Relief Society Lesson #19

Hello, I just wanted to point out a few great thoughts from this week's Relief Society Lesson: Chapter 19 of Teaching of the Living Prophets Manual: Joseph Smith, "Stand Fast through Storms of Life"! In the beginning the story is told of the night the Prophet Joseph Smith was tarred and feathered, and his son, being sick with Measles and exposed to the cold night air when the mob broke in, died from exposure. Among these, the prophet experienced many trials in his life. Even after this ordeal and others, the Prophet stood fast in carrying out his responsibilities to the Lord. He was ever true to his God. Here are some quotes from the lesson:

"Men have to suffer that they may come upon Mount Zion and be exalted in the Heavens"
-Joseph Smith

"Trials will only give us the knowledge necessary to understand the minds of the ancients. For my part, I think I never could have felt as I now do, if I had not suffered the wrongs that I have suffered. All things shall work together for good to them that love God"
-Joseph Smith

"The Power of the Gospel will enable us to stand and bear with patience the great affliction that is falling upon all sides...the harder the persecution the greater the gifts of God upon His Church. Yea, all things shall work together for good to them who are willing to lay down their lives for Christ's sake!"\
-Joseph Smith

"Let us not sorrow as 'those without hope' the time is fast approaching when we shall see them again and rejoice together, without being afraid of wicked men. Yes, those who have slept in Christ, shall bring with Him, when He shall come to be glorified in His Saints,a nd admired by all those who believe, but to take vengeance upon His enemies and all those who obey not the Gospel."
-Joseph Smith

"We know not what we will be called to pass through before Zion is delivered and established; therefore, we have great need to live near to God, and always to be in strict obedience to all His commandments, that we may have a conscience void of offense toward God and man..."

"Stand Fast,...hold on a little while longer, and the storm of life will be past, and you will be rewarded by that God whose servants you are, and who will dully appreciate all your toils and afflictions for Christ's sake and the Gospel's. Your names will be handed down to prosperity as Saints of God."
-Joseph Smith

"...Let what will, come; don't deny the faith, and all will be well!"
-Joseph Smith

With all that is going on in the world today and our morals and character values, which this country was built on dwindling, anything we can do to receive faith and hope is needed and welcomed. We need to be prepared for the days to come. I only feel things are going to get worse before they get better, but keep the faith!