Q#1: I learn about how to receive revelation. Joseph Smith's experience is wonderful and powerful, but for me, I can have very special experiences as well to strengthen my testimony. Joseph Smith taught me that even at a young age, study and ponder were very important to him. He asked questions. And he didn't leave it to other men to give it to him. I believe he listened and then asked his mind and heart how he felt about those things. He also thought for himself outside the box of what others did. I know that prayer and specifically vocal prayer are important. My prayers are led by the Spirit when I pray vocally in solitude. I learned a great deal from Joseph Smith as I read his story this time.
Q#2: We must have a testimony of the First Vision so as to know that Joseph was a prophet and that this is the restoration. But for me I must learn what he learned from his first vision for myself because I need to know that God knows me by name and that his attributes are what we are told. I have a testimony of Him, but I need to grow that testimony to become a more intimate relationship with Him.
Q#3: I think others had a hard time believing Joseph because they couldn't see these things for themselves. And that is true because they didn't have faith or understanding of the Gospel even as it came from the Bible. Additionally, they were influenced by Satan, in the extreme.
Joseph Smith merely told him that he could never deny what he saw and felt. His knowledge was sure and he feared God more than man.
We should not be ashamed to share what we know about the Gospel with others. We should also continue to show gratitude to God for what knowledge he has give us.
Q#4: I don't remember when I learned about the First Vision, but I remember feeling it more on my mission. I read it now and see so much of insight about what it must have felt like when he was only a boy having this experience. I am so grateful for it. It happened and I am blessed by it.
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