I'm HOME

Well folks,
this is me! Emily Jex back from the beautiful city of Nauvoo!

It's amazing how different I can be in just 3 1/2 months.

I know so much more!

What else can I say except this:
I know that God lives. He loves us and is so mindful of us. His hand is in our lives and it's there for a reason. I know we cannot succeed in this life without Him and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our Savior, our Redeemer, our Friend, our Brother, and our Advocate did the most unselfish thing. As one of my friends quoted "He lowered himself to the lowest point of human existence so we could be exalted to the highest state of immortality." He knows us so well because He knows EXACTLY what we have gone through.

I won't say it has been easy being back. I miss Nauvoo and all the busy-ness of the days. But one missionary shared that in order to understand Nauvoo and the saints who lived there, you need to leave it. Leave it all behind. I have just an idea of what the Saints left when they crossed the Mississippi. But they didn't do it alone.  I have gained a testimony of angels and their strong power. Elder Jeffery R. Holland said, "...in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near..." I know that angels are here right now, bearing us up in our day to day trials and afflictions. Not one trial goes overlooked or unknown to our Heavenly Father.

I know that not only were the pioneers protected by angels but they were led by a living prophet, Joseph Smith. He, being only 14 years old, prayed for an answer and received something much greater. The Father and His Son visited Joseph. Two Heavenly beings talked with a young boy and led him in the ways of righteousness.  Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. He restored the true and everlasting gospel and because of him I have the privilege of being a part of this true church. He sacrificed so much for this gospel. I will always remember what he suffered so we could have the fullness of the gospel in our lives today. Because of him, we have the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ. It's pages only reaffirm the truth of the gospel. By reading its pages we can feel closer to our Savior and feel His love for us.

I had the experience of a lifetime. I wouldn't have had it any other way. The city beautiful is a part of my heart and soul. "Press on, Press on, ye saints of God" ("Though Deeping Trials") I know that this church is true. I wear it on my sleeve and live it conspicuously. I love my Heavenly Father and I love my Savior. I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that this church is the true and everlasting gospel brought forth in these latter days to help us return and live with our Father in Heaven again.
I invite those who do not know for themselves to read the Book of Mormon and ponder the challenge that Moroni leaves us the Moroni 10:3-5. Pray. Ask God if these things are true.
I bear my witness to you,
in the sacred name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.