There have been volumes written on this American Prophet born in Vermont on December 23, 1805. Authors, scholars, historians, teachers, leaders: all have had their opinion on Joseph Smith, Jr. Here it is 165 years since his martyrdom June 27, 1844 and I can't help but be absolutely amazed at his incredible impact on my life. Granted, I am only a Mormon housewife- a role that is seemingly unappreciated by my children and the rest of the world- but in the year of 2009, I came to feel like I "knew" Joseph Smith. I feel that he was, is, my friend.
I had the privilege of teaching from the Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith Manual this past year. It truly is a fabulous manual. But I felt so drawn to his story- to his stories- that I couldn't help but research more and more and more... I had read the AMAZING Life of Joseph Smith the Prophet before by George Q. Cannon and had started to absorb its meaning, but truly Joseph's life has spoken to me so strongly this year that sometimes, I expect to see him in my driveway or at the grocery store. Yes, you might think I am fanatical. Maybe I am. But I suppose if you're going to be a little mad about someone, he is better than Taylor Lautner-( yes, I had to ask my 13 year old how to spell his name.)
Life is full of many things: happiness, pain, joy, sorrow, and Joseph's life had the diversity and height of -what I feel is- every emotion known to human kind. I relate to Joseph, in my own small way. I feel that his story has not only solidified my testimony in the gospel of Jesus Christ, but it has pushed my understanding beyond what I thought life was "supposed to be." I feel that my life is richer, fuller, better for having "known" this amazing, flawed, marvelous, human, godly man. And I feel that his life will continue to guide my journey back to my Heavenly Father.
Therefore, the name of my blog is Joseph and Me.
The new Gospel Essentials Manual brings some heartache for me as Joseph's life is not looked at in depth for every lesson. But in preparing for my upcoming lesson on "Our Heavenly Father," I have realized yet again, how integral Joseph's life was in LDS doctrines and teachings.
