A question of my soul...

I just finished watching Emma Smith: My Story today after not seeing it in a few months. I'm kind of sad I waited so long to see it again. Because I was reminded just how much this film touches my heart.

I have to admit that in past years I was never certain how I felt about our church's Elect Lady. I admired her for her strength and for being the prophet's wife. However, I always wondered how she could not follow his successor, Brigham Young, and create a new life for herself. Did she lose faith? Was it pride that kept her there? These were questions that have crossed my mind when I think of her. I have to admit, that a part of me did feel less about her. Especially when I compared her to Mary Fielding Smith. While Mary was strong, so was Emma.

As a child her father prohibited prayer in the house so she would go to the barn and pray. Eventually her father caught her praying for him. It softened his heart and they became faithful again. I couldn't help but imagine the feeling I have whenever someone prays for me. The feeling is so tender and warming. I look up to Heaven and offer a prayer of thanks to my Father in Heaven for blessing me with the people I have in my life. For he has given me much.

Throughout the film I see time and time again Emma standing with Joseph comforting him, supporting him, laughing with him, counseling him and loving him. I could see what a rock she was in his life. She was his Northern Star which shone brightly and constant. I only hope that I may one day be that for my husband, whomever he may be. That I may be his shoulder to lean on, to be able to give him wise counsel and guide him through the storms.

At one point she in confronted by her father for believing Joseph and in the Book of Mormon. She simply said "Sometimes you know things with your heart. That you don't know with your head."  How many of us have desired a further proof that the gospel and teachings of the Church are true. I have been guilty of this a few times as I have many friends and family that do not believe in this faith. I have often thought to myself "If only I had the evidence to show them that it IS the true church, that we have the full and ever-lasting gospel with all the choice blessings that come with it." Emma was a shining example of the truthfulness of the gospel just as she was an example to our restoring prophet. 

Her trials also made her. Several miscarriages, complete estrangement from her family, constantly dealing with attacks on her and her people and eventually the lose of her Joseph. Many records say of her that she was strong and steady. I believe she never lost her faith in the gospel or Joseph. Even after the Saints followed Brigham to the west and she lived out her life in Nauvoo. When I think of her trials and how she bore them it makes me look at my own and how I handle them. I feel the desire to bear them better and to nourish and sustain my faith. After all, we "can't plant potatoes and get pumpkins." Sometimes it is so hard to remember that God does love us and desire our well being and our happiness but in order to really feel those things we have to suffer sorrow and loss. Otherwise, our blessings in life will not mean anything to us. It's the little things that makes our lives beautiful. The melody of a songbird, the warmth and brightness of the sun. A loving word and a caring touch. They don't require much but the rewards are endless.

That's one other thing I noticed about Emma. The loving service she gave to others. Upon organizing what is now called the 'Relief Society' she told them that they would do extraordinary things and that they should always be eager to do good. Once again this forced me to look at myself. I do Visiting Teaching, I cook and clean for my family, I do the occasional service project. But there's so much more I could do with my time. I plan to make good on that and serve as much and as many as I can. :)

The part of the film that made me tear up was the night before Joseph went to Carthage for what would become his Martyrdom and Emma asked Joseph for a blessing to which he suggested with tears streaming down his face that she write the blessing and he would sign it and she would get everything she desired. He spoke of how he looked forward to reading her blessing. Emma mentioned that strength isn't something you have. It is something God helps you to find. Her blessing said the following:

“First of all that I would crave as the richest of heaven’s blessings would be wisdom from my Heavenly Father bestowed daily, so that whatever I might do or say, I could not look back at the close of the day with regret, nor neglect the performance of any act that would bring a blessing. I desire the Spirit of God to know and understand myself, that I desire a fruitful, active mind, that I may be able to comprehend the designs of God, when revealed through his servants without doubting. I desire a spirit of discernment, which is one of the promised blessings of the Holy Ghost.

“I particularly desire wisdom to bring up all the children that are, or may be committed to my charge, in such a manner that they will be useful ornaments in the Kingdom of God, and in a coming day arise up and call me blessed.

“I desire prudence that I may not through ambition abuse my body and cause it to become prematurely old and care-worn, but that I may wear a cheerful countenance, live to perform all the work that I covenanted to perform in the spirit-world and be a blessing to all who may in any wise need aught at my hands.

“I desire with all my heart to honor and respect my husband as my head, ever to live in his confidence and by acting in unison with him retain the place which God has given me by his side, and I ask my Heavenly Father that through humility, I may be enabled to overcome that curse which was pronounced upon the daughters of Eve. I desire to see that I may rejoice with them in the blessings which God has in store for all who are willing to be obedient to his requirements. Finally, I desire that whatever may be my lot through life I may be enabled to acknowledge the hand of God in all things.”

As we know, Joseph never returned to sign it, but I cannot help but wonder if he read and signed it in Heaven. There is no doubt in my mind that the blessing was fulfilled completely. The final window of the movie mentioned that when she died her last words was "Joseph....Joseph....I'm coming.." I can only imagine what joy and peace she felt as she stepped through the veil that separates our human lives to our spirit ones. Or Joseph's pleasure and excitement as he met her there. The imagined sight brought a smile to my face.

As I watched this film and really looked at her story and I kept thinking, "I want to be like Emma." Her faith and devotion to the gospel, the church and her family just made her so wonderful in my eyes. I believe she was indeed a true elect lady of the Lord. This has given me so much desire to better myself so that I may be a better daughter of my Heavenly Father and better the lives of those around me and touch those who touch me and inspire me every day. I want to be like Emma.

I hope to eventually get this film for myself so I can watch it whenever I need insight and inspiration. For those of you that don't have it, I fully recommend this video. Especially to those whom are not a part of our faith. Emma's story is a wonderful one filled with loyalty, love and faith.

ke7ejx.

The Personal Challenge List

These are the scheduled topics for the challenge. Anyone with any ideas, resources and what not please feel free to comment. Thank you very much in advance!

03 February 2012- The Priesthood

07 February 2012- The Apostasy 

14 February 2012- The Book of Mormon

18 February 2012- The Restoration 

22 February 2012- Personal Revelation 

26 February 2012- Temples
01 March 2012- The Godhead vs. Trinity
04 March 2012- The Plan of Salvation


ke7ejx.

A Personal Challenge.

I have some news that I am very excited over. One of my best friends, JB, is an Evangelical blogger (at Study and Faith), and you can read more about his story here) who's been really open and interested in learning both what we Latter-day Saints believe and why.  He's gone through the discussions, studied extensively, read the Book of Mormon, prayed for confirmation, and received a testimony that the Church isn't true after all.  But he's willing to be persuaded that maybe there's good reason to believe that the Church is true, and that's where I come in.  He's asked me to write him a paper making the case for what we Latter-day Saints believe, to try and convince him.  And I know he's really eager to hear me out and give a lot of prayerful thought to it.  This is hard work.  He's by far my hardest investigator, but it would mean the world to me if I could see him receive the fulness of the gospel.

Because there's so much to put into this, I am writing my paper in installments, and after I finish each one I plan to post it here.  Just yesterday I finished a rough draft of my first installment, which is about the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods.  After I finish the whole paper, JB is going to write me one explaining and defending his Evangelical beliefs and giving me his thoughts on my case. After all, it wouldn't be fair if I'm doing all the talking.  And then I get to try to write an answer to his paper back to him.

If any of you would pray for me, or if any of you have ideas for resources or arguments I could use, I would really appreciate that.

ke7ejx.

Are we walking the walk? Or are we only talking the talk?

Good Sabbath, everyone! I hope whatever you've been doing have been enjoyable to you and fulfills you well. My Sunday was wonderful. It was Fast and Testimony Sunday. So we sat in the chapel for Sacrament with empty stomachs and professed our faith to each other. I didn't go up to bear my testimony this month, but I'm thinking about doing it next month as February is my most important month. I'll elaborate on that next month.

In Relief Society this year we are studying the Teachings of President George Albert Smith, our 8th president of the Church. I am so glad to be getting back to the teachings of the Prophets. I had the pleasure of studying the Gospel Principles manual for the last two years. It really shaped my understanding of our fundamental doctrines. However, I have always loved learning what our previous prophets taught while they served and more importantly learning from the way they lived their lives.

Today we started studying the manual with Chapter 1 which is called 'Living What We Believe'. I think this is an important lesson for many reasons, but most of all, I think the title itself is packed with a moral that I have heard preached in many Christian churches. We all know it as "Practice What You Preach" or "Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk". I'm going to touch on this quite a bit in this post, but I hope you'll pardon my candor.

The line under the title states the following: "Our religion must find expression in our everyday lives." I've been thinking about this all day. What does this mean? Why is religion so important? Why is it something that must be present in our daily lives?

President Smith gave us some extremely wonderful points. When He was 34 years old he created a personal creed that he has lived by his entire life:

1) "I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor."


2) "I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed."


3) "I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind"


4) "I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and happy life."


5) "I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the thing that is right."

6) "I would live with the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy."


7) "I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends."


8) "I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend."


9) "I would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in the successes of all the children of my Heavenly Father."


10) "I would not be an enemy to any living soul."


11) "Knowing that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan that will fully develop us and make us really happy here and hereafter, I feel it not only a duty but also a blessed privilege to disseminate this truth." 


That's quite a creed. I have read through these points several times and I have thought of memories of where these would be in my life.

1) "I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor." 

How many of us have ever felt lonely or friendless? I know I have. In High School I often sat by myself in the Cafeteria or in one of the corridors. Sometimes, I wanted to be alone. Other times, I just did it out of habit. It always made my day if someone said hello or even sat next to me and started a conversation. I'm very thankful for those that showed me that simple act of kindness.

What are your first thoughts when you see the word "poor"? Lack of wealth? Lack of health? Lack of.....well anything? I think there are several forms of being impoverished. Sometimes, it's on a monetary level. Sometimes, illness robs us of good health. And even on an emotional level, we can become "broke". I think we each have a duty, as Christians (and yes I am putting Latter-Day Saints in that category) to cater to those needs. It doesn't even have to be anything monumental, sometimes a shoulder or a comforting word is all it takes.

2) "I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed."


"Faith to be healed." How many of us have ever witnessed a miracle? How many of us believe in miracles? I used to be skeptic when I was a teenager. Sure I believed the story of Jesus Christ, the creation and the things you can read in the Bible. But modern "praise Jesus" miracles? Not so much.... I think watching a few Televangelists kind of took the starch out of my belief at a young age.

But when I was 15, I knew a family whose newborn son was on life support. The doctor eventually told the parents that the life support would be shut off on a certain date, which happened to be a Sunday. I asked my parish to pray for the child. My brother and I both prayed fervently for the child to be spared. I fond out a few days later that not only was the child not only no longer on life support, but was breathing on his own, feeding on a regular basis, and would be going home in a couple of days. I've seen a few miracles since then, but never again have I doubted that miracles do exist.

I have talked to survivors of various cancers whom have told me that their survival in itself was a miracle. I once asked a Breast Cancer Survivor that's close to my family what she think attributed to her beating it, she told me that it was her faith in Jesus Christ that brought her through. I can't even begin to convey the feelings that entered my heart. All I could do was embrace her.

President Ezra Taft Benson said the following for President Smith: “I shall never cease to be grateful for the visits he made to my home while I was [away] serving as a humble missionary. … Particularly I am thankful for a visit in the still of the night when our little one lay at death’s door. Without any announcement, President Smith found time to come into that home and place his hands upon the head of that little one, held in her mother’s arms as she had been for many hours, and promise her complete recovery. This was President Smith, he always had time to help, particularly those who were sick, those who needed him most." (pg 2, pp 3)


I think we can check this part of the creed off for President Smith. 


3) "I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind"


I don't know about anyone else but this sounds like missionary work to me! Ever since Jesus and his 12 Apostles began proselyting to the Jews and Gentiles, we have adhered to the call in St. Matthew 24:14  which says that the Gospel will be taught to the entire world will be the witness of Christ for all the nations; we have been progressing in teaching the message of Christ. President Smith served in the Southern States Mission, Southern Utah, and eventually serving as President of the European Mission. That's a lot of missionary work.

Any readers have any favourite mission stories that they want to share?


4) "I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and happy life."


How many of us have seen someone we care about greatly make wrong choices? It's a really painful sight. Parents question their parenting abilities, friends question their guidance. Then comes that strong desire to get them to see the error of their ways. I've always been at a lost on the right way to go about it. But I think the next point really covers it well.

5) "I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the thing that is right."


I once asked my Facebook friends if there's a there was a difference between being judgmental and being steadfast in one's faith. Everyone that replied agreed that here is a difference. I think this ties well with the last point. You can't force someone to repent, but through Christ-like love and good example, you can soften their hearts and turn them to repentance.

6) "I would live with the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy."


This one especially struck a cord with me. I'm the kind of person likes to help people with their problems. Sometimes, however, I'm so busy looking for a solution that I miss that what is really needed is a listening ear. Am I the only person with this problem? I wish I could make everyone happy, but I hope that good service will help in some measure.

7) "I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends."


Here's a tricky one. What is the difference between simple compliment and idle flattery? Is it an honesty issue? It would seem so to me. I once read the following in a book when I was younger: "Beware the candied tongue.....and through its sugary slime conceals the black heart." I find a lot of truth in this admonition. I've seen people use idle flattery to get something they want, I've been tempted to use it myself. But I am reminded of Daniel 11:21 which warns us against those who use flattery.

8) "I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend."


Aha! Here's one that I really need to work on. I found that I can forgive someone for their offenses against me....sometimes. But because of bruised pride, I have a really difficult time making friends with them. It's on my long list of things to improve before the Second Coming.......oy.....

President Smith really put his money where his mouth is with this account by President Spencer W. Kimball: “It was reported to [President Smith] that someone had stolen from his buggy the buggy robe. Instead of being angry, he responded: ‘I wish we knew who it was, so that we could give him the blanket also, for he must have been cold; and some food also, for he must have been hungry.’”


When I read this I was reminded of a story that I read, via my friend, JB's page (to whom I am much grateful for his amazing posts. It is a prime example of not only forgiveness, but of true Christian charity. It's quite similar to President Smith's action, but in a more modern and very turbulent time.

I hope that this will inspire anyone who reads this post. I think it's an action that will bring us closer to Christ.

9) "I would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in the successes of all the children of my Heavenly Father."


How many of us have ever felt jealous of other people? I'm guilty of it. More than once. Then creeps in other emotions such as greed, hatred, bitterness..... until it bounds you. I think that's what Satan tries to use to capture us. Make us hate others for their successes, when we should be happy for them. I am thankful that this was brought to my attention. Because now I can add it to the list.

10) "I would not be an enemy to any living soul."


My first thought? Easier said than done...... How many of us have enemies? Perceived or otherwise? I know I do. Many I made, as wrong as that is. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were no enemies? I'm not suggesting a world wide hand holding, singing Kumbaya session. But if there was no wars, no hate, no fear of those different from you. That's one thing I am looking forward to in the Second Coming.

11) "Knowing that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan that will fully develop us and make us really happy here and hereafter, I feel it not only a duty but also a blessed privilege to disseminate this truth." 


I agree with President Smith on this point. The Plan of Salvation is the one that will make us better people, not only in the life, but the next. It's what makes life meaningful, as well as death. I also hope to spend the rest of my life teaching my fellow beings about it. There's a reason why it's also known as the Plan of Happiness. It truly makes people happy. I know it has brought such joy into my life. I know it to be true.

I have one more account of President Smith that I really was touched by: “His religion is not doctrine in cold storage. It is not theory. It means more to him than a beautiful plan to be admired. It is more than a philosophy of life. To one of his practical turn of mind, religion is the spirit in which a man lives, in which he does things, if it be only to say a kind word or give a cup of cold water. His religion must find expression in deeds. It must carry over into the details of daily life.”

 Which brings us to that over all question......what are we doing? Are we walking the walk of faith? Or are we just using words? I think that's the biggest question. I hope that I walk it more than talk it. After really looking at myself, I know I need to repent of a lot of things. I need to act on my beliefs. I need to incorporate my beliefs into my daily life so that the following could be said of me by those I leave behind: “(S)He was one of those few people of whom you can say (s)he lived as (s)he taught.”




ke7ejx.

A Change of Pace

I know it's been many months since my last post. I've been dealing with a fractured ankle and illnesses. I have still been doing my studies and I have them written down. But I feel inspired to blog about the things in my heart, the things that come to me when I lay awake in my bed. I'll still bring my questions here and please feel free and welcome to comment. Let us sit down and reason with one another. 

ke7ejx. 

Doctrine and Covenants, Section 5 part 1

This section was for Martin Harris through Joseph Smith around the time he is granted to take the manuscript and loses it.

In verse 2, Harris is called to be a witness in all things.

In verse 3, God grants Harris permission to take the manuscript under the condition that he shows no one save those whom have been cleared by the Lord. He goes onto the say "You have no power over them except I grant it to you."

Does anyone know what this means? I am uncertain whether this is in reference to the manuscript itself or the people that have permission to said manuscript.

My second question is for verse 4: And you have a gift to ^atranslate the plates; and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you; and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift until my purpose is fulfilled in this; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished.

Was this a promise or a warning to Martin Harris?????????????

Verse 5 warns that "woe shall come unto the inhabitants of the earth" if they do not pay heed to the words of the Lord. The question to ask here is will that warning become action in this life or the next? If we don't pay heed will we live wretched lives unless we repent? Or will we be exiled to Outer Darkness and become a son or daughter of Perdition?

Martin is called to be a witness in many ways, one of them included being a missionary.

Just out of fun, can anyone find out where he served his various missions?

Verse 7 warns that people will not believe in the gospel, even when it is revealed to them through the Spirit. They will not accept Joseph as the Lord's mouth piece or the Book of Mormon.

This is very unfortunate as verse 8 continues to sat that Joseph's generation is in big trouble. His generation have become very stiff-necked and hard hearted which greatly displeased the Lord. I find that rather interesting as America at that time was going through various Religious Movements. During what was known as the "Second Great Awakening", there was a boom in Religious activity especially in the Palmyra area.

Upstate New York was referred to as a "burned out district" because of the many revivals that came through the region.

This term came from Charles G. Finney in his autobiography on page 78 to denote the Central and Western parts of the state had been "so heavily evangelized as to have no 'fuel' left to 'burn''. The fuel being the unconverted as opposed to burnt being the converted.

Is it any surprise that young Joseph was so confused where to go for the nourishing of his soul??????

Then to make things any more interesting for the young man, verse 9 speaks: Behold, verily I say unto you, I have reserved those things which I have entrusted unto you, my servant Joseph, for a wise purpose in me, and it shall be made known unto future generations; (Doctrine and Covenants 5:9)

Joseph was given a special trust from the Lord that will affect the generations after him . To this day The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is currently at 14, 131, 467 members in 176 nations. The church currently have 152 working Temple in many countries with three announced at this month's General Conference. There are also 52, 225 full time missionaries preaching the gospel in 350 missions. I dare say that this prophesy has not only been fulfilled but the will also cover the generations that will follow us.

Verse 10 speaks again of Joseph's generation that will be blessed by witnessing the restoration of all the keys of Heaven. I have to admit that I have on occasion envied the original Saints whom have sat at Joseph's feet hearing the gospel and having their minds and hearts opened at the truths he spoke, preached in the what was then the western border of our country and overseas in England, built the Kirtland temple and then the Nauvoo temple. Could you imagine the spirit of testimony then? The strong fellowship among the Saints as they endured one trial after another?

Verses 11 and 12 speak of the three witness. These witnesses were Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris and David Whitmer. They differ from the eight witnesses because they heard the voice of the Lord testifying to the validity of the Book of Mormon. In verse 12 God will reveal all to these three brethren.

Which leads to a question...What is the difference between Inspiration and a Revelation???

Verses 13 and 14 say the following: I will give them power that they may behold and view these things as they are; And to none else will I grant this power, to receive this same testimony among this generation, in this the beginning of the rising up and the coming forth of my church out of the wilderness—clear as the moon, and fair as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. (Doctrine and Covenants 5:13-14)

My first reaction to these verses was "What does that mean? 'To none else I will grant this power'" Then I came to realize He was speaking of foreordination. These men were chosen in the Premortal existence to be witnesses to the Book of Mormon. Just like Jesus was foreordained to be our saviour and Joseph as the prophet of the Restoration. Mind you, they had to be worthy to have that blessing in life, but it also carried a tremendous amount of responsibility.

Verse 15 also emphasize their position by saying that the Lord will speak through them.

I would like to include their testimony that is found in the Introduction of the Book of Mormon:

Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, his brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seeen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shewn unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvellous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.

Oliver Cowdery

David Whitmer

Martin Harris

This testimony is found in every copy of the Book of Mormon. Verse 16 tells us that all of us who read this testimony and show faith with will not only receive confirmation from the Holy Ghost but will also be baptized by fire.

For my readers whom are more theologically inclined could you give some insight into the universal doctrines concerning baptism by fire?

There's a catch, however. Verse 17 commands that these witnesses are not to testify of this experience until they are properly ordained.

Section 5 Discussion from BYU TV

ke7ejx.

My Absence

I apologize that I haven't been posting lately. I have been dealing with family emergencies, health problems and other issues that have prevented me from making my posts. I'll be finishing two of my posts over the next couple of days. I will resume my project on 01 April. Thank you for your continued support in my project. I encourage you to keep reading and commenting. I look forward to hearing more from you at a later date. God be with you. Christ be with you.

C-Ya!

ke7ejx.