Part 4: The Gathering in Ohio

Here are my thoughts on Part 4 (pp. 257-346)

The first chapter in this section is about Mother Smith leading a group of families from Fayette to Kirtland. It is interesting how bold she is. I am so pleased with her not hiding her religion EVER! And how it constantly pays off for her - such as the ice breaking up long enough to get their boat and one other through before closing again, and finding a place to stay when it was wet and cold and completing missionary work the whole way. I also am in awe at how she handles others - a natural leader. But, I makes me wonder what she would have said about me if I had been on the boat as she was not too fond of how other parents cared for their children. Were all of them not able to control their children?? That was amazing to me! And, how few provided for themselves in food for the trip - duh! I guess they were all still learning.

I really enjoyed hearing about Lucy going on a mission to teach her family members the gospel. I don't know why it didn't occur to me earlier that she and her husband would both want to share the gospel with their family members.

I don't know if I will ever get over the sheer evil-ness that surrounds the mobbers at the John Johnson farm and the subsequent death of their little boy that was already sick! And, the labor of love of those around them who helped out Joseph as soon as they possibly could. I think it was in the chapter notes at the end about how the neighbors responded as well and were also treated badly in order to be sure that they'd have a clear shot at Joseph - oh my goodness! TOO well thought out, I'm afraid!

Lucy is a spunky little thing. Love that she took over building the schoolhouse when the work just wasn't getting done! Ha ha!

More miraculous healings - Sophronia healed by the priesthood. Then, Lucy's eyesight is gone for a few days and when she is healed, she never needs glasses again. Can anyone have more faith than this incredible woman?

Chapter 44 talks about a vision that Joseph Smith has while he is on a journey East and it is so terrible he keeps stopping it but it keeps coming back. The vision is of the canker within the church at Kirtland and all the bitter enemies that will come because of it. Too too true!

Now, it is Joseph Smith, Sr.'s turn to visit and teach his family the gospel. I love how they all accept it, except that stubborn brother of his. So sad that his mother was not baptized prior to her death because of that son. But, her heart was right and the work was done for her quickly, I am sure - although not mentioned in the book that I read.

That's all for this section. Hope I'm not boring you all to pieces.