I always have mixed feelings as I see another year come to an end. There is a part of me that is reflective of the past year and all the experiences that the year has brought. Certainly, there have been challenges for us all, but hopefully, we can all recall times that we felt incredibly blessed and grateful for what the year has brought as well. I am a firm believer that we will find what we are looking for. If we are looking for the good, we will see it and remember it, but if we are not careful, we can also find difficulties and challenges that have crossed our paths.
The New Year always offers us opportunities to change and to grow. We don’t have to look very hard to see what our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson thinks is important. In the last year, the Church has dedicated or rededicated fourteen temples in five countries.
In October’s General Conference, President Nelson asks, “Why are we building temples at such an unprecedented pace? Why? Because the Lord has instructed us to do so. The blessings of the temple help to gather Israel on both sides of the veil.” (See Link)
There might not be a more exciting work to be involved with than “Gathering Israel.” Anyone who has participated in this work knows the power and blessings that can come into our lives as we demonstrate a willingness to participate in this work.
With a New Year before us, I hope we will all consider where we are in this work, and what our contribution can be. Whether we are seasoned professionals, or just beginning our journey into FamilySearch, the joys and blessings and power that can come into our lives are the same.
At the Granite FamilySearch Center we have many who are willing to offer their assistance to those of us who might not be as knowledgeable as we would like to be. I have had the assistance of many who have answered questions and given me direction in my own quest for FamilySearch. They serve faithfully and are ready to offer their assistance and help when needed.
Additionally, as has been mentioned before, if you are just beginning your quest into FamilySearch, starting in January, we are offering two sessions for the “Absolute Beginner.” If this describes you, please consider joining us on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 PM or Thursday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30 PM. These classes will begin on January 8 & 9th and run for as long as we need them.
As we begin a New Year, I hope we will all take the opportunity to access where we are in our quest of FamilySearch. It is neither too early nor too late for each of us to become versed in FamilySearch. The exciting part is that as we engage in this work, we will see and feel Heaven’s help.
Again, in President Russell M. Nelson’s closing comments of October’s General Conference he concluded, “The best is yet to come because the Savior is coming again! The best is yet to come because the Lord is hastening His work. The best is yet to come as we fully turn our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ.” (See LInk)
I wish each of you much joy and success in 2025! I hope we will all experience the miracles associated with this work in 2025. Let’s all do our part, whether large or small to gather Israel, so that as the best is given, we are prepared and worthy to receive it.
– Doug Nielsen, Director, Sandy Granite FamilySearch Center