"Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not." D&C 42:68

Today I was able to see Joseph Smith's birth place in the state of Vermont (Joseph Smith's birthplace). It was a place of quiet calm and beauty. I am so grateful I was able to go there today with my in-laws and my husband. Let me tell you why.

As we drove onto the grounds there was a very different feeling, my blood pressure dropped about 20 to 40 degrees (does it drop by degrees?) We got out and were able to walk around. There is a visitors center there and you can have a short tour given by a missionary who will explain a lot of history and facts about the Smith family and their lives. Joseph Smith came from a very spiritual family who had a lot of faith and believed in Jesus Christ. He was taught to believe in Jesus Christ all his life. His family had many hardships financially over the years and they were forced to move a great deal which led him to move to New York.

On the grounds is a memorial that has been erected in honor of Joseph Smith. It is 38 1/2 feet tall, each foot representing a year of Joseph Smith's life until he was martyred. Around the top of the base is the scripture which led Joseph to seek for God's help in asking which church to join. James 1:5 reads: "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". This scripture is so powerful! It is a part of God's pattern for all men to find truth. Here was a young man, at the age of 14 who had the faith to ask God, believing that he would receive an answer about what he should do. It made all the difference.

It is a pattern that we too can follow. It is simple. If we lack wisdom, ask God. Sometimes we may feel that we aren't receiving an answer and there is a lead ceiling there. Sometimes, we need to act in faith first and then the answer will come. The pattern is to ask in faith, believing that you will receive. (Note that you must lack wisdom. If you can find the wisdom and have the ability to get it, the Lord will more than likely want you to go out and find the answer, such as how to get an education, how to tie your shoes, how to cook, things that are available to us with a little bit of help, He will guide us, but He also wants us to use our brains.) Heavenly Father loves all of his children, no matter what religion, no matter what their background, no matter where they are. He wants all of them to come back to Him and He wants to hear from us. ASK and you will be guided.

Joseph Smith was a prophet. He saw God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This I testify is true.  And this knowledge and wisdom has changed my life. It will change yours, too.