Thoughts on Family History

These are some quotes I put together in a handout for my class today. I thought I would share them with you today...

From the experiences of war and its aftermath, Elder Boyd K. Packer drew lessons of peace which have on occasion been recalled as he has taught the Saints. Once, in a general conference talk, he reflected on being guided as a pilot by the signal from a radio beacon. Sometimes amid storms pilots had to listen very closely to hear the signal.
“There is a spiritual beam, with a constant signal,” he counseled. “If you know how to pray and how to listen, spiritually listen, you may move through life, through clear weather, through storms, through wars, through peace, and be all right.”
Elder Boyd K. Packer in Ensign, Nov. 1979, p. 21

“The need to exercise faith in Jesus Christ is absolutely essential. It is the foundation of the plan of salvation.”
Elder Richard G. Scott in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 119; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 87; italics in original

“Spirituality is the consciousness of victory over self, and of communion with the Infinite. Spirituality impels one to conquer difficulties and acquire more and more strength. To feel ones faculties unfolding and truth expanding the soul is one of life’s sublimest experiences.”
President David O. McKay in Gospel Ideals [1953], 390

“These are trying days, in which Satan rages, at home and abroad, hard days, evil and ugly days. We stand helpless as it seems before them. We need help. We need strength. We need guidance. Perhaps if we would do our work in behalf of those of the unseen world who hunger and pray for the work we can do for them, the unseen world would in return give us help in this day of our urgent need. There are more in the other world than there are here. There is more power and strength there than we have here upon this earth. We have but a trifle, and that trifle is taken from the immeasurable power of God. We shall make no mistake in becoming collaborators in the Lord’s mighty work for human redemption.”
Elder John A. Widstoe in Conference Report, Apr. 1943, 39

“Why is it that sometimes only one of a city or household receives the Gospel? It was made known to me that it is because of the righteous dead who had received the Gospel in the spirit world exercising themselves, and in answer to their prayer elders of the Church were sent to the homes of their posterity that the Gospel might be taught to them and through their righteousness they might be privileged to have a descendant in the flesh do the work for their dead kindred.”
Elder Melvin J. Ballard in Three Degrees of Glory, 29-30

“The spirit and influence of your dead will guide those who are interested in finding those records. If there is anywhere on earth anything concerning them, you will find it.”
Elder Melvin J. Ballard in Sermons and Missionary Services, 230; italics added

“As you start to write, you could ask yourself, How did God bless me today? If you do that long enough and with faith, you will find yourself remembering blessings. And sometimes, you will have gifts brought to your mind which you failed to notice during the day, but which you will them know were a touch of God’s hand in your life.”
President Henry B. Eyring in Conference Report, Oct. 1989, 15; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, 13