Truth is Untouchable Unchangeable, and Absolute
Irish/Scotch Ancesters
St. Patricks Day Special
I have been working on genealogy off and on for many years.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve in a part time mission working virtually with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where I am learning so much about history and the way people migrated to the United States.
Since St Patricks day is aproaching, I would like to share some of what I have learned…….
Many common names now have an Irish/Scotch immigration origin . Eg. O'Riely, McDougal, MacGyver, etc......
Did Irish Immigrants change their names?
Mac, Mc. O' all in Gailic mean "Son of"
Ni means "Daughter of"
Names were also used as descriptions of the people that bore them:
McAllen, Allen meaning "handsome"
Brian O'Brian meaning "Brian Jr."
The very fiest recorded instance of an Irish person using a surname (they probably used them earlier, but this is the earliest recorded instance of it), was in 916 AD in Galway. The user of the surname was a Lord who called himself Tigherneach Ua Cleirigh. The "Ua" later became the modern O'. This Lord's descendants are the modern day O'Cleary families. When the Normans invaded Ireland in 1169, many Irish families using an O' Mc, or Mac surname changed it to the Latin Version of "sonof", which was Fitz, as this is what the Normans used. Other famillies kept their Gaelic surnames in spite of their oppression by the Normans.
Occupations became a factor in using surnames;
The ancient equivalent of giving someone their business
card. A baker, cooper, fisher, butler, thatcher, mason, smith, and wright all had ready surnames in their occupations
Surnames from a person or family's geographical location was another way:
A person who lived on ar near mountians or a hill may use "Hill" as a surname. The same goes with dales, or valleys, and rivers would use or incorporate those features into their surnames. Montgomery ("Mont", or mountain) and Mondale ("Dale")
In the 1500's when a new Protestant religion from England suppressed traditional Irish Catholicism, Protestants from England were given Irish lands and moved there, making the Irish second-class citizens in their own country. To adapt to their new circumstances, many Irish families Anglicized their surnames, allowing them to fit in with their new English neighbors. So names like O'Ceallaigh became Kelly, O'Murchadha became Murphy, and MacGabhann became Smith. The English who were their boss's and landlords were able to pronounce Anglicized surnames better than traditional Gaelic ones.
As you can see, learning the history of Irish surnames has helped me in my research into the Irish, Scotish, and English families who immigrated in the 1800's
This is a great explanation of what many Irish women immigants wen't through
Judge Not Least Ye Be Judged!
When I was a teen, even though I never wavered on my faith in Jesus Christ I began to rebel. My Daddy was over protective, many of his fears ruled his life. I was his only girl and he was terrified of losing me. We didn’t have money to do things like my friends did. I knew my parents loved me. They taught me about Jesus. Who he was and that he was with me at all times to turn to. I was different; a little over weight and being brought up by Parents as old as other kid’s grandparents. So from day one I was bullied by the kids at school and then those same kids that went to my Church, along with adults both in my family and in my church who tried to suppress me, saying I was spoiled and that I didn’t deserve anything, People wouldn’t sit by me because I smelled of ciggarett smoke because my Daddy smoked and didn’t come to Church much. I was always passed by for solos and taking a part in programs at school and in church. I began to doubt my self worth. The only ones that encouraged me to sing, create and develop my talents were my mom and dad. My Dad was a cartoon and a letter artist. He taught me many things about art and encouraged me to draw, paint. He bought me my first camera at age 9 and set me loose. My mom was a seemstress, did embrodery, and knew music. She would sing to me and with me since I was a baby. The taught me to look for beauty in everything and everyone.
All I wanted was to spread my wings and experience the beauties of the world and be accepted for who I was… a free spirit. Instead, I was judged and condemned by people all around me, in my school, church, and even extended family. I quit going to church as a teen (to my mother’s dismay), but never doubted the gospel and my Savior. I did loose faith in the people. They preached truth but only practiced the parts that were for show. They judged me and assumed because I didn’t go to church and be a “goody-goody” that I was going the other extreme; drugs, boose, sleeping around etc…..I wasn’t. But some of the other kids my age were, and still going to church pretending to be goody goodys and treating me like dirt.
40 years later…
Today, I understand so much more. We are all people at different stages of learning. Even Joseph Smith and the brethren of the Priesthood that worked with him, were human and they made mistakes. Sometimes bad judgment, sometimes actions out of necessity, sometimes just being human. Really in the whole scheem of things It does not matter. This is what we are here for…to make the mistakes and learn to repent and do better right? The important miracle they did is to establish Jesus’s Church and Priesthood back upon the Earth. Enabling us to prepare the way for the King to return. Bottom line is that the LDS Church is Christian and Jesus is at the Helm! The Church is here to help all humanity to come together as Christians, all churches to prepare for his coming and to help establish His Kingdom upon the earth. Russel M. Nelson is The Prophet! Not just over the Church, but for all God’s children upon the earth. I believe with all my heart that He does commune with Jesus Christ, he doesn’t judge others, he is humble and he listens to the Savior and gives the messages to the people what the Savior wants him to just as the prophets of old.
Things were recorded in history by people with their own interpretations that were probably way off in many cases. I am now seeing all over people, even members of the church, wasting their time looking up these histories and twisting them to put doubt in each others hearts about the validity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Devil and his followers (one third of the host of heaven who were our brothers and sisters at one time), are now working harder than ever to stop God’s children (us) from receiving the gifts that God has for us. This is the ultimate war and each and every person on this earth will be forced to take a side. Jesus wants us to be free to love and live with Him in joy for all eternity’ He came to earth and set an example and paved the way for us.
Satan wants to destroy our souls, by getting us to give up our own birth right, to take us down with him to be slaves to our own misery for eternity. There are no punishments, only consequences of choice. Jesus can and will help. God created this world and everything in it, including us. Trials, pain, and suffering is a part of this world. God does not punish, people punish, Jesus heals and gives us strength to overcome. But only if we look to Him and let him by learning of Him, not tell Him, trust and let Him Love Us…
We all have freedom of choice (which is from God). Those who chose to take what other men say as “their truth” and not believe the fact that Jesus is the only way to eternal life with God, isn’t going to change the real truth and what is coming.
I find myself wanting to shout from the tops of the buildings “come on people, why are you allowing Satan and his minions to blind you to the truth? You are wasting time! Jesus is coming back and we need to prepare our hearts. Now is the time to apply His teachings, His love and forgiveness. Concentrate on loving one another, and Loving Him and trusting Him! Look for Him!!!” See the Truth! Point your Heart to the truth! See the truth in all that you do! See Jesus!
He is the truth and light!
Pandemic
What does the word Pandemic mean to you? When I look at the word Pandemic I see first the word “Panic” which is what we saw in the streets, the media, and pretty much in the world. Pandemic means much death, suffering and sickness.
To others it means other things; job loss, isolation, starvation, loss… I could go on. This has been a very difficult year. But it also has been a year of miracles. They don’t report on the news those who have recovered from CoVid-19, those who have found God, or become closer to God by helping those who suffering.
I invite others to please tell what positive things that have happened to them due to this Pandemic. Please search your heart and share ….
Graphical Location does not necessarily define the Church.
No, Utah is not my church, The politics suck ….I don’t believe in “what many call Mormonism”, and please never describe me as “Churchy”.
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Jesus Christ is my Savior and Friend. He hears all of my prayers. He comforts me. I believe that He is at the helm of this Church but that He is also is watching over all of His children. I believe that music has a great power and that it played a very large part of the creation of this world and everything in it.
I believe that nothing happens by accident and that everything we are and everything we own first belongs to God. It is by his grace that we are able to take part in this amazing creation.
Most of all I know that I am a Child of God and that He Loves me.
In The Name of Jesus Christ …. Amen