How grateful am I.

I usually don't like to write(especially where others can read) about certain things. In particular, my testimony of Jesus Christ.  But as I have been studying the Restoration of his church this last few weeks studying has struck me.  My heart breaks, for the early pioneers.  For the early saints, and the sacrifices that they went through. I honestly cannot imagine living when they did.  I cannot imagine having to go through half of the trials that anyone living during that period of time had to deal with, let alone the persecutions that they had to suffer through. I don't write or tell my testimony often because I am so afraid of someone bashing something so dear to my heart.  

I really want to talk about Hyrum Smith.  He is quite possibly one of my favorite people.  It doesn't help that I love the name.  If I ever have a son, I hope that I can name him Hyrum. Now, I love and truly believe Joseph Smith saw what he did. And I admire him greatly. But Hyrum.  I think how his love must have been for his brother to follow him.  I am sure that there may have been moments of doubts. And if he did, I would not judge him. For the whole Smith family, how strong they must have all been. And how wonderful of a family.  I mean Hyrum (to me) literally died for his brother. He as well as Joseph, died for us. Thinking that it was just Hyrum and Joseph that were wanted they went to Carthage jail, knowing they wouldn't come back.  While I reading this portion in D&C the other night, I was overwhelmed with emotion and cried.  I didn't even try to stop the tears from coming.  Their families, the love that they had for each other.  And all that they did so that we could know all the truths of Jesus Christ.  I will never be able to thank them for what they have gone through for us.  And I hope that I can be a little more like Hyrum, and stand by my family to the death.  To be such a person that would fight to save their life if needed.  

If you want to learn more about what I believe, or read more about Joseph and Hyrum's story, I invite you to visit https://www.mormon.org/ and request a free book about my beliefs herehttps://www.mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon