My family and I have been enjoying a fabulous family trip. Actually, my husband and I call it "The Long-Awaited, Thaxton Terrific Family Road Trip to Nauvoo". We've been gone 8 days now and there has been so much we've seen and done; so much to rejoice about and record and moments that I want to always remember.
One such experience, was on Tuesday morning, June 24. Lance and I had the blessed opportunity to go to the Nauvoo Temple - a first visit to this temple for both of us. It is such a beautiful temple! Before we went inside, we took a few pictures and walked around the temple grounds enjoying the beauty, the peace, the sunshine, the quietness and not feeling rushed. Across the street from the temple but facing the towards the temple, is a statue of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. It depicts the last time they would see the Nauvoo temple before heading to Carthage. Such a tribute to these two great men, this statue is. I would later find out the person who did the sculpture is an uncle to one of my daughter's really good friends.
As I took a closer look at this monument and particularly read the description posted there, I was overcome with complete awareness that this event took place 170 years ago that day! To me, this meant my being in Nauvoo and going to the temple on this particular day in history was exceptionally special and moving for me. I was filled with gratitude, yet combined with a feeling of reverence and sadness as I tried to imagine what the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum must have felt; how their families felt; and how the Saints in Nauvoo, which included many of my own ancestors, might have been feeling.
So grateful I am that Lance and I were able to take our children to Nauvoo and experience all that is there to experience. It's been wonderful and I hope to record more experiences later, because there is so much I want to remember about all our adventures!
On Thursday, June 26th, our family went to Cartage, Illinois. This is the place that Joseph and Hyrum were killed almost 170 years ago, as the next day would be that anniversary. Again, I was filled with awe and reverence to be at such a important place in Church history near a monumental day. I cannot really describe it, but there is a special feeling inside the jail and around the grounds. Something you just have to experience yourself. I am very thankful we were able to come as a family and witness this together. I know each of my family members had unique and special experiences themselves.
Just over 20 years ago Lance and I were able to visit Nauvoo and Carthage with some friends of ours when we were living in Topeka, Kansas while Lance was attending law school. I was pregnant with our first child. It was a great experience then and one of the many reasons why I have looked forward to taking our family to many of these same places. Twenty years ago I believed Joseph Smith was a prophet and never really doubted his account of seeing God the Father and Jesus Christ. But that day I really wanted to know for sure. I remember saying a simple, silent prayer as I we went inside the building asking my Heavenly Father if Joseph Smith was indeed a true prophet and if he really did see all he said he saw. As I sat in that room listening to the account of what occurred in that room, I was overcome with a feeling inside me that I can't really describe. The feeling was good and enlightening and I knew I was receiving confirmation to my prayer through the Holy Ghost witnessing to me of the truthfulness of what I desired to know for myself. That experience has meant so much to me throughout my life. It was simple, yet so powerful. A witness that I never can deny. Sitting in that upper room in the Carthage Jail this week with my family, a similar witness came to me again.
I love the prophet Joseph Smith. I admire him and appreciate him. His sacrifices were great. The work he preformed and the service he gave well over 170 years ago blesses me and my family today. I KNOW he was a true and living prophet. My experiences this past week with what I saw, the things I have felt inside my heart, and the knowledge and enlightenment I gained have only increased my testimony of him and his work. I rejoice to know this!
A few days ago, I saw this article with outstanding photos and descriptions of Carthage Jail. I reference it here for a few reasons. First, to help me and my family remember the Martyrdom on the 170th Anniversary. Second, if my photos of Carthage don't work out these are excellent to help us rejoice in what we saw and experienced. Third, to help serve as a record that we were there. And fourth, an event we always hope to remember.
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