Nativity at the Temple: A Sacred Activity this Christmas

As I have gone to the grounds of a couple of temples locally, I have noticed that even though they are closed to proxy ordinances this Christmas Season (many carefully opening up next year, according to the church), they do have Life-size Nativities on the grounds of the temples I saw.

One sacred activity this year might be to go to your local temple, sit on the grounds and feel of the spirit of that place. And chances are there is a nativity there that could make the visit more meaningful.

A Sacred Experience

A nativity is wonderful, and a nativity setup on hallowed ground can turn a great Christmas activity into a sacred experience as you go, especially as you take some time to ponder and silently pray when you are there.  

I recommend you take some time before Christmas, perhaps on a weekend, and go to the temple grounds if local regulations permit. Even though it's outside, please maintain social distancing and make sure and observe any local mask mandates.

And then enjoy the spirit of the temple that we all have missed these last 9 months. And take some time to reflect upon the significance of the Birth of the Savior.

If you have children, it's a perfect time to teach them more about the Savior, as well as teach them more about the temple. You might let them know the spirit they feel on the temple grounds comes from the Savior whose birth we celebrate. You might let them know that spirit is one of the reasons you love the temple.  

This Christmas is a time for Hope: I look forward with hope for the future. This pandemic will not last forever, and in a future day, we will be able to enter the temples again. But until then, the grounds are dedicated to the Lord, too. And we can have our cups filled, our testimonies strengthened, and can experience Christmas in a different way as we will go up to the Mountain of the Lord.  

God lives. He loves each of us. He will ever be our hope, our light, our salvation, our Redeemer, our King, and our best friend. And he is the reason for the season.

Find out how you can #LightTheWorld this Christmas Season at the Church Website. Serve others and spread the light of Christ this Season.

Picture Still from Celebrating the Light of the World: A Christmas on Temple Square Performance, program available at the Church Media Library, and on Youtube

Watch President Nelson's Brief Message of Hope this Friday

Normally I post about Family History, however this post is to share an invitation to listen to our Prophet this week.

This Friday at 11 am MST, the Prophet will give a ten minute message of hope and healing to the world. It will be posted to Church media channels and apps afterwards.

As we together face this tumultuous year, and now as we go into uncertain times, we need the Savior of the World. And we need the words of our prophet as we begin this Holiday Season.

I know God Lives. Jesus Christ is our Savior. He is the one who will heal our hearts, calm our troubled minds, and comfort our weary souls. He stands at the head of this church. He is real, and I love him with all my heart. And I know he loves all of his children. He is there. And his words will again be spoken this Friday.

I hope and pray that all of us may watch this, either live or later on. You can find out more about this, and how to watch on the Church News Announcement Page.  

Here's the 30 second video of the Invitation.

Pray about your direction in life
One last bit. I encourage you today to just take some time to login to Family Search, or the Family Tree Mobile App, and search through some of the stories of your ancestors.  And prayerfully decide about engaging in Family History. It's another way to heal your heart and soul, and can bring the peace of the Savior into your life. And it can save the lives of others.

How to keep You and your Family Rooted to Christ's Gospel-a short video

Family History is for children as well as families. Take a couple of minutes, and watch this story of a boy who started Family History as a child, and how it changed his whole family for the better. And it is also important for individuals.

I know some of the most powerful spiritual experiences our children, or anyone can have is when they are somehow engaged in Family History.  It touches their sensitive natures and binds them to Christ. And it touches our hearts as well.

10 Minutes
First, you have to learn how yourself, and there is a great video quickstart guide on a previous post that you can use to get started in as little as 10 minutes.

Even if you only try it once a month, it will change your life, and the lives of your family, and especially your children.  It can set you as a family firmly on the gospel path for your entire lives.  And individually you can feel the Love of the Lord.

Remember you don't have to be a genealogist. You don't have to do it all the time.  And you as a family or individually can prayerfully decide how much you do.  Here's the video:

Begin your story at Discover your story on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website. Quick Start Guide is on this blogpost.

Picture is of the Sapporo, Japan Temple, courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Family Search's Fresh new look for Resolving Duplicates (with Video)

If you have ever gone to reserve names for the temple, but couldn't, and instead got the message "possible duplicates exist," this post is for you. It can also get you one step closer to finding more of your ancestors in a more accurate way.

Resolving and merging duplicates can be fraught with anxiety, however merging duplicates, when done right, can actually help the global family tree, and make sure fragmented families are connected.

Now Family Search updated a bit ago, and it has a new, fresh look, and merging is a bit different, so I wanted to share this video that walks you through the changes.  

One note. If you make a mistake and merge people that are actually different people, you can reverse that, so it's not something to be afraid of.  That being said, it's still important to make sure dates and data match up so you don't merge people who are actually separate people (birth dates can be off by a year because census records can sometimes be off by a year).   

This can be done on the Family Search website or the Family Tree Mobile App, however I prefer the website.  However, feel free to use whichever you prefer, as the layouts are similar.

As President Nelson said, this is the work of Almighty God, and will help prepare the world for the second coming of our Savior. It is one way of many that we can Let God Prevail in our lives.  Here's the Video
 

If you have never done Family History on Family Search, I've done a 10 Minute Quick Start Guide on another post. 

Begin your story at Discover your story on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website.

Picture of the Logan Utah Temple in Wintertime is courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

My Heavenly Experience on the Temple Grounds - an invitation for all

I had the most wonderful experience today. Though temples are still closed to proxy ordinances (thought that may be changing soon), I decided to drive to a temple that is close by, and just sit there on the grounds.

A Beacon of Light

The grounds were beautiful, the temple was elegant, and shone like a beacon of light. And it wasn't just the building that shone, it was the spirit.  I felt the spirit in a way I haven't since temples closed for proxy ordinances.

Love from our Heavenly Home here on Earth

I felt the Love of the Lord, and I felt a peace that cannot be obtained anywhere else on earth. I felt like I was in my heavenly home for the first time since the start of the pandemic.  

I have so missed the temple. but even if we can't go inside, we can still feel of the spirit of the temple as we will go there, and sit on the temple grounds.  It is still a place of prayer, and a place dedicated to the Lord.  And angels attend as we go there, even if we can't go inside.

An invitation to go to the temple

So, I recommend the following as an individual or a family activity with your children, parents, or friends.  Perhaps today, or in the next week or couple of weeks just go to your local temple, and just spend some time on the grounds.  Perhaps you go on a Saturday or a weekday.  You may wish to call your local temple first before you go and ask when their grounds are open.  And you will want to follow safe social distancing guidelines. 

How the House of the Lord can fill us with God's love

My heart is full. I still feel the peace of the temple filling my day with the light of Christ, and the comfort of his love.  And I want to share that, and I know the Lord wants to share that love with his children.

God Lives. This work still goes on. And we can still feel of the peace of the temple as we wait for them to open to proxy ordinances.  With all my heart, I encourage you to do that, if you are able to.

Find your local temple on the Member tools App for Apple or Android, or on the church website.  Discover your story on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website.   

Picture Courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Media Library

Until Temples Open, or if you can't go to one right now, Discover an easy way to engage in Family History Work if you have never done it with this 10 minute quick start guide with video. 

General Conference Prep: Your Family Stories about General Conference

With General Conference Approaching, I wanted to suggest something that can help you to draw closer to our Heavenly Father, closer to Christ, and draw closer to your Family as well. You can get your children involved in any of these, and can create age-appropriate activities that will involve them.

Your Family Members experiences with Conference

Take some time today, this week, or maybe between sessions of Conference to ask some older members of your family about their Favorite General Conference experience or talk. It can strengthen your testimony, and help make Conference more meaningful. 

Your Ancestor's Experiences

You can also go onto the Family Tree Mobile App or the Family Search website, and search through family stories of your ancestors that may have been uploaded by some of your relatives.

You may find out that you are not alone, and that your ancestors may have faced many of the challenges you are facing. 

Watch for Invitations to engage in Family History

Also, this Conference, listen for what our Leaders say about Family History and Temple work, including indexing, and pray to know if it is something the Lord would have you participate in in. 

One final suggestion. Watch or read the talks from this last General Conference to prepare for this coming General Conference. To get started, here is a 2 minute clip from one of President Nelson's talks last Conference that was shared by our Bishop.

Discover your story on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website. You can also find a 10 minute quick start guide and video on this blog.

Picture is the Mount Timpanogas Temple, courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Just 10 minutes to engage in the Lord's Work and to discover who you are

This quick post can help the Windows of Heaven open for you in ways you may never have considered.  I've experienced sore trials for many years. And for me healing has come in a way I didn't anticipate.  For Many Years I was too intimidated to Start Family History Work, and I thought my Family History work was done. 

But I was wrong on both counts. When I found how easy it was with the church's tools, I was amazed.  And I discovered I didn't need to do it all the time. Once a month or once a year, I realized I was needed.

And the blessings of heaven began to pour down upon me. And that's why this post with a get started video.  So you can experience the same thing.

First, though, this work is a supernal work. It will help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior. Additionally, you will also discover who you are as a child of our Father in Heaven. And you will feel of his love.  But how do you get started?

I've put together a short how to video showing you how to get started in Family History on Family Search in just 10 minutes.  It shows how easy it is to find your ancestors.
 
Family Search has hints to get started or continue
It starts with how to find record hints, and below the video I'll include the link to where you can view these same hints that Family Search has created just for you to get started, or to continue on in this work of Salvation.

Testimony of this Work and how it will help us feel heaven near
I know that as we will follow President Nelson's invitation from Last Conference to engage in Family History work before the temples open, that when the temples do open, we will feel of the gratitude of our Father in Heaven, and of our ancestors as well. And our cup of joy will be filled to overflowing. 

And you will discover that your life really does matter in a whole new way.  You will feel of the gratitude of our Heavenly Father, and Savior Jesus Christ. You will find a sense of purpose, and will experience all the blessings promised by Apostles and Prophets.

And you don't have to wait until temples open. Blessings will come as you are just getting started in this work.

And one day after you have left this life, you will meet these ancestors, and you will embrace them, and weep tears of joy with them because you have done for them what they couldn't do for themselves. Here's the get started guide..

God Lives. Christ is our Savior; this is his work and his church. We are a part of it.  And his work is the greatest thing we can engage in.

The Link to Family Search Hints referenced in the video is at https://www.familysearch.org/campaign/hints

One last note: If you can't see any record hints after logging into Family Search when you use the above link, it may be because you haven't put your parents, grandparents, and great grandparents into the tree.  

If that is the case, reach out to your family!  Get their birthdates and family stories, and start putting them into Family Search until you get back to your most recent ancestor who has passed away.  If Family search then connects to the global family tree, and you can see more ancestors, come back to this post in a week or so, when Family Search has been able to match records up, and follow this.  

If it doesn't connect to ancestors already in your tree, I would contact one of the Family History Consultants in your ward or branch, or reach out to a genealogist in your family and have them assist you.  It's well worth the phone call, and will change your life.

Picture is of the Provo Temple in Autumn, courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Media Library 

Pandemic Peace: A Prophet's Invitation that can bring us the peace of Christ

As many of us are struggling with the effects of this pandemic, I've been pondering many of the invitations by the prophet that have brought me peace and have comforted my sometimes weary soul. And following these invitations can save us and our children. Close to the end of this post I'll speak about how you can help your children specifically.

On my other blog, I've spoken of many of these prophetic invitations and promises, but here I wanted to focus on one specific thing that can bring us peace. 

A prophet's invitation that can change your life

It's something President Nelson invited us to do last Conference. And as it did for me, it can change your life as well.

It is something that originally helped me to feel of the spirit of Elijah, and gave me the courage to start to learn how to do Family History.

For all ages
It's Family Search indexing. It's easy, addicting, and fun, can be done with just 10-15 minutes maybe on a Sunday or weekend, and helps the work.  If you don't know how to do Family History it's a perfect fit. And it's for adults, teens, and even older children.  That's right, you can learn to do it and teach your children. More on that later.

How it helps with Family History Work
I shared in another post about how Family Search emailed me a few years after I helped index the 1940 Census (10 years ago), and let me know that the records I indexed had helped hundreds of people add to their family trees, and reserve ordinances for their ancestors. It helps link the Family of Man with sacred ordinances.

Easy to Get Started
Just go to the Family Search Indexing Website, login with your Church Account, choose a project (right now records of people from Wisconsin are being encouraged), and then get started. It's wonderful for a Sunday afternoon or a weekend. And for questions, there is a wonderful help page.

What you are doing
When you login and choose a project, what you are doing is reading the words on a microfilm Family Search shows you, and typing them into boxes and submitting it, so that people can search for them on Family Search. Then...

Family Search matches your records with people's ancestors
Family Search will take those records and scan the Worldwide Family Tree, and can send a hint to a person's relative that a record has been uploaded that can help them add to their family tree.  And possibly reserve ordinances.

It brings Joy and Peace-especially for beginners of all ages
Learning Family History is a joyful process. It has been for me. I still feel like I'm a beginner.  But I'm still able to help out with the work. And so can you whether you are an adult, youth, or older child.  

How it changes the lives of Children
Older children are especially sensitive to the spirit, and often can catch the spirit of Elijah at a young age. And that can change their entire lives.  I discussed how Family History changes the lives of children and youth on another post on this blog.

Our Prophet's Invitation
For now, I'm going to close with the quote with President Nelson's invitation in his talk "Hear Him," from last General Conference, and how it relates to indexing.

"While worshipping in the temple is presently not possible, I invite you to increase your participation in family history, including family history research and indexing. I promise that as you increase your time in temple and family history work, you will increase and improve your ability to hear Him."

This is an invitation with a promise, not a command.  I know I have needed to Hear the voice of the Lord, through the spirit so I can get through some of the trials I have faced.  If you reread the talk, this is one way, of many, that we can learn to Hear the Lord better.

Get started on the Family Search Website. Just takes a few minutes.

Testimony
I know this work is of God. It will help us draw closer to the Lord, closer to our families, and the spirit will rest upon our homes as we will engage in this work. 
 
Make this new normal a new way to draw closer to him.

If you have never done Family History on Family Search, I've done a 10 Minute Quick Start Guide on another post.  

A great Followup to it is the Resolving Duplicates post. 

Discover your story on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website.  You may also find inspirational materials on this blog.

Pictures courtesy of LDS Temple Pics, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Media Library

Promises as you move this work forward (with new video from President and Sr Nelson)

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"The work of gathering Heavenly Father's family is not just for young people, and it is not just for grandparents. It is for everyone. We are all gatherers." (Henry B Eyring, gathering the Family of God)

Each of us has something we can do to engage in the work of saving our dead. President Nelson has said that while it helps those on the other side, it can bless the living as well. 

I wanted to share this new short video from President and Sister Nelson. The Heavens will pour down as you engage in this saving work. 

If you have never done Family History on Family Search, I've done a 10 Minute Quick Start Guide on another post.  

A great Followup to it is the Resolving Duplicates post. 

 

Discover your story on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website.  You may also find inspirational materials on this blog. 

Picture is the Manti Temple at Night, courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Media Library

Your Ancestors are You: A way to discover who you are

On this pioneer weekend, I wanted to share some amazing features with you that might draw you closer to your ancestors, and to the Lord. It made the world of difference to me, especially on this Weekend. And it's for everyone.  You are not alone in this world.
 
The Facebook for Ancestors
The Family Tree Mobile App is wonderful, and you can find some wonderful memories of your ancestors that others have uploaded.  However, did you know that the The Family Search website has a stream, similar to Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest where you can find stories and pictures about your ancestors?
 
Sharable on Social Media and with Family
And guess what? There are links so you can share these memories to social media like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and What's App. 

That's right, pictures, stories, Headstones, Family Bibles, and many other things are available there on the main page of Family Search. 

And better, you can share these memories of your ancestors with those you love on social media or email. And you can draw closer to them.
 
They sacrificed for us and are a part of us
Many of our ancestors sacrificed so that we could have a better life. They had faith in God, and they often understand our trials.  As we will draw closer to them, the heavens will draw near, and we will also draw closer to our Heavenly Father. 

I encourage you this Pioneer Day Weekend, wherever you are from in the world, to take some time on the Family Search website main page, and scroll through the memories of your ancestors.

And if you have stories to add, you may want to do that by uploading it to the Memories section of the person's page. 

More to come
I'm going to do some more posts in the future about the benefits of moving from the Family Tree Mobile App to the website, but for now, I encourage you to look at some of your ancestor's stories.  It will make your Pioneer Day Weekend more memorable as the heavens draw near.

We are engaged in the work of the Lord. He lives, and stands at the head of this work. Enjoy this weekend.  

If you have never done Family History on Family Search, I've done a 10 Minute Quick Start Guide on another post.  

A great Followup to it is the Resolving Duplicates post.

Discover your story on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website. 

How you have already helped the heavens to open in your lives

I want you to remember all the times you went to the temple before they closed down. There are many people in the spirit world whose temple work was done because you went to the temple for them.

Many of those people who you did their temple work for, who passed away long ago, are in the spirit world doing the work of the Lord. They do that in many different ways, and one of them includes watching over people they are assigned to here on earth. 
 
As I have seen the civil unrest that has come close to home for me, it has occurred to me that these angels of God are not idle.  It is my opinion that one thing these spirits do, with the power of God, is to help protect the Covenant saints who helped ensure their salvation. And the power they and we are endowed with is stronger than the hate we see in the world.

 

It is my opinion that there are many, many millions on the other side of the veil who watch over us, who seek to protect us during this unrest.  It is my opinion that some of the spirits helping the Lord bring peace to people's hearts are these spirits we have done temple work for.

So reach out in prayer.  I did a post about the First Presidency's invitation to pray on my other blog.  And there is much we can do to continue to help.  We can also spend more time in the scriptures or watching gospel videos.  We can also do the work of the Lord through Family History, indexing, Spreading the Gospel, or now, strengthening our families.

For those who are with us are more than are against us. And the power of God makes that possible. 

Testimony and Invitation
I know God lives, that Jesus is the Christ. I know the power of God on this earth is the only thing that can bring peace. You have helped with that, and I encourage you to continue to do so, so you may feel the Lord's peace during these troubled times. 

More importantly, as we seek it out, we will receive the revelation we desperately need, as our prophet has counseled.  And we will find the peace of Christ in these tumultuous times.

If you have never done Family History on Family Search, I've done a 10 Minute Quick Start Guide on another post.

Discover your story on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website. You may also find inspirational material on this blog.  

Pictures are the Sacramento Temple, courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Media Library, and the second is Angels among us by Simon Dewey

One way Heaven can draw near when we feel alone or have trials

Have you ever felt alone? Have you ever felt that there was no place left to turn? Maybe you are facing sore trials during this pandemic, and time of unrest.

One of the things most people find as they login to Family Search and look up their ancestors is that they are not alone. They read stories of their ancestors, and realize they faced many of the same challenges even though they lived long ago.

And they had faith in God as well. Their faith sustained them in their trials, and in the good times, too.  And your faith can sustain you as well. 

Take a look around
I'm challenging you to open the Family Tree Mobile App, or go to the Family Search Website, and see what stories have been posted about your ancestors. 

Let their faith in Christ strengthen yours. Discover you are not alone in this world or in the heavens.

And feel heaven draw near. Then, as President Nelson encouraged, don't just leave it there, but go to the "ancestors with tasks" section, and find relatives who haven't had their work done. 

It can be a relative from a different posterity line, and Family Search will show you how you are related, and will give you hints on how to attach a new record in a few taps or mouse clicks that may have more of your relatives on it.

It has changed everything
I've felt the love of the Lord, and of my ancestors as I have engaged in this work. And I have drawn closer to all of them as I felt their gratitude through the veil in a way that was unseen yet real. 

I testify that our burdens will be lifted, our hearts healed, and our souls redeemed as we become Saviors on Mount Zion.

God Lives. Jesus Christ lives. He is at the head of this work, and through him, all families can be sealed together. See yourself as a part of this work, and you will experience joy untold.  

If you have never done Family History on Family Search, I've done a 10 Minute Quick Start Guide on another post.  

Discover your story in Family History on the Family Tree Mobile App or the Family Search Website.  You may also view tips on getting started, woven into inspirational stories on this blog.

Picture of the Brigham City Temple at Dawn courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

How to Draw closer to Heavenly Father this Father's Day

With Father's Day approaching, it is a time to honor those men in our lives who have supported us, strengthened us, and guided us.

And let's not forget our Heavenly Father. This Father's Day, I'm recommending you take some time in prayer to Heavenly Father and thank him for everything he has given you. 

You may wish to thank him for the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ, or for the blessings of the gospel, for this plan of salvation. You may pour your heart out in gratitude with silent pleadings you can't seem to find words for. 

And then wait for the answer. He will answer you if you pray in faith in the name of Jesus Christ. 

For it is he who, from before the foundations of the earth, prepared a way for us to become like him, and prepared a way for us to return back to him.

It is him who guides his people thoughout all nations. And this Father's Day, you can help him.

A second thing to do
I'm recommending that you take some time on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search website, and seek after those Fathers who have gone before you. 

Take some time to discover their stories, and to find some connection. You may want to go to the ancestors with tasks section, and try to see if there are any of your relatives who are missing from your Family Tree that you can add with a few taps or mouse clicks using a record Family Search has found for you. 

This weekend can truly be a day to honor our Fathers in many ways, and it can be a way we can connect with our Heavenly Father as well.

God lives. He is our Father. He is the author of this Great Latter-Day work.  He is the Almighty, who has inspired the minds of men and women everywhere to come unto his Son, Jesus Christ, so we all can dwell with them forever.

And most of All, God loves you. Infinitely. Completely. Just as you are.

Here's a video about Fathers, done by the church. 

Picture clip courtesy of the Media Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Discover your story in Family History on the Family Tree Mobile App, or the Family Search Website.  You may also view tips on getting started, woven into inspirational stories on this blog.

A really fun way to help with the Work of the Lord

Still want to help with the work of the Lord, but don't know how to do Family History? The church has an answer to that! Indexing!

It's actually really fun, and addicting.  And it does help with the work of the Lord.  I remember I helped index the 1940 census ten years ago, and after a few years, Family Search sent me an email saying that of the records I indexed hundreds of them had been added to other people's family trees, and about 180 ordinances had been requested using records I have indexed. 

I got started by indexing records. What you do is go to the Family Search Website, click indexing, and sign in with your Church account.  They will send you a digital image of an old birth, death, or census record, and you just type the information on the record and submit it so that people doing family history can find their ancestor's records online. 

It's another way to help in the work of the Lord, and a perfect way to help prepare for when the temples are open for proxy ordinances (they are still working on that). 

You can index by going to the Family Search Website. Take 15 minutes to help today! Now here's a quick video about how fun it can be!

Discover your story in Family History on the Family Tree Mobile App, or the Family Search Website.  You may also view tips on getting started, woven into inspirational stories on this blog.

New ways to engage in the Work of the Lord at home

Today's post is a simple and short one.  It's just sharing a bit from a rather new article from the church about how we can help with the sacred work of the Lord even though temples are closed.

The article is at the church website, and includes a list of blessings we have been given by church leaders if we engage in Temple and Family History work.  This is a supernal work, one the mind of man could not conceive.  The Lord is at the head of it, and we have a part to play in it.  

If you have never done Family History on Family Search, I've done a 10 Minute Quick Start Guide video on another post.  

A great Followup to it is the Resolving Duplicates post.

Discover your story in Family History on the Family Tree Mobile App or the Family Search Website.  You may also view tips on getting started, woven into inspirational stories on this blog.

Temples Opening: An answer to our prayers and an invitation (with video)

Before General Conference, and also on Good Friday, we as saints followed the Counsel of our prophet, and fasted and prayed that this current pandemic would be controlled, and that our lives would be normalized. 

As you may remember, in last week's post, I mentioned that I miss the temples the most, and stated I would Fast this last Fast Sunday, May 3, that temples would open. And I invited people to fast with me. 

I'm not a prophet, and I didn't make any promises that temples would open.  But the prophet had invited us previously to fast that things would normalize.  And just a month after the first 2 fasts, and 4 days after this last Fast Sunday, just today, the church made the following announcement;

“With profound gratitude to our Heavenly Father that He has heard our prayers, we rejoice in announcing a careful, phased reopening of temples. With this letter,we are authorizing the reopening of 17 temples.”

They went on to say that just live ordinances are being done now, with limitations, but proxy ordinances may soon be done, and that more temples would open as conditions permit.

How knowing he heard our prayers changed my heart
As I prayed about it, my soul was filled with love, and I knew the Lord had heard my prayer.  To receive that confirmation was worth every sacrifice.  And the words of the First Presidency confirm that the Lord heard all of our prayers. 

An invitation to feel the love of God

So I have another invitation.  I invite all people who participated in any of the fasts to pour their hearts out in prayer, and ask the Lord in the name of Christ if he has heard their prayers. And wait for the confirmation from the spirit.

As you read the announcement, you may have already felt the confirmation of the spirit that the Lord did hear your prayer.

But whenever it happens, I pray that you might feel of the Love of the Lord, and know that your faith joined with saints of all ages, and helped these temples to reopen. 

Though there may be some more time before the temples are operating at full capacity, and still some time before proxy ordinances may be done, my heart is rejoicing with the knowledge that the Lord heard my prayer, and I feel such a sense of unity with all of the Saints on both sides of the veil whose prayers opened the windows of heaven.

One thing we can do to prepare
While we are waiting for proxy ordinances to start, I encourage you to prepare by opening the Family Tree Mobile App or go to the Family Search website, and check the "ancestors with tasks" section and see if there are more of your ancestors you can add to your Family tree, and then reserve their names.

Our prayers joined with the Saints across the ages

Because I believe the prayers of those who have passed on, whose ordinances need to be done were joined with ours as we fasted and prayed. 

The Heavens and Earth are rejoicing
It is my opinion that the heavens and the earth, and multitudes of our kindred dead are rejoicing today. And I hope you can feel of that. The Lord pleads with us to turn to him so that he may bless us with his love. And today's announcement lets us know that he has blessed us as we have done just that.  To close, here is a brand new 2 minute long video with a message of hope from President Nelson

The announcement is at the Church Newsroom, and the details are in the following letter from the First Presidency.  Pictures courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

This Fast Sunday, an Invitation to pray for the Reopening of Temples

When President Nelson invited us to Fast last Conference, he did so that things might normalize soon, and the pandemic be controlled.

It's now another Fast Sunday, and as I have reflected upon things I miss during this time, I have missed the temple the most. And I think many of us have missed it too.

An Invitation
I suggest that we as Saints, for those who can, continue our fasting and prayer this coming Fast Sunday, and pray that the Temples may be opened soon, in addition to any other things you may be fasting for.

Join with the prayers of Saints through the ages
I'm of the opinion that the strength of our petition will join with the prayers of those who are on the other side of the veil who are waiting for their temple work to be done.

President Nelson has told us that the Lord will do some of his mightiest miracles in this time before his second coming. And isn't it the faith of his people that helps bring about miracles? We certainly see that as a pattern through the scriptures.

The Blessings of Heaven while Temples are Closed
I do not know when temples will open, and I'm not a prophet, so I can't promise they will open soon.  But as we will unitedly fast and pray as Saints, the Lord can hear and answer our prayers, and perhaps he will hasten the work in his time so that temples can reopen. And he can bless our lives until that happens.  Below I'm going to share a link to where you can read an article by Elder Bednar specifically about the topic of being blessed while temples are closed during these uncertain times.

How to feel the heavens near before the Temples Open
Secondly, while we are waiting for temples to open, I'm suggesting each of us login to the Family Tree Mobile App, or go to the Family Search website, and check the "ancestors with tasks" section and see if there are more of our ancestors we can add to our tree, and then reserve their names. Preparation for the temple always adds power to our prayers. 

And it's another way we can feel the heavens near while the temples are closed. 

Testimony and videos
I know God the Father and Jesus Christ live.  This is their work, and we have a chance to engage in it.  I love them, and am grateful for the ways I've been blessed. And I hope that all may feel of the Lord's love. To close with, here are 2 videos.  The first is a video with President Nelson, Elder Bednar, and Elder Rasband discussing temples, and a reminder of the promises we make when there.  

The second is a song about the temple by Janice Kapp Perry called "The Power of Heaven," sung by Tammy Simister Robinson.  The song to me represents what I experience when I'm in the temple.


Here is the promised Article by Elder Bednar about Temples and us during this pandemic.  I highly recommend it because it comes from one of our church leaders, someone with the vision of God, and revelation for us in our times.  And another good one is Elder Holland's Shelter in Place Article.  

Picture courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

How we can #HearHim during this Sacred Time: Our prophet's words

As we are closing the Worldwide fast, there is something I'm sharing that can help the spirit we feel carry on into this Sacred Sunday. And it can help the world as well. 

I'm going to share a quote from our prophet's talk Hear Him from this last General Conference. 

He spoke of the temporary restrictions, and stated the following:

"While worshipping in the temple is presently not possible, I invite you to increase your participation in family history, including family history research and indexing. I promise that as you increase your time in temple and family history work, you will increase and improve your ability to hear Him."

If you want to learn to #HearHim better, you have the promise from our Prophet that as you will engage in Family History work, you will be able to experience those sacred blessings.

Become a part of the continuing Restoration, and engage in the work of Family History Work online or on the Mobile App.  Or if you are just beginning, you can do Family Search indexing, which is how I got started, while at home during this pandemic. You can also find engaging stories with helps on how to get started with Family History on this blog.

A sacred time when we can Help the Lord

This is a sacred time, one to be grateful for the blessings we have been given because of the Matchless Sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He lives, and is still working for our salvation.  And he needs our help in moving this work forward.


Promises

As we will Help those who can't help themselves, we will feel of their gratitude, and the gratitude of the Savior, whose sacrifice we commemorate at this time.

And as you will sacrifice your time to help his children, he will accept your offering to him, and will grant the blessings our Prophet has promised, and more.  The Heavens will open, and blessings will be poured out upon your homes and families. And you will be Saved in the Kingdom of Heaven.  

Get Started

Discover your story in Family History on the Family Tree Mobile App, or the Family Search Website.  You may also view tips on getting started, woven into inspirational stories on this blog. 

Picture is of the Garden Tomb

Ideas for what to do inbetween General Conference Sessions (with video)

General Conference is upon us. And it's exciting, different, and most of us are full of anticipation.  I have some suggestions to help make it more meaningful. 

You are a part of the Restoration of the Gospel.  In between Conference sessions, take some time as a family or individually to open up the Family Tree Mobile App, or the Family Search Website, and read some stories of your ancestors. 

Feel a closeness to your ancestors
Each of us without our ancestors can't be made whole. We are tied to them, and they to us. For example, we may have some of the same traits as one of our ancestors. 

You may feel a closeness to them as you read about them. And some of them may need help to get back to the presence of the Father. 

You can become a part of the Restoration by becoming a Savior on Mount Zion as you do the work for relatives who can't do them for themselves.

A Way to Start 
Maybe you just start with remembering your ancestors, and studying their lives during Conference.  

Then, commit to take some time every week, and open up the Family Tree App, or website, and tap the "ancestors with tasks" section, and try to find relatives that need their work done. 

Indexing
Or, you may try Family Search indexing. 
People are needed who can go online and read the names on old genealogical films, and type them in, so that the records are searchable.

Much to do, and the heavens can open

There is so much you can do, and during this Conference time is the perfect time to turn your hearts to your ancestors, because they truly have turned their hearts towards you. 

A promise

And as you do, you will feel the Love of the Savior, and your ancestors, as you engage in this saving work.

Close
Enjoy Conference.  I know I will, and am looking forward to it.  To close, here is a video with President Packer's Apostolic Witness of the importance of Family History work.  Here is a quote.  "This work is going forth to the entire world. It is a supernal work. It is a work designed by the Lord and introduced by the Lord himself...It is true. Jesus is the Christ. He Lives..."

Discover your story in Family History on the Family Tree Mobile App or the Family Search Website.  You may also view tips on getting started, woven into inspirational stories on this blog.

Just because the temples are closed doesn't mean the heavens are closed

This week, I wanted to share something that happened last Sunday.  The week before was the first week my daughter was doing school online, and much of my mornings were spent helping her, and afternoons were busy as well.  So I was incredibly tired.

And for the weekend I was doing laundry, and busy doing things around the house, cooking meals and other things.

Sunday we did our gospel study, took the sacrament, but there were still meals to make, and dishes to do.  Sunday evening at 6 pm, I was worn out, and laid down.

Then something happened
I rested for a couple of hours, but then, when my wife and daughter were in bed, I got some energy, and decided to do some family history.  The peace of the spirit rested upon me, and all the trials suddenly seemed worth it as I found new people who needed their work done.

Heaven was near. And as I finished, and went to bed, I felt a peace and strength that carried me into another busy week. 

This is not the first time
I have seen that all the difficulty in life can melt away as we will engage in the work of the Lord in some way, but there is a special spirit about Family History work.

Testimony
Just because the temples are closed doesn't mean that the heavens are closed.  This work still goes on, and as we engage in it, we can find the peace we seek in this troubled world.  

I know God Lives, that Jesus Christ is at the head of this work. We are preparing the world for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. And it's not work, it's joy to engage. 

Easy to get started

And the tools the church has are even easier to use.  If you open the app, and go to the "ancestors with tasks" section, it will give you ancestors that Family Search has found records for that may contain family members that haven't been found yet.  And with a few taps (or mouse clicks when using the website), you can add those people and reserve their temple work. And in the next life, when you meet them, you will be able to embrace as fellow servants of Christ in a joy that is beyond compare.  It's worth any sacrifice.

If you have never done Family History on Family Search, I've done a 10 Minute Quick Start Guide with a quick video on another post.  

Discover your story in Family History on the Family Tree Mobile App or the Family Search Website.  You may also view tips on getting started, woven into inspirational stories on this blog.

Gospel Activities for when you are home

During this time when home is where most of us are at, I wanted to just share this video which has some ideas about how you can entertain, instruct, and most importantly, get yourself and your familes invested in your ancestors.

It has a message for all of us. And I also am going to share a link below to some really fun activities for all ages!

Why?

One thing I got from the Family History leadership session is the church now wants Individuals and Families, especially youth and children more fully engaged in Family History, and later on in Temple Work. But it's not just youth who gain the blessings, it is all of us, at all ages.

I believe this is one of the "counter-strategies," and "proactive plans" President Nelson was speaking of when he said we needed to find new ways to combat the adversary's influence.

Promises even though temples aren't open
And it will fill you with joy. It will draw you closer to Christ, and will fill you with his love. Miracles can happen in your life, and the heavens truly do open. 

The temples aren't open right now, but they will be open again, we know from revelation that they will.  What a perfect opportunity we have right now to make a habit of seeking after our dead. 

At the Last Day

Picture is welcome Home by John Zamudio, for more information go to www.JohnZamudio.com

Imagine at the last day you have made it to the Celestial kingdom with our Heavenly Parents and the Savior, and you are not alone.  All of your family has made it, and many of your ancestors are there because of the work you and/or your children have done on their behalf.  What greater joy could there be?

There is a meaning and a purpose to this work, and blessings untold as all of us engage in it.

Now here's the video, and you can find the Discovery Games and Activities on a part of the Family Search Website.  You just need to login.  One quote: "I'm invested. It's more than just curiosity. I wanna get these people to the temple."

If you have never done Family History on Family Search, I've done a 10 Minute Quick Start Guide with a quick video on another post. 

Discover your story in Family History on the Family Tree Mobile App or the Family Search Website.  You may also view tips on getting started, woven into inspirational stories on this blog. 

Picture is By John Zamudio. He does Firesides, Art Exhibits, and you can find out more at his website. 

How to find peace in these troubled times (with video)

Even though temples and churches are closed, there is still much we can do to help the Lord.  We are in the Last Days. And it seems like it's hard to find peace. But, as President Nelson has said, we don't wring our hands in despair. We have hope in Christ.

The Lord beckons to you to come unto him, and there are many ways to do that. Open the scriptures, fortify yourself spiritually, seek revelation, and perhaps in our spare time, maybe when binge watching favorite shows becomes tiresome, maybe instead we spend some time engaged in the work of the Lord, for example, with Family History Work.  

Words of a Prophet
President Nelson has said that "in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost." (April 2018 General Conference)

There are many ways to do this. But I have found a special spirit comes when we engage in Family History Work.

It is the Lord's work, and we can still engage in it, even as the outside world becomes more unsettled.

I testify that the heavens and the earth come together as we engage in this sacred, holy work.

More Promises
Elder Renlund has promised if we do that "God will strengthen, help, and uphold us; and He will sanctify to us our deepest distress," and has also promised that we would have an "Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives." And one more promise, "Increased faith, so that conversion to the Savior becomes deep and abiding" (Sealing and Healing, April 2018 General Conference).

What better time than now, while the world is in commotion, to do something that can bring peace to your life and the lives of your family, and salvation to your ancestors? Even if you have never done it, it's become easier than ever to do. Find more tips on this blog.

Testimony
I have seen blessings come into my life as I have engaged in this work. I testify that we will see the windows of heaven open, and blessings untold pour out upon us. And even if the temples are not open, we can still participate in the work of salvation and help prepare the world for the Second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Now here is a very short but spirit filled video about the Father's love for us and our part in this great work.
Start Today, and stay safe
Discover your story in Family History on the Family Tree Mobile App or the Family Search Website.  You may also view tips on getting started, woven into inspirational stories on this blog.

One last note. As Church has been cancelled worldwide, please follow your local leaders for guidance during this time. Draw closer to the Lord, and focus on him and his gospel, and we will be blessed.  I love you, the Lord Loves you, and our Church Leaders love you. And there is still much we can do in the work of the Lord.  And it will give us peace.