Sunday, March 9, 2014

Thought of the Sunday 11

You may or may not know, but family history is very important to Mormons.  They work hard to identify their ancestors so that those ancestors can have a chance at receiving the same blessings we have in this life; only they are dead and we are living.  

Family history is very important to me.  It all started back in 2002 when I started going to Library School.  I met a girl there who was very into family history (I was not; I thought it was boring).  She ended up teaching a family history class which I went to in order to support her.  Well, we went on a little field trip to the National Archives and looked at census records on microfilm.  It was my first time finding someone on my own and it was amazing.  When I saw my ancestor's name and his family on my screen I got all tingly and excited.  So launched my obsession with family history.  Of course, the time I have to work on it comes and goes, but this year I have been able to do it for at least two hours every Sunday.  It has been awesome!  
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/About/General/2013/2/20/1361362786685/Family-history-008.jpg

From Malachi 4:5-6

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:  And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.   
We know that Elijah did return-at least twice-after Malachi's promise. At Christ's transfiguration, Elijah appeared on the mount to Peter, James, and John. At the Kirtland Temple, April 3, 1836, Elijah appeared to the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery and said, 'The keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands.' - Russell M. Nelson

I believe that the spirit of Elijah is very strong within me.  As I find my ancestors and discover their stories I feel them close to me.  I believe that the line between the living and the dead is often very thin.  They can help us and we can direct our thoughts to them.  Family is one of the most important things in this life and creating a link between them and us is a worthwhile goal.  By discovering my family history I can learn where I've come from and to be grateful for the sacrifices and lives lived so that I could be here at this time.  We all have ancestors.  If it weren't for them we would not be here.  If it weren't for their experiences we may have led an entirely different life then the one we are currently experiencing.  I believe that we will meet our ancestors after we die.  I cannot wait to have conversations with them "in real life", so to speak.  

     
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  1. LindaMarch 11, 2014 at 1:03 PM

    I'm so happy that your have such a strong testimony of family history! I tried, and I know it's important, but is so futile for my line. Your dad's is much better. Thank you for all you do in that area-your ancestors are happy! :-}

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