In the book “Verse by Verse. Acts Through Revelations”, written by BYU Faculty members, Kelly Ogden and Andrew Skinner, there are explanations of how words were translated from the Hebrew. The Hebrew word Kedoshim, for example, means ‘holy ones’ which in the Greek translation is Sanctus or saints. It is interesting to see how the…
On The Resurrection
The mission of the church, pertaining to the redemption of the dead, will only be a viable mission for those members who believe the doctrines of the resurrection and life after death. Only those of us, who truly believe that our ancestors continue to exist as spirits, awaiting the day of the resurrection, will have…
On Linking
It is common for people generally to question the importance of writing about or even to know anything about their forefathers, the people who lived before they were even born. You might hear the expression: “they are dead and buried, gone—history. What is important is the here and now—forget the past.” It is often hard…
On Church Growth
A recent church news section had an interesting article about the growth of the Church compared to other Christian denominations in the United States. In the last decade, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been the fastest growing church in the country (based on converts) and is currently the 6th largest Christian…
On Reminiscing
A group of us elderly folks were standing around during a break at the family history center just reminiscing and having a great time, discussing and laughing about the days of yore. While we were thus engaged it struck me how fun and important it is to reminisce. One lady had brought a copy of…
On Personal Histories
One of my Great G. G. Grandfathers, John Sayer, born 1750, was a relatively famous fur trader and a partner in the Northwest Fur Company of Montreal, Canada. There are pieces of information about him in a dozen or more history books in Canada and Minnesota but oh, how I would love to be able…
On Snipping Cocoons
We are often jealous of those who have life easier, or at least they appear to have it so. When, in reality, those who are born in wealth and with fewer barriers in their way may never properly mature the way God meant us to. When I think of all the things I have learned…
On Never Satisfied
As a young boy, I can remember often hearing the words, “You’re never satisfied,” usually used in a negative way. The words, whether they were directed to me or to another, describes generally either the selfish nature of most of us, or the tremendous need to achieve, to progress to a higher and a better…
On Missionary Work to Members
Most, long time, active members of the church can describe their years of service as varied and diverse. From assignments of teaching to leadership responsibilities, all of which have provided them with growth experiences and often a great deal of joy. Most Elders and many sisters have been called at least once to be…
Introduction
Long ago, my dad started writing his autobiography as a traditional birth-to-present depiction. Around the time he was collecting his thoughts for that project, I had an idea for a project that would preserve not only the chronology of the events of one’s life but one’s perspective on various topics. I felt that that was…