President Nelson shares a vision of how important this work is (with video)

Today's post I'm sharing an amazing vision from President Nelson's Grandfather, shared by President Nelson.  His Grandfather learns how important this work to save our dead is. After the story will be a video of this story, with President Nelson relating a part of this story to his family and to us, and an invitation to get started or continue today in this work of salvation.

President Nelson relates "When my grandfather A. C. Nelson was a young husband and father, just 27 years old, his father died. Then about three months later, his father, now deceased, came to visit him. The date of that visit was the night of April 6, 1891.

Grandfather Nelson was so impressed by his father's visit that he wrote the experience in his own journal for his family and his friends. Listen to my grandfather's words about that sacred experience:

"I was in bed when Father entered the room. He came and sat on the side of the bed. He said, 'Well, my son, as I had a few spare minutes, I received permission to come and see you for a few minutes. I am feeling well, my son, and have had very much to do since I died.'

"'What have you been doing since you died, Father?'

"'I've been traveling together with Apostle Erastus Snow ever since I died. That is, since three days after I died. I received my commission to preach the gospel. You cannot imagine, my son, how many spirits there are in the spirit world that have not yet received the gospel. But many are receiving it, and a great work is being accomplished. Many are anxiously looking forth to their friends who are still living to administer for them in the temples. I've been very busy in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.'

"'Father, can you see us at all times, and do you know what we are doing?'

"'Oh, no, my son. I have something else to do. I cannot go when and where I please. There is just as much and much more order here in the spirit world than in the other world. I have been assigned work to do, and it must be performed.'

"'We intend to go to the temple and get sealed to you, Father, as soon as we can.'

"'That, my son, is part of what I came to see you about. We will yet make a family and live throughout eternity.'

"'Father, is it natural to die?'

"'It is just as natural to die as it is to be born, or for you to pass out of that door.' And here he pointed at the door. 'When I told the folks that I could not last long, it turned dark and I could not see anything for a few minutes. Then the first thing I could see was a number of spirits in the spirit world. The paper you gave me, my son, is dated wrong, but it makes no particular difference. Correct records are kept here.'

"'Father, is the gospel as taught by this Church true?'

"'My son, do you see that picture?' Pointing to a picture of the First Presidency of the Church hanging on the wall.

"'Yes, I see it.'

"'Well, just as sure as you see that picture, just as sure is the gospel true. The gospel of Jesus Christ has within it the power of saving every man and woman that will obey it, and in no other way can they ever obtain salvation in the kingdom of God. My son, always cling to the gospel. Be humble. Be prayerful. Be submissive to the priesthood. Be true. Be faithful to the covenants you have made with God. Never do anything that would displease God. Oh, what a blessing is the gospel. My son, be a good boy.'"

My grandfather felt this was very sacred, and he said, "I write it for the benefit of my family and friends." And now that I'm a General Authority of the Church, I assume everybody in the world is part of my family, so I share it.

My grandfather's visit with his departed father happened 27 years before President Joseph F. Smith's vision of the redemption of the dead, dated 1918. That vision has become section 138 of the Doctrine and Covenants. It's so precious to me that my grandfather would leave that record for us."

The work of saving our dead is a labor of love that blesses both those here on earth, and those in the spirit world. The Blessings of heaven are poured out upon all who engage in that great work.  Below is the video of President Nelson relating this story.

Discover your story on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website.  You can also view other posts on this blog for how to use the App to get started

Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences (with video)

I wanted to take a moment to share some things the Apostles have said about engaging in the work of Salvation with Temple and Family History work.  Please don't tune out.  I promise that this will be worth the time to read, and that it can change your life as you both read this and watch the video at the bottom.

First, though this article doesn't specifically mention this, there is always more work to be done with your ancestors, and it's easier than it has ever been before.  If you can order something online, you can do Family History work.  The tools are that good.  I testify of that truth as well.  Now to the talks.

Some people will remember Elder Bednar's talk to the youth relating the following "“It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies...Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord—not just to communicate quickly with your friends. The skills and aptitude evident among many young people today are a preparation to contribute to the work of salvation” (“The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn,” October 2011 General Conference)

Think of that a bit, whether you are young or old. Could it be that the technology we have today was specifically inspired by the Lord to help advance his work on the earth?

A year after Elder Bednar's talk, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also said in regards to participating in family history and temple work: “I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life” (“The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 94).

In addition, Elder Scott and Elder Bednar have promised the following blessings as we will do Family History work, and do the work of our ancestors in the temple:

1.  Your conversion to the Savior will become deeper.
2.  You will receive light and knowledge through the Holy Ghost.
3.  Your testimony will be strengthened.
4.  Your patriarchal blessing will become more meaningful.
5.  Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will grow.
6.  You will have greater opportunities to serve.
7.  Your service in the temple will become more sacred.

I wanted to close with a quote from Elder Scott's talk. It is an invitation to engage in Family History Work, it lets you know that you don't need to be a genealogist anymore, and gives more promises. 

"Have you prayed about your own ancestors’ work? Set aside those things in your life that don’t really matter. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences. Perhaps you have been prompted to look for ancestors but you feel that you are not a genealogist. Can you see that you don’t have to be anymore? It all begins with love and a sincere desire to help those beyond the veil who can’t help themselves. Check around. There will be someone in your area who can help you have success.

This work is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil, where help is given in both directions. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer and faith, determination and diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way" (Richard G. Scott, “The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” October 2012 General Conference).

I echo what Elder Scott and Bednar have said.  I know that our lives will change for the better as we engage in Family History work.  I have drawn closer to the Lord, closer to my ancestors, and I have a great love for them. 

I want to do their work, so that when I leave this life, I can return to them, and state as Theodin in Lord of the Rings did, "In whose mighty company, I shall not now be ashamed." 

And that is the greatest blessing.  That we will be able to rejoice for eternity because we have made the sacrifice of time so we could save our ancestors and help them return to the presence of the Lord.  That work we do for them lasts for eternity. 

Discover your story on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website.  You can also view other posts on this blog for how to use the App to get started, as well as another post with a more comprehensive list of of blessings that can come from Temple and Family History Work.  Below is a one minute short video with clips from Elder Scott's talk.
 
Picture is the Ogden Utah Temple, courtesy of the Media Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Ella's story: Heavenly Peace in an unlikely way

Ella never would have believed she would be here 3 months ago.  As she sat in the foyer of the temple, she realized that just a few months ago, her life had been without meaning.  She placed the chin of her freckled face on her hand that rested upon the table in the waiting room of the temple, and reflected upon the last few months.

She remembered how her life had come crashing down. A friend at school had turned on her, and started bullying her. At the same time, she was notified that she wouldn't be able to get into the advanced program for cello.  And on top of that, her dad lost his job, and they had to move. Now that made it easier because she would move schools.  But she felt alone, and hesitated to make friends.

As she went to the new ward, she sat with her family.  She moved her red hair out of her face, and looked around.  There were a lot of people and other girls her age.  But no one reached out to her.  She had to ask someone where she would meet for young womens, and she found the other girls weren't very friendly.  But she kept coming with her family.

The second Sunday, she listened to a young boy give his testimony about the importance of Family History.  Ella remembered a talk by Elder Bednar saying that youth could do family history, but this was the first time her heart felt touched by the spirit.  She listened to this young boy talk about how his mother showed him how to do family history, and how he was turning 11 and would soon go to the temple to do their baptisms for them. 

It was the first time she had felt peace in a long time.  She couldn't stop thinking about it.  when she was home, she wanted to get started, so she searched for the Family Tree Mobile App. She found it, and remembered that all church apps would work with her one Account login, so she signed in. 

After signing in, the Family Tree section came up, and she spent some time exploring her ancestors stories.  2 hours later, she had discovered she had 2 great grandmothers who had experienced severe trials in Nauvoo, and as they came across the plains.  As she read their stories, she felt a connection to them, and she didn't feel so alone in the trials she faced that often tormented her.  She put her hand behind her head, brushing her hair down, and she felt a bit of hope come into her life, and it felt for a bit almost like she knew these women were there.  The comfort of the spirit calmed her like nothing else. 

And then she got an idea-but how could she follow the impression?  She didn't know anything about Family History, and no one in her home did.  Still, she couldn't ignore the impression.  She tapped the 3 lines on the top of the app, then tapped help, and called the Family History Help line.  When Sister Benbow asked how she could help, Ella asked her how she could get started on the app?

She was surprised how much Sister Benbow knew about the app, and she told her to look for ancestors who had new records under the "Ancestors with tasks" bar.  After a few minutes with Sister Benbow, Ella felt like she was ready to try on her own.  In closing, Sister Benbow recommended she try looking for the app help videos, so she could become better acquainted with the app.

The videos were long, so she just watched part of one, partly because of the strength of the impression, and she wanted to get started right away.  She felt something alive in her like never before, and there seemed to be some sort of purpose to her doing this.  She had never experienced this before-this sense of purpose pushing her onward. 

But after all Sunday researching and trying to find names, she found nothing.  It was discouraging.  The same thing happened the next Sunday.  She flopped onto her bed with a harrumph.  She remembered the spirit she had felt originally, but that had faded a bit.  And she began to doubt the impression.

Then she remembered that boy's talk.  She could still see his earnest face, clear brown eyes and dark hair, and hear his confident voice-strange there was such confidence in an 11 year old.  He stated that he couldn't find names, and so had asked the Lord for help, and that soon after that, he had found some records with some of his ancestors names on the Family Search Website-and they hadn't had their work done yet. 

Ella admitted, she didn't know of any other way to go, so she prayed, and asked the Lord to help her to find some of her ancestors names. She related how she had felt her ancestors near, and how she had thought he wanted her to work on her Family History but needed help.  As she closed the prayer, she felt a sense of peace.  As she was pondering, about 20 minutes after the prayer, she got the impression to call the Family History Center again. 

So she did. And after a short conversation with a very delightful Consultant named Elder Oakenberry, who had a good sense of humor and a deep voice, Ella went back to work, this time trying to see if there were any additional hints on her ancestors with tasks.  After checking through five of them, she saw a relative from another posterity line who had a census record.  On her records, it showed he was just single, but the census records showed a wife and five children!

She tapped review, and then quickly added the names, remembering to search for duplicates, and when she didn't find any, got very excited.  She said a little silent prayer, and felt an overwhelming peace. She felt as if heaven were near, and a sense of Joy. She also felt like these people were real, and needed their work done. 

She tossed her hair behind her shoulder, and was able to reserve all 6 names, 4 women, and 2 men's names.  And she knew that the impression she had gotten weeks ago was true.  She knew she was doing the Lord's work, and she felt of his gratitude.  Her blue eyes filled with tears as she realized she would be able to do these baptisms and confirmations.

Unbeknownst to Ella, in the same room, but in the spirit world, the Glorious being with the Hansen Family showed them this girl named Ella, and let them know that Ella and her father would be getting baptized and confirmed for them in a few weeks.  And as he spoke, they felt something else.

The spirit filled the room, and Blue eyed Hans, blonde Etta, and their children were filled with such joy as they hovered there just by Ella. They had just finished their proxy lessons when they learned that their names would be found soon, and when they realized it was almost time, they were filled with joy.

They now felt a connection to this dear girl Ella, and committed that when her life was over, they would be there to meet her.  For over 150 years they had waited to receive the blessings of the true church, and now it would become a reality.  The thought that they might be able to return to the Savior they loved so much was almost more than they could imagine.   

Later, as they were in the temple, they felt the presence of the Lord.  And it seems Ella had felt it, too, because they saw tears falling down her freckled cheeks as they were confirmed. 

And Ella, sitting in the foyer of the temple afterwards, reflected upon how much her life had changed.  She had more peace in her life.  She didn't feel alone. She felt a connection to the Lord, and to people she couldn't see or hear, but knew were there.  And it had changed her.

She watched her Father walk out of the baptistry, see her, and then they walked out of the temple together, not speaking, and enjoyed the lingering feeling of the unspoken experiences.

I testify that as you will engage in Family History and Temple work, your life will change in ways you can't imagine right now.  You will see miracles happen in your lives, you will feel more connected to your Father in Heaven, and maybe more importantly, you will find a purpose and meaning to your life.  

You will become a Savior on Mount Zion, and you will join the multitudes who are sowing and reaping to help hasten the Lord's work in preparation for the second coming.  Jesus Christ lives.  He stands at the head of this work.  Engaging in this great vicarious work of salvation brings its own reward.  It is joy, peace, and comfort to the weary soul.  It will enlighten your mind, and bring you the peace you never thought you needed.

Discover your own story on the Free Family Tree Mobile App or at the Family Search Website. Below is a one minute video about how youth and children are doing Family History work. "We are doing an eternal work, we are doing the Lord's work."
 
Picture is the Accra Ghana Temple courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Media Library

Opening the Windows of Heaven in your own life (with video)

This will be an intensely personal post.  I hope it will help to change your life so you can draw closer to the Lord. It will be worth reading to the end. I want to share how coming face to face with my mortality helped me to see clearly what was most important in life, and what was not. Most importantly, I want to share how you can discover that as well.

About 10-12 years ago, I started spreading the gospel online.  I've been doing it since then, and about 7-8 years ago I gave up watching television and movies to try to do more. Because the more I did, the more I saw there was so much that needed to be done to hasten the Lord's work on this earth. And Family History started to become a big part of that.

What changed my life
A bit of history.  For a time in my life, many years ago, I didn't go to the temple.  Once I went back there, I went as often as I could.  My life literally changed when that happened, and miracles did happen in my life.  And Family History and indexing was a big part of that.

The Heavens Opened
As I took my ancestors names to the temple, I felt at times that the heavens were opened, and the blessings poured out like rain.  I have felt of the Love of the Lord, and the gratitude of my ancestors. They feel very real to me, and I have developed a love for them and the Lord. And it changed my life.

Things were going swimmingly.  I was trying as hard as I could to try to spread the gospel, and to engage in Family History and Temple work. And miracles happened.
  
Then the problems started
Then, about 2 and a half years ago, I started to get bouts of weakness.  It would last about 7-10 days, and I would be so weak I would just lay around or would just be able to sit in a chair. I had shortness of breath, and my muscles were weak.  After 7-10 days I would go back to normal functioning, and I could exercise regularly again, and so I let it go. But, a few months later, it came back again. 

After a couple of trips to the urgent care, and a trip to the ER, and many tests, the doctors couldn't find anything wrong with me.  And it went away for a few months more, and I just got used to having about a week every several months where I just got to rest a bunch.  

And then about a year and a half ago, things got worse. I did another test to see what was going on, and got nothing. And it got so bad I would have 7-10 bad days, and maybe 3-4 good days. 

I would use a good day to go to the temple, and another one to help with chores around the house, and to try to do activities with my family. But it always came back, and kept getting worse.  And most recently, I had what seemed to be a mini-stroke.

What is most important in Life is not the distractions
Why am I relating all this? Because before the pandemic, my health problems interfered with my ability to attend the temple, and do the work for my ancestors that I have done Family History for. 

As my health has gotten consistently worse, I have struggled with the question of "what if this doesn't get better?" And I have discovered what is most important in this life when pondering that. 

What will be most meaningful when life is done
I want all to hear this next part. I look back on the last 7-8 years as the most meaningful years of my life, and the reason why is because I have made the sacrifice to give up many things of the world and have engaged in the Lord's work.  Now I'm not perfect.  I'm not saying that, and I'm not better than anyone else.  I have so many faults and am trying to overcome those.  However, because I have engaged in his work, I have drawn closer to the Savior.  And Family History has been a big part of that. And that what is most meaningful to me. God, his work, and our families and relatives are what is most important.

I know the Savior lives, and is saddened when people don't come unto him.  He longs for us to come unto him and engage in his work, and feel of his love.  I know that there are many in the spirit world who haven't had their work done for them, and await for us here to do the work they can't do for themselves. 

With all the love I have in my heart, I plead with you to follow President Nelson's counsel, and make the sacrifice of time to engage in Family History and temple work on the Family Search website or the Mobile App.  It will change your life.  

It's easier than ever before to do
Even though it takes time to learn, it's easier now.  With the tools we have today, you can find many of your ancestors to take to the temple and do their temple work simply through using the app or logging in online to Family Search. 

"Aunt Edna" really didn't complete all your Family's work
I know some of you are thinking that your work is already done. Family History has evolved from when "Aunt Edna," or another genealogist in the family did all the work for the family. The work available to do has increased exponentially, and I explain this on another post.  You are needed in this great saving work.

Promises as we plead with the Lord for Guidance and help

And sometimes it is hard.  Sometimes you sit and can't find anything.  When that happens, get on your knees, and then reach out to a family history consultant, or call the Family History Library.  President Monson, President Nelson, and many apostles have said we will be blessed if we do.

They have promised the windows of heaven will open and blessings the likes of which you have never experienced will start to become a reality in your lives. I know I have experienced that in my own life. 

Your testimonies will be strengthened, your connection with the Savior will become closer than you ever thought or dreamed, and your lives will fill with a joy beyond compare. 

And like me, you probably will have hard times.  But the Lord will strengthen you during those. As someone in the handcart companies said about the hardships they faced, "It was worth it to become acquainted with the Lord."  It is even more so with learning to do Family History.

Your life matters to more than just you
Take some time today, and determine to make a sacrifice of time, as President Nelson asked, maybe some time on Sunday after the Come Follow Me gospel study to do Family History work. Maybe just take a half hour each week and open the app or website and get started.  It will make all the difference to someone else's eternity, and it will help you to realize your life matters to someone else.  And you will see that your life has a purpose. 

Start on the Family Tree Mobile App or on the Family Search website.  And discover how the dead are really alive, and how they are filled with joy when their ordinances are done.  Make the sacrifice of time, and you will experience that joy, along with the Love of the Lord. 

Your reward at the last day is worth more than any distraction

And at the last day, you will stand before the Savior, together with those relatives whose work you have done, and with the entire family of mankind who has come unto Christ, and you will rejoice with them, and weep tears of joy with them as you and they are able to enter into the Celestial Courts on high, to dwell with God and our Heavenly Family at the time when the Great Jehovah has said the work is done. 

And that will be worth more than any television show, any video game, or any movie to you.  Make the sacrifice today so you may have joy now and in the eternities. Start on the App or online.  Now here is a minute long video with youth who are engaging in Family History, and their faith promoting experiences. 

Update - When I started this post months ago, I was feeling horrible, and had for a long time, and even had concerns about my mortality. I started feeling better for a bit, however I recently had a what appeared to be a mini-stroke.  But despite all this, I have a great deal more hope for the future, and have the confirmation that I have a purpose here on this earth.  So I have more peace, despite the health problems.  And more importantly, each of us has a meaning and purpose here.  And I sincerely hope that all who hear me may engage in this work, and find the same healing I have found.  The healing of the soul.  Thanks for reading.

Picture courtesy LDS Temple Pics

"Make sure I get a white Dress" to return to the Lord

A dear mother from early church history relates the following story.  She had 2 daughters, Lizzie and Amelia.  She said that her dear Amelia died in 1890 at the age of twelve. The mother didn't believe that her daughter needed any more ordinances.

After some time, Amelia appeared to her sister, Lizzie in a dream, and asked her to make a white dress so she could go with her companions. Lizzie told Amelia she should go tell their mom about it, but Amelia said that she couldn't reach her mother. 

When Lizzie recounted the dream to her mother, her mother felt so bad.  She knew that because she believed so strongly that Amelia didn't need more ordinances, her dear departed daughter wasn't able to appear to her but instead to her other daughter, Lizzie.  So this dear mother promptly made inquiry into Amelia's ordinances. 

She'd been baptized and confirmed, but hadn't been endowed.  On May 31st, 1894, this mother went through the temple for her daughter's endowment, thus preparing her to return to the presence of the Lord. 

Revelations 3:4-5 states “…they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” (Revelation 3: 4-5).

Do we sometimes let our own ideas get in the way of us doing our Family History work? Do we have things so set in our minds that we are not open to doing Family History?

I used to be that way until I followed the advice of a prophet, and prayed for help. And it took a long time, but the way was opened.  I wouldn't trade the Family History and temple experiences I have had since then for any amount of money.  They have been that sacred and life-changing.

I testify that it can be that way for you. Just spend maybe 5 minutes a week, maybe after your Come Follow Me Gospel Study, and open up the Family Tree Mobile App, or go online to Family Search and discover your story, and have your own experiences.  You will draw closer to the Lord, and will feel of his love, and the gratitude of your ancestors.  And you will find a purpose to your life.  You will realize that your life matters to others, and you will be preparing the way for the salvation of souls.  And that will last for eternity. And you will have teamed with Christ to do that, and will feel of his love as you do. 

I've posted this before, but this story I related was part of the inspiration to this song by Kenneth Cope called white dress.  

Picture is the St George Temple, courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Media Library.

Echoes of Eternity: Returning to the Presence of the Lord

Sitting in the backseat of the car, Tabitha turned her brown eyes out the window, and saw the temple come into view.  It reminded her of something.  Her youth advisor's words seemed to play over and over in her mind;

"In the next 3 months, I challenge you to take these lessons I have taught you about the Family Search Mobile app, and use that to find one of your ancestors who needs their work done so you can take them to the temple."

Why was this thought coming back to her?  She tossed her dark brown hair behind her shoulder as she wondered.  And yet, despite her inexperience, she felt a sense of peace when she thought of doing family history.  She only remembered the lessons vaguely, and had no experience with it. 

At home she was still thinking about it, and as she flopped onto her bed with her phone, she realized she needed to do something about it.  She opened the Family Search Mobile App, and did as the Family History Consultant who came to her class had instructed her to do. 

She went to her app, tapped the 3 lines, and went to her "Ancestors with tasks" and waited while the app searched, gently tapping her toes against the foot of her bed, desperately hoping the search didn't take too long. 

Three minutes later, she saw the list.  Tossing her head, she slowly began to tap the blue record hints on the side, and then tapping review to see if the records found were the same as the person in her tree. 

And after an hour, no one matched, or else it was matched to someone who already had their work done.  And Tabitha was done, too. 

It was a week before she picked up the app again.  She almost had lost hope, but during church, she was thumbing through the Family History videos in the Gospel Library App, and she saw a short video where Elder Anderson stated the following:

"Our ability to find our ancestors online has only emerged in the last few years with tremendous advancements in the last few months.  Where [you youth] have become extremely devoted to visiting the temple, in the months and years ahead, you will be just as outstanding in finding and bringing names to the temple with you"

It was as if he was saying it would happen! She felt the spirit testify that it could.  She decided to watch another video before the opening prayer.  She watched a video where a girl was able to take the names of her ancestors to the temple, and become more acquainted with her family.  And the peace she had felt before came back to her.

3 hours later, after church, She opened the app again, went to her ancestors with tasks, waited, and then found some new names in the list.  She tapped the blue circle on the first one, worried she would just find records and nothing else.  She clicked review, and under the name Jonathan Keller, it showed a census record with a wife and children that weren't in the tree!

She said a quick prayer, and then got to work.  The interface allowed her to add the names into the family.  Then, she went to each new name, and even though the app did a duplicate search, she did another quick search to see if there were duplicates.  She didn't want to take these to the temple if their work had already been done. 

There were no duplicates! As she was getting ready to reserve the names, she felt the spirit confirm to her that what she had done was correct. 

Hidden from the view of Tabitha, though in the same room, Jonathan hovered with his wife, Ennis and 3 children, Anna, Helen, and Thomas.  The glorious spirit being beside them had just brought them there so they could see that their temple work would be done soon.

They had felt the spirit testify to them it was true, and had seen the spirit bring peace to Tabitha.  All of them felt this kinship to this girl whose faith would bring them into the presence of the Lord. 

Thomas was excited! After 150 years of waiting, they could receive their ordinances, and return to the presence of the Lord.  Anna said she was never so excited to have finished their proxy lessons. 

And as Ennis felt the spirit, she put her arms around her husband and children, and they all felt the promise of returning to their heavenly home.  It filled them with anticipation, and a promise of joy that would be full as soon as their ordinances were done.
     
As the spirit was receding, Tabitha felt a sense of gratitude that she had taken her youth leader's challenge.  All the frustration was worth it now.  She now had names to take to the next youth temple trip, and she felt a closeness to her Savior that filled her with a joy she had never known.  She knew this work came from the Lord, and felt of his love, through the spirit. And she had a feeling that tears were being shed on both sides of the veil. 

All of us have our story.  But it isn't really our story. It's effects echo into the eternities.  We work to help bind our ancestors to the Lord, and to do for them what they can't do for themselves.  And it's not work, really, it is joy.  And it lasts for eternity.

And this work is hastening.  I've mentioned in another post how amazing it is to see the baptistries filled with youth who have brought their own Family History names to do their work.  I've also seen how the sealing sessions are more filled with people doing their own names. 

It didn't always used to be that way. You can be a part of the Lord's hastening his work as you will engage in this great saving work of Family History and Temple work.  As President Nelson has said, "We are preparing the world for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ...we are his covenant children. He can count on us."  



Discover your story by opening the Family Tree Mobile App, or going to the Family Search Website, and signing in.
 
Below is the video that was referenced in the story. 

How James's sacrifice of time Opened the Heavens

James was so frustrated. It had been a difficult day with his friends, and trying to do Family History on the Family Tree App was more difficult than he thought. It didn't seem worth it. 

He had felt the spirit a few weeks ago prompt him to do Family History, but hadn't been able to find any names.  His family tree went back to the 1600's, and he would need a professional Genealogist to help him find more. Or so he thought.

As he struggled, he decided to exit out of the Family Tree App.  He then went to the Gospel Library Mobile app, and went to the Family History section and watched "A Sacrifice of Time," by President and Sister Nelson. 

Something happened.  He watched and was impressed with Sr Nelson's testimony that "when we show the Lord that we are serious about helping our ancestors, the heavens will open, and we will receive all the help we need."

He watched President Nelson state that if we just remember stories of our ancestors, we haven't done enough if our ancestors ordinances aren't done.

And when President Nelson invited members to make a sacrifice of our time to do Family History work, James felt the spirit confirm again what he had felt before. 

He got onto his knees, and asked the Lord for help to do this work.  As he prayed, he felt the confirming peace of the spirit, and felt like he needed to reach out to the Family History Consultant. 

He opened the Family Tree App, tapped the 3 lines, went to Help, and then tapped "Contact Family Search."

He called them and explained everything about his situation, and then Brother Hillam, the fatherly Family Search member asked him two questions.

"So did your ancestors 100-200 years ago have brothers and sisters?"  James replied that they did, and Brother Hillam said to him "Well, if they did, and they had posterity, you are related to them, and you can research them and do their work."

A light bulb went off in James head. He had thought that he could only do his direct line ancestors, but here he could do more of his extended family line! Almost before he could recover, the second question was there.

"How are you checking your ancestors with tasks?"  James said that he was viewing the record, but couldn't see anything there. 

Brother Hillam told him there was a blue circle at the end of each record in the ancestors with tasks section, and if he would tap on them, they would show additional records for that relative, and sometimes it would list a wife or children if it was a census or death record.  Then, he gave him a quick tutorial on how to check for duplicates or existing people in Family Search.

Excitedly, James thanked Brother Hillam, and ended the call gratefully. 

He started looking through his ancestors with tasks, and found one of his ancestors in 1870 had some brothers and sisters who were on census records that listed spouses and children. 

After a flurry of tapping Review on the records, and adding new names, he had 5 new family names. 

Jonathan, unseen by James, looked to William, the Glorious spirit being with him, and said excitedly to him "I'm finally going to get my temple work done!" William hugged him, and Jonathan felt like he was filled with Light.  He asked William if he would be able to have that spirit with him when James did his baptism, and William confirmed that he would. 

William smiled, and then told Jonathan he could come with him as he told Jon's brothers, sister, and mother that James and his friends would soon be baptized for them, and soon after that, would seal them as a family.  But first there was something they needed to wait for the spirit to do. 

James couldn't hear anything, but as he reserved the names, he felt the spirit confirm that he had done the Lord's work.  He almost felt like there was an ancestor that was grateful he was doing this work.  And he felt the love of the Lord. 

All of the frustration, all of the difficulty was worth it now.  He couldn't wait to try to find more, and soon was off checking more hints. 

And somewhere, off in the spirit world, a part of James's family was preparing for their chance to be members of Christ's church, something they had been waiting for about 150 years to do. 

Never before in the history of the World have we had the resources to do Family History that we do today.  If you can order something from an app or online, you can do Family History. 

I testify that as President Nelson says in the below video, "we are engaged in the work of Almighty God. He lives, Jesus is the Christ.  This is his church, we are his covenant children.  He can count on us."

Here is the video referenced in this post.

Discover your story, and help your ancestors return to the presence of the Lord by beginning on the Family Tree Mobile App, or at the Family Search Website, and signing in.

If you use the website- you can find hints by going to a person on your tree, and look for "Research Help" with record hints on the top right hand side of each record.  

Picture is the Florida Ft Lauderdale Temple, courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Media Library.  

The last work she would ever do (with music video)

Sister Jeffries sat in her home, and diligently kept working on the altar covers she was making for the temple.  She decided to complete that before she finished going to the temple to do work for her parents and ancestors who had gone before. As she thought of doing that, she felt such a feeling of peace. 

Suddenly, she saw the room grow brighter than midday, and two glorious white robed messengers appeared, and between them, her mother, who had passed on years before, was standing there. 

Her mother pleaded with her daughter to right away do her temple work for her, and to make it possible so she could get her "White dress," so she could go with the angelic messengers to her reward. 

Sister Jeffries answered that she would do it as soon as she had completed one more day of work on the altar covers.  Her mother insisted that she do the work "before you do anything else," so that she could take her place with the glorious beings.  After urgently stating that, her mother and the two messengers disappeared from her view. 

So the next day, Sister Jeffries took her mother's name to the temple, and did her temple work for her.  It was the last temple work she ever did.  Sister Jeffries came home sick from the temple, never to recover.  She passed away in a few weeks, no doubt to join the Mother whose salvation she had made sure. (Story taken from the Biographical Record of Martha Cragun Cox, an unpublished manuscript, pp 214-272)

Most of us have a long life ahead of us, but there will come a time when we leave this life.  In the end, we will not find joy in the television programs we watched, the movies we saw, or the video games we played. 

However, if we will engage in this great work of saving our dead when we are here, what joy will fill our hearts when after this life, we reunite with the people whose work we have done.  It will be by the power of Christ that they will be saved, but it will have been accomplished by the work we do on this earth both with Family History, and with Temple work.

If you just do one of your ancestor's work, how great shall be your rejoicing with them in the Kingdom of the Father.  How much more joy will you feel if you bring many. 

Family History isn't as it used to be.  If you can place an order for something on the internet, you can do Family History.  The tools we have now can greatly accelerate the speed at which you do this great work. 

There will be a story next week that weaves in some Family History hints when doing Family History on the App.  Stay tuned for that.  For today, here is a hint, and below that, the music video that inspired this post.

Open the Family Tree Mobile App, tap the 3 lines, and then tap "Ancestors with tasks." It will take a few minutes for your ancestors to come up, but you will get a list of ancestors that have record hints. Choose and ancestor and tap the blue record hint circle at the end of their name.

It will give you a list of new records that have been found for that ancestor, and there may be census records that list other family members there. 

Tap the record, click review, and see if the record matches, or there are other family members in those records that aren't already listed. 

If you run into roadblocks, don't worry, you aren't the only one.  Many of the posts on this blog talk about running into roadblocks, and future posts will deal with that a bit more.  

To close, I'm sharing Kenneth Cope's song called "White Dress," where he relates Sister Jeffries Story, and other similar stories.  "Heaven's rejoicing as Jesus draws near"

Discover your own story on the Family Tree Mobile App or the Family Search Website or discover memories on the Family Tree Memories App.  You can also follow this blog by entering your email in at the top of the sidebar.  

Picture is Angels Among us by Simon Dewey

The key to unlocking the Windows of Heaven by following a Prophet

Today I wanted to share something about how following the counsel from a prophet unlocked the windows of heaven, and helped me to find more of my ancestors whose work needed to be done. My heart is full when I think of what blessings came when I followed the counsel to get me through a time when I lost hope with Family History.

About 5-6 years ago, I was given a calling that involved family history work. I asked for some help from my mom, because I knew nothing about Family History work, but here I was supposed to be helping others with it! She was able to give me some help, and we found the first names I had ever gotten, and we had some sacred experiences doing their work in the temple. I never will forget some of those experiences.

And then, I ran into some roadblocks. I struggled to find more names.  It seemed like I couldn't find any ancestors at all.  I would sit at the computer for an hour or two, and find nothing, not even any leads. It was so frustrating, and for a bit, I lost hope.  I didn't think I could find more. I mean, my last name is a staunch old church name, pretty sure there can't be any more.  But I was wrong.

It was a bit later that I read President Monson's First Presidency's message in June 2014 about Family History work called "Hastening the Work."  This message seemed like it was written just for me.

I wanted to share the following from his message:

"As you pursue family history work, you are going to find yourself running into roadblocks, and you are going to say to yourself, “There is nothing else I can do.” When you come to that point, get down on your knees and ask the Lord to open the way, and He will open the way for you. I testify that this is true."

I did exactly that. I didn't know how to proceed, but I felt the spirit testify of the truth of what a prophet of God had promised.

So I prayed, and I kept at it.  I reached out to the Family History Center, and to Salt Lake (phone numbers in Family Search), and it wasn't more than a week or two later I discovered a record hint, and found a few more names!  At that time, I felt the spirit impress upon me that because I reached out in faith, and took action, the Lord helped me both through the spirit and through his church.

But it didn't stop there.  I have since kept praying, and kept working at it, not giving up, and since then have found so many of my ancestors who haven't had their work done, and have been able to "take them to the temple." I've now found so many that I have to give them to others or share them with the temple system.  And it has blessed my life just as much as it has them.

It gives me joy when the spirit impresses upon me that sacred ordinances have been done or are in process which allows my ancestors to return to the presence of the Lord.  And I have felt both the love of my ancestors, and most importantly, the love of the Savior, as those ordinances were sanctified by his power through the spirit.

I am not going to relate all of the blessings and impressions and experiences, for some of them are sacred, but know that I have been blessed beyond what I am able to comprehend as I have heeded the counsel of a prophet to pray to the Lord to help accomplish his work.

I testify that as we will follow the counsel of the prophets to engage in the work of the Lord (and there are many talks given in Conference about that), we will find a joy beyond compare, and we will find ourselves lifted out of the confusion of a world in turmoil, and will find ourselves filled with the peace of the spirit.  And we will see miracles happen in our lives.

I hope and pray that you might be able to follow the spirit as you ask yourself if you really can learn about Family History.  You can, for you have the promises from prophets and apostles unlocking that door.  We just need to exercise faith.  

Discover your own ancestors and do their work at Family Search Online or by downloading the Family Tree Mobile app.  You can also follow this blog by entering your email in at the top of the sidebar.  

To close, here is a song called "How many Hearts have been turned," (how many souls have been saved)


Picture of the Sapporo Japan Temple courtesy of the Media Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

How the Windows of Heaven were opened for Josh (with video)

Josh turned off the television and sat there for a moment. He felt no joy, and even television didn't help him.  In fact, it seemed to be making things worse.  For the last couple of months, he had felt like the usual things he did weren't bringing him joy.

Is this all there is to life?" was the question that was the center of his thinking.  There was an unsettling feeling in him that made him wonder if there was something more he should be doing.

He was praying, but reading scriptures had become perfunctory, almost a chore. Then he remembered Sunday.  He had been assigned the Family History class for Sunday school, and when the Bishop told him, he wondered why?  He knew almost nothing about Family History, except that he had setup an account on Family Search one time a year ago. 

But last Sunday was different. As he started hearing about the experiences others related about doing Family History, he felt the first bit of joy in a few weeks. He tried to remember the talk they had shared, something by Elder Renlund.  He felt like he should look it up.  He pulled out the gospel library mobile app and searched for Renlund Family History, and came up with a Conference talk. 

He started reading through it, just skimming like usual, and found himself being drawn to the stories told of people being drawn closer together through Family History work.

His heart still ached because his wife had died a few years before, and it had left a huge hole in his life, because they hadn't been able to have children yet.  And yet it was almost as if she was here, encouraging him to read this. 

Then he found something that riveted him to his seat. Elder Renlund said

"as we participate in family history and temple work today, we also lay claim to “healing” blessings promised by prophets and apostles. These blessings are also breathtakingly amazing because of their scope, specificity, and consequence in mortality. This long list includes these blessings:

1.  Increased understanding of the Savior and His atoning sacrifice;

2.  Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives;

3.  Increased faith, so that conversion to the Savior becomes deep and abiding;

4.  Increased ability and motivation to learn and repent because of an understanding of who we are, where we come from, and a clearer vision of where we are going;

5.  Increased refining, sanctifying, and moderating influences in our hearts;

6.  Increased joy through an increased ability to feel the love of the Lord;

7.  Increased family blessings, no matter our current, past, or future family situation or how imperfect our family tree may be;

8.  Increased love and appreciation for ancestors and living relatives, so we no longer feel alone;

9.  Increased power to discern that which needs healing and thus, with the Lord’s help, serve others;

10.  Increased protection from temptations and the intensifying influence of the adversary; and

11.  Increased assistance to mend troubled, broken, or anxious hearts and make the wounded whole.

If you have prayed for any of these blessings, participate in family history and temple work. As you do so, your prayers will be answered. When ordinances are performed on behalf of the deceased, God’s children on earth are healed. No wonder President Russell M. Nelson, in his first message as President of the Church, declared, “Your worship in the temple and your service there for your ancestors will bless you with increased personal revelation and peace and will fortify your commitment to stay on the covenant path.”

Josh read that and started weeping. The television had just been something to cover up the lingering sadness he always felt. And yet he felt a powerful comfort come over him both as he read, and after he read, and he knew it was the spirit. 

Before the feeling subsided, he went to the 10 Minute Quick Start guide given him by a member of his ward, and took a few minutes to watch it.  He wiped a few more tears away, and got started.  An hour later, he finally put things down, but his soul felt at peace for the first time in months. This was easier than he had thought, and the reward was so great.  

A Month later, as he was leaving the temple, having done the baptisms and confirmations for several of his ancestors, he realized that in his life, many of the promises in Elder Renlund's talk had come true.  He felt a healing power in his life.  He gradually felt more motivation and fulfillment.  Even more, he had felt a closeness to his departed wife in the temple, and even more, had felt the Savior near.  He had felt the gratitude of his ancestors, and these weren't just feelings.  They were real. 

His heart was full for the first time in years, and he couldn't wait to keep doing Family History.  His life had meaning. There was a reason he was left behind.  He had a work to do, and he could feel his loved ones near, helping him from the other side of the veil. 

There were so many times trying to find relatives that he wanted to quit doing family history.  And for a few weeks he did.  But he always came back to it, even if just for a few minutes a month. Because nothing gave him joy like this work did.  He understood the struggle made the reward more sweet.

And one last impression he received.  Many of his ancestors and their relatives hadn't been sealed for eternity as he had been to his wife. This comfort he had in his own sealing was something he wanted to share with them.  For a moment, it was almost like he could feel their longing to be sealed together.  And he wanted them to feel the same comfort he had.

A Lesson for us: Many of us are like Josh, who sometimes reach a point where we wonder "is this all to life?" or we may have trials, pains, and burdens that cause us to struggle.  Life is like that, and trials and pains will still come.  And we need healing, but sometimes don't know where to look.  But there is hope.

As we will engage in Family History and Temple work, the windows of heaven will be opened, and we will experience the healing power of the Lord as we help his children back to his presence.  If it is just one step you take by opening the app or using the quick start guide (below), take it today.  

And then go back again and again and drink from the healing waters of the blessings associated with this great saving work.  On that note, Elder Renlund closed his talk with this quote and commentary,

"President Russell M. Nelson, however, cautioned: “We can be inspired all day long about temple and family history experiences others have had. But we must do something to actually experience the joy ourselves.” He continued, “I invite you to prayerfully consider what kind of sacrifice—preferably a sacrifice of time—you can make [to] do more temple and family history work.” Elder Renlund concludes; "As you accept President Nelson’s invitation, you will discover, gather, and connect your family. Additionally, blessings will flow to you and your family like the river spoken of by Ezekiel. You will find healing for that which needs healing."

I testify what Elder Renlund promised is true, for it has happened in my own life.  Below is a more comprehensive video of the promises of Family History from our leaders. And then below that is the quick start video that can show you how easy the church has made it to get started in Family History.  Enjoy

And an incredible 10 Minute Family History Quick Start Guide is below as well

Discover your story at Family Search online or on the Family Tree Mobile App and signing in.    

Though the story of Josh is fictional, the experiences are similar to very real experiences of healing that people experience every day through engaging in Family History work.  And the promises that Elder Renlund gave are real as well. I know because I have experienced many of them in different experiences in my own life.  

Picture is the Brigham City Temple at Sunrise, courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Media Library.