I've had some experiences these past few weeks that lead me to chose this title page "For Time & Eternity". I've been thinking about the important role families play together in this life, and about the council from apostles and prophets throughout the scriptures and by our leaders today on the "Holy Sanctity" of marriage.
The Family Proclamation: Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children. Successful marriage and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion and wholesome recreational activities. Fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.
We've met with many part-member families since we came here. Each of them are unique in their personal circumstances, but the sisters are very much alike in their hunger for church activity and temple blessings. My heart has aches for them, and the sorrow they carry as they live their spiritual lives alone. They have an understanding and testimony of temple marriage. They know the unity it would bring to their marriage and family, but their companion has chosen another road. Oh, how I yearn to lift and comfort them!
I'm grateful for my testimony of temple marriage and the eternal blessings that come by being sealed in the temple. I can't imagine living my life without the knowledge that my children will be with me forever. That became even more evident to me when my parents, that I loved dearly, passed away; and then again when my beloved daughter, Sheri, returned home to Heavenly Father. I wish every home, and every family would choose to live the gospel so they can have these blessings.
My heart is humbled to know that friends and family are remembering me with love and prayers while I serve. I do feel that, and it gives me added strength to serve Heavenly Father's children. There are so many wonderful things happening here, but there are also many struggles I see that are hard. The prayers of angels give me courage to move forward!
The top picture of a 1st Edition of the Book of Mormon, next is Brigham Young's signature on a bible he gave to a friend. The next two pictures are the only pictures of Joseph Smith's signature found on his scriptures. I won't say how much this pocket book is worth, but I will say that I'd be very wealthy is I owned it! I'm amazed he let me hold it!
The large bible belonged to Marie Antoinette. I wonder if she read it....I don't see any notes in the columns!
The last picture is of a ticket to ride on the "Maid of Iowa" steamboat. You can see it's signed by both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. I did a little looking online to get information on the steamboat. "In October 1842 when "The Maid of Iowa" entered the river trade on the Mississippi. There were approximately 7000 Mormons living in a dozen or more settlements on both sides of the river near the Des Moines rapids. Nauvoo, the chief gathering place was located on a beautiful bend of the river. There were about 5000 Mormons living there. Nauvoo was growing at a rapid rate, and they knew how important the river trade and water power was to their community. In 1843 Joseph Smith paid Dan Jones $1375. to become half owner of the steamboat. By 1845 there were 11,057 residents living there making it one of the two largest communities in the state. Steamboats played an ever increasing role in Nauvoo's development transporting passengers and freight."
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