Research further shows that children who “know a lot about their families tend to do better when they face challenges” and are “more resilient, meaning they could moderate the effects of stress.”6 In fact, knowledge of family stories “turned out to be the best single predictor of children’s emotional health and happiness.”
Sunday, February 18, 2024
Promised Blessings for Temple and Family History Work
Call for Experiences
What blessings have you felt through temple and family history work? Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles promised blessings such as these:
“Increased understanding of the Savior and His atoning sacrifice;
“Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives;
“Increased faith, so that conversion to the Savior becomes deep and abiding;
“Increased ability and motivation to learn and repent because of an understanding of who we are, where we come from, and a clearer vision of where we are going;
“Increased refining, sanctifying, and moderating influences in our hearts;
“Increased joy through an increased ability to feel the love of the Lord;
“Increased family blessings, no matter our current, past, or future family situation or how imperfect our family tree may be;
“Increased love and appreciation for ancestors and living relatives, so we no longer feel alone;
“Increased power to discern that which needs healing and thus, with the Lord’s help, serve others;
“Increased protection from temptations and the intensifying influence of the adversary; and
“Increased assistance to mend troubled, broken, or anxious hearts and make the wounded whole” (“Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing,” Liahona, May 2018, 47).
Our Savior Focused on Joy
President Nelson reminds us that joy played a role in the Savior’s suffering—“for the joy that was set before him [He] endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2).
“Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on joy!
“And what was the joy that was set before Him? Surely it included the joy of cleansing, healing, and strengthening us; the joy of paying for the sins of all who would repent; the joy of making it possible for you and me to return home—clean and worthy—to live with our Heavenly Parents and families.
“If we focus on the joy that will come to us, or to those we love, what can we endure that presently seems overwhelming, painful, scary, unfair, or simply impossible?”
Russell M. Nelson, “Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Liahona, Nov. 2016, 83.
Joy and Spiritual Survival
October 2016 general conference
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Clinging or Holding Fast
Clinging or Holding Fast
Lehi saw those who were “pressing forward … clinging to the rod of iron” and those who “did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron” (1 Nephi 8:24, 30; emphasis added).
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles noted that three groups started on the path, but only two groups held on to the iron rod:
“[The second group] also had the added blessing of the rod of iron, and they were clinging to it! … Clinging to the rod of iron suggests to me only occasional ‘bursts’ of study or irregular dipping rather than consistent, ongoing immersion in the word of God. …
“The third group also pressed forward with faith and conviction; however, there is no indication that they wandered off. … Perhaps this third group of people consistently read and studied and searched the scriptures. … This is the group you and I should strive to join.”1
Are we “dippers” or “divers” when it comes to experiencing the word of God? Although both dippers and divers get wet, divers have a more immersive and consistent experience that can bring ongoing enjoyment.
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
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