Family Time and Beautiful Sabbath--A time to reflect

Today I was reflecting upon some insights I had several years ago about Joseph Smith.

I don't think I have ever told anyone about it and found myself sharing it with my home teacher's wife who sat next to me in Sunday School with her adult daughter. I had a few book marks left over from my last week's lesson and wanted to make sure everyone who wasn't there could get one this week. (See above photo of Joseph)

As I showed them the picture of Joseph Smith, I recognized the face of a man (Scott K) in one of my former wards who was the live model for Liz Lemon Swindle's painting portraying Joseph. I then shared with the the two ladies this short story.

One Sunday morning as I was walking into the Cascade II Ward chapel for sacrament meeting, a member of the bishopric (Scott K.) stood there as I walked by. My eyes met his, and all of a sudden I had a manifestation as if there stood the persona and presence of Joseph Smith. The feeling was electrifying to describe actually was how it felt as just for a moment, there he stood! It was a feeling that perhaps others may have experienced in having seen Joseph in real life. It caught me off guard, since I hadn't had that happen to me before, nor since. I believe that it was giving me a witness that Joseph was the Prophet of the restoration and it came in the electrifying feeling as if he was there in person.

I never stopped to analyze it nor question it; I was in awe that it effected me that way. It is something perhaps that has no explanation in words, but only by the Spirit. I shall never forget that feeling, it was so strong and comforting at the same time.

Another time that I had a similar physical response was when I saw Joseph Fielding Smith for the first time in the Smith Fieldhouse in 1970. It was in July, so it was the first few weeks after we moved to Provo, UT. I had gone there to hear and see the prophet, and his wife speak. I don't remember if Hank and Tanise went with me. I just recall going with them, maybe Hank, Tanise and Tara.

"The prophet entered the auditorium, and I saw him from a distance as we stood to sing "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet." I began to cry as I saw and felt him enter. There was a warmth that came over me. I didn't understand at the time that it was the spirit bearing witness to me that Joseph Fielding Smith was the living prophet of the Lord in our dispensation.

I later came to know and understand the workings of the Spirit in my life in these kinds of manifestations, if you will. It was powerful and I am pleased to share it here with my family and close friends this day. "

I know we learn line upon line, here a little and there a little, and know these kinds of things are gifts. Gifts of the Spirit. They seem to be cumulative and I appreciate the Lord's grace in my life and how He makes up all the difference when I am lacking. This I know to be true, absolutely and unequivocally.

I know without doubt that we are lead by Prophets of God in these, the latter-days, even President Thomas S. Monson. I am grateful for the knowledge I have of these truths.

I invite others to come to know our Savior and His great love, grace in our behalf and stand firm in your own testimony that the Church is true and of our living Prophet, Seer and Revelator.

I see the hand of God in my life often. It happens more and more as I stop to consciously take mental notes throughout my day when I feel his blessings pour out upon me. I appreciate the counsel from President Henry B. Eyring for us to write daily of our thoughts for posterity.

I am also grateful for a fine son's example and his daily blog expression that influenced me to take on my own blog experience. Hank is a very busy person, so why couldn't I at least try it too? Thanks, Hank--I love you.

I was able to go to the Ks for dinner this evening. We had a great meal and spent quality time. It was good to have time with Hank and his family after his long absence in Virginia. It made my day complete. Family is important to me. I love spending time with all of you. I look forward to those times. It fills a spot in my heart that is irreplaceable.

May you all be blessed to feel of His great love for you and God's hands in your life too.

Love, Mom, aka Anna