Finding New Ways to Turn Our Hearts

The scripture mastery passage Malachi 4:5–6 focuses on the principle that “as we do family history and temple work, our hearts will be turned to our ancestors and we will help prepare the earth for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ” (Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual [Church Educational System manual, 2015], 590). But how can students move from discovering and understanding this principle to really feeling the importance of and applying it in their own lives?

As students and teachers study the last chapter in the Old Testament, one way to apply that saving doctrine is to apply what they are learning with the FamilySearch Memories app. Family history can be so much more than looking through documents and recording dates; it is also documenting fun family events as they happen. With the Memories app, the tech-savvy youth of today can upload pictures, write stories, and record audio from family reunions, parties, and get-togethers with a few easy taps of a finger. And with every upload, they are working on family history.

The following are some ideas to consider for fun family gatherings with a family history twist:

• Choose a significant location. Gather at or near an ancestor’s home to get ideas flowing, and then record away.
• Play fun get-to-know-you games. These games will build stronger family relationships and provide great opportunities for some fun pictures.
• Create a visual identity. Matching T-shirts or other items can identify you as a family. And, of course, take that family photo.
• Share family photos, videos, and stories. Passing around the old pictures and watching family movies and videos keep the memories flowing. And when these stories are recorded in the FamilySearch Memories app, especially those shared by older family members, they are preserved for future generations on FamilySearch.
• Take a lot of pictures, and get current contact information. Family history is all about the details, so make sure they are up to date.
• Create a family website or social media page. Keep the fun going long after the event by connecting family members digitally. As the family stays connected, family history service continues.

Encourage those students who will soon leave seminary for the summer to check out the FamilySearch blog article “Ten Ideas for More Meaningful Summer Family Gatherings.”

Teachers can help students see how the FamilySearch Memories app works by learning how easy it is themselves. So download the app, plan a family gathering, and get involved in your own living family history service today!