This is your time!

 This week we learned about many of the features in Roots Magic along with the second Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) which is "use complete and accurate source citations". This week was frustrating in that I am a little behind with technology and had to download and learn some new applications and skills on the computer. Learning Roots Magic is also a challenge and exciting at the same time. I have taken genealogy classes before, so I'm sure I've learned some of this before, but it feels like I'm learning it for the first time. Learning about the "Research Log" in Roots Magic has made doing research on my own ancestors a little less intimidating. There are so many helps out there! I'm excited to keep learning and applying what I learn so I can remember it. This week we also had the chance to go to the Family Search Library in Salt Lake City. I haven't wanted to go in before and didn't even have a reason, but I am definitely feeling the push to keep moving forward, perhaps it's my ancestors that are nudging me along. I don't know, but my patriarchal blessing does tell me that I will be visited by those on the other side of the veil to help me in the work. (Will that be in the millennium?) I don't know.  I feel like the Lord is telling me, "this is your time, I will help you, you can do it." I am looking forward to conference tomorrow to see what I "hear" with this new focus I have on Family History.

In the beginning....

 

It's September of 2021 and the first week of my two classes at Brigham Young University-Idaho to work towards a certificate in Family History. It's not the first time I've tried to dive in, I have taken a few classes before, but when you don't keep using a new skill, the knowledge seems to dwindle. But, lately I have been feeling the nudge to get serious and just take it slow, learning the steps of research as well as developing a love for the work and my ancestors. 

In a more selfish way (and following the Lord's direction), I am hoping to have some spiritual experiences along the way that confirm to me that this is the Lord's work and there are people that want to have their work done. My patriarchal blessings says "Because of the noble family that have gone before you, you have a responsibility to do genealogical research. Many of them have been taught the Gospel in the spirit world, and they are now anxious to receive the ordinances and blessings of the temple which can only be done through mortal beings; therefore, if you will be faithful in genealogical work, you will be successful in it; and by revelations, and by visions, you will be able to identify these loved ones."

Mosiah 4:27 says "And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order."

Truthfully, I am a little overwhelmed every time I open up family search. Much of the work has already been done, there are lots of mistakes, and I don't know how to fix them. And I am not even sure if they need to be fixed. This scripture reminds me that I just need to be diligent, work smart and have have a plan, set apart time every week, and as I do these things, I am promised success in the work.

Henry B. Eyring said, "Learn what the Lord expects of you, make a plan to do it, act on your plan with diligence, and then share with others how your experience changed you and blessed others." (Henry B. Eyring, "Act in All Dilligence," Ensign, May 2010, 60).

This blog is for the purpose of recording by successes and failures as I go forward.