Two For Tuesday II

Look What I Found!

This picture is of my Uncle Walt and Aunt Donna's family at my Aunt Ileen's wedding 28 June 1963, and it represents the way I remember them best. The cousins shown are the ones I always felt closest to while I was growing up, Mike, Mark, Leslie, and Lori (listed in chronological order.) Lori and I are only a week apart in age. Leslie was are leader, Mike and Mark our constant tormentors.
Today I have been thinking about my Uncle Walt and so I want to share memories of him.

Walter Cecil Hamilton was born 21 April 1928 in Oregon. At 17 he enlisted in the Navy which must have made him seem so glamorous to my Aunt Donna at the end of WWII.

I remember him as being big, loud, and a little scary. With my conservative and sheltered upbringing, he was the only person I knew in real life that had a tattoo. I think it was a sailor. He represented to me everything that seemed adventurous, brazen, and exotic. The thing that always stuck with me is I knew how much he loved his children and so I idolized him. 

Someday I hope to get to know him better. He moved on when Lori was a teenager and I never saw him again after I was 18. I will never forget hugging him at Lori's wedding and thinking how much he still reminded me of a pirate. 

Two For Tuesday

The Research Process

One of the first lessons a family history missionary learns is the research process, or sometimes it is called the circle of success. It describes the filtering process needed and designed to provide successful and accurate family history work. This process is based on doctrine given through scripture and the prophets.

D&C 128:24
“Behold the great day of the Lord is at hand…Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-Day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple….a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation.”

President Thomas S Monson
“Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in well-doing. If you feel your contribution is small or insignificant, remember, that the worth of souls is precious in the sight of God. Our opportunity is to prepare the way, and accomplish the ordinance work, after faithful research, that these souls may prepare for the glory which is their divine opportunity.”

The Research Process can be explained in these 5 easy steps"

1.    Gather known information

2.    Choose a research goal

3.    Find new information

4.    Evaluate new information

5.    Share new information

There is a great 5 minute video explaining the process on FamilSearch Learning Center so take a few minutes and view the video.

5 Minute Genealogy Episode 2: The Research Process

Many people tell me that they just aren't sure where to start. Following this process can lead us on the way to great success in making those first connections with our ancestors.

When is a Man at His Prime?

  Donna                       Ileen                  Ralph

When is a Man at His Prime?
   Is it when everything is bright and new? When there are endless possibilities to what you can achieve? When your ability to learn is at its peak and you are excited about everything?

 Elder Firth at his first home on his mission.

Some may say it comes when you take that first leap on your own. New friends and experiences coming everyday. Making your own choices, taking responsibility for yourself can make you feel on top of the world. There are still things to accomplish, still mountains to climb.

  Laurel, Ralph, Andrea, and Kathryn Firth at Ileen's Wedding Reception.

Starting a family can be a roller coaster. The thrills of getting married, having children, and getting settled are greater than anything experienced before. Sometimes the fears of taking care of others can be unnerving but the love and pride you feel when holding them close makes everything seem worth it.

 Ralph Firth President of First National Bank of Layton 1986

Maybe our prime comes when we hit the pinnacle of our financial career. Success can bring happiness and satisfaction to some. Is this the point we can say that we have hit our peak?

 Grandpa and Grandma Baa with their descendants at Veterans Park in Layton 2015

I have a theory. The greatest time in your life isn't during the climb. It is when you have the experience, the memories, and the understanding it takes after living a full life that you truly can look back and say yes, this is the prime of life! It is all of life's experiences added together. Don't waste a single minute waiting for the prime to come. You will see it some day and it will be glorious.

What Makes You Feel Patriotic?

Is it seeing the flags flying in your neighborhood? Is it attending a local parade? Maybe your heart stirs when you buy the fireworks to celebrate in your backyard?
I feel a thrill when I see young families teaching their children to stand as the flag passes by, to put their hands over their heart, and to sing the national anthem. I know that is what our forefathers hoped to see. I am so grateful for this country and those who came before us who gave their all that I could have the freedoms I enjoy.

Why Do We Keep Records?

Today I am teaching Sourcing to missionaries who are getting ready to return to their homes and continue their service in their wards as Family History Consultants.
As part of my preparation, I was studying some writings of John A. Widtsoe, a former member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, noted author, scientist, academic, and recognized amateur genealogist. His testimony of keeping accurate records has given me much to ponder and appreciate in the work I am doing as a missionary. Here are a couple of my favorite quotes:

   “As I view it, in every family a record should be kept of the immediate family: the father, the grandfather, and the great-grandfather— at least of those of whom we have a memory. That record should be the first stone, if you choose, in the family altar. It should be a book known and used in the family circle; and when the child reaches maturity and gets out to make another household, one of the first things that the young couple should take along should be the records of their families, to be extended by them as life goes on. It does no harm if there is duplication. There is a strength, an inspiration, and a joy in having such a record near at hand, to be used frequently, the story of our ancestors, their names, the times in which they lived, and something about their lives and accomplishments. Each one of us carries, individually, the responsibility of record keeping, and we should assume it.”

    (Church News, Oct. 31, 1942.)

     “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. Whosoever seeks to help those on the other side receives help in return in all the affairs of life.” 

     John A. Widtsoe, Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, July 1931,

 p. 104.