Family Search's Fresh new look for Resolving Duplicates (with Video)

If you have ever gone to reserve names for the temple, but couldn't, and instead got the message "possible duplicates exist," this post is for you. It can also get you one step closer to finding more of your ancestors in a more accurate way.

Resolving and merging duplicates can be fraught with anxiety, however merging duplicates, when done right, can actually help the global family tree, and make sure fragmented families are connected.

Now Family Search updated a bit ago, and it has a new, fresh look, and merging is a bit different, so I wanted to share this video that walks you through the changes.  

One note. If you make a mistake and merge people that are actually different people, you can reverse that, so it's not something to be afraid of.  That being said, it's still important to make sure dates and data match up so you don't merge people who are actually separate people (birth dates can be off by a year because census records can sometimes be off by a year).   

This can be done on the Family Search website or the Family Tree Mobile App, however I prefer the website.  However, feel free to use whichever you prefer, as the layouts are similar.

As President Nelson said, this is the work of Almighty God, and will help prepare the world for the second coming of our Savior. It is one way of many that we can Let God Prevail in our lives.  Here's the Video
 

If you have never done Family History on Family Search, I've done a 10 Minute Quick Start Guide on another post. 

Begin your story at Discover your story on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website.

Picture of the Logan Utah Temple in Wintertime is courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

My Heavenly Experience on the Temple Grounds - an invitation for all

I had the most wonderful experience today. Though temples are still closed to proxy ordinances (thought that may be changing soon), I decided to drive to a temple that is close by, and just sit there on the grounds.

A Beacon of Light

The grounds were beautiful, the temple was elegant, and shone like a beacon of light. And it wasn't just the building that shone, it was the spirit.  I felt the spirit in a way I haven't since temples closed for proxy ordinances.

Love from our Heavenly Home here on Earth

I felt the Love of the Lord, and I felt a peace that cannot be obtained anywhere else on earth. I felt like I was in my heavenly home for the first time since the start of the pandemic.  

I have so missed the temple. but even if we can't go inside, we can still feel of the spirit of the temple as we will go there, and sit on the temple grounds.  It is still a place of prayer, and a place dedicated to the Lord.  And angels attend as we go there, even if we can't go inside.

An invitation to go to the temple

So, I recommend the following as an individual or a family activity with your children, parents, or friends.  Perhaps today, or in the next week or couple of weeks just go to your local temple, and just spend some time on the grounds.  Perhaps you go on a Saturday or a weekday.  You may wish to call your local temple first before you go and ask when their grounds are open.  And you will want to follow safe social distancing guidelines. 

How the House of the Lord can fill us with God's love

My heart is full. I still feel the peace of the temple filling my day with the light of Christ, and the comfort of his love.  And I want to share that, and I know the Lord wants to share that love with his children.

God Lives. This work still goes on. And we can still feel of the peace of the temple as we wait for them to open to proxy ordinances.  With all my heart, I encourage you to do that, if you are able to.

Find your local temple on the Member tools App for Apple or Android, or on the church website.  Discover your story on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website.   

Picture Courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Media Library

Until Temples Open, or if you can't go to one right now, Discover an easy way to engage in Family History Work if you have never done it with this 10 minute quick start guide with video.