Love Letters of Joseph and Emma

I came across this on Youtube the other day. I love hearing the love story of Joseph and Emma. Emma endured every hardship imaginable because she trusted Joseph and knew the truth to the things that he taught. I can only hope that I will be able to experience that same love that Emma and Joseph experienced.

Anita Stansfield on Emma Smith

I had the great opportunity of attending a fireside that Anita Stansfield spoke at yesterday. Anita is a very well known LDS author. Most recently she is working on a non-fictional story of Emma Hale Smith's life. As she spoke to the women of my stake she could not say enough about Emma. Emma was a courageous women. She was left alone very frequently to raise their children while Joseph had to attend to church work. Anita expressed the great love that Joseph and Emma had for one another. Emma's legacy is a great one. However, there are many people who doubt Emma because she didn't follow the saints to the West. Mrs. Stansfield explained to us that Emma never doubted the prophet. She believed it with every part of her being. She had felt the spirit and knew that it was true. She also knew that one day she would in fact be reunited with her true love. Emma relied on the Lord and trusted Him with all of her will. It was so great to hear the special words that Mrs. Stansfield had to say about Emma. I look forward to reading her book when it is published.

Anita Stansfiled

Beware of Pride

"Three times in the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord uses the phrase “beware of pride,” including a warning to the second elder of the Church, Oliver Cowdery, and to Emma Smith, the wife of the Prophet. 

Pride is a very misunderstood sin, and many are sinning in ignorance. In the scriptures there is no such thing as righteous pride—it is always considered a sin. Therefore, no matter how the world uses the term, we must understand how God uses the term so we can understand the language of holy writ and profit thereby."

President Ezra Taft Benson

April 1989 General Conference

It is interesting that the Lord would warn Emma of pride. She had been a character of meekness in the past. Why would he mention that to her? The Lord knows us better than we know ourselves. He also knows what is in our future and what lies in our path. The Lord knew the "fame" and recognition that Joseph was going to receive. He also knew that Emma would be put in the background. He was warning her that she need not fret. She needed to keep her pride in check amidst all of the glory that Joseph would receive. The Lord was preparing her beforehand so she would be ready when such a problem may arise. The Lord knows our wants and needs. Most times it is before we are even aware of them.  That is the wonderful part of the gospel. If we put our trust in the Lord and do the things that He instructs us to do then we will be taken care of. Our worries can be set aside and we can focus on more important things.

Emma: A Great-Great-Grandmother

When Anita Stansfield came to speak to us about Emma, she told us that Emma had one great-great-granddaughter still living. Her name is Gracia Jones. Gracia helped Anita to obtain factual information about Emma's life so that it could be included in her book. After hearing Anita speak i went on lds.org and found an article that Gracia wrote about Emma. Here it is:  http://lds.org/ensign/1992/08/my-great-great-grandmother-emma-hale-smith?lang=eng


Some of my favorite parts:
  Emma's Patriarchal blessing-

• “Emma … thou art blessed of the Lord, for thy faithfulness and truth, thou shalt be blessed with thy husband, and rejoice in the glory which shall come upon him. Thy soul has been afflicted because of the wickedness of men in seeking the destruction of thy companion, and thy whole soul has been drawn out in prayer for his deliverance; rejoice, for the Lord thy God has heard thy supplication. Thou hast grieved for the hardness of the hearts of thy father’s house, and thou hast longed for their salvation. The Lord will have respect to thy cries, and by his judgments he will cause some of them to see their folly and repent of their sins; but it will be by affliction that they will be saved. Thou shalt see many days, yea, the Lord will spare thee till thou art satisfied, for thou shalt see thy Redeemer. Thy heart shall rejoice in the great work of the Lord, and no one shall take thy rejoicing from thee. Thou shalt ever remember the great condescension of thy God in permitting thee to accompany my son [Joseph] when the angel delivered the record of the Nephites to his care. … Thou shalt be blessed with understanding, and have power to instruct thy sex, teach thy family righteousness, and thy little ones the way of life, and the holy angels shall watch over thee and thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, even so, Amen.”

  Emma's Service -

• "Emma’s care for the untold numbers of ill and homeless Saints as well as her care for Joseph’s extended family—his parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews—is legend"

Emma's Testimony -

• Although Emma’s life was filled with much persecution and sorrow, even bitterness on occasion, it appears that Emma endured her tribulations with great forbearance and maintained her faith in God. Writing to her son in 1869, she said, “I have seen many, yes very many, trying scenes in my life which I could not see … where any good could come of them.” She added this testimony: “But yet I feel a divine trust in God, that all things shall work for good.”

The article was so interesting to read and was really a great representation of who Emma was.

Lay Aside the Things of the World

 "The Lord continued, “I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better”

I feel He was not telling Emma that she should not feel concerned about a place to live, food on her table, and clothing. He was saying to her that she should not be obsessed with these things, as so many of us are wont to be. He was telling her to get her thoughts on the higher things of life, the things of righteousness and goodness, matters of charity and love for others, the things of eternity."

The thing that was most important to Emma was her family. The Lord wanted her to focus on those things first and for most. Even though there were other things that she could be worried about, the Lord wanted her to focus on eternal things. I think this is a motto that I want to live by in my life. There are always things that I can be worried about; school, work, clothes, shopping, food, cleaning, homework, internship and so much more. But, I know that the most important thing is my eternal salvation. I need to focus on the things that are eternal, my family, my future family and serving the Lord.

Cleave unto the Covenants

"Continuing, the Lord said: “Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and 

cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made”

I believe He is saying to each of us, be happy. The gospel is a thing of joy. 

It provides us with a reason for gladness. Of course there are times of sorrow. 

Of course there are hours of concern and anxiety. We all worry. 

But the Lord has told us to lift our hearts and rejoice. 

I see so many people, including many women, who seem

never to see the sunshine, but who constantly walk with storms 

under cloudy skies. Cultivate an attitude of happiness. 

Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, 

in the goodness of those you love, in the 

testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine."

President Gordon B. Hinckley

1992 Ensign

This gospel is a gospel of happiness. If we keep the commandments and endure to the end we are promised that we will be able to return to live with our Father in Heaven. While our time on earth is just a short blip in our story, there is no reason we shouldn't be happy while we endure it. The Lord has made covenants with us that give us the promise that we will be happy when we abide by those covenants. The Lord instructs Emma to cleave unto her covenants. More importantly, before that he tells her to lift up her heart and rejoice. Amidst all of the trials that she was experiencing the Lord required her to be happy and have joy. If the Lord expects this from Emma I know that He most definitely expects me to be happy. There is nothing that can happen to me that will justify me being unhappy. The Lord is at my side, always, and that makes me happy. President Hinckley instructs us to walk in faith. We have to have faith that even when times are rough that the Lord will see us through. Knowing that just makes me happy. How could it not?

Walk in The Paths of Virtue

President Gordon B. Hinckley gave a talk about virtue in the March 1992 Ensign. He spoke about the commandments that the Lord gave to Emma in Section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants.  The article is very powerful and should be read by every women of the church. The Lord was speaking to each of us when he gave this revelation to Emma. His words were carefully chosen with Emma's best interest in mind. This is what the Prophet had to say about it:

"Said the Lord to Emma, and to each of us:

“A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and”.     UAdd a Note 

“If thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me”—those words might become the theme of a very long sermon. I shall comment only briefly.     UAdd a Note 

In very large measure each of us holds the key to the blessings of the Almighty upon us. If we wish the blessing, we must pay the price. A part of that price lies in being faithful. Faithful to what? Faithful to ourselves, to the very best that is within us. No woman can afford to demean herself, to belittle herself, to downgrade her abilities or her capacities. Let each be faithful to the great, divine attributes that are within her. Be faithful to the gospel. Be faithful to the Church. We have all about us those who are seeking to undermine it, to look for weaknesses in its early leaders, to find fault with its programs, to speak critically of it. I give you my testimony that it is the work of God, and those who speak against it are speaking against Him.

Be faithful to Him. He is the one true source of your strength. He is your Father in Heaven. He lives. He hears and answers prayers. Be faithful to God.

The Lord continued, saying to Emma, “If thou … walk in the paths of virtue.”     UAdd a Note 

I think every Latter-day Saint woman understands the meaning of that. I feel those words were given to Emma Smith, and consequently to all of us, as a condition to be observed if we are to receive an inheritance in the kingdom of God. Lack of virtue is totally inconsistent with obedience to the commandments of God. There is nothing more beautiful than virtue. There is no other strength that is greater than the strength of virtue. There is no other nobility equal to the nobility of virtue. There is no other quality so becoming, no attire so attractive."

Do you see what I mean? It's a powerful article. I think my favorite quote in this article is, "Lack of virtue is totally inconsistent with obedience to the commandments of God." If we, as women, want to be obedient to the Lord's commandments then we have no other option than to have strength in virtue. Just as the Lord told Emma, if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion. What a great blessing this is to us and what an even greater blessing it was to Emma at the time of the revelation. Emma was worried about her life and if she would survive the birth of her twins. The Lord knew her fears and reassured her that she would be okay if she would just follow His commandments. Emma was lucky to receive this revelation from the Lord. We are just as lucky to have these words to live by today.

http://lds.org/liahona/1992/03/if-thou-art-faithful?lang=eng

Emma Smith: A Mormon Woman of Faith

This is my favorite song from the Joseph a Nashville tribute CD. Emma is such a strong women. I hope in my life I can have the strength that she did to withstand any trial that came her way. Emma Smith never had an ordinary day but she "weathered every storm with a queen's grace." I want the same to be said about me when I leave this life.

"My Soul Delighteth in the Song of the Heart"

The Lord instructed Emma to "make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church." (D&C 25:11) Music is very important to the Lord. Sacred music invites the spirit into our lives and makes us happy. Elder Boyd K. Packer instructed us to:                                                                                                                        

                  "Make wholesome music of all kinds a part of your life. Then learn what sacred music has to do with revelation. The Lord said, “My soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. Secular music may be inspiring in a classical or popular sense, but it will not prepare your mind to be instructed by the Spirit as will sacred music. The Apostle Paul counseled the Ephesians to “be filled with the Spirit;speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."

Emma made a compilation of 90 hymns for the church in her time. She very carefully made her selection and had the hymns printed to be sung during church. Some of the selections that she made are still used in our modern day hymnbook, including, Redeemer of Israel,” “How Firm a Foundation,” and “Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah. My favorite part of my sabbath day is the hymns that we sing. The hymns bring a warm spirit into the room and help me to stay focused on what is important. I especially love the musical numbers that we get to hear every once in awhile. Through the talents of the people who are performing we are able to hear the quiet testimonies that He lives and loves us. It is such a wonderful blessing we have that we are able to hear and enjoy the music of the Lord and for the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 25: An Elect Lady

This Blog is based off of Section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants. I've attached the verses below her:


Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830 This revelation manifests the will of the Lord to Emma Smith, the Prophet’s wife

 

1Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; for verily I say unto you, all those who ^areceive my gospel are sons and daughters in my ^bkingdom.     UAdd a Note 

 2A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and ^awalk in the paths of ^bvirtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an ^cinheritance in Zion.

 3Behold, thy ^asins are forgiven thee, and thou art an ^belect ^clady, whom I have ^dcalled.

 4^aMurmur not because of the ^bthings which thou hast not seen, for they are ^cwithheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come.

 5And the office of thy calling shall be for a ^acomfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy ^bhusband, in his ^cafflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of ^dmeekness.

 6And thou shalt go with him at the time of his going, and be unto him for a scribe, while there is no one to be a scribe for him, that I may send my servant, Oliver Cowdery, whithersoever I will.

 7And thou shalt be ^aordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my ^bSpirit.

 8For he shall lay his ^ahands upon thee, and thou shalt receive the Holy Ghost, and thy time shall be given to writing, and to learning much.

 9And thou needest not fear, for thy ^ahusband shall support thee in the church; for unto them is his ^bcalling, that all things might be^crevealed unto them, whatsoever I will, according to their faith.

 10And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the ^athings of this ^bworld, and ^cseek for the things of a ^dbetter.

 11And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of ^asacred^bhymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church.

 12For my soul ^adelighteth in the ^bsong of the ^cheart; yea, the^dsong of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.

 13Wherefore, ^alift up thy heart and ^brejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.

 14Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of ^apride. Let thy soul delight in thy ^bhusband, and the ^cglory which shall come upon him.

 15Keep my commandments continually, and a ^acrown of^brighteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you ^ccannot come.

 16And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my ^avoice unto all. Amen.

Creativity Project

This semester I am enrolled in a Doctrine and Covenants class. As part of the class I was asked to make a creative project about one of the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. After discussing section 25 about Emma Smith I knew this was the section that I needed to do. Emma was such a great woman and such a great example to all of the current women of the church. I hope that this blog will help you to have just as much love for Emma as I do. There are a lot of people in this world and even in the church who doubt Emma and have harsh words to say about her. I hope that this blog will help to set the record straight and help everyone's eyes to be opened. Emma endured every species of fatigue and hardship. After all of that her testimony was never weakened. She testified of the truthfulness of the gospel up until the day that she left this earth to return to live with her beloved husband and loving Father in heaven. Please feel free to comment on the posts and share your stories and experiences with me. I look forward to seeing what you think. Enjoy!