My Trip to Ohio · 7:37pm Jun 22nd, 2019
From Friday to Saturday I was on a trip with other youth from my church to visit the town of Kirtland, Ohio, a significant place in my church history. It was the second time I went; the first time was when I was fourteen. But I absolutely loved this journey.
We were put into families of about twelve to thirteen youth, of boys and girls, with two adults acting as our "Ma" and "Pa." We loaded onto luxury buses at six in the morning and enjoyed the trip from Maryland to Ohio. Let me tell you, these youth are absolutely amazing. They are some of the best people you will ever meet. But let me finish first.
We got to Ohio, and we visited old Church history sites. Kirtland, Ohio, was the first major gathering spot for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph Smith, the prophet of the church, organized the members and grew its membership. Many revelations from God about the afterlife, the peace of Christ, the Word of Wisdom telling about the bad effects of smoking and alcohol, a revelation on war in the latter days, and a message instructing the Saints to build a temple were all delivered from God to Joseph Smith in Kirtland.
Work on the temple began in 1833, and continued for three years. Other citizens of Kirtland refused to help the Saints work on it or sell them materials, so the Saints had to cut stone, saw wood, construct, and pay for the Kirtland temple all themselves. When the first temple in the modern latter days was dedicated in 1936, over a thousand people in the temple reported seeing angels and heavenly beings in a service that lasted for hours.
However, the Saints could only enjoy the temple for a year before they were kicked out of the city by increasing persecution and mobs. Property was destroyed, people were tarred and feathered, and threats were made to destroy the temple. The temple, however, stands to this day. Tours are still held, if you want to see the interior.
We went inside the temple and conducted a special service, and it was one of the more spiritual experiences I had ever had. I felt spiritually uplifted and calmed, and I have absolutely no doubt that Joseph Smith was a modern prophet, and the work he had wrought was a true work.
Sounds like an interesting trip. It sounds like you really enjoyed yourself.
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I danced with a girl who was just as mentally messed up as me, but short, cute, smiley, and spiritually strong. I think I'm in love.
I love to see the temple, inside and out. It was beautiful. I went there last year and in was a lot of fun.
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Glad you had a good trip.
Correct me if I'm mistaken but Joseph Smith was the prophet of Mormonism, correct?
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That's a nickname other people use for my religion, but yes, he organized and restored the church under the direction of God, and named it the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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Lucky...
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I honestly heard of both of those names but never knew they were the same thing.
I remember my first time finding out Mormonism was a thing was from South Park. Not the most respectful representation but hey, it's South Park, no one is safe from them and they do it to everyone.
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And even then, they showed us as pleasant, uplifting, helpful, moral people with functioning families and peaceful objectives. I won't complain about that. Watching their portrayal of us, as a member, is like watching your reflection in a funhouse mirror. It's me, of course, but it's intentionally distorted and warped.
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that's actually a really nice and appropriate analogy; looking in a fun house mirror.
The second time was through Joshua Graham. still holds the title of most badass religious figure in my heart followed by father Grigori
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Please say that you have means of keeping contact with her.
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Absolutely! I got her number, and we're both in the Singles ward now.