July 24th: daughter of the pioneers...

Today is a special day

It's a day for me to remember my heritage.  A day to remember where I came from and to look forward to where I am going.  Not every member of the LDS faith are decedents of the "Mormon" pioneers, but they are pioneers today.

I have loved learning about my ancestors over the last few years...

I have learned about how my family on one side was introduced to the Gospel by Parley P. Pratt, converted, and relocated our family to America so that they could "come to Zion"

I have learned that my family on the other side is directly linked to the restoration of Christ's Church.

I think about my ancestors and I wonder how it felt to live in that time.  I think of their faith and testimonies they had, the miracles that were witnessed, the trials they had to endure.  They were beaten, mocked, hated and martyred ... They never denied Christ... They never lost their faith... They always stood their ground... They knew truths.  They walked across the Plains because they had to.  Feet frozen.  Families buried along the way. But they moved forward diligently, faithfully.

I think of my family... My heritage.  They trusted in God, our Heavenly Father.  They testified of Christ.  They testified of the restoration of Christ's Church through Joseph Smith.  Could I ever doubt the things I read in their journals? Doubt their testimonies?

Never.

I am a pioneer today.  It is MY duty to build upon what they sacrificed so much for...  God's Kingdom.