USA, Texas

This beautiful painting was commissioned by my daughter Clarissa from her friend Brandy Davis. Brandy is native American and is from the Lipan Apache Band of Texas. At the time of painting the image, Brandy was living in Nampa, Idaho. The Nativity scene is hand painted on two turkey feathers, of which Brandy says she has an abundance. 

July 2, 2023

Clarissa and her family had been living away from Arizona for 10 years at the time. They were coming to Arizona for the baptism of their youngest daughter, Remi, and for a little vacation, as I understood it at the time. They arrived on a Sunday at my house for lunch before going on to Logan's brother's house for dinner. (Logan is Clarissa's husband.) Clarissa gave me a very securely wrapped gift, "for my birthday," which was not for 28 more days. I made the comment that the box wasn't big enough for a house. After I opened the gift and admired it, she responded, "So I got you a birthday present, because we're not going to be here for your birthday. Maybe tomorow we could see our new house." That was how she told us that they were moving back to Arizona. They had actually arrived the day before. Everything was already sold and done. So it was no longer "going to move," but they had moved all without us knowing or needing our help.  I was very excited and happy, crying tears of joy.

Unknown

 

These two small Nativities were given to me, and I'm really not sure where they are from, but they are heavy for small pieces of glass; therefore, I think they are lead crystal, and very good crystal comes from Austria, Ireland, and the USA, and really many places. There you go. 

United Kingdom, England

 

Two dimentional paper Nativity card made in England. 

Poland

I have had the hardest time with this set. For some reason I had it in my mind that it was from the Ukraine. I had to go back and check my records of purchases and found that it is actually from Poland, mailed to me directly from Krakow, Poland. I'm so glad I was able to find a record and to get it right. The little peg people are so cute. The shepherd is holding a lamb. All of the pieces are painted in great detail.

(L09.B143.R753.)
 

Spain

 

Given to me by my grandson, Brian Jones Jr. He was serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Brian was serving in Madrid, Spain when I asked him to buy me a Nativity. He sent me several pictures of sets that he found and asked me to choose one. I told him that I couldn't choose and would he choose one for me. This is the one he chose. I love it. He said the building in the background is a castle that is there, but I have a feeling it is a Basilica. A Basilica is a Catholic building similar to a cathedral given special acknowledgement by the Pope.

(L12.B.R.)

Guatemala

 

This Nativity is from Guatemala, but I purchased it in Washington DC at the gift shop at The Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception. That's a long name, but it fits, being the largest basilica in North America. Samuel and I were in DC for a Native American conference. We were there for 5 days, and I didn't want to waste anytime, so I toured around by myself on the Monday and Tuesday that were conference days. I had a great missionary experience while there. I took a tour of the basilica. The guide asked if there was anyone there that was not Catholic, and I said that I was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We had a lovely tour that lasted an hour. When it was done, I walked back with the guide to the starting place which was by the gift shop. On the way, she started to say to me, "I understand The Church of Latter Day Saints..." I said, "We are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." She then continued, "Oh yes. Do you believe Jesus was a Prophet?" I responded something like this: "Oh no, we believe just as you do that He is the literal Son of God, that he was born of Mary, a Virgin, conceived through the Holy Spirit." She asked, "Well then, what is the difference in our religions?" I didn't really have time to get into all the differences, and I was at her house of worship and wanted to respect that. I said, "I don't think there are too many differences. Perhaps the biggest difference is that we believe when Jesus was talking to Peter about how Peter knew that Jesus was the Son of God, Jesus said 'It is upon this rock I will build my church.' We believe what Jesus was referring to as 'the rock' was revelation." She was very sweet and responded, "Oh, I can see that."   

Jesus referred himself as a Prophet and many other names, but I think that I answered her question the way it needed answering at the time. I long for missionary experiences and am grateful I said who I am when given the opportunity.

Cuba

This is a postage stamp that I bought as a poster. I loved it so much and love that I could find a lovely image from a communist country, where the people are allowed to worship as Christians. I love the frame I found, and it matches it perfectly.

(L13.B.R)