DevanJensen

All of the gifts of God are supernal, surpassing any gifts we might exchange on earth. Still, one gift surpasses all the rest. This ultimate gift is called by the Lord Himself “the greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7; see also 1 Nephi 15:36 ). In fact, this gift encompasses the rest of God’s gifts because it is the central purpose of the plan of happiness. This gift is the gift of eternal life, which is the central purpose of the plan of happiness. Eternal life means knowing the Father and the Son and becoming one with them (see John 17:3, 21). It means dwelling in God’s presence as an eternal family in eternal glory (see D&C 130:2). It means becoming even as God is and receiving all that He has—“glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!” (D&C 128:23). It means becoming kings and queens, priests and priestesses—serving under the direction of our Father in Heaven to accomplish His work and glory, ...

Statue at San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site Henry Wells Jackson was a wandering Mormon hero who was motivated by duty to God, country, and family. His life was marked by many significant firsts. [1] He was among the first to march west to California in the Mormon Battalion, the first U.S. military unit based on religious affiliation. He was among the first to pan for gold only weeks after its discovery at Sutter’s sawmill. He served in Utah’s early territorial militia and mail service between Utah and California. Years later, he was commissioned a Union lieutenant in the Civil War and was shot by Confederates while leading an assault on a railroad bridge, becoming the first Latter-day Saint known to be killed in an American national war. He was the Civil War’s first and only battle fatality from Utah. [2] This essay will focus on his service in the Mormon Battalion and then reenlistment in the Mormon Volunteers. An expanded version will be delivered at the Mormon Hi...