How Great Thou Art

September 27, 2015

Nebraska was flat.
Iowa is rolling hills.

Rolling hills

The clouds are magnificent!
We saw some beautiful fields and buildings as we drove through Iowa and Illinois toward Nauvoo. 

Barns

More barns

 

Mississippi River

Mississippi River flora

Burial Grounds

We were flying down the road when "eagle eye" John threw on the brakes and yelled "see that red bird?" No.
I saw no red bird so he back up. I still couldn't see it. All I saw was a dead tree branch on the top of the tree. (Top pic)
Bottom pic is red bird close up. I don't know how he sees these things!!

Tall corn. Seed corn is left on the stock to dry before harvesting.

We arrived in time to go to the visitors center, the women's garden, the land and records office and the old cemetery before dark. 

Nauvoo Visiter's Center

I have the top right bronze in my entry and also a smaller version signed by Florence Peterson Hansen.

We had ancestors from the Wilson, Blair and Terry lines. The Wilsons are buried in Nauvoo. The Terry's were endowed in the Nauvoo Temple.

Land records to find our ancestor's property.

Our ancestors are buried here.

Burial grounds

There was an unbelievable sunset.

The temple and St Paul and St Peter church share the hilltop.

Statue across the street from the temple.

We have a cute little cabin to stay in tonight. It is too cloudy to see the eclipse so that will have to be seen in the Internet tomorrow.

Our cabin for the night

As I've traveled, I've marveled at the beauties around me in this world. Of the numerous gifts given to me, one of the best next to my family, is to live in a world created for me and you. This morning we found a chapel close to our hotel so we were able to attend church.

The opening hymn, How Great Thou Art, is one I love. The message always brings me to humility and gratitude and tears. Today was no exception. The third and fourth verses particular touch my heart.

Verse 1:
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Chorus:
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Verse 2:
When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Chorus

Verse 3:
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Chorus

Verse 4:
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclaimation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim, "My God, how great Thou art!"

Chorus

I know that I am loved by my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love them too.
What a blessing.
I love you.