FAMILY HISTORY

Last Thursday evening sister Char Taylor taught a class on Family History. She titled her class, FAMILY HISTORY 101. When she finished her class, I dare say those of us in attendance couldn't wait to get started--or in my case, get re-started. Char's presentation was clear, organized, and interesting. But, most of all, she showed us that Family History is doable and FUN. She instructed us concerning the Church's new Family Search program and how easy it is for anyone to do family history work right from the comfort of our own homes using our personal computers.

During my lifetime, geneology--as it was once called--has evolved light years. There was a time, if you were to be involved in geneology, you would spend years, months, days, weeks, hours pouring through records in libraries, city and county offices, visits to cemeteries, church offices, interviewing relatives, searching, searching, searching. Everything was hand written and professional geneologists were hired to complete intricate forms or search for someone in the records of foreign countries, etc..

The above processes are still necessary in some cases and there are still many people involved to that degree, but for most of us, family history--as it is now referred to--is available to us at our finger tips. In a few minutes, we can find information about our ancestors that previously took years to find. And the stories you discover about your ancestors are unbelievable. It's tons more fun than watching a TV program about someone you don't know or care about. It is exciting and satisfying, especially when you can send or take the name of an ancestor to the temple to have saving ordinances performed for them. You come to love your family in a way you never thought possible.

Remember how important this work is and secure your eternal salvation by doing family history work. Malachi taught us in Malachi 4:5-6 that in the last days the Lord will send Elijah the prophet to "turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to their fathers. . ." Doing family history work is a direct, distinct fulfillment of this scripture!

Want to do something really, really worthwhile? Try Family History work!

Love, Kathi