Month: April 2026

God Knows You

| cnaglis63
Turtle on the log
Turtles near the canal in the wetland.

As I pondered the Come Follow Me lesson for the past week and my experiences, I know that God knows each one of us. We are his children and he loves us. We may have moments of wondering if that’s true when we seem to be wallowing in the pits of despair. Life can feel impossible sometimes and we think about how we got into a certain situation as well as where do we go from there.

Like most everyone, I’ve had some difficult experiences in my life and the one thing that I have figured out is that “It’s not over until it’s over.” I just do an about face and look at things from a different perspective. Many years ago, I started saying to myself, “What does God need me to learn from this.” When I step away from the emotion of a situation, it allows me to have perspective and find a solution that wasn’t the way that I had been proceeding. God’s ways are not our ways and if something feels strange in that it isn’t the way you normally handle something, maybe getting a little uncomfortable is what you need.

I have gotten a LOT uncomfortable to be able to learn many skills. I don’t fear failure, I look forward to learning something new. I love languages and I think the reason why is that I enjoy communicating with others. Every day I practice at least two different languages to keep my brain learning and progressing. Because of that diligence, I am able to communicate with people and I feel good.

I reached a 3000 day streak on Duolingo this past week. Plus I use Spanish Dictionary to keep my Spanish going.

This came in handy on Saturday at the temple. Patrons have the opportunity to do temple ordinances in their language of choice, by wearing a headset with the translation. A patron asked me for a headset to be able to use Arabic for her ordinance. Later on, I was able to help her with a language card and I know that God put me in her path because of my language skills. I don’t read Arabic but I was able to follow along with her to help her. There have been unnumberable tender mercies given to me as I have served in temples.

Many years ago, I was going to have my Swiss friends bring their horses and wagon to Olds for the Mountain View County Fair parade. I was going to decorate the wagon with my quilts from my store and basically advertise my business. At the last minute, my friends received a request for their horses and their fancy wagon for a wedding party. They arranged for me to borrow a tractor from a local dealer and pull another wagon. I arrive at the farm implement store and go in to discuss my predicament. The gentleman at the desk asked me if I knew how to drive a tractor. I replied, “No, but I’m about to learn!” He rolled his eyes and took me outside to the tractor. After some instruction, I climbed up and with the wagon hitched, I drove to the parade route line-up. During the parade, one young lad yelled out, “HEY, Girls don’t drive tractors!!” I yelled back at him, “Well, this one DOES!” It was a great day and despite being thrown into a tricky situation, I was able to learn and progress.

This past week, I made some chocolate covered strawberries to take to the Wednesday evening shift. They were a big hit and only one strawberry was left to take home. It was also a night to do some training for the Allred’s to take over from us.

Dark chocolate strawberries

Have you ever seen such a large roll of toilet paper? My goodness!

Thursday was Erik’s birthday and we had a gift certificate for The Cheesecake Factory to be used so off we went and were pleasantly surprised at how gluten free friendly they were. Then we headed to Wegman’s for some groceries. The Wegman’s in Pittsford is their flagship store and it’s massive. I was buying a cake and ice cream to take to the temple for Erik’s birthday. There were so many people running around with their faces glued to their phones and shopping carts whipping by as if the zombie apocalypse was immanent.

My big strong handsome man!
Here’s the old man in him struggling with his phone (haha)

On Friday, we went with the Allred’s and the Bliss’ to take them to Sauder’s Mennonite store and to the Whitmer Farm.

Elder Allred & Elder Naglis
Sister Allred and I trying out the gliders.

Check out the ice cream; NFL team with their own flavor of ice cream!

Later on we headed to Cafe 19 (XIX) for lunch. Their Mexican salad was delicious.

Allred’s , Naglis’ and Bliss’ at the Whitmer Farm
Whitmer Farm

Sunday morning snow was coming down which was quite shocking after our lovely 24C days previously. We headed to Auburn for church. Where we sat, in front of us was Dottie with her service dog, Sam. Dottie’s daughter says that Sam is quite spoiled. He was quite content to make googly eyes at us and smile all the while.

Sam the service dog

Remember that when you have an extraordinary moment that makes your heart sing, that is God’s way of letting you know that he is aware of you and loves for you to be happy.

Have a fabulous week!

Service

| cnaglis63
Palmyra temple

This past week started with a task that I put off time and again for the past month. If you have ever seen a meme that says, “Don’t ask me to hem your pants; I’m a quilter!” Well, I offered to help one of my fellow temple workers with a special project for her husband. He had a couple of worn hoodies that he loved and didn’t want to throw out. Both needed the zippers replaced. I was first a sewist before I became a quilter. I do know how to hem pants and sew curtains, make clothing and so on. I even made some replacement cushions for a friend’s travel trailer.

Kristy brought the hoodies over with a replacement zipper and a zipper pull. Unfortunately, both zippers needed replacing, so we spent our visit ripping out the old zippers very carefully. When I finally decided that I better get cracking, I discovered that the zipper was not a separating one, which you need for a jacket. In the USA, JoAnne’s the fabric store closed across the states last year and it’s not easy to find sewing supplies. I saw an ad for a place called Wawak Sewing Supplies and opted to order two zippers for the hoodies. I was able to get the correct size plus some fabric glue to baste them in place.

Finally, the day arrived and I set up everything to get the job done. First hoodie, the gray one, was not a problem but the second one, the Quik Silver was the “problem child”. I put that zipper in three times. Working with old fabric that is worn and extra stretchy gave me a run for my money. The first time, I installed the zipper, I was horrified because nothing lined up. Erik takes pity on me when it’s time to rip stitches and he offers to do it for me. Finally after a quick plea to God, I was given instructions on how to proceed. What a joy to have the job done!

Gray Hoodie
White Hoodie
Elder Naglis doing the “Frogging”

We were still experiencing snow flurries last week. It was quite chilly with brisk winds and made me not want to go for walks. It is getting better this week because the Japanese Cherry Trees are in bloom.

This past week was very busy again at the temple with Spring breaks ongoing and we were able to meet many people from far off places. One sister from Australia came in with bare feet on a chilly, rainy day. She explained that in Australia, she’s always in bare feet. This dear lady, carried a pair of flip flops in her hands to wear in the temple to the change room.

It’s been fun working with the new temple missionaries; the Allred’s and the Dayton’s. This week we will have three new couples starting their service here. One of the young temple workers has been set apart for her mission and has done home missionary training this past week. We were invited to their home after church for lunch. It was so fun to meet most of the Chalupa family. Sister Chalupa is going to the California San Bernadino mission (Spanish speaking) this month. As we were leaving their house, the three year old runs out to say goodbye, “Bye, bye, We love you!” My heart!!

The Missionaries

This past Friday was my mom’s memorial service. I made a video talk to be played for the service. Unfortunately, the Zoom camera for the Cherry Grove Ward was not working so one of my nephews held a phone to record the service and then I could watch it on YouTube. I am loving having my mom’s photo as my screen saver on my phone so that I can see her whenever I want. I don’t think of my mom being dead, because I know that she is alive on the other side of the veil. She’s busy doing family work on the other side. Her spirit is just separated from her body until the resurrection.

I am the oldest of four girls and I had to be responsible and took everything seriously. My parents gave me a lot of leeway and didn’t put restrictions on me. When I was late teens (17), it was a trend to get a streak of color in your hair. I told my mom that I wanted to get a streak of blue in my hair. This was the only time that my mom put her foot down with me and replied, “Absolutely NOT! People pay a lot of money to get their hair the color of yours. You are NOT dying your hair!!” End of discussion in my mind because my mom was quite adamant. I did not become a big hair dyer, haha! Now my blond is turning a light blond-gray.

On Sunday midafternoon, I wanted to go walking in the Sacred Grove and asked Erik if he wanted to accompany me. Off we went. We didn’t see another soul on our hour in the Grove. The birds were chirping in the reedy area before the Grove; the Song Sparrow, American Goldfinch, American Robin, Northern Cardinal and the Red-winged Blackbird. As we entered the Grove, it became quiet and we enjoyed seeing what was sprouting up. Daffodils were blooming.

We walked through the Smith farm, past the homes and the barns. There is a small apple orchard and we found deer snacking as we approached. I told Erik to get into stealth mode so that we could get close.

Sign showing the farm layout
On Alert
Nibbling
Farm wagon
Daffodils

The farther into the grove we went, I saw patches of greenery and then they were everywhere. Wild Leek was growing profusely. They are also known as Ramps. Ramps are one of the first spring wild edibles. They are also called wild garlic, wild leeks, or wild scallion and are a relative of wild chives. These delicious leaves burst from their bulbous bottoms around the time your daffodils bloom. Their timing also coincides with the emergence of fiddlehead ferns. And like fiddleheads, the life of ramps in their wild edible prime is brief. Within a couple of weeks, the wild garlic will flower and the tasty leaves will wither. Ramps grow in moist hardwood forests or near shaded stream beds. They thrive in wet loamy soil. April and May are the peak months for ramp collection in the Eastern United States. Where we were was perfect for growing them and there were acres of them. Erik broke off a leaf and tasted it, then I had a bite. I was delighted as I am a huge garlic fan. I picked my own leaf and really enjoyed it.

Ramps
So many Ramps

I am already a fan of wild foraging and now I have added another treat to my list. I love Lamb’s Quarter, Dandelions, and Nettle. I haven’t tried Cattails yet.

Between Palmyra and Auburn is the Montezuma National Wildlife Reserve. They have a 3 mile driving tour in the reserve. This time of year the Bald Eagles are hatching and I saw a lot of cars on the trail as we were driving down the thru-way. Our friend Bruce Allred is a bird photographer and I have a feeling that he would really enjoy some time at the reserve.

This sculpture of the Bald Eagle is 21 feet tall and has a 20 foot wingspan. It was installed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Bald Eagle Restoration Program. It is magnificent and easily seen from the thru-way. It was created with steel, stone, wood and glass by artist, James Seaman.

It is wonderful to see signs of Spring and feel a warmer air on our faces.

I love to be among the trees and look at their majesty. It’s always thrilling to see animals, birds and plants. We are going to be celebrating Earth Day soon. People will be planting gardens. These all give me hope of things to come. While the world really seems to be going mad everywhere, I need to be in nature to feel peace and bring serenity back into my soul.

Enjoy your week, peace be upon you all!

He Lives

| cnaglis63
Fayette Ward Chapel

As we step into Holy Week (Semana Santa), we can follow along with the days leading to our Savior’s crucifixion and triumphant resurrection. It was a lovely week as we stepped back into our service at the Palmyra temple. This week we had two new couples who are starting their year long mission at the temple; the Allred’s and the Dayton’s. The Dayton’s are our new neighbors on the other side of the house. I was also given the opportunity to train a new worker who serves as an Historic Site missionary. It is a wonderful blessing to overlap with the incoming missionaries!

We are seeing many new people at the temple this week due to Spring Break in schools. As I spoke to one family, they mentioned how surprised they are at the many different types of missions there are for senior missionaries. I remember thinking the same thing last year as I met many senior missionaries along our path. There are hundreds of diverse, flexible senior missionary opportunities. They may be full-time or part-time and can be tailored to specific skills and interests, often focused on humanitarian aid, education, Church operations, and family history. I love that service is available while living at home or traveling to locations worldwide.

Key Types of Senior Missionary Opportunities

  • Humanitarian Aid: Providing humanitarian aid, welfare, and self-reliance services.
  • Family History & Temple: Working with FamilySearch (in-person or online) or serving in temples.
  • Education & Training: Assisting with BYU-Pathway Worldwide, Seminaries and Institutes, or education programs.
  • Mission & Area Office: Serving in administration, legal, or mission office roles.
  • Member Support & Member Leader Support: Assisting with local unit needs, member engagement, and mission offices.
  • Church Operations & Facilities: Working at bishops’ storehouses, canneries, farms, ranches, and maintaining property.
  • Healthcare & Specialized Professionals: Supporting medical missions or using specialized skills for specific church needs.
  • Visitor Centers & Historic Sites: Guiding and interacting with the public

There are so many ways to add fulfillment to your life and we have certainly enjoyed our year in Palmyra. I was really nervous about being sent to a city or metropolitan area and have thoroughly loved being in a rural setting. If you are thinking about service, there are so many opportunities that, certainly, something will suit your needs.

We were looking forward to General Conference again. Before the Saturday morning session, Erik and I headed south to the Peter Whitmer farm and to Sauder’s (Mennonite store). We needed to be back by noon for the first session (EDT). Our first stop was Sauder’s and while I would have loved to have taken time to check out everything, I was pressured to get hopping and move along quickly, getting what we needed. Sauder’s is a large store and they have a mezzanine level with a railing where they hang quilts for sale. The quilts are so pretty and are priced at an amazingly low cost. My friend Sister Annette Moser (FM missionary) went to Sauder’s with her husband and purchased all the quilts on display, not once but again and again. She ended up buying 40 queen size quilts. The Moser’s do have 37 grandchildren and these quilts will be a legacy gift to them and the Moser’s children. I told Annette, that she was my hero! She replied, “I appreciate the talents that you quilter’s have and this is the way that I can support you.”

I’m pretty sure that Erik has kept me out of Sauder’s so that I don’t buy any quilts! I did get my Bee Cream and other groceries that we needed so that I could prepare food for Conference weekend. From Sauder’s, we went to the Whitmer farm. This is a unique building because the Visitor’s Center is attached to the Fayette Ward building. I was more curious about the church building and as I wandered, I saw artwork that I have never seen in any other church building. Bishop Thibert was there setting up the chapel in case anyone needed to see Conference at the church. The Bishop and I visited for awhile and he explained how their congregation is involved with the community. He took me to the display cases where photos show the work that has been done.

One of the service projects was done at the Ovid Union Cemetery. The Young Men from the Fayette Ward went every week last summer to restore headstones and clean the cemetery. These young men bonded and worked side by side to create a lasting memory for themselves and the community.

The project was so successful that they have been asked to help at three other cemeteries. For some of the headstones, they had to excavate them and prepare a new foundation for the headstone while cleaning and for some putting headstones back together.

The Ward also participates in a canned food drive (ExtravaCANza), organized by the local Rotary Club. Each organization that brings cans, creates a design out of the cans and Fayette Ward has won two years in a row! They have photos of their designs and it’s amazing. Maybe this year will be their third win.

Our Gen Con watching station

We drove home and were set up within a couple of minutes for watching conference. Sessions are streamed in over 70 languages. The feat to put on this type of event is massive. I loved the theme of Easter and the opportunity to participate in a Solemn Assembly. As the speakers each gave their talks, I was impressed by the feeling that each and everyone of them experiences trials and hardships and some are so hard to imagine going through. They are not exempt from the problems that everyone faces in their lives. The inspiration comes as they tell how they are handling the problems and what is getting them through it. The common denominator is Jesus Christ. By faith in him, we can face all adversity. Elder Ulisses Soares said, “Remaining connected to the True Vine is not merely desirable; it is essential.”

The night before His suffering and death, Jesus Christ declared, “I am the true vine … ye are the branches” (John 15:1, 5). Through this “beautiful and moving” metaphor, the Savior taught that He is the true, trusted and essential source of spiritual nourishment.

“Therefore, just as the branches cannot bear fruit of themselves unless they remain connected to the vine, neither can we reach our full spiritual measure unless we abide in Him and His gospel.”

Abiding in Christ is a constant, conscious and sacred choice. It doesn’t remove life’s burdens, but through His grace, those burdens are made lighter.

“As we place ourselves in His loving care and take upon us His yoke, we receive the spiritual power to endure and overcome the trials, weaknesses and sorrows of mortality — burdens often too heavy to bear without His redeeming help and healing influence.”

The world is full of voices, some good, some lacking in substance and some that deceive. Over time, these voices can grow into “tangled vines” that lead to spiritual loss and sorrow.

“In a world of many voices, remaining connected to the True Vine is not merely desirable; it is essential to our spiritual survival.”

This is part of just one of the talks delivered at General Conference. I love to reread each talk and be able to more fully study and get more understanding of the messages. In fact that was a directive given to us by our prophet, President Oaks, to reread and study these talks.

We ate Cowboy Caviar while watching General Conference. Plus we had leftover jello salad from the Missionary Easter dinner. After the Saturday sessions, we gathered at the Hill Cumorah Visitor Center for a dinner and program. The first wave of Sister missionaries had just arrived. One of the Sisters has been assigned to the Edmonton Canada mission after her four months of service at the Historic Sites. Keep an eye out for Sister Dever! The program after supper was so wonderful. We sat with the new temple missionaries and later someone asked where they were serving and Sister Allred replied. “We’re the God Squad! We’re at the temple!”

Erik rose and was able to catch this sunrise photo from our parking lot. Plus I want to share this photo of us at the Washington D.C. temple.

Palmyra sunrise
Washington D.C. temple

The memes and GIFS come out so quickly about themes and talks of Conference. One of my favorites is Will Ferrell, “Everybody love everybody!! Come on!!” A play on what President Oaks is asking of us. Be kind and get along!

Cowboy Caviar With Fresh Lime Dressing

We love this served with tortilla chips. Erik has freeze-dried this to take backpacking. This was our Conference snack on Sunday.

Above all, follow the Savior and be kind to everyone. We don’t know what anyone is going through as evidenced by the speakers in General Conference. We clean up, dress up and put on our happy faces even though inside we may feel like curling into a ball and hiding in a corner. I know that the best cure for my ills is to serve and help others. This takes away my pains and helps me to feel more connected to the Savior.

Spring is hopefully on it’s way. It’s coming in fits and spurts but one day it will be here, just like our Savior’s return to govern our earth. Have a beautiful week!