Emma wanted Joseph to give her a blessing just prior to him being taken to Carthage, but there wasn't time. Instead, Joseph suggested that she write out the blessing she desired and he would sign it upon his return. After his departure, Emma composed what she termed "the desires of my heart."
It reads as follows:
"First of all that I would crave as the richest of heaven's blessings would be wisdom from my Heavenly Father bestowed daily, so that whatever I might do or say, I could not look back at the close of the day with regret, nor neglect the performance of any act that would bring a blessing. I desire the Spirit of God, to know and understand myself, that I desire a fruitful, active mind, that I may be able to comprehend the designs of God, when revealed through his servants without doubting. I desire a spirit of discernment, which is one of the promised blessings of the Holy Ghost.
I particularly desire wisdom to bring up all the children that are, or may be committed to my charge, in such a manner that they will be useful ornaments in the Kingdom of God, and in a coming day arise up and call me blessed.
I desire prudence that I may not through ambition abuse my body and cause it to become prematurely old and care-worn, but that I may wear a cheerful countenance, live to perform all the work that I covenanted to perform in the spirit-world and be a blessing to all who may in any wise need aught at my hands.
I desire with all my heart to honor and respect my husband as my head, ever to live in his confidence and by acting in unison with him retain the place which God has given me by his side, and I ask my Heavenly Father that through humility, I may be enabled to overcome that curse which was pronounced upon the daughters of Eve. I desire to see that I may rejoice with them in the blessings which God has in store for all who are willing to be obedient to his requirements."
What are the desires of your heart?
I've debated with myself for a couple of weeks now on whether or not I should blog about this...its not everyday I talk about funerals or funeral luncheons...but this one was so touching and sincere and full of love I had to share it with others. These are pictures of just some of the table decorations found at Aunt Gail's funeral luncheon. They were made with love by her best friend and put on display with the help of many other friends and sisters in her ward. Richard and I had to leave after the burial but my heart really filled with joy when I saw these pictures...its been in my mind non stop since then and all I've done is tell my friends about what her friend did for her. This was an incredible tribute of love for Gail. I can only imagine how her family felt when they entered this room. What a great gift to them. They knew at that moment that their mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and wife was not only loved; they knew that she was known. This friend and this ward FAMILY turned a day of sadness into a day of laughter and fun filled memories. This was inspiring...It makes me want to KNOW my friends and family better-everyone attending the luncheon recieved a candy bar wrapped with an image of Gail next to her favorite quote and all of her children and brothers and sisters were able to take home a tile sign to remember her by. Every time I go to Richard's parents home, I will read the tile sign displayed and smile remembering Aunt Gail. I wish we could all love and share it with others the way this BEST FRIEND did.
