Searching for ANCESTORS again

James M. Johnson's baby dg's grave

Genealogy has probably been my longest hobby outlasting even my love of dancing since my body aged faster than my interest in movement. But family history can be done at any age and especially at the computer. I have to stand in awe at being able to sit at my computer and access books, research materials without leaving my house. In the old days, I had to get a baby sitter, travel to a location then look in a card catalog, find a microfilm or book then sit down and search through it. Now my computer can do that while I sit and watch. A fun site is findagrave.com with photos of headstones and other info.

I love ancestry.com and familysearch.org two of the best sites for finding your ROOTS. I have uploaded most of my research of the past 55 years on those locations along with photos and stories that I've gathered. So that is part of the LEGACY I'm leaving my family to know more about their ancestors' lives. It's fascinating to find new relatives and your genealogy is NEVER DONE. Right now I'm researching a great grand uncle-my mom's grandfather's brother James Madison Johnson and found out he fought and died in the CIVIL WAR in 1865 with the Ohio military forces as did his brother who also was killed. Their brother Wm. Marion Johnson stay ed a home to care for their widowed mother in Millcreek Williams County, Ohio What sadness that must have been for that family. There are many stories that died with the people involved.

Where are your ancestors from and what do you know about them? Would you like to know more?

Look Forward not BACK...

I happened upon this wonderful talk that has such good advice given by one of my favorite church leaders Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland. He was my boss as President of BYU when I worked in the Lee Library back in 1982 and I named my last son Jeffrey after this dynamite leader.  What he says relates to my resolution for this year...To let go of REGRETS. He says:

FAITH POINTS TO THE FUTURE

As a new year begins and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives.

Happy New Year again

Got my lone rabbit statue a companion for the new year....

LOOKING BACK...what were ten of your most amazing accomplishments or challenges this PAST YEAR. Here's mine:

1. Health issues-knee and eye problems certainly remind me that I hit my 75th birthday this year.

2. Winning recognition in poetry at Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery show, and Southern Quill competition.

3. Work with the Utah State Poetry Society-organizing the 6th annual Poetry in the Park, 5th annual Youth Poetry Contest, becoming UTSPS Chapter Coordinator and starting a newBLOG for them

4. CRUISE to ALASKA with Dan and family––a once in a lifetime experience.

5. Opportunities to serve in a church calling as 1st Counselor to a new RS president.