Family History: What do you want?

[Fether]

With the advent of the “ordinance ready” button on our phones, what exactly is expected of us to do with family history? Is it just indexing and going to the temple? If we are participating in one or both of those, are we doing all that we need to when it comes to family history?

[Duncan]

rather than hunting around Family Search looking for a family name the option is now available that it's all laid out for you, so you know, basically, who needs what ordinance. Indexing is an option, it's one part of finding names to take to the temple, not the only option. I find records and index them myself and just read them off of a register or whatever. Family history though is more than names and dates it's what kind of life did they lead and if you can find that out that's pretty cool too. 

[Fether]

50 minutes ago, Duncan said:

rather than hunting around Family Search looking for a family name the option is now available that it's all laid out for you, so you know, basically, who needs what ordinance. Indexing is an option, it's one part of finding names to take to the temple, not the only option. I find records and index them myself and just read them off of a register or whatever. Family history though is more than names and dates it's what kind of life did they lead and if you can find that out that's pretty cool too. 

I understand the “cool” factor. I have some great family history stories and conversions I have come across. Is there a spiritual aspect to learning about our ancestors or some sort of doctrinal necessity? Or is it all I. The name of showing appreciation?

[Duncan]

5 minutes ago, Fether said:

I understand the “cool” factor. I have some great family history stories and conversions I have come across. Is there a spiritual aspect to learning about our ancestors or some sort of doctrinal necessity? Or is it all I. The name of showing appreciation?

ah, get to know these people and how you came to be where you are. I don't know if it's "spiritual" per se but at some day and age we'll meet these people, hopefully, and it would be nice to know something about them. There is a quotation I love from Pres. George F. Richards, 

"I love my grandparents, for they gave my parents life and existence, and made it possible for me to live and enjoy the blessings I enjoy today. And just as well I love all my forebears; no matter how far back they may be traced they belong to me and I to them. I love them. As I become more acquainted with them, by genealogical research and by doing for them the necessary work for their salvation, in the temple of the Lord, I love them more." April 1935 General Conference

[CV75]

2 hours ago, Fether said:

I understand the “cool” factor. I have some great family history stories and conversions I have come across. Is there a spiritual aspect to learning about our ancestors or some sort of doctrinal necessity? Or is it all I. The name of showing appreciation?

I've thought about this, too -- I believe expanding our personal affections in this regard are a spiritual gift that unites souls across the veil and thus gathers Israel / unites Zion. As to the OP, there is always shoe-leather research that can be done.

[LoudmouthMormon]

I gained a deeper appreciation for this stuff, after talking to numerous secular folks about their families.  I start sharing stories about the original LM that immigrated from Europe, and how the genealogy tells me a story back 200 years, and the DNA tests tell me more story from 300-500 years.  I've seen people react with awe, wonder, envy, and a certain kind of nervous sadness that seems related to discovering a part of your soul you never knew you had until that moment.  Or like when you suddenly discover you want to have children, after a lifetime of not giving children a second's thought.