TURN OUR HEARTS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS

Transcription

1 BETA Version TURN OUR HEARTS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS A BASIC GUIDE TO HELP BUSY FAMILIES CONNECT THEIR GENERATIONS

2 * The Family of Aspen Trees by Louise R. Yeager One of the things my mother-in-law loved to do in the fall was to drive through the aspen grove in the mountains near her home. As a living memory to her we have planted aspen trees in our yard. When developing a logo for our stake I immediately thought of the aspen tree, due to one of their unique ways to propagate. They send out roots horizontally underground, from which new shoots grow vertically. The new shoots eventually develop into new tree trunks with branches, leaves, bark--in short, everything you d associate with an individual tree. 1 Sometimes an older shoot may die, but the roots do not. The root system continues to sustain the younger shoots. This reminds me of families and how we are all connected to our ancestors and to our future generations. The roots of our ancestors help strengthen us, and in turn we can help strengthen our future generations.

3 TURN OUR HEARTS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS A BASIC GUIDE TO HELP BUSY FAMILIES CONNECT THEIR GENERATIONS I Am the Link to the Generations that Stand on Either Side of Me 2 * Locally developed for use by members in the Puyallup, Washington Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.

4 Four Areas of Focus FOUR AREAS OF FOCUS Building the family is at the center of the plan of salvation, where families help each member, past, present, and future qualify for eternal life. Your family is encouraged to do the following steps to help qualify: FEEL FEEL the Spirit of Elijah by turning your hearts in both directions FIND FIND and discover the names of one or more of your own ancestors or their descendants TAKE As a family, when possible TAKE these names to the temple, or share them with others so they can take them TEACH TEACH your family, and then teach others to do the same ii

5 How This Guide Can Help Your Family HOW THIS GUIDE CAN HELP YOUR FAMILY This basic guide will help your busy family FEEL the Spirit of Elijah by turning your hearts in both directions. As a family do the following: Discover the many ways to turn your hearts in both directions. Pray to know where to begin. Pass the faith and strength of your ancestors forward to your future generations. Receive your own temple ordinances. Then help your ancestors, and future generations receive the same ordinances. The First Presidency Message We challenge you to rise to a new sense of commitment to assist our Father in Heaven in His glorious work [of salvation]. The Lord will reward and richly bless you as you humbly and prayerfully serve Him. More happiness awaits you than you have ever experienced. 1 iii

6 Where Do We Go For Help? Where Do We Go For Help? For help on the Ways to Turn Hearts in Both Directions, that your family has been prayerfully guided to pursue, make an appointment at the Puyallup Stake Family History Center: Where Past, Present and Future Generations Connect. 512 Valley Ave E, Sumner, WA (253) puyallupfamilyhistorycenter.org You can also get help from your ward family history consultants. Contact your ward high priest group leader to help coordinate with the family history consultants. Ward High Priests Group Leader: Phone: Questions iv

7 Contents CONTENTS Why Do We Do The Work of Salvation? The Great Plan of Happiness... 1 Eternal Families are the Purpose of the Plan... 2 The Mission of Elijah Turning Our Hearts Unlocks the Promises Made to Our Fathers... 3 How Can Our Family Be Blessed By This Work? Spiritual Protection... 4 Increased Testimony and Conversion... 4 Help from the Other Side... 5 Enhanced Temple Attendance... 5 What Should Our Family Do to Begin? Seek Heavenly Guidance... 6 Turn Your Hearts Ways to Turn Hearts Plan Families Organizations Family History Information and Items Find and Perform Ancestor Temple Ordinances Living Memories Photographs and Heirlooms Personal Histories Share With Others Develop Personal Connections Ways to Turn Hearts Skills What Should Our Family Do Next? References v

8 Why Do We Do Temple and Family History Work? WHY DO WE DO THE WORK OF SALVATION? Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. Doctrine and Covenants 2:1 2 The Great Plan of Happiness God s whole purpose His work and His glory is to enable His children to enjoy all the blessings that He enjoys. He presented a perfect plan for all His children to come to earth and then return to His presence. Our life is intended to be a homeward journey to the presence of God in His celestial kingdom.1 Jesus Christ is central to God s plan. Through His Atonement and Resurrection, He fulfilled His Father s purpose and made it possible for all to enjoy immortality and eternal life. Our earthly journey would be impossible without the Atonement and Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. The Savior s Atonement enables us to repent and be forgiven of our sins and to be resurrected. We obtain the full blessings of the Atonement by receiving gospel ordinances and making and keeping sacred covenants with God.2 President Boyd. K Packer: Ordinances and covenants become our credentials for admission into [God s] presence. Once we have received them for ourselves and for our families, we are obligated 3 to provide these ordinances for the whole human family. 1

9 Why Do We Do Temple and Family History Work? Eternal Families Are the Purpose of the Plan Families are essential in Heavenly Father s plan of happiness. 4 We are part of a heavenly family and an earthly one. Heavenly Father has established families to bring us happiness and prepare us to return and live with Him. Each individual is an important part of a family and can only receive the blessings of exaltation as a member of an eternal family. The work of salvation unites families. Husbands and wives, parents and children, ancestors and future generations can be sealed through sacred temple ordinances. President Joseph F. Smith declared the goal of this process to be that the whole chain of God s family shall be welded together into one chain, and they shall all become the family of God and His Christ. 5 Elder Robert D. Hales: It is not enough just to save ourselves. It is equally important that parents, brothers, and sisters are saved in our families. The eternal nature of an individual becomes the eternal nature of the family. 6 The Mission of Elijah The keys of the welding or sealing power of the Melchizedek Priesthood were bestowed upon Elijah, a prophet of the Old Testament. This priesthood includes the authority to perform ordinances that bind families together eternally. 7 Elder Russell M. Nelson: Elijah came to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the children to [their] fathers. With that, natural affection between generations began to be enriched. This restoration was accompanied by what is sometimes called the Spirit of Elijah a manifestation of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of the divine nature of the family. 8 Because of the sealing power restored through Elijah, family members of all generations may be joined in eternal relationships. The sealing power not only motivates individuals to be sealed to their families in both directions, it also enhances the bonds of love found within righteous family relationships. 9 2

10 Why Do We Do Temple and Family History Work? Elder Russell M. Nelson proclaims the Lord wants us as bonding blacksmiths creating celestial welding links to curb the curse of family fragmentation. 10 Bonding Blacksmiths Copyright 2014 Temple House Gallery Mormon Art & LDS Temple Art. All rights reserved. The Promises Made to Our Fathers The phrase promises made to the fathers includes the blessings and promises made to Abraham. 11 Abraham desired to become a worthy priesthood holder and make covenants with the Lord. The Bible Dictionary describes the covenant Abraham entered into with the Lord: Abraham first received the gospel by baptism (which is the covenant of salvation). Then he had conferred upon him the higher priesthood, and he entered into celestial marriage (which is the covenant of exaltation), gaining assurance thereby that he would have eternal increase. Finally he received a promise that all of these blessings would be offered to all of his mortal posterity. 12 President Joseph Fielding Smith: In the justice of the Father, he is going to give to every man the privilege of hearing the gospel. Not one soul shall be overlooked or forgotten [see D&C 1:1 3]. The Lord has so arranged his plan of redemption that all who have died without this opportunity shall be given it in the spirit world. 13 While the gospel may be taught and accepted by spirits in the spirit world, the saving ordinances must be performed by those here in mortality in behalf of those who died without receiving them. 14 In regards to our great responsibility, we have been told, for their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation they without us cannot be made perfect - neither can we without our dead be made perfect (Doctrine and Covenants 128:15). 3

11 How Can Our Family Be Blessed By This Work? HOW CAN OUR FAMILY BE BLESSED BY THIS WORK? and in thy seed after thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal. Abraham 2:11 The blessings we receive from the work of salvation aren t reserved for the eternities. You and your family can be blessed now. Here are some of the promised blessings this work brings to your family. Spiritual Protection Elder David. A. Bednar: One of the greatest blessings we can receive by the work of salvation is protection against the intensifying influence of the adversary. 1 You will receive protection, especially when you remain worthy to enter the temple to perform the saving ordinances for yourself, your ancestors, and witness the ordinances for your children and grandchildren. Increased Testimony and Conversion Member s who engage in this work are inspired to live gospel-centered lives and are more likely to participate in personal and family prayer, personal and family scripture study, and regular family home evening. 2 In addition, the Spirit of the Lord permeates the home; problems are more clearly defined; solutions are more apparent; emotions are more serene in family relations; and children are more likely to socialize with good friends, be more communicative with parents, attend seminary and institute, serve missions, be active in the Church, better understand gospel principles, and qualify for a forever family relationship. 3 4

12 How Can Our Family Be Blessed By This Work? Help from the Other Side Elder John A. Widstoe: Those who give themselves with all their might and main to this work receive help from the other side, and not merely in gathering genealogies. Whoever seeks to help those on the other side receives help in return in all the affairs of life Help comes to us from the other side as we give help to those who have passed beyond the veil. 4 President Joseph F. Smith testified we exist in the presence of heavenly messengers and of heavenly beings our ancestors who have preceded us into the spirit world. We can not forget them; we do not cease to love them; we always hold them in our hearts, in memory, and thus we are associated and united to them by ties that we can not break. If this is the case with us in our finite condition, surrounded by our mortal weaknesses, how much more certain it is to believe that those who have been faithful, who have gone beyond can see us better than we can see them; that they know us better than we know them. We live in their presence, they see us, they are solicitous for our welfare, they love us now more than ever. For now they see the dangers that beset us; their love for us and their desire for our well being must be greater than that which we feel for ourselves. 5 For this reason they want to help us in every aspect of our lives. Enhanced Temple Attendance President Howard W. Hunter proclaimed that by participating in and performing temple ordinances for your family you will, know the additional joy of receiving both halves of the blessing. 6 Both Halves of the Blessing Elder Richard G. Scott expounded that 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. 7 5

13 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? WHAT SHOULD OUR FAMILY DO TO BEGIN? Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers. Doctrine and Covenants 112:10 Seek Heavenly Guidance Pray as a family to know where to begin. Elder Dallin H. Oaks: we should understand that in the work there are many tasks to be performed, and that all members should participate by prayerfully selecting those ways that fit their personal circumstances at a particular 1 time. Turn Your Hearts There are many tasks or ways to turn your hearts that involve digging and planting: To dig or research into the past looking for facts and artifacts that connects one generation to another. To plant or preserve information and connections for the good of children, grandchildren and future posterity.2 Digging Planting CONNECTING THE GENERATIONS Both efforts are essential, for they produce information that serves as a welding link (D&C 128:18) between generations and turn3 our hearts. There is not one single way to turn our hearts. We need to prayerfully consider what Heavenly Father wants us to do. 6

14 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? The following are some ways to turn your hearts in both directions involving digging and planting. The Spirit will help guide your family on which way to begin today. Ways to Turn Hearts Ways to Turn Hearts Plan Develop Turning Hearts Skills & Training Develop Personal Connections Family Organizations Pray as a Family to Know Where to Begin Share With Others Collect & Create Personal Histories Family History Information and Items Find & Perform Ancestral Temple Ordinances Create Living Memories Collect & Create Photographs & Heirlooms 7

15 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? 8 Ways to Turn Hearts Plan Photographs & Heirlooms Family History Information and Items Develop Personal Connections Personal Histories Living Memories Share With Others Ways to Turn Hearts Skills Find & Perform Ancestor Temple Ordinances Family Organizations Gather Organize Protect Share Display Connect Archive Activities Traditions Communications Projects Activities Pray as a Family to Know Where to Begin in Both Directions Identify Determine Implement Evaluate Organize Council Gather Coordinate Gather Record Perform Know Prepare Record Protect Share Keep Create Protect Share Keep Create Protect Share Learn Train Share Help

16 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Ways to Turn Hearts Plan Ways to Turn Hearts Plan O how great the plan of our God! 2 Nephi 9:1 We are repeatedly encouraged to plan, prepare, and set goals. It encourages communication and develops a sense of unity. And it allows family members to use the skills of cooperation and consideration. 4 Elder Marvin J. Ashton: May we launch straightway toward setting goals that are gospel oriented, knowing that if we use the talents that are ours that if we help others strength upon strength will be added unto our own abilities and we will move straightway toward greater growth, happiness, and eternal joys. 5 Here is one way to develop a Ways to Turn Hearts Plan. Identify Identify which Ways to Turn Hearts in Both Directions goals the spirit prompts your family to accomplish. 9

17 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Ways to Turn Hearts Plan Family Organizations: Organize families, hold regular family councils, plan and participate in reunions, and coordinate family time. Family History Information and Items: Gather, organize, protect, and share what you have. Find and Perform Ancestor Temple Ordinances: Gather and record information, perform temple ordinances, and get to know your ancestors. Living Memories: Prepare, record, protect and share living memories. Photographs and Heirlooms: Keep and collect, create, protect, and share photographs and heirlooms. Personal Histories: Keep and collect, create, protect, and share personal histories. Share With Others: Display family items, connect family members, create a family archive, and plan and participate in Ways to Turn Hearts in Both Directions activities. Develop Personal Connections: Plan and participate in family traditions, communications, and Ways to Turn Hearts in Both Directions plan and participate in projects and activities. Ways to Turn Hearts Skills: Learn various Ways to Turn Hearts in Both Directions skills, where to go for training, how to share your knowledge, and how to help others. Determine How will we accomplish the goals? What resources are available? How much time can be devoted to the goals each month? Who to involve in these goals, and what they will help accomplish? 10 Implement Start carrying out the Ways to Turn Hearts In Both Directions goals. Evaluate Evaluate your process and make necessary adjustments to your goals. Consider spending five minutes each fast Sunday to evaluate your Ways to Turn Hearts Plan.

18 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Family Organizations Family Organizations It is wisdom in me; therefore, a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall organize yourselves and appoint every man his stewardship; Doctrine and Covenants 104:11 We should organize our families so that we can meet the needs of day-to-day existence and prepare us to be an eternal family in the kingdom of God. 6 President Spencer W. Kimball: It is important for us to cultivate in our own family a sense that we belong together eternally We need to talk of [our family], make effort to correspond with them, visit them, join family organizations, etc. 7 All families need to organize themselves on three levels to form a coordinated effort: Immediate Family Organizations Grandparent Organizations Ancestral Organizations 11

19 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Family Organizations Each of the three levels has the following responsibilities: Organize Organize your family; beginning with your Immediate Family. Meet together in a family council. Create objectives and goals. Determine the responsibilities of each member; for example an individual presiding, person in charge of finances, secretary, etc. Develop a reporting method, such as a regular family council time. Council The family council is where a family discusses problems, work out finances, make plans, support and strengthen one another, and pray for one another and the family unit. 8 Determine a regular meeting time (depending on needs). Determine the type of meeting (whole group meetings, 1-on-1 talks, etc). Determine who will preside. Predetermine items that need to be discussed or a desired outcome. Maintain an atmosphere of listening, honest communication, and respect for opinions and feelings of others. 9 Gather Gather together as families, such as planning and participating in reunions. Schedule a reunion meeting (use phone or video conferencing) and plan the time, place, and activities. Assign family members a specific task, such as T-shirts and memorabilia, entertainment, dining events, reunion book, photography, family history presentations including memorials and historic tours, etc. Give each family member written instructions regarding how to carry out his or her task and create a time line reminder. Schedule the next meeting, follow up on the specific assignments, and communicate with family members. Coordinate As a family decide how to spend your time together, and create a way to coordinate this time. You can use a calendar, planning book, chart, etc. 12

20 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Family History Information and Items Family History Information and Items Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 The practice of keeping accurate records increases the efficiency and accuracy of the work of salvation. Determine a system for keeping track of what you have done, the information you currently have, and the direction you want to go next. 10 There are many ways to organize. The following is just one way: Gather You need to gather your own records and heirlooms. President Boyd K. Packer: Get a cardboard box, any kind of a box will do. Put it someplace where it is in the way,...anywhere where it cannot go unnoticed. Then, over a period of a few weeks, collect and put into the box every record of your life. 11 You can also contact relatives that may have items they are willing to share with you, or allow you to copy or photograph the records or items. Sometime you may find items online. 13

21 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Family History Information and Items Organize Organize by the type of item: such as record, heirloom, personal history, etc. Organize by: Person, couple or ancestral family surname, timeline, event (vacations, weddings, graduations, etc), place (home, school, employment, etc), or combine categories such as a person and their timeline. Use boxes and file folders, both paper and digital, to organize your items and records. 12 You may need to shorten or downsize your records and other items. Record and label everything you know about your items or records (names or who used it, dates, place or where it was made / used, story or meaning, etc). Make an inventory of all the items, and label each item. Immediately organize future items and records when you receive them. Protect The best was to protect what you have is to create an archive, which is a collection of documents, records and items about a place, family or individual. It can be a physical or digital location. Professional archivists recommend several ways to preserve and archive. Use acid-free materials in making your records. 13 Store your most valuables records and heirlooms in archival containers, which you can quickly rescue in case of an emergency. Display copies of items and records; stating where the originals reside. Store copies of your most valuable items in a building separate from originals: such as a safe deposit box. Keep your records and heirlooms away from plumbing, basement floors, sunlit windows, heaters, air conditioners, and places with unregulated temperatures. 14 Save items in digital form, and save all items in an archive. Regularly backup computer files. Share If your information is organized and permanently preserved it will be more effective in blessing the lives of extended family and future generations. Sharing prompts other family members to share information and items that you may not possess. For more information see Share With Others. 14

22 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Find and Perform Ancestor Temple Ordinances Find and Perform Ancestor Temple Ordinances For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation. Doctrine and Covenants 128:15 Elder Russell M. Nelson: The purpose of family history work is to obtain the names and data of our ancestors so that temple ordinances can be performed in their behalf 15 As you find your ancestors names in original records, read about their lives, or hold the items they once owned, you will create eternal bonds with them. Those you never met in life will become friends you love. Your heart will be bound to theirs forever. 16 To get started, use FamilySearch or My Family: Stories that Bring us Together (see Personal Histories ). Gather Start gathering information you already know and have, starting with yourself. Gather information from family. Find out if your family know other people you should contact. 15

23 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Find and Perform Ancestor Temple Ordinances Gather information online. - Visit FamilySearch.org for free access to family history records, guides, and resources. Get personal help. - Visit the Family History Center. The staff may also direct you to other local community resources and public records. - Call the FamilySearch helpline at Some families may have all the work done on their direct lines, so start finding a cousin (descendancy research). 17 Descendancy research is the process of finding all the descendants of one of your ancestors. 18 FamilySearch can help your family with this process. Record Start by recording information you already know. If you do not know exact dates and places, estimate them. Contact your family and write down any useful information and stories they provide. Enter your information into FamilySearch.org. Perform After you have found all the required information about an ancestor, you are ready to prepare a Family Ordinance Request form to take to the temple. You can then have members of your family perform the temple ordinances for your ancestors, or you can have others perform them for you. Know President Joseph Fielding Smith: It remains the responsibility of each individual to know his kindred dead. Even if the work is done, then it is still each person s responsibility to study and become acquainted with his ancestors. 19 Get to know your ancestors by doing some of the following: Check your ancestral records for completeness and accuracy. Get copies of your ancestors records. Find your ancestors in original documents. Find out more information about your ancestors lives. 16

24 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Living Memories Living Memories were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief Mosiah 1:2,5 Living memories may help your future generations avoid dwindling in unbelief. Recording these histories, especially of your oldest living relatives, will help strengthen future generations for the challenges they will face President Spencer W. Kimball: What could you do better for your children and your children s children than to record the story of your life, your triumphs over adversity, your recovery after a fall, your progress when all seemed black, your rejoicing when you had finally achieved? 20 The following is a four-step process to help with each living memory. 21 Prepare Purpose: Strengthen future generations by passing on short visual or audio messages. Using the My Family: Stories That Bring Us Together (see Personal Histories ), and Puyallup Stake Living Memories Topics list. This list can be found in the back of this guide and includes topics such as recording testimonies, lessons learned, etc. 17

25 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Living Memories Recording Outline: An outline of questions will help keep the recording focused on this purpose. Invitation: When inviting a relative explain why, when, and where you would like to meet, and how long the recording may last. Send a follow-up letter or regarding the invitation; include questions that will be asked. 22 Assure your relatives that this recording is for their family and future generations. Distant relatives can be interviewed and recorded over the Internet. Location: Select a location that will be comfortable, that is free of excessive noise and interruptions, and has good lighting. 23 You can make an appointment at the Puyallup Stake Family History Center Recording Room, and have a Family History Center worker help with set-up and recording. Length: Your recording will be most effective if the segments are short; 5-15 minutes will not exceed the attention span of your intended audience (especially younger children). Record 18 Opening Statement: As recording begins, give a short opening statement that includes who is being recorded, the date and location, and the purpose of the recording. 24 Prompting: When interviewing some individuals may need prompting about the questions. Timing: When interviewing give the interviewee notices prior to nearing the end of the recording. Protect Recordings can be edited if necessary. Once relatives receive the recording it should be organized, labeled, preserved and archived. See Family History Information and Items. Share Knowing that an ancestor was able to overcome trials gives the children of the future the knowledge that can help them overcome the trials they will face. For this reason it is important to share the living memories you have created. There are many online filing services that allow you and other authorized users to view larger files, such as video and image files. For more information on how to share see Share With Others.

26 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Photographs and Heirlooms Photographs and Heirlooms behold, king Benjamin did fight with the sword of Laba.n Words of Mormon 1:13 The sword of Laban had been handed down, from generation to generation, to king Benjamin. We all treasure memorable family photographs and heirlooms as they inspire, amuse, and connect us. 25 Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander: Families collect furniture, books, porcelain, and other valuable things, then pass them on to their posterity. Such beautiful keepsakes remind us of loved ones now gone and turn our minds to loved ones unborn. They form a bridge between family past and family future and bind generations together in ways that no other keepsake can. 26 Most families collect and store photographs and heirlooms. Heirlooms may include photographs, movies, pieces of clothing, jewelry, letters, silverware, quilts, furniture, recipes, historical records, newspaper articles, audio and visual recordings and many other collector s items. Each item tells its own story and testifies of the reality of a person or an event. 19

27 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Photographs and Heirlooms When preserved and accompanied by an explanation of its significance, the articles make the children of the present and future feel closer to the fathers and mothers of the past. You can keep, create, protect, and share items in a variety of ways, such as the following suggestions. Keep Gather: You need to gather your photographs and heirlooms. See Family History Information and Items. Start by gathering ten of your most important photographs and heirlooms. Organize: See Family History Information and Items. Create There are many different ways to create and keep your own photographs and heirlooms. For ideas you can search online, look at the types of items your ancestors created, select items that have meaning to you or family members, or ask others what they have done. The following are some ways to create. Make your own heirloom ornaments. Take a photograph with your family or family members in the same place each month for a year. Make pillows with photographs of family members. Take a photograph in the same spot an ancestor posed. Design family placemats. Add photographs, to a family recipe, of the chef who handed down a recipe. Protect Professional archivists recommend several ways to preserve photographs and heirlooms, see Family History Information and Items for more information. Share Photographs and heirlooms can be especially helpful in connecting you with your family. Sharing an item with family members can trigger memories about the event or item and give additional insight and emotion. This is a good reason to share what you have. For more information on how to share see Share With Others. 20

28 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Personal Histories Personal Histories I should write upon these plates a few of the things which I considered to be most precious that I should preserve these plates and hand them down unto my seed, from generation to generation which will give our children, and also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge concerning us, or concerning their fathers Jacob 1:2 3; 4:2 Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander: A life that is not documented is a life that within a generation or two will largely be lost to memory. What a tragedy this can be in the history of a family. Knowledge of our ancestors shapes us and instills within us values that give direction and meaning to our lives. 27 When you record your life, your family s lives and the lives of your ancestors you will receive protection by divine intervention and can become a more united family. Prayerfully decide what items (photos, stories, etc) you should record in public venues, as some items have a greater spiritual impact than others. You can keep, create, protect, and share personal histories in a variety of ways. Keep There are many types of personal records you can keep and collect. These 21

29 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Personal Histories records can take many forms and may include the following: Collections: Photos, video and audio recordings, scrapbooks, drawings, art, crafts, evidences of hobbies and pastimes, awards, certificates, computer files, and documents. Oral Histories: Stories, interviews, and video / audio histories recorded and transcribed. Brief Records: Day planners, time lines, notes, outlines, letters, brief accounts of thoughts and activities, and biographical sketches in paper or electronic form. Longer Written Records: Journals, diaries, personal essays (on thoughts, feelings, and events), correspondence (including missionary letters), , and blogs (which can be printed, compiled, and saved). 28 Each form needs to be gathered, organized, protected, and shared. See Family History Information and Items. Create There are several ways to create your own histories. For ideas you can search online, look at the types of histories your ancestors created, select a method that has meaning to you, or ask others what they have done. The booklet My Family: Stories That Bring Us Together can help with the collection of an individual and their relative s histories. This is done by interviewing a family member and then either writing the information in the booklet or recording (visual / audio) the information. Protect There are several ways to preserve personal histories, for more information see Family History Information and Items. Share Personal histories are physical examples that you and your ancestors lived. Sharing this knowledge influences the character and beliefs of future generations. For more information on how to share see Share With Others. 22

30 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Share With Others Share With Others These were days never to be forgotten Joseph Smith History 1:71 Footnote Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander: Not one of my children has any recollection of my grandparents. If I want my children and grandchildren to know those who still live in my memory, then I must build the bridge between them. I alone am the link to the generations that stand on either side of me. It is my responsibility to knit their hearts together through love and respect, even though they may never have known each other personally. My grandchildren will have no knowledge of their family s history if I do nothing to preserve it for them. The work of gathering and sharing eternal family keepsakes is a personal responsibility. It cannot be passed off or given to another. 29 For different families, and especially for different levels of families (Immediate Family, Grandparent, and Ancestral Organizations), the possible ways to share may be different. The follow are some of the ways to share. Display Display family history items such as copies of stories, art, heirlooms and 23

31 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Share With Others photographs. Such as the following examples: Family history wall (displaying photographs or paintings of family members and ancestors). Albums. Family recipe books. An ancestor s jewelry. Quilts made by an ancestor. Connect You can connect family members in the following ways: Give relatives copies of stories, art, heirlooms, photographs, and recorded living memories. Share stories, family recipes, art, etc in a newsletter, calendar, blog, or family website. Archive Create a family archive. You can do this as immediate families, grandparent organizations, or ancestral organizations. To help you organize your family archive see information found in Family History Information and Items. You can use FamilySearch.org to store memories such as stories and photographs of your ancestors, tombstones, heirlooms, etc. Use an online filing service. Activities Monthly family history family home evening: Share stories, heirlooms, photographs, recorded living memories, etc. Family traditions: share traditions such as stories, art, dance, food, and music. Family history vacations: Visit or research online an area where an immediate family member or ancestor lived or visited. Grandparent or ancestral reunions (see Family Organizations ): Incorporate activities at a reunion that share traditions of the family or ancestor. Capture short testimonies. 24

32 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Develop Personal Connections Develop Personal Connections the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or another between the fathers and the children Doctrine and Covenants 128:18 Daily routines, personal interests, or poor planning may cause us to develop poor habits and waste time that could be spent with our family. Despite our circumstances, we must find time to spend with our families and discover ways to improve our family relationships. 30 Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together. In the family relationships love is really spelled t i m e, time. 31 There are three levels to build family relationships: One On One Time Family Time Extended Family Time 25

33 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Develop Personal Connections Each of the levels can participate in the following areas. Traditions The following are some family traditions. Canning fruit. Learning how to play an instrument. Going for an annual hike. Eating dinner together. Family home evening. Making cookies at Christmas. Communications Regular communication via notes, handwritten letters, s, phone calls, audio and visual Internet calls, and social network sites. Recognize important dates in relative s lives: birthday, graduation, marriage, etc. Regularly visit with immediate and extended family members. Projects Service projects: run errands for people who are unable to leave their home. Family projects: a family garden or building a tree house. Find a hobby of interest: photography, fossil hunting or amateur radio. Research your ancestors with your immediate and extended family (see Find and Perform Ancestor Temple Ordinances ). Activities Weekly family home evenings. Family history game night with games such as a family history scavenger hunt or name that ancestor. Plan vacations with relatives. Search Google Earth to locate where an ancestor lived. See the following link < Perform ancestor temple ordinances (see Find and Perform Ancestor Temple Ordinances ). Plan and participate in a family reunion (see Family Organizations ). 26

34 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Ways to Turn Hearts Skills Ways to Turn Hearts Skills seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith Doctrine and Covenants 88:118 The Lord encourages us to develop our talents and abilities. This often requires patience, self-discipline, and diligent effort. As we progress, we realize more fully our potential and become better at 32 turning our hearts to our ancestors and future generations. President Spencer W. Kimball: God has endowed us with talents and time, with latent abilities and with opportunities to use and develop them in his service. He therefore expects much of us, his privileged children. 33 Spencer W. Kimball stated that we need to ponder carefully, deeply, and prayerfully our roles in life, where we can give the greatest service, to whom we can make the greatest contribution, what we should do with our lives and with our special skills and training. Our success will be measured by what we can give of our lives and our contribution to others rather than what we can get and receive from others

35 What Should Our Family Do To Begin? Ways to Turn Hearts Skills Learn When it comes to temple and family history work and turning our hearts there are many different ways to develop skills. You can learn how to do the following: Work with a computer, various software, and Internet sites. Develop a family history plan. Organize families into organizations. Organize what you have and how to gather more. Research and submit ancestors for temple ordinances. Collect and create living memories, photographs, heirlooms, and personal histories. Share what you have. Make personal connections. Use other family history technologies (microfilm, microfiche, scanners, internet sites, family blog, etc). Train Training can be found from the following sources: Puyallup Stake Family History Center. FamilySearch helpline: Online Tutorials through the FamilySearch.org website. Stake, ward, and community workshops and family history events. By receiving training you will learn how to discover, share and enable your ancestors and future generations receive temple ordinances. Share Once you have developed turning hearts skills, and received training, share this experience with member s of your family and others. Help Volunteer to teach members of your family, ward or community; especially those who are not confident in regards to the Ways to Turn Hearts in Both Directions. Learn how to index records so that others can find their ancestors (for more information see FamilySearch.org). 28

36 What Should Our Family Do Next? WHAT SHOULD OUR FAMILY DO NEXT? Once you have felt the Spirit of Elijah continue participating in ways to turn your hearts in both directions: FEEL FEEL the Spirit of Elijah by turning your hearts in both directions Now help join all members of your family eternally, and help others do the same by doing the following: FIND FIND and discover the names of one or more of your own ancestors or their descendants by accepting, accomplishing and sharing the following challenge: Prepare as many names for the temple as baptisms you perform in the temple and help someone else to do the same TAKE As a family, when possible TAKE these names to the temple, or share them with others so they can take them TEACH TEACH your family, and then teach others to do the same 29

37 References REFERENCES Back of Front Cover and Title Page 1. Michael G. Grant, "The Trembling Giant." Discover Magazine Oct. 1993: n. <discovermagazine.com/1993/oct/thetremblinggian285>. 2. Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Bridges and Eternal Keepsakes, Ensign, May 1999, p.83. How This Guide Can Help Your Family 1. Preach My Gospel: D&C 50:14. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: p.v. Why Do We Do the Work of Salvation? 1. A Member's Guide to Temple and Family History Work. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: Chapter 1, p Ibid, Chapter 1, p President Boyd K. Packer, Covenants, In Conference Report, Apr. 1987, p.27; or Ensign, May 1987, p A Member's Guide to Temple and Family History Work. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: Chapter 1, p Joseph F. Smith, 4 Oct Millennial Star, Manchester; Liverpool: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Great Britain London; p Elder Robert D. Hales, In Remembrance of Jesus, In Conference Report, Oct. 1996; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, p A Member's Guide to Temple and Family History Work. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: Chapter 1, p Elder Russell M. Nelson, A New Harvest Time, In Conference Report, Apr. 1998, 43; or Ensign, May 1998, p Introduction to Family History. Religion 261. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: Chapter 2, p Elder Russell M. Nelson, Repentance and Conversion, Ensign, May Introduction to Family History. Religion 261. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: Chapter 2, p Ibid, Chapter 2, p Ibid, Chapter 9, p Ibid. How Can Our Family Be Blessed By This Work? 1. Elder David A. Bednar, The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn, Ensign, Nov. 2011, p To Turn The Hearts: Leader s Guide to Temple and Family History Work. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: p Introduction to Family History. Religion 261. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: Chapter 10, p Elder John A. Widstoe, Genealogical Activities, The Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, p Joseph F. Smith, in Conference Report, Apr. 1916, 2 3; see also Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), Howard W. Hunter, A Temple-Motivated People, Ensign, Feb Richard G. Scott, The Joy of Redeeming the Dead, Ensign, Nov What Should Our Family Do To Begin? 1. Elder Dallin H. Oaks Family History: In Wisdom and Order, Ensign, June 1989, p Carlos E. Asay, Family Pecan Trees: Planting a Legacy of Faith at Home. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book, Print. p Ibid, p

38 References 4. S. Brent Scharman, Taking Action-with a Plan! Ensign, Sep. 1981, p Elder Marvin J. Ashton, Straightway, Ensign, Apr Family Organizations, Home and Family Education, Chapter 8, p President Spencer W. Kimball, Ocean Currents and Family Influences, in Conference Report, Oct. 1974, 161; or Ensign, Nov. 1974, p Family Councils: A Heavenly Pattern, Home and Family Education, Chapter 2, p Working Together in Family Councils, Ensign, Feb Introduction to Family History. Religion 261. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: Chapter 4. p President Boyd K. Packer, Your Family History: Getting Started, Ensign, Aug. 2003, p Introduction to Family History. Religion 261. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: Chapter 4. p William G. Hartley. When in Doubt, Don t Throw It Out!: Helping Your Family Records Survive, Ensign, Apr Ibid. 15. President Russell M. Nelson, Young Adults and the Temple, Ensign, Feb. 2006, p Introduction to Family History. Religion 261. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: Chapter 4, p Loretta Evans, It s All Been Done, Ensign July 2007, p "Easy Steps to Descendancy Research." Free Family History and Genealogy Records FamilySearch.org. FamilySearch, 27 Sept Web. 04 Mar < 19. President Joseph Fielding Smith, Hearts Turned to the Fathers: A History of the Genealogical Society of Utah, (1995), p President Spencer W. Kimball, Angels May Quote from It, New Era, Oct. 1975, p Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church History Guides: Oral Histories, Salt Lake City, Utah, Print: p Ibid, p Ibid. 24. Ibid, p Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Church News. New FamilySearch Tools Help Preserve and Share Photos, Memories. Dennis C. Brimhall, 16 Apr < 26. Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander Bridges and Eternal Keepsakes, Ensign May 1999, Ibid. 28. Introduction to Family History. Religion 261. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: Chapter 12, p Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Bridges and Eternal Keepsakes, Ensign, May 1999, p Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: p President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Of Things That Matter Most, Ensign, Oct. 2010, p The Gospel and the Productive Life: Student Manual: Religion 150. Salt Lake City, UT: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Print: President Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, Print: p President Spencer W. Kimball, President Kimball Speaks Out On Service to Others, New Era, Mar. 1981, p

39 Puyallup Stake Living Memories Topics 1. Your testimony, lessons learned adversity overcome, my hope for your future children. 2. How you met your spouse, how was the proposal made. 3. What memory stands out most on your wedding day? 4. Special spiritual experiences in your life. 5. Include or show photographs and briefly describe the family members or events. 6. Which of your ancestors was first to join the Church? 7. List some of the things for which you are most grateful. 8. If you could live your life over, what would you have done differently? 9. Name two people who had the greatest positive influence in your life and why? 10. Church callings. 11. Special experiences that brought you closer to and taught you more about the Savior. 12. Special answers to prayer. 13. Your early childhood stories. 14. Your children s early childhood stories. 15. Mission experiences. 16. Summary of your employment. 17. What you learned from special employment experiences. 18. Description of a family business. 19. Expressions of love for each family member. 20. Humorous family stories. 21. Household inventory of family heirlooms, and why special ones are important to you. 22. Special family vacations. 23. How is the world different today than when you were a child? 24. Who was the oldest relative you knew as a child? 25. Capture you oldest living relative(s) s testimony.

40 Ways to Turn Hearts Plan Ways to Turn Hearts Skills Develop Personal Connections Family Organizations Pray as a Family to Know Where to Begin Share With Others Family History Information and Items Find & Perform Ancestor Temple Ordinances Living Memories Personal Histories Photographs & Heirlooms