tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37937828007299501472024-03-18T00:46:08.011-07:00Rejoice, and be exceeding glad...James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.comBlogger2014125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-89471077194602959002022-07-16T12:31:00.003-07:002022-07-16T12:31:34.559-07:00Links to FamilySearch Resources for learning how to do genealogy<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSFljPclJ7aF8wVM2ARCRYam2BdONE79VCrgp3W4InvyQ5x807lrBlAiLZzUzN2BpkienjlorRwzF7TeOJg5iLA8feoOw1uyVKcJZosGEOnDEUM1Yzlnxo6jFbqIvbSW6XH0Iglq6PsxU-oLYqhpJsmaSiJTQWKi54PYKaRbztFkFtxkhJN1goPBgL-g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2842" data-original-width="2388" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSFljPclJ7aF8wVM2ARCRYam2BdONE79VCrgp3W4InvyQ5x807lrBlAiLZzUzN2BpkienjlorRwzF7TeOJg5iLA8feoOw1uyVKcJZosGEOnDEUM1Yzlnxo6jFbqIvbSW6XH0Iglq6PsxU-oLYqhpJsmaSiJTQWKi54PYKaRbztFkFtxkhJN1goPBgL-g=w539-h640" width="539" /></a></div><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/gettingstarted/">https://www.familysearch.org/gettingstarted/</a><p></p><p>The FamilySearch.org website has some instructions for those who are just getting started in doing family research. These pages are designed to help people who are logging into the website for the first time but will also help those who have questions about what kinds of activities are appropriate for different skill levels. If you have a moderate skill level, you may wish to click on the main menu bar that includes options to "Get Involved."</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2okJzy0dhpoBq3tlRXu9UuSIMYyP7s3CuFmz4-U1tLWgpCv_JPDnHgBo2Cm4zWhr_w7lztdNKr8OrsXcnDgNHvkNPp2BnyzAjdmL58LieKOwnM45gZJiMP2BUUGqpqiunXATt3AnR2JkcwdW9KPJL1vMCdq5vPEEoxLxYgNqxqIidQiEFVGowEwgUlg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2844" data-original-width="2702" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2okJzy0dhpoBq3tlRXu9UuSIMYyP7s3CuFmz4-U1tLWgpCv_JPDnHgBo2Cm4zWhr_w7lztdNKr8OrsXcnDgNHvkNPp2BnyzAjdmL58LieKOwnM45gZJiMP2BUUGqpqiunXATt3AnR2JkcwdW9KPJL1vMCdq5vPEEoxLxYgNqxqIidQiEFVGowEwgUlg=w608-h640" width="608" /></a></div><br />Exploring these options gives those who are looking for ways to help such as helping to correct the index for the 1950 U.S. Federal Census Project. <p></p><p>If you need help with finding your ancestors and relatives in a specific state, there are links to getting started in the FamilySearch.org Research Wiki. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2NhuPlEkB8U66KkqnifMQZfQfJk1aL7FYfz6Y0UXbsDcJsJPVleJjzpQD3WHx-aqk1OcKTbxoyXmUpWsSzPKRvWb9_jQj3Uh5X2HW5Cuce6_xuG38Qu9ZlwvF48EHu0hXz24SCyFKN5gQbOJd0fSqW-KNNAesfLHsG3X-UPddu5FY1DVRPJrFPUTp8g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2844" data-original-width="2702" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2NhuPlEkB8U66KkqnifMQZfQfJk1aL7FYfz6Y0UXbsDcJsJPVleJjzpQD3WHx-aqk1OcKTbxoyXmUpWsSzPKRvWb9_jQj3Uh5X2HW5Cuce6_xuG38Qu9ZlwvF48EHu0hXz24SCyFKN5gQbOJd0fSqW-KNNAesfLHsG3X-UPddu5FY1DVRPJrFPUTp8g=w608-h640" width="608" /></a></div><br />You just need to choose a place to start. See <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Main_Page">https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Main_Page</a><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYXRrSChDyI5giJfRJp1hKQA9n_7MXgyKf0txBaiAbkRIeQVZDzWPsWnMxpfDrjJIKorLvI8e95yOt0bDxZ78poE37kMqIm95csOlTZjsaoN5xGnE-YRNMhqIDB6yjUuefzLDifN26VtKnVt37xXnUyZ5PgE6zZG6Kg_ggt1fi0tDztb0XPXnST9EYXA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2844" data-original-width="2702" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYXRrSChDyI5giJfRJp1hKQA9n_7MXgyKf0txBaiAbkRIeQVZDzWPsWnMxpfDrjJIKorLvI8e95yOt0bDxZ78poE37kMqIm95csOlTZjsaoN5xGnE-YRNMhqIDB6yjUuefzLDifN26VtKnVt37xXnUyZ5PgE6zZG6Kg_ggt1fi0tDztb0XPXnST9EYXA=w608-h640" width="608" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-13675834964500053592022-04-13T15:26:00.002-07:002022-04-13T15:26:47.346-07:00The 1950 U.S. Census Project with Ancestry and FamilySearch<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWJNhECsM9_oiudiDQt6sFmJz2KD0citPeYcuPMDz8YpRHbtce88BhAc9C-TnoiSSoNM9PFyAsBpoIEDwUBjgMm1L3JVdPlUltWkCipqV-Uzg4ecP51SOVAs8suLAR9uAtHL7TQQVTd6iOek4KuXkBsy3WSkx7EvPxDSeIV6DP070J6lWH8nrBRt7_Gw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2844" data-original-width="2770" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWJNhECsM9_oiudiDQt6sFmJz2KD0citPeYcuPMDz8YpRHbtce88BhAc9C-TnoiSSoNM9PFyAsBpoIEDwUBjgMm1L3JVdPlUltWkCipqV-Uzg4ecP51SOVAs8suLAR9uAtHL7TQQVTd6iOek4KuXkBsy3WSkx7EvPxDSeIV6DP070J6lWH8nrBRt7_Gw=w624-h640" width="624" /></a></div><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/getinvolved/1950">https://www.familysearch.org/getinvolved/1950</a><p></p><p>Over the past few years, <a href="http://Ancestry.com">Ancestry.com</a> has developed a sophisticated program to use handwriting recognition to index the 1950 U. S. Federal Census. As soon as the 1950 Census was released, Ancestry made the digital images available on its website. Ancestry.com has made the images available to <a href="http://FamilySearch.org">FamilySearch.org</a> where volunteers are now involved in checking the accuracy of the handwriting recognition. The link above provides a way for you to volunteer to help check the recognized records. You can choose to review families, Review the document headers or to review names. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgWhtzXXDClIOKZ7mlIE7SC-rbPr5wAQeicJ9wFauuhAn1XJWK4nVSlnEV885Qw8-65YLHQOxyzKHQTUSn0qkWMqnAxPK0zCkRVrhfjWy11yl2hMgw5EcXKPWzTsyoDiMO5LnR99OVu6NQHEAGLYqrQNui7BeqTpOWvQB-IDrkjFWepfkALHBz6KUy9Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1722" data-original-width="1820" height="605" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgWhtzXXDClIOKZ7mlIE7SC-rbPr5wAQeicJ9wFauuhAn1XJWK4nVSlnEV885Qw8-65YLHQOxyzKHQTUSn0qkWMqnAxPK0zCkRVrhfjWy11yl2hMgw5EcXKPWzTsyoDiMO5LnR99OVu6NQHEAGLYqrQNui7BeqTpOWvQB-IDrkjFWepfkALHBz6KUy9Q=w640-h605" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here is an example of one of the review names items.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqz-OdYryi4F5axv8n4lkFq0IiuKg5sZU0PdcdH9Ms2qhiYzkovEdv5PTopphRueX_xKl1RYtqpE0jEONlpQPyZyPgKQC4Log4hLdV2df2lMY7j8f7Qbab-Rb08_FcNxbI-YQIxBsVqUi8_8oZUU345rtOGjVziVTaSrKuHCPqDwaqZ3_o9nYc4Mes_w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2844" data-original-width="2770" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqz-OdYryi4F5axv8n4lkFq0IiuKg5sZU0PdcdH9Ms2qhiYzkovEdv5PTopphRueX_xKl1RYtqpE0jEONlpQPyZyPgKQC4Log4hLdV2df2lMY7j8f7Qbab-Rb08_FcNxbI-YQIxBsVqUi8_8oZUU345rtOGjVziVTaSrKuHCPqDwaqZ3_o9nYc4Mes_w=w624-h640" width="624" /></a></div><br />There are tutorials and Frequently Asked Questions to help you get started. <p></p><p><br /></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-59072780499830523292022-04-04T08:13:00.002-07:002022-04-04T08:13:54.264-07:00Seventeen New Temples<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RY-wn9hu1Wk" width="320" youtube-src-id="RY-wn9hu1Wk"></iframe></div><a href="https://youtu.be/RY-wn9hu1Wk">https://youtu.be/RY-wn9hu1Wk</a><p></p><p>In his concluding remarks at the April 2022 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans to build 17 new temples throughout the world. They will be constructed in the following locations:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Wellington, New Zealand</li><li>Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo</li><li>Barcelona, Spain</li><li>Birmingham, United Kingdom</li><li>Cusco, Peru</li><li>Maceió, Brazil</li><li>Santos, Brazil</li><li>San Luis Potosí, Mexico</li><li>Mexico City Benemérito, Mexico</li><li>Tampa, Florida</li><li>Knoxville, Tennessee</li><li>Cleveland, Ohio</li><li>Wichita, Kansas</li><li>Austin, Texas</li><li>Missoula, Montana</li><li>Montpelier, Idaho</li><li>Modesto, California</li></ul><p></p><p>Although some of these temples are in areas where other temples now exist, some of the locations are remote such as Cuzco, Peru. It takes 19 hours by car to drive from Cuzco to Lima and around 10 hours to drive to Arequipa and that is assuming you have a car and can drive that far. Public transportation is not readily available. Likewise, although there are now 14 temples already in Brazil either in use, under construction, or announced, the temple announced in Maceió, Brazil it is four hours by car and over five hours by bus from Recife, the next closest temple. The newly announced temple in Montpelier, Idaho will be about an hour and a half away from the closest temple in Logan until the Smithfield temple is completed. </p><p>All of these temples will be a great blessing to the members who live near them. </p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-77306093691676184142022-04-03T11:29:00.002-07:002022-04-03T11:29:20.312-07:00Elder Gerrit W. Gong: ‘We Each Have a Story’<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpymS8UOLCzk3Mv0Baa86zM-pWgQgsUHMP1noOkrRmW8rR4HD8KoRwRDbDTQU2CzAXCo41If9GSLHh2h7xMaw2OSHYhDnTvQZ-pwPEJ2QAYhTTYr61L9EpgWuSQzQ_l-B-hY1ahoSuFDXeXKiJ6RFJbJOq0jBI5ts5BpPISSKbJMbvjQp7HTCT9ezQSQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpymS8UOLCzk3Mv0Baa86zM-pWgQgsUHMP1noOkrRmW8rR4HD8KoRwRDbDTQU2CzAXCo41If9GSLHh2h7xMaw2OSHYhDnTvQZ-pwPEJ2QAYhTTYr61L9EpgWuSQzQ_l-B-hY1ahoSuFDXeXKiJ6RFJbJOq0jBI5ts5BpPISSKbJMbvjQp7HTCT9ezQSQ=w611-h640" width="611" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some excerpts from a <a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/general-conference/2022-04-02/elder-gong-april-2022-lds-general-conference-we-have-a-story-discover-connect-family-history-248254" target="_blank">talk given by Elder Gerrit W. Gong at the Saturday Afternoon Session of the April 2022 General Conference</a> of <a href="http://churchofjesuschrist.org" target="_blank">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">“We each have a story. As we discover our story, we connect, we belong, we become.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The total number of individuals who have lived on the earth is finite and countable, one person at a time. “You and I, we each matter.” </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">“By birth or adoptive lineage, we are ultimately all connected in the human family and family of God.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Connecting with our ancestors can change lives. “From their trials and accomplishments, we gain faith and strength. From their love and sacrifices, we learn to forgive and move forward.” </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">“Each of our stories is a journey still in progress, as we discover, create and become with possibilities beyond imagination.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How can we connect?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">First, see yourself in both generational directions — child, grandchild, great-grandchild, then parent, aunt or uncle, grandparent, great-grandparent. “In each time and role, notice who is with you. Gather their photos and stories; make memories real.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">“Second, let the adventure of family history be intentional and spontaneous.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Third, visit FamilySearch.org.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fourth, help unite families eternally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">“We each have a story. Come discover yours. Come find your voice, your song, your harmony in Him.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It has been a year since I published anything on this blog. I feel like I am coming out of a long tunnel, and I need to extend my reach as a Church Service Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints once again. I think it is time once again to be heard from this aspect of my life (even if this blog is still banned from Facebook). </div></div></div><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-48949100909184697612021-03-24T15:20:00.003-07:002021-03-24T15:20:42.853-07:00Temple and Family History Promised Blessings<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5ak8GYNlPhA" width="320" youtube-src-id="5ak8GYNlPhA"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ak8GYNlPhA" target="_blank">Temple and Family History Promised Blessings</a></p><p>This video is a wonderful summary of the promised blessings of both work in the Temples and doing family history research. See also <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/family-history/purpose-family-history-work?lang=eng" target="_blank">The Purpose of Temple and Family History Work</a>.</p><div><br /></div>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-48872495014362131252021-03-13T06:55:00.001-08:002021-03-13T06:55:17.478-08:00First Presidency announces Salt Lake Temple changes<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWp-MP1NfDTZbpLLe1EXzeFM7JtWsfG9JeXdMdhkQkELu_kxZoo7kPnlO2wgvUJbL6x28ITAmbONq7PlOJIW4-0ooU8J0a46tGx57mzu7ymFCzpnqhbxre6dqkuGX5AQ3Fz4N-EnhHqje/s2048/2021-03-13_07-50-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1921" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWp-MP1NfDTZbpLLe1EXzeFM7JtWsfG9JeXdMdhkQkELu_kxZoo7kPnlO2wgvUJbL6x28ITAmbONq7PlOJIW4-0ooU8J0a46tGx57mzu7ymFCzpnqhbxre6dqkuGX5AQ3Fz4N-EnhHqje/w600-h640/2021-03-13_07-50-18.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Quoting from a Church News article entitled, "<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2021-03-12/salt-lake-temple-changes-no-live-sessions-manti-utah-temple-renovation-206355" target="_blank">First Presidency announces Salt Lake Temple changes — increasing capacity, impacting live sessions; Manti temple next for renovation</a>." dated 12 March 2021, </p><p></p><blockquote><p>The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Friday morning modifications to the ongoing renovation of the Salt Lake Temple, as well as a planned upgrade of the Manti Utah Temple.</p><p>The modifications for the Salt Lake Temple include adding a second baptistry and additional instruction and sealing rooms — increasing capacity for the sacred building which was originally dedicated in 1893. The temple cafeteria will be discontinued.</p><p>The Manti temple will join the Salt Lake Temple and the St. George Utah Temple as the third pioneer-era temple dating back to the late 19th century to undergo renovations. Plans and a starting date for the renovation will be announced later this year. </p></blockquote><p>The modifications to the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple are further explained as follows:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>While seismic protection is the primary reason for the renovation, the Church also is taking the opportunity to make other improvements and changes, according to leaders.</p><p>Recent modifications include the addition of two instruction rooms, more sealing ordinance rooms and a second baptistry, which allow for greater capacity and more temple ordinances being performed; leaders anticipate with the changes the temple will be able to accommodate more than double the usual number of patrons.</p><p>When the renovation is completed, the temple will have a total of five instruction rooms, each with a capacity for 150 people. Four instruction rooms will be located on the temple’s first floor, with the fifth on the second floor.</p><p>The addition of 10 new sealing rooms brings the total number to 23, with varying capacities of up to 75 individuals.</p></blockquote><p>We haven't been up to Salt Lake City for a while due to the pandemic but we are really interested in seeing the new changes to the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple once the open house is announced. </p><p></p><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-62522498369959063982021-01-16T07:24:00.005-08:002021-01-16T07:28:18.813-08:00Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ condemn ‘violence and lawless behavior’<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05_-69e10iqlcm80oXH6AtbmUq4nWBoOC6UL092okptpBKD65UY5fRoT6I6p1lFtrA42WRSJ7fCZG60-6T1kyMoqVA1EnC7jnMVxMIC1yzmAa1vGLeKeyUTGQ8a8o5HFirPpYHrtdBS5_/s1922/2021-01-16_08-05-06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1918" data-original-width="1922" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05_-69e10iqlcm80oXH6AtbmUq4nWBoOC6UL092okptpBKD65UY5fRoT6I6p1lFtrA42WRSJ7fCZG60-6T1kyMoqVA1EnC7jnMVxMIC1yzmAa1vGLeKeyUTGQ8a8o5HFirPpYHrtdBS5_/w640-h638/2021-01-16_08-05-06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://www.deseret.com/faith/2021/1/15/22233225/latter-day-saint-mormon-lds-church-leaders-condemn-violence-and-lawless-behavior-washington" target="_blank">Quoting from the Deseret News article of January 15, 2021</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>The two senior leadership bodies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, headquartered in Salt Lake City, issued the following statement on Friday afternoon.</p><p>Here is the full statement from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who direct the affairs of the global, 16.5-million member church:</p><p>“Principles of government that allow God’s children to maintain human dignity and freedom belong to all mankind (see Doctrine and Covenants 98:5).</p><p>“With great concern we observe the political and cultural divisions in the United States and around the world. We condemn violence and lawless behavior, including the recent violence in Washington, D.C., and any suggestion of further violence. While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics, we remind our members — whatever their individual political views — to be united in our commitment to the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His teachings. As His followers, we should treat one another and all of God’s children with respect, dignity and love. No political or other affiliation should supersede that covenant and sacred responsibility.</p><p>“We urge all people to remember the precious and fragile nature of freedom and peace. As citizens of the United States look ahead to the inauguration of a new president, we urge our members to honor democratic institutions and processes, and to obey, honor and sustain the law (see Articles of Faith 1:12).”</p></blockquote><p>I found it interesting to see the comments on the published account. The comments included those agreeing with the statement and those who claimed that there was no problem or that the statement should have been made at some other time. One theme of the comments was conspiracy theories. One notable comment claimed that "no one in his stake believed any conspiracy theories." I am sure he is wrong. I have found many of my friends and neighbors who are caught up in one conspiracy theory or another. </p><p>The <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/title-page?lang=eng" target="_blank">General Handbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> at Section 38.8.45 clearly states the following:</p><p></p><blockquote><p><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#title_number226" target="_blank">Seeking Information from Reliable Sources</a></p><p>In today’s world, information is easy to access and share. This can be a great blessing for those seeking to be educated and informed. However, many sources of information are unreliable and do not edify. Some sources seek to promote anger, contention, fear, or baseless conspiracy theories (see 3 Nephi 11:30; Mosiah 2:32). Therefore, it is important that Church members be wise as they seek truth.</p><p>Members of the Church should seek out and share only credible, reliable, and factual sources of information. They should avoid sources that are speculative or founded on rumor. The guidance of the Holy Ghost, along with careful study, can help members discern between truth and error (see Doctrine and Covenants 11:12; 45:57). In matters of doctrine and Church policy, the authoritative sources are the scriptures, the teachings of the living prophets, and the General Handbook.</p></blockquote><p> </p><p></p><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-24710541067923131062021-01-09T13:13:00.001-08:002021-01-09T13:13:18.289-08:00The number of indexed records on FamilySearch.org grows every week <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdiWInaOaGBPaPXg0TNTWBtJ4m7VHlfLInNCez21QdIVs3R1gGpraEzcxJcH-04-Arr82ZY_rSDYj1meba2L5tH88-IrlzJIsR5EBe2S9RYFJqUx8_FQsv3mGP_rYbZnl1p2JynSpQVHt/s2048/2021-01-09_14-09-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1991" data-original-width="2048" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdiWInaOaGBPaPXg0TNTWBtJ4m7VHlfLInNCez21QdIVs3R1gGpraEzcxJcH-04-Arr82ZY_rSDYj1meba2L5tH88-IrlzJIsR5EBe2S9RYFJqUx8_FQsv3mGP_rYbZnl1p2JynSpQVHt/w640-h622/2021-01-09_14-09-49.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>New Free Historical Records on FamilySearch: Week of 4 January 2021<p></p><div>Unless you have enabled notifications in your FamilySearch.org Settings, You may not be getting the emails weekly about the newly indexed records being added to <a href="http://FamilySearch.org">FamilySearch.org</a>. Here is a screenshot of the Notifications page. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycn3OaWk6jb9_So9RNdgluKdTjSct_6DLzANdZz7jmI_dOOGLKYZQBsKgAuDQyH6IlJJcfAT-BR7T-iOcSee7h6wPdbZj_wEqgFKP6JucNT4f6EQzOKcnA0YK6wC1N4MzUvejNxM1iytC/s2048/2021-01-09_14-06-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1665" data-original-width="2048" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycn3OaWk6jb9_So9RNdgluKdTjSct_6DLzANdZz7jmI_dOOGLKYZQBsKgAuDQyH6IlJJcfAT-BR7T-iOcSee7h6wPdbZj_wEqgFKP6JucNT4f6EQzOKcnA0YK6wC1N4MzUvejNxM1iytC/w640-h520/2021-01-09_14-06-45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>If you begin to realize how many newly indexed names are regularly added, you should also realize that watching the new record hints added to your file would be a good idea. It is also a good idea to go back periodically and search on some of the people who have no sources to see if new records have been added that may not yet show up as record hints. <div><br /></div><div>The FamilySearch.org website is constantly changing. <br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-2286767048224317012020-12-26T08:01:00.000-08:002020-12-26T08:01:02.149-08:00Why aren't the Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint fully open to patrons?<p> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CRKi46TJuDmVAaav8jqaVI2av5c8KaZPH6UOKPjn7hsH8cSm7fV55H7mKO2KQWlQV3jvJiA4TlOAr5axI2pCpsA363ZCaxKarTAUFYtl-q-Bt2zd8u7pPN0IZFsiQtas8SWW7wFfLdmf/s2048/Provo%252C+Utah+Temple+of+The+Church+of+Jesus+Christ+of+Latter-day+Saints.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CRKi46TJuDmVAaav8jqaVI2av5c8KaZPH6UOKPjn7hsH8cSm7fV55H7mKO2KQWlQV3jvJiA4TlOAr5axI2pCpsA363ZCaxKarTAUFYtl-q-Bt2zd8u7pPN0IZFsiQtas8SWW7wFfLdmf/w640-h480/Provo%252C+Utah+Temple+of+The+Church+of+Jesus+Christ+of+Latter-day+Saints.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Provo, Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</p><p>There is an obvious answer to the question posed in the title of this post. The temples are only partially open because of the pandemic. Perhaps there is a more serious reason. One of the biggest concerns I have had, if not the biggest concern, during this time of the pandemic, is the closure of the temples. But then, a question was raised by one of the BYU Family History Library missionaries lately that asked why we expected the temples to open if we weren’t doing our temple work? I have seen a huge drop in family history activity in my own Ward which is not surprising at all. This year, my own Ward has seen the percentage of members submitting a name to the temple drop from around 30% to the present number of about 17% and from my own experience, 17% activity is relatively high for most wards. </p><p>In some areas of the world, the temples are open to regular patrons. What is not that the case here in Utah Valley? I live about half a mile from the Provo, Utah Temple and could walk there in about 10 minutes. But close proximity to the Temple does not seem to promote an increase in temple activity in our area. Why did family history activity drop when so many people could not attend church meetings or participate in their usual activities? That is a very good question. </p><p>President Russell M. Nelson, the President, and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has repeatedly said, quote:</p><p></p><blockquote>Our message to the world is simple and sincere: We invite all of God's children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Saviour. </blockquote><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdTCA0ha1V05AoeZTNNzIG9gEtwrGAcF0NvLcChM5CqjrLke5AoaNxJ7DELSAYN0pFKGLIQwGFIkkxs6XHzEmO-X-uNXfNKM3T4c20cEe2_NvFG1dtyjCwrI9iY23UdADi-hGytpiP7fB/s1334/eacff2c6f36e46cf1176a04ada1f1c01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdTCA0ha1V05AoeZTNNzIG9gEtwrGAcF0NvLcChM5CqjrLke5AoaNxJ7DELSAYN0pFKGLIQwGFIkkxs6XHzEmO-X-uNXfNKM3T4c20cEe2_NvFG1dtyjCwrI9iY23UdADi-hGytpiP7fB/w360-h640/eacff2c6f36e46cf1176a04ada1f1c01.png" width="360" /></a></div><p></p><p>Most members of the Church can fully understand what President Nelson is saying. But understanding and doing are two different things. If we are going to extend the blessings and ordinances to those on the other side of the veil, we need to make the effort to search out our relatives and make their names available so they can choose to have their ordinances done. </p><p>But here we are back at the beginning. If the Temples are closed, how do we do the ordinance work for our ancestors? So, do we stop searching? Do we stop adding names to the temple reservation list? My answer is no. We continue to do our part to identify and reserve the names of our relatives even though we cannot physically enter the temples to participate in the physical ordinances on their behalf. </p><p>It seems to me that it is as simple as that. As a missionary assigned to the <a href="https://fh.lib.byu.edu/" target="_blank">Brigham Young University Family History Library</a>, I am ready and able to help anyone who asks with searching out their family history. As this post is written we are in the middle of the University's Christmas break. Because of the pandemic, the <b>BYU Family History Library</b> is not open and will open again on <b>January 11th</b>. The missionaries will be online to help anyone who needs help. Here is the contact information for the Family History Library that will reopen on :</p><p>Family History/Religion Help Desk</p><p>For general reference questions and scanner reservations.*</p><p></p><p>Contact the Help Desk</p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:family-history@byu.edu" target="_blank">family-history@byu.edu</a>, Phone: (801)-422-6200</p><p>Chat: See link in the left sidebar.</p><p>*Scanning equipment is currently only available for BYU student and faculty use. </p><p>Family History Assistance (Missionary Volunteers)</p><p>For family history help by email or phone, or to schedule a virtual family history consultation or group instruction.*</p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:byufhlmissionaries@gmail.com" target="_blank">byufhlmissionaries@gmail.com</a>, Phone: (801) 422-3766</p><p>*Although we cannot currently host groups in person, we can schedule YSA or other groups for virtual classes or other group instruction.</p><p>Meanwhile, if you need help, you can contact me directly. You can find me by email at <a href="mailto:genealogyarizona@gmail.com">genealogyarizona@gmail.com</a> or by Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JamesTanner45">https://www.facebook.com/JamesTanner45</a> or in a hundred other ways. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-71184113734706026592020-12-20T18:35:00.001-08:002020-12-20T18:35:15.509-08:00Christmas on Temple Square Performance Collections<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3lJ-jm2Czp2kuyz0qgU2YfRlUg2vAIOQEsTISFwFYZey6tjRxCmPr4_se1uCTCq-WN-7A2qzzarmGSQgKuv9LCBnVyTO8KUiWft_a-gDb8M_346BL_yw2eTKoG7kRRZS8HRlWF66KjU6/s2048/2020-12-20_19-24-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1908" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3lJ-jm2Czp2kuyz0qgU2YfRlUg2vAIOQEsTISFwFYZey6tjRxCmPr4_se1uCTCq-WN-7A2qzzarmGSQgKuv9LCBnVyTO8KUiWft_a-gDb8M_346BL_yw2eTKoG7kRRZS8HRlWF66KjU6/w596-h640/2020-12-20_19-24-34.jpg" width="596" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts?lang=eng&video=Social-Sing-and-Serve%3A-A-Christmas-on-Temple-Square-Performance&mode=watch" target="_blank">Social Sing and Serve: A Christmas on Temple Square Performances</a></p><p>Every evening during the month of December so far, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has presented an hour-long musical concert of groups and individuals from around the world. Here in the Mountain Standard Time Zone, we have enjoyed these concerts at 6:00 pm. They have been a wonderful part of overcoming the challenges of a Christmas season overshadowed by a pandemic. In addition, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon MST, there is an organ concert called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MormonTabChoir" target="_blank">Piping Up</a>. You can see the concerts and the recordings on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/MormonTabChoir" target="_blank">Tabernacle Choir YouTube Channel.</a> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-5875994027694018202020-12-15T07:01:00.005-08:002020-12-16T06:14:58.065-08:00The Family History Guide adds new videos to its YouTube Channel for #RootsTech Connect<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx-nT9DBwO92dmlzmHfQSGr7i0qpeHQaboQs9h4W1sZHGd2V-L4FOAeJNrxFVmWjvDw9ANvL5SI7DTwCUTgKNpyJoKXQBmRBpMLPIjcNR6MHeV5D4Zx6e_KLmK7gsQlBPBpOyj0EalH2M/s2016/2020-12-15_07-50-20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1998" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx-nT9DBwO92dmlzmHfQSGr7i0qpeHQaboQs9h4W1sZHGd2V-L4FOAeJNrxFVmWjvDw9ANvL5SI7DTwCUTgKNpyJoKXQBmRBpMLPIjcNR6MHeV5D4Zx6e_KLmK7gsQlBPBpOyj0EalH2M/w634-h640/2020-12-15_07-50-20.jpg" width="634" /></a></div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSdEueFFI669fDBwILOCDvw/featured" target="_blank">The Family History Guide YouTube Channel</a><p></p><p><a href="thefhguide.com" target="_blank">The Family History Guide</a> is getting ready for the <a href="https://www.rootstech.org/?lang=eng" target="_blank">2021 RootsTech Connect virtual conferenc</a>e from 25th to the 27th of February, 2021. In conjunction with the Conference, we will be adding a number of new videos. During the Conference, we will also be in the Virtual Exhibit Area. So far there are over 150,000 people registered for this world-wide online conference. </p><p>The Family History Guide will have a dedicated webpage for RootsTech Connect and will be available to answer questions online for the Conference. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the new videos on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSdEueFFI669fDBwILOCDvw/featured" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a>. </p><p>Remember, The Family History Guide is sponsored by The Family History Guide Association, a 501 (c) 3 corporation. The Family History Guide website is entirely free due to the donations of people like you. You can also select The Family History Guide as a charity on <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Smile.Amazon.com</a> and your holiday purchases will help support this fabulous website. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcvojQ0u00dSwTcAmfEL9ehh0ZyuLhzp4s_8acl2cebIaKm036HlLF6vMbcrIW4SaA3HUwuuDJ4otGV9cQC_ZPDAOVRUqR13H0qV5u2DawqGPZfv0VILLsmAIIiuV3Kx2kTfrF-YPEUXb/s2048/2020-12-11_08-55-19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1935" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcvojQ0u00dSwTcAmfEL9ehh0ZyuLhzp4s_8acl2cebIaKm036HlLF6vMbcrIW4SaA3HUwuuDJ4otGV9cQC_ZPDAOVRUqR13H0qV5u2DawqGPZfv0VILLsmAIIiuV3Kx2kTfrF-YPEUXb/w604-h640/2020-12-11_08-55-19.jpg" width="604" /></a></p><p><a href="https://thefhguide.com/donate.html" target="_blank">https://thefhguide.com/donate.html</a></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-45959094089925997872020-12-11T08:33:00.000-08:002020-12-11T08:33:14.662-08:00The Family History Guide: Quick Research Basics help you Form a Research Strategy<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iKQrxsA0ZNA" width="320" youtube-src-id="iKQrxsA0ZNA"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/iKQrxsA0ZNA" target="_blank">The Family History Guide P4 G3: Form a Research Strategy</a></p><div>Those of us working on expanding The Family History Guide website have been developing a series of videos called, "Quick Research Basics." These short videos will complement different Goals and Choices for learning about family history research. All of this and much more is available for free.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, The Family History Guide is sponsored by The Family History Guide Association, a 501 (c) 3 corporation. The Family History Guide website is entirely free due to the donations of people like you. You can also select The Family History Guide as a charity on <a href="http://Smile.Google.com" target="_blank">Smile.Google.com</a> and your holiday purchases will help support this fabulous website. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcvojQ0u00dSwTcAmfEL9ehh0ZyuLhzp4s_8acl2cebIaKm036HlLF6vMbcrIW4SaA3HUwuuDJ4otGV9cQC_ZPDAOVRUqR13H0qV5u2DawqGPZfv0VILLsmAIIiuV3Kx2kTfrF-YPEUXb/s2048/2020-12-11_08-55-19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1935" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcvojQ0u00dSwTcAmfEL9ehh0ZyuLhzp4s_8acl2cebIaKm036HlLF6vMbcrIW4SaA3HUwuuDJ4otGV9cQC_ZPDAOVRUqR13H0qV5u2DawqGPZfv0VILLsmAIIiuV3Kx2kTfrF-YPEUXb/w604-h640/2020-12-11_08-55-19.jpg" width="604" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://thefhguide.com/donate.html" target="_blank">https://thefhguide.com/donate.html</a> </div>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-91448015989900118202020-12-07T17:25:00.001-08:002020-12-07T17:25:52.151-08:00The Christ Child: A Nativity Story<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yXWoKi5x3lw" width="320" youtube-src-id="yXWoKi5x3lw"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/yXWoKi5x3lw" target="_blank">The Christ Child: A Nativity Story</a></p><p>Quoting from the video description:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>This new depiction of the Nativity story recounts in beautiful detail the sacred events found in the Bible about Jesus's birth over 2,000 years ago. Journey with Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Witness the awe of the shepherds in the plains of Judea. Feel the joy of the wise men as they kneel before the Light of the World – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Visit <a href="http://www.LightTheWorld.org" target="_blank">http://www.LightTheWorld.org</a> to learn more about the significance of this special first Christmas.</p></blockquote><p>This short video was released last year and has set a new tone and standard for nativity videos. I am grateful for the artistry and talent that created this lovely message. #givethanks</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><blockquote><p> </p></blockquote><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-65019968830527580242020-12-04T17:47:00.004-08:002020-12-04T17:47:39.234-08:00#LighttheWorld this Christmas Season<p> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrW_helU3oAqBqQXRBF4rMWxCFoXaXGpWhUSJHlA44MtNYUCRQsyG88EVoYckMaa7oSh8iQGiqzjfddAfPjC1np1P5Rgp7pZxjWHwcepgqyNykIVXmqx7pSCF-ZVaHOg8jgsiQePEXOcC/s2048/2020-12-04_18-39-39.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1842" data-original-width="2048" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrW_helU3oAqBqQXRBF4rMWxCFoXaXGpWhUSJHlA44MtNYUCRQsyG88EVoYckMaa7oSh8iQGiqzjfddAfPjC1np1P5Rgp7pZxjWHwcepgqyNykIVXmqx7pSCF-ZVaHOg8jgsiQePEXOcC/w640-h576/2020-12-04_18-39-39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.comeuntochrist.org/light-the-world-2020" target="_blank">#LighttheWorld</a> is an initiative of <a href="churchofjesuschrist.org" target="_blank">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> and part of a larger program called <a href="https://www.comeuntochrist.org/light-the-world-2020" target="_blank">#ComeuntoChrist</a>. Here is the theme of the project:</div><div><blockquote>When Jesus Christ was born, angels proclaimed, “On earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). This December, the promise remains the same. As we love and serve each day the way Jesus did, we can end 2020 on a hopeful note. </blockquote><p>Here is another more complete explanation: </p><p></p><blockquote>#LightTheWorld is an invitation to transform Christmas into a season of service. It’s a worldwide movement to touch hearts and change lives by doing the things Jesus did: feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely, visiting the sick and afflicted, and showing kindness to everyone. Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). #LightTheWorld is the perfect way to let our light—and His light—shine brightly.</blockquote><p>Also, remember Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”</p><p>We can make a difference, one day at a time. </p><p></p></div><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-71561998553615365492020-12-02T08:09:00.002-08:002020-12-02T08:09:58.208-08:00Virtual Christmas on Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah #LightTheWorld<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBI57ooNlTpsOJhivz0nYhyMVSSxFTDfB0LPNkz0kXSgExUGHI-x7BMgyZK48sSVIfT3DdFAB8Ctx2IAuzrCgiy0xyAkXsOfaJsaFU-YiS3HD2BCGEdqglsS2-hhAb-GH74OLXcmeGuEW/s2048/2020-12-02_08-40-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1964" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBI57ooNlTpsOJhivz0nYhyMVSSxFTDfB0LPNkz0kXSgExUGHI-x7BMgyZK48sSVIfT3DdFAB8Ctx2IAuzrCgiy0xyAkXsOfaJsaFU-YiS3HD2BCGEdqglsS2-hhAb-GH74OLXcmeGuEW/w614-h640/2020-12-02_08-40-06.jpg" width="614" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/christmas-temple-square-celebrated-virtually-2020?fbclid=IwAR3xh4YZmDqGcs9GFbrqhGm8UDF4xB4mYDd5Lg5AOrmTLMIfqR3m2afQaqA" target="_blank">Christmas on Temple Square to be Celebrated Virtually in 2020</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Our family has a long tradition of visiting the Christmas lights on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, and at other Temples, including Mesa, Arizona, and Washington, D.C. This year, the pandemic has limited the availability of this wonderful activity. However, we now have an online, virtual opportunity to visit the Salt Lake City Temple and elsewhere. Here is the statement from the post linked above.</p><p></p><blockquote><p>The seasonal lights on Temple Square and at the temples in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles will be turned on in the evenings after Thanksgiving. The lights on Temple Square will only be viewable from surrounding roads and exterior city sidewalks as the plaza will be fenced off and the gates will be closed at 4:30 p.m., with no public access to Temple Square. The lights will turn on at 5 p.m. Those walking by are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing. No public parking will be available in the Conference Center or Joseph Smith Memorial Building parking lots. In Washington and Los Angeles, the lights will be viewable only to those driving by in cars. </p></blockquote><p>The Mesa, Arizona Temple is still under renovation. Beginning on December 1st, there will be presentations every night from Temple Square. You can see these on the Temple Square Facebook page. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYXCbxO_P0NbF-dGe-2xN21oZUR16Ito64_YwkNuHJnjB6X7ePLj4HYaaVbqNsW_haP4lI1fmxM5uc53ghA3NTu21PqgpERZcWaa9hsge_3V9MiHveD6CLjMJT_oyB33Djp9aV3y0GlKL/s2048/2020-12-02_08-49-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1964" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYXCbxO_P0NbF-dGe-2xN21oZUR16Ito64_YwkNuHJnjB6X7ePLj4HYaaVbqNsW_haP4lI1fmxM5uc53ghA3NTu21PqgpERZcWaa9hsge_3V9MiHveD6CLjMJT_oyB33Djp9aV3y0GlKL/w614-h640/2020-12-02_08-49-40.jpg" width="614" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/templesquare/posts/3172757569490457">https://www.facebook.com/templesquare/posts/3172757569490457</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The first performance on December 1, 2020 is now on YouTube.com. Here is a link.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wyGozT_JRf0" width="320" youtube-src-id="wyGozT_JRf0"></iframe></div><br /><p><a href="https://youtu.be/wyGozT_JRf0" target="_blank">Celebrating the Light of the World: A Christmas on Temple Square Performance</a></p><div>Remember, these performances will be online every day this month. We have never been able to attend all of the concerts before and now we can. </div><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-37756399729324571932020-11-30T08:16:00.000-08:002020-11-30T08:16:10.456-08:00I am thankful to be able to travel #givethanks<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DepPxqeRlnHHCrmo2uYf2OClpV4o_g4LtWEfMdNo7b9wkmDoZ80doHY_SqguYIXUQ0GVdXiNhjGziq8U-75znxLdHvs_OlttYh11jmsshBR0KvT7KoRH2rW_Qn6B5X_ZZXFIWsJeLa17/s2048/Matterhorn%252C+Switzerland-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DepPxqeRlnHHCrmo2uYf2OClpV4o_g4LtWEfMdNo7b9wkmDoZ80doHY_SqguYIXUQ0GVdXiNhjGziq8U-75znxLdHvs_OlttYh11jmsshBR0KvT7KoRH2rW_Qn6B5X_ZZXFIWsJeLa17/w640-h480/Matterhorn%252C+Switzerland-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>One of the things I miss most by reason of the limitation imposed by the pandemic is our ability to freely travel around our country and the world. Our grandchildren serving missions for <a href="churchofjesuschrist.org" target="_blank">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> have had far different experiences than they expected. They had the Mission Training Center in their homes and temporary assignments to place other than the ones they were called to serve in. </p><p>My wife and I have had several trips to Europe and locations in the United States canceled. But I am grateful for the trips we have taken over the years. My <a href="https://walkingarizona.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Walking Arizona blog</a> currently has 4594 photos that I have taken (or my wife has taken) over the years and they show the huge number of places we have been able to visit. Every day, I give thanks for the beautiful world we live in. #givethanks</p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-54308466005124348092020-11-27T15:02:00.000-08:002020-11-27T15:02:17.000-08:00Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem, Rembrandt van Rijn, 1630 #givethanks<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0TklL5kYzOFEUG96BjlPTNOHKcxCEfqaBlo-UN4xI7Y9QLIGE0BtfIHDY89P0fReuAwfobEWJ1mlCMeP5S4F7-N8dsj5LIaeZgiCBJFRxf06j1kkPEhv6vhc8x8lmOua9J0uaTO1OL6o/s2048/Jeremiah+Lamenting+the+Destruction+of+Jerusalem%252C+Rembrandt+van+Rijn%252C+1630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1611" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0TklL5kYzOFEUG96BjlPTNOHKcxCEfqaBlo-UN4xI7Y9QLIGE0BtfIHDY89P0fReuAwfobEWJ1mlCMeP5S4F7-N8dsj5LIaeZgiCBJFRxf06j1kkPEhv6vhc8x8lmOua9J0uaTO1OL6o/w504-h640/Jeremiah+Lamenting+the+Destruction+of+Jerusalem%252C+Rembrandt+van+Rijn%252C+1630.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><br /> I love fine art and I am thankful for all the wonderful artwork I have seen during my life. I began my university studies as a fine arts major but I soon learned that I had little talent for painting and drawing. I still love all the artwork I have been able to see around the world. #givethanks<p></p><p>I finally realized that I could write and this is my 2002th post on this blog. </p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-10031364927104683272020-11-26T09:26:00.003-08:002020-11-26T09:26:33.375-08:00I am grateful for the scriptures #givethanks<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJzmskmaMakH3jKfvq-3gNxbFPoWeig_2P6qgfKHZTLqCo3ug-wvIyCXwTQaQpEPHhzSy02HSJszxQZDnXYYTp_iS6-ZNZdW9KG_SxnpH3PAfB3CFCsviMkKm83TzZBDToh-3Y2Xkt4Bm/s1000/pocket-sized-scriptures.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJzmskmaMakH3jKfvq-3gNxbFPoWeig_2P6qgfKHZTLqCo3ug-wvIyCXwTQaQpEPHhzSy02HSJszxQZDnXYYTp_iS6-ZNZdW9KG_SxnpH3PAfB3CFCsviMkKm83TzZBDToh-3Y2Xkt4Bm/w640-h640/pocket-sized-scriptures.png" width="640" /></a></div><b>8</b> We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. <span class="verse-number" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">9 </span><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">We believe all that God has </span><a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/articles-of-faith?lang=eng#note9a" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">revealed</a><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet </span><a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/articles-of-faith?lang=eng#note9b" style="background-color: #f7f8f8; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">reveal</a><span style="background-color: #f7f8f8; font-family: "Ensign:Serif", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;"> many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. Articles of Faith #givethanks I am always, daily thankful for the scriptures. </span><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-12982480051865454782020-11-25T07:31:00.000-08:002020-11-25T07:31:19.916-08:00Free Printable Family Tree Templates and Online Family Tree Ideas<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbiIiFqt05BdVGIieCjht-wkKXTzrS6OrT-SyauH7s18IjBFDw5SUfdVcLsA05MJa6RXM03lvbwDskdrqoqt3BIFyWNVMXMDMt497EWnqo-LGshVJyERI7Y-6AmGLlw2IR6YLJQjZ5NNo/s2048/2020-11-25_08-28-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1933" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbiIiFqt05BdVGIieCjht-wkKXTzrS6OrT-SyauH7s18IjBFDw5SUfdVcLsA05MJa6RXM03lvbwDskdrqoqt3BIFyWNVMXMDMt497EWnqo-LGshVJyERI7Y-6AmGLlw2IR6YLJQjZ5NNo/w604-h640/2020-11-25_08-28-17.jpg" width="604" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/family-tree-templates-family-tree-maker/">https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/family-tree-templates-family-tree-maker/</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>This is a really good idea. I am always looking for new examples of family trees and this came along at just the right time. You should take some time to look at the links in this post. </p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-16669641791203482812020-11-24T08:20:00.004-08:002020-11-24T08:20:54.267-08:00I am thankful for genealogy #GiveThanks<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBENUrDTYMatvKx6wOTcXl7gQ1uNkvklra5gAD28PU92ffaHuRqUpSK1rDKKhk2Hov96SQGbwgpEQNh7naggOMmIfLe7rg5CEAbXTMbakQ33ebirPrBD_gFjV8WzWyxQTelGnEZnr57PAq/s2048/20120311_0169+P.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBENUrDTYMatvKx6wOTcXl7gQ1uNkvklra5gAD28PU92ffaHuRqUpSK1rDKKhk2Hov96SQGbwgpEQNh7naggOMmIfLe7rg5CEAbXTMbakQ33ebirPrBD_gFjV8WzWyxQTelGnEZnr57PAq/w640-h456/20120311_0169+P.tif" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>I started exploring my family's genealogy almost 40 years ago. Most of what I do now is directly or indirectly a result of my earlier interest and continued work. I am grateful for all of the thousands of ancestors and relatives I have discovered over the years. I am grateful for all the people I have come to know both living and dead as a result of my genealogical research. I am looking forward to doing a lot more. #GiveThanks</p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-1428129411444252972020-11-21T11:21:00.003-08:002020-11-21T11:21:58.890-08:00The Problem of Racism <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSBSjCJodEWk1wuZKnri3knRWii1jWEg8z4jgk7QDpLoON2Nw1RP6coRfRvlnNp1T5V-oiniPQKPMx1guZRs6wKZwxW5uQ8n0hWBMA-VLljUcMN8z_Ddw8GGwDfxzwUkdLcw47RN57kzC/s1920/the-fog-2789340_1920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1920" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSBSjCJodEWk1wuZKnri3knRWii1jWEg8z4jgk7QDpLoON2Nw1RP6coRfRvlnNp1T5V-oiniPQKPMx1guZRs6wKZwxW5uQ8n0hWBMA-VLljUcMN8z_Ddw8GGwDfxzwUkdLcw47RN57kzC/w640-h306/the-fog-2789340_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>In the October 2020 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson said the following:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>Each of us has a divine potential because each is a child of God. Each is equal in His eyes. The implications of this truth are profound. Brothers and sisters, please listen carefully to what I am about to say. God does not love one race more than another. His doctrine on this matter is clear. He invites all to come unto Him, “black and white, bond and free, male and female.”</p><p>I assure you that your standing before God is not determined by the color of your skin. Favor or disfavor with God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments and not the color of your skin.</p><p>I grieve that our Black brothers and sisters the world over are enduring the pains of racism and prejudice. Today I call upon our members everywhere to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice. I plead with you to promote respect for all of God’s children.</p><p>The question for each of us, regardless of race, is the same. Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?</p></blockquote><p></p><p>Again, in a short talk posted on YouTube.com on November 20, 2020, President Russel M. Nelson, condemned racism. See <a href="https://youtu.be/tlcILxGmVrI">https://youtu.be/tlcILxGmVrI</a>. </p><p>President Dallin H. Oaks, of the First Presidency of <a href="ChurchofJesusChrist.org" target="_blank">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>, gave <a href="https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-oaks-byu-devotional-october-2020-talk" target="_blank">a talk at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah on October 27, 2020</a>. A synopsis of the talk was reported in a Deseret News article entitled, "<a href="https://www.deseret.com/faith/2020/10/27/21536493/black-lives-matter-dallin-h-oaks-byu-devotional-first-presidency-latter-day-saints-mormon-lds" target="_blank">Latter-day Saint leader tells BYU audience to ‘heed our prophet’s call’ to end racism</a>" and on some social media websites including Instagram. </p><p>Some of the comments generated by the publication of the talk perfectly illustrated to me one of the real problems with racism. Rather than listen to what President Oaks had to say, there was an immediate reaction to the talk from a purely political standpoint, and the discussion revolved around condemning the "Black Lives Matter" organization for such things as demolishing the police, destroying the nuclear family, and advocating Marxism. President Oaks' comments made no reference at all to the organization. </p><p>Many of the comments to the news article denied the existence of "systemic racism" in the United States and yet we have a significant number of people in our American society that support a political view that encourages "White Supremacy." The comments included assertions that the talks were politically motivated and effectively equated statements condemning racism as being "Marxist." </p><p>Racism is a personal and cultural issue. One of the commentators replied to President Oak's talk by saying that he wasn't racist and didn't know anyone who was racists and couldn't understand why the leaders of the Church kept talking about racism. I have seen systemic cultural and personal racism again and again throughout my life both inside and outside the Church. Given the politicization of the issue of racism in the current election, I think it was both appropriate and important that the leaders of the Church have spoken out on this issue. I know people who consider themselves to be "good members of the Church" who systematically support extreme attitudes of discrimination. </p><p>Here is a link to President Oak's talk at BYU. <a href="https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/dallin-h-oaks/racism-other-challenges/">https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/dallin-h-oaks/racism-other-challenges/</a> Here is a final quote from his talk.</p><p></p><blockquote><p>Now, with prophetic clarification, let us all heed our prophet’s call to repent, to change, and to improve. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can unite and bring peace to people of all races and nationalities. We who believe in that gospel—whatever our origins—must unite in love of each other and of our Savior Jesus Christ.</p></blockquote>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-35620464643521828282020-11-20T07:04:00.000-08:002020-11-20T07:04:02.857-08:00FREE Virtual Family History Classes, Webinars, and Videos from the BYU Family History Library<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGh7sm8TBE2QhVfpWouZV2H2HvdMrNNifT-12TBdimC9WoaBTL5UbJHBCTd1vbkcoLWkUQRgaVI2v_keRbriX-JIOlwYaiBgnfM2TJOIOqXretjzWqNvuKgLCtrpBVWivosHujILptFhfI/s2048/2020-11-20_07-42-27.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1843" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGh7sm8TBE2QhVfpWouZV2H2HvdMrNNifT-12TBdimC9WoaBTL5UbJHBCTd1vbkcoLWkUQRgaVI2v_keRbriX-JIOlwYaiBgnfM2TJOIOqXretjzWqNvuKgLCtrpBVWivosHujILptFhfI/w576-h640/2020-11-20_07-42-27.jpg" width="576" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fh.lib.byu.edu/">https://fh.lib.byu.edu/</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Although the Brigham Young University Family History Library is closed to both volunteer/missionaries and patrons, we are hosting a broad offering of free online classes, webinars, and videos. All of the present offerings are outlined on our "Classes and Webinars" webpage. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpz1IKvfdcZ9z_qMCLvpOv9IKUN9DFDowXRvP-favucBBZT58qB5WUBEvnS-rQ6flfBTZO5KFBZEvHIZx7h89gk2j-BrhyphenhyphentN8PyT6vUpmlsW4227E4ExdMNl8H9uVkC-M84fltIrT3eJH/s2048/2020-11-20_07-46-07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1843" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpz1IKvfdcZ9z_qMCLvpOv9IKUN9DFDowXRvP-favucBBZT58qB5WUBEvnS-rQ6flfBTZO5KFBZEvHIZx7h89gk2j-BrhyphenhyphentN8PyT6vUpmlsW4227E4ExdMNl8H9uVkC-M84fltIrT3eJH/w576-h640/2020-11-20_07-46-07.jpg" width="576" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fh.lib.byu.edu/classes-and-webinars/">https://fh.lib.byu.edu/classes-and-webinars/</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The classes and webinars include:</p><p></p><ul><li><a href="https://fh.lib.byu.edu/classes-and-webinars/online-webinars/" target="_blank">BYU Family History Library Webinars</a></li><li><a href="https://fh.lib.byu.edu/classes-and-webinars/sunday-classes/" target="_blank">Sunday Virtual Classes</a></li><li><a href="https://fh.lib.byu.edu/indexing-classes/" target="_blank">Virtual Indexing Classes</a></li><li><a href="https://fh.lib.byu.edu/classes-and-webinars/youtube-videos/" target="_blank">Instructional Videos</a></li><li><a href="https://fh.lib.byu.edu/classes-and-webinars/basic-tutorials/" target="_blank">Family History Basic Tutorials</a></li></ul><p></p><p>In addition, for the students and faculty who still have access to the Library, we have a virtual consultant video station in the Library with live, online missionary volunteers every weekday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The students and faculty simply have to walk up to the video monitor and start asking questions. </p><p>We have nearly 500 videos online on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7hqNOQt-2AfeVEpDuc7sCA" target="_blank">BYU Family History Library YouTube Channel</a>. Here is a screenshot of the Channel.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zZrsr6hfUigmeepByf3fMpWZQ1nCJ90PBMTiLRIl44ivLCgalNd1NE-np_83ZC8vdr3ycyg7SLasnmcCEmM0ZFqrm8E3eNfSEDdv8XKn4Wpi2JfLj2FXuwKhjy_JreDyXosYCdxb1mQW/s2048/2020-11-20_07-56-09.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1843" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zZrsr6hfUigmeepByf3fMpWZQ1nCJ90PBMTiLRIl44ivLCgalNd1NE-np_83ZC8vdr3ycyg7SLasnmcCEmM0ZFqrm8E3eNfSEDdv8XKn4Wpi2JfLj2FXuwKhjy_JreDyXosYCdxb1mQW/w576-h640/2020-11-20_07-56-09.jpg" width="576" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7hqNOQt-2AfeVEpDuc7sCA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7hqNOQt-2AfeVEpDuc7sCA</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p>If you have a question or a suggestion for a new video, please let us know. The contact information for the Library is on our webpage. Here is the link: <a href="https://fh.lib.byu.edu/contact-information/" target="_blank">https://fh.lib.byu.edu/contact-information/<br /></a></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-10702568723598326022020-10-04T17:24:00.000-07:002020-10-04T17:24:01.274-07:00Let God Prevail<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOKOzLM0MlHe2n3wbeCEEWkLuqH4MxcE9ycHQWPyyhyGTC1B_dUGfbKk9fRHwA2jvEtlNdA1_zDWZHOF8chAMJ1IUGYJ4yBBhwtZwAGTnu5bzYrGOWjD2PpeFS3610hvrBF6TxDQsYxUw/s1500/Lutte_de_Jacob_avec_l%2527Ange.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOKOzLM0MlHe2n3wbeCEEWkLuqH4MxcE9ycHQWPyyhyGTC1B_dUGfbKk9fRHwA2jvEtlNdA1_zDWZHOF8chAMJ1IUGYJ4yBBhwtZwAGTnu5bzYrGOWjD2PpeFS3610hvrBF6TxDQsYxUw/w426-h640/Lutte_de_Jacob_avec_l%2527Ange.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eugène Delacroix (1861) CC BY-SA 3.0, <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=386358">https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=386358</a><br />Jacob wrestling with an angel</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The painting above depicts an event described in the Bible in Genesis (32:22–32; also referenced in Hosea 12:4) when Jacob wrestled with an angel and subsequently, received a new name, "Israel." </p><p>President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke in the Sunday morning session of the Church's 190th Semi-annual General Conference on October 4, 2020. He began his talk by explaining that he had learned a new meaning of the word "Israel." The most common translation is "contends with God" but President Nelson indicated that Hebrew scholars also translated "Israel" as "Let God Prevail." He then gave some examples of letting God prevail including abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice. See "<a href="https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-10-04/general-conference-october-2020-sunday-morning-president-nelson-193989" target="_blank">President Russell M. Nelson: Let God Prevail</a>." </p><p>I was impressed by his comments. Most of my early life was spent in a small town in eastern Arizona and in the larger city of Phoenix. After leaving Phoenix for a few years I returned and lived many years in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa. It took me a number of years away from Arizona and living in Argentina and Panama to realize that I grew up in <i>de facto</i> segregated communities. None of the grade schools or the high school I attended had any significant minority students despite the fact that Arizona has a significant minority population. Currently, the non-Hispanic White population is about 54% of the population. </p><p>As I grow older, I have become increasingly aware of the systematic and cultural racism that exists in the United States. Part of my awareness comes from speaking Spanish fluently and subsequently being involved as an attorney in the Hispanic community representing Spanish speaking clients and teaching Spanish as a second language in the local community college system. Living in Panama made me acutely aware of the prejudice harbored against the Black community. </p><p>Now, President Nelson had some very specific things to say about racism. Here is a quote from the above-linked article.</p><p></p><blockquote><p>“Brothers and sisters, please listen carefully to what I am about to say. God does not love one race more than another. His doctrine on this matter is clear. He invites all to come unto Him, ‘black and white, bond and free, male and female’ (2 Nephi 26:33). I assure you that your standing before God is not determined by the color of your skin. Favor or disfavor with God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments, and not the color of your skin.</p><p>“I grieve that our Black brothers and sisters the world over are enduring the pains of racism and prejudice. Today, I call upon our members everywhere to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice. I plead with you to promote respect for all of God’s children.</p><p>“The question for each of us, regardless of race, is the same. Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His? (See Mosiah 15:7).” </p><p></p></blockquote><p>Although his words specifically identified Blacks as the object of racism, his words clearly apply to any discrimination of anyone because of their supposed "race." </p><p>As a genealogist, I have learned that due to current studies in DNA testing, the concept of race can no longer be clearly defined. Here is a <a href="http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2017/science-genetics-reshaping-race-debate-21st-century/" target="_blank">statement on the subject from Harvard University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences</a>. </p><p></p><blockquote><p>'Race’ cannot be biologically defined due to genetic variation among human individuals and populations. (A) The old concept of the “five races:” African, Asian, European, Native American, and Oceanian. According to this view, variation between the races is large, and thus, the each race is a separate category. Additionally, individual races are thought to have a relatively uniform genetic identity. (B) Actual genetic variation in humans. Human populations do roughly cluster into geographical regions. However, variation between different regions is small, thus blurring the lines between populations. Furthermore, variation within a single region is large, and there is no uniform identity.</p></blockquote><p>I will have more to say on this subject in the future. </p><p><br /></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-3428383497370624512020-10-02T07:09:00.001-07:002020-10-02T07:09:14.373-07:00FamilySearch has over 8 billion searchable names in historical records<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXzGfkzj7Fa0XNhuDU2RAW69UaugsU4OuDaslT2Z5uDXJyj0bY40V8R8DgSUtyCER7olCwieucVGiwBWAo-9kydWu9f4gSsxyVlbbSktubCnzX6UOQ43F9DDiEfQMzqGLXfjYfNC7K9L4/s1702/2020-10-02_08-02-53.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1702" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXzGfkzj7Fa0XNhuDU2RAW69UaugsU4OuDaslT2Z5uDXJyj0bY40V8R8DgSUtyCER7olCwieucVGiwBWAo-9kydWu9f4gSsxyVlbbSktubCnzX6UOQ43F9DDiEfQMzqGLXfjYfNC7K9L4/w640-h344/2020-10-02_08-02-53.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A news announcement from FamilySearch recently noted the following:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>Nonprofit FamilySearch published its 8 billionth free searchable name from its worldwide historic record collections online. The milestone is even more astounding when you think that each name is someone’s ancestor—8 billion family connections just waiting to be discovered. Explore the free databases at FamilySearch.org.</p><p>It’s an incredible feat when you realize that just 1 billion seconds ago, it was 1988, or 1 billion minutes ago the Roman Empire was thriving and Christianity was just beginning to spread.</p><p>“To digitally preserve and make so many names freely searchable online is impressive, but it’s the personal family connections that matter most,” said David Rencher, FamilySearch’s chief genealogical officer. “With each new record, there’s the possibility to find a missing link in the family tree. And that is soul-satisfying.” And FamilySearch adds over 1 million new records each day.</p></blockquote><p>The last sentence in this short excerpt is important: "And FamilySearch adds over 1 million new records each day." Researching online is always an ongoing process. Because records are added every day, you never know if what you are looking for and could not find has recently been added to the online collections. </p><p></p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793782800729950147.post-1006125152163668852020-09-21T13:19:00.001-07:002020-09-21T13:19:16.158-07:00New section for Youth on The Family History Guide<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgya6_UvEgGtAFD0GzWZwQ5IBRGWswqAvh4Qoxf70cOyP-fuMGXhIeFuxbd7rjbgJTxpWV-s_d6_HYxAJmeYrBB8kt8C0I3pAzo3feEw7_fZFNE1r6wcejCronSeAtjwB2ngTIwqKDS_j2c/s2048/2020-09-21_14-06-41.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1214" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgya6_UvEgGtAFD0GzWZwQ5IBRGWswqAvh4Qoxf70cOyP-fuMGXhIeFuxbd7rjbgJTxpWV-s_d6_HYxAJmeYrBB8kt8C0I3pAzo3feEw7_fZFNE1r6wcejCronSeAtjwB2ngTIwqKDS_j2c/w380-h640/2020-09-21_14-06-41.png" width="380" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://TheFHGuide.com">TheFHGuide.com</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="thefhguide.com" target="_blank">The Family History Guide</a> has added a fabulous new section of family history information and activities for Youth; both for those who are members of <a href="churchofjesuschrist.org" target="_blank">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> and those who are not. Here are the new sections:</p><p></p><ul><li><a href="https://thefhguide.com/youth-mem.html">Find Ancestor Photos and Stories</a></li><li><a href="https://thefhguide.com/act-youth.html">Enjoy Fun Family History Activities </a></li><li><a href="https://thefhguide.com/youth-tree.html">Explore Your Family Tree </a></li><li><a href="https://thefhguide.com/youth-places.html">Discover Places and Cultures</a></li><li><a href="https://thefhguide.com/youth-index.html">Give the Gift of Indexing</a></li><li><a href="https://thefhguide.com/youth-apps.html">Use Family History Apps</a></li></ul><p></p>There are always a number of updates and surprises on The Family History Guide website. Take a few minutes to review the website and see how valuable it can be for you and your family. <br /><br /><br /><p> </p>James Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.com0