The ROME, ITALY temple will be dedicated this Sunday, March 10, 2019. It is the first time in history that all 12 apostles along with the First Presidency will be at a temple dedication outside of the U.S.A. all together.
SALT LAKE CITY — For many outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the church’s temples may seem a mystery.
Only faithful members of the church are invited to participate in what Latter-day Saints believe to be sacred rituals and ceremonies inside the temple — though the public is welcome to tour the buildings before they are dedicated for sacred use.
In an “unprecedented” new video released Thursday, however, two Latter-day Saint apostles walk viewers through a virtual tour of the newly-constructed Rome, Italy, temple and explain the symbolism, rooms and rituals inside.
For the second year in a row, I invested some time in this worldwide project of indexing family names. It is such a joy and reward helping in this great cause. Whenever I index names, I feel a spirit of gratitude and peace come over me from these deceased persons. I know they are truly grateful for the service that we are rendering in their behalf. Indexing is a simple, selfless act of service that anyone can participate in...
5 ¶Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Millions of the world’s historical records are now freely searchable online thanks to the 72-hour FamilySearch Worldwide Indexing Event—10,447,887 records to be exact.
On July 15–17, more than 116,000 people all over the world logged on
to transcribe the historical documents, far exceeding the event goal to
reach 72,000 volunteers.
“We were astonished at the number of people who participated,” said
Jim Ericson, product manager at FamilySearch. “[These] people selflessly
donated their time and skills to help their brothers and sisters around
the world gain access to records that will allow them to identify their
ancestors.”
Volunteers were from every age group and every continent.
Participants from all over, including Australia, Italy, and Mexico,
shared experiences and photos on the Facebook event page. Many publicized their participation on other social media platforms using the hashtags #theworldsrecords and #fuelthefind and invited others to join them in the event.
“Many who participated expressed joy at being able to make sure the
people in the records they indexed will not be forgotten and may be
discovered by their living descendants,” said Brother Ericson.
While the worldwide event lasted only three days, FamilySearch needs
volunteers to index 365 days a year. For those who missed the event but
would like to get involved, visit familysearch.org/indexing. - Mormon Newsroom
We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
A couple of weeks ago my family reunited in Idaho for our annual Poulsen reunion. My wife and I were in charge of planning it this year. We decided to have a theme, "High on the Mountain Top," and base the reunion around this idea. We wanted each family member to come and go from our weekend together strengthened and uplifted in their testimony of Jesus Christ. Without mom present physically this year we also wanted an eternal message taught to invite the Holy Spirit so we could feel her presence better too. As we planned and discussed this idea we realized that each one of us face trials and challenges. We know that Satan is real and as the world around us continues to accept evil practices and slip further into darkness and moral decay we must focus on rising above these things and anchoring our faith in Jesus Christ. Without Him we are nothing and would not be able to make it through life's challenges.
Our morning began with all of the men driving to Alta, Wyoming to play a round of golf at Targhee Village. It was a beautiful summer morning at the base of the Grand Tetons. We always enjoy each others company swinging the clubs and reminiscing. We joked around as usual and all tried to hit it consistently down the strait and narrow! The women and children met us there a couple hours later and we headed to Grand Targhee Ski Resort where we rode the ski lift to the top of the mountain. Once arriving at the top we had a nature tour, lunch, a spiritual devotional, and did some hiking and exploring.
Our spiritual devotional consisted of each father preparing a 3-5 minute talk on the following principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ: Raising our personal banner of righteousness, Jesus Christ's Example as a light to the world, Faith in Christ and Repentance, Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost, Preparing to enter the temple, Temple Marriage/Sealing, and Enduring to the End. Alma 34:32-33
32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.
33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance
until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare
for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life,
then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.
When a person stands atop a mountain top it is very easy to see for miles and have a knowledge of his or her surroundings. It is easier to get a glimpse of the world around us when we've risen to new heights and can see life from a new perspective. Each day is a climb through life's journey. As we accept the teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ and hold fast to what He asks us to do it becomes easier to endure day by day. The holy temple symbolizes Christ and the climb to a higher spiritual plane where we can gain deeper understanding and knowledge concerning our purpose here in this life.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we feel blessed to have Christ's restored gospel back on the earth. And because the Holy Ghost has witnessed of its truthfulness we have a deep desire to share it with others, so they too may find the peace and happiness we have found from its teachings.
Living a life in alignment with the Church of Jesus Christ and its standards is not easy in a world with differing opinions and opposing viewpoints. Many family and faith values have been trampled on as Satan seeks to destroy these fundamental units of society. There is a spiritual war happening daily between good and evil. If we are to live on the Lord's side we must hold up our banner of righteousness and Choose the Right.
Since my mother's passing from this life to the next, I have had a deeper desire to try a little harder and be a little better. I have made a personal commitment to increase my personal righteousness. I love and miss my mom daily. I want her to be well pleased in my decisions and actions. I want to stand atop the mountain a raise a banner of good news and share with others the joy I've found by living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Today was a beautiful day from sunrise to sunset. Many of us joined to honor and celebrate the life of my beautiful mother, Jana Poulsen whom I love so dearly. I
have missed her smile and presence all week as our family has been
joined together. This is her favorite thing for us to do- get together.
I am so grateful for the peace and spirit that has comforted my family
and uplifted us. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is real and I've
been a first hand witness of it all week. Thank you so much for the
outpouring of love and concern, thoughts and prayers. It is truly a
blessing and much needed. My moms funeral services were a beautiful
tribute to her today and I know she is smiling down on us. I LOVE you,
mom - you're the best and have left a strong legacy -goodnight. -Sept 6, 2014
A year has past since this original post...I am so thankful for good
parents who raised me in a home full of love and support. My mother
loves family and loved for all of us to be together. She wanted nothing
more than for us to be happy and to love one another. She knew the
gospel of Jesus Christ was the foundation of a happy and peaceful home.
This picture represents her accurately as she always had a beaming
smile. I am so grateful for her example to me to love the Savior, Jesus the Christ
and to follow His teachings. The spirit of the Holy Ghost has
comforted me and strengthened me over the past year. I miss her daily
and long to reunite and see her again. Love you mom! -#familesareforever#LDSFam4ever#family#mom
-Sept 6, 2015
The hymn, "High on the Mountain Top," gives some great insight on God's word and work rolling forward to fill the ends of the earth.
For many, the pioneer trek of 1847 didn’t begin at Nauvoo, Kirtland, Far West, or New York but rather in distant England, Scotland, Scandinavia, or Germany. Tiny children could not fully comprehend the dynamic faith that motivated their parents to leave behind family, friends, comfort, and security.
A little one might ask, “Mommy, why are we leaving home? Where are we going?”
“Come along, precious one; we’re going to Zion, the city of our God.”
Between the safety of home and the promise of Zion stood the angry and treacherous waters of the mighty Atlantic. Who can recount the fear that gripped the human heart during those perilous crossings? Prompted by the silent whisperings of the Spirit, sustained by a simple yet abiding faith, those pioneer Saints trusted in God and set sail on their journey.
They finally reached Nauvoo only to set out again to face hardships on the trail. Tombstones of sage and rock marked graves the entire route from Nauvoo to Salt Lake City. Such was the price some pioneers paid. Their bodies are buried in peace, but their names live on evermore.
Tired oxen lumbered, wagon wheels squeaked, brave men toiled, war drums sounded, and coyotes howled. But the faith-inspired and storm-driven pioneers pressed on. Often they sang:
I am very grateful for the faith of my ancestors who accepted the restored gospel and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the late 1800's. They left Denmark in the 1860's to come to America and pressed forward with faith to arrive in the West. They traveled across the states to land in Utah and then to settle in Idaho. Their courage and faith help me to continue pressing forward each day in my own life.
I gain great spiritual strength from my relationship with my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. My testimony has been strengthened by reading and seeing what the early pioneers went through to reach their desired destination.
Now in our day, we each have the opportunity and privilege to be pioneers in our own right. As we live in a world full of great turmoil and conflict we can stand out and be a light for righteousness and goodness. Following the Savior, Jesus Christ's example of being obedient to the commandments which God has given us will bless us in our journey here on earth.
One of my favorite videos speaks about the war on earth today that continues from heaven (between good and evil)...we each have agency and a choice to be on the Lord's side of the line in this battle. Who's on the Lord's side who? I hope and pray I can be strengthened in my own life, to be anchored and more deeply rooted in my own testimony and conviction of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ so I can withstand the power of the adversary. May you also find strength and safety in following the Saviors call to Come Follow Him!
