My Mom and Dad are now in their mid 80’s and with each day that goes by I feel more keenly the need to capture their history and insights about life for myself, my children, and beyond. I am no family history expert, but I do know that I could sit for hours and listen to my parents tell stories about the “good ol’ days.” Lately I’ve been thinking it’s time to actually do something about preserving these memories and life lessons. I’ve been doing some research into it and realized that in this digital day and age it’s never been easier to accomplish this.
In the past, if you wanted to conduct a personal history interview, and record it for posterity, it involved a lot of klunky and complicated equipment. Today all you need is a smartphone and access to some storage (in the cloud or on a hard drive.) You might also need a little guidance, but a quick internet search will provide you with endless inspiration for how to do a “life interview” of a loved one.
Just think how happy it would make your mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, etc. to have someone really listen to them while they take a trip down memory lane. The best gift you can give someone, especially the elderly, is to listen to them. When you take the time to listen, you are telling that person that what they’ve done, and the things they care about are important.
Anyone can create a life story for themselves or a loved one. It’s as simple as setting aside some time and really listening.
Here are a few tips for a successful life story interview and a list of questions to get you started:
–Prepare your questions in advance.
–Set aside a quiet time and place free from interruptions and test your equipment before starting.
–Ask open-ended questions like: Tell me about… Describe… What was it like when… In what ways…. Why…. and How…
–Start with easy, friendly questions and work your way up to more difficult or sensitive questions.
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–Listen carefully to what the person says; don’t interrupt or correct. Maintain eye contact and show interest by leaning forward and nodding.
–Photos, mementos, or other visual aids are great memory-joggers, have some ready if necessary.
–Don’t try to force any subject they are uncomfortable discussing. If the person doesn’t want to talk about something, just go to the next question.
–As you listen to answers, other questions will come to mind. Asking follow-up questions will help you get more information.
–An interview shouldn’t last more than about an hour. People do best when they’re not tired. You can always do another interview.
–Organize life stories into chapters. Most people love to share stories from their lives but the challenge is to capture the stories in a structured, logical way. GreatLifeStories.com organizes life stories into 12 chapters that are logical and chronological and are a great way to structure your interview.
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Here are some suggested questions following the “12 Chapters” format:
CHAPTER 1: In the Beginning
What were your parents and grandparents full names, dates of birth, places of birth.
What were the occupations of your parents?
How many children were in your family? Where were you in the lineup?
Generally speaking, what was your childhood like?
What one or two stories do you remember most clearly about your childhood?
Are there any particularly happy, funny, sad or instructive lessons you learned while growing up?
CHAPTER 2: In Your Neighborhood
What was it like where you grew up?
Describe your most important friendships
Where and how did “news of your neighborhood” usually flow?
CHAPTER 3: School Days
What are your earliest school day memories?
Are there any teachers or subjects you particularly liked or disliked?
What did you learn in those first years of school that you would like to pass along to the next generation?
Were you involved in sports, music, drama, or other extra-curricular activities?
CHAPTER 4: Off to Work
What did you want to be when you grew up?
What was your first job, and how did you get it?
What was your first boss like? What did you learn from him or her?
Did you leave? Quit? Get promoted? Get fired?
Were you ever out of work for a long time? If so, how did you handle it?
CHAPTER 5: Romance & Marriage
What do you recall about your first date?
How did you know you were really in love?
Tell me how you “popped the question,” or how it was popped to you.
Tell me about your wedding ceremony. What year? Where? How many attended?
Honeymoon?
Tell me about starting your family.
CHAPTER 6: Leisure and Travel
What were the most memorable family vacations or trips you can recall?
What leisure time activities were you involved with?
What are your greatest accomplishments in this field?
CHAPTER 7: Religion
What was your family’s religious affiliation?
Where did you go to church?
What religious ceremonies did you take part in?
What role do your beliefs play in your life today?
What would you tell your children about your faith?
CHAPTER 8: War & Peace
Were you a volunteer, drafted?
If you didn’t serve, what do you recall about being on the home front during the war?
What key moments do you recall about your service?
What would you tell today’s young soldiers, sailors and fliers?
CHAPTER 9: Triumph and Tragedy
What were the most joyous, fulfilling times of your life?
Any sad, tragic or difficult times you’d care to share such as losing a loved one, a job, or something you cared about?
What lifelong lessons did you learn from these tough times? Joyous times?
Were there any moments you recall as true breakthroughs in any area of your life?
If you could do one thing differently in your life, what would that be?
CHAPTER 10: Words of Wisdom
What have you learned over your lifetime that you’d like to share with the younger generation?
Do you have a philosophy of life? What’s your best piece of advice for living?
If they respond with platitudes like “honesty is the best policy,” be sure to ask how they learned that life lesson.
CHAPTER 11: Fun and Games
What were your family’s favorite jokes or pranks?
Who is, or was, the family comedian?
What’s the funniest family story you remember?
CHAPTER 12: Gratitude
What are you most grateful for in your life?
How have you taught your children to be grateful?
Are there items or places that mark special gratitude for you? What are they? What are their stories?
When concluding your interview ask, “Is there anything I haven’t asked about that you would like to talk about?” You might be surprised at the answers! 🙂
Knowing your family’s story and where you came from is a treasure. If you make a point of recording and/or writing down your family story it is something that will be cherished for generations.
Since 1876, members of the Royal Choral Society have made their way to the Royal Albert Hall almost every Good Friday to perform Handel’s Messiah. The concert has only been cancelled twice before, due to the London Blitz (1940/1). Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic means the 144th performance cannot go ahead this year. However, determined to recognise this important tradition and bring it to homes around the world, the choir will be performing ‘together’ in isolation. This Good Friday, music lovers are invited to join in singing Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ at 16:35:00 (UK BST) as it was planned to have been sung at the Royal Albert Hall. This special performance will be led by a video of the Royal Choral Society singing from their own homes. Music Director Richard Cooke introduces the project via this video.
and…
ROYAL CHORAL SOCIETY: Hallelujah Chorus in isolation #Messiah2020
The Royal Choral Society performed the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah virtually this Good Friday, continuing a Royal Albert Hall tradition that has been going for 144 years – broken only by the Blitz in 1940/1. Following the cancellation of this year’s annual performance due to Covid-19, members formed a virtual choir to allow audiences everywhere to enjoy this Easter institution. The choir invited the public to join them in singing the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ at 4:35pm (BST) on Good Friday 10 April 2020. 82 members of the Royal Choral Society filmed themselves singing their own voice part solo in their own homes, and the videos were then stitched together, and shared as part of the Royal Albert Hall’s #RoyalAlbertHome series. Conductor Richard Cooke joined from his garden, with Richard Pearce – regular organist for the Last Night of the Proms – providing accompaniment. The Royal Choral Society is a registered charity but receives no funding, relying mostly on ticket sales. Many 2020 Messiah ticket holders have kindly donated their refunds to the choir. Donations can be made via the choir’s website www.royalchoralsociety.co.uk Thanks to the Royal Albert Hall and Karma studios for their assistance in bringing this together.
Steve Martin… 1 day ago
Spectacular!! An astounding feat of talent and technology. The skills of listening so well to the rest of the group and having prepared so professionally are truly elite abilities hard-earned.
When you have “Grand-Children” EASTER is like CHRISTMAS, go to CHURCH as a FAMILY… and stop by a RESTAURANT for BREAKFAST or… make that a great big BREAKFAST, since for and during all of LENT… everyone was on a low food intake and did without a lot of the regular “FAST FOODS” while just trying to be ever mindful of the “season” and trying to do with less food… make that, a whole lot more of doing… without than at any other time of the year!
So… in the PHOTO below, we see “ALYSSA” and as you can see… she is not being disturbed by the number of relatives, coming in and bringing “EASTER GIFTS” for her and her sister, “JAIME”.
Whatever she is doing… nothing is stopping her from this very important task, that she is working on… so that it will be done ‘right’ because… I know “ALYSSA” and she is very thorough in completing… that which is most important, as it must be done with precision.
This next PHOTO is of “JAIME” and she is a year younger, and has all the qualities as “ALYSSA,” as she learns by watching what others do… and usually ends up doing a much faster job, since both girls work together on so many projects.
In my book… it is so wonderful to have a sister so close in age, that you both can do things much better, since there is something in that old saying, “two heads are better than one” and I believe… that my two “GRAND-DAUGHTERS” are “A # 1” in all that they do together.
“HAPPY EASTER” to everyone… and do remember that the “ALMIGHTY YAHWEH” is the LIFE of this world and “YAHSHUA the Messiah,” is the real reason for celebrating with… HIS VICTORY over DEATH! D.V.
Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this…. The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. . The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin. Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, ‘They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and I don’t know where they have put him!’ Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stopped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying to the side. Was that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes! In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.. Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, “I’m finished..” But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because………. The folded napkin meant, “I’m coming back!”
RESEARCH ON THIS STORY
John didn’t explain the meaning of the folded napkin in his gospel (John 20:7) Personally I believe the Lord folded the napkin to show that His departure was an orderly and voluntary act. It was proof that the tomb had not been robbed and His body had not been stolen, as some later claimed.
Back in the days of Jesus, the Jews, the Persians, the Greeks and the Romans did not sit on upright chairs around the dining table with their legs underneath the table to dine as is portrayed by Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous painting, “The Last Supper”. Much like the Japanese people would sit on the floor around a low table to dine or they would recline on couches or cushions around a low table to dine. They would usually recline on one side while eating with one hand. There were no forks, no spoons and no knives on the table and certainly there was no table napkin.
So this story is just something possibly someone made up. We may not know the true reason why right now, but in due time when we are in heaven we may know the reason why. The search I found there is nothing about folded napkin as a Jewish tradition.
If you check out BibleGateway, you can see the various versions of that Verse John 20:7. (Just click on parallel). I seen it say burial cloth, cloth, napkin, face cloth, wrapping, handkerchief, and grave cloth. It also said in some versions it was wrapped, folded, and rolled.
Also doing research for “Jewish Folded Napkin” never came up with anything. So this I would say was never a custom of the Jewish faith. If you know differently, feel free to share and your resource to that place.
But never the less, there is No Bones About It! Jesus is Alive! He died to save us from our sins and overcame death and arose from the dead. I used an image of the 2012’s Trail to Empty Tomb from New Market Baptist Church instead of a burial cloth. Yes, Jesus is coming back! He will return! But the folded napkin back then may not have any significance. Like I said, God may reveal that purpose one day to us on the true meaning. Not just speculations.
Pastor Bob Neal mentioned a different meaning … It was used by carpenters to mean the job is finished and I will return to settle. We know Jesus was a carpenter and Jesus knew Peter would know. It was said to be folded in a special way that only carpenters would fold it.
Just the other day…found on Facebook… Jaime and her husband, Tyler…. and then , below the Daughter and Father singing. I just thought that Jaime and the singer below look a little bit like each other… and I know that our “Jaime” has a beautiful voice too… so just in case… others can see what I see… what do you think?
and….
Daddy Daughter Duet – The Prayer
“The following are some of the comments … that I found on YouTube”…
This is the kind of daughter every man needs, and the kind of dad every daughter needs.
The whole world also needs this song.
This is just what the world needs right now! A father singing with his daughter!! Nothing more beautiful!!!
This young woman certainly gives Celine Dion a run for her money. I actually prefer this version to the original. Savanna’s voice has an innocence and purity that most professional singers lose. I can’t stop listening to this. Please stay this sweet and don’t let anyone come along and “train” you out of this natural, beautiful talent to sing. Thank you fir the joy you are bringing.
Sarah Jane Roberts 1 day ago
I have never heard the English version of this song, as a musician I have only ever known the Italian and English version, this is beautiful, so pure and just what the world needs right now. I am not religious at all, but I do simply adore this piece of music! Thank you to you both for adding light to the world! Much love from a lockdown mother of 3, in the UK, who’s partner is on the covid front line as a respiratory specialist, you brought a smile in the gloom xxx
After registering for the race of a LIFE time… you need to plan on a few things to make sure, that you will WIN! Usually there are those preparation steps… first there are the rules and regulations, an owner’s manual, an instructor, and best of all…. the finish line!
You will be first a member of your own “FAMILY” … where you will be receiving the first instructions concerning the..True Way and Love for the True Almighty Yahweh – Your Creator… who knew you before you were even a thought to your… Earthly Family!
You will be very young and in a basic learning mode… but with time and study… you will see the destination and realize your “GOAL” as you get near the finish line.
Messiah
In Abrahamic religions, a messiah or messias is a saviour or liberator of a group of people. The concepts of moshiach, messianism, and of a Messianic Age originated in Judaism, and in the Hebrew Bible; a moshiach is a king or High Priest traditionally anointed with holy anointing oil. Messiahs were not exclusively Jewish: the Book of Isaiah refers to Cyrus the Great, king of the Achaemenid Empire, as a messiah for his decree to rebuild the Jerusalem Temple.
At this time of the year… when we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah – we have a chance to check out where we stand in the race of a LIFE-TIME… are we checking to see if we are staying on course? Is the road straight and narrow… are we remembering that our real TREASURE to receive … for running this course… is to enjoy ETERNITY for ever with Almighty Yahweh, in His Heavenly Kingdom!
We cannot let ourselves stop along the way to be distracted and fall off course. There are times when the “WAY” seems hard and difficult and we kind of rest and get lazy and fall… but we need to work with each other in the “RACE OF a LIFE-TIME” – staying strong encouraging others also to stay the course. We really need to have a daily time to read our “MANUAL” the one called the “BIBLE” – because everything is in it that we need.
Isn’t it wonderful… to have your own personal “BIBLE”… which you can read daily and see just exactly what the inspired word is for you to follow?
It is all there and TODAY is the DAY to pick your BIBLE up and get the “WORD” written just for you to keep on the WINNER‘s WAY for an everlasting life that was planned just for your eternal LIFE in HEAVEN!
“TIME is going by so fast… let us all stay in the RACE to the Finish Line… and all meet in Heaven!”
If you want to start reading… some where… and do not know where… open your Bible to the book titled, “Deuteronomy” … check it out… read it several times… read with a friend … ask questions… talk about the verse you do not understand… check your Concordance.
Today’s times are calling for all of us … to WAKE UP… be among those that check the WORD to know the TRUTH!
