The Father of the Prophet
The author provides his readers with a well-researched look at this early Saint, pointing out that the foreordination of Joseph Sr. places him in company with other great men such as Abraham. Detailed physical descriptions and colorful quotations concerning his character from those who knew him well give readers a vivid picture of the man. Glimpses of Joseph Smith Sr. in a range of settings—his home life, his missionary work, and his calling as the first patriarch—demonstrate his undying faith and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Just before his death in Egypt, Joseph, the son of Jacob, prophesied that from his seed a seer would be raised up “called Joseph and it shall be after the name of his father” (JST Gen. 50:33). Nephi repeats this prophecy (2 Ne. 3:15), which he likely obtained from the brass plates. With his book The Father of the Prophet, Mark McConkie captures the spirit of that ancient prophecy by honoring the seer’s father, Joseph Smith Sr.
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Julie
Julie Smith is the Education Director for the Joseph Smith Foundation. She is the former owner of the Glenn J. Kimber Academy in Lehi, Utah. Julie served as a regional trainer—establishing 18 schools in Arizona, Idaho, and Utah. She is a certified teacher for The Thomas Jefferson Center for Constitutional Restoration (TJC) and taught the Making of America seminars written by W. Cleon Skousen and Glenn J. Kimber. Some of her children also traveled across the nation, assisting in teaching during these seminars. Julie taught history and Book of Mormon classes for 10 years. Julie is the mother of 5 children and grandmother to 7. She homeschooled for over 27 years, working through family challenges including pornography addiction, testimony faith crises, and teenage rebellion. She writes and teaches on strengthening the family, working with troubled youth, practically applying the teachings of scripture and the Prophet Joseph Smith, and celebrating higher standards. In her spare time, Julie also enjoys gardening, managing her .5-acre homestead, and hosting Sunday dinners with her family! Her home is a revolving door of guests and friends as her family hosts cultural celebrations and teaching events.
