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At one time or another, everyone has felt the need for friendship. We desire the connection that comes in sharing common interests and experiences. It may become a feeling of desperation. To sense that you do not “fit in” with the crowd can be discouraging. It may be difficult to approach your peers with concerns of inadequacy or embarrassment. Depression and anxiety can prevent one from risking vulnerability in social situations. Perhaps you are not specifically looking for new friendships, but instead recognize the need in someone else. To act upon this instinct can shape our character through compassion, selflessness, and empathy. The sincerity needed to form meaningful relationships requires time, patience, forgiveness and understanding, all of which come with practice.

During certain periods of my life I was self-centered, dishonest, and uninterested in my “friend’s” lives. I hunted for what I could gain from the relationship. I was not concerned how my behavior would affect my friends or family. Most of my relationships were short-term and I really didn’t care if they disappeared as long as I got what I wanted from them.
On the contray, there were those friends, the truiest of any who stayed true. Those who loved me, even when I was horrible. They forgave me when I abandonded them and they waited for me to return when I was confused.
Later in my life as social situations became less frequent and most of my time was spent at home with my daughter, I found myself feeling very lonely. I craved the interaction of other adults and a chance to leave the tediousness of my own mind. I intently prayed to develop friendships. I prayed to meet other mothers that shared my interests. I was reminded of these prayers while reading a journal entry from almost a year ago. As I read the definition of the type of friend that wished to uplift my spirits, I realized I was reading the perfect description of my sweet friend, Ana. My life had been blessed by Ana through her willingness to listen. Regular treats and goodies appeared at my door. She also asked simple favors of me that made me feel needed and trusted. She set an example for me at a time when I needed righteous influences in my life. She exemplified a charitable person and how to accept and love others without reservations or judgment.
My confidence is greater now and I pray for the opportunity to bless others the way that Ana blessed me. These opportunities creep in slowly, like the morning sun casting through the window. I see the same needs in other women that I have experienced. I see that look like any minute they are going to burst into tears. I see that lonesome or rundown, unsure, or insecure look on the faces of so many women. We find ourselves lost in our own thoughts and the only way out is a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. Most often a deep psychological analysis is not necessary to form meaningful friendships, but rather amusing one on one attention can bring healing to an individual’s self-esteem.
I have recently encountered one woman with common feelings of insecurity and depression. I wonder how I can make an impact on her life the way that Ana made an impression on mine. I openly share my mistakes and weaknesses with her, not because I am proud of them, but as a way of saying, “see, I’m not perfect. Don’t worry, I won’t judge you.” This is done in absolute sincerity, risking judgment for the chance of friendship.

The First Vision

What is "the First Vision"?

The first vision is a crucial point in Mormon church history. Joseph Smith was a young boy living in the northern part of New York state during the early 1820's. Joseph was confused by the many churches and their teachings. Believing in God, he study the Holy Bible for answers. While reading in James 1:5 he read the passage:

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

Following the council of the scripture, the 14-year old boy arose early the next morning and sought a place of peace and privacy. He came a upon a wooded grove near his home and faithfully knelt to pray for the first time.Before Joseph began to speak he was overcome with a darkness that bore down upon him with great force. Joseph was so over come by this sense of doom that he was unable to speak. As Joseph was about to reach a point of unbareable fear, a beautiful light began to shine over him. Two personages appeared over Joseph and one called him by name and spoke saying, "This is my beloved son. Hear Him!" Joseph regained his ability to speak and was filled with desire to obtain an answer to his question. The men that stood before Joseph Smith were Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. Joseph inquired which of the churches was the true chruch and which one he should join, he had not anticipated the answer. The Heavenly beings told Joseph that the church of the living Christ was not on the Earth at that time and those that claimed to be the true church lacked God's authority. Many of the churches preached God's commandments, but their hearts and intentions were not pure. Many churches sought monetary gain rather than the salvation.
The account of Joseph Smith's first vision is a beautiful example of faith and was the first step in the restoration of Christ's gospel in the latter days. Joseph Smith receieved coutless other visitations from angels and prophets as he prepared to translate the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith was the first prophet of God in modern times. He was a young and uneducated boy when he received this revalation, yet he was divinly appointed. I believe that his humble nature made him an ideal candidate for ushering in the last dispensation. He was meek and willing to obey God.
I have treasured this story since I was a young girl and I know that it is true. I know that Joseph Smith was and is a true prophet of God and that he endured incredible obstacles in order to restore Christ's true church upon the Earth. Like Joseph, I obtained a testimony of these things through prayer and received my answers through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Heavenly Father allows all of his children the same opportunity to "ask" and "it shall be given him."