Monday, March 17, 2014

Irish Blessings and Family History


Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I proudly proclaim that I have lots of Irish blood in my veins!  
There is also English, Scottish, and Welsh in my mixed heritage, but that probably isn't unusual as the countries are fairly close to one another.  Thank goodness there are many ways to find our ancestors on line and build a respectable family tree.  

Family history information can be found easily on line because there are people all over the world copying records and inputting the data on the computer so people can research their family lines.  This process is called indexing.  Anyone, even older children, can learn to do this work because there are step-by-step help and training videos available.  It is a great service project.  I love doing indexing from the many different records that are available from these past several hundred years.  Once the individual names are recorded, they are then available to anyone in the world.  Just imagine how happy someone is when they find a long lost relative!

We know how important it is to have the Bible and the Book of Mormon.  Where would we be without these important, sacred histories?  Think of all the valuable records that help us know history, learn from it, and be inspired by it. Now, rather than pinch someone for not wearing green, go find out if you have some Irish blood in you!

Here's a link to begin a journey you'll enjoy:  Find your family history

Here is an Irish blessing that was printed in Dear Abby today:

Take time to work,
It is the price of success.
Take time to think,
It is the source of power,
Take time to play,
It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read,
It is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly,
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to love and be loved.
It is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to share,
Life is too short to be selfish.
Take time to laugh,
Laughter is the music of the soul.

I add an Irish blessings of my own:

May you look up and smile even when the sun is not shining.
May God be your constant companion as you travel the mountains and valleys of life.
May the light of laughter chase away the darkness of fear and worry.
May joy fill your heart because you know even the little sparrow is in His care.
May you always hope, for it is what provides energy to keep going.