Family History

Our group of young single adults cares about our family history.  While family history is mostly a family thing, being in a congregation of young single adults gives us the special opportunity to know lots of people who are tech savvy and we can help each other out as we try to find information about our ancestors online.



Ultimately, we do family history so that people who died without the Gospel of Jesus Christ can enjoy the blessings we receive from the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In True to the Faith, a book produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it explains: "Many in the spirit world embrace the gospel. However, they cannot receive priesthood ordinances for themselves because they do not have physical bodies. In holy temples, we have the privilege of receiving ordinances in their behalf."



By living the Gospel of Jesus Christ (making and keeping promises with God), I have been able to progress and become better than I used to be.  I am filled with hope by knowing what Jesus Christ has done to help me and others overcome sins and become more loving and pure people.  I want everybody to have the opportunity to enter into this wonderful gospel path, and doing family history helps us to give this opportunity to those who have passed on.  I believe that by following in this path, we can live with our families and with God after this life.

Learning Line Upon Line

I wish to remain anonymous in this post, not because I mind if you know who wrote this but because I think that the thoughts that have been on my mind are common among everyone.

Since I was little I have been fascinated with learning and human’s potential for growth. Improvement is a very common and encouraging theme in the church and one that has always helped me to get through trials. On the other hand, I have had a hard time being patient with myself as I try to be a better person and to serve others. In serving others I have found the greatest joy that I have ever known because in that service we have the incredible blessing to get a glimpse of others the way that God sees them and to feel at least a portion of how He loves them.

Because I am impatient with myself I have gone through many ups and downs, as I am sure everyone else does too. I have been hard on myself. Lately however I have experienced a change in perspective. I can’t quite say how it happened, but I can attribute it to the Lord’s timing; something that I had a hard time trusting or understanding before. I have noticed over time that I have slowly been receiving answers to my questions, particularly the heart-felt, down-on-my-knees sort of prayers where I just feel like I don’t have any strength left.

It never ceases to amaze me how completely the Atonement covers our weaknesses. Jesus Christ not only paid the price of our sins and made it possible to return to Heavenly Father’s presence but He also made our progression and growth possible. I don’t think that we would be able to learn from our mistakes and do better the next time without the Atonement. I suppose that people before the time of Jesus Christ were able to learn and develop as a society and as individuals, but I also attribute that to the power and love of God.

What truly amazes me is that it seems like all of a sudden, all of these little pieces and answers I have been falling into place and making sense. There are lots of reasons for that. I made more effort to listen for those answers from God. I made an effort to start going to the temple regularly; something that I have found many justifications for not doing until recently. I found myself praying with more sincerity and trying to be more honest with myself about how lost I felt and how much I needed Heavenly Father’s guidance. I am not saying that I had ever gone off on some wild and crazy path; but even righteous covenant keepers can feel lost sometimes. I know it happened with me regarding school and the future. So many of us right now face major cross-roads; many apostles have spoken on the importance of these choices that we now face.

I just wanted to share my witness that things really do work out. I still have yet to face a few of those choices, and there is still some uncertainty in my future; but I no longer feel lost! I hope and pray for each of you that you may have an eternal perspective and be able to see things as God sees them. Trust in God. He does care for each of us and knows us individually. His timing may not be our timing but have faith and keep on moving forward. He will let you know the way to go if you listen. I know that He truly wants us to reach our greatest potential and I can add my witness to the many others. Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God and He has paid the price for our sins. He has made it possible for us to try again when we make mistakes, and again, and again. He will never give up on us. God is our Heavenly Father. He loves us and wants us to return to live with Him in heaven, and He wants us to be happy. Don’t let trials convince you otherwise. Those also help us to learn and grow. I also believe and testify that we have prophets and apostles still on the earth today. They speak on God’s behalf and were chosen by His will. I also believe in and support the Book of Mormon which also bears witness of Jesus Christ and His Divine Nature as the Son of God and in His role in cleansing all mankind from sin if they will come to Him.

Thank you for letting my share my thoughts. I hope they may strengthen those who are going through similar trials and uplift others who are doing their very best. Keep up the good work!