"Last summer my wife and I took our twin grandsons to Kirtland, Ohio. It was a special and precious opportunity for us to spend time with them before they left on their missions."During our visit there, we learned to better understand the circumstances of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Saints who lived in Kirtland. That era of Church history is known as a time of severe trials but also supreme blessings."In Kirtland the Lord bestowed some of the most remarkable heavenly manifestations and spiritual gifts this world has ever experienced. Sixty-five sections of the Doctrine and Covenants were received in Kirtland and surrounding areas—revelations that brought new light and knowledge about topics such as the Second Coming, caring for the needy, the plan of salvation, priesthood authority, the Word of Wisdom, tithing, the temple, and the law of consecration."It was a period of unparalleled spiritual growth. . . ."One of the many revelations Joseph received in Kirtland was a revelation he called the 'olive leaf . . . plucked from the Tree of Paradise, and the Lord's message of peace to us' (introduction to D&C 88). This remarkable revelation includes the sublime invitation, 'Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me' (D&C 88:63). As the Saints of Kirtland drew near unto the Lord, He truly did draw near unto them, pouring out the blessings of heaven upon the heads of the faithful."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Hold on a Little Longer," Ensign, Jan. 2010, 5–6
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