Sunday, December 12, 2010

James E. Faust

"We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of ourselves--giving of the riches of the heart and mind--and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store."

Sunday, October 31, 2010

National FFA Convention. Part 1.

Well, my intent was to write updates while I was on my trip. That doesn't work so well when the hotel you are staying at (although it was a very nice hotel) charges you $15.00 for internet.

I had one of the best experiences I am sure I will ever have the week of October 16-24. I went back to Indianapolis, Indiana for the National FFA Convention as part of the 80 voice National FFA Chorus. There are hundreds of kids that try out for this awesome group each year, and so the competition was pretty intense. This became evident to me when I listened in and tried out for some solo's. The people that were there had truly amazing voices, and I felt privileged to be among them.

I started my trip at 4:30 a.m Saturday, the 16th. I was alerted to some construction delays that would be happening on I-15 that morning, so I decided to leave half an hour earlier than I had planned. I went to Brian Shelley's house and picked up him, and his friend James. They rode up with me to bring the car back to Springville when I was dropped off at the Salt Lake International Airport.

We Began the trip, and ran into no delays. That was my luck. So, I was at the airport almost 3 hours early. I went in with my bags, and the ticket/baggage counter wasn't even open yet, so I sat and waited for the time when they opened, checked my bag, and cruised through security with no problems. I was at my gate before a lot of the shops in the terminal even opened, so I sat, read my scriptures on my I-pod touch and waited for the Quiznos to open so I could go and get some breakfast. It finally opened, I went and had one of the best breakfast sandwiches I have ever tasted, and then returned to my gate with my orange juice. I watched the Airbus A-319 pull up to the gate, and we shortly boarded.
I was fortunate enough to choose my seats online, so, of course, I chose a window seat. At this point, It was still dawn, and the sun was just coming over the peak of the Wasatch mountains. Beautiful. Next to me was a little business woman, so I had room that I could move with. It is hard to fly as a fluffy person. No room.

We pushed back from the gate, and taxied to the runway. We took off going south and turned toward the west, eventually circling around and heading north east. We headed over the mountains, right over the Uintah mountains. They were already snow capped. It was one of the most beautiful sites I had ever seen. It made me wonder how people can think that it all happened my chance.

We landed in Denver at about 9:00 a.m local time. The flight was only an hour long. I got off the plane and headed to my next gate, which was just down the concourse. Denver is a pretty fun airport, it was fun to play on the moving walkways.

My flight from Denver to Indianapolis boarded at 11:00 a.m and we departed on time. I was sitting next to a pretty cute girl, about my age. We talked the whole way. We landed in Indianapolis at 3:45 p.m. I headed from my gate to the baggage claim, walking with a kid from Wyoming. He was trying for a seat on the National Officer Team. We waited for 45 minutes for our bags to get there, and headed out for the Green Line bus to take us into downtown. There were 2 girls on the bus with us that were also there for the National Chorus. We were dropped off right at the corner of the hotel that I was staying in. The Hyatt Regency Indianapolis. We walked into the hotel, which was huge, and I checked in.

I took my bags up to my room on the 6th floor. When I got to the room, there was some baggage there, and from the looks of it, I was the 3rd out of 4 to arrive. I changed out of my official dress, which I had flown in, and came out of the bathroom. In walked a shorter, lean kid, who asked me my name, and he told me his was Adam. He was from the state of South Carolina. We called each other by our state names. There was me, Brandon from Texas, Andrew from New Mexico, and Adam. I could already tell that this was going to be a party.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Before I begin...

Hey all,
I am headed to Indianapolis, IN for the National FFA Convention. I got chosen to sing in the FFA chorus, and will be arriving 3 days before the rest to rehearse with the choir, under the direction of Mrs. Patti LaJoye. I will keep y'all posted on my trip, (Assuming that I don't have to pay a billion dollars for internet.)

SEE YA UTAH
INDIANA, HERE I COME!!!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

An awesome article I was given...

The credit belongs to Katie Kitchen, one of my favorite friends :)

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, “Why didn’t we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?”

I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.

I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad’s fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood, and, if my mother had even known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today’s children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.

God bless the parents who drugged us.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Come on America... "Never Apologize for Being Patriotic"

So, I have to preface this photo. Before you go getting all offended, I like this for the motto, not necessarily for the photo. "Never Apologize For Being Patriotic".

I recently had the opportunity to go to the Toby Keith concert in Salt Lake City, and it was a really fun concert.

Before I get into what I would like to base this post on, I must say how happy I am for the way that I live. I was mixed in a crowd, where there was only one couple I could see that was not smoking, or drinking. I cannot imagine going to something where I paid $30.00 plus for a ticket and then paying to drink myself drunk, so I could not even enjoy it. I am so thankful for the Word of Wisdom, it is totally there to protect us, not to impose on us.

ANYWAY... back to the topic. Being Patriotic.

Now... I believe that I am a rather patriotic guy, I asked for a drivers permit and a flagpole for my 15th birthday, and I fly that flag all the time. I believe in what the flag stands for and I fly it for not only God, who I believe made this country the way it is now, but also for all of the men and woman that have fought, and some paid the ultimate price, so that I can lay my head down at night, and sleep in peace, knowing that I will get up to the same beautiful scene.

I believe that we should have the right to say the Pledge in school. Last year in school, I remember saying the pledge 2 times in the whole year. That will change this year. I will complain until it happens. I don't care if the Pledge offends you, but since you choose to live here, you will tolerate it. Period. Welcome to the U.S.A. If I go to your country, if I don't know your language, I will salute your flag, and proudly listen to you say yours, and I expect the favor to be returned. Am I crazy for saying that???

I hope that we, as a people realize who really is the foundation of this country. God. As I read the Book of Mormon, it depresses me, because I see us, as a people, going through the exact same thing, denying God, committing whoredoms, and all else. I hope that the day of our destruction is a day I don't see.

God is the only person that can pull this country through. I just hope that something happens that makes others know that too. I can see God, in my mind, shedding a tear, because of what some people are doing here on earth.

Just today on KSL, the crosses on the side of the road in the U.S.A that memorialize a fallen officer were ruled unconstitutional. Thats sad. It's a grave marker. It remembers a person, and they have the right to worship a faith. If the family wants a cross as their marker, in my opinion, its a right. What difference is there between the side of the road, and a cemetery? I know the Atheists have a right to worship (or not), but they don't have to try and change laws so that people of other faiths can't worship, or remember loved ones.

I believe also that the Muslims should be able to build a mosque by Ground Zero in New York. Why shouldn't they be able to? Location? Wow people... It was the Taliban that attacked us. They happened to be Muslim. That doesn't mean all Muslims are terrorists, for heck sake.

I hope we get our act together America, our future depends on it.







Sunday, August 8, 2010

My Talk in Sacrament

So, my talk pretty much drug on forever, but I felt that everything in it was important.

Christ-like Attributes

I love the Doctrine and Covenants. I love how the Lord has made it so clear as to what we should do in life. I love this book because these revelations are written towards us, whereas in the Bible and Book of Mormon, there are a lot of symbols and parables that we have to dissect and learn from. But in the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord speaks directly, outlining a lot of useful things.

In the 121st section of the D&C, there is a question posed in verse 34.

“Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?”

The answer again is very direct, because it is something that is very important.

“Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this lesson- that the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principals of righteousness.”

“That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man”

What does it mean to set our hearts upon the things of this world?

Later in this section, it states:

“We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.”

“Hence many are called, but few are chosen”

How can we, as a people be those that are chosen? How can we be in favor with God, and serve as righteous servants in his Kingdom?

There are the obvious choices that help us stay close to our Heavenly Father. But there are some things that I have learned are more important, and if we do these, everything else will fall into place.

We must develop Christ-like attributes. These will help us to be closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, because we will be like them. We will feel closer to him, which will help us to make choices to keep worthy to be servants in the Kingdom of God.

First, a person must have faith in Jesus Christ. As the Preach My Gospel manual explains,

“When you have faith in Christ, you believe in him as the Son of God, the Only Begotten of the Father in the Flesh. You accept him as your Savior and Redeemer and follow his teachings. You believe that your sins can be forgiven through His Atonement. Faith in Him means that you trust Him and are confident that He loves you.”

Faith is described in Alma as not having a perfect knowledge of things; therefore hoping for things that are not seen, but true

“Faith leads to action, including repentance, obedience, and dedicated service. When you have faith in Jesus Christ, you trust in him enough to follow His commandments- even when you do not completely understand the reasons for them.”

So, clearly, having faith in Jesus Christ lets us make up our mind ahead of time, because we don’t want to lose his guiding influence.

Second, one must have hope. Hope is essential to have faith.

“Hope is an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill his promises to you. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance…When you have hope; you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good.”

President James E. Faust taught:

“Being blessed with hope, let us, as disciples, reach out to all who, for whatever reason, have moved away from the hope of the gospel. Let us reach to lift hands which hang hopelessly down.”

If we have hope, life will be much better. We will be more optimistic and enjoy what we do. We can have hope because of what we believe. The Lord and his infinite example gives us hope. As we have Faith in Christ, we can have hope.

Third, we must be charitable and have Love toward others.

“Charity is the pure love of Christ. It includes God’s eternal love for all of his children. We are to seek and develop that kind of Love. When you are filled with charity, you find it easier to obey God’s commandments and do all you can to serve others and help them with what they stand in need of”

One must also have Virtue to keep your mind on track to be close to the Lord.

Virtue originates in your innermost thoughts and desires. It is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. Since the Holy Ghost does not dwell in unclean tabernacles, virtue is prerequisite to receiving the Spirit’s guidance. What you choose to think and do when you are alone and you believe no one is a strong measure of your virtue”

Virtuous people are clean and pure spiritually. They focus on righteous, uplifting thoughts and put unworthy thoughts out of their minds. They pray to resist temptation and do what is right. They quickly repent of their sins and wrongdoings. They Live worthy of a Temple Recommend.

I like the analogy of your mind being like a stage. However, only one actor can be on the stage at a time. If the stage is left bare, often thoughts of darkness and sin sneak on and start performing. It is your job to throw spiritual tomatoes and boo them off the stage by keeping your heart and mind and thoughts clean. You can do this by humming a favorite hymn or reciting a memorized scripture.

You must have knowledge to be a good servant. You need to know why you do what you do, to have the drive to keep going.

Study your scriptures, read and listen to General Conference talks, read church history. Do all that you can to become learned in the gospel, so that when you are put to the test, you will have the testimony to make it through the tough times.

Something I always hear is, “Patience is a Virtue”. I have just been elected the President of my FFA chapter at the High School, I have learned that I have to have patience. I have learned that, even as president, a lot of things are out of my control. I just have to remember that everything will work itself out.

President Monson taught:

“Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required”

The Lord tries us to be better people. In Mosiah, Chapter 23, verse 21 it says,

“Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith”

The Lord gives us challenges in which require patience so we can grow, and learn to lean on him.

The sons of Mosiah, before they could serve a mission, had to repent of all their sins, and it took a while. They wanted to serve the Lord, so they had the patience to fully repent of their sins, and were able to serve the Lord.

In Alma, a parable illustrates having patience really well

(read Alma 32: 40-43)

I know that if we pull through hard times, we will reap not only the physical, but more importantly, the spiritual rewards.

The next Christ-like attribute that we must have is Humility. We must be able to submit to the Lord and give him the Glory. If it weren’t for the Lord, we would be nothing. We must thank him for his blessings. Humility is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of spiritual strength.

Obviously, the opposite of Humility is pride. Pride is defined as putting more trust in yourself than in God and/or his servants. It also means putting the things of the world before God.

My favorite Scripture about being humble comes from Second Nephi

(2 Nephi 9:28-29)

We must realize that the Lord is who allows us to be successful, and give the Glory to him. We will enjoy being successful if we give the Glory to him and let him share it with us.

President Ezra Taft Benson said the next attribute next.

“I have often said one of the greatest secrets of the missionary work is work! If a missionary works, he will get the Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will teach by the spirit; and if he teaches by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts of the people and he will be happy. There will be no homesickness, no worrying about families, for all the time and talents and interests are centered on the work of the ministry. Work, work, work—there is no satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work”

Just like missionaries, we, as members must be diligent in the work of the Lord. That includes helping our fellow ward members and neighbors, helping in any way we can at ward service activities, and befriending those who need help and comfort. It also means fulfilling your callings as well as you can. If we do this, we will be blessed.

In Doctrine and Covenants, it states:

“Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness.”

We must be diligent in the Lords work to receive the blessings which can come to us if we are “anxiously engaged in a good cause”

For me, this last one is the hardest. It is obedience. I don’t have as much of a hard time obeying God as much as my Grandma, or leaders. I get ideas in my head that my way is better, and I work daily to heed advice and take counsel from my elders.

To be able to be close to the Lord, we must keep the commandments and heed the counsel of our leaders. This is an act of faith. It is hard to do. As we obey though, our faith will grow and we will have an increase in Knowledge, wisdom, testimony, protection, and freedom. I would hope that we are all striving to be obedient to our leaders and the Prophet.

Elder L. Tom Perry stated:

“The discipline contained in daily obedience and lean living and wholesome lives, builds an armor around you of protection and safety from the temptations that beset you as you proceed through mortality”

Who doesn’t need a shield of protection to guard them? I would like to meet the person who doesn’t and take lessons from them.

What about us that struggle to obtain all of these Christ-like attributes?

Whether it is because of unresolved sin or conflict, or because we are unwilling to comply to some of the Lords rules, we can change. That is what I love about the Gospel. It takes people and shapes them, like clay, to be who they need to be.

While I was in Nauvoo, I was able to tour old Nauvoo, and go to the place where they would have made the Bricks for all of the homes there. I was able to obtain a brick and bring it home to remind me of a very important principal.

We are like the sand and clay that this brick is made of. Before we are shaped, we amount to nothing, we can do no good. But as we are shaped, by learning the ways of God, we are made into something, and we are able to be like bricks, and work with other people to make the church stronger. We must be shaped and put through the Lords refining fire to be as good as we can be, and when we are, we are added to the walls of brick that have already been laid by worthy church members, building up this kingdom, and we make it stronger, and harder for the adversary to tear down.

Let us be like the bricks. Be humble enough, and have enough faith to let the Lord shape us into who he knows we can be. Let us be willing to let the Lord do so. We must diligently work towards our righteous goals; we need to have hope that we can become a person the Lord is pleased with. To do this we must show Charity and Love towards others, and gain Knowledge, have patience and be obedient.

I know and pray that we can all be this kind of a person, and live closer to the Savoir and our Heavenly Father.

Amen.

Friday, August 6, 2010

The gas station example...

Tonight, I was down at Sunroc Chevron filling up my tank for the trip to Cedar City tomorrow, and while I was doing that, I decided to clean my windows.

When Brandon died, I wrote with window chalk on my back window "#30- We will miss you" and it has been on there since. I was trying to get it off tonight, and I had nothing but the flimsy towels and a squeegee. I was trying as hard as I could, but this window chalk was not coming off. All of the sudden there was a man standing next to me, to be honest, it scared the crap outta me. He just showed up. From what I can tell, he was gassing up too, and saw me struggling.

He came over with a flat razor blade and started scraping the window chalk off my window, and not only did he scrape all of it off, he waited for me to clean the window, so he could get little remaining marks off. I did not know this man, but he was just a bit shorter than me, Latino, and did not speak English. His name was Jose. (At least that is what his mechanics jacket said).

I am grateful for this man's example. And judging by the car he was driving (a rather beat up, old car) he looked like he had been through a lot. But he took time out of his day to help me.

I hope that I can emulate this man's example. We should all be looking for ways to serve, even if they are small and trivial. I felt the Love of our savior tonight, from a man I did not know, at a gas station down town.

And I loved it...


Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Gay Marriage

Family photo
So, as you know, a judge overturned Prop. 8.

I don't really know how to approach this, as it is very black and white. I can see where people might get mad, saying this is unconstitutional. I see why people would want to have the right to marry whom ever they choose, and, I somewhat agree, from a political standpoint, that they might have that right.

In this situation, my opinion is that Church and State should stay separated. I know that the church has a very firm standpoint on this, and I totally agree with them from the Religious standpoint. I believe in what "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" states:

"Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the Family is central to the Creators plan for the eternal destiny of his children"

I strongly believe that there should be a Mother in the home, as well as a Father. I believe that the Father is responsible for the well being of his family and should be the one supporting his family. I was lucky to have my father and mother together long enough to learn those qualities in which I needed to learn that are so essential for life.

I believe that the Mother should be in the home, caring for and nurturing her children (and no, men, it is not only the womans job to do the house work! We have to step in as well). I believe that a child is better off with a steady home with a Father and a Mother. Both there to instill qualities that are needed for life.

Although I live with my Grandmother, who does a wonderful job of caring for me, I will never forget those long talks and lessons that I learned from my father and the way my mother taught me to be nice and gentle towards others and to take care of myself. I will always remember fixing the car with Dad, and mowing the lawn, and washing the two monsters of dogs that we had.

Therefore, I BELIEVE (notice that this is my opinion, you don't have to believe the same) That a child cannot be educated as well in a home that has two parents of the same gender. I am not saying that they cannot make life semi-normal, but it will never be the same as being raised by a traditional family. I don't care what the argument it, it is a psychological thing. Period. Sorry for my bluntness, but you chose to read this, knowing that this was my blog, therefore my opinion. Feel free to comment :)

So, even though I have ranted, I have a testimony that Families are essential to God's plan for us. I cannot wait to have the opportunity to go to the House of the Lord and be Married and sealed for time and all eternity to a beautiful daughter of God. I am excited to be able to care for Gods children, and to have them entrusted in my care. I just hope that I can do as well as my Dad did, before he was taken from us.

I feel the guiding influence of not only my father who passed away, but my Heavenly Father as well. I know the Lord is with us if we are worthy.

In the Sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Brandon's Funeral

The loss of a loved one is not something that I take very lightly. I lost my dad when I was 10 years old, at a time when I really needed him. But, I believe that the Lord works in odd ways, and somehow, that made my life better. I can see that where I am today, because of what has happened in the past, has made me a better person, and made it easier to relate to others.

Just recently, we had a tragedy happen at Springville High. One of our football players, Brandon Curtis, was involved in a rollover accident after football practice in the parking lot at our school. A group of boys (all of which I know) were doing donuts in a Jeep Liberty, and one sharper than the rest turn ended in the pinning of Brandon under the top of the vehicle. He was in critical condition, and later died from his injuries. The other 3 boys recovered and were fine.

This brings me to the topic. I attended Brandon's funeral today, which was very well done. There was only standing room in the Funeral hall. The chapel and overflow into the Cultural hall was more people than I have ever even seen for a Stake Conference. The talks were wonderful, and many people mourned.

I am so thankful to know that I will have eternal life. I know that Brandon was freed from this ever down-spiraling world, and is now able to serve the Lord in the Spirit World. Brandon will now serve his mission, not on earth, but above.

Death is a hard thing to grasp. It is hard for us, as simple minded beings, to comprehend loss. Even for me, it seems unreal sometimes, that such a great man is gone from the earth. It will be hard to not see his bright smiling face in the halls.

President Thomas S. Monson said this about death:

"Among all the facts of mortality, none is so certain as its end. Death comes to all; it is our “universal heritage; it may claim its victim[s] in infancy or youth, [it may visit] in the period of life’s prime, or its summons may be deferred until the snows of age have gathered upon the . . . head; it may befall as the result of accident or disease, . . . or . . . through natural causes; but come it must.” It inevitably represents a painful loss of association and, particularly in the young, a crushing blow to dreams unrealized, ambitions unfulfilled, and hopes vanquished"

I know that the Lord had reason for Brandon to be taken from us here on earth at this time. Brandon has work to do elsewhere. As for his work here, it is done, and the Lord will greet him in saying:

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant"

I have a testimony of eternal life and of Forever Families. I know, even though I was not sealed to my father, that the Lord will work all things out when the time comes. I know that the Curtis family will be with Brandon again. The heavens will be brighter because Brandon is up there smiling.

There is a song that I really like that comforts me, especially in this time of trial:

My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee

Text and Music by Rob Gardner

For a little while
Have I forsaken thee;
But with great mercies will I gather thee.
In a little wrath I hid my face from thee
For a moment.

But with everlasting kindness will I gather thee,
And with mercy will I take thee ‘neath my wings,
For the mountains shall depart,
And the hills shall be removed,
And the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea,
But know, my child,
My kindness shall not depart from thee!

Though thine afflictions seem
At times too great to bear,
I know thine every thought and every care.
And though the very jaws
Of hell gape after thee I am with thee.

And with everlasting mercy will I succor thee,
And with healing will I take thee ‘neath my wings.
Though the mountains shall depart,
And the hills shall be removed,
And the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea,
Know, my child,
My kindness shall not depart from thee!

How long can rolling waters
Remain impure?
What pow'r shall stay the hand of God?
The Son of Man hath descended below all things.
Art thou greater than He?

So hold on thy way,
For I shall be with thee.
And mine angels shall encircle thee.
Doubt not what thou knowest,
Fear not man, for he
Cannot hurt thee.

And with everlasting kindness will I succor thee,
And with mercy will I take thee ‘neath my wings.
For the mountains shall depart,
And the hills shall be removed,
And the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea,
But know, my child,
My kindness shall not depart from thee!

Rest in Peace Brandon, You deserve it!



Saturday, July 31, 2010

Praise To The Man

As I ponder what I am grateful for, I know of one thing that always comes to my mind. I am always grateful for the Gospel that I am a part of. It is my foundation, my structure. I am who I am today because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have just returned from a very spiritual Church History tour. Although I learned a lot on this tour, I have had one thing that has really stuck with me, and that is my testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Before I embarked on this journey in which I took, I had no real testimony of the Prophet that brought this Latter Day work forward. That has changed. I have had the spirit speak to me, confirming that Joseph Smith was and still is a true Prophet and that he does still have a hand in this work.

I have heard people say, "That man made all of this up, there is no way that a man can surely get revelation from God, much less translate a book, especially as unlearned as he was". To this I say:

I know that Joseph Smith did what he said he did. He saw what he said he saw. He went to a grove of trees, just a meager grove, to seek an answer to a prayer. He saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son. They did give him the answer to his prayer. I know that Joseph was chosen to be a Prophet of God because of how unlearned he was. He, as just a 14 year old boy, was humble enough to answer to the will of the Lord. He was fore-ordained in the pre-earth life to be the man that brought forth the truthfulness of the Gospel.

I further have a testimony that Joseph did translate the Book of Mormon. He did have the gift of translation to be able to bring that ancient record forth upon the earth today. He did so with the help of the Lord God. I know that it is true, and feel the spirit when I read its pages and words.

I know that there is no possible way that Joseph could have been persecuted, beaten, tried unjustly, ripped away from his family, tarred and feathered, and eventually died for this cause and have made it all up. NO MAN could go through what he went through what he went through but by the hand of God.

Joseph was the man that was chosen for the work. He was the one God chose to lead this restored Gospel back onto the earth. It is my hope that others will see what Joseph did for us.

In the Sacred Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.