Lesson 2: Preserving memories
Report:
Share with the group your successes and challenges in
signing up for Family Search and partner sites you think you will use and
completing and checking the first four generations of your tree.
1. Make goals
Read:
“When the Savior visited this continent following his
resurrection, he commanded the Nephites and Lamanites to bring their records up
to date. He said to them: “Behold, other scriptures I would that ye should
write, that ye have not.
“And it came to pass that he said unto Nephi: Bring forth
the record which ye have kept.
“And when Nephi had brought forth the records, and laid them
before him, he cast his eyes upon them and said:
“Verily I say unto you, I commanded my servant Samuel, the
Lamanite, that he should testify unto this people, that at the day that the
Father should glorify his name in me that there were many saints who should
arise from the dead, and should appear unto many, and should minister unto
them. And he said unto them: Was it not so?
“And his disciples answered him and said: Yea, Lord, …
“And Jesus said unto them: How be it that ye have not
written this thing, that many saints did arise and appear unto many and did
minister unto them?
“And it came to pass that Nephi remembered that this thing
had not been written, … therefore it was written according as he commanded.” (3
Ne. 23:6–13.)
“I am glad that it was not I who was reprimanded, even
though mildly and kindly, for not having fulfilled the obligation to write the
records and keep them up to date.
“And again in our day the Lord said to the Prophet Joseph
Smith, “And again, let all the records be had in order, that they may be put in
the archives of my holy temple” (D&C 127:9).
“You should continue on in this important work of recording
the things you do, the things you say, the things you think, to be in
accordance with the instructions of the Lord. Your story should be written now
while it is fresh and while the true details are available.” (Kimball December
1980 New Era)
Discuss:
Why do you think the Lord has commanded us to keep personal
records?
Commit:
If you haven’t already, decide how you will keep the Lord’s
commandment to keep a personal record.
2. Find family history information
Read:
Some of the most abundant sources of family history
information are hiding in your own family. Your living relatives can often tell
you details about themselves and other ancestors that can’t be found elsewhere.
In addition to providing vital statistics such as approximate birth and death
dates, living relatives can help you get to know your ancestors by telling you
stories about them. They may also have pictures or journals with even more
information.
You may be surprised at how many generations back you can
reach by talking to older relatives. For example, someone who was born in 1930
may be able to tell you about an ancestor born as early as 1850. As your
relatives age, recording their memories becomes more time sensitive. Once the
relatives are gone, their unrecorded memories are gone too.
It can sometimes be awkward to ask someone about their
memories, but most people enjoy talking about themselves. Make sure to let the
person know you are listening and interested with your facial expressions and
body language. If you are going to take notes or record the conversation, ask
permission first.
Activity:
Identify a family or ancestor in your tree that you would
like to know more about.
Who could you contact
to find out more?
Write some questions you could ask below. You will get more
information if you keep the questions general. For example, “What did that
person look like?” will get you more information than “Did that person wear
glasses?”
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Commit:
Commit to interview a relative this week. You can make an
appointment and prepare questions, or you can casually bring it up in a phone
conversation or at a family gathering. Either way, make sure to record what you
learn so you don’t forget.
3. Edit your family tree
Read:
Uploading photos and stories to Family Search is a great way
to preserve your family’s memories. You can upload photos and stories on the
computer or on your phone using Family Search Memories app.
Watch:
Activity:
Using your smartphone, tablet, or computer add a memory to
Family Search now. The woman on the video uploads a photo using her computer.
If you are using the app some features may be a little different. Help each
other and try to figure it out together.
Commit:
Upload more stories and photos to Family Search this week.
This would be an appropriate activity for Family Home Evening.
Homework:
Decide how you will keep your personal record
Interview a relative
Upload a photo or story to Family Search
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