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Happy Birthday, Schmetterling!
- If you haven't been to my brother Schmetterling's blog you're missing out. Today's Schmett's birthday and I'm going to use him as a stand-in for both my families and say I love you and wipe a cheery tear from my eye.
Anyway, here's a scripture: Behold, you have had many afflictions because of your family; nevertheless, I will bless you and your family, yea, your little ones; and the day cometh that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my church.
Happy Birthday, Joseph Smith!
- For Sharing Time we had a birthday party for Joseph Smith--we played games like Pin-the-Joseph-in-the-Sacred-Grove--it was awesome.
Anyway, here's a scripture: Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!
Happy Unbirthday, Jesus!
- I know, I know: It's not your birthday. Still. Glory to God on the highest. Peace on earth, good will, et cetera.
Anyway, here's a scripture: And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.
Note on the third of the scriptures you quoted--I find it fascinating that Nephi knew the Father and Son well enough to be able to distinguish between their voices. In this particular revelation of his, it doesn't sound as though he saw either of Them, only heard Their voices, yet he could still differentiate.
ReplyDeleteBetter man than me, that Nephi fellow, but, really, what ELSE is new, yeah?
Oh. And thanks for remembering my birthday. Nice to know I'm in the company of Brother Joseph and Jesus Christ!