In 3 Nephi the Savior shows compassion for the people and teaches them with words so beautiful they cannot be written. I try to imagine what it would have been like. His comments in chapter 23 perhaps I never really appreciated until now; I didn't fully understand their importance previously.

Nephi writes that the Savior asks to examine the scriptures and then comments that he commanded Samuel the Lamanite to testify of him following his resurrection when many saints arose from the dead and appeared unto others. He asks "Was it not so?"

The disciples answer him yes, then Jesus asks why is it they have not written these things? Nephi remembers that this had not been written and ensures they are documented just as the Lord commanded. 

That was the epiphany for me, that we have wonderful experiences in life not just ​​for ourselves but also that we may testify to others of the good the Lord has done for mankind and the reality of his resurrection and in our own lives. This is our responsibility and blessing.
As we make Christ the center of our lives, our fears will be replaced with the courage of our convictions. Thomas S Monson
​We all testify in our own way. Some are great orators. Others testify through pen and ink, or perhaps more accurately computer and pixels on a monitor. Still others witness though their life and example and still others use music, song, or a beautiful oration. Each has gifts through which he or she affirms the goodness of God. Some times I am blown away at the turn of a phrase in the speeches or writings of the brethren.

Frequently, those around us capture the sentiments we have in our hearts. Promoting their words articulates our feelings as well.
I watched a program recently. It reflected on the sacrifices of the early saints and handcart pioneers who suffered so much that we could have the blessings today of the gospel in its fullness.  It’s called 17 Miracles, and I highly recommend it.

Perhaps it was because I was thinking about the recent general conference sessions we just enjoyed. Or maybe I was moved because of my musings of ancestors who prepared the way that me and my loved ones can now enjoy the enormity of the Church and the blessings of the gospel.

Either way, the experience was surreal and acute. It made me want to do the work for my ancestors and make available to them the blessings of eternal families, hope, and mercy of Jesus Christ.

When Christ visited the people of the Americas, the Savior asked why the words of Samuel the Lamanite concerning the Resurrection and the many saints that arose from the dead at that time were not added to their records. Nephi, remembering that they had not been written straightway saw that this was recorded in their records. 3 Nephi 23 Similarly, we are expected to record the many blessings of God that have been manifest in our lives.

At the end of the show, some words appear on the screen with further descriptions of the people and the account just seen. When I saw the movie, everyone in the theater remained seated through this eulogy of sorts. These were uplifting positive statements that testified of God's goodness.

Considering what they went through, this is perhaps the greatest miracle of all.

Have you articulated your emotions in some medium? Do it now.

remember One

Celebrate the wonderful lives and experiences of others. Take time to read and watch
their testimonies develop.

Two

Write your own history and document the Lord's work in your own life and
​that of your family.

Three

Explore the world around you and share and read family stories, which are broadcast
​far and wide.

​“I hope you never get over being thankful to them. Let us read again and again, and read to our children
and our children’s children, the accounts of those who suffered so much.”  Gordon B Hinckley
When President James E Faust was told the story of George and Sarah, he wept. He called theirs one of the greatest love stories in the history of the western migration.  And in 1997, he asked that they be sealed in the Temple for time and all eternity.   If you’d like to know their story, please click here.  

“It will all be worth it.”
Sarah Franks

Savior, Redeemer of My Soul
Savior, Redeemer of my soul,
Whose mighty hand hath made me whole,
Whose wondrous pow’r hath raised me up
And filled with sweet my bitter cup!
What tongue my gratitude can tell, 
Oh gracious God of Israel.

Never can I repay thee, Lord,
But I can love thee. Thy pure word,
Hath it not been my one delight,
My joy by day, my dream by night?
Then let my lips proclaim it still,
And all my life reflect thy will.

O’er rule mine acts to serve thine ends.
Change frowning foes to smiling friends.
Chasten my soul till I shall be
In perfect harmony with thee.
Make me more worthy of thy love,
And fit me for the life above.
​
Text: Orson F. Whitney, 1855-1931

​Happy Families

All Things Testify of God
In one of my favorite passages of the Book of Mormon, Alma faces an anti-Christ who seeks a sign. He commands Alma to show him God's power that he may be convinced that there is a God of heaven and earth.

Alma responds swiftly that he has had signs enough.  The scriptures witness of an Almighty being "All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."

Alma continues preaching God's the word and heads a mission to reclaim others who had been misguided. His life was spent in the service of the Creator, who gave us life that we can minister to others by testifying of him.

As we search the scriptures, our faith will be strengthened as well.  John 5:39