My dear family and friends. I will post this about 6 days before the date, but it will be dated for Sunday, June 27th. On that day we will commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith. That was a dark day for the church, its members, and all of mankind.
I felt a very strong impression to share a little bit about the prophet Joseph.
Ask of God: Joseph Smith's First Vision;
I invite you to read some of the comments after this video posted on youtube.
I have always felt a strong love and adoration for Joseph and his wife Emma. They had many Abrahamic tests in their lives. With the ultimate being the martyrdom of the prophet. And for his dear wife to carry on with her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and her testimony of her beloved Joseph.
I invite you to watch this video Joseph Smiths First Prayer
Joseph Smiths first prayer
This young boy with such faith and courage went through trial after trial to not only obtain the gold plates but also translate them, get married, have children die, be run out of town, have inlaws who did not want Emma to marry him. It seems as if the whole world was against him. And, indeed the "world" was. The worldly people who listen to satan more than their Heavenly Father conspired long and hard how to stop the prophet and his teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. But just like the Savior himself, they had no real power over him until it was his time to go home.
He and Emma suffered so much. He was separated from her and the children often. Many times penniless, with hardly any food at home. Just plain very hard conditions. However, he knew what he knew. He trusted our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He showed each of us that we will have opposition and great trials in our lives. Yet, he kept his eye on the mark even Jesus Christ himself.
Please relax and ponder Gods love for you as you watch this short video
The spirit of God like a fire is burning
This next video is actually part 5 of a 5 part series. I invite you to find about 50 minutes to watch this uninterrupted. Reflect on the great blessing it was to this world to have a Joseph Smith. Other than Christ himself. No one has done more for mankind.
I hope and pray by the time you have finished reading and watching the items on this blog. I pray that your testimony of Jesus Christ and his servant the Prophet Joseph Smith will be strengthened.
The passport to Heaven part V
We testify to each of you that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ did indeed appear to the boy Joseph in the Sacred Grove. He did translate the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God. Through Joseph, all the keys and authority and ordinances necessary for our eventual exaltation were restored. We testify that Joseph was and is a Prophet of God!!!
We learn that we can rise above all things trying to defeat us. God is real. Jesus is the Christ. They love each of you. Never, ever doubt that no matter the trial or obstacle you are facing. When you feel as if you're alone. Take a moment and look back. That single pair of footprints in the sand is truly the Savior Jesus Christ carrying you.
We love each of you
Debbie and Steven Larsen