A Witness of Him

Let’s talk about visions.

Eeeek!

All throughout each book of scripture visions are a very important part of instruction from the Lord. In our modern day, we don’t talk about them as much, except when referencing those in the scriptures (and some latter-day Prophets). That doesn’t mean claims of visions have stopped. Rather, they go on – but often by people that seem to have turned from the Lord and His church because of them. There are several members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that have claimed to have visions, gained some popularity, and then caused much harm to those they love and those whom have believed them. For this reason I have been shy about even using the word “vision” when talking of my own in appropriate settings (with my husband or leaders) – and rather have claimed some to be “dreams”, a word that seems to have been much less dirtied by the antics of Satan.

But no more. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ often speak through and teach through visions, they are one of His means of communication – and I am claiming them back for Him. In the future I will speak of other means of communication which Satan has seemed to claim (possession – even this is not his), but which are God the Father’s. All things are His, all Satan knows he learned from His Father. He has power only to twist what is Father’s, nothing is his own. This is very important to remember. We will speak about reasons why in the future, but for now – let your trust be that all things are God’s, Satan’s actions are mimicry of Him.

When Sariah seemingly mocked Lehi as a visionary man (in heartache over her children), he responded, “I know that I am a visionary man.” I love that. His confidence in God was strong, his response tender and loving because of it. (Side note: This is a good scriptural example of having applied the recent advice of President Nelson in the April 2025 General Conference talk). I too, am a visionary (wo)man. And like Lehi I can state, “If I had not seen the things of God in a vision I should not have known the goodness of God.” 1 Nephi 5:4. I knew of God, I had read my scriptures every day for nearly 30 years when these experiences began. I loved His gospel and I loved His words, but it wasn’t until these experiences began that I truly knew God the Father and His Son. I remember Them, and in those memories is more understanding than a lifetime of studying could provide me. I am grateful for all the experiences I have been given and hope I can do them justice in my telling of them.

There was a time when I first began being taught by angels that I was given a laying on of hands blessing. Through that blessing I was told I would have the gift of seeing and knowing the things of God through vision. I was excited, but had no idea what to expect – and it wasn’t for several months that I first experienced this gift. (Note: A Priesthood blessing by those on the other side of the veil is not necessary for receiving the gifts of God, my case was my case alone and not meant to set a standard.) This was in February of 2022. In July of 2022 I was studying 1 Nephi 8 during my daily scripture study. The Tree of Life had become a central theme over arching all my experiences, and though I have read this chapter dozens of times, I felt prompted to return to it this evening. Often when I am reading I will stop and ponder over particular words or verses. Pondering for me entails pausing my study, waiting for the quiet whisper that the Holy Ghost is present, and then talking with Father about what I have read. Often I will ask questions, at times I will feel prompted to think on additional scripture and put it together with the questions I am asking, almost like a puzzle piece. As I do this the peace of the Holy Ghost will grow within me and I know, without question, I am communing with my God, my Father.

This evening I felt a new and different prompting. I felt father would show me something and that I needed to clear my mind and ponder with the intent of learning directly from Him. This was the understanding (knowledge) that came to my mind accompanied by clarity and a gentle pressure in my chest. I followed this prompting by saying a prayer. If I could suggest anything to anyone who is reading this – it is, “Pray always”, as we have been taught (2 Nephi 32: 8-9 is probably my favorite scripture which gives this advice). Always. Including during spiritual experiences. Always confirm with your Father in Heaven that what you are experiencing is from Him. Wait for his peace before continuing. Turn to him before, after, and during. My prayer this evening was for the faith to experience whatever Father would have me, as well as the peace and clarity of mind that comes only from him. Following this I laid back, closed my eyes, and focused on that prayer for increased faith, clearing my mind of all else. Within moments I felt I was “taken away in Spirit” as Nephi speaks of in Nephi 11:1. This is an experience I can share, nothing in it is doctrine or prophecy which extend beyond my authority to teach or witness of.

I found myself taken to a large field (something that has become a staple in all I have been taught, it is a meadow surrounded on all sides by trees, what is on the other side of the trees changes each time I am taken through them). At the field I was met by the Savior. He was dressed in a linen looking top that had three buttons at the top (it looked like a collarless dress shirt), and a wrap around bottom (like a skirt, but for men). The top and bottom were of the same fabric and same light cream color. When I arrived He reached out for my hand and turned and started walking me to the right side of the field. I could feel the texture and warmth of His hand and immediately understood Paul when he said, “Whether I was in the the body or out of the body I did not know.” (2 Corinthians 12:2.) I was aware I was in my body, but it was equally as real to be standing in front of the Savior, and that is where my focus and attention were.

Guiding me by hand He took me to a large tree and sat down with His back against it. I sat down next to Him, studying Him as I did so. I could feel the ground beneath me just as I would were I to sit somewhere similar in my mortal body (I remember a large root ran past me and I could feel it softly against one leg). We conversed, but it wasn’t the conversation which held my attention. Honestly my first thoughts were regarding the buttons on His shirt. I was staring at the living Jesus Christ, but in my mind He was in the time of His mortal life. I didn’t understand how His clothing had buttons. Soon I recognized the error in my thoughts, namely He is living in the present just as I am and buttons now exist. My thoughts then went to how I felt in His presence. There was peace, and joy, and a deep remembrance. In life I have 5 brothers, and I felt He reminded me of one of them, of a brother. I let my mind wander through each of my brothers (though interestingly in His presence I could only remember 4, one deceased and 3 living), as I did so I realized He didn’t remind me of any of my mortal brothers, but rather He reminded me of Him – of a relationship before this life, a Brother I knew before all others. Realizing this I felt joy. I felt contentment. I felt a gentle peace and confidence that this Man I sat next to is my Savior, my God, the Creator of all I know in this mortal world. His presence was both magnificent and gentle.

The conversing went on for several minutes before He stood and pulled me up to stand with Him. He reached up to the fruit hanging from the tree and began filling my arms with it. The fruit was gleaming white and it sparkled. Were I to paint a picture of it I would paint it as if covered in glitter, though in the vision the sparkle wasn’t separate on top of the fruit – but rather a part of the fruit. It was shaped more like a pear than an apple, though larger than either fruit. As He was filling my arms He said a phrase I have pondered often since, He said, “And when you have partaken, feed my sheep.” He grinned while He said it, and I was filled with joy. His request was a desire from the Savior of the world to reach out to those who didn’t yet know they could reach for Him. Soon after that I felt my presence again fully in my mortal body and knew the vision had ended.

Let’s take a second and speak of the partaking of the fruit. To partake of the tree as described in Genesis (3:22), would be to gain eternal life. It would be a change from this mortal body into an immortal one. I can say with confidence, this is not what He was referring to. As in all things there are spiritual ways of partaking and physical ways, thus it was the spiritual He was referring to. Have I partaken? I don’t believe I will ever confidently state, “Yes”. Rather, I am still partaking and expect I always will be. In doing so I have come to know Him, and I know He is a God of love – He is the fruit of the tree. Sharing Him, is sharing my witness that He is (this is at least one of many ways). This blog is the beginning of my fulfilling of that command given years ago. My attempt to share His fruit is painting a picture (through words) of Who He is today. To paint a picture of the living Christ. To testify, that He is.

I have had incredible experiences. I am blessed beyond measure, and I recognize that. My prayer is that your belief and knowledge of Him might expand and in doing so your faith will grow and you too may come to know Him through the incredible gifts He is willing to bestow upon all His faithful followers.

Visions are just one way God the Father and His Son communicate with Their children. They are as real today as they were in biblical times, and equally as important. Let’s not allow satan’s deceptions to cloud our view of what is available. Satan uses God’s powers, not the other way around.

This is my witness, and it is true.

Until next time,

Jennica