Sunday, January 27, 2013

Merely a boy..

Through this past month I have been discovering a lot about myself within and without the gospel. I've noticed that when I think I know something, it isn't actually that I know it but its because I have Heavenly Father's guidance in my life. For example, in my mission prep. class we had an assignment to go out and teach at least 3 different people about the restoration of the gospel, and the first vision. I have been sick this past weekend, so it made it very hard for me to find the motivation to want to teach when I didn't feel 100% great. However, it was an assignment for a grade. I didn't have time to prepare with my companion so we went into the lesson hoping that what was meant to be said would be said. As  I talked about the purpose of Joseph Smith I shocked myself greatly. How did I feel so strongly in my conviction, and feel like I knew absolutely nothing about the importance of the church history dates. As we continued teaching the lesson we went on to talk about why Joseph was searching for truth in a church. He went on to discover a verse in James 1:5
"If any of you lack bwisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
Now this scripture is very much over used within the church. And for good reason too! How can it be that a 14 year old, of minor education could have the audacity or the knowledge to seek out the truth for himself and not have a great calling placed before him. I am always truly impressed and amazed by his maturity to seek the truth. I'm pretty sure not very many 14 years would actually do the work necessary to find the answer.. by the right means. As time continued he was prompted to go into a grove of tree's to seek solitude away from the disruption of his busy religious world. As he prayed, he

" saw a pillar of clight exactly over my head, above the brightness of the dsun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
 17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself adelivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me Ibsaw two cPersonages, whose brightness and dglory defy all description, estanding above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My fBeloved gSon. Hear Him!"
Joseph Smith History 1:16-17
Now this just blows my mind. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ wanted the church to be restored. No if ands or buts. They have a marvelous purpose set out for Joseph Smith and restoring the gospel. Just as we each have a marvelous purpose set out before each of us, as family,friends, mothers,fathers,spouses, and even as missionaries. The church is true beyond a shadow of doubt. I know it. I love it. And I live it!