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
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
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
Elder Renlund has counseled, “When God directs us to do one thing, He often has many purposes in mind. Family history and temple work is not only for the dead, but blesses the living as well.” I would like to share an experience about how temple and family history work has blessed both the living… Read More Blessing the Living and the Dead
In no aspect of my life have I felt the influence of the Holy Ghost as strongly as I have felt it while doing family history research. I always knew that He was a comforter and a soother of souls. I know that He can warn us of danger. But I have come to know… Read More Guided by the Spirit in my Family History Work
In his talk in April of 2018, Elder Renlund promised that we would find healing in our families if we would follow President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation given just six months earlier: “We can be inspired all day long about temple and family history experiences others have had. But we must do something to actually… Read More WORK FOR DEAD BLESSES LIVES OF LIVING
During “Come Follow Me” this week (Doctrine and Covenants Sections 121-123) I found a most uplifting scripture passage in section 123: 17 (the last verse), which reads: “Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the… Read More Be of Good Cheer
In the summer of 1997, I went on my first “Pioneer Trek”, the first of what later turned out to be many. As our Stake travelled to the location of this Pioneer Trek the caravans of Trekkers exited I -80 at mile marker 30 in Wyoming where we began our Trek. We travelled a few… Read More How I met my Great, Great, Great, Great Grandmother in the Middle of Nowhere
This past year has created many unexpected and difficult challenges. In addition to concerns about the Corona virus itself, there is isolation from friends and family, church services interrupted, temples and family history libraries and centers closed. It has also created situations that have brought wonderful blessings into our lives. I am grateful for the… Read More The Plan of Happiness
Wherever we go in today’s world one of the first things we do is to get connected to Wi Fi. Once connected, we are able to open up virtually innumerable lines of communication and access unlimited information. Prior to the internet our access to information and communication was limited, came at greater expense, and was… Read More Connecting