praise to the man.

maybe i always want to write religious things on this blog?
 but i refrain because i don't want to sound preachy or be one of those people (i think you know what i'm saying).
but let's be honest..i am one of those people haha.
so if you don't feel like reading it - i'm not even offended. when it comes down to it though, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a pretty big part of my life and shame on me for not talking about it more!

today marks the 167th anniversary of the martyrdom of the prophet joseph smith.

i am so grateful for him and all that he sacrificed to help restore Christ's church to the earth. everything good in my life has come from the gospel and if he hadn't done all that he did - my life and countless others would be drastically different. today causes me to reflect on my mission and sharing with the taiwanese people the first vision. everyday i had the opportunity of helping people understand the nature of God - who He really is and who His son Jesus Christ is, what are relationship is with them, how we pray and receive answers, and how they really know each of us individually. those precious truths are known because of that first vision and because of the faith of a 14 year old boy. his faith and desire to receive answers to his questions has blessed the world. his life was an example of pure discipleship and one that we should all try to emulate. in both life and death he fulfilled his promise to give everything for the building up of the kingdom of God.

"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. ..He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people."
-John Taylor, Doctrine and Covenants 135:3

if you have not yet seen the new restoration movie you should watch it.
(it looks like the one shown in the jsmb but it has been changed)

..today would be a perfect day to do so.