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The experience behind the lilac bush

08.08.2019 by season // Leave a Comment

Before this year, I had never given lilac bushes much notice, and neither had my kids. But now they are one of our favorites. Lilac bushes have become a meaningful and special symbol in our family.

In 1892 my great-great-grandparents, Swen and Thilda, along with a few of their children, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Swen was the first of the family to be introduced to the gospel and to have a desire to join the church. At first, Thilda was not happy about it at all, but that changed after Thilda had an experience behind a lilac bush.

One of her sons, Helge, wrote about Thilda’s conversion: “I still remember when Mormon missionaries came to our home. Father seemed a little interested in their teaching, but mother was hesitant until one time when they came back to talk to father. She went outside, and kneeling behind a lilac bush, she prayed that she might know if their message was from God. After that, she never faltered but remained faithful and true to the gospel all her life.”

This spring, we cut some fresh lilac’s from a bush in my sister’s yard and took them to Thilda’s grave. For several weeks after this experience, while the lilacs were still in bloom, anytime we would see a lilac bush, my 3 year old daughter would point to it and say “that’s the bush were Thilda prayed!”

There are a couple of things that I really love about this. I love that my children feel a real connection to Thilda and they are learning more about her life. I also love that the lilac bush has become a symbol of receiving revelation from Heavenly Father.

I hope that this story from our family history helps my children to know that Heavenly Father was involved in Thilda’s life and that they should seek and expect similar experiences in their own lives. 


SHELLY LOPEZ

IG: @goodmorningshelly


Categories // Activities, Child, Connections, Stories Tags // ancestors, connection, conversion, experiences, faithful, gospel, lilac bush, prayer, revelation, symbolism, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Their Faith is our Inheritance

07.23.2019 by season // Leave a Comment

Pioneer Day, 1 year ago, I found myself holding back the tears. Drained & with no option for employees in sight, I sat at work, wishing with all my heart that I could be with my family, just for that day. We had family visiting from out of town & I knew that I was confined to my store for another 11 hours. With no ability to hold back the tears, I hid in my back room, sobbing & praying that no one would come in, I didn’t want to be seen.

While praying & trying to control my emotions, the words entered my mind, “What brings you joy?” I was surprised… What does brings me joy? I thought of 2 things, Hand-lettering & Family History. It was a moment of clarity, I am my own boss, I don’t have to “work” today, I can take a break!

I decided to hop on to lds.org to find the perfect Pioneer Day quote to hand-letter. I found the quote above in a beautiful talk given by Gordon B. Hinkley, “The Faith to Move Mountains”. Then, I researched one of my Pioneer ancestors as a part of my #131names project (I’ll explain in stories today).

I want to share this story today, because it was a day that has CHANGED me. I was able to take a rotten day & completely turn it around… I went on to fall in love with an ancestor, I went on to ENJOY my day, I went on to feel strengthened & uplifted. But MORE than just that day, I learned a powerful lesson. I learned that family history is a tool for SELF-CARE!

It’s deeper & longer lasting than getting my nails done or indulging in a Netflix binge. I am learning that when I can set aside my worries for a moment & focus on my family history, I can feel renewed & re-energized! When I read my ancestors stories, I feel real strength & more often than not, the story turns out to be the story that I needed to read. When I spend time researching, I feel good, knowing that I am serving my loved ones! When I look at family photos with my children, I am reminded of all the blessings in my life. Family History is FILLED with love & goodness, it’s hard not to have a better day when you remember to step back & use it as a tool for self-care.

I truly believe that “their faith is our inheritance” IF we seek it.


CAROLYNN REYNOLDS

branchesart.com
IG: @branches.art


Categories // Connections, Stories, Thoughts Tags // faith, Family History, inheritance, self care

Legacy of Faith

07.19.2019 by season // Leave a Comment

Woman Holding Book of Mormon and Basket of Flowers- Jubal Aviles Saenz

“In July of 1847, the first company of pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley after having trekked across the American West in search of a new home where the Saints could worship the Lord free of persecution. Many members in North America can trace their heritage back to these pioneer ancestors. But for most members of the Church worldwide, their pioneer heritage began elsewhere, either with recent ancestors who joined the Church or perhaps even with themselves as they became the first person in their family, community, or nation to embrace the gospel.

This month, as we celebrate our pioneer ancestry, you could ask yourself: Where did my legacy of faith begin? What sacrifices did the pioneers in my ancestry make to dedicate their lives to the Church? How can I honor and share their legacy?” (Liahona, July 2019)

While Pioneer Day is a big holiday within the LDS community, there are still many of us who do not have ancestors that crossed the plains with Brigham Young. Earlier this week Carolynn shared the idea to rely on the Pioneer ancestors of others as their stories still play a big part in the history of our faith. Although we are not related to them by blood, we can still feel a great connection to and be inspired by them. Another great way to celebrate pioneer day is to recognize and honor the pioneers from our own families who showed great faith and courage in their own ways, and to also recognize the ways in which we can emulate the pioneers in our own lives.

We would love to hear about YOUR legacy of faith. Who are the pioneers in your family? How do you display the pioneer spirit?


SARAH GARNER

thekindredpress.com
IG: @thekindredpress


Categories // Connections, Stories, Thoughts Tags // courage, Family History, legacy of faith, Pioneer day, pioneer spirit

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