Bicentennial Celebration of The First Vision of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - April General Conference~

This weekend, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrates the 200 year Anniversary of the First Vision received by the Prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith. This is an exciting time for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also many that are not of our faith. We believe in Prophets, Seers, and Revelators, as found in the original church established by our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. We believe that our Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, is a Prophet to the world and also our twelve Apostles. This last year we have been preparing for this celebration. Our Prophet told us last year that this would be an unusual celebration. With the present Pandemic, it is going to be very unique. This weekend is our 190th Annual General Conference that will be televised throughout the world. Here is a link to this conference. Tune in and hear our Prophet and Apostles speak. You will find direction, comfort, and peace from the messages that will be given. There will be beautiful music from The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square that has been pre-recorded for this event since it will be held remotely through the gift of media.

 The First Vision - Now You Know~

  

This video gives an overview of the First Vision and should answer any questions you might have. 

Many years ago, We received a copy of a Poem entitled, "The Calling" by Michael T. Hurst from his Uncle. It had a profound effect on my husband and me. I pray you will feel the sweet feelings of the spirit as you read this precious poem. 
Michael was in his 20's at that time and had cancer of which he later passed away. This is a heartfelt poem of the first vision that I hope you will take a moment to read. 

The Calling By Michael T. Hurst

Hyrum’s brother in the morning

Ere the sun caused cock to crow,

Arose from sleep and lit a candle

And read the Bible by its glow.

His young heart was deeply troubled,

Greatly burdened by his plight,

For he wondered, more than most men,

Which of all the sects was right?

Then from James a partial answer

Struck his mind like hammer blows

And drove itself into his bosom;

‘Ask of God’, said ancient prose.

From the cabin, through the barnyard,

Strode the lad with easy grace.

Past the plowed fields, newly seeded,

To a predetermined place,

Nestled deep in yonder forest,

Cuddled in a womb of green,

Looking back and all around him –

Only shadows; he’s unseen.

Filtered through the shimmering treetops.

Morning sunlight gilt the youth

And kneeling humbly in its aura,

Joseph prayed to learn the truth.

Suddenly bright skies were blackened,

A great thick darkness gathered round,

While evil powers, frenzied, fighting,

Bound the lad and stopped his sound.

Never yet such awesome power,

Never viciousness so real,

Never loomed such great destruction

As the lad was caused to feel,

Urgent prayer was nigh abandoned,

Almost squelched by evil might,

When rescue came in one bright instant;

Blackness was dispelled by light.

What a shaft of glorious brilliance

Blessed the forest there that day.

As all eternity rang an answer

To the boy who went to pray.

Flee, the denizens of darkness,

From the presence of a greater one,

One whose sacred luminescence

Dims the glory of the sun.

Standing tall in might and glory,

In the air, o’er forest sod,

Above him, speaking, introducing,

Joseph saw the face of God.

God the Father, great, eternal,

Glorious, yet much like man,

Calling once again a prophet,

To reveal the gospel plan;

God the Father, great, eternal,

With his own Beloved Son,

Son and Sire, both stood together,

Glory, countenance, all as one.

“Joseph, this is My Beloved,

Hear Him,” and so Joseph heard

God’s predicted declaration

Of men’s departure from his word.

“Joseph!” ‘Twas the voice of thunder,

Yet was kind and filled his soul.

And he listened to the Firstborn.’

Who revealed to him his role.

For the church of old had fallen,

Plunged to darkness from its light;

But with guidance from the heavens,

Morn could break up the night.

Morn, as when the rosy day-dawn,

Maturing, Love breaks exuberant ray;

And the shouting voice of sunlight,

Conquering, holds the night at bay.

Thus the light the Lord was giving;

Guidance was, for years ahead;

Knowledge to restore salvation,
For the living and the dead.

Joseph faced long years of struggle,

Years of toil, and prayer and tears;

Years of Kirtland, Nauvoo, Carthage,

Persecution; hell’s fires fed,

Ere he’s seen full forty seasons,

Years that leave young Joseph dead.

But he felt exhilaration,

Wonder, reverence, worship, awe;

All his life would be a witness

To the truth of what he saw.

Then the vision, closing, left him

Lying limpid, in the wood.

Having heard God’s great assignment,

He would do it as he should.

Then rising, moving, through the shadows.

Joseph stepped into the sun,

And a prophet walked the pathways

Where a little boy had run.

We can all have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. I thought I would share this beautiful music, Entitled: "My Own Sacred Grove by Anie Killian

May you all take a moment and tune into our conference and see and hear the voice of our living Prophet of today and the twelve Apostles. Here you will receive direction, comfort and peace received as a revelation from Jesus Christ. If you have an open heart you will feel the spirit testify that what is spoken is true. 

Have a special weekend, stay home and be safe. Love to you all!