2014: Year in Review – for My Soul

Every year you see shows and articles reviewing the “Best of” moments in film, sports, commercials, etc. This year I decided to do my own Year In Review – for My Soul. This is my Top Ten List of good things that happened to me that were good for my soul. I figure that sort of thing ought to be documented and shared.

10) The weekly cycle of repentance, sacrament, and forgiveness

Sure, this has claim on the #1 spot – every single year of my life. However, this list is mostly an attempt at isolating things that were unique or new to 2014.

 

9) Learning from how the Brethren wrestle with opposition within the Church

There has been much to learn this past year as people from inside and outside of the Church attempt to pressure our leaders into conforming to the world’s views and standards. As I have watched the Brethren respond with the teaching of doctrine, and with love, I have gained an even greater respect and testimony of their calling. Total truth, with class.

Some specifics: Elder Oaks Conference talk “The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood.” The First Presidency statement clarifying questions vs apostasy. The Church statement regarding same-sex marriage. There are many more examples of such teachings on a regular basis.

 

8) Reading this year’s Hug A Convert Day submissions

I don’t know how many of you read all of the conversions stories that are posted each year, but I sure do. They feed my soul, and remind me that God loves his children, that miracles can and do happen, and that we need to open our mouths. These stories are good for me, and I appreciate those who share them. Here is a link to all of them, should you need some good Sunday reading.

 

7) The Church publishing essays on some of the more difficult histories and doctrines.

I don’t know enough. There is so much to learn about the Church’s doctrine and history. Honestly, some of it is confusing. Up until recently, the loudest voices regarding these concepts have been the haters who use these things to beat the Mormons over the head.

Thankfully, over the past year, and some back in 2013, the Church has released a series of excellent essays that delve deeper into topics such as plural marriage, race, translation of the scriptures, and even violence and the Mountain Meadows Massacre.

I love it – not just because it has deepened my understanding, but because I love that the Church is taking control of their own message and story. If people ask us questions on these topics that we don’t know the answer to, we can look it up, or refer them. Check them out on the Gospel Topics page on LDS.org.

 

6) Teaching Gospel Doctrine – Old Testament

What a great calling. Anything that causes me to delve deeper into the scriptures is a good thing. I learned so much this past year studying the Old Testament. So many stories, so many “cautionary tales.” So many witnesses of the Christ who was yet to come.

 

5) Gilbert Temple Dedication and Youth Cultural Celebration

I hadn’t disclosed my identity when all this was taking place, so I didn’t talk about it. But it was EPIC. The years leading up to the dedication were a constant part of our life. The months leading up to the dedication and celebration took over our lives. In the end, it was wonderful

For those who didn’t know, the Celebration was inundated by rain, but the kids will never, ever forget it. During the dress rehearsal, I took a screenshot of the radar to show how miracles still happen.

 

Yes, it was cool.

 

4) Alex (FOLM3) returning home from his mission to Argentina

There is something extra-wonderful about a recently returned missionary. Seeing how much growth my son experienced, and how Christlike he became, touched my heart. His homecoming talk was GA quality. This was the second time we have had a son return, but it was still as sweet as the first. I understand better what John meant when he said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 

 

3) Performing temple ordinances with my family

Due to the new temple, a personal epiphany regarding Family History, and a challenge from our Stake Presidency, I was able to attend the temple with each of my family members and perform ordinances with them for our very own ancestors. Baptisms with some, initiatory with others, and so on. I reflected on one of those experiences in a blog “It All Became Real.”

It was wonderful. I truly appreciate what a blessing it is to know that all of my children have their very own temple recommend, and they like to use them.

 

2) Standing in Holy Places

It took me 53 years to get to Kirtland, Ohio. One less Bucket List item. My EC and two of my sons were able to go on a Church History this past October. We went to Harmony, PA; Fayette, and Palmyra, NY (Sacred Grove and Hill Cumorah); and Kirtland, OH. So much to learn, so much to feel. My testimony and love for the early saints grew with each stop in our journey.

 

1) Family HIstory Epiphany and Success

As of April 22, 2014, I had never found the name of an ancestor to submit for temple ordinances. That night it all changed, I had an epiphany, and success. Since then, I have been actively involved in Family History – both on the computer, and in the temple.

It has been good for my soul, and a significant step in my life a I have come to embrace the Spirit of Elijah. (Or as the Spirit of Elijah has embraced me.)

For those of you who follow my blog, you know much about it. For those who don’t here are two posts where I have written about this journey.

I’m Sorry Elijah, But I Really Need to Get Some Sleep

An Accidental Family History Ninja

 

There is my Year in Review.  I imagine you are now going back through your year and making your own list.  Write it down. The reason I wrote this post was for me – not you – so that I could remember the things that happened this past year that strengthened my faith, my family, and my testimony. Things can get difficult, and you never know when I might need to remind myself that these things happened, and how, and what, I felt when they did.

My best to you in 2015.