In the 2015 General Priesthood Session, Elder Neil L. Anderson spoke of faith saying that, “Faith is not by chance, but by choice.” (link) The scriptures give several examples of the Savior either commending people for their faith or admonishing them to exercise more faith. A question we could all ask ourselves is how would the Savior perceive my… Read More Increasing Our Faith Through Family History Work
Our children love stories, and stories can help us preserve memories. Back in 1996, I started a family history Valentine’s Day project by sending out a questionnaire to my parents and siblings about their courtships and marriages. I thought those stories were important for my children to know. Because I didn’t complete it in time for… Read More Family History Valentine
President Russell M. Nelson declared, “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that.” Do you ever have family, friends or ward members say that all their family history… Read More Helping with the Gathering of Israel
It’s been said, “The struggle ends when gratitude begins.” This week begins one of my favorite times of the year! Certainly, the weeks that are left in the year will be busy, and we will have so many options to choose from in how to fill our days. But with Thanksgiving being celebrated this week, it… Read More Remember to Give Thanks
Last year I went to visit my mother in Ohio. She is elderly and physically not strong. She often feels like she can’t contribute to life as she wants. It was during this visit that the 1950 census came out on FamilySearch. I had the impression to look at the census and index names as she napped or… Read More My Mother Found Purpose Through Indexing
In our recent General Conference, Elder Ronald A. Rasband stated, “To gather Israel, we need missionaries, many more than are serving. There are so many ways senior missionaries can do what no one else can.” (link to talk) Elder Rasband noted that serving a senior mission can mean traveling to serve as a full-time missionary, but… Read More Is a Mission Possible?
Often it seems that we are willing to go to great lengths to get something we want. How often do we observe others seeking solutions or remedies for things they think will make them happier, keep them younger longer or even help them become more successful. The world would have us chasing the latest fads in… Read More Promised Blessings
I recently received a call from my brother in Sweden who was excited to tell me that he and his kids were at the cemetery in the old town of Laxarby where a few of our ancestors were buried. We paid a visit to this cemetery 8 years ago when my family and I vacationed… Read More Sharing the Spirit of Elijah
This is a unique and pivotal time in history. We are blessed to live in the last dispensation before the Second Coming of the Savior. Near the commencement of this dispensation, in 1829, the year before the Church was formally organized, a revelation was received, declaring that “a marvelous work” was “about to come forth.” And at… Read More Love is at the Center of This Work
The 24th of July is a natural time for us to reflect on our family history. Many of us may not have Utah pioneer ancestors, however, one dictionary definition of “pioneer” is one who “prepares the way for others to follow.” We all have stories of “those who have prepared the way for us to… Read More Different Kinds of Pioneers