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Weekly Family History Activities



A Come, Follow Me Companion
for Book of Mormon


Week 7: February 12–18 | 2 Nephi 3-5





2 Nephi 3-5 - "We Lived after the Manner of Happiness"




2 Nephi 3:6–24

Joseph Smith was chosen by God to restore the gospel.



From Come, Follow Me :

One important part of Joseph Smith’s mission was to bring forth the Book of Mormon. What do you learn from this chapter about why the Book of Mormon is important? In particular, you could look for reasons in verses 7, 11–13, 18–24.




Record Personal Testimonies of The Book Of Mormon

The Book of Mormon stands as an additional, convincing witness that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, "manifesting himself unto all nations" (title page of the Book of Mormon) and offering salvation to all who come unto Him.



Record your personal testimonies of the Book of Mormon on FamilySearch using the Memories Audio App or the "Record My Story" feature on FamilySearch Discovery. This could be done individually or in a family setting. Share these with those you love. 




Your Ancestors' Testimonies

You could do research to find and read the testimonies of the Book of Mormon that your ancestors have written. If these have not been added to FamilySearch Memories, you might want to make sure that they are there. You and your family members could audio-record these during the coming year.




Conversion Stories

You may be the pioneer in your family! "By being the first in your family to accept the gospel, you become the first generation, a chosen generation through which generations past, present, and future may be blessed." Paul B. Pieper, The First Generation



Record, preserve and share your conversion story! 

Consider making a collection of the conversion stories of the first converts in your ancestral lines.

  • Make a physical or digital book of these stories for your family.
  • Send with your missionaries.
  • Give them as gifts.
  • Add to Memories on FamilySearch. The Family History Guide gives step-by-step instructions.
  • Have family members illustrate the stories. See Week 2 2021



Noting Favorite Book of Mormon Verses

Mark each other's favorite one or two verses in the copy of the Book of Mormon belonging to each family member by signing your name in the margin next to that verse. Talk together and share with each other those "plain and precious" truths that you love. You could also write the name of ancestors by their favorite scriptures. A missionary would especially love to come across those scriptures that are marked by loved ones as he studies. A combined list of the favorite scriptures (and why) would be wonderful to have in a document saved on FamilySearch. 






2 Nephi 4:15–35

“O Lord, I have trusted in thee.”

From Come, Follow Me :

Nephi said that he would “write the things of my soul” (verse 15). As you read what he wrote in 2 Nephi 4:15–35, ask yourself, “What are the things of my soul?” Consider writing them down, as Nephi did, and sharing them with people you love.




Journaling

Would you like to set a goal to write in a journal this year, or continue the habit? Nephi emphasized that the purpose of his writing was "for the learning and the profit of my children" (2 Nephi 4:15). His brother Jacob added that the people labored diligently to keep their records, "hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts...For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory" (Jacob 4:3-4). Read more here: The Power of Personal Journals Is Enduring



What can we learn from a woman who wrote in her personal journal for over fifty-five years? Write away! Your posterity will be blessed because of your efforts, and so grateful to know you through your journals, and your hopes and dreams for them. Learn how to upload documents (including journal entries) to FamilySearch with instructions found in the Family History Guide, Project 2: Memories, Goal 7. Check out Week #2 for ideas about keeping a family journal.






2 Nephi 5

I can find happiness in living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

From Come, Follow Me :

What can help you build a life of happiness like the people of Nephi?

The value of preserving and sharing ancestral stories was recently verified by researchers who were trying to understand why some people, including children, are better able than others to cope with serious, even disabling stress and trauma. One study found that “the more children knew about their family’s history, the stronger their sense of control over their lives, [and] the higher their self-esteem.” This factor was indeed “the best single predictor of children’s emotional health and happiness.” Those with “the most self-confidence” had what one researcher called “a strong ‘intergenerational self.’ They know they belong to something bigger than themselves." (Bruce Feiler, “The Family Stories That Bind Us — This Life - The New York Times). Read more here: Studies Show How Family History Makes Children More Resilient, Confident, and Happy






Find and Preserve Ancestor Stories

Find family history stories using the suggestions in 10 Ways To Discover, Gather, and Share Ancestor Stories, which includes: See ancestors' stories on FamilySearch Memories, on your fan chart, or check out the All The Stories site to see a searchable list of all your family stories on FamilySearch. 

See also: Women of Faith, Military Records, My Pioneer Ancestors,and Missionaries.



If you don't have many stories from the lives of your ancestors available, you could learn from conversion stories and other stories from the lives of our church leaders. Read more here. You may want to put these stories in your memories on FamilySearch and attach them to your tree. Find instructions in this FamilySearch article. The Family History Guide gives step-by-step instructions for preserving your photos and stories in Project 2: Memories.

Consider creating a video such as the following:

Video Why We Need Our Family Story Now More Than Ever




Share Ancestor Stories

Find fun ways to experience, preserve, and share ancestor stories with those you love. Here are some ideas (find more here here). 

  • Interview family members and share stories online
  • Take and share photos - upload to FamilySearch
  • Print and share a chart
  • Prepare ancestors' names for the temple
  • Index records for online searching
  • Start a personal or family blog
  • Make use of social media
  • Create a digital scrapbook
  • Scan your family history books
  • Fill out and share "My Family Booklet" (order here, or create your own)


Check out these FamilySearch Activities:



You can make it easier to find stories of your ancestors' stories in your own FamilySearch by creating  albums for your memories.

Your Personal History



Write one brief story about your life as you study each Come, Follow Me lesson. By the end of the year, you will have compiled 50 stories to add to your personal history. Save as a story (also consider audio-recording it) and add it to your FamilySearch memories to preserve it. Use your own questions or those from (or inspired by) the #52 Stories Project below. For example:

  • When and how did you come to know the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon?
  • How would your life be different if your knowledge gained from the Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?
  • Write about a favorite Book of Mormon prophet and your gratitude for specific records he kept.