A Message from Wilford Woodruff’s Journals

by Marinda Smith

Why did the early Saints of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continue to build their beautiful temple in Nauvoo, Illinois, when they knew they would soon be leaving it? 

"The Lord God is My Strength"

by Lyndie Jackson

In April of 1838, Wilford Woodruff wrote in his journal that he and many of the Saints had “passed through trying scenes” and noted that “the Lord will have a tried people.” With remorse, he wrote that some of the Saints had begun to deny the faith, followed with his personal affirmation, “but the Lord has supported me through these trials and blessed be his name. I will trust in the Lord forever.”

"What doth the Lord require of thee?"

by Julia Collings

“What doth the Lord require of thee,” asks the prophet Micah, “but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”¹ Just as the Lord grants us unconditional love and mercy, so should we in our fallen mortal state strive to extend that same love and mercy to those around us, especially to those who have wronged us. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Sara Briggs

by Maddie Barzee

“Spending more time in the Wilford Woodruff Papers has helped me feel closer to the Saints of the past and ever more grateful for their sacrifices.”

"I Thank My Heavenly Father for the Preservation of My Life"

by Natalie Hancock

Wilford Woodruff was rescued after drowning in 30 feet of water, he survived a train crash, and he recovered after being crushed by a falling tree. Wilford also went through several other traumatic experiences that should have ended in his death.

The Way is Prepared

by Katlyn Linville

“Seek ye me, and ye shall live.”  —Amos 5:4 In a letter to Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff shared the story of two handcart companies arriving in Great Salt Lake City.1 He described the pioneers as they came home where they were escorted by lancers and brass bands, where they danced in the streets, where they were greeted by thousands, and where their "hearts swelled until [they] were speechless with joy." Wilford wrote, “As I gazed upon the scene . .  ...

“Keep the Commandments of God Regardless of the Consequences”

by Maddie Barzee

“Keep on the covenant path” was President Russell M. Nelson’s first message to the Church after he was sustained as the prophet, and it has been his continued anthem ever since. In the short term, it may feel difficult to fully obey the commandments and keep our covenants, but in the long run we will be blessed both spiritually and physically by obeying the word of God. This principle of obedience is prevalent in Daniel 1–6.

“His Love for Us Is Constant”

by Anna Buis

Despite our best efforts, we will inevitably fall short because we are human. This human experience teaches us that we need the Savior and His atoning sacrifice. His invitation to us is always to return to Him; His love for us is constant. Hosea 14:4 says, “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from Israel.” We can find comfort in Christ taking action to forgive, heal, and love us individually.

Volunteer Spotlight: Alisa Webster

by Lyndie Jackson

“I love this project because I get to help others benefit from the extensive records Wilford Woodruff kept. It is meaningful and fulfilling, and I am often struck with gratitude for the opportunity I have to be involved.”

Alisa Webster first discovered the opportunity to volunteer for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project from a Facebook post. She said, “It almost jumped off the screen at me, and I knew immediately that I wanted to get involved.”

“Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?”

by McKenzie Wood

In Ezekiel 34, the Lord commands His people to be shepherds and feed His sheep. If we do so, the Lord promises, “[I] shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live.” Wilford Woodruff acted as a shepherd for members of the Church and for those who did not know of it.