Melissa's Quiet Book - In Progress

Our community has been sheltering in place for three weeks now due to COVID-19, the coronavirus. It's been a good time to get some work done on Melissa's quiet book. I make one for every grandchild's first birthday and she will turn one on June 19. (This is my twenty-first book.)

My horse room doubles as my sewing room, and I need a lot of working space for a quiet book. I spread out on my craft table and onto my desk.

Those white storage chests under my desk hold more sewing supplies. Thread and bobbins are on the desk so I can find them easily - each page necessitates multiple changes of thread. (That is Pepper sprawled and sound asleep in her dog bed.)

I always ask the family for input on a quiet book. Since Kyle, Ashley, and their family live in Florida, Kyle suggested that I make it "sunny themed." Braden, Addie, Corinne, and Whitney went one better. They laid their quiet books out in front of Melissa so that she could choose her own pages!

And Corinne likes her own book so much that she asked me to make hers again for Melissa. 

Taking their ideas into account, I began flipping through my pattern books and planning the pages. I try to have little tweaks and nods to family members in a quiet book, and this page is a pretty big nod to me. 

 The ears and forelock are not stitched down and very tactile. 

And, you can feed the horse carrots! In another nod to a family member, Aunt Jessica, a dental hygienist, is sending me a baby toothbrush so that you can brush the horse's teeth, too! I drew this pattern so it is uniquely Melissa's. (I got the idea from an opened mouth giraffe photo I saw online.)

 I made this vibrantly colored fish using color changing sequin fabric. I could play with it all day.

This is another pattern that I designed and drew up myself. (I am still picking up sequins from the carpet after cutting the fish out!)

 This is a swimsuit cover-up that can be buttoned and unbuttoned. 

The yellow apples are a tweak to my parents' apple orchard. When they were young, our kids loved visiting the orchard. My dad would hitch up a wagon to the tractor and give them rides up and down the rows of trees. And since my favorite apple is the Yellow Delicious, the fabric also a little bit of a reference to me, too.

 An old favorite is also being included at the family's request - the dress up page. The doll isn't done, but her dresses are. The horseshoes will make them think of me, and Kyle will smile at the orange dress - he's a big fan of the University of Illinois and its colors are orange and blue.

Four pages are done and ready to stitch into the quiet book's pages, and the other eight are in various stages of completion. My goal is to finish the quiet book by the end of this month.

We were going to head down to Florida the first week in May for Corinne's baptism, but those plans have been nixed due to COVID-19. I don't know when I will give it to Melissa now; I may even have to mail it instead of getting to see her open it in person. 

General Conference - Sunday Afternoon Session

Conducting: Henry B. Eyring, First Presidency


Tabernacle Choir: Praise to the Man


Prayer: Kevin R. Duncan, Seventy


Tabernacle Choir: The Daydawn is Breaking


Elder Dallin H. Oaks, First Presidency
A divine plan to enable all to return to Him. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to Heavenly Father's plan. We saw the end from the beginning and chose His plan. The power of the Atonement: 1) We can be cleansed of sins. 2) Christ took upon all mortal infirmities. We can bear them as a result. 3) The Savior revokes the finality of death and gives us the assurance that all will be resurrected. The opportunity to be with our family eternally. 4) Our progress does not conclude with mortality. The power to create life is the biggest power given to humankind by God. 


Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve
Had a revelation that Elder Holland would be called to the Quorum of the Twelve. He had been Elder Holland's senior companion. At the time of the call, Elder Cook was a Regional Representative. All the standard works contain the mind and the will of the Lord for us. The seminal role of the Holy Ghost is to bear witness of the Father and The Son and their missions. 


Elder Ricardo P. Gimenez, Seventy
Firefighter in Santiago, Chile. The time will come for each of us when we will face unexpected challenges. There is only one refuge from the storm, one provided by Heavenly Father - Jesus Christ. Suffering is universal. How we react to it is individual. With His stripes we are healed. 


Tabernacle Choir: I Know that My Redeemer Lives


Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Quorum of the Twelve
The Church is structured to help us practice the principles of discipleship. Come and join us, serve with us. There is a place in God's Church for all of His children. There is no threshold for membership. God does not show favoritism. He knows your heart. We learn through repenting from our mistakes. God uses the weak and the plain to bring about His purposes. You don't have to be perfect; you only have to have a desire to serve Him.


Elder L. Whitney Clayton, Seventy
Transform our homes through scripture study.As we continue in faith, the Lord gradually changes us. A home can be a refuge from the storms in life. 


D. Todd Christofferson
Love, example, and use of Book of Mormon will help others accept the invitation to join us. Story of a young man trying to burn the Book of Mormon and hearing a voice say, "Go to your room and read my book." He did and converted. 


President Russell M. Nelson
Sum up of the things announced during this conference. Hear Him! Promised decreased fear with increased faith. I can still draw upon the power of my endowment despite the fact that all temples are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New temples: 8 new! Argentina, Tallahassee, Florida, Demo of Congo, Pittsburgh, Nigeria, Utah, Dubai, Shanghai, China. Conferred an Apostolic blessing: peace, desire to repent and become like Him, to know Joseph Smith is a prophet, blessing of healing consistent with the will of the Lord.


Tabernacle Choir: WeThank Thee, Oh, God, for a Prophet


Prayer: Elder Lynn G. Robbins, Seventy

General Conference - Sunday Morning Solemn Assembly

President Nelson has called a Solemn Assembly today that will include the Hosanna Shout. Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the First Vision.


Conducting: President Dallin H. Oaks


Tabernacle Choir: How Firm a Foundation


Prayer: Brook P. Hales, Seventy


Tabernacle Choir: This is my Beloved Son, Hear Him


Ronald A Rasband, Quorum of the Twelve
Daniel saw our day in vision and prophesied that the Lord's Church would rise as a small stone. Members are divine witnesses to prophecies from long ago. Many prophets spoke of our day. 168 temples on the earth now with 49 in progress. We are the people charged with the ushering in of Christ's Second Coming. We are one people regardless how we dress or look. In two years, President Nelson has traveled to 32 countries and territories.


Bonnie H. Cordon, General Young Women President
We can be filled with the light of the Savior. Let our light shine. "That they may see." Do it for others. Chicken story - Elder Perry went out with her to feed the chickens. Need to see the path. Shine the light so others can see the path, too. The Savior will bring the light if we just point others to Him.


Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve
What was once only hoped for has now become history. (The Restoration and all its blessings.) Love God by keeping His counsel; love our neighbors. Hope. God does work in this world. We can hope and should hope even when the odds seem insurmountable. This was a powerful talk.


Tabernacle Choir: Now Let Us Rejoice


Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve
Sealing authority is necessary. Binds earthly things in heaven. The word "heart" is used over a thousand times in the scriptures. Changing, turning, and purifying is the Lord's work. Temple ordinances bless those on both sides of the veil. The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. World changes human behavior; Christ changes human nature. Ordinances open the channels of heaven so that God's power can flow into us.  Temple work hastening.


Tabernacle Choir: Israel, Israel, Gid is Calling


President Russell M. Nelson, Prophet
Tribulation makes the light of Christ shine even brighter. This pandemic is an opportunity to share our light. What does it mean to me that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth? The truths of the gospel are an anchor to our souls while the tempest is raging. When we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear, what will help us most is to hear His Son. Hearken --> Hear Him! Heed what He has told us. Daily immersion in the scripture is crucial for spiritual survival. We can also hear Him in the temple. Increase our work in Family History while we cannot go to the temple. It has never been more imperative to know how the spirit speaks to you than right now.

Only five proclamations have been issued thus far in the history of the Church. Read The BiCentennial Proclamation to the World from the Sacred Grove.


Tabernacle Choir: Hosanna Anthem


Tabernacle Choir & Worldwide Congregation: The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning


Prayer: Elder Peter M. Johnson, Seventy

Dad's Slides: The Wabash River - Horse Heaven

I grew up living on the Wabash River. We had nine acres of riverfront and woods.

Our home was up on the moraine (which is why we never worried about flood damage to our home) with the front pasture below it. That pasture would flood when the river rose, but we had a paddock and two other pastures where we could put the horses when the river was running high.

This picture was taken from the hill above the bluff. You can see some more of the front pasture, the highway that cut through our property, and the river pasture along with the Wabash River behind it. A third pasture and our paddock and barn is behind the pines on the left.

Having the river to ride around and explore was just the best, and Leslie and I spent a lot of time with our horses on its banks.

 This was back in the days when I could hop up bareback and ride with just a halter and lead rope!

Our herd loved that river grass. We had to be careful the first few weeks of spring when we opened the river pasture up for grazing as we didn't want them to colic or founder.

 Amy was so beautiful. Like Abby, she had a lot of sass and personality, but she was gentle and willing, too.

Since the river's channel was on the far side from us, the shallows were along our pasture. Leslie and I loved to ride in the shallows. The horses would paw and drink, and once, on a very hot day, Cee laid down with me for a roll! (Luckily I was riding bareback and just stepped off him when he went down.)

I love that river and have ever since I was a little girl. It is a symbol of Indiana and has inspired authors and poets. Johnny Cash wrote If it wasn't for the Wabash River  and also sang Wabash Cannonball. There's  Back Home Again in Indiana with its signature line "When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash," and the Indiana state song, On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away  

I know what that river looks like in the moonlight. With horses drinking from it, or two girls cantering along its banks. The Wabash was a little slice of heaven to me then as a young girl, and it remains near and dear to my heart today.

General Conference Saturday Night Session

Special session for members aged 11 and older.


Conducting: Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve


Tabernacle Choir: Let Zion in her Beauty Rise


Prayer: Kyle S. McKay


Tabernacle Choir: Lead Kindly Light


Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Quorum of the Twelve
Begin at the beginning, grow and improve and become like the Savior. Palm Sunday. Jesus entered Jerusalem in a way that the Jews would recognize who He was based on prophecy. Some Jews set a place for Elijah during Passover. Passover celebrates the liberation of Israel after 400 years of bondage. Represents Christ overcoming death. (Blood of lamb daubed on lintels.) Today we celebrate resurrection and restoration. "I have graven thee upon the palms of my hand." Line upon line, kindness upon kindness.


Laudy R. Kaouk, YW from Slate Ward
Youngest of eight children, only one left at home. That has been hard. Received a blessing from her father. The ordinances of the priesthood bless out lives. Patriarchal blessings help us to see our potential and God's plan for me. They are a Liahona for ourselves.


Enzo S. Petelo, YM from ? 
Full blessings of the atonement come through the priesthood. DC 135 - blessings to youth. It can be tough to follow and do, but there is strength in interacting with other priesthood holders. Follow Nephi's example to go and do.


Sr. Jean B. Bingham, General Relief Society President
Roles of men and women are different. Not competitive, but complementary. Unity is necessary to work together in this work, but it doesn't always happen. We have to work at it. Work together. Women are essential partners in the work of salvation.


Tabernacle Choir & Congregation: I am a Child of God


Elder Henry B. Eyring, Quorum of the Twelve
Dedication of Kirtland temple, recounting of those who appeared from heaven. The power of the Lord to lead His people in His work. Things were and are done in order. DC 110. When we work to solve one gospel problem, we open the door for more revelation and progress. Line upon line, precept upon precept. Sacrifice often brings continued blessings that we did not foresee. He invites us to the work and joins us in it. He has a plan.


Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve
The priesthood is a divine authority held in trust to be used as God needs. Should not refer to men as "the priesthood." Call them "priesthood holders." The priesthood is used to perpetuate family relationships into the eternities. Priesthood ordinances are available to men and women alike. The priesthood is exercised under the direction of priesthood leaders. Moses, Elias, and Elijah restored the keys to this dispensation. Look to the fruits.


President Russell M. Nelson, Prophet
Restoration began 200 years ago. 16 million members now. We accomplish much good around the globe. This is not the church of Joseph Smith or of Mormon. It is the Church of Jesus Christ. We now use the correct name of the Church. New symbol for the Church. Tomorrow is Palm Sunday and we enter Easter week. Put our faith into action. Doctrine of fasting is ancient and has been practiced by the earliest prophets. Calling for another worldwide fast. Fast, pray, and unite our faith and pray for relief from this global pandemic on Good Friday, April 10. Caregivers protected, the economy strengthened, and life to return to normal. Pleas for healing throughout the world.


Tabernacle Choir: Hark, All Ye Nations


Prayer: Sr. Kristina B. Franco, Primary Counselor

General Conference: Saturday Afternoon Session

Conducting: President Henry B. Eyring


Tabernacle Choir: High on a Mountain Top


Prayer:


Dallin H. Oakes, presentation of names of General Authorities, officers, etc. for sustaining.


Audit report by Kevin R. Jergenson


Tabernacle Choir: As I Search the Holy Scriptures


Elder Ulisses Soares, Quorum of the Twelve
The restoration is a miraculous process. The bringing forth of the Book of Mormon began long before  it came forth. Joseph was directed to the plates by an angel unlike other archaeological discoveries. Attempts were made to steal the plates from him. When Elder Soares studied the Book of Mormon to know if it was true, he felt a warm feeling spread all over him. It turned into knowledge, took root in his heart, and is his keystone that sustains his faith in Christ.


John A. McCune, Seventy
Got to hold a page from the original Book of Mormon manuscript, the one that has 1 Nephi 3:7 on it.  Son fell while long boarding and sustained a life threatening brain injury. Family knelt to pray, didn't know if he would live. (They were all on a mission.) Two month recovery and challenges remain. Witnessed a miracle. Come unto Christ - when we make covenants with Him, we become His. Our ability to help others come unto Christ will come largely from our example of living a Christ-like life. Lehi did not leave the tree of life; he stayed there and invited his family to come there.


Gerald Causse, Presiding Bishop
The Living Christ statue (like the one on the player piano) was unusual for the time period when most artists depicted a suffering Christ. This one depicts him as the living Christ. Plain and precious truths resound through the Book of Mormon. There is no pain or anguish that Christ did not suffer for us. Receive essential ordinances and keep sacred covenants. Qualify to live with God and inherit all that He has for us. He died for each one of us personally as though I was the only person on the earth. The process of sanctification makes you a different person, patterned after the Savior.


Tabernacle Choir: Rejoice, the Lord is King


Elder Dale E. Rendlund, Quorum of the Twelve
A grandfather received his grandson's heart in a heart transplant after the boy was killed by a train. Deliverance in our afflictions. Deliverance helps us come to know God. What does it take for us to be drawn to the Father? Christ stands with open arms, hoping and willing to heal, purify, and sanctify us.  This should give us a new heart and prompt us to follow Heavenly Father.  Seek to align our will to His.  Remember every day the great things that have been done for me and bind myself to them.



Benjamin M. Z. Tai, Seventy
Christ is the master healer. Burmese priesthood leader had no Book of Mormon in his native language so he used a children's Book of Mormon and translated it into his own language. He felt the spirit and knew it was true. Being true to the gospel is the essence of testimony. Immerse yourself daily in the Book of Mormon.



Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Quorum of the Twelve
History of building the Salt Lake Temple. He presided over an assessment of the Salt Lake Temple to see if it met modern standards for seismic activity. Recommended an upgrade for seismic safety.  Using base isolation technology. This structurally strengthens the temple even when the grounds around it are moving in an earthquake. How could this inspire us to undergo our own restructuring and upgrading? What does my foundation look like? What are my spiritual cornerstones?


Tabernacle Choir: Redeemer of Israel


Prayer:  

General Conference: Saturday Morning Session

Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the First Vision.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all music was prerecorded. Only the speakers are present and they are seated apart from each other. (Called "social distancing.")


Conducting: Dallin H. Oaks


Tabernacle Choir: The Morning Breaks


Prayer: Richard J. Maynes


Mormon Tabernacle Choir: It is Well with My Soul


President Russel M. Nelson
Didn't know that this would be happening when he promised it would be a memorable and unforgettable conference or that he would be speaking to an empty auditorium.

"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." Fill our spiritual storehouses with faith and testimony. Stand in holy places and be not moved. Live so that you can hear the messages that the Lord has for you so that all will be well.

After the Sunday morning session, there will be a global solemn assembly. There will be a hosanna shout. Have a white handkerchief if you have one.


Elder M. Russell Ballard
Told the story of Joseph's birth and early family. Second Great Awakening is what the religious fervor of the time was called and what prompted him to pray. James 1:4. Recounted the First Vision and what Joseph Smith did afterward. Obtained, translated, and published the Book of Mormon. Hyrum was a faithful brother. Sealed his testimony with his brother. Martyrs at Carthage Jail. Joseph sealed his mission and testimony with his own blood. We should always remember the price they paid, along with others who died, that we might have what we have today.

Elder James Rasband
Where would I turn for peace? The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal and succor. Christ's sacrifice fulfills all the demands of justice. The story of Alma the Younger's journey of faith. Glad tidings of great joy. The Savior can mend what we cannot fix, heal what we cannot heal. But, we still need to make the effort, too.


Joy D. Jones, General Primary President
President Nelson taught that it is impossible to measure the affect sisters have had on the Church. It is our turn - we have a divine errand from the Lord that we need to do. Film clip of President Nelson speaking to some Primary kids from the Smith home. The Lord loves effort. He doesn't expect perfection but He does want us to move forward with effort, hard work, and study. Offer up the desires of our hearts to God. He knows each of us by name and has individual roles for us to fulfill. We have divine potential and eternal worth. Learning is integral to progression. Use the Holy Ghost to help us. We have direct access to the power of God through our covenants and the priesthood power.

After Sr. Jones' talk, Emily posted this on our family chat.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Come, Ye Children of the Lord


Elder Neal A. Anderson
I missed most of this talk as our neighbor called me. It's her 45th wedding anniversary and I'd dropped some flowers off at her home earlier.


Elder Douglas E. Holmes, YM Counselor
YM/YW program's purpose is to help the gospel settle deep into the hearts of our youth. We don't find or walk the covenant path alone. To effectively serve others, we must see them as God sees them.  We must choose repentance for ourselves, we are not forced. Choose what is right, not simply do what is right. The YM/YW program empowers the youth. Teach them how to lead and then get out of their way.


Tabernacle Choir: Oh, How Lovely was the Morning


President Henry B. Eyring
He will lift us so we can rise to challenges and opportunities. The work we are accomplishing is of vast importance and calls on all the saints' abilities. Joseph Smith is an example as to how to grow in spiritual power. He prayed in faith throughout his ministry to obtain prophetic revelation. We need to practice the same pattern. Always remember Him. (Sacrament prayer.) The answer Joseph Smith received when he first prayed changed the world. Satan tried to thwart that prayer because that prayer was so important. The enemy will try to stop us/keep us from praying. Like Joseph Smith, Enos is a model for praying.


Tabernacle Choir: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing


Closing Prayer: Michelle Craig, YW Counselor