolley Gulch Canyon that is on the east edge of Zion. Mark and I walked back together and it was nice to have a chance to talk, just the two of us!
Haunted house!
Ghost Tree!
It was fun to see all the things that Cash, Colby, Grey, and Grahm talk about when they are at the Property. They love being outside exploring, riding motorcycles and four-wheelers, and catching lizards.
Tim and I stayed in a cabin at Zion Ponderosa Ranch not far from the Property.
We were greeted by rocks that the boys and Tiff painted, so sweet.
I heard Colby say, I kinda want to sleep at the cabin. I wish we would have had room for all the boys but Colby and Grey did sleep over. They took a shower and we watched a movie. Grey fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow, that mountain air makes a guy tired. They slept so good and I loved waking up, and talking with them all cozy in the bed. We had a complimentary breakfast and it was delicious. We went back to the cabin and played a few games, and then it was time to go. We were thankful to spend time with family in such a beautiful setting. We appreciate Brad and Cindi's hospitality.
It's been a long time since we drove through Zion's. We took Chris and Mark for spring break a long time ago. I had forgotten how majestic and beautiful it is.
Checkerboard Mesa
Like many areas in the State of Utah, the area we know of today as Zion National Park was first explored by Mormon pioneers, missionaries, and explorers. Initially establishing their Southern Utah footing in the Cedar City area, these early settlers eventually expanded all the way to the southern desert region near what was eventually dubbed the Virgin River and Zion Canyon. At this point in history (the 1850s), the area was harsh, wild, and had been scarcely explored, being inhabited solely by Southern Paiute Indians. As you can imagine, these early white settlers were completely astounded at the magnificent beauty of the towering cliffs, majestic slot canyons, and everything else that the modern world has come to know and love about Zion.
A man named Nephi Johnson, along with a Paiute guide was charged with the task of venturing into the main canyon to determine if the land could be satisfactorily farmed. When he returned with good news, these early Mormons commenced establishing a proper settlement, which was not easy from an agricultural perspective. By the early 1860s, the town of Springdale had formally been established. Naming the area Zion is credited to one of these early settlers, Isaac Behunin. Zion is a Biblical word that is prominent in the Mormon lexicon that refers to a place of spiritual sanctuary. To the LDS people, it symbolizes an eventual religious utopia and a final gathering place in the last days. The selection of this word to represent the area shows the level of respect and awe these pioneers had for it. Modern visitors surely wouldn’t disagree when seeing the unmatched beauty of Zion Canyon.
As was often the historical result of white settlers moving into an area on the western frontier, over time the Native Americans primarily died from disease and those who didn’t travel elsewhere (in this case further south) to make new homes for themselves. The next four decades (1870-1900s) saw an influx of outside visitors in the form of permanent settlers, explorers, railroaders, ranchers, and miners. Famous explorer John Wesley Powell gave an alternate name to the area, Mukuntuweap, which is the Paiute word for “straight canyon”.
Finally, in the summer of 1909, President of the United States William Taft declared the area as federally protected and officially named it Mukuntuweap National Monument, deciding to go with the Paiute name rather than the one chosen by Utah’s early pioneers. State residents were not pleased, to say the least, with President Taft passing over the name they had originally chosen for the area. In 1918, after almost a decade of grievances, the assistant director of the recently-formed National Park Service, Horace Albright, changed the name of the park to Zion National Monument. There is, in fact, a bit of controversy surrounding this decision as acting director Stephen Mather was, at the time, battling severe depression (which surfaced in extreme, periodic episodes, according to accounts). It was during one of these unfortunate sabbaticals that Asst. Dir. Albright took it upon himself to alter the name of the park. Then, only a year later in 1919, the word “Monument” was replaced with “Park”. Zion National Park has remained the official name ever since. Zion National Park history continued years later in 1956 when the boundaries of Zion were expanded to include the Kolob section, which before that point was its own national monument. Zion National Park is visited by approximately four million visitors each year and ranks 4th as the most visited National Park.
We also got to visit Mark and Dianna and see their home. They have lived in St. George for almost two years now. We had lunch with them and enjoyed spending a few hours getting caught up. We drove by the house Mike and Pam bought, it's very nice. We wanted to see Bob and Robyn but Robyn was in Lehi helping Kennan move. We did get to see Bob, he was in the backyard working. They are adding a giant pool, it's amazing. Bob is kind, fun, and boy is he a hard worker.
Mike and Pam's St. George home
What a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Picnic at the temple...
I had a delightful afternoon with Cash, Colby, Grey, and Grahm yesterday. I got the big boys at school then went and picked up Grahm at home. I have walked around the temple grounds several times with Cash, Colby, and Grey in past years but it was usually Grahm's naptime, so I was happy he was with us this time. We got some special food, put a blanket down on the grass, and had a picnic!
Temple hugs!
Cash took these beautiful pictures!
I really enjoyed walking around the temple with the boys. The flowers are so pretty. Grahm wanted to touch all of them.
As always, we took a peek in the windows. I can't wait for the boys to go inside and discover the blessings of the temple.
We have a special tree we like that we call The Temple Fort. Sometimes we have been there when the leaves are on it but we were a little early this year, it was still fun to explore.
I showed the angel Moroni statue to Grahm and told him a few things about it. He said, "Is that a golden trophy?"
Temple bench pictures, what sweet handsome boys!
As we were walking to the car Grahm said, I don't ever want to come to this church again, it's weird." I ask him why he thought it was weird, and he said, "It's just weird." What a boy! I love Cash, Colby, Grey, and Grahm with my whole heart. I'm grateful to know we will be a family forever.
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