Joseph Smith

Today in seminary we were asked to write our thoughts and feelings about Joseph Smith here is what I wrote. Sorry it's kind of all over.

Joseph Smith was and is an amazing man. I can't even begin to express my thoughts and feelings about the prophet Joseph Smith. I cannot wait until I can meet him and shake this great man's hand. He brought about the restoration of the church. We are that Church. This cause is the greatest cause known to man, who wouldn't want to fight for it? I sure want to! It's amazing how much Joseph got done in his short life, he wasn't even forty when he died. He did more for the salvation of man in his lifetime save Jesus Christ. (D&C 135:3) But, he was fearless and was wiling to die for the most righteous cause of mankind. The gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Joseph and Hyrum were willing to die for it, obviously this is no fake, it is the only true church. Joseph Smith dedicated his life and sacrificed himself for the cause of The Book of Mormon and the gospel of Jesus Christ. If the Smith brothers had made up the book of Mormon, why would Hyrum read from it to comfort Joseph in their last moments? They wouldn't! (D&C 135:4-5)

Without Joseph Smith and the restoration of the fullness of the gospel we would not have any of the important saving ordinances or blessings we have been given today. Such as the Holy Ghost, I have been comforted so many times by the Holy Ghost and felt it's burning inside as my testimony grows. I am so grateful for Joseph Smith and for the fullness of the gospel on this earth today. I love this gospel so much and who knows where I would be without it!

Love,
Kenzie

Strength

This past week was missionary week. One of the last things to do on our list was to write about how Christ strengthens me or can strengthen me. So, I began my scripture study asking how do this. I found in 2nd Nephi chapter 13; I must repent, follow the prophet, serve, be humble and submissive. In D&C section 133, I found; receive Christ, answer Christ, believe in Christ, obey commandments, and don't be prideful.  

I then wrote in my journal how Christ has strengthened me. He has given me answers to my prayers through the prophet, and scripture study. He gives me peace and comfort from the Holy Ghost during the good and the bad. He listens to my complaints. He helps me want to be and strive to be a better person. I am more inclined to study my scriptures, pray sincerely, and share the gospel with others. 

I sincerely believe that without Christ we would all perish. I wouldn't be where I am today without Christ and the gospel in my life. He is the great mediator of the whole earth, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, and above all, He is our elder brother, He loves us and wants us to return and live with Him again. I know He is always here for us and will help us through anything, if we are faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments. 

I am grateful for the many, many, many times Christ has saved me. He has prepared the way for all of us to return. The example He set for us was the perfect one. I know we aren't perfect, but we must find and receive strength from our Savior and eventually we will become just like Him, perfect in every conceivable way. Thank you all for being willing to go with me on this journey of trials and faith. I love you all!

Love,

Kenzie

Love

In honor of Valentines Day yesterday I decided to write about something having to do with love. Now, no one wants all that mushy, gross stuff. So I will write about the Savior's love for us and how we share the love of the Savior with others. This next week is Missionary week in Seminary. We have different themes for each day. Last Friday through this Monday is focusing on heart. We have been challenged to pray for the gift of charity for our fellow men. Charity is the love of Christ. For our journal prompt it asks us to write about why it is important for us to have charity for those we serve.
Service is a simple to way to show we care about somebody. In Mosiah 2:17 it reads;  "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. Serving others not only shows your love and devotion for them, but also for Christ."

I know that serving others not only brings you joy but the person you serve and Christ also. In D&C 4:2 (which is our youth theme this year) it reads; "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.  He is delighted to know that you are following in His footsteps and doing all you can to be a representative of Him. I know He lives and wants us to be like Him so that we may return to Him someday. I believe in the power of the priesthood, in eternal life, and Christ's love for us. I know He loves us with all His heart and will help us to become like Him if we just ask.
I love you all and am grateful for the influence you have on my life!
Love,
Kenzie

He lives!

On my way back from Sardine Canyon, I looked out the back window of the car and I breathed in awe, the top of the mountains were bathed in sunlight, behind them the blue sky, with wisps of clouds here and there. For me, that was a much needed, reassurance that Christ lives and that He is here for me. Now, as I pondered this and thanked God for the beautiful sight,  I was ironically sitting in a driver's ed car. It made me remember many lessons I've had about holy places and how we can make anyplace a holy place for us. At that time, it was in the driver's ed car. You can make anyplace a holy place, if you put your mind to it. 

Today I was reading and article titled; What if Nehor and Korihor had a blog. It mentioned how Korihor asked "How do ye know of a surety? Behold ye cannot know of things ye do not see." It reminds me of the story of Nephi and Laban. How even though Lamen and Lemuel saw an angel of the Lord and witnessed countless miracles, they still didn't believe. I think it all depends on how you look at it and how you take it into account. I personally have not seen Christ in person, since before I was born, but I prayed and asked to know if Christ really does live. I came to know He does. I believe this with all my heart. In D&C 76:22, it reads  "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! "  I love this scripture so much. You can doubt or believe whatever you will, but ultimately it comes down to that statement, that He lives! Christ is the center of everything, I know this with a surety, I sincerely hope you do too. I am very blessed to have the gospel in my life and would be lost without it. I am grateful for the little things in my life that remind me that Christ is here for me and that He is over all. Hope you all have a great rest of the week!

Love,
Kenzie

Prayer

Over and over in the scriptures it says to pray always. I haven't really thought about it much until I began reading the prologue of the twelfth book in the Tennis Shoes Adventure Series, Drums of Desolation. The author asks if Jesus was just referring to pray two or three time a day or something deeper? It made me think about things and wonder what am I doing in my life to "pray always"? The author goes on to say "that maybe it meant that every moment, every hour of the day, we should somehow maintain an uninterrupted dialogue with our Father in Heaven." Or in other words, put God first ALWAYS! In the True to the Faith it lists principles of prayer, one of those is always give thanks to your Father in Heaven. I think one way to "pray always" is to just be thankful for everything you've been given (see gratitude and patience). I honestly believe that as we strive to be more grateful and count our many blessings(hymn 241) we will feel the spirit more strongly, come closer to Christ, and be able to endure our trials well. In seminary a while ago we talked about being grateful and patient in everything, recently in seminary we talked about how we can endure our trials well. I brought up the topic of gratitude. Ever since that lesson in seminary weeks ago, I have been trying to focus on being more grateful, not just for the big things, but for the small things also. There is a scripture in 1 Nephi 16:29 which reads; "And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things."  As I have been on crutches for six weeks, and now have just been freed of them, this seems to have greater meaning to me. I seriously have considered many things I have taken for granted such as; walking, running, playing sports, household chores, taking care of pets, and doing things without assistance like; opening doors, carrying personal belongings, and cleaning up after myself. I am sincerely grateful that I had the experiences I did while on crutches, I wouldn't trade them for anything else. Even though I hated those things with a passion. I love you all and thanks for opening my doors, walking with me to classes(very slowly I might add), and supporting me in everything. Thanks also for reading my blog. I would like to especially thank my family for putting up with my incessant whining, my cries for help, and for taking care of my bunnies for four weeks, I really do appreciate it and couldn't ask for a better family, I love you all so much!

Love,
Kenzie

Scripture Study

In seminary, my teacher told us about one girl's way of scripture study. This was to write down a question she had, then read her scriptures and look for an answer, every time she found what she was looking for. I decided to start doing this last night. I wrote down a question, began reading and answers popped up everywhere. It was incredible! When I was done, I had an answer and felt spiritually full. I went to sleep last night feeling like I actually learned something and I wasn't just reading the scriptures.
I often would try to learn something or receive and answer to my prayer by just reading the scriptures. I felt the spirit, but didn't really learn much, and ended up just highlighting a few verses. I testify that writing out questions works for me, I challenge you to find out what helps you to study your scriptures the best, and actually get an answer and feel satisfied with that days studies. I know that Christ lives, I know He is there for us always and I pray that I will follow His example and return to live with Heavenly Father and Christ again someday.