Weekly Family History Activities

Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12

Proverbs 1–4; 15–16

“Incline thine ear unto wisdom.”

From Come, Follow Me:

Consider how you are seeking the Lord’s help to be “wise in heart” (Proverbs 16:21). What blessings come from God’s wisdom?

“As the translation of the Book of Mormon progressed, a question naturally arose: What should Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery do about those pages of the translation that had been lost? The logical thing might be to go back and retranslate that portion, but the Lord could see something that they could not—wicked men were plotting to alter the words on those pages to cast doubt on Joseph's inspired work. God had a plan to thwart Satan's efforts and compensate for what was lost. This plan was put into motion thousands of years earlier when the prophet Nephi felt inspired to create a second record that covered the same time period. Later, Mormon was inspired to include this record in the Book of Mormon "for a wise purpose" known to the Lord (see Words of Mormon 1:3–7).

"My wisdom," the Lord said to Joseph, "is greater than the cunning of the devil" (Doctrine and Covenants 10:43). That's a reassuring message in a day like ours, when the adversary's ongoing efforts to weaken faith are intensifying. Like Joseph, we can be "faithful and continue on" in the work God has called us to do (verse 3). Then we will find that He has already provided a way so that "the gates of hell shall not prevail" against us (verse 69).” (Saints, 1:51–61)

See also: Like the Savior: Growing in Four Important Areas and Reverence for God Is the Beginning of Wisdom 

As you learn more about your heritage and the lives of those who came before you, what do you see as events and tender mercies that have been "put into motion" in advance to bless you and your loved ones today?

FamilySearch provides a timeline on each ancestor's Person Page, where major events are listed and more custom events can be added. Click this direct link for more information. You can also watch this video to learn more about the Person Page timeline, and check out the New Ancestor Discovery Pages. 

Check out Historical Events Your Ancestors Lived Through and More. Compare the events of the lives of your ancestors with events happening at the same time. Record and share your discoveries and how they have influenced you and your family. 

Writing a letter of gratitude and testimony to an ancestor, living relative, or to yourself, will document your feelings about how life is different for you because of the decisions your convert made. Consider creating an audio recording of your letter, or simply recording your testimony of the restored gospel. See instructions and suggestions for preserving your recording on FamilySearch Memories.

Proverbs 1:7; 2:5; 16:6; 31:30; Ecclesiastes 12:13

What is the “fear of the Lord”?

From Come, Follow Me:

Elder David A. Bednar explained: “Unlike worldly fear that creates alarm and anxiety, godly fear is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence. … [It] encompasses a deep feeling of reverence, respect, and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ; obedience to His commandments; and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand. … Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him” (“Therefore They Hushed Their Fears,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 48–49). See also Proverbs 8:13.

Do you, or people you know, find it difficult to believe in the promises attached to temple and family history work? How do these promises help you see the big picture and know that as you do your part, you can trust that the Lord will do His. View the following videos and while watching, make a list of the promised blessings.

Include the following promises blessings listed by Elder Renlund, and search church resources for others that may not yet be on your list. 

"If you have prayed for any of these blessings, participate in family history and temple work. As you do so, your prayers will be answered. When ordinances are performed on behalf of the deceased, God's children on earth are healed. No wonder President Russell M. Nelson, in his first message as President of the Church, declared, 'Your worship in the temple and your service there for your ancestors will bless you with increased personal revelation and peace and will fortify your commitment to stay on the covenant path." Dale G. Renlund, Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing, General Conference, April 2018 (Click here to watch his address)

Decide how to fulfill your part as individuals and as a family so that you can receive these promised blessings. Keep in mind that there are many ways to do family history including making connections with both the past and present family members. Be sure to keep a record of how you are being blessed as you continue on the covenant path. 

Proverbs 31:10–31

“A woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

From Come, Follow Me:

Proverbs 31:10–31 describes “a virtuous woman,” or a woman of great spiritual strength, capability, and influence. You might try summarizing in your own words what each of these verses says about her. What are some of her traits that you can emulate?

In addition to studying the traits of “a virtuous woman” described in Proverbs 31:10–31, what traits do you see in your female ancestors and other women in your life that you would like to emulate?

As you search for information about your female ancestors, you may find the following links helpful: 

• 3 Ways to Unravel the Mysteries of Women in Your Family Tree 
• Clues to What a Woman's Life Was Like
• A Mother Whose Price Is Far Above Rubies
• Find Stories of Women Relatives with Inspiration from Fearless Females 
• Where to Look to Find Your Female Ancestors 
• In-Home Activities - The Women in My Family

You may want to audio record your feelings about the traits you would like to emulate of a certain female ancestor and explain why. Attach the file to her memories and preserve them in your memories. Also, what would you like to say to her if you could speak face-to-face right now? What would you like to say to her when you have the opportunity to meet her on the other side of the veil? 

These activities are some of the ones found in FamilySearch In-Home Activities (My Family) and can bring you closer to the women in your life: 

• Tell them you love them. If possible, call your mom, aunt, or grandma, and tell her why you love her and how she’s positively influenced you.



• Make a meal together. Pick a few women from your family tree, find out more about their story, and cook meals they made. If recipes haven't been passed down, search the internet for traditional recipes from places they lived.

• Do an ancestor photoshoot. Talk about women in your family tree, and look at their pictures. Use props from around the house to dress up like an ancestor and pose to match the original photo. Talk about their stories and what you can tell about their personalities from the photos. Consider sharing your experience with others on social media.

Where did you get your good looks? Compare Your Face to your relatives' faces, and see whom you most resemble on on FamilySearch. Learn more in the following video:

You can share your results with your loved ones, on social media, and in your memories on FamilySearch. So fun! 

Break through Research Brick Walls

Occasionally you may find that your research has slowed or stopped on a particular line. Help is on the way in Project 4: Discover, Goal 7, Choice G. You’ll find links to expert articles and videos that can help you make the breakthroughs you need.