Always Anxiously Engaged

Friday, March 25, 2022

2022 RootsTech #ChooseConnection - Viewing From Home, But Feeling Like I'm There

This year's buildup to #RootsTech2022 was phenomenal!

First thing that I must mention is THE SONG! "Choose Connnection" is one of the catchiest songs I've heard in a long time. Even as I think of it I can hear it running through my head.

It is an original song that was written by Jonathan H. Wing, a RootsTech manager who oversees creative aspects of the event. https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-03-03/rootstech-2022-choose-connection-the-story-behind-original-song-music-video-and-social-media-campaign-244684

With the invitation from FamilySearch CEO Steve Rockwood to “Reach out to that person and send him or her a text or give them a call or contact them on social media and bless their day today with simply a kind word or a simple ‘How are you?’”

Before it even began there were opportunities to see just how many people you were connected to using the FamilySearchFamilyTree (FSFT) to enhance those relationships. Were they all correct? Likely not. Was it fun? Absolutely!

Within a couple of days of it going live, this was the screenshot that showed my connection to others registered for RootsTech.

By the time this activity concluded, I had over 100,000 more than what you see here. There were even opportunities to see if you were related to famous people. The excitement was beginning to build, and I couldn't wait for it to begin.

But what to choose? There were over 1500 classes to choose from. I made a playlist that included the keynote speakers, plus many more classes that I wanted to be part of. The great thing is that many of these classes are available for the entire year before the next RootsTech.

Here were some of my favorites, with many many more that will eventually be added to this list:

Sarah Cochran - From a Box in the Closet to a Treasured Family Heirloom: https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/series/from-a-box-in-the-closet-to-a-treasured-family-heirloom

Elizabeth Swanay O'Neil - Resources for Researching Your War of 1812 Ancestor Online: https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/series/resources-for-researching-your-war-of-1812-ancestor-online

James Beidler - Pennsylvania Predicament! Finding Keystone State Ancestry: https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/series/pennsylvania-predicament-finding-keystone-state-ancestry

Diana Elder - Problem Solve with the Pre-1850 Census: Investigate the Tick Marks: https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/series/problem-solve-with-the-pre-1850-census-investigate-the-tick-marks

Shannon Combs-Bennett - Research Strategies for Early Colonial Ancestors: https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/series/research-strategies-for-early-colonial-ancestors

It may be odd to hear that as one who has been an Accredited Genealogist for the past twenty-five years, and a researcher long before that, that you would would find me listening to "Beginner Classes" during an event of this size. But, I do. I feel that any time we discover a new grandmother's surname, or we have researched our way into a new-to-us locality, we begin again.

Many of those "Getting Started" classes may be found here: https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/search?f.topic=0000017c-ee68-dc5c-a57c-eeecf1790000&f.text=Family%20history%20centers&p.index=0&p.pageCount=10

Probably the one topic I will spend the most time during this next year will be those focused to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kerry and I are Family History Center Directors and need to stay current. Non-LDS may also find some great ideas, such as family reunions, working with youth, and emotional difficulties within family. You can find it here: https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/search?f.topic=0000017c-ee69-dc5c-a57c-eeedb3970000&f.text=Family%20history%20centers&p.index=0&p.pageCount=10

But the keynote speaker on Family Discovery Day really resonated with my soul. Elder Ulisses Soares and his wife Rosana are from Brazil. He is an Apostle in the leadership of the Church. His address took he and his wife back to their native country as they visited places dear to their hearts. They walked where they met and dated, eventually entering into the temple they were married. Beautiful interior scenes show just how much this visit filled their heart with memories. I would recommend his address to absolutely everyone: https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/special-session/elder-and-sister-soares-keynote-family-discovery-day

Though it's been about a month since RootsTech 2022 live has concluded, it will continue through the year to help us with our efforts to become better researcher, and to connect with our families.

Friday, December 25, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #25 - Kerry and Peggy

Today concludes my Christmas posts for 2020. I hope there has been some joy in both the music and the treasures I have posted.

Today's posts is a culmination of all of the previous posts. All have pointed to Christ in one way or another. They are filled with the appreciation I have for all he has given to me - to us.

Even the tiniest of things have meaning. The Danish plates point to Kerry's heritage. The ornament from Valley Forge represents my own ancestors, as well as some of Kerry's who fought to preserve our God-given freedoms on this land.

The Russian nativities and nesting dolls point to all of God's children around the world that he loves.

The Christmas plates from Kerry's mother point to the giving of something we would cherish for the rest of our lives. The kerosene lamps reminding me of Christmas Eves with my parents point to the light that Christ brings into our lives.

The red gingham bows my mom and I made together represent the time spent within a family, and how we should make an effort to get things all tied up in our lives.

The baby booties and quilt made and give to baby son Peter represent that Peter once lived, he died, and is very much alive in spirit in the afterlife. Trust me when I say I know this.

The cowboy boot from OGS represents that every now and then we need a kick in the rear to get us going in the right direction. Again, trust me when I say I know this.

So today, Kerry and I are grateful for the birth of Jesus Christ whose birth we celebrate today. A deeper study will show that it likely didn't happen in December, but that it happened at a different time of year. But, that's a whole other discourse. Today we commemorate that he was born and lived and taught his doctrine, he died to redeem us from our sins through his atoning sacrifice, he was resurrected.

And, he will return.

We were taught those things as children, growing up 3,000 miles apart.

We believe those things as adults, because we choose to.

Merry Christmas to all of you. May you find the peace that we have.

Peace is not living without conflict. It is finding peace amidst the conflict.

#Christmas

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #25 - World’s Largest Virtual #Hallelujah Chorus

This virtual Hallelujah Chorus came out in 2016 before there was ever a pandemic, or virtual choirs and orchestras.

It was spot on!

So today as we celebrate and commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, we have every reason to sing Hallelujah that such a tiny one came into to the world to redeem us from our sins.

This will conclude my Christmas music posts for 2020. Merry Christmas!

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Thursday, December 24, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #24 - Kerry's Christmas Star

During the years 1971-1973, young Kerry was serving a mission in the Delaware/Maryland Mission. He had left for the mission field in September of 1971, arriving in Maryland sometime in October.

It was his first real time away from home. His parents taught him well, and he loved his mission and the area he was in - enough to return to it at the end of his mission.

But at Christmastime, your heart turns homeward.

During his first Christmas away from home, he and his missionary companion were poor, not having much more than about $150 each month as a living allowance.

They at least wanted to have a tree, so pooling their money they bought one for $4.

And, most missionaries don't take Christmas decorations with them in their suitcases from home. So, Kerry found some cardboard and cut out a star to place on top of their $4 tree.

We still have that star 49 years later.

After we married in December 1977, we decorated our first tree together. Soon, Kerry placed this cardboard star on the top of our absolutely perfect tree. I gasped. What in the world was that thing?

He told me. Oh. Okay.

I put up with that star for years, always wanting a beautiful angel with a long flowing dress. One year I finally bought one and told him that it was going on the tree.

He quietly took his star down, placed it safely in a folder, and didn't say much.

I felt like a heel. I looked at our tree, and thought it was the ugliest one I had ever seen. I told him how I felt, and asked him to bring his star back out.

Peggy learned a valuable lesson that didn't use any words. Just feelings. I learned how to get rid of my selfish self.

We now have framed the star so the points don't get damaged, and it hangs year round in our dining room.

And, it is the most beautiful thing in that room.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #24 - Silent Night, Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

Years ago a man from another faith told me of one of the yearly memories from his childhood.

They lived in the Ohio countryside surrounded by lots of hills. His parents always played records from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during the holiday season, but particularly on Christmas Eve. As a young boy he could remember looking out his upstairs bedroom at snow covered hills and hearing the Tabernacle Choir playing on the record player.

It is a tradition he has kept for nearly 70 years.

And, this is the song that clinched the feeling of Christmas for him then...and, still does,

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #23 - Nativity Ornament from Relief Society

A few years ago I made a decision about Christmas. My own children were adult enough to realize the meaning behind celebrating the birth of Christ during this time of year.

So, I decide that every Christmas card I sent, and nearly every decoration would be centered around this meaning. I still have some of the favorites from years' past.

But, I began to change on the inside.

My heart changed.

My actions changed.

I changed.

And it's all for the better.

This year the Relief Society Presidency gave out gift bags that contained a number of beautiful items inside. One of them was this ornament that I absolutely love. And, everyone who received one loves theirs, too!

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #23 - Largest Nativity Event, The Piano Guys, David Archuleta, Peter Hollens

A few years ago, in a very short amount of time, a thousand people came together to create this beautiful nativity.

And it leaves me breathless each time I hear it.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #22 - O Come, O Come Emmanuel, The Piano Guys

This is absolutely one of my most favorite Christmas carols coupled with one of the most tender videos ever. Whenever I hear any other arrangement, I can't help but compare it back to this arrangement.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #22 - Holy Family, by sister Betty

Monday, December 21, 2020

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #21 - Missing Me, The Piano Guys and Craig Aven

I happened upon this beautiful song by accident.

It's so difficult to lose someone close to the holidays, for you can't help but notice the empty chair. To me, the year of "firsts" is the hardest - the first birthday without them, the first Mother's Day and Father's Day, the holidays, etc. To me it's when the grieving is the hardest and noticing their absence is the most evidence.

It gets easier, but not much. We don't get over it. We just simply get through it.

You may have noticed that I post many songs and videos from The Piano Guys. Jon Schmidt (piano) and Steven Sharp Nelson (cello - both traditional and electric) are some of the finest musicians around.

In 2016, Jon's daughter Annie went missing while hiking in Oregon. Here is a clip from Billboard: "Her death was ruled accidental. Nearly a month after The Piano Guys co-founder Jon Schmidt's daughter 21-year-old Annie Schmidt went missing in Oregon, it has been confirmed she died while hiking. The younger Schmidt's body was found at the bottom of a cliff below Munra Point in the Columbia River Gorge."

I followed this story closely as the search went on to find her. Annie is the granddaughter of one of our genealogy colleagues.

At the beginning of the clip, Jon tells how he found this song and the person who sang it when he first heard it.

So, if you are experiencing grief during this time of year, and so, so many of us are, then this song is for you.

And, for me.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Beauties of the Day #21 - Peter's Baby Booties and Quilt

By all admissions, this is probably the hardest of my Christmas posts to write.

Eleven years ago at this very moment, son Peter was fighting for his life at Celebration Hospital in Florida. It was a Monday.

Three hours later, he would be gone.

But as I look at our tree and our surroundings, you will always be able to tell that we had a child by that name - a child who would not live past age thirty.

He was born in April, and the little green booties were made for him by a member of our local congregation. They hang on the tree as a reminder that he and our other three children were absolute gifts from God. We could not have received greater gifts than the four of them.

The second is a quilt made by my mom and dad. Peter would have been about eight months old when they stopped by our house with this quilt. All of the babies in our house have been snuggled in this quilt. Kerry held it up for me to take this photo last night, and I later looked at the detail in the binding that they sewed on. I still have the Necchi sewing machine they used to stitch it.

As every Christmas rolled around, we would spend quiet candle time in the evenings reading stories, listening to music, or watching special holiday television shows. Whoever the baby was that year was the one that was snuggled. I would wrap them up like a little burrito and wonder if it was anything like the swaddling clothes used to wrap baby Jesus.

I'm going to say probably not.

It is still in good shape, even after forty-one years and lots of "kid stuff" happening to it.

And, it is quite meaningful today - especially today.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Sunday, December 20, 2020

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #20 - The Wexford Carol, Tabernacle Choir on Temple Square

This song has been done by several artists, one of which is Alison Kraus. I posted her version earlier this month.

But this is the version that gets me every time.

From Wikipedia we read the following, "The Wexford Carol (Irish: Carúl Loch Garman, Carúl Inis Córthaidh) is a traditional religious Irish Christmas carol originating from County Wexford and, specifically, Enniscorthy (whence its other name).^[1] The subject of the song is the nativity of Jesus Christ.

"The Wexford Carol", sometimes known by its first verse "Good people all this Christmas time", is of uncertain origins and while it is occasionally claimed to be from the early Middle Ages, it likely was composed in the 15th or 16th century based on its musical and lyrical style."

I personally believe Christmastime is a time to look inward at things we could improve on. I have many, and perhaps you do, too.

As you listen and watch this video, I would encourage you to watch it twice. Are there people that perhaps you need to forgive.

Do you need to be forgiven?

Put yourself in the place of both brothers, and see which one you are today.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #20 - Danish Santa Claus

In keeping with the Danish theme that runs through our home, and also through Kerry's lineage, I am posting this Danish Santa Claus I found at a craft fair a few years ago.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Saturday, December 19, 2020

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #19 - Away in a Manger, Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

I will often have people ask me how I just seem to be so calm, so cool, so collected.

It does appear that way, doesn't it? Trust me...I have my moments.

But the things I have been posting this month and all of last month are the ways I maintain my focus on the things that really matter and walk away from the things that don't.

This particular arrangement of "Away in a Manger" made me stop what I was doing and hone in on the message. It is one of the tender and gentle versions I've heard.

Through song and scripture I have somewhat of a visual of what it may have looked like on that Christmas Eve of long ago. I think of young Mary, likely a teenage girl according to custom, as she was bring baby Jesus into the world. What a tremendous responsibility that was placed on her shoulders.

I think of Joseph, and the supportive role he played in raising this baby boy. We only know a little about him, but we know that he did not turn Mary away and disgrace her. What a tremendous responsibility that was placed on his shoulders.

This tender melody brings me into those moments of so long ago.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LighttheWorld

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #19 - Cowboy Boot from OGS

About three years ago, the Ohio Genealogical Society had "Blazing New Trails", or something similar to that, as their annual conference theme. Many of the talks centered around Ohio being either a place you were going to or through as ancestors migrated westward.

As a speaker, there hasn't been a single conference I've been to that didn't have a marvelous gift bag for the speakers. Many times they contain gifts and products related to the them or are from the local area.

When I opened my bag, I was delighted to see cowboy boot cookies from the marvelous Stacey Adger. I am amazed at her baking talent!

But, also included was this adorable boot! I absolutely loved it then, and love it still! First, I have always wanted a pair of cowboy boots.

And second, Mr. Kerry worked on his dad's ranch and dairy farm as a "cowboy". This ornament is one that hangs on a special tree year round.

As a hint for conference organizers...if we ever get back to any sort of normal, in-person conferences, this is the type of thing I would love from your area. It provides a history for me.

Thank you to Marleen Applegate and Stacey Adger for the thoughtful things that go into these bags, and to each and every organizer I have received things from. I absolutely love them!

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Friday, December 18, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #18 - Mini Cooking Utensils from Deseret Book

Years ago I placed order for Christmas items from Deseret Book in Salt Lake City. To my surprise this tiny set of cooking utensils were included as a gift.

Though not entirely sure what they were meant to be used for, I decided to hang them on the tree. They represent thousands and thousands of meals eaten at our table. At a bare minimum, that would be a minimum of 6,708 meals.

As our children grew older, they were responsible for one evening meal each week. They just had to let me know what to plan for early in the week so I could pick up the ingredients. They learned to crank out some pretty good meals!

Mealtime was sacred to our family. We talked about our day, what went well, what could have gone better, different issues facing the country, plans for the next day, Kerry quizzing them about American history, LDS church history, math, etc. In turn, if they answered correctly they had the chance to stump Dad. (Guests were invited to participate, too!)

Ours was a family that sat and talked - and listened. We were not "meals on wheels" just walking around the house eating whatever. There was a purpose to mealtime.

So, this tiny utensil set may have had a different purpose, but to me it represents good conversations around our dinner table where we made every attempt to stay connected. To this day, I can't remember what many of the meals were.

I just remember the feeling.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #18 - The Prayer, by David Archuleta and Nathan Pacheco

This one is a bit of a repeat from the post of a few days ago, except it was done by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

David Archuleta and Nathan Pacheco provide a perfect blend of their voices for this beautiful song written by Carol Bayer Seger. I could just keep it on a loop all day long.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Thursday, December 17, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #17 - Danish Plates and Commemoration of the Death of Kerry's Father

It was sixteen years ago today that we learned of the death of Kerry's father Orson William Lauritzen. He was truly one of the kindest men I ever knew, and our loss was great.

He made me feel welcome from the first moment I met him. He was a gentleman, and taught his children well. Kerry often talks about how his father taught him to care and be respectful of women - to help them on with their coats, pull their chair out for them, open doors, etc. He taught them - and he also set the example.

And, Kerry still does this for me. When we were dating, many would say it wouldn't last. I knew better, for I knew his father. My sons tried to do the same for the girls they dated, but they were often shrugged off, with an "I can do it myself" following their attempts. Kerry taught them, but couldn't help it if it wasn't received.

Orson's paternal heritage is pure Danish, with the generations hailing from Vesterlund, Denmark. (Lauritz Lauritzen b1816 Denmark d1896 Utah - the immigrant)

Kerry's family is quite proud of their Danish heritage, but he and each of his siblings are actually only one quarter Danish. But today, we regale in Orson's paternal heritage as we remember the day of his passing.

Years ago we met a man who had been quite a collector, and a curator at a Swedish museum. He had several of the Danish Christmas plates, and gave us a boatload of them. They are clean and proudly displayed in our home.

The earliest one I have happens to be from the year of Orson's birth.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #17 - Alleluia, Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

I don't recall the first time I heard this quiet, yet majestic hymn. I do recall having a conversation with Dan Earl about it awhile back.

To me, it is one of the most beautiful songs of pure praise that I've heard. It almost reminds me of the songs you would hear in a monastery.

When I think of the angels singing on the night of baby Jesus' birth, this is the sound I think of. Perhaps there were louder praises. Perhaps there were majestic choirs with angels in long white gowns singing loudly.

Perhaps there was a sound like this with nothing but pure praise, quiet rejoicing, and the abundance of love flowing from the voices.

A miracle had happened. Some would recognize it. Some wouldn't.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #16 - Valley Forge Ornament

Kerry and I love to travel. We have had the opportunity to set our footprints in all fifty states, and a few countries, as well.

When we traveled with our children, we often visited American history sites, and also LDS Church historical sites. We would stop, perhaps feasting on snacks or lunch, and Kerry would begin to tell them of events that took place on the very ground they were standing on. Some of those would be:

Antietam Battlefield

Gettysburg

Boston Harbor

Kirtland, Ohio

Nauvoo, Illinois

The North Platte River

Emigration Canyon in Utah

Jamestown and Williamsburg, Virginia

Sharon, Vermont

Palmyra, New York

Bunker Hill

And, Valley Forge

The latter is where this beautiful little ornament was bought just a few years ago.

After Kerry would tell them the history of the area, then it was my turn to tell them of their ancestors who also stood in that very spot. By doing this, we hoped it would help them to make a connection when they studied the subject in school.

We hoped.

Now, we send post cards to all of the grandchildren when we visit these places. With son Jordan's children, I will write something like, "One of your grandfathers fought in the battle that took place here. Have your dad tell you about him!"

Son: Mom. Why do you do that?

Me: Because I can.

In the case of this Valley Forge trip, I later learned that two ancestors were there during that fateful winter. By looking on the Valley Forge site, I learned they had actually been housed in cabins pretty much next to each other.

And, we had parked right in front of those cabins.

You know they had to know each other.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LighttheWorld