Daily Ponderings: The Grace of God

Galatians 2:21

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

I should look to Him when I have a need and allow Him to have a part in filling it.

I don't have to fill my needs by myself

TFHW: Last Night Alone

11-29-21
Prayed for TFH council
Watched "The Shop Around the Corner" with Kitten

Daily Ponderings: Not Sinners of the Gentiles

Galatians 2:15

We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

I should turn away from distractions

I have the strength to make hard and inconvenient choices

TFHW: Memoirs

11-28-21
Asked Br. Allgaier what he liked to do for TFHW. He said he's writing his memoirs, so he's doing work for his posterity, rather than his ancestors. He challenged me to record my own life for my posterity.
Joined missionary council to discuss ways to combine to gather Israel. Ron Rutowski to draft newsletter/calendar Briefly discussed past family reunions with Roger

Daily Ponderings: The Right Hands of Fellowship

Galatians 2:9

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

I should reach out and fellowship others

If I reach out to others, they will enjoy it and not hurt me

Daily Ponderings: The Same Was Mighty in Me

Galatians 2:8

(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

I should let His love and wisdom fill me and strengthen me

I can find more strength than I have

TFHW: On My Side

11-27-21
Went to the temple for endowments - so crowded that Kitten got to sit next to me on the men's side.
Visited with Roger & Betty, ice cream and egg nog, Roger asked probing questions about the Church, showed us his well-marked study bible. Invited them to Christmas party

TFHW: Like a Little Prayer

11-26-21
Prayed for TFH Council

Love Is

From Dieter F. Uchtdorf's October 2009 "The Love of God"

"Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships"

Love is the acknowledgement of someone's value to you

Daily Ponderings: They Glorified God

Galatians 1:24

And they glorified God in me.

I should seek to use His transformational power to improve my life and magnify my calling

I can change things for the better

TFHW: Thanksgiving Is About Family

11-25-21
Prayed for TFH Council
Enjoyed Thanksgiving with my wife

Blessings of TFHW - Annotated

From Dale G. Renlund's April 2018 "Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing":

"Increased understanding of the Savior and His atoning sacrifice" - He atoned for everyone. As I do work for my ancestors, I can see the atonement save them, too. It's not just for the few living people I know.

"Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives" - As I strive to accomplish the righteous purpose of doing TFHW, the Holy Ghost can guide me.

"Increased faith, so that conversion to the Savior becomes deep and abiding" - I am acting to do TFHW. That shows faith. That is faith. Exercising faith strengthens it, and helps me become more like Him.

"Increased ability and motivation to learn and repent because of an understanding of who we are, where we come from, and a clearer vision of where we are going" - As I ponder the temple and my future exaltation, I have a stronger desire to become more like Him to prepare for it.

"Increased refining, sanctifying, and moderating influences in our hearts" - as I spend more time doing TFHW, I spend less time doing things that are unrighteous or unnecessary.

"Increased joy through an increased ability to feel the love of the Lord" - as I do TFHW, I feel about those I help the way He feels about me. As I become more familiar with it, it becomes easier to recognize it in my life.

"Increased family blessings, no matter our current, past, or future family situation or how imperfect our family tree may be" - As I talk to my family about my family, I feel closer to those I talk to and those I talk about."

"Increased love and appreciation for ancestors and living relatives, so we no longer feel alone" - As I think about what my living and dead relatives went through, I can see that I am not alone in my hardships and struggles.

"Increased power to discern that which needs healing and thus, with the Lord's help, serve others" - As I talk to people about TFHW, I can hear them reveal wounds and sore spots, and do kind things to help.

"Increased protection from temptations and the intensifying influence of the adversary" - As doing TFHW becomes a habit, I have less time and desire for listening to the adversary's whisperings.

"Increased assistance to mend troubled, broken, or anxious hearts and make the wounded whole" - As I practice discerning that which needs healing, the Spirit can more easily guide me to know how to help.

[President Nelson]"Your worship in the temple and your service there for your ancestors will bless you with increased personal revelation and peace and will fortify your commitment to stay on the covenant path" - As I keep asking to know more about my family, my mind is open to the Spirit. The presence of the Spirit brings peace. Peace makes me want to stay on the path that brings it.

Daily Ponderings: Neither Went I up to Jerusalem

Galatians 1:17

Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

I should follow the path that He has especially for me.

I can discern His will

TFHW: If Nothing Else, Prayer

11-24-21
Prayed for TFH Council

Daily Ponderings: So Say I Now Again

Galatians 1:9

As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

I should hearken to the things He tells me more than once.

I can discern His will, and it will make me happy.

TFHW: Counsel Note

11-23-21
Sent text to TFH council

Daily Ponderings: Communion of the Holy Ghost

2 Corinthians 13:14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

I should strive to feel the Spirit whenever I talk to someone.

I am able to invite the Spirit

Tools and Support

From Erich W. Kopischke's October 2021 "Addressing Mental Health":

"Challenges often indicate a need for additional tools and support and are not a character defect"

TFHW: What Next?

11-22-21
Prayed for the TFH council
Gave priesthood blessings to Joshua and Kitten

Daily Ponderings: For We Are Glad

2 Corinthians 13:9

For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

I should make effort throughout the day to notice things to be glad about

There are many things in my life I can be glad about

TFHW: Gathering Israel

11-21-21
Sat in on missionary correlation meeting, asked for ideas on how to combine Missionary TFHW. Will meet again next Sunday
Asked Gary Jones what he likes to do for TFHW. He really doesn't like using Family Search to work on his family tree. I plan to follow up next week to figure out what he might actually like to do.
Helped Michael bless and consecrate oil for his keychain vial

Daily Ponderings: How That Jesus Christ Is in You

2 Corinthians 13:5

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

I should strive to feel the way He feels by believing the things He believes.

I can choose empowering beliefs in place of ones that aren't helping

TFHW: Temple Time

11-20-21 Endowments at temple - forgot Kitten's name card - learned about humility Texted Jacom, asking about opening night Watched Christmas movies

Daily Ponderings: My God Will Humble Me Among You

2 Corinthians 12:21

And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

I should come to learn from those I meet

I can learn from anyone

TFHW: Break a Leg

11-19-21
Put Jacom Davie's name on the temple prayer roll

Daily Ponderings: The More Abundantly I Love You

2 Corinthians 12:15

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

I should let His love fill me abundantly, and love others likewise

I have the courage to love others.

TFHW: The Only Country Without a Trelew

11-18-21
Improved place names: El Salvador
Texted Ron Rutowski about somehow combining Missionary and TFHW

Daily Ponderings: I Besought the Lord Thrice

2 Corinthians 12:8

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

I should seek His help repeatedly in all my goals.

My goals, however hard, are attainable

TFHW: Music

11-17-21
Asked Mariah about Hungarian Rhapsody

Prayer, Scripture Study, Action

From Ciro Schmeil's October 2021 "Faith to Act and Become":

"Through prayer, scripture study, and action, we can unlock the blessings of heaven and become better followers of the Savior Jesus Christ"

Prayer - crystallizing thoughts to know what you want

Scripture study - learning and reinforcing empowering beliefs

Action - the transformation of spirit into matter

Daily Ponderings: Through a Window in a Basket

2 Corinthians 11:33

And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

I should look for new wyas to accomplish my goals in doing His work.

I can talk to people I don't know well and learn about them through imperfect conversation

TFHW: Mission

11-16-21
Investigated Michael's insurance

Daily Ponderings: Are They Ministers of Christ?

2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

I should act so that people can see Christ in what I do.

I can behave kindly in hard circumstances.

Everything Will Be OK

From David A. Bednar's October 2021 "With the Power of God in Great Glory":

[responding to adversity] "I am not sad. I am not mad. And everything will be OK"

TFHW: Rewarding Good Behavior

11-15-21
Texted Won Song asking to see his grandfather's pic
Texted bishop thanking him for sharing his TFH experiences and loving his family
Got response from Mariah about ancient music

Daily Ponderings: What I do, That I Will Do

2 Corinthians 11:12

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

I should ever be found working my way closer to the light.

I am able to do good works that bless lives

TFHW: Sharing and Inviting

11-14-21
Asked Jordan Howell if there's any kind of joint missionary/TFHW thing we could do together - he'll think about it Shared about Corey & Family Search Br. Song told me that during my 5th Sunday presentation, he felt inspired to look up his grandmother, ended up finding a picture of his grandfather, whom he'd never seen.

Daily Ponderings: Whom the Lord Commendeth

2 Corinthians 10:18

For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

I should look around and notice the ways He loves me today.

There are good things in my life

TFHW: Family to the Temple

11-13-21
Went to temple with both boys. Did endowment session with Michael
Texted AJ - she's trying to figure it out on her own, but will ask Bev if she can't.
Texted Phoebe - bishop will release her. Told her I liked working with her and to stay fearless
Jacom Davie texted back thanked me for checking in and supporting him.
Did indexing

On Behalf of One

From Elder Rasband's October 2000 "One by One":

"I didn't know any of what I just related about this missionary or his family, but the Lord did and inspired a mission president on behalf of one missionary to provide a lifelong memory and testimony-building experience."

I've had two excellent group experiences with TFHW, but really they were actually just a bunch of one-by-ones, one after another.

This work cannot be done in a group. This work cannot be broadcast.

This work can only be done with love, one by one.

Daily Ponderings: The Rule Which God Hath Distributed

2 Corinthians 10:13

But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

I should seek to learn His will in all aspects of my life.

The time and effort I make to learn His will pays off in significantly better progress than I could make using only my own ideas.

TFHW: Meeting Adjusted

11-12-21
Group text: not doing meeting by text. Will probably reach out one by one. Mentioned the Corey using guest feature on Family Search and eventually getting account.
Texted Jacom - will reach out after musical
Texted Phoebe - told her I needed an youth consultant active in the ward. She said she'd talk to Sr. Gustafson about getting released.
Texted Greg Cook - asked about Noah Lange and family. Told him we'll try doing better on Zoom broadcasts.
Texted AJ Haines, asked how the Family Tree app is treating her. She said she can't figure out how to do her husband's side of the family. Trying to find out what that means and how to help.

Daily Ponderings: Look on Things

2 Corinthians 10:7

Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

I should open my eyes to see my life as He sees it, and welcome the counseling revelation He sends.

I can look at my life and feel guided instead of afraid

Be Corrected and Learn

From Clark G. Gilbert's October 2021 "Becoming More in Christ: The Parable of the Slope":

"...the most successful people are the humblest because they are confident enough to be corrected by and learn from anyone."

Humility v. confidence

TFHW: Gift-Giving Holiday

11-11-21
Celebrated Kitten's birthday with gifts and treats
Texted Mariah
Texted Jon Haldeman, asked him to bring Granpa's children's storybook on Sunday

Discouragement

If I feel lousy, I should not spend time asking "why do I feel lousy?" Instead, I should ask "how can I feel better?"

The adversary answers "you can't."

So I ask "If that's true, and there's nothing that can make me feel better, why are you bothering to tell me that? Telling me that wouldn't make a difference, so why tell me? Apparently I *can* feel better. You're just lying and trying to keep me from finding the way."

Daily Ponderings: Thanks Be Unto God

2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

I should take time to be thankful for the good things in my life.

I have many good things in my life

TFHW: Not Just for Members

11-10-21
Emailed with Corey about his ancestry

Daily Ponderings: Enriched in Every Thing to All Bountifulness

2 Corinthians 9:11

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

I should appreciate and be thankful for how richly blessed my life is

The time taken away from other activities to feel gratitude is worth it.

TFHW: Text Meeting Suggestion

11-9-21
Suggested doing a meeting by text. 4 said yes, 1 said no, 2 didn't respond.

Daily Ponderings: He Which Soweth Bountifully

2 Corinthians 9:6

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

I should put out as much kindness as I can so that he may bless me mightily

I am able to reach out in kindness

TFHW: Feedback and Family

11-8-21
Thanked Kris Jorgensen for his comments about TFHW
Texted with Mariah about her life and Kaiya

Daily Ponderings: The Proof of Your Love

2 Corinthians 8:24

Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

I should love others in ways that they can tell.

Even if I don't know how to love, I can be kind.

TFHW: Council Feedback

11-7-21
Went to ward council to receive feedback on my TFHW presentation - uniformly positive. Sr. Blacker felt prompted to know what she needed to do regarding TFHW. Sr. Howell did not attend, but her daughter came home excited. Br. Jorgensen observed that there is a difference between giving people a list of things they should do, and giving them a list of things they could do.
Met with the Pierces (and neighbors Ned and Amanda) for a campfire on the driveway. Will arrange to watch their children so they and go to the temple.
Talked to Mariah about music-nerd stuff
Helped Michael when he was broken by doing companion scripture study with him.

Daily Ponderings: A Verse on Courage

Had the thought to check the scriptures on "courage", since it's been coming up a lot recently. This verse struck me as I was reading near the verses that actually had the word:

Deuteronomy 31:8

And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Dismay - to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion.

dis - not

may - allow to do

Daily Ponderings: Providing for Honest Things

2 Corinthians 8:21

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

I should be honest to both God and man so as to become more like Him

I can discern truth and have the courage to speak it.

Daily Ponderings: But Being More Forward

2 Corinthians 8:17

For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

I should be just a little more forward in doing His work

I am strong and courageous enough to speak the truth kindly

TFHW: Prayer and Council

11-6-21
Went to the temple, did sealings (10 couple, 5 men, 5 women)
Prayed for TFH Council
Asked Bishop if I can come to Ward Council Sunday - yes
Asked Bishop if TFH leader can be a WC member - no, only as invited
Investigated Family Search ancestor search function - without login/account

Daily Ponderings: Ye Know the Grace

2 Corinthians 8:9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

I should move forward confidently, even when I can't see the path, trusting that He will make a way for me as He has always done.

Systematically Involved the Lord

From Clark G. Gilbert's October 2021 "Becoming More in Christ: The Parable of the Slope"

"I systematically involved the Lord in my development, and it made all the difference."

TFHW: Love and Prayer

11-5-21
Prayed for TFH Council
Pondered Good Bishop List
Pondered Blessings of TFHW

Daily Ponderings: I Rejoice

2 Corinthians 7:16

I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

I should rejoice in all things by focusing on the joyful things in my life.

I am able to feel joy and I am worthy of feeling joy.

Daily Ponderings: We Spake All Things to You in Truth

2 Corinthians 7:14

For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

I should strive to speak truth, as kindly as I can, in all things.

I am emotionally strong enough and mentally courageous enough to speak the truth, even if others disagree.

TFHW: Stake Meeting

11-4-21
Prayed for TFH Council
Pondered Good Bishop List
Pondered Blessings of TFHW
Phoebe texted back to apologize for being so busy
Had stake-sponsored meeting with other ward TFH leaders
Texted Phoebe - no response
Asked bishop if I could attend Ward Council on Sunday for 5th Sunday feedback

Daily Ponderings: What Vehement Desire, Yea, What Zeal

2 Corinthians 7:11

For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

I should let the desire to be more like Him manifest as bringing blessings to others through my acts of kindness

I believe I can become more like Him

TFHW: Victories

11-3-21
Texted Phoebe Olson - no response
Texted Bev Lemmon - she had gotten together with AJ Haines for 3 hours and got her to put the app on her phone.
Texted Mariah to talk about Institute and music
Called Carl Stay because I was prompted to talk to him before sending out this week's love text, which should include that picture. Church News has an article about FamilySearch not requiring a login to search.
Sent out weekly TFH Love Text with picture of Sunday's whiteboard
Sent out picture to Bev and Mike to send off to EQ and RS
Article on Church News: Search FamilySearch without an account

Daily Ponderings: God That Comforteth Those That Are Cast Down

11-3-21

Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

I should turn to Him when I am in need of comfort and believe that He has the power to comfort me.

Perhaps in these ponderings, I should write both the action I should take and the empowering belief I should hold.

TFHW: Reaching Out

11-2-21
Called Jerry Johnson to ask about local writers publishing books of local histories.
Texted Carl Stay. Scheduled call for Wednesday at 7

Daily Ponderings: Be My Sons and Daughters

2 Corinthians 6:18

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

I should act in a way befitting a son of God. I am an apprentice deity, learning my trade.

TFHW: A Light Shines in the Darkness

11-1-21
AJ Haines texted me to say she was so inspired by the presentation that she made an appointment with Bev Lemmon for help with Family Search
FHE: showed family on our world map where I traveled in the Navy

Daily Ponderings: Unknown, and Yet Well Known

2 Corinthians 6:9

As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

I should speak of Him and help Him become better known to people who have heard of Him, but do not know Him well

TFHW: What's the Difference? Presentation!

10-31-21
Presented ward TFH Plan - went well, and well-received, many compliments. How to follow up...?
Showed Michael Davie "Improve Place Names"
Asked Michael Davie about his TFH work
Asked the Bishop about his TFH work
Asked Ben Malnar about his TFH work
Apologized to Greg Cook and Corey for bad transmission