The Nauvoo Period

This coming week the lesson focuses on the Nauvoo Period of church history. Specifically, the material relates to the building of the kingdom of God in Nauvoo. Inasmuch as I will not be teaching this week, I'll just list a few thoughts about God's kingdom and the Nauvoo Period.

• The Relief Society was organized in Nauvoo. Much can be said about the Relief Society, and much is said about it. First of all, I think that the creating of such a group is a testament to the incredible inspiration and foresightedness of Joseph Smith. Not being a woman myself (duh?), I don't know a whole lot about RS from personal experience, but I am aware of the power of such an organization. Heavenly Father has blessed His daughters with gifts that cannot be comprehended by men, but that bring so much goodness, kindness, compassion, and peace into the world. Jack Christianson is fond of quoting Elder Matthew Cowley who said that women belong to a Sorority of Saviorhood. Suffice it for me to say that most of the really Christlike people I know happen to belong to the Relief Society. And that's no mistake.
  
• The temple endowment, as we understand it, was first introduced in Nauvoo. The potential for leadership, especially in families, that comes as a part of the Endowment, is immeasurable. The Kingdom of God is built on the foundation of families. God's kingdom is His family. There's a lot to be considered here.
• Hundreds served missions during the Nauvoo Period. Mass conversions took place in Great Britain at this time. It has been said that the conversion of so many British saints was the salvation of the church.
• Joseph Smith's revelations, mostly not published in the D&C, did much to inspire the saints, and convince them of his prophetic mantle.
  

And other things. But this list suffices for the time. I look forward to the discussion on Sunday.