On December 23, 1979, my brother Kevin was born. We had to wait for Christmas that year so that my mom could come home from the hospital with the baby and share it with us. Kevin died in 2005 and since then we have set aside this day to remember and celebrate him. December 23rd is also the birthday of the latter-day Prophet, Joseph Smith. So we rolled them up into one Birthday BASH!
Thomas S. Monson, “The Prophet Joseph Smith: Teacher by Example,” Ensign, Nov 2005, 67
My brothers and sisters, I should like to speak of our beloved Prophet Joseph Smith.
On December 23, 1805, Joseph Smith Jr. was born in Sharon, Vermont, to Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. On the day of his birth, as the proud parents looked down upon this tiny baby, they could not have known what a profound impact he would have upon the world. A choice spirit had come to dwell in its earthly tabernacle; he has affected our lives and has taught us—through his own example—essential lessons. Today I should like to share a few of those lessons with you.
When Joseph was about six or seven years old, he and his brothers and sisters were stricken with typhus fever. Although the others recovered readily, Joseph was left with a painful sore on his leg. The doctors, using the best medicine they had, treated him, and yet the sore persisted. In order to save Joseph’s life, they said, he would have to lose his leg. Thankfully, however, soon after that diagnosis, the doctors returned to the Smith home and reported that there was a new procedure which might save Joseph’s leg. They wanted to operate immediately and had brought some cord with which to tie little Joseph to the bed so that he wouldn’t thrash about, since they had nothing with which to dull the pain. Young Joseph, however, told them, “You won’t need to tie me.”
The doctors suggested he take some brandy or wine so that the pain might not be so severe. “No,” young Joseph replied. “If my father will sit on the bed and hold me in his arms, I will do whatever is necessary.” Joseph Smith Sr. held in his arms his small child, and the doctors removed the diseased piece of bone. Although young Joseph was lame for some time afterward, he was healed.
1 At such a young age and countless other times throughout his life, Joseph Smith taught us courage—by example.
Before Joseph’s 15th year, his family moved to Manchester, New York. He later described the great religious revival which seemed everywhere present at this time and of prime concern to nearly everyone. Joseph, himself, longed to know which church he should join. He writes in his history:
“I often said to myself: … Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?
“While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by … these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse … : If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
2Joseph reported that he knew he must either put the Lord to the test and ask Him or perhaps choose to remain in darkness forever. Early one morning he stepped into a grove, now called sacred, and knelt and prayed, having faith that God would give him the enlightenment which he so earnestly sought. Two personages appeared to Joseph—the Father and the Son—and he was told, in answer to his question, that he was to join none of the churches, for none of them was true. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us the principle of faith—by example. His simple prayer of faith on that spring morning in 1820 brought about this marvelous work which continues today throughout the world.
A few days after his prayer in the Sacred Grove, Joseph Smith gave an account of his vision to a preacher with whom he was acquainted. To his surprise, his communication was treated with “contempt” and “was the cause of great persecution, which continued to increase.” Joseph, however, did not waver. He later wrote, “I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true. … For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it.”
3 Despite the physical and mental punishment at the hands of his opponents which the Prophet Joseph Smith endured throughout the remainder of his life, he did not falter. He taught honesty—by example.
After that great First Vision, the Prophet Joseph received no additional communication for three years. However, he did not wonder; he did not question; he did not doubt the Lord. He waited patiently. He taught us the heavenly virtue of patience—by example.
Following the visits of the angel Moroni to young Joseph and his acquisition of the plates, Joseph commenced the difficult assignment of translation. One can but imagine the dedication, the devotion, and the labor required to translate in fewer than 90 days this record of over 500 pages covering a period of 2,600 years. I love the words Oliver Cowdery used to describe the time he spent assisting Joseph with the translation of the Book of Mormon: “These were days never to be forgotten—to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom!”
4 The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us diligence—by example.
As we know, the Prophet Joseph sent forth missionaries to preach the restored gospel. He himself served a mission in Upper New York and in Canada with Sidney Rigdon. He not only inspired others to volunteer for missions, but he also taught the importance of missionary work—by example.
I think one of the sweetest lessons taught by the Prophet Joseph, and yet one of the saddest, occurred close to the time of his death. He had seen in vision the Saints leaving Nauvoo and going to the Rocky Mountains. He was anxious that his people be led away from their tormentors and into this promised land which the Lord had shown him. He no doubt longed to be with them. However, he had been issued an arrest warrant on trumped up charges. Despite many appeals to Governor Ford, the charges were not dismissed. Joseph left his home, his wife, his family, and his people and gave himself up to the civil authorities, knowing he would probably never return.
These are the words he spoke as he journeyed to Carthage: “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men.”
5In Carthage Jail he was incarcerated with his brother Hyrum and others. On June 27, 1844, Joseph, Hyrum, John Taylor, and Willard Richards were together there when an angry mob stormed the jail, ran up the stairway, and began firing through the door of the room they occupied. Hyrum was killed, and John Taylor was wounded. Joseph Smith’s last great act here upon the earth was one of selflessness. He crossed the room, most likely “thinking that it would save the lives of his brethren in the room if he could get out, … and sprang into the window when two balls pierced him from the door, and one entered his right breast from without.”
6 He gave his life; Willard Richards and John Taylor were spared. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
7 The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us love—by example.
In retrospect, over 160 years later, although the events of June 27, 1844, were tragic, we are provided comfort as we realize that Joseph Smith’s Martyrdom was not the last chapter in this account. Although those who sought to take his life felt that the Church would collapse without him, his powerful testimony of truth, the teachings he translated, and his declaration of the Savior’s message go on today in the hearts of over 12 million members throughout the world, who proclaim him a prophet of God.
In the 135th section of the Doctrine and Covenants we read the words of John Taylor concerning the Prophet Joseph: “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.”
8I love the words of President Brigham Young, who said, “I feel like shouting Hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the Prophet whom the Lord raised up and ordained, and to whom He gave keys and power to build up the kingdom of God on earth.”
9To this fitting tribute to our beloved Joseph, I add my own testimony that I know he was God’s prophet, chosen to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days. May we incorporate into our own lives the divine principles which he so beautifully taught—by example—that we, ourselves, might live more completely the gospel of Jesus Christ. May our lives reflect the knowledge we have that God lives, that Jesus Christ is His Son, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that we are led today by another prophet of God.
I testify of this solemn truth, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
'And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
" 'For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father--
" 'That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.' (D&C 76:22-24)."
Grandpa and Grandma Roberts were here and so were Uncle Stephen, Aunt Stacy and their girls. We got helium balloons, wrote messages to Kevin and let them go. We also enjoyed a DELICIOUS chocolate cake!
Ella WON FIRST PLACE in the PBS Kids Go writing contest for Southeast Idaho. Her book is autobiographical, and is about watching and taking care of the bees in our backyard (which I heard yesterday on the radio - they are trying to pass something to make it legal to keep bees in our city limits! Who knew we were outlaws? Not ME!)
s the author and illustrator of her book and was honored for her win with a certificate, several PBS featured books and videos that were personalized for her and her win, some other fun prizes, and a party with the rest of the winners where she was able to read her book to all in attendance. We were so glad to get to have Grandpa and Grandma Roberts there, as well as Uncle Stephen, Aunt Stacy, Avery and Megan, Ella's best friend Kylie who also placed in the contest and Mrs. Jones who was Ella's teacher at the time and had put a lot of effort into getting her whole class to write, illustrate, revise, and send the stories. 
s the author and illustrator of her book and was honored for her win with a certificate, several PBS featured books and videos that were personalized for her and her win, some other fun prizes, and a party with the rest of the winners where she was able to read her book to all in attendance. We were so glad to get to have Grandpa and Grandma Roberts there, as well as Uncle Stephen, Aunt Stacy, Avery and Megan, Ella's best friend Kylie who also placed in the contest and Mrs. Jones who was Ella's teacher at the time and had put a lot of effort into getting her whole class to write, illustrate, revise, and send the stories. 
Well... practically. On February 28th the Celtics played the Jazz in Salt Lake City Utah. I've said it before, and it will probably come up in conversation again, that Tanner, Madsen and Brad are HUGE fans. Last year the three guys went to the Celtics/Jazz game with some of our friends from Utah and had a great time, so we called these friends and asked if we could make it a tradition. Unfortunately, they were going out of town and wouldn't be back for the game, but AJ, the dad, had access to a set of FRONT ROW SEATS for the game - AAAANNNNNDDDD he GAVE them to Tanner and Madsen!!! They ate in the VIP room (prime rib, Black Forest ham, plus allllll the trimmings) and then sat ri
That was really a great trip. I think I'm ready to go again!
It was magical. I am so thankful we stopped there. I am glad that my children know more about me than they did before. The second thing was an essential trip to MultnomahFalls. We hiked up to the bridge, looked over, freaked out at how high it was, took pictures, marveled at the beauty, and then drove back to Grandpa and Grandma's house. On Tuesday we went home to our dad. That may have been the best part. Man, w
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