The Promise of Malachi

Job belabored the Lord with the question, "If a man die, shall he live again? (Job 14:14)"

The Latter-Day Saint faith answers with a resounding YES. By virtue of the atonement, performed by Jesus Christ, all mankind will be resurrected to an immortal state. Just as we make preparations to enhance our "quality of life" while here on this earth, preparations are necessary to enhance our "quality of life" in the life hereafter.

The Prophet Nephi taught, "Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah. (2 Nephi 2:8)"

I believe nurtured family relationships (next to a personal knowledge of our Heavenly Father and Saviour) will provide the greatest joy to our eternal quality of life, and the strongest endurance of good things. Most are aware of the capacity to develop family relationships with tangible family members- those we see, can write to, or whom we birth.

The Lord has placed in this mortal sphere a divine institution and powers which can enable us to, quite literally, connect with those family members whose eyes have closed in death. The institution is the Latter-day Saint Temple, and the powers are the ordinances which take place therein.

This week I realized something. My preparation for, and regular attendance to, the temples of the Lord has changed my heart. In my heart has been planted the promises made to my fathers (Malachi 4:6). The past previous months have been spent living with my grandparents, documenting their lives, and giving an extended effort to canvas their faith and in enduring manner. This is a result of my temple attendance.

Elder Russell M. Nelson said at the April 2010 General Conference, "When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us. We feel part of something greater than ourselves. Our inborn yearning for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple. (CR, May 2010)"

Below are some beloved photographs which capture the spirit of my family; each member contributing unique gifts which are accumulating into a well-spring to bolster my own faith.