Kathy taught the lesson today.
She did such a great job, as always, and the subject is always worth talking about.
Opening Statement:
"We have tasted the fruits of the gospel and know they are good, and we desire that all men shall receive the same blessings and the same spirit that have been poured out so abundantly upon us."
Presdient Joseph Fielding Smith
As Presdient Smith served his mission to England in 1899, just shortly after he was married to Louie, they both embraced the call and faced it with faith and courage. Don't get me wrong...they were sad at the thought of being separated for two years, but he made this comment--"I am in the hands of our Heavenly Father and he will watch over me and protect me if I do his will. And he will be with you (Louie) while I am away and watch over you and protect you in all things.
He was so willing to follow the will of the Lord!!
It was amazing but while he served "he did not make one convert, did not have opportunity to perform one baptism, although he did confirm one convert." BUT...he knew that even though he was unable to see many results of his labors, he found comfort in knowing that he was doing the Lord's will and that he was helping prepare people who might receive the gospel later in their lives.
That what we do sisters...we keep living the gospel and doing the best we can to represent the Lord in all we do!! Whether anyone joins the church because of our efforts, or not, we love and support and continue to be kind to our neightbors and friends. That's what the Lord would have us do.
President Smith was exposed to chicken pox along with several of his companions. While confined to quarantine in a hospital he makes the observation: "We have made friends with the nurses and others who visited us during our imprisonment. Many times we have had talks with them about the gospel; also left with them books to read. When we left the hospital we sang a hymn or two, which among other things impressed those who listened, for we left them with tears in their eyes. I think we have made an impression at the hospital for good, especially with the nurses, who confess that we are not the people they thought we were and that they will now defend us at all times."
One other thing that really stood out to me was this comment.
"How will I feel, or you, when called before the judgment seat if someone shall point his finger at me, or you, and say that 'if it had not been for the actions of this man or this group I would have received the truth, but I was blinded because they, professing to have the light, did not live it."'
LOTS OF FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!!
The Lord says if we labor all our days and save but one soul, how great will be our joy with him; on the other hand how great will be our sorrow and our condemnation if through our acts we have led one soul away from this truth.
THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS, WHEREVER THEY MAY BE, ARE AND SHOULD BE A LIGHT TO THE WORLD. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO BE LIVING WITNESSES OF THE TRUTH AND DIVINITY OF THE WORK!!!
