The Prophet Joseph Smith

These last few weeks I have been preparing to teach a lesson in Relief Society on the introduction chapter in the new Joseph Smith manual. I had to teach this same lesson on Spencer W. Kimball last year. Last year, teaching the lesson was actually quite hard. It was wonderful to be able to read and learn about President Kimball's life. I learned many things I did not know, and my love and appreciation for President Kimball deepened. But, to teach that kind of 'lesson' was really difficult for me. The intro chapter is more just like a outline of the main events and happenings in the prophet's life. So I felt like I was doing a lot of reading and there wasn't much participation. Well, luckily (and hopefully) I have learned from last year, and this year's lesson will be much more interactive and uplifting. I hope that it will inspire the sisters to learn as much as they can about the teachings and life and characteristics of the Prophet Joseph. This is a quote from the intro to the manual: "The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have established the Teaching of Presidents of the Church series to help you deepen your understanding of the restored gospel and draw closer to the Lord through the teachings of latter-day Presidents of the Church. As the Church adds volumes to this series, you will build a collection of gospel reference books for your home. The volumes in this series are designed to be used for both personal study and for quorum and class instruction. This extraordinary new book offers members worldwide an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the Prophet of the Restoration and his teachings. Never before have so many of God’s children had such access to his prophetic statements." I want to convey this message to this sisters in our ward and hope that they will relish the opportunity to have this book. I have a testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that he saw God and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know that the true church of our God and our Savior was not on the earth at that time. Parts of that church were, but the fullness of the true gospel was not. I know that the gospel was restored to the earth through Joseph Smith. That he received all the knowledge and priesthoods and keys needed to restore that church. I know Joseph Smith was a good man; an extraordinary man, at that. He was kind to all-- even his enemies. He was always a friend. He was humble and forgiving. He never asked to be God's prophet, but he did what God asked him to do. I am continually amazed at his faith in God; his optimism. Joseph once told his cousin, George A. Smith, "If I was sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage and I should come out on the top of the heap at last." I love the Prophet Joseph and I am thankful for his life, his faith and courage. His example and his love for mankind. I know he is a true Prophet of God. I am thankful that I have been blessed with a testimony to know of the truthfulness of the gospel and of the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. How grateful I am for him. "Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!"