Getting Started

Where do you begin when starting your own person family history? The answer: YOU. Don't let the concept of genealogy scare you.

In The Family: A Proclamation to the World, it say, "the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children." Our family is important. That is why we have the sealing ordinance to bind in heaven what has been bound on earth through family ties. However, if we are just trying to collect the bare necessity of individuals just to finish their ordinances, then we are missing out on the true purpose of family history. The Spirit of Elijah helps our hearts turn to our ancestors. It gives us a desire to want to know who they are and how they lived. Don't cheat yourself of that amazing feeling.

Here is a great "Getting Started" video. Notice how it first begins with you. You should sit down and write out what you already know. Then, go to your family members and ask to sit down to question them what they know. Family history is about learn who we are and where we come from. Don't feel awkward about asking family members about genealogy information. You are showing them that you care about their life. You are letting them know how much you love them.





Also, a common question is "Which ancestor should I start on?" Here's a good "Genealogy in 5 minutes" video about that:





How did you get started? How did you decide which ancestor to begin with? Add your comments below! Or write your own post on the subject to familypearls (at) gmail (dot) com to have it posted next on this blog.