Sunday, September 25, 2016
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Tip of the Week: It Is More
This week's tip of the week is that family history is more!
Many people think of family history as names, dates, places, hard to read documents, confusing information, dusty old books, boxes of junk, etc. I'm writing today to tell you that it is more than all of that. Family history is not just for our ancestors. It is for us. It is for our descendants. It is the beautiful opportunity to bring generations throughout all time and all the world together, to learn from each other, to grow stronger testimonies together, and to fully understand the Plan of Salvation.
"Family history is more than genealogy, rules, names, dates, and places. It is more than a focus on the past. Family history also includes the present as we create our own history. It includes the future as we shape future history through our descendants. A young mother, for example, sharing her family stories and pictures with her children is doing family history work. Like partaking of the sacrament, attending meetings, reading the scriptures, and saying personal prayers, doing family history and temple work should be a regular part of our personal worship. The response of our youth and others to prophetic invitations has been inspiring and proves this work can and should be done by all members at any age." -Allan F. Packer, "The Book"
"I have a strong feeling that when this life is over, our personal and family histories and the influence they wield will be of much greater importance than we now think." -John H. Groberg, "Writing Your Personal and Family History"
"Family history is not just genealogy, but includes the present and future as well as the past, and ultimately, it is about connecting families together across the generations “that we may be redeemed,"...There is an eternal significance to this doctrine for individuals and families...When understood, this doctrine, added to the natural love a parent has for his children, motivates individuals to ensure the connections are in place...We research the past, create history in the present, and shape history in the future.” -Elder Allan F. Packer, RootsTech 2013 Family History and Technology Conference.
"One of the best ways to celebrate righteous history is to make more of it, make more righteous history!" -Spencer W. Kimball, "No Unhallowed Hand Can Stop the Work"
Many people think of family history as names, dates, places, hard to read documents, confusing information, dusty old books, boxes of junk, etc. I'm writing today to tell you that it is more than all of that. Family history is not just for our ancestors. It is for us. It is for our descendants. It is the beautiful opportunity to bring generations throughout all time and all the world together, to learn from each other, to grow stronger testimonies together, and to fully understand the Plan of Salvation.
"Family history is more than genealogy, rules, names, dates, and places. It is more than a focus on the past. Family history also includes the present as we create our own history. It includes the future as we shape future history through our descendants. A young mother, for example, sharing her family stories and pictures with her children is doing family history work. Like partaking of the sacrament, attending meetings, reading the scriptures, and saying personal prayers, doing family history and temple work should be a regular part of our personal worship. The response of our youth and others to prophetic invitations has been inspiring and proves this work can and should be done by all members at any age." -Allan F. Packer, "The Book"
"I have a strong feeling that when this life is over, our personal and family histories and the influence they wield will be of much greater importance than we now think." -John H. Groberg, "Writing Your Personal and Family History"
"Family history is not just genealogy, but includes the present and future as well as the past, and ultimately, it is about connecting families together across the generations “that we may be redeemed,"...There is an eternal significance to this doctrine for individuals and families...When understood, this doctrine, added to the natural love a parent has for his children, motivates individuals to ensure the connections are in place...We research the past, create history in the present, and shape history in the future.” -Elder Allan F. Packer, RootsTech 2013 Family History and Technology Conference.
"One of the best ways to celebrate righteous history is to make more of it, make more righteous history!" -Spencer W. Kimball, "No Unhallowed Hand Can Stop the Work"
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Tip of the Week: Love Your Family
This week's tip is to love your family!
One of the greatest aspects of family history work is love. The reason we do family history is because we love our families and want them to be together forever. The love you have for your family here on earth and the love you have for those in your family who have passed on will grow and be strengthened as you participate in family history work.
"As we learn to be loving, caring families in mortality, our hearts will naturally turn to members of our kindred family in the spirit world. As they continue to live beyond the veil, they wait—they wait for us, their family, to share the blessings of the ordinances of the priesthood. They yearn to belong to the eternal family circle. They are anxious for us to make this possible. Are we not compelled to do so?" -J. Richard Clarke, "Our Kindred Family—Expression of Eternal Love"
"Before we were born, we lived in a family with our exalted and eternal Heavenly Father. He ordained a plan that enables us to advance and progress to become like Him. He did it out of love for us. The purpose of the plan was to allow us the privilege of living forever as our Heavenly Father lives. This gospel plan offered us a life of mortality in which we would be tested. A promise was given that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, if we obeyed the laws and priesthood ordinances of the gospel, we would have eternal life, the greatest of all His gifts. Eternal life is that kind of life which God our Eternal Father lives. God has said that His purpose is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). The great purpose of every priesthood holder, therefore, is to assist in the work of helping people rise to eternal life." -Henry B. Eyring, "Eternal Families"
"It has been my experience that some of the happiest people I know are those who are engaged in family history and temple work. Let us demonstrate our willingness to follow the prophet by consecrating a portion of our time and energy to the Lord’s redemptive work, and let us do it in a spirit of love." -Mary Ellen Smoot, "Family History: A Work of Love"
"One of the best things about the gospel is the knowledge of the plan of salvation. We have the awesome opportunity to be with our family for eternity. That knowledge helps us to have hope whenever we feel overwhelmed by the world. President Eyring teaches, “Our loving Heavenly Father knows our hearts. His purpose is to give us happiness (see 2 Nephi 2:25). And so He gave the gift of His Son to make possible the joy of family bonds that continue forever. … It is an offer that every child of God who comes into the world may claim.” That blessing applies to those of us living right now and to those who have passed on—but only through our help. Our ancestors are in the spirit world right now, waiting for us to prepare their names for the temple ordinances to be performed on their behalf." -Henry B. Eyring, "The Hope of Eternal Family Love"
"Then, in a spirit of love and consecration, we must extend ourselves in the work of redemption of the dead through service in the temples of the Lord." Gordon B. Hinckley-, "He Slumbers Not, nor Sleeps"
One of the greatest aspects of family history work is love. The reason we do family history is because we love our families and want them to be together forever. The love you have for your family here on earth and the love you have for those in your family who have passed on will grow and be strengthened as you participate in family history work.
"As we learn to be loving, caring families in mortality, our hearts will naturally turn to members of our kindred family in the spirit world. As they continue to live beyond the veil, they wait—they wait for us, their family, to share the blessings of the ordinances of the priesthood. They yearn to belong to the eternal family circle. They are anxious for us to make this possible. Are we not compelled to do so?" -J. Richard Clarke, "Our Kindred Family—Expression of Eternal Love"
"Before we were born, we lived in a family with our exalted and eternal Heavenly Father. He ordained a plan that enables us to advance and progress to become like Him. He did it out of love for us. The purpose of the plan was to allow us the privilege of living forever as our Heavenly Father lives. This gospel plan offered us a life of mortality in which we would be tested. A promise was given that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, if we obeyed the laws and priesthood ordinances of the gospel, we would have eternal life, the greatest of all His gifts. Eternal life is that kind of life which God our Eternal Father lives. God has said that His purpose is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). The great purpose of every priesthood holder, therefore, is to assist in the work of helping people rise to eternal life." -Henry B. Eyring, "Eternal Families"
"It has been my experience that some of the happiest people I know are those who are engaged in family history and temple work. Let us demonstrate our willingness to follow the prophet by consecrating a portion of our time and energy to the Lord’s redemptive work, and let us do it in a spirit of love." -Mary Ellen Smoot, "Family History: A Work of Love"
"One of the best things about the gospel is the knowledge of the plan of salvation. We have the awesome opportunity to be with our family for eternity. That knowledge helps us to have hope whenever we feel overwhelmed by the world. President Eyring teaches, “Our loving Heavenly Father knows our hearts. His purpose is to give us happiness (see 2 Nephi 2:25). And so He gave the gift of His Son to make possible the joy of family bonds that continue forever. … It is an offer that every child of God who comes into the world may claim.” That blessing applies to those of us living right now and to those who have passed on—but only through our help. Our ancestors are in the spirit world right now, waiting for us to prepare their names for the temple ordinances to be performed on their behalf." -Henry B. Eyring, "The Hope of Eternal Family Love"
"Then, in a spirit of love and consecration, we must extend ourselves in the work of redemption of the dead through service in the temples of the Lord." Gordon B. Hinckley-, "He Slumbers Not, nor Sleeps"
Monday, August 15, 2016
Saturday, August 13, 2016
There's an App for That?
We are blessed to live in a time where technology has allowed for many more opportunities to find and share family history work! Most people use at least 5 apps on a phone, an iPad, or a tablet every day. Why not make one of those apps family history related!?
I've compiled a list of free apps to download today to help you with your family history work!
If you're the tech savvy type, make it a goal to download one of these app and use it regularly!
If you're the tech savvy type, make it a goal to download one of these app and use it regularly!
1. FamilySearch-Tree: The mobile version of FamilySearch. Allows you to do everything you do on the website on the app and links to your account so any changes you make in the app will also be made online.
2. FamilySearch-Memories: A sort of extension of the FamilySearch-Tree app that allows you type up stories, take pictures, and record verbal stories.
3. Ancestry: The mobile version of Ancestry.com. Allows you to do everything you do on the website on the app and links to your account so any changes you make in the app will also be made online.
4. MyHeritage: The mobile version of MyHeritage.com. Allows you to do everything you do on the website on the app and links to your account so any changes you make in the app will also be made online.
5. Billion Graves: The mobile version of MyHeritage.com. Allows you to do everything you do on the website on the app and links to your account so any changes you make in the app will also be made online.
6. Genealogy Tip of the Day (iPhone/iPad) (Android): A short, daily tip on genealogy work from an expert.
BONUS- Eternal Reminder: It isn't an app, but it is a website that will allow you to type in the FamilySearch ID for ancestors who are less than 110 years old and it will remind you when they are old enough to do the work for!
"These are your days. You were born in a time of temples and technology. These are your days to more fully turn your hearts to your fathers and bring these saving ordinances to millions within our families. These are your days to prepare for the Second Coming of the Savior." - Neil L. Andersen, "Find Our Cousins"
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Who is Elijah?
Usually when discussing family history the term "the spirit of Elijah" is used. In order to fully understand what this is we must first understand who Elijah is.
Elijah was an Old Testament prophet. He worked miracles throughout his time on earth. He was the last prophet of his time to hold the keys of the sealing power. He was translated (taken to heaven without experiencing death) around 900 BC, because he had to retain his body in order to later give those keys to Peter, James, and John. In 430 BC, the prophet Malachi prophesied of Elijah's return. Elijah appeared to Peter, James, and John. On April 3, 1836, the prophecy of Malachi was fully fulfilled in this dispensation. The sealing powers were given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple (Family History Student Manual).
Key Doctrine, Principles, and Gospel Truths (source)
D&C 28:15
D&C 128:17-19
D&C 110:15
D&C 124:28-36
Elijah was an Old Testament prophet. He worked miracles throughout his time on earth. He was the last prophet of his time to hold the keys of the sealing power. He was translated (taken to heaven without experiencing death) around 900 BC, because he had to retain his body in order to later give those keys to Peter, James, and John. In 430 BC, the prophet Malachi prophesied of Elijah's return. Elijah appeared to Peter, James, and John. On April 3, 1836, the prophecy of Malachi was fully fulfilled in this dispensation. The sealing powers were given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple (Family History Student Manual).
Key Doctrine, Principles, and Gospel Truths (source)
- The sealing keys of the priesthood enable ordinances to be binding beyond the grave.
- Elijah was the last Old Testament prophet to hold the keys of the sealing power of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
- In fulfillment of prophecy, Elijah restored the keys of the sealing power of the Melchizedek Priesthood to the earth in this dispensation.
- The spirit of Elijah, by definition, is the Holy Ghost as His directing influence guides those who participate in family history and temple work.
- After Elijah's return, interest in family history began to accelerate around the world.
"Elijah came not only to stimulate research for ancestors. He also enabled families to be eternally liked beyond the bounds of mortality. Indeed, the opportunity for families to be sealed forever is the real reason of our research" (A New Harvest Time, 1998).
"The sealing of family units can be counted until the family of God is made perfect. This is the great work of the dispensation of the fulness of times, by which the hearts of the fathers are turned to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers. The uniting and redemption of the family of God was the divine plan before the foundations of the earth were laid" (Elijah the Prophet, 1971).
"The turning of the hearts of the children to the fathers is placing or planting in the hearts of the children that feeling and desire which will inspire them to search out the records of the dead. Moreover the planting of the desire and inspiration in their hearts is necessary. This they must have in order that they might go into the house of the Lord and perform the necessary labor for their fathers, who died without a knowledge of the gospel, or without the privilege of receiving the fulness of the gospel" (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:127-28).
I know that by understanding the importance of Elijah, I have been blessed with a greater knowledge in regards to family history work. I know that it is our responsibility to turn the hearts of the children to the fathers and the hearts of the fathers to the children. I promise that you will feel the spirit of Elijah when you make an effort to make family history a priority.
D&C 28:15
D&C 128:17-19
D&C 110:15
D&C 124:28-36
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Tip of the Week: The Importance of Family
This week's tip is to understand the importance of family!
Family history work is ALL ABOUT FAMILIES! The idea of families is one of the most important aspects of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Understanding the importance of families is necessary for understanding the basics of this gospel.
"THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities" (The Family: A Proclamation to the World).
"Being part of a family is a great blessing. Your family can provide you with companionship and happiness, help you learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and help you prepare for eternal life. Strong families require effort. Your family will be blessed as you do your part to strengthen it. Be cheerful, helpful, and considerate of family members...Show love for your family members each day. Share your testimony with your family through words and actions. Your righteous example can make a difference in strengthening your family" (For the Strength of Youth- Family).
“President Brigham Young explained that our families are not yet ours. The Lord has committed them to us to see how we will treat them. Only if we are faithful will they be given to us forever. What we do on earth determines whether or not we will be worthy to become heavenly parents.” (The Importance of the Family, L. Tom Perry, May 2003)
"The Church tries to help us make our mortal families reflect the beauty and happiness of the larger eternal family unit. It might be said that everything we do as a church and as individuals is to strengthen the family unit, both here and hereafter. Indeed, the family unit is where most of the important lessons of life are learned and practiced." (The Family- Now and Forever, Terry J. Moyer, June 1993)
Video- Unto All the World: Putting "Family" Back into Family History
I know that when we understand the importance of families we will be blessed with knowledge and the ability to understand the importance of family history work. I am so grateful for my family and my opportunity to grow closer to them though family history work.
Family history work is ALL ABOUT FAMILIES! The idea of families is one of the most important aspects of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Understanding the importance of families is necessary for understanding the basics of this gospel.
"THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities" (The Family: A Proclamation to the World).
"Being part of a family is a great blessing. Your family can provide you with companionship and happiness, help you learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and help you prepare for eternal life. Strong families require effort. Your family will be blessed as you do your part to strengthen it. Be cheerful, helpful, and considerate of family members...Show love for your family members each day. Share your testimony with your family through words and actions. Your righteous example can make a difference in strengthening your family" (For the Strength of Youth- Family).
“President Brigham Young explained that our families are not yet ours. The Lord has committed them to us to see how we will treat them. Only if we are faithful will they be given to us forever. What we do on earth determines whether or not we will be worthy to become heavenly parents.” (The Importance of the Family, L. Tom Perry, May 2003)
"The Church tries to help us make our mortal families reflect the beauty and happiness of the larger eternal family unit. It might be said that everything we do as a church and as individuals is to strengthen the family unit, both here and hereafter. Indeed, the family unit is where most of the important lessons of life are learned and practiced." (The Family- Now and Forever, Terry J. Moyer, June 1993)
Video- Unto All the World: Putting "Family" Back into Family History
I know that when we understand the importance of families we will be blessed with knowledge and the ability to understand the importance of family history work. I am so grateful for my family and my opportunity to grow closer to them though family history work.
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