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.