I believe that the Mushu of our family has awakened our ancestors, and now they're signaling for the Great Stone Dragon to do their work. The good news is, our family has more than 1 Great Stone Dragon. Yep, I'm talking about each one of you.
I have come to learn that the inhabitants of this earth have a great responsibility to turn their hearts to their fathers. I don't know about you, but I don't really want to see the world be utterly wasted and smitten with a curse in the last day....eep. But more importantly, Heavenly Father gives us such commandments as opportunities to be blessed.
Here are a list of blessings that I have witnessed from family history work:
- Protection from the Adversary
- Strength and renewal from attending the temple
- Closer to family, both living and deceased
- More abundant Spirit in our lives
- Service and missionary work to our own ancestors and others
- Uplifts your own soul knowing you are participating in God's Work and Glory
- Strengthens testimony of Plan of Salvation and Temple Work.
- Can bring less actives or struggling members back on track.
- and many more!
“Elijah came to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the chil-dren to the fathers. With that, natural affection between generations began to be enriched. This restoration was accompanied by what is sometimes called the Spirit of Elijah—a manifestation of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of the divine nature of the family.” Elder Russell M. Nelson
As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be implanted in your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing, with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you. Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives. --Elder Bednar
One of the "folds" in the 4-fold mission of the church is to "redeem the dead." The Lord's church needs all members to actively participate in all 4 folds in order for God to "unfold" his full blessings unto us.
Catching the vision a little bit?
Family History is being emphasized in these last days. The 1st Presidency sent out a letter encouraging us to bring out own family names to the temple. Also, for the youth and young adults to get involved because of all the technology we've been blessed with.
I propose that we have a Family Name temple trip this August and perform the remaining work (mostly sealings) for the family names we currently have. If we all prepare spiritually for this day, I know it will be a worth-while, uplifting experience. Maybe we can post articles/videos/sites on this blog to share what you've found.
I LOVE family history work. I need to do better at keeping this enthusiasm burning bright more often. I have loved my experience of being involved with it. It has protected me, given me strength, and has drawn me closer to my family. I especially think its great that our extended family can feel the Spirit if Elijah as well. I feel it will be an important factor in their conversion to the Gospel in the future... I still am learning about how to research, but there are so many resources out there to help out.
Love you guys! Please comment/respond if you have any other testimonies/thoughts!
Jess
As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be implanted in your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing, with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you. Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives. --Elder Bednar
Catching the vision a little bit?
Family History is being emphasized in these last days. The 1st Presidency sent out a letter encouraging us to bring out own family names to the temple. Also, for the youth and young adults to get involved because of all the technology we've been blessed with.
I propose that we have a Family Name temple trip this August and perform the remaining work (mostly sealings) for the family names we currently have. If we all prepare spiritually for this day, I know it will be a worth-while, uplifting experience. Maybe we can post articles/videos/sites on this blog to share what you've found.
I LOVE family history work. I need to do better at keeping this enthusiasm burning bright more often. I have loved my experience of being involved with it. It has protected me, given me strength, and has drawn me closer to my family. I especially think its great that our extended family can feel the Spirit if Elijah as well. I feel it will be an important factor in their conversion to the Gospel in the future... I still am learning about how to research, but there are so many resources out there to help out.
Love you guys! Please comment/respond if you have any other testimonies/thoughts!
Jess
