This morning before Church, the girls and I began to talk about things in relation to the Church, serving missions, and atonement. The topic of Joseph Smith of course came up, followed by the First Vision. My heart swelled as I taught the girls about the First Vision. I love how innocent and pure they are, even Kaelani will listen. I shared with the girls the principle of the First Vision, and a deep gratitude came for my mission, memorizing, and learning the principles of the discussions so deeply ingrained in my heart that I can call upon them 12 years later to teach my own children.
After teaching the First Vision, Kaiya wondered where the trees were, and where Joseph lived, do they still exist. I got to share with her my experience that the Grove of tree the First Vision occurred in does still exist. I told her I had visited the Grove, on my way home from my mission. It was an amazing experience because I was still set apart as a missionary as we made the trek from my mission through Canada by way of the Niagara Falls, into New York, visiting the Church history sites. I have a framed photo of the sacred grove in our front living room, we went and looked at it, and I told her I had visited there on my way home from my mission.
When we arrived at the Visitor Center at the Sacred Groves, I had an opportunity that I never expected to have in this life, much less at that time. The Visitor Center Missionary began introducing the group to the significances of this grove of trees to the Church. She then called upon me to share with them the sacred and holy occurrence that happened there. I stood in front of a group of 20 people, and taught them of the First Vision, and testified of it happening standing on that sacred ground of which it happened. The Spirit was so strong, it was such a sweet treat to feel of it's confirming powers. It is a sweet moment I will never forget, and a sweet unexpected blessing from the Lord in my life. I never thought I would go to that spot, much less teach and testify of it there in the Sacred Grove.
It was a sweet experience this morning to share my testimony with the girls. It was a sweet experience. We truly had:
"establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God"
I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of the Gospel. I am so grateful for all the people before me have endured to ensure my children and I have the Gospel. I know when other's look at my life they do not see perfection. I know they see flaws, struggles, and shortcomings. However, I pray that they also see someone pressing forward to become like my Savior. I know the Gospel is true. I know that the atonement of Christ is there for all men, and He is waiting wanting for us to come unto Him and partake. I know that through the atonement we can find the sweet peace of Christ. I know that God the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. The Book of Mormon is the Lord's word, as is the Bible. I know that there are prophet's on the earth today, who if we follow their teachings will help us have peace in our lives, and joy in our hearts. I am grateful for everything my Savior had done for me.
After teaching the First Vision, Kaiya wondered where the trees were, and where Joseph lived, do they still exist. I got to share with her my experience that the Grove of tree the First Vision occurred in does still exist. I told her I had visited the Grove, on my way home from my mission. It was an amazing experience because I was still set apart as a missionary as we made the trek from my mission through Canada by way of the Niagara Falls, into New York, visiting the Church history sites. I have a framed photo of the sacred grove in our front living room, we went and looked at it, and I told her I had visited there on my way home from my mission.
When we arrived at the Visitor Center at the Sacred Groves, I had an opportunity that I never expected to have in this life, much less at that time. The Visitor Center Missionary began introducing the group to the significances of this grove of trees to the Church. She then called upon me to share with them the sacred and holy occurrence that happened there. I stood in front of a group of 20 people, and taught them of the First Vision, and testified of it happening standing on that sacred ground of which it happened. The Spirit was so strong, it was such a sweet treat to feel of it's confirming powers. It is a sweet moment I will never forget, and a sweet unexpected blessing from the Lord in my life. I never thought I would go to that spot, much less teach and testify of it there in the Sacred Grove.
It was a sweet experience this morning to share my testimony with the girls. It was a sweet experience. We truly had:
"establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God"
I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of the Gospel. I am so grateful for all the people before me have endured to ensure my children and I have the Gospel. I know when other's look at my life they do not see perfection. I know they see flaws, struggles, and shortcomings. However, I pray that they also see someone pressing forward to become like my Savior. I know the Gospel is true. I know that the atonement of Christ is there for all men, and He is waiting wanting for us to come unto Him and partake. I know that through the atonement we can find the sweet peace of Christ. I know that God the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. The Book of Mormon is the Lord's word, as is the Bible. I know that there are prophet's on the earth today, who if we follow their teachings will help us have peace in our lives, and joy in our hearts. I am grateful for everything my Savior had done for me.
