As I study
and think about the topic of family history I am reminded that it is up to each
one of us to participate in performing this great work. I remember growing up feeling like there
wasn't much for me to do. I didn't have
a car to go to the family history library to do research. And really, once I got there, I would have no
idea what to do. Also, being from a
family who was been in the church since the beginning most of the work had
already been done. I grew up feeling
like it was someone else's responsibility.
That all changed though when I went on my mission. I was trained on how to do family history
work. I felt encouraged and inspired to
do more work for my family.
Unfortunately, that was then and this is now. I have only done some ordinance work for a
few family members. This project has
rekindled that desire to provide this blessings to those in my family who did
not receive them in this life. Also it
reminded me that doing family history work will not only bless them, but will
greatly bless and enrich my life.
1. "When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us. We feel part of something greater than ourselves. Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple."
Nelson, Russell M. "Generations Linked in Love." General Conference April 2010
2. "This work is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil, where help is given in both directions, Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now."
Scott, Richard G., "The Joy of Redeeming the Dead." General Conference October 2012
3. "Their hearts are bound to you. Their hope is in your hands. You will have more than your own strength as you choose to labor to find them."
Eyring, Henry B. "Hearts Bound Together." General Conference April 2005
4. " Gone are the days when this sacred work was done only by specialists. No matter your situation, you can make family history a part of your life right now. Primary children can draw a family tree. Youth can participate in proxy baptisms. They can also help the older generation work with computers. Parents can relate stories of their lives to their posterity. Worthy adult members can hold a temple recommend and perform temple ordinances for their own kin."
Nelson, Russell M., "Generations Linked in Love" General Conference April 2010
5. "While temple and family history work has the power to bless those beyond the veil, it has an equal power to bless the living. It has a refining influence on those who are engaged in it. They are literally helping to exalt their families."
Nelson, Russell M., "Generations Linked in Love" General Conference April 2010
6. "“Have you prayed about your own ancestors? Set aside those things in your life that don’t really matter. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences”
Scott, Richard G., "The Joy of Redeeming the Dead" General Conference October 2012
7. "It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies. Your fingers have been trained to text and to tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord—not just to communicate quickly with your friends. The skills and aptitude evident among many young people today are a preparation to contribute to the work of salvation."
Bednar, David A., "Family History: An Invitation" General Conference October 2011
8. "Any work you do in the temple is time well spent, but receiving ordinances vicariously for one of your own ancestors will make the time in the temple more sacred, and even greater blessings will be received. "
Scott, Richard G. "The Joy of Redeeming the Dead" General Conference October 2012
9. "I encourage you to study, to search out your ancestors, and to prepare yourselves to perform proxy baptisms in the house of the Lord for your kindred dead (see D&C 124:28–36). And I urge you to help other people identify their family histories."
Bednar, David A., "The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn" General Conference October 2011
10. "My beloved young brothers and sisters, family history is not simply an interesting program or activity sponsored by the Church; rather, it is a vital part of the work of salvation and exaltation. You have been prepared for this day and to build up the kingdom of God. You are here upon the earth now to assist in this glorious work."
Bednar, David A., "The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn" General Conference October 2011
