In preparation for the messages that we will hear this General Conference, I would like to remind you of some things that President Russell M. Nelson said in his "Closing Remarks" of the October 2019 Conference. Near the end of his finalizing talk, he said to each of us, in order to guide us to this coming General Conference in April,
"You may wish to begin your preparation by reading Joseph Smith's account of the
First Vision as recorded in the Pearl of Great Price. Our course of study for the next
year in Come Follow Me is the Book of Mormon. You may wish to ponder important
questions such as, 'How would my life be different if my knowledge gained from the
Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?' or 'How have the events that followed
the First Vision made a difference for me and my loved ones?' Also, with the Book of
Mormon videos now becoming available, you may wish to incorporate them in your
family study. Select your own questions. Design your own plan. Immerse yourself in
the glorious light of the Restoration. As you do, general conference nest April will not
only be memorable; it will be unforgettable."
I believe in all the words of our modern-day prophet. That they can both warn or bring comfort to those who need it and we all certainly should heed his words. Seeing where the world is now with the Coronavirus, we definitely do need something like this for our memories, because it will contain unforgettable messages of hope.
In following the Prophet's word, I will now make two lists describing the things which he depicted in his questions (you may take out your own lists and add to them if you wish) (at least I didn't wait until April 4-5 to make these...)
How would my life be different if my knowledge gained from the Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?
-I would be confused about conflicting teachings and opinions about so many things
-I would not know about the Holy Ghost and His own possibility of a role in my life
-I would not have as clear an understanding of my purpose here on earth
-Wouldn't understand that the Savior not only suffered for my sins, but He healed my pains and sorrows
-Would not know that we have prophets to lead us
-It is another testament of Jesus Christ. It's writers--Nephi, Jacob, Mormon, Moroni--and its translator, Joseph Smith were all eyewitnesses of the Lord
-We would not have a record of Christ's ministry in America
-No affirmation of the individual identity of Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ
-No knowledge of the necessity of the Fall of Adam and the wisdom of Eve; that all men might have joy
-Clarifies understanding of premortal existence
-Clarifies the Atonement of Jesus Christ
-Baptisms were performed before Christ's birth
-Nephi foresaw the discovery and colonization of America
How have the events that followed the First Vision made a difference for me and my loved ones?
-Show the importance of all prophets testifying of Christ
-It is valid to make an effort to share the gospel and Restoration with all, even those who aren't members of the church
-Makes me think of Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's April 2005 talk, "The Fruits of the First Vision" wherein he tells how his testimony of Joseph Smith and his witness helps strengthen his testimony of the Savior
-They are proof that God and the Savior still speak with His children
-Ask in Faith and your answer will come
-Testimony of the Three Witnesses; it has to be sound
-God loves all His children and has a Vision for each of us
-This is an important year, just as 1820 was
-Anywhere sound, good, and calm can be a place of revelation
-Even nature has a reaction to God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ
I hope that you enjoyed reading this, maybe were reminded somewhat of a truth found in another scripture, talk, or wherever, maybe even a journal entry (please tell me, I'm all ears! I want to know everything that I can and should know). I know this next General Conference will contain some special messages knowing this world as one where life gets harder every day, whether it be some virus or flu that they don't have a cure for yet, temptation's cunning snake-like voice only getting louder in your ears, or maybe though, the right side of your body is becoming more able any time more that you feel you must wait is all too long (BINGO!!). Or maybe it is all three...(BINGO!!--again) This reminds me of a poem by Emily Dickinson called "A narrow Fellow in the Grass". That poem reads,
"A narrow Fellow in the Grass
Occasionally rides-
You have met him? Did you not
His notice instant is-
The Grass divides as with a Comb,
A spotted Shaft is seen,
And then it closes at your Feet
And opens further on-
He likes a Boggy Acre-
A Floor too cool for Corn-
But when a Boy and Barefoot
I more than once at Noon
Have passed I thought a Whip Lash
Unbraiding in the Sun
When stooping to secure it
It wrinkled And was gone-
Several of Nature's People
I know, and they know me
I feel for them a transport
Of Cordiality
But never met this Fellow
Attended or alone
Without a tiger Breathing
And Zero at the Bone."
I would also like to remind, that there is always hope. No matter how much that snake seems to blend in with the grass, or how appealing some temptations may seem, there is always another, a better way to go. That is why I invite each of you to watch, listen, or read to the April 2020 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, being broadcast April 4-5 in separate sessions because there will be a message for each one of us in it, I can feel it. After all, how memorable and unforgettable can it be? Very. (That's all I can detail it right now...) You don't want to miss it.
