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Weekly Message: Continuing Strong…ER
On Sunday morning we held a Stake Priesthood Leadership meeting. It was wonderful to gather and share messages of inspiration and leadership. Brother Dave Bates, our Stake Clerk, created a beautiful video that captures the excitement of the accelerating work of Salvation and Exaltation which can be seen here.
Brother Carter Healy, the Deacon’s Quorum President in the River View ward gave an excellent talk and demonstration on how he finds and takes names of ancestors to the temple using the Family Tree app.
Brother Jody Davis, a Ward Family History Leader from the Taylors Grove Ward, testified and shared some of the healing and faith-strengthening experiences members of his ward have had this year as they have focused on the Temple and their ancestors.
This year we have been emphasizing gathering Israel through Temple and Family History Work. We are thrilled that so many have engaged in this great gathering work. In every ward of the stake, we have seen an increase in the number of members submitting family names for ordinances to be done in the temple. It has been inspirational to SEE the tangible results of your efforts to bind yourselves to the Savior and to loved ones through temple covenants…and Family History research.
Recognizing that 2022 is coming to a close, we ought to ask ourselves some thoughtful questions…
How has my nature changed as a result of this emphasis on temple ordinances?
What would it take for me to CONTINUE to have these experiences and grow even STRONGER in 2023?
I testify that Temple and Family History work is life-changing for loved ones beyond the veil, but it is even more vital and life-saving for those who engage on THIS side of the veil. President Nelson recently explained,
“With the dedication of each new temple, additional godly power comes into the world to strengthen us and counteracts the intensifying efforts of the adversary.”
I urge each of us to think about ways we can CONTINUE and grow STRONGER.
The Lord has promised that as we immerse ourselves in His work we have access to His divine power, and the ministering of angels when needed. (D&C 13) (Moses 1:39) If we allow Him, and seek Him, He makes us His partners. He leads us (and sometimes carries us) when we are unsure or lack sufficient strength.
During the summer of 2023, we will have multiple opportunities to continue and increase our Temple and Family History experiences.
On June 28, members from our stake (primarily youth and young adults) will be the hosts and guides for the Old Testament Tabernacle which will be located in our area.
In late summer, we will have the Taylorsville Temple open house which will be a tremendous opportunity to share our feelings about the Temple with neighbors, friends, and loved ones…
Who are you planning to invite?
Following the open house, we will participate in the sacred Temple dedication and then be privileged to perform ordinances of salvation for ourselves and our loved ones.
We currently have 57 members of our stake who serve as temple workers or volunteers. We believe there are many more members of our stake who will qualify to be called between now and March 2023!
What might improve in your life if you chose to be one of them?
If you want to feel closer to the Lord and gain a deeper understanding of the temple, talk with your bishop and become a temple worker.
My invitation is for all of us to CONTINUE STRONGER and engage in the exciting events of 2023. May we increase our emphasis on Temple and Family History work as disciples of Jesus Christ.
May we all experience the joy and blessings of His influence and power in our lives.
I pray, In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
I love you all.
President Gardner