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Wilford Woodruff Papers

Asking Big Questions: Why Should I Attend the Temple Regularly?

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by Maddie Christensen

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are frequently invited by Church leaders to attend the temple regularly. For instance, in the April 2024 general conference, Elder Neil L. Andersen advised, “My beloved friends, if we are able and have not already increased our attendance at the temple, let us regularly find more time to worship in the house of the Lord.”

Even though we know temple attendance is a good thing, sometimes it can be hard to understand why attending regularly is fundamental.

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Asking Big Questions: How Can I Know if I’m Being Guided by the Holy Ghost?

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by Lyndie Jackson

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

With conflicting voices coming at us from all sides, we can find comfort knowing that we have the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide us. As we partake of the sacrament each week, we are promised that we can “always have his Spirit to be with [us]” (Moroni 4:3). What an amazing promise and privilege to be permitted the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost!

Wilford Woodruff counseled, “Every man should get the Spirit of God and then follow its dictates. This is revelation. It [doesn’t] make any difference what the Spirit tells you to do, it will never tell you to do anything that is wrong.”

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Asking Big Questions: Why Should I Do Family History?

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by Michelle Pack

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

Time is at a premium these days. Between school, homework, sports, jobs, and so much more, it seems like there isn’t extra time to do something like family history work. But what if doing family history work were easy or came with a blessing? Well, it can be, and it does.

Why is family history work important?

When we do family history work, we find names of our ancestors who need temple blessings. When we find those names, we can take them to the temple so their ordinance work can be done. It is our covenant obligation as members of the Church to give those who have not heard the gospel the opportunity to receive the ordinances necessary to live with God again.

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Asking Big Questions: What Can I Do to Prepare to Receive Personal Revelation at General Conference?

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by Scott Hansen

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

The closest scriptural parallel we have to modern-day general conference is found in the Book of Mosiah. People who gathered to hear the words of King Benjamin “pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby they might remain in their tents and hear the words which King Benjamin should speak unto them” (Mosiah 2:6). Each April and October, we do our best impersonation by remaining in our pajamas with our attention fixed on the television screen. All kidding aside, this multi-day sermon recorded in the Book of Mormon was a pivotal moment in the lives of everyone in attendance. What can we do to make general conference a pivotal moment in our lives? Here are three ideas:

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Asking Big Questions: How Can I Find Answers to Tough Topics in Church History?

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by Kamryn Maughan

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

Have you ever had a question about a topic in Church history? Because we were not there, some Church history events and topics can be hard for us to understand. For example, plural marriage, also known as polygamy, is a difficult topic for many members of the Church. So how do we approach questions about topics like plural marriage? Here are three ideas:

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Asking Big Questions: How Can I Gain a Testimony of Temple Ordinances?

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by Michelle Pack

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

Wilford and Phebe Woodruff’s first child, Sarah Emma, was born on July 14, 1838. Just over a year later, Wilford left his family to serve a mission in England. In his journal on July 14, 1840, he wrote, “Sarah Emma is two years old this day. May the Lord preserve my wife and children from sickness and death until my return. O Lord, I commit them into thy hands. Feed, clothe, and comfort them, and thine shall be the glory.” Wilford had a strong testimony of the power of covenants to unite his family for eternity. In a letter to Phebe on July 16, 1840, he said:

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Asking Big Questions: Why Does the Church Change?

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by Scott Hansen

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe “that God has revealed” and “will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (Articles of Faith 1:9). However, change can be unsettling after we have already gotten into a routine. Ordinances, policies, and procedures serve as a mechanism for us to have spiritual experiences. When these things change, it can be hard. So, why do Church policies and procedures change? Here are three reasons:

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Asking Big Questions: How Can I Know If I’ve Been Forgiven?

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by Kamryn Maughan

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

Going to the Savior, Peter asked, “How oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?” Jesus responded, “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21–22). Just as we are commanded to forgive others, our merciful Heavenly Father promises to forgive us. Although we may understand this promise, it can be difficult to know if we’ve been forgiven. Three actions can help us feel God’s forgiveness: repenting, recognizing the Spirit, and reflecting on Jesus Christ.

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Asking Big Questions: How Can I Find Jesus Christ in My Studies?

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By Aubrey Barzee

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

Though the scriptures testify of Jesus Christ, actually having Christ-centered scripture study can be hard. With so many responsibilities competing for our time, we might just read a few verses without getting much personal meaning out of them and feel satisfied that we’ve checked off “read the scriptures” for the day. We may also find ourselves getting distracted by interesting but inconsequential questions.

Wilford Woodruff wrote in his journal in 1883, “While studying the word of God we learn truths which cannot be obtained from any other source.” His words are supported by another servant of the Lord, Apostle D. Todd Christofferson, who  tated, “The central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ.” So, how do we do that? Here are some study strategies that will help us increase our faith in Jesus Christ and feel His love for us personally.

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Asking Big Questions: How Can I Prepare for General Conference?

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by Shauna Horne

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

General conference is a time for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to hear from the beloved prophet and apostles. Conference weekend is always spiritually uplifting, but preparing beforehand is essential if we want to get the most out of the messages we hear.

President Howard W. Hunter (1907–1995) taught that general conference is a time to strengthen our testimonies and resolve to improve our lives: “Conference time is a season of spiritual revival when knowledge and testimony are increased  and solidified.”

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