If the veil were lifted off the face of the Latter-Day Saints...

Archibald Bennett made the following statement after relating this story and prophecy.  "Sister Susa Young Gates...once asked her Father [Brigham Young] how it would ever be possible to accomplish the great amount of temple work that must be done, if all are given a full opportunity for exaltation.  

He told her there would be many inventors of labor-saving devices, so that our daily duties could be performed in a short time, leaving us more and more time for temple work.  The inventions have come, and are still coming, but many simply divert the time gained to other channels, and not for the purpose intended by the Lord." (Improvement Era, October 1952, quoted in House of Glory by S Michael Wilcox)

Are we a part of what they saw?
Prophets saw our time, and saw the inventions that would make our lives easier.  And even though the temples are closed, we can still engage in Family History work or indexing.  So the question is, do we do what is best with our time? Our lives will fill with joy if we will engage, even if for just a few minutes a week, in the work of our dead. And it's easier than ever to do. Tips are on this blog, under the section of Family Tree Mobile app tips.  However there is more:

If the Veil were lifted...
Michael Wilcox continues with a quote from Wilford Woodruff, and then gives some commentary:

"If the veil were lifted off the face of the Latter-day Saints," Wilford Woodruff taught, and stated if we could see into the spirit world and see the work going on there, "this whole people with very few, if any exceptions, would lose all interest in the riches of the world, and instead thereof their whole desires and labors would be directed to redeem their dead" (Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, p. 152). 

Does that change how you view the world? A prophet said that if we could see beyond the veil, we wouldn't focus on riches, but would devote our whole efforts to the salvation of those passed on. Ponder upon that for awhile.  We need to have balance in our lives, but are we devoting more of our time to the work of our dead through Family History work and indexing, and if not, how can we do that? During this pandemic, we will find peace if we use our time more wisely.  

Michael Wilcox then stated "We need to learn to use all the wonderful advances the Lord has inspired in these last days for their truer purposes, not just in our occupations or the earning of a living.  Then will we make an acceptable offering in the temples of the Lord."

Testimony
Some of the greatest blessings I have ever had came from engaging in the work of redeeming our dead through Family History and Temple Work.  With all my heart, I encourage you to either begin or continue in Family History and Temple work.  It is the Lord's work, and from the Prophet Joseph on down, prophets have taught of the essential nature of doing the work for our kindred dead.  

Begin 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.

Events this week: "Your History Makes a Difference...it's worth the journey"

Family Discovery Day
There's are exciting events this week going on right now! The best one is Family Discovery Day, and starts this Saturday at 9:30 AM MST.  Elder Stevenson and his wife, Sister Lesa Stevenson, will talk about how to find out how important your ancestors are, and how you can help them. It will be streamed live at the church website . If you can't make it live, archives will be at the Church's website for Family History.  Below I'll share a very short video from a previous Family Discovery Day from President Nelson and his Wife.

A Most Meaningful Event
"At Rootstech, we help people discover who they are." Rootstech has been exciting so far, it goes through Saturday, and you can stream several sessions free at the Rootstech website.  As I'm writing this, I'm watching Leigh Anne Tuohy speak, the real person behind the movie "The Blind Side," who is a living testament of how you can make a difference in the lives of others. 

A couple of quotes: "To whom much is given, much is required. Your history makes a difference...it's worth the journey. Stories Matter. Families Matter. The one name you find could make a difference."  

At the Rootstech site, they also have a video archive where you can view it and other sessions later. Rootstech will continue through Saturday. 

Now here's the promised video from a previous Rootstech Family Discovery Day with President Nelson and his wife. I've shared it before, but it's really good.

Watch Rootstech at their website, and view Family Discovery Day at the Church Website.  Begin 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 Leigh Anne Tuohy is courtesy of her website.

President Nelson: "Experience true delight on the Sabbath"

Today's post is to share a wonderful video that can change your life by changing your Sabbath, or really any other day of the week.  It can make all the difference in your eternity and in someone else's.  My life has changed as I have engaged in this work, and there is a peace and joy that comes that can't be obtained any other way. And even if you have never done it before, the church has made it easy.

Here's the video:

Here's a quote from President Nelson taken from the video:

"God wants each of us as his children to return to Him sealed in the temple as families to our ancestors and to our posterity. The Sabbath provides a wonderful opportunity to strengthen family ties. In addition to time with family you can experience true delight on the Sabbath from family history work. Searching for and finding family members who have preceded you on earth who did not have an opportunity to accept the gospel while here can bring immense joy."

Begin your story 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 Arequipa Peru Temple, courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Rachel's story: Heaven comes down as we put the Lord First

This is the story of Rachel, a teenager who turned to the Lord when things got difficult.  And she describes how her life changed when she did.  

Here's a quote from the video. "when you have trials, you can either turn to the Lord, or turn away from him...If we will put God first, everything else will fall into place"

I invite you to start or continue in this great work of Salvation.  Get started on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website.  You can also find other resources on this blog.

Picture of the Asuncion, Paraguay Temple Celestial Room courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

"You will have help from the other side of the veil"-best short video

Today's post is to share an incredible short video about the importance of being a part of the Gathering of Israel on Both sides of the veil prophesied of anciently by many Old Testament prophets. It includes promises from the Lord as we will engage in this great work both individually and as families. 

It's not just for us, it's for families, and links us all together to Christ through the saving and sealing ordinances.  I recommend you watch the video to the end. Here are a couple of notable quotes (of many) from the video.

"As soon as you start, wherever you start, you will have help from the other side of the veil to succeed in your journey. You will literally not be alone. It's not just on paper, it's real"

"we [do family history] work on the Sabbath Day so we can take names to the temple during the week.  The Sabbath Day, as we follow President Nelson's admonition, we can make a day for Family History"

"You have the power of prayer.  Prayer will help you in your Family History"

Here's the video.

I invite you to Discover your story and engage or continue in this great work of Salvation.  Get started on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website.  You can also find other resources on this blog.

Picture is of youth going to the temple courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Get started in this work of Salvation in just 10 minutes

I testify that as we will engage in this great work of saving our dead, we will find a peace and a joy that is beyond compare.  We will feel the love of the Lord, and the love of our ancestors. 

We will find our lives filled with that love and peace that comes from the Lord, and will find strength against the adversary. And the blessings of heaven will be poured out upon us. 

These and many more blessings await as we engage in this great work. And in this post, you will see it's become easier than ever before.

I've blogged about the "ancestors with tasks" section of the Family Tree Mobile App, however recently, I've found the shortest, and absolute best instruction for how to use it, and it's put out by the church.  In addition to instruction, it provides screenshots of how it will look as you are using it, for both apple and android devices.

My favorite section of the article is titled "How to review and add Records." It's a quick start guide for reviewing records and adding ancestors quickly, again by using screenshots (apple and android). And after ancestors are added, you can reserve those ordinances, and take them to the temple.

You can find the article on the Family Search Blog.  I highly recommend it.  And to close, I'm sharing this minute long video that has quick instruction about how to use the app to find names to take to the temple.

Get started on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website.  

Until Temples Open, 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.  

Picture is the Gilbert Arizona Temple

The Temple: The Lord's house and our Sanctuary (with video)

Mostly this blog has been about Family History, but for today, I wanted to just focus on the Temple for a bit on this short post.

Everything we do points to the temple, which in turn points to Christ. I remember the miracles that started happening in my life when I started to attend the temple. It was a place of peace where I could find refuge from the storms of life.  And I was able to feel closer to the Lord when there.   

I wanted to share an article, and then a video about how the temple draws us closer to Christ.  The first article is incredible, and It's available on the church website.  It's called Draw Nearer to Christ through temples.  Here's one quote from there:

"In the temple, faithful Church members receive knowledge, power, and promises to prepare for the greatest gift of God—the gift of eternal life. Everything that occurs in the temple is centered on the Savior Jesus Christ, His role as our Redeemer, and His desire to have us return to the presence of God."

The second thing I'm leaving is the video of Elder Bednar and Elder Rasband leading a tour of the Rome Italy Temple. It's an incredible video that I still love even after seeing it a few times.  

Read or watch these, and then determine to go to the temple soon.  Just pick up the Family Tree Mobile app, go to ordinances ready (instructions here), choose the ordinance you want to do at the temple, and go! Maybe you want to text a friend to see if they want to go, but make the determination to go. 

I testify that you will feel the power of heaven, and will feel the Lord near as you do.  And you will feel a peace and joy that is beyond compare. 

And as you make it a habit, it will change your life.  It has mine. Here's the video.

Enjoy your weekend, and the rest of the week. And I hope you are able to feel the peace of the Lord as you attend the temple if you are able to.  If you can't you can try can find out how easy it is to do Family History on other posts on this blog, and you can open up the Family Tree Mobile app to do it, or you can go to the Family Search Website.   
 
Picture is of the Houston Temple, courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

One Year of how to open the Windows of Heaven

In May of last year, I decided to start this blog in addition to the other one I write.  The goal was to share hopefully interesting and engaging narrative stories that would get people drawn into Family History or temple work, or at least Ordinances Ready, and to let people know it is joyful, and easy to do. If you will take action on what you read here, and get started, even just once a month (which is how I often started), you will experience a joy beyond compare.

In addition to simple instructions on how to get started, there have been promises of Apostles and Prophets included in those posts since then.

With the New Year here, I wanted to provide links to different posts that people loved, and posts that can help bring down the blessings of heaven.

I will share a bunch of them in different categories.  I recommend you skim over all of the titles first, and then choose one or two or more you wish to read. 

So much joy has come into my life as I have engaged in this work of salvation. It has become one of my life's joys. I know in a whole new way that my life matters to someone else who can't progress without these ordinances. And I want everyone to be able to feel of that love, both from our departed dead, and from the Lord.  And I know that I'm teaming with the Lord in his work of Salvation.

Helps on how to use the Family Tree Mobile App and the Family Search Website are sprinkled throughout the Stories.  So it entertains as well as instructs.  If you don't want to view the entire list, you can just go to the main blog page, and scroll through the posts there.

The list starts with helping people realize that Aunt Edna didn't complete all the Family History work, and there's much more to do.  Then Narrative Stories are next, followed by Promises from Prophets and Apostles.  Then Ordinances Ready, and the list concludes with two personal posts, and an invitation post.  One reveals that I'm not an expert, and if I can do Family History, so can anyone.  The second is a story from my own life when I became worried that I might die soon, and how I learned what is most important in life. The final post is an invitation to pray about whether you should get started in Family History and Temple work.  Here they are:

Dispelling the Myth of Aunt Edna
Making it Easier to Engage in this Joyful Work of Salvation

Narrative Stories-many of these show what is happening in the spirit world when this work is done
The last work she would ever do (with music video)

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

Helen's Story - Where Heaven and Earth Meet

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

How James's sacrifice of time Opened the Heavens

Echoes of Eternity: Returning to the Presence of the Lord

Ella's story: Heavenly Peace in an unlikely way

Mark's Journey back: A Celestial story of Healing

A story about this labor of love on both sides of the veil

Reflections of eternity-Jonathan's story of following a prophet

How Charlotte found peace, and how her family found salvation

Christmas
The Christmas that Changed their lives

One way to draw closer to Christ and to Family this Christmas

Promises by Apostles and Prophets
The key to unlocking the Windows of Heaven by following a Prophet

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

A Sacrifice of Time (from President Nelson)

The Sabbath is a Delight and Family History - From President Nelson

The Greatest Responsibility God has Laid upon us, with quotes from Joseph Smith and President Nelson

Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences (with a really good video) - Elder Scott and Elder Bednar's counsel

11 Promises from Elder Renlund if you engage in this work 

#GeneralConference and Engaging in the work of Salvation -with counsel from Elder Cook

Ordinances Ready
Engage in the work of Salvation: Ordinances Ready on the Mobile App

How about a White Weekend in the House of the Lord

Family History and Children
The one thing you can do as parents to ensure your Children's future Church activity

Personal Stories from my own life
Reflections about this work of Salvation - if the veil were rent today

"What if my health doesn't get better?" An intensely personal post about what is most important in this life

An Invitation from the Lord:
An Invitation to Pray about the Lord's work of Salvation

I hope if you are to this point that you have been touched by the spirit as you read these posts. If you will take action on what you have read, and get started, even if it's just once a month (that's how I started), you will find greater joy in your life, and will see the many many promises given by Apostles and Prophets realized in your own lives.

I love the Lord. I love this work. The greatest joy I have had is engaging in it.  And it has blessed my family, too.  And it can bless you as well as your ancestors relatives. And you will feel of the Love of the Lord as you do.

Get started on the Family Tree Mobile App or the Family Search Website. 

Picture is the San Salvador, El Salvador Temple, courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 

One way to draw closer to Christ and to Family this Christmas

Many of us will, this next week, gather to celebrate Christmas. In this short post, I wanted to share a few suggestions that can make your Christmas more meaningful, and draw you closer to Christ.  Then I'll close with a short video that I've shared before, but it's my favorite.

Favorite Traditions
One favorite I have is of course, on Christmas Eve, spending time in Luke 2, or watching the Nativity, or maybe this year watch the new Christmas movie put out by the Church.  And the spirit of the Lord often is so strong.  And especially as I look at this picture, and read the scriptures, I realize that Christ had a family, too.  And he wants to preserve it and all of ours.  And during this holiday time, maybe on Christmas Day, there is something you can add that can draw you closer to Christ, and your Family. 

That little bit extra that adds the world
In the time you spend this Christmas, whether alone or with family and friends, I challenge you to take some time on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website, and look at some of your ancestors' stories and histories, and maybe read some of their testimonies of the Savior, if recorded.

Or, if you don't have any stories, and you are with family, get your family talking about family stories, and their testimonies of the Savior.  Then you can record them, and upload them.

You will feel even closer to your family, and especially closer to Christ this Christmas as you draw in those who have gone before.  That baby in Bethlehem made it possible for families to be forever.  In addition to feeling the spirit of the Lord, you may be able to feel the presence of your ancestors from beyond the veil.  You will realize you are not alone, and that, as the scripture says, those who are with you are more than those against you.

For Families or for those who are alone
This can help, especially for those of us who feel alone, or sad, or in other ways have a difficult time at Christmas.  And I have another suggestion that can be the icing on the cake.

Take another step
Then, take a moment to tap the "ancestors with tasks" section of the Mobile App, and try to discover new records of deceased relatives whose work hasn't been done.  There is another post on this blog that help you know how to use that, as well as another post on how to discover an insider tip that reveals your family history work really hasn't been done.  Hint, your work isn't already done-no one's is.

Go to the temple with your own names or others
As Christmas Day draws to a close, make a plan so that sometime this next month, maybe during your Christmas Break if your local temple is open, you take either your own names to the temple, or go to "Ordinances Ready" on the Family Tree Mobile App, and take some relative's names to the temple. It will be the perfect start to the new year, and can be the perfect close to this Christmas Season.

My testimony of this Work
As I have engaged in Family History and Temple work, I have felt the spirit draw near, and have experienced the heavens open, and blessings poured out upon me and my family.

I have drawn closer to the Savior. I have had miracles happen in my life, and I have felt the Love of God comfort my soul, and lift my burdens.

Now that doesn't mean that everything is made all right. There are still trials. But the Lord is there to help me through them.

What is most important is that my testimony of Christ, this church, and this work of salvation has increased.  I testify that Christ is at the head of this work. One of the greatest joys of my life is to know I'm teaming with the Savior to help him in this vicarious work of Salvation, and that he magnifies my tiny little efforts.

My Greatest Hope is that others may feel of the Love of God.  It's also why I write this little blog. 

I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and I hope that some of these suggestions will help you draw closer to the Savior this Christmas. It's about him. I know he lives, I know he loves all of his children, and I pray that we all may feel of his love this Christmas.

Now here's the video promised

Start on the Family Tree Mobile App, or at the Family Search Website. You can also find many helpful articles on this blog. 

The Christmas that Changed their lives

The family sat around a sumptuous dinner table, with steaming hot, savory mouth watering food, but there was no happiness there. Something had happened, and everyone seemed disconnected. 

The only time they had felt together was when they were putting up the Christmas tree and their nativity set.  There was Christmas music, laughter, and a feeling of family.

But since then, Helen had gotten caught up with problems with her online purchases of presents for Christmas, her husband Mark had to work overtime until Christmas, and the kids seemed to be pulling away. Both of them new teenagers, they seemed to be withdrawing.

That one Sunday
In a spare moment on Sunday a few weeks before Christmas, Helen was pondering about what that first Christmas Eve was like. As she thought of the Savior of the world as a little baby, she was reminded of how it felt to hold each of her own babies when they were born. 

How it must have been that sacred night for Mary to hold this baby. Helen folded her legs undeneath her, and grew thankful for this Heavenly Father who sent his Son to save all of hers. 

She walked into the living room where Mark was sitting, reading, and then looked at her two children, one on a tablet, and another playing a video game.  She decided something had to change. 

She told stocky, brown haired, brown eyed Jake, lithe, athletic, blue eyed and blonde Ellie, and her husband Mark to gather around.

Amidst a pile of complaints that their fun had been interrupted, she gathered her teens together, and as Mark quizzically put down his book, she began. 

The story unfolds
She related what she had been thinking about the Savior, and how sacred that night was, and how grateful she was for each of them.  And gradually, they started to soften. 

Mark suggested they read a bit of Luke now, even though Christmas was a couple of days away.  So, with the blinking lights of the Christmas tree casting a dim glow over the room, Mark started reading from his phone the story of Christ's birth that still captures hearts today. 

As he did, he felt a sense of gratitude for his Father in Heaven who gave his only begotten son so that his family could be together forever. 

What can we do?
As the spirit touched them, there were still questions. Tender hearted Jake spoke the words that Mark was also thinking.  He said, "If Jesus came to save everyone, what about the ones who aren't sealed as a family? I know they say that Family History work can help people return to Christ and be sealed together, but how can it be done?"

Ellie excitedly spoke up. She said "I saw a quote someone put on Facebook from the prophet Joseph Smith where he said that everyone who accepts Christ's gospel, and their ordinances, would eventually be sealed together and to Christ in one grand link!"

Mark nodded his dark haired head and agreed, "The gospel is going to touch everyone, and everyone will have the chance, but I'm not sure how to get started."
 
The Change-Following the Spirit
Then, unexpectedly, there was a peace that descended upon the Family.  No one spoke for a bit, but each one felt the power of the ordinances that sealed them together as a Family.  They knew that Christ came so that could happen.  And each of them, in an individual way, knew that they could do something to help. 

Video games and Streaming movies forgotten, the Family opened up the Family Tree Mobile App on each of their mobile devices, and for Helen on the Family Search Website, and read some stories about their Ancestors to each other.

And all of a sudden, they didn't feel so alone in the world. They felt connected to the Lord, and to others.  And it almost seemed, even though they couldn't see anyone, that their ancestors were there in the room with them.  And there was the spirit of the Lord there as well, encouraging them.

The Beginning that changed the family
Then Ellie saw a section of the app called "Ancestors with Tasks," and after looking at some instructions on what that was for, and how to use that section of the App to find people to add to their family tree, they excitedly set to work. And they began to find people.

A couple of hours later, after alternating between focusing individually, and occasionally chattering to each other, they found 6 people to add to their family tree. And their ordinances weren't done yet.  And since Ellie and Jake were old enough to do baptisms for the dead, they reserved the names, and made plans to go as a family to the temple before Christmas.  

Though Mark and Helen are fictional, their experience is representative of the real life changes that come to all who engage in this work.  One Sunday, and one Christmas season can change the lives of all who engage in this work.  And it won't just change your life.  Your ancestors on the other side of the veil can rejoice this Christmas to know their work will be done soon.  You don't need to do Family History every day, but could gather once a month, and could find more of their ancestors to take to the temple.  Even if just ten minutes on a Sunday.  That's all it takes.

Other ways to help
Sometimes you, either individually or together as family, can try to find more family names, and sometimes, you can just use the "Ordinances Ready" part of the app to reserve names for the temple that someone else has done.  And each time you go, your life can change.  

If you do that, the spirit of Christmas can last all year round.  Over a lifetime, each of you can end up finding many more people to take to the temple. And the heavens and earth will rejoice as your actions answer Jake's question of how it could be done.  You are the answer to that question.  Each of us are. 

Getting Started, Promises
You may not be an expert, but there is always a way to get started.  This blog has several resources.  Maybe you use the "Ordinances Ready" section of the Family Tree Mobile App to do the temple work for someone who can't go to the temple, but is doing Family History work. 

And maybe after a few months of that, you start to learn just a bit more, and you find your first name to take. 

I know that as we will start doing Family History, we will realize many promises given by the Lord himself.  There are a couple of other blog posts with promises from Elder Renlund, and from Elder Scott and Elder Bednar about blessings that come from engaging in this work. 

And while many of us have some time this Christmas, it's a great time to get started. 

Testimony of he whose season this is
I testify of the divinity of this work, and that the once tiny baby from Bethlehem, now the Resurrected Lord, is at the head of it.  I know he lives.  As we engage in his work, we will feel of his love and gratitude.  And our lives will change. 

Get started today on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website. 

Picture is "The Angels of Christmas" by Greg Olsen, available at his website.