One of my favorite days on our trip back East, was also one of my favorite days on the church history tour I went on as a young 18 year old girl.
Sacred Grove day.
I remember we were given time to ourselves to pray, read scriptures, and reflect on the events that had taken place there. I remember finding a spot in the sun and writing in my journal and feeling a sacredness and spirit I had never felt before as I thought about God and Christ both appearing nearby.
I remember a girl named Heather came up to me. She was glowing with the Spirit and told me, “This is the place where Jesus Christ himself and our Heavenly Father came to Joseph.”
She said she had prayed to know where Joseph saw God and Christ and was led straight to me. She was A new convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and she took a picture of me reading my scriptures and praying so we both could remember that sacred space forever. I’m still not sure if that really was the spot Joseph saw the first vision, but the thought of it profoundly affected me.
It was precious to be there again nearly 26 years later with my own family. It was amazing to feel that same spirit again and to take a moment to ponder all my blessings that the gospel of Jesus Christ has brought into my life. Harry mentioned afterwards how spiritual it felt.
We were also able to visit the two Smith homes Joseph Smith had lived in, as well as the Hill Camorah, where Joseph found the ancient gold plates that were over 1400 years old.
We also visited the Egbert B Grandin print shop where the Book of Mormon was first published (5000 copies) where we learned more about all the obstacles and subsequent miracles that transpired to get the Book of Mormon printed, and how the Book of Mormon has now been translated into 115 languages with more than 192 million copies printed.
I couldn’t help but reflect what a great source of peace, guidance, direction, and comfort the Book of Mormon has been to me personally and all the answers to questions it’s given me over the years, and the ways it’s helped me come closer to my Savior. I’m so grateful for all the blessings reading it has brought into my life. I truly believe it contains Gods words
and can help anyone who reads it to come closer to Christ and feel of his love. ❤️
We also saw church corner where a different church sits on 4 different corners of an intersection.
We also visited the Whitmer farm where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organized.
We ended the day traveling a few more hours to Watkins Glen where we checked into our lodging for the night which was a fun trailer. We went grocery shopping to restock snacks and supplies, had a fire and roasted little smokies and starbursts, and then headed to bed.
But such a full beautiful spirit filled day! Definitely one I always hope to remember and hope my kids remember too! ❤️
