RootsTech 2016 Giveaway Winner - Cyler Preece

Cyler Preece

Congratulations to the winner of my FREE RootsTech 2016 Registration - Cyler Preece!

Cyler Preece is a country boy from the small town of Morgan, Utah where he was born and raised along with many of his relatives. He has recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and a minor in Communication. For his future career he plans on owning his own marriage and family therapy practice where he can strengthen family bonds. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Rachel and his adorable little boy Porter; who can melt your heart just from his adorable smile. Cyler was introduced to family history from his mother in-law Vickie who has spent many years working at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. He is currently assisting a friend with research who is wanting to discover her family roots as well. Cyler is excited for the opportunity to attend RootsTech 2016 so he can learn the best practices of how to research his family history.

I recently learned that Cyler and my husband are related. They are 3C2R. Their common ancestors are Thomas Archibald and Elizabeth Russell Archibald.

Thank you to those who entered my 1st giveaway contest here on my blog. I hope to have other giveaways in the future.

This was my first time using Rafflecopter to run the giveaway. To select the winner the Rafflecopter software utilizes Random.org to ensure true randomness. Also in order to boost the views to my giveaway, I utilized Facebook Ads for the first time. My Facebook post about the giveaway received 2110 views of which 444 were from the sponsored post. Of the 444 views I received 23 actions (clicks, likes, and shares). I learned a lot from running that Ad (target audience, keywords, expectations, etc).

For some more numbers, that may be interesting only to me:
34 people entered the giveaway
131 entries from those 34 people

One of the entry options of my giveaway was to come back to my blog everyday and read another post; which resulted in two additional entries each day.

The winner had 7 entries. The most entries had by one person was 19!

EACH RootsTech Ambassador has a free registration to giveaway. One of the Ambassadors is attempting to keep track of everyone's giveaway. You can visit Tami at Relatively Curious to see what other giveaways are available. Check back often as she is working to keep her list updated as each Ambassador launches their giveaway.

Thank you again for participating in my giveaway! I look forward to seeing you at RootsTech 2016!

Light May Shine Upon Them

“Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will fall from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their children here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties.”

 – President Joseph F. Smith, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 1998, p. 247.

Memory Jogger Monday - December 7

Earth and Moon

What are some of your life philosophies or life views that you would share with others?

I have always liked the philosophy that we are "spiritual beings having a mortal experience."

Sometimes it is hard to remember that this Earth life is really not our home. We came into mortality (Earth life) from the presence of our Heavenly Father as His spiritual offspring. We took upon ourselves physical Earthy bodies and our body is the veil that covered us (the spirit) and also caused us to forget our pre-mortal life. As we go throughout mortality we strive to live in the world, but not be part of the world.

I really like this line from the Hymn - More Holiness Give Me:

More purity give me,

More strength to o'ercome,

More freedom from earth-stains,

More longing for home.

More fit for the kingdom,

More used would I be,

More blessed and holy--

More, Savior, like thee.

I have experienced many times that "longing for home". And that wishing for "more freedom from earth-stains". There are times that I have glimpses of eternity and during those times the "worldliness" around me really irritates me. Even little petty things like common bumper stickers.

Being immersed in family history and temple work helps me keep my focus that I'm a "spiritual being having a mortal experience." As I work to find my ancestors and provide needed temple ordinances, my life is put into proper perspective. I really love this quote. It sums up my feelings.

“There really can be a bond and a sense of belonging that tie together generations on both sides of the veil. This bond gives us a sense of identity and purpose. Our ties with the eternal world suddenly become very real, sharpening our life’s focus and lifting our expectations.” 

– Bruce C. Hafen, “Planting Promises in the Hearts of the Children”, Ensign, June 1994, p. 48.

See this post for more information about "Memory Jogger Monday": 

Writing a Personal History or Keeping a Journal

I Promise You Will Love Them

Back: Left to Right - Lucinda Pierce Pendleton, Maria Ann Jakeman Pierce
Front: Left to Right - Alice Crompton Jackson, Lucinda Pendleton, Maria Jackson Jakeman
Venice, Utah 1904

“... I seriously doubt that you will ever turn your own heart more to your own fathers than by writing your family history. You must know a lot about them before you can write it. This will lead you to much in-depth research. I promise you will love them when you become acquainted with them. They were noble people, and they sacrificed much to give you the heritage you have today. They deserve the best you can give them, which of course is membership in the Church and the kingdom of God and the sealing of their loved ones to them.” 

– Hartman Rector, Jr, “Turning the Hearts,” Ensign, April 1981.