If you knew your life was coming to an end, what final messages would you want to share with those you love most? When the prophet Lehi felt he was nearing the end of his life, he gathered his children together one last time to prophesy and share the gospel truths he cherished with the people he cherished. He taught of liberty, obedience, the Fall of Adam and Eve, redemption through Jesus Christ, and joy. Not all of his children accepted his final testimony, but those who did—along with the millions who read it today—found in his testimony principles for living "after the manner of happiness" (2 Nephi 5:27).
If you knew your life was coming to an end, what final messages would you want to share with those you love most? How would you plan to share these messages with them? How could they be preserved?
It is significant that the famous last words of our prophets ancient and modern always point us to Christ. For example, Helaman's last words to his sons included this powerful counsel: "Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation" (Helaman 5:12).
What Would You Say?
One idea is to write down what you would say to your own posterity and generations to come, then read it as an audio message on FamilySearch using the FamilySearch Memories Audio App, or the "Record My Story" feature on FamilySearch Discovery, or from FamilySearch memories on your computer (see this link). You could also record it without writing it first. Sharing in many ways and circumstances will leave no question about what you know and love. What a blessing for generations to come to hear the message you want them to remember!
Joseph Smith was foreordained to restore the gospel.
From Come, Follow Me :
The last part of 2 Nephi 3 contains a prophecy given by Joseph of Egypt about a future seer who would share his name (see verses 14–15)—Joseph Smith ... One important part of Joseph Smith's mission was to bring forth the writings of the seed of Joseph, which are contained in the Book of Mormon. What do you learn from this chapter about the importance of the Book of Mormon?
Genealogy was certainly important to Book of Mormon writers. It was one of the reasons given for recovering the plates of brass. Book of Mormon Central: "This also sheds light on the importance of keeping personal and family histories today. Personal and family histories preserve not only the warm memories of important family occasions, but also transmit traditions and heritage to new generations." (Learn more in this article from Book of Mormon Central).
A Journal Goal
Would you like to set a goal to write in a journal this year, or continue the habit?
Nephi emphasized that the purpose of his writing was "for the learning and the profit of my children" (2 Nephi 4:15). His brother Jacob added that the people labored diligently to keep their records, "hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts...For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory" (Jacob 4:3-4) (Read more here: The Power of Personal Journals Is Enduring).
What can we learn from a woman who wrote in her personal journal for over fifty-five years? Write away! Your posterity will be blessed because of your efforts, and so grateful to know you through your journals, and your hopes and dreams for them. Learn how to upload documents (including journal entries) to FamilySearch with instructions found in the Family History Guide, Project 2: Memories, Goal 7. Check out Week #2 for ideas about keeping a family journal.
Preparing for April 2020 General Conference
President Russell M. Nelson closed the October 2019 general conference with an invitation for Latter-day Saints to prepare for the subsequent April 2020 general conference, 200 years since Joseph Smith's First Vision. "How would my life be different if my knowledge gained from the Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?" (Also see this conference talk by President Nelson ... The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It?).
One idea is to play Family History Charades by taking turns acting out an ancestor story of conversion to the gospel for everyone to identify. Once that person is named, talk about the role of the Book of Mormon in their conversion. What would your life be like had that ancestor not gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon? If you don't have ancestors who joined the church, this game can also be played by using church history stories. You could also write a letter of gratitude to that ancestor or person from church history and add to your FamilySearch memories if you would like.
Your Personal History
Write one brief story about your life as you study each Come, Follow Me lesson. By the end of the year, you will have compiled 50 stories to add to your personal history. Save as a story (also consider audio-recording it) and add it to your FamilySearch memories to preserve it. Use your own questions or those from (or inspired by) the #52 Stories Project below. For example:
When and how did you come to know the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon?
How would your life be different if your knowledge gained from the Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?
Write about a favorite Book of Mormon prophet and your gratitude for specific records he kept.
