No Coincidences

Tag: testimony

  • The Rock Christ would Build His Church Upon

    The Rock Christ would Build His Church Upon

    In a book called The Forerunners by Mark E. Petersen, I was introduced to an interpretation of a scripture that I’d read and heard quoted a thousand times.  The truth of the interpretation was so clear I couldn’t believe I’d lived so long with such a clear misunderstanding of the meaning of that important scripture.

    The verse is Matthew 16:18 which reads:

    18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

    Let’s give some context to this important passage.

    Jesus was with His apostles and He asked a simple question:  Who do the people say I am? (verse 13)

    They responded with some of the rumors out there – Some thought Jesus was the returned John the Baptist, some thought Elias, others thought Jeremias or another of the prophets.  (verse 14)

    Jesus asked, who do you say I am? (verse 15)

    Peter, Jesus’s first apostle responded, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (verse 16)

    Christ responds, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona (Peter): for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

    Which leads us to our important verse and the part I always misunderstood.

    Christ says to Peter, “thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.”

    One more quick review to make the point clear:

    1. Christ says who am I?
    2. Peter answers – you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
    3. Christ responds – blessed are you, for flesh and blood (man) has not revealed this but my Father who is in heaven has revealed this to you.
    4. Christ, in responding to Peter stating properly that He is the Christ, says “thou art Peter.”
    5. Then, adding to what Jesus said about the truth being revealed to Peter by God, Jesus says, “and upon this rock I will build my church.”

    Christ wasn’t saying the church would be built on Peter.  Christ’s Church couldn’t be built on anyone’s shoulders but His own.  Additionally, Christ is adding that the testimony of Him could only be received by man from Heavenly Father, more specifically the Holy Spirit.  The rock of Christ’s Church would be Christ Himself, and the testimony of Christ only comes by revelation from the Holy Spirit.  Not by flesh or blood, but by Heavenly Father and personal revelation.  Thus, the rock of Christ’s Church would be personal revelation that Jesus is the Christ.

    I was always so confused by this scripture.  Why would the rock, the sure foundation of Christ’s Church be on anyone but Christ?  How could Peter be the foundation?  He is not.  There is only one foundation.  There is only one name by which we can receive salvation, there is only one person who can save us.  That is Jesus Christ.  The Son of the living God.  Our Savior and King.

    My foundation - $Christ ministries$

    This scripture, when properly read, emphasizes the importance of coming to a personal testimony that Jesus is the Christ.  We’re reminded that the testimony of Christ does not come from man.  It comes from personal revelation.  It is unfortunate that personal revelation has been removed from much of modern Christianity.  Modern Christian churches say the heavens are closed and God speaks to us no longer.  He only speaks to us through His ancient word.  But what of today?  How do we come to a testimony of Jesus Christ but through revelation from heaven and the Holy Spirit?

    If God no longer speaks to man then man can no longer receive testimony of Jesus Christ.  But men receive testimony of Jesus Christ daily.  Every day millions worship Jesus Christ.  Every day thousands come to the realization that only through Christ can they be saved.

    Revelation is alive.  The Holy Spirit talks to us daily.  He reveals the testimony of Christ to the hearts of man.  God speaks to us;  through scripture, through prophets, and most importantly through the Holy Ghost.

    A quote from William Barclay of the Church of Scotland:

    “The rock is the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God.  To Peter that great truth had been divinely revealed.  It was God Himself who had opened Peter’s eyes to that great discovery.  The fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is indeed the foundation stone of the Church’s faith and belief.  On that great truth the Church is founded for ever and ever.  This explanation holds that the divinely revealed truth that Jesus is the Son of God is the only foundation on which the Church is founded.”

    The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints.

    It was restored to point men to Christ.  His name is in the name of His Church.

    Jesus Christ still is actively interested and engaged in the affairs of man.  Under the direction of His Father, our Father, He sent an angel named Moroni to reveal an ancient record to his modern-day prophet.  He, through the Holy Spirit, directed and guided Joseph Smith through the translation of a record that would make clear His doctrine and the saving ordinances of His gospel. Not to replace the Bible, but to add a second testimony to it.

    The testimony of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and my testimony is this: Jesus Christ lives.  He directs His church.  He loves all and wants us all to return to Him.

    This is the foundation of His Church.

    “Build firmly upon the rock of your Redeemer. Treasure His life and teachings. Follow His example and commandments. Embrace the powerful gifts of His Atonement. As you do, I promise you that you will see the [challenges of life] for what they are, [and] the spiritual rock under your feet will be solid and secure.” From #ElderAndersen’s pinterest.com/pin/24066179229002852 inspiring #LDSconf facebook.com/223271487682878 message lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/spiritual-whirlwinds #ShareGoodness
  • How did I get here?

    How did I get here?

    What is my goal in writing this blog?

    Hopefully to uplift someone, anyone.  Believer, nonbeliever.  Member of the Church of Jesus Christ, member of any church, member of no church.  I’d like to teach people who know nothing about this faith some of what I believe.  I’d like to share with members of my faith the things that have impacted my testimony.

    Recently a new motivation has emerged.  With a daughter on the way I realize one day she can read all this.  Whether or not anyone reads any of this.  One day my daughter might.

    Right now, I’m posting individual posts that are unrelated to each other.  Mostly my thoughts and musings.  As I post more, I plan on categorizing posts into certain sections.  If someone could come to this page and read a quick one to two-page entry and leave slightly uplifted, that’s my ultimate goal.  Most of my writing I hope to be somewhat thought provoking.  Just things I’ve thought about or ideas and concepts that have really impacted me and changed the way I’ve looked at life.

    I hope for this to be informational.  I was greatly impacted by the writing of a man, John Pontius.  As I read more, I’m impacted by the writings of many people who took the time to put thoughts on paper.  Maybe something I write one day will help someone.  I also hope to discuss what I feel makes the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ special.  I hope for people not of my faith to read, and maybe have something stirred in their souls.  Something that reminds them of where they came from, and maybe have a desire to learn more about Christ’s Church and what makes it so important. 

    As I write I’ll share a lot about me.  I wanted a section to describe, briefly, who I am and how I got here.

    Anybody reading on my page will immediately notice the strong religious theme.  It’s what I think about most.  For a portion of my life, it was not this way.


    About me:

    I was born in Payson, Utah in 1990.  I moved to St. George, Utah when I was ~5.  I moved to Las Vegas, Nevada when I was ~9.  I lived in three houses from ages 9 to 18 in Las Vegas.  We moved a lot and that was always difficult for me while growing up.  

    History – Payson
    Payson, Utah
    The Establishment & History of St. George - Greater Zion
    St. George, Utah
    New Luxury Homes for Sale in Las Vegas, NV | Shadow Point
    Las Vegas, Nevada

    In 2009 I moved to Arizona to go to Arizona State University.  I decided early on I didn’t want to go to UNLV (University of Nevada Las Vegas) or UNR (University of Nevada Reno).  I wanted to get out of Nevada, I wanted a fresh start.  I had no family in Arizona.  Las Vegas wasn’t far, but I would be completely on my own.

    I still remember when I was driving to Arizona for orientation with my mom.  She got sick on the way and we stopped.  I think we were in Boulder City, about an hour into the drive.  I took her to the emergency room.  My dad drove there to be with my mom.  I had to be at orientation the next morning.  I drove to Arizona by myself.  It was the first time I’d driven that kind of distance alone and was symbolic of me becoming independent.

    I went to ASU for five semesters.  I studied construction management.  I always did well in high school with minimal effort.  I’m one of those obnoxious individuals who brags about never studying in high school.  Boy did I learn my lesson once I got to college.  My grades, with zero work ethic and desire, quickly reflected my effort.  It didn’t help that I soon realized I wasn’t interested in what I was studying.  Construction management can be interesting, but it wasn’t for me.  There’s only so much I could take learning about the strength of concrete.

    The College Dropout Turns Fifteen — Scene+Heard
    Like if you get the reference

    My junior year I officially dropped out of college with (of course) the intention of going back and finishing once I found my passion.  I say “of course” because that’s what we all say.  During school I found that I was much more interested in parties, poker, and basketball than I was in learning about safety standards of construction sites.  When I stopped going to school I continued to live on campus and enjoy college life, minus the higher education part.  I spent a full year couch surfing.  I’m sheepish to admit now, but I look back fondly on that year.  It was a year spent staying up until 5am, waking up at 1pm, sneaking into the student rec center to play basketball, getting food, finding a party, rinse/repeat.  It may sound like a pathetic use of time but it’s something I think I needed to experience.

    If my daughter ever reads this – not everyone needs to experience this.  That’s part of why I’m writing.  To show that I made mistakes and lived life a certain way.  Ultimately, I can’t regret it because it eventually got me to where I am today.  I have learned through my own experiences where true happiness exists.  True happiness comes from serving others, giving yourself to something bigger than yourself.  True happiness comes from loving others.  I had to go a round-about way to learn what’s important in life.  Not everyone has to make things as difficult as I made things for myself.

    During my time couch surfing, I was working odd jobs here and there to have enough money for food and extra-curricular activities.  I went to Utah near the end of this adventure for some “soul searching.” After “finding myself,” or not finding myself, I ended up back in Arizona working as a helpdesk tech for two companies.  I went with one of those companies 3 years later when they switched offices and took over as the Systems Administrator.  I now (as of 2020) work for a managed services provider supporting various companies with their technology needs. 

    As I write this blurb about my journey and my past, many thoughts come to mind of what I learned along the way.  I might refer back to this when I need a topic to write about.  Like my lack of desire studying something I wasn’t passionate about or the years spent partying and what that taught me about what I want out of life.

    Faith-wise, I started falling away from the church, due to my choices, when I was 16.  I always had a testimony of this restored church, of Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and Jesus Christ.  That never changed.  Despite my many mistakes and many wrong decisions, I always knew it was true.  When I went to ASU I lost contact with the church completely.  It amazes me to look back and realize I didn’t even know where the church building/institute building/anything related to the church was on campus.  It’s like I’d lost connection with that part of me.

    Throughout the years I’d attempt half-heartedly to return to church.  It never stuck.  I was completely inactive from about 18-25.  Seven long years of inactivity.

    As of this year, 2020, I’ve been back at church for four years and never been happier.  I hope to express through my writing the joy the gospel has brought me and share some of my experiences that can maybe help others.  That’s the hope.  I’ve felt drawn to writing these entries so if one person is helped it’s a major win.

    And if all these hopes fail, I’ll at least be able to look back on everything I’ve written.  One day I can show my daughter and she can know I always believed.  She can see it wasn’t always easy.  She can see life has ups and downs, but it will work out.  Have faith.  That makes this worth writing.

  • Sunday Meditation and Basketball

    Sunday Meditation and Basketball

    In November of 2019 I started meditating every morning.  I’m not doing anything real impressive.  I spend the first 10 minutes of every day laying on my back on the ground.  I started by listening to guided meditations on YouTube.  Now I have the Calm App on my phone which I highly recommend.  I rotate between guided meditations and simply laying with my eyes closed, in prayer and thought.  Early on I found meditation to be extremely beneficial.  My days would start off right.  I would be calmer and more patient with any challenge that arose throughout the day.  I know this is hard to gauge and measure.  Maybe I wasn’t calmer or more patient, but I felt more calm and patient.  That has to be almost as good.

    When I started meditating, I immediately noticed answers to prayers.  Those 10 minutes have become the most important 10 minutes of my day.  I look forward to that time to spend with my own thoughts and with God.  It’s an opportunity to slow down and think about what I want to accomplish; in life and for that day.  It’s time to stop and consider all that I have to be grateful for.

    I think I’ve written about his before, but when I was coming back to church, initially a big help was basketball on weekend mornings.  For years my weekends were spent out late.  When I was trying to stop drinking and stop going out as much, Saturday morning (7am) basketball became critical.  It was something I could look forward to.  It motivated me to stay in on a Friday night so I could get up early and play.  I also played Sunday mornings.  They were my two favorite days every week.

    Weekend Warrior

    Sunday morning basketball never conflicted with church.  I was in the Young Single Adult Ward which didn’t meet until 1pm.  I could easily play 7am-10am and have a few hours to shower, relax, read, study, and pray before church began.

    One Sunday morning I got up to play like I always did.  I was walking around my room getting dressed.  It was time to walk out the door to leave so I bent over to pick up my gym bag.  As I started to stand up the craziest thing happened.  My back completely gave out.  Luckily, I was near my bed (which still resided on box springs on the floor, like I liked it) so I literally fell sideways onto my bed.  I was in excruciating pain.  I called my mom and she said to take some ibuprofen, the basic mom guidance stuff.  I still had it in my mind that I could go play.  I was 26 years old, surely, I didn’t actually throw my back out…right?  I quickly realized, I did.

    Me that weekend

    As I laid in my bed, I wondered what to do.  I loved reading my scriptures, especially Sunday mornings after basketball and before church.  So, I pulled out my scriptures and continued to read where I’d left off in the book of Alma.

    I remember reading the story of the sons of Mosiah that morning in Alma 17-27.  I remember being struck by one thing: the sons of Mosiah were offered the kingdom.  They were each individually asked to be the king of their people.  They were asked to rule, to have power, to have the comforts and honors of the world given to them for the rest of their life.  Instead, they chose to forsake worldly possessions and go on a mission to the Lamanites.  One by one they chose to reject kingship and go to a land of people that were open about their desire to kill any Nephite that came into their presence, let alone a Nephite set to inherit the Nephite kingdom.

    What inspired Ammon and his brothers, the sons of Mosiah to forsake the kingdom and instead choose to preach the gospel?  They saw an angel.  I can’t describe exactly what happened to me that day, studying in my bed.  Something happened.  I was so filled with the spirit.  I felt like I was floating.  It was the most uplifting and edifying scripture study I’d ever had.  I grew so much that morning.  I haven’t played basketball on a Sunday since.  That morning, along with learning so much about the sons of Mosiah and who I wanted to be, I also learned the value of keeping the Sabbath day holy.

    I don’t think basketball was the worst thing to do on a Sunday morning, far from it.  I think those first few months of Sunday morning basketball had a huge impact on me and helped me stay away from activities it was important for me to stay away from at that time.  That morning though, I came to a crossroad.  The temptations of prior months had lessened.  I was immersing myself in the scriptures and praying daily.  That morning I learned how much I could gain on Sunday mornings. 

    I haven’t played basketball on a Sunday since that morning I threw my back out.  Instead, every Sunday morning I try to pray, read, and study.  My study isn’t as good as it has been in the past, I can always improve.  But, staying in on Sunday, preparing for church, praying, pondering my blessings, being with my wife, has become my favorite part of every week.

    In November 2019 I started meditating every morning.  I meditate 7 days a week.  There’s a strange phenomenon I’ve experienced during this time.  I meditate every single day.  But, on Sundays, something is different.  I don’t meditate with the hopes of becoming emotional.  I enjoy it when it happens.  I enjoy feeling the spirit so strongly that, as I lay on the ground in gratitude to my Heavenly Father, tears sometimes come to my eyes.  It happens every so often.  What I’ve noticed is it happens mostly on Sundays.

    Without fail, as I lay and meditate on Sundays, I will be moved by the grace of Jesus Christ and the love of my Heavenly Father.  I will contemplate the Atonement of my Savior.  I’ll consider the suffering He went through for me.  I’ll think about where I’ve been and where I am now.  I’ll wonder how God can love us so much.

    Grace of Christ

    I bear testimony that Sunday is a special day.  It’s not special because it’s specifically Sunday.  That’s the day we, our society, have set aside as a day to worship.  It could be Monday or Friday, doesn’t matter.  What matters is it’s a day for the Lord.  It’s important because it’s a day set aside for God.  He has given us all our days, our lives, what is one day a week in return?  I know that the Sabbath day is a special day.  I know it holds power.  I know it gives rejuvenating strength in a world that unceasingly sucks our spiritual resolve from us throughout the week.  I know it because I’ve experienced it.

    I would invite everybody to spend some time every Sunday morning in prayer.  I promise you will feel something special.  The Sabbath day is profound.  Keep it holy.  It was a long journey for me to truly appreciate the power of the Sabbath.  I know that we’re blessed for keeping the Sabbath holy.  In the scriptures, keeping the Sabbath is said to be what separates God’s people from the world.  Keep the Sabbath holy and I promise God will pour out blessings on you.  I know because he has on me.

  • Prayer

    Prayer

    I don’t know exactly what I want to say on this topic because I still feel like it’s something I’m learning more about every single day.  Of course, I do have some thoughts.  Though, since it’s still something I’m always trying to understand better, these thoughts may be seemingly random with no organization whatsoever.  I know, you’re probably thinking, “uhm……. What else is new.”  My response, “be quiet and just keep reading.”

    An artist's rendition of the parable of the persistent widow.

    Christ taught to pray always.  He taught to have a prayer in our hearts.  He gave parables for us to understand.  One parable is of the unjust judge who didn’t care about anyone or anything.  But, because a woman bothered him he decided to help her simply because he didn’t want to be bothered by her.  Christ’s point with that parable was that, since a man who didn’t care about anybody gave in to being bothered, why wouldn’t God?  I agree with what you’re thinking, I find the story kind of… interesting as well.  Like God is this person being pestered to the point of answering.  I don’t think that’s what Christ meant at all.  He meant that our Father is all loving.  So, how much more is He likely and willing to help us simply if we ask?

    I’ve thought a lot about how Christ prayed.  How powerful those prayers must have been.  We see mention in the scriptures of the power of His prayers.  It was often said that the words couldn’t be repeated for they were so powerful.  My favorite is Third Nephi 17: 15-17 which reads

    15 And when he had said these words, he himself also knelt upon the earth; and behold he prayed unto the Father, and the things which he prayed cannot be written, and the multitude did bear record who heard him.

    16 And after this manner do they bear record: The eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, before, so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the Father;

    17 And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak; and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.

    Gives me goosebumps.

    Just think about that.  Christ’s prayer was so powerful that it brought joy to those who just listened.  What love must have been expressed. 

    There are also many examples of Christ going off on His own to pray in the New Testament.  Many times He’d be gone for hours praying.  I won’t list these scriptural examples but there are plenty.  What does this tell us?  Even Christ prayed, how much more need we to pray? 

    I’ve seen many miracles come about from prayer but maybe the most amazing thing about those miracles is that they don’t quickly come to mind.  I’ve felt the power of prayer and yet often forget when I have had a prayer answered.  I try to record them, so I don’t forget.  One small example happened once at work.  I was at work and really overwhelmed.  Many requests were coming in for things I needed to help with.  I had a meeting coming up that I wasn’t prepared for.  I really needed to take some time to gather some information for this meeting.  Otherwise I’d be going in and possibly make a fool of myself from being so unprepared.  I was getting more overwhelmed by the moment. 

    As I started to panic I remembered, like a slap to the face, to pray.  Sitting at someone’s computer trying to fix a problem for them, I silently prayed for help, patience, and peace.  I immediately felt better.  Within a couple minutes the person whom I had my meeting with walked by and said they had something come up and we’d have to delay our meeting.  This gave me time to go and gather all the information I needed.

    This happened years ago but it’s an experience I’ve held to, to remember the power of prayer.  These experiences happen daily.  I know they do.  I also know we often don’t notice them.  If we constantly have a prayer in our heart, God is constantly looking to show us how much He loves us. 

    I try to remember this story especially when I feel I’m not receiving answers to prayers.  In church many people tell stories of receiving their powerful answer.  Many people talk about the warm feeling in their chest.  I don’t know how much I’ve experienced those feelings.  I do know I’ve felt peace.  I do know I’ve received answers.  Often though, they don’t come.  My faith is that I can develop my skills in prayer and be better at receiving the answers God has for me and accepting when He doesn’t have an answer to give me at that moment.

    I think one day we’ll learn of the profound nature of prayer.  It likely won’t be until the next life.  I believe when we pray spectacular things happen around us that we don’t see.  The book, Visions of Glory talks about how when we’re feeling temptation or we’re in a negative environment, just a thought of prayer allows angels to surround and protect us.  I believe we are blind to the constant influences of good and evil around us.  I mean literal beings of light and darkness that want to influence us.  I think when we pray the heavens are moved and we are given protection.  Think about that.  If you knew that a prayer brought an angel to be by your side and watch and protect you, would you ever stop praying?

    She Will Find What Is Lost Litho Print - Deseret Book
    She Will Find What is Lost by Brian Kershisni

    My last thought I want to mention is that, for me, I’ve learned my life is better when I pray better.  It’s not something we notice unless we really, really stop and think about it.  But I’ve come to realize it’s true.  Stop and think about your day then think back on your prayers.  Did you have an amazing day?  Maybe an awesome conversation came about.  Maybe, if you’re a member of the church (of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints…or any church for that matter), you had a great opportunity to share something about church or the gospel.  Maybe you just had a clarity of mind, a focus at work.  Maybe you had a productive day and just felt good.  How was your prayer that day?  How about days that you feel like you’re drudging along, impatient, short with people, not interested in talking or being friendly?  How was your prayer that day?  I think if we inventory our prayers and compare it to our resultant day, we’d be blown away by the correlation.  Our prayers bring power, it’s something I’ve learned.

    The funny (or sad) thing, even with this “understanding” I claim to have, I still fall into mundane prayers.  Repetitive, mindless prayers.  When I do, I see my days suffer.  For some reason it’s hard.  We fall into a rut.  We can’t focus on what we’re saying.  I sometimes even feel like He’s not there.  Then I have to remember He’s always there.  If someone is lacking in the partnership between myself and God, it is definitely me.  I have to be vigilant and strive to pray with focus and intent.  I have to express gratitude and actually mean it.  I have to thank Heavenly Father for His plan and the Atonement of Jesus Christ and actually think about it and mean it.  I have to consider what I would be without repentance.  When I do these things, my life is better.

    When I have a prayer in my heart constantly, I am happier.  I feel light.  I feel love.  I’m more willing to serve and I’m more patient.  I’m more aware of opportunities to do good.  I’m not special in this regard, in fact there are so many out there saying their prayers the right way.  I think as we pray better, we can be better, and we can help each other. I believe this world would be a much better place if we all kept a prayer in our hearts.

    _____________________

    To learn more about prayer please check out these links:

    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/prayer?lang=eng

    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-8-praying-to-our-heavenly-father?lang=eng

    The title is outdated but I thought this video did a good job of showing how to pray:

  • Book Review: They Knew the Prophet

    Book Review: They Knew the Prophet

    Book review:  They Knew the Prophet compiled by Hyrum L. and Helen Mae Andrus Copyright 1974

    I just finished a book I really enjoyed called They Knew the Prophet. 

    The book is a collection of first-hand accounts of people’s interactions with the Prophet, Joseph Smith.  I think this book could be of interest to anyone, whether a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not.  Even if you know nothing about the Church, you get a grasp of how respected and revered Joseph Smith was by his followers. This man with zero education started a religion.  In 1830, less than 200 years ago, six people gathered together to formally organize the church. That group of six has turned into over 16 million. For this reason, even people not of the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ could be fascinated by and should be interested in the historical character that Joseph Smith was.

    If you are a member of the Church, I highly recommend this book.  It was an easy read. Each first-hand account is brief. The longest individual account was 10 pages but that was an outlier.  The book is 193 pages long and there are a total of 98 unique accounts. Fun fact—the 10-page account was from my great-great grandfather, Benjamin F. Johnson.  The book is organized so you move through the prophet’s life. It starts from the beginning with someone who lived near his family and hired young Joseph to help on his farm.  It moves slowly until the end where first-hand accounts are given of his death. I’ve previously read a decent amount on the death of the Prophet and some of what I read at the end was still new to me.

    It’s interesting to see the progression from people describing Joseph Smith early on as ineloquent to later in the book people describing him as the most powerful man and speaker they ever encountered.  It’s truly fascinating to see that progression through the eyes of those who knew him.

    I will avoid giving away too much and thus ruining the book for anyone that may want to read it.  I will share an excerpt from my favorite account. It was written by Howard Coray. He was speaking about all the learned men that would come and try to contend with and confound Joseph.  He wrote:

    “Among other great men who called to see him was Cyrus Walker, a lawyer of much note.  He tried to sound the Prophet, and see how deep he was. Well, it was with Walker as it had been with all the others.  He soon got enough, found Joseph too deep for his lead and line, and gave up the enterprise. Thus it was in every instance that came under my observation.  How could we expect it to be otherwise-for any man who had never peered into heaven and seen heavenly things to be a match for one who had had a half score or more heavenly messengers for teachers.”

    That passage made me think of Joseph Smith in a new way.  Thinking about myself, in the last four years since coming back to Church and actively studying the gospel, I’ve felt I’ve grown so much.  The knowledge and understanding I have today is so far from where I was just four years ago. Joseph was being visited, tutored, and taught by the leaders of past dispensations.  He was being taught by Jesus Christ Himself. His progression from an un-learned farm hand to eloquent orator of gospel principles was at such an accelerated pace. I love that story and it perfectly illustrates what I enjoyed about this book.

    It did get a bit repetitive near the very end and I found myself having a hard time finishing it.  Until the conclusion came. Reading of the end of the Prophet’s life is always emotional and gives me an appreciation for Joseph Smith and what he was willing to give for his testimony:  everything. 

    You can find a copy of the book online for ~$28.  If anyone is interested in borrowing my copy, just let me know!  

    I highly recommend this book.  As the inside cover said, “more than any other book it will make the reader feel that (they) too knew the prophet.”  He was the Moses of our dispensation. There’s no better way to try to understand who he was than through the eyes of those who knew him.