From a member who could not attend the gathering:
"I have a couple of comments if you want to pass them along on my behalf. 1) I've been enjoying the book History of Joseph Smith by his Mother, which you can get on Amazon for 99 cents for the Kindle version. 2) In reading this, I found that the first time Joseph went for the plates, he made what seems like a small mistake. He had been told not to let the plates out of his hands until he got them safely home, but he set them down for a second to lean over and look deeper into the cavity where the plates were buried, in case other treasures were there. The plates were immediately taken away by Moroni, and Joseph was severely chastised. This reminded me that the Lord truly cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. If I really want to serve Him to my fullest potential, I need to be strictly obedient and humble and quit making so many allowances for sin myself!"
Comments without attribution:
Joseph Smith wanted forgiveness for his sins - he was so young to be working on repentance
The 1832 account is more personal
Recently, a convert to the church shared his testimony at a stake conference--it was the story of Joseph Smith which brought him into the church
Joseph Smith sought for answers just as other protestants did at that time
There is a parallel to today in Joseph's search for the truth
Lucy Mack Smith had a similar experience twenty years previously as she sought for truth--her question was answered through her son twenty years later--what does this teach us?
How do we claim our blessing of priesthood without demanding it--how to call upon the power and not be so passive?
We are Superman living a Clark Kent life
How to claim and then access our privileges?
Sit in silent openness to communicate with God
We have the same right as Joseph Smith has to ask questions--we have equal access
We evaluate through our current knowledge and experience
Can look back at personal struggles and see His hand and now working to spot it as she goes along
Some cultures view the language of "thee" and "thou" as a barrier between God and us.
Four First Vision accounts - memory is not recall
Regarding Doctrine and Covenants 121 and 122 - Why did so much information about priesthood come during Joseph's harrowing time in Liberty jail? Something to discuss further.
The Much More Personal 1832 Account of the First Vision https://latterdaysaintmag.com/preparing-for-conference-the-much-more-personal-1832-account-of-the-first-vision/
Evening with a General Authority https://latterdaysaintmag.com/preparing-for-conference-the-much-more-personal-1832-account-of-the-first-vision/
The Church History Symposium https://rsc.byu.edu/conferences/church-history
