114: Indexing
Background:
I returned to that portion of Family History work I had previously known as "extraction" and is now known as "indexing". The work has become so much easier due to enhancements to the computer programming, image depiction, and more.
The key to both the following poem, as well as an impetus for my renewed enthusiasm, was the following promise by Elder Richard G. Scott, which was echoed by Elder Bednar:
"Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also said in regards to participating in family history and temple work: 'I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life” (“The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 94).
"In addition, Elder Scott and Elder Bednar have promised the following blessings:
Your conversion to the Savior will become deeper.
You will receive light and knowledge through the Holy Ghost.
Your testimony will be strengthened.
Your patriarchal blessing will become more meaningful.
Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will grow.
You will have greater opportunities to serve.
Your service in the temple will become more sacred.
“'Have you prayed about your own ancestors?' asks Elder Scott. 'Set aside those things in your life that don’t really matter. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences' (Richard G. Scott, 'The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,' Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 95)."
Accepting that our Apostles' and Prophets' promises constitute "scripture...the will of the Lord ...the mind of the Lord...the word of the Lord...the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation", I began daily Family History work. My initial indexing labors led to the following, which I fear does not begin to do justice to the subject:
INDEXING
And where shall you take me today, my Lord?
And who will I meet on my screen?
And how long until I join them there,
In those places we all have been?
Do I note their births, or wars, or more?
Can I feel some small glimpse of their souls?
Do I feel connected to these, brothers, all?
Can I share in their righteous goals?
Never was man who walked this earth,
And never ‘twill ever be.
Who did not seek the light of Thy sun,
And from trials and tempests set free.
Why is it I, not they, typing now?
Why did I come in this time?
Why was I born, and raised, since birth
With protections and gifts sublime?
Oft am I challenged to read their names,
Or the places which marked their lives,
Oft I pray Thou wilt guide my hands,
As I struggle to strengthen our ties
Are they waiting, impatient, that I do this work?
Am I worthy of their trust and Yours?
For my small labor is just the start,
Of a journey of many hours.
www.servingjesuspoetry.com
Unlimited non-commercial usage allowed.
Background:
I returned to that portion of Family History work I had previously known as "extraction" and is now known as "indexing". The work has become so much easier due to enhancements to the computer programming, image depiction, and more.
The key to both the following poem, as well as an impetus for my renewed enthusiasm, was the following promise by Elder Richard G. Scott, which was echoed by Elder Bednar:
"Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also said in regards to participating in family history and temple work: 'I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life” (“The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 94).
"In addition, Elder Scott and Elder Bednar have promised the following blessings:
Your conversion to the Savior will become deeper.
You will receive light and knowledge through the Holy Ghost.
Your testimony will be strengthened.
Your patriarchal blessing will become more meaningful.
Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will grow.
You will have greater opportunities to serve.
Your service in the temple will become more sacred.
“'Have you prayed about your own ancestors?' asks Elder Scott. 'Set aside those things in your life that don’t really matter. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences' (Richard G. Scott, 'The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,' Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 95)."
Accepting that our Apostles' and Prophets' promises constitute "scripture...the will of the Lord ...the mind of the Lord...the word of the Lord...the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation", I began daily Family History work. My initial indexing labors led to the following, which I fear does not begin to do justice to the subject:
INDEXING
And where shall you take me today, my Lord?
And who will I meet on my screen?
And how long until I join them there,
In those places we all have been?
Do I note their births, or wars, or more?
Can I feel some small glimpse of their souls?
Do I feel connected to these, brothers, all?
Can I share in their righteous goals?
Never was man who walked this earth,
And never ‘twill ever be.
Who did not seek the light of Thy sun,
And from trials and tempests set free.
Why is it I, not they, typing now?
Why did I come in this time?
Why was I born, and raised, since birth
With protections and gifts sublime?
Oft am I challenged to read their names,
Or the places which marked their lives,
Oft I pray Thou wilt guide my hands,
As I struggle to strengthen our ties
Are they waiting, impatient, that I do this work?
Am I worthy of their trust and Yours?
For my small labor is just the start,
Of a journey of many hours.
www.servingjesuspoetry.com
Unlimited non-commercial usage allowed.