Post # 270 -- Come Follow Me -- Week # 2 -- 2021 --January 4–10 -- Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26 -- “I Saw a Pillar of Light”
Sacred Grove, by Greg K. Olsen
Dear Family and Friends
I pray that you and your family members and friends have begun your new year with me and our study of the Doctrine and Covenants. I pray that together we will find the hidden gems within its pages and learn to apply what we learn in our daily lives.
You could begin this lesson by showing a picture of Joseph Smith or the First Vision and then ask your family members and friends if they would share any insights they found during their study of Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26 this week?
You may want to write some of their insights on a piece of poster board for all to see and ponder. Make sure that you include the verses where yours /their insight was found. I'm sure this will give you a list of references for the future.
Something else you and they could do together would be to share how your and their testimonies of Joseph Smith and his mission have grown and you and they have learned about him during this past week.
Be sure to remember that in your preparation the most important will be your study of the scriptures and of course, by living what you learn. I know that sometimes this seems difficult, especially since it usually involves changing your behaviors but it is worth it to do so.
Remember to put your trust in the Lord and The Spirit will help you to know just what you should focus on as you are teaching your family members and friends. The following is from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:
As you read Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26, what messages do you find for your life? What is of most value to you and your family?
The Doctrine and Covenants is a book of answers to prayers: many of the sacred revelations in this book came in response to questions. So it’s appropriate to begin studying the Doctrine and Covenants by considering the question that began the latter-day outpouring of revelation—the one Joseph Smith asked in a grove of trees in 1820. A “war of words and tumult of opinions” (Joseph Smith—History 1:10) had left Joseph confused about religion and the state of his soul; perhaps you can relate to that.
Pearl of Great Price
10 In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?
There are many conflicting ideas and persuasive voices in our day, and when we want to sort through these messages and find truth, we can do what Joseph did. We can ask questions, study the scriptures, ponder, and ultimately ask God. In response to Joseph’s prayer, a pillar of light descended from heaven; God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared and answered his questions. Joseph’s testimony of that miraculous experience boldly declares that anyone “who [lacks] wisdom might ask of God, and obtain” (Joseph Smith—History 1:26). We can all receive, if not a heavenly vision, at least a clearer vision, illuminated by heavenly light.
Pearl of Great Price
26 I had now got my mind satisfied so far as the sectarian world was concerned—that it was not my duty to join with any of them, but to continue as I was until further directed. I had found the testimony of James to be true—that a man who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain, and not be upbraided.
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration.
The purpose of Joseph Smith’s history was to put us “in possession of the facts” because the truth about Joseph has often been distorted (Joseph Smith—History 1:1). As you read Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26, what strengthens your testimony of his divine calling? Note the evidences you find that the Lord prepared Joseph Smith for his prophetic mission. As you read, you might also record your thoughts and feelings about Joseph Smith and his testimony.
See also Saints, 1:3–19.
If we ask in faith, God will answer us.
I know that I have related to Joseph’s desire to seek truth when I was also seeking for truth in a world where many conflicting ideas are taught.
I went to so many different churches before I became a member of the Church of Latter-day Saints. Maybe you and your family members and friends can relate to Joseph’s desire to find truth in this conflicting world of ours.
There are so many different churches, so how do you know which one is the true church of Christ? How is the confusion in our day similar to what he faced?
Here is an activity for you to do with your family members and friends to help them see just how we can find answers to our questions we have.
You might consider having your scripture study group tell you different ways that people seek truth. As they share their ideas you could write them on your poster board making a list of the different ways the people seek truth.
After this is done you can review together Joseph Smith—History 1:5–18. Then you could add to your list those things that Joseph Smith did to find answers to his questions.
Pearl of Great Price
5 Some time in the second year after our removal to Manchester, there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the whole district of country seemed affected by it, and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, “Lo, here!” and others, “Lo, there!” Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist.
6 For, notwithstanding the great love which the converts to these different faiths expressed at the time of their conversion, and the great zeal manifested by the respective clergy, who were active in getting up and promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling, in order to have everybody converted, as they were pleased to call it, let them join what sect they pleased; yet when the converts began to file off, some to one party and some to another, it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both the priests and the converts were more pretended than real; for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued—priest contending against priest, and convert against convert; so that all their good feelings one for another, if they ever had any, were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions.
7 I was at this time in my fifteenth year. My father’s family was proselyted to the Presbyterian faith, and four of them joined that church, namely, my mother, Lucy; my brothers Hyrum and Samuel Harrison; and my sister Sophronia.
8 During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong.
9 My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others.
10 In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?
11 While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
12 Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.
13 At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to “ask of God,” concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.
14 So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally.
15 After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.
16 But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
18 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.
Next you could share or have your family members and friends share about how you and they have followed Joseph Smith’s example in your search and their search for truth and how God has answered you and them. President Russell M. Nelson’s statement below suggests some ways we might seek truth from God.
Follow Joseph’s example.
President Russell M. Nelson taught:
“The Prophet Joseph Smith set a pattern for us to follow in resolving our questions. Drawn to the promise of James that if we lack wisdom we may ask of God [see James 1:5], the boy Joseph took his question directly to Heavenly Father. He sought personal revelation, and his seeking opened this last dispensation.
“In like manner, what will your seeking open for you? What wisdom do you lack? What do you feel an urgent need to know or understand? Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph. Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95).
Prayer allows us to communicate with God. We can ask our questions of God through our prayers. The following is from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
If I ask in faith, God will answer.
Have you ever “lacked wisdom” or felt confused about a decision you needed to make? (Joseph Smith—History 1:13). What do you learn from Joseph Smith’s experience in verses 5–20? Think of your own need for wisdom and greater understanding, and consider how you will seek truth.
See also 1 Nephi 10:17–19; 15:6–11; Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 93–96.
Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
You might want to consider beginning this section by singing together with your family and friends the following hymn: “Joseph Smith’s First Prayer” (Hymns, no. 26).
Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
26 Joseph Smith’s First Prayer
With dignity
1.Oh, how lovely was the morning!
Radiant beamed the sun above.
Bees were humming, sweet birds singing,
Music ringing thru the grove,
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love,
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love.
2.Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing—
’Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer—
When the pow’rs of sin assailing
Filled his soul with deep despair;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav’nly Father’s care,
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav’nly Father’s care.
3.Suddenly a light descended,
Brighter far than noonday sun,
And a shining, glorious pillar
O’er him fell, around him shone,
While appeared two heav’nly beings,
God the Father and the Son,
While appeared two heav’nly beings,
God the Father and the Son.
4.“Joseph, this is my Beloved;
Hear him!” Oh, how sweet the word!
Joseph’s humble prayer was answered,
And he listened to the Lord.
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom,
For he saw the living God,
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom,
For he saw the living God.
Text: George Manwaring, 1854–1889
Music: Sylvanus Billings Pond, 1792–1871; adapted by A. C. Smyth, 1840–1909
Joseph Smith—History 1:14–20, 25
Singing this hymn together or at least reading through the lyrics together will bring the spirit into your discussion. What does this hymn help us to understand and feel about the First Vision? The following is from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
Why are there various accounts of the First Vision?
During his life, Joseph Smith recorded his experience in the Sacred Grove at least four times, often using a scribe. In addition, several secondhand accounts were written by people who heard Joseph talk about his vision. Although these accounts differ in some details, depending on the audience and setting, they are otherwise consistent. And each account adds details that help us better understand Joseph Smith’s experience, just as each of the four Gospels helps us better understand the Savior’s ministry.
To read Joseph’s other accounts, see “First Vision Accounts” (Gospel Topics Essays, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do you learn from reading all of these accounts?
Maybe you could share with your family members and friends how you have come to know for yourself that Joseph truly saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in the Sacred Grove.
You could ask any one of your scripture study group to share how they have come to know this for themselves. You could ask the missionaries to share with your family members and friends about how the First Vision has influenced the lives of the people they teach.
While we are under this COVID 19 I don't think that the missionaries can visit you in person, but they can share with you online in a zoom type meeting or some other form of the same thing online:)
You and your family members and friends could read together the following verses: Joseph Smith—History 1:15–20
Then have them identify something which they have learned about God from these verses and write it on your poster board for all to see and ponder on.
Having read through the account of the First Vision you will notice that it revealed truth that was not in accordance with the people of Joseph Smith’s day because these truths contradicted what they believed.
Why do you think it is important to know these truths about God? What would you and your family members ask Joseph Smith about his experience if he were to come to your home during your lesson together?
Now may be a good time for you and your family members and friends to watch together The video “Ask of God: Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) which could give you some additional insights about Joseph Smith’s First Vision.
Joseph Smith’s First Vision.
You can read below a description of the First Vision that draws on several of Joseph Smith’s accounts, see Saints, 1:14–16
Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, Volume 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846
Joseph rose early on a spring morning in 1820 and set out for the woods near his home. The day was clear and beautiful, and sunlight filtered through the branches overhead. He wanted to be alone when he prayed, and he knew a quiet spot in the woods where he had recently been clearing trees. He had left his ax there, wedged in a stump.
Finding the place, Joseph looked around to make sure he was by himself. He was anxious about praying out loud and did not want to be interrupted.
Satisfied he was alone, Joseph knelt on the cool earth and began to share the desires of his heart with God. He asked for mercy and forgiveness and for wisdom to find answers to his questions. “O Lord,” he prayed, “what church shall I join?”
As he prayed, his tongue seemed to swell until he could not speak. He heard footsteps behind him but saw no one when he turned around. He tried to pray again, but the footsteps grew louder, as if someone was coming for him. He sprang to his feet and spun around, but still he saw no one.
Suddenly, an unseen power seized him. He tried to speak again, but his tongue was still bound. A thick darkness closed in around him until he could no longer see the sunlight. Doubts and awful images flashed across his mind, confusing and distracting him. He felt as if some terrible being, real and immensely powerful, wanted to destroy him.
Exerting all his strength, Joseph called once more to God. His tongue loosened, and he pleaded for deliverance. But he found himself sinking into despair, overwhelmed by the unbearable darkness and ready to abandon himself to destruction.
At that moment, a pillar of light appeared over his head. It descended slowly and seemed to set the woods on fire. As the light rested on him, Joseph felt the unseen power release its hold. The Spirit of God took its place, filling him with peace and unspeakable joy.
Peering into the light, Joseph saw God the Father standing above him in the air. His face was brighter and more glorious than anything Joseph had ever seen. God called him by name and pointed to another being who appeared beside Him. “This is My Beloved Son,” He said. “Hear Him!”
Joseph looked into the face of Jesus Christ. It was as bright and glorious as the Father’s.
“Joseph,” the Savior said, “thy sins are forgiven.”
His burden lifted, Joseph repeated his question: “What church shall I join?”
“Join none of them,” the Savior told him. “They teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”
The Lord told Joseph that the world was steeped in sin. “None doeth good,” He explained. “They have turned aside from the gospel and keep not my commandments.” Sacred truths had been lost or corrupted, but He promised to reveal the fullness of His gospel to Joseph in the future.
As the Savior spoke, Joseph saw hosts of angels, and the light around them blazed brighter than the noonday sun. “Behold, and lo, I come quickly,” the Lord said, “clothed in the glory of My Father.”
Joseph expected the woods to be devoured by the brilliance, but the trees burned like Moses’s bush and were not consumed.
Now would be a good time for you and your family members and friends to think about the following sentence and just how you might answer it: “Because the First Vision happened, I know that …”
You may want to ask your family members and friends just how they might answer this question. Then write their answers on your poster board or they can write it on a separate piece of paper.
They may want to keep it in their scriptures or scripture study journal.What blessings have come into our lives because of the First Vision?.The following is from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
The First Vision began the Restoration of Jesus Christ’s gospel.
Joseph Smith trusted that God would answer his prayer, but he could not have anticipated how that answer would change his life—and the world. As you read about Joseph’s experience, ponder how the First Vision has changed your life. For example, you might complete this sentence in different ways: “Because the First Vision happened, I know that …” How have you been blessed because of the First Vision?
See also “Ask of God: Joseph Smith’s First Vision,” video, ChurchofJesusChrist.org; Saints, 1:14–19; Russell M. Nelson, “Hear Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 88–92.
We can remain true to what we know, even if others reject us.
You and your family members and friends may be able to identify with some of the things which Joseph Smith experienced when he began to tell other people about his vision. Joseph Smith—History 1:21–26)
Maybe if you can relate to Joseph Smith you could share a passage that inspires you when others challenge or question your beliefs. My family members just agree to disagree with my choice to be a member of the Church.
My youngest sister joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a while after i did but she became inactive shortly thereafter. All of my children have also become inactive members. I am the only active member.
If you or any of your family members and friends or maybe you know of ward members who have faced opposition because they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
You may consider asking them to join your family study group in a zoom meeting. They could share how they keep their faith strong. Read the following scripture passage together with your family study group.
Pearl of Great Price
21 Some few days after I had this vision, I happened to be in company with one of the Methodist preachers, who was very active in the before mentioned religious excitement; and, conversing with him on the subject of religion, I took occasion to give him an account of the vision which I had had. I was greatly surprised at his behavior; he treated my communication not only lightly, but with great contempt, saying it was all of the devil, that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days; that all such things had ceased with the apostles, and that there would never be any more of them.
22 I soon found, however, that my telling the story had excited a great deal of prejudice against me among professors of religion, and was the cause of great persecution, which continued to increase; and though I was an obscure boy, only between fourteen and fifteen years of age, and my circumstances in life such as to make a boy of no consequence in the world, yet men of high standing would take notice sufficient to excite the public mind against me, and create a bitter persecution; and this was common among all the sects—all united to persecute me.
23 It caused me serious reflection then, and often has since, how very strange it was that an obscure boy, of a little over fourteen years of age, and one, too, who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty maintenance by his daily labor, should be thought a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day, and in a manner to create in them a spirit of the most bitter persecution and reviling. But strange or not, so it was, and it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself.
24 However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. I have thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa, and related the account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice; but still there were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad; and he was ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise; and though they should persecute him unto death, yet he knew, and would know to his latest breath, that he had both seen a light and heard a voice speaking unto him, and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise.
25 So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.
26 I had now got my mind satisfied so far as the sectarian world was concerned—that it was not my duty to join with any of them, but to continue as I was until further directed. I had found the testimony of James to be true—that a man who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain, and not be upbraided.
What do we learn from Joseph Smith’s example in Joseph Smith—History 1:21–26? The following is from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families:
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me.
One of the blessings of the scriptures is that they contain inspiring examples of valiant men and women who faced challenges with faith in Jesus Christ. When Joseph Smith faced opposition because of his vision, he identified with the Apostle Paul, who was also persecuted for saying he had seen a vision. As you read Joseph’s account, what inspires you to remain true to your testimony? What other examples—from the scriptures or people you know—give you courage to stay true to the spiritual experiences you have had?
Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening
How can we handle disagreements without becoming contentious like the people described in this verse?
Reading these verses might inspire family members to share experiences when a scripture passage touched their hearts and inspired them to act.
As your family reads these verses, consider showing the painting that accompanies this outline or another picture of the First Vision (perhaps your family would enjoy drawing their own depiction). You could also watch the video “Ask of God: Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). You could each make a list of truths we learn from this vision, then share your lists with one another. This would be a great time for family members to share how they obtained their testimonies of Joseph Smith’s First Vision.
When God appeared to Joseph Smith, He called Joseph by name. When have members of your family felt that Heavenly Father knows them personally?
How can we respond when people question our testimonies?
For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.
Suggested song: “Joseph Smith’s First Prayer,” Hymns, no. 26.
Voices of the Restoration
Joseph Smith’s Family
We are each profoundly affected by our family life, and Joseph Smith was no different. His parents’ religious convictions and practices planted seeds of faith that made the Restoration possible. Joseph’s journal records this tribute: “Words and language [are] inadequate to express the gratitude that I owe to God for having given me so honorable a parentage.”1
The following quotations from his mother, Lucy Mack Smith; his brother William Smith; and the Prophet himself give us a glimpse into the religious influence in the Smith home.
Joseph Smith Family, by Dan Baxter
Lucy Mack Smith
“[In about 1802], I was taken sick. … Said I to myself, I am not prepared to die for I do not know the ways of Christ, and it seemed to me as though there was a dark and lonely chasm between myself and Christ that I dare not attempt to cross. …
“I looked to the Lord and begged and plead with the Lord that he would spare my life that I might bring up my children and comfort the heart of my husband; thus I lay all night. … I covenanted with God [that] if he would let me live I would endeavor to get that religion that would enable me to serve him right, whether it was in the Bible or wherever it might be found, even if it was to be obtained from heaven by prayer and faith. At last a voice spoke to me and said, ‘Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. Let your heart be comforted. Ye believe in God; believe also in me.’ …
“From this time forward I gained strength continually. I said but little upon the subject of religion although it occupied my mind entirely, and I thought that I would make all diligence as soon as I was able to seek some pious person who knew the ways of God to instruct me in things of Heaven.”2
William Smith
“My mother, who was a very pious woman and much interested in the welfare of her children, both here and hereafter, made use of every means which her parental love could suggest, to get us engaged in seeking for our souls’ salvation, or (as the term then was) ‘in getting religion.’ She prevailed on us to attend the meetings, and almost the whole family became interested in the matter, and seekers after truth.”3
“We always had family prayers since I can remember. I well remember father used to carry his spectacles in his vest pocket, … and when us boys saw him feel for his specs, we knew that was a signal to get ready for prayer, and if we did not notice it mother would say, ‘William,’ or whoever was the negligent one, ‘get ready for prayer.’ After the prayer we had a song we would sing.”4
Joseph Sr. and Lucy Smith taught their family to study the scriptures.
Joseph Smith
“I now say, that [my father] never did a mean act that might be said was ungenerous, in his life, to my knowledge. I loved my father and his memory; and the memory of his noble deeds, rest with ponderous weight upon my mind; and many of his kind and parental words to me, are written on the tablet of my heart. Sacred to me, are the thoughts which I cherish of the history of his life, that have rolled through my mind and has been implanted there, by my own observation since I was born. … My mother also is one of the noblest, and the best of all women.”5
Improving Our Teaching
Seek your own inspiration. Don’t view these outlines as instructions that you must follow as you teach. Rather, use them to spark ideas and foster inspiration as you ponder the doctrine in the scriptures and the needs of the people you teach.
Whether you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not, I believe that you can still gain a lot of information about God andHis Son, Jesus Christ from these accounts of JosephSmith’s First Vision. I invite all to read and study this post together with your family members and friends. Until my next post please stay healthy, happy and safe. Keep smiling!!!
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