Knowing the Truth and Sacrificing for the Lord
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"Our ancestors, along with many other faithful Saints, sacrificed
everything because of their testimonies and faith in Jesus Christ. They
knew that the gospel had been restored to the earth once more and that they
were led by a prophet of God. They knew that the Book of Mormon was true
and understood its message and witness. They knew that through the
restoration of priesthood keys, families could be sealed together for
eternity through holy priesthood ordinances available only in a temple.
They knew that temple work was the key to the salvation and exaltation of
the human family. They knew the importance of this work, and they were
willing to give all that they had in order to provide a house acceptable to
the Lord wherein this holy work could be performed. They sacrificed
everything so that past and future generations would have access to the
eternal blessings of the temple."

( Sister Elaine S. Dalton, "We Did This for You," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 89) Knowing the Truth and Sacrificing for the Lord
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This past week I have been making a family tree on a wall in our home. My children's names are the trunk of this tree and then it branches out with their parents names, grand-parent's names etc. Under this tree I plan to have flowers popping up with the name of each grandchild. While writing many many names I have had to think...just how long has it been since someone has said your name out loud. And because you lived; so do I and those children I love so dearly. A whole lifetime has been reduced to a single name written in pencil on my wall. Who are you Mary Ann Price, Esther Stone or Charlotte Lousia Durham? You are more than just a name for me because the gospel has provided a way for us to be a forever family. You are a few of my great-great-great-great-great grandmothers and I thank you for your faithfulness, sacrifice, and courage.

Someday I too may be on the furthest branches of someone's family tree. A name and nothing more...but so much more than five generations from now will ever know about. That is until we meet again. Happy day and let's not only turn our hearts to our father's, but let's make a journal entry as well.

Warmest blessings, mom xox