When we study about the Apostle Paul we can read three simple statements that contain his legacy. He had “fought the good fight”—standing firm as a spiritual warrior, clothed in the armor of God, that he had faithfully defended the truth of the gospel, and that he had “kept the faith”—remaining true, committed, and loyal to the One who rescued him from sin and darkness.
Paul’s wrote brief statements that didn't talk about the education he had received at the feet of the Savior, the places he had traveled, the letters he had written, the people he had preached to, or the churches he had started. Yet his legacy teaches us today.
Paul’s wrote brief statements that didn't talk about the education he had received at the feet of the Savior, the places he had traveled, the letters he had written, the people he had preached to, or the churches he had started. Yet his legacy teaches us today.
So, I have asked myself, “If that’s the kind of legacy I want to find, how would I look for it today?" I would love to possess a few words that would define our Great Grandfather Schnee and explain why he left his family in Pensylvania. As I though about the answer to my question my mind was drawn to a Sunday School lesson about the Gospels, where I learned the scriptures are much like a diary, although they were written by Jesus' Apostles, after the death and resurrection of The Lord Jesus.
In the middle of the 4th century, The Acts were compiled from letters Peter and Paul wrote to the Churches. It makes perfect sense that they were written from their own letters or papers, which the Apostles had written, because each book has its own way of speaking. Plus, as we grow older, our minds seem to naturally turn to the happenings of our youth and I have found myself writing about lessons I have learned and want to pass on to my loved ones.
At Family History seminars we often hear about the stories taken from a journal of an Aunt or Grandfather who wrote of the struggles involving crossing the plains and mountains of America, however those stories are rare. For the most part, we will spend years gathering certificates, census records and deeds, then do our best to create a map and timeline, but writing the life's story of an ancestor can be tricky, because we are viewing that story from the viewpoint of different life experiences.
When you have read histories or journals about life in the a timeline for your ancestors, and created a map of their travels, you'll begin to get a feel for what life was like in 1834 Scotland, or aboard a dark, smelly ship in 1773, etc. Then, somewhat like how you would while reading the scriptures, put yourself in the shoes of your twice great grandfather or whoever has resonated with you, and write their diary for them.
Write of the joyful celebration that must have occurred when the first child of 4 pregnancies was born alive and with strong lungs to complain about having to experience life outside of the womb. Write about life in the area where they lived, how they would have received their education if it was even available. If there are census records then include who their neighbors were for ? years.
Write of the Church they were baptized in, the type of farm, property, or business you discovered they owned. You may only find bits and pieces of their life puzzles, but with a couple of days of research you could discover enough to write a legacy of honor, hard work, love of family and community that will strengthen the foundations of your children and all who read and experience what you have written.
Start writing today, using your own journals for guidance in what would have been important at each stage of life. And if journal keeping is new to you, begin with your own history. It may seem boring to you, but to your decendents it could be what gives them the faith and determination to keep pulling forward.
In the middle of the 4th century, The Acts were compiled from letters Peter and Paul wrote to the Churches. It makes perfect sense that they were written from their own letters or papers, which the Apostles had written, because each book has its own way of speaking. Plus, as we grow older, our minds seem to naturally turn to the happenings of our youth and I have found myself writing about lessons I have learned and want to pass on to my loved ones.
At Family History seminars we often hear about the stories taken from a journal of an Aunt or Grandfather who wrote of the struggles involving crossing the plains and mountains of America, however those stories are rare. For the most part, we will spend years gathering certificates, census records and deeds, then do our best to create a map and timeline, but writing the life's story of an ancestor can be tricky, because we are viewing that story from the viewpoint of different life experiences.
When you have read histories or journals about life in the a timeline for your ancestors, and created a map of their travels, you'll begin to get a feel for what life was like in 1834 Scotland, or aboard a dark, smelly ship in 1773, etc. Then, somewhat like how you would while reading the scriptures, put yourself in the shoes of your twice great grandfather or whoever has resonated with you, and write their diary for them.
Write of the joyful celebration that must have occurred when the first child of 4 pregnancies was born alive and with strong lungs to complain about having to experience life outside of the womb. Write about life in the area where they lived, how they would have received their education if it was even available. If there are census records then include who their neighbors were for ? years.
Write of the Church they were baptized in, the type of farm, property, or business you discovered they owned. You may only find bits and pieces of their life puzzles, but with a couple of days of research you could discover enough to write a legacy of honor, hard work, love of family and community that will strengthen the foundations of your children and all who read and experience what you have written.
Start writing today, using your own journals for guidance in what would have been important at each stage of life. And if journal keeping is new to you, begin with your own history. It may seem boring to you, but to your decendents it could be what gives them the faith and determination to keep pulling forward.
