After experiencing my own parent's divorce, and being married now almost 31 years, - I can attest to the fact, that MARRIAGE was never meant to be easy! For members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who makeeternal covenants in Holy Temples, the pressure to succeed in marriage is even greater. But, as many of you know, regardless of the desire to have a successful marriage -- DIVORCE happens.
Loving someone, is a product of committing ourselves to a common goal. In LDS MARRIAGE, that "goal" is to create and maintain our earthly family unit. In order to have that ultimate eternal family in the future, it requires work here, and now. And, a lot of it! Oh sure, there are the few marriages out there, where never a voice is ever raised, nor an argument had -- but mine, is not one of them.
Let me just say, that I am married to a nearly perfect man. There have been times, that I have tried to convince myself otherwise, when circumstances in our marriage were particularly challenging. It is always so much easier, when we can point the finger toward our spouse, for the problems we are having as a partnership.
Time and experience have taught me, that as individuals, we can be pretty great people -- even "nearly" perfect. However, throw the two of them into a marriage, and boy do the weaknesses expose themselves! And you know what? That's exactly one of the very important PURPOSES OF MARRIAGE! MARRIAGE is meant to help us as individuals become something better. Marriage is intended to stretch us, beyond our comfort zone. Marriage, when committed to - can become a revelation of who we are, and what we are destined to BECOME!
“Faithfulness to the marriage covenant brings the fullest joy here and glorious rewards hereafter” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 533–34)
COMMITMENT IS LOVE, of the very deepest kind. If you have ever taken a FALL, it was most likely not intended. We don't go out and mean to "fall" in love. We just DO. Because this kind of love, just happens. It's a natural part of life. So, we fall in love, and decide then to get married. Sigh.
That which is of great worth, NEVER comes easy. It is not possible for us to feel deeply committed to something, IF it does not require a challenge. Marriage is meant to challenge us as individuals.
"That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." John 17:21-26
LDS MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE -- THE REALITY
In our marriages, as challenging as they may be -- as we apply the principles of the ATONEMENT, we literally witness the Divinity of Jesus Christ, and Glorify God!
When all is said and done, that's a pretty good way to live our lives...
With Independence Day upon us, one can't help but think of the wonderful FREEDOMS that citizens of the United States enjoy, above all other countries. As Latter-day Saints, we have a unique view of the importance of this country, in the winding up scenes - prepatory to the Second Coming. To us, "this land" is the "Promised Land", upon which the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in these Last Days - has come forth.
Most Mormons, tend to be very patriotic. We actually believe that the Constitution of the United States, is an inspired document. Meaning, we believe that God prepared specific men to come together at a particular time in the history of the world, to draft such a document. The country founded upon these standards of government, would open the way whereby the original Christian Church could then be re-established in the Last Days. We teach, that this was and is part of a master plan, designed by our Creator.
Through modern revelation God has instructed his Saints,
"I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land; And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil." (D&C 98:6,7,10)
Because of this, members of the LDS Church feel a responsibility to uphold and defend the Constitution. You could almost say that we have been "called" to this work. For us, the U.S. Constitution is a divine document - and when we see anyone striving to either add to it, or take away from it - our "red flag" must go up! When we see this happening, we need to remember what the Lord warned us to watch out for -- which is -- "whatsoever is more or less than these cometh of evil".
The Constitution of the United States, is for us - the LAW of this LAND! Our laws are enforced by those individuals that we grant power -- through the process of free elections. Each one of us, personally, have a responsibility to understand the principles upon which the U.S. Constitution was founded. In doing so, we will find that these are "righteous" principles. Our "job" is to make sure that we are governed through righteous leadership.
It is evident as we observe our current unstable conditions, that it is clearly the result of NOT having those in office who reverence and respect these righteous principles, upon which the U.S. Constitution was founded. Daily, we see EVIL in government. We see an overall lack of morals, in society at large, which is reflected right back at us, in our governing officials.
Personally, I have a renewed commitment to more fully understand the principles upon which this great country was founded. I have a testimony that God has placed us here, specifically - to be guardians of righteousness. I'm also thankful to those who DO understand clearly what is happening in the world today -- and are speaking out. More of us need to do so -- and we can't, unless we become better educated.
Even if POLITICS is not really your thing, it is interesting to see how we are being pulled into this arena, because of the lack of MORALITY in society. So, just as the issue of same-sex marriage for members of the Church, is NOT political, but MORAL - so too, are the principles of righteous government.
I hold dear to my heart, my own personal testimony of the prophet, Joseph Smith Jr. That testimony has developed over my life, as I have come to know, line upon line, that the gospel of Jesus Christ, as taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is God's authorized Church here upon the earth -- in these Last Days.
A few years ago, I had the blessing and privilege of teaching the Doctrine and Covenants/Church History in both seminary and institute. I spent that year completely submerged in these inspired records. I came to know and better understand "Brother Joseph" in a way, that I had never known before. I can truly say, that I love Joseph Smith. I am grateful for his life, his service, his teachings - and for his willingness to seal his testimony of these truths, with his own blood.
It is through my personal testimony of the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon, as an authentic record brought forth by the prophet, Joseph Smith, that my testimony STANDS. It is a glorious book -- as are the many revelations brought forth by the young prophet, of God.
I look forward to the day, that I can thank Joseph Smith, for his devotion to the Lord, as he fulfilled his mission as prophet of the restoration. Here are just a few profound teachings -- by way of quotes -- made by the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr: First Vision
I retired to a secret place in a grove, and began to call upon the Lord; while fervently engaged in supplication, my mind was taken away from the objects with which I was surrounded, and I was enwrapped in a heavenly vision, and saw two glorious personages, who exactly resembled each other in features and likeness, surrounded with brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noon day. History of the Church 4:535–536
I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true . . . . I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation. Joseph Smith—History 1:25
The Lord does reveal himself to me. I know it. He revealed himself first to me when I was about fourteen years old, a mere boy. . . . I kneeled down, and prayed, saying, 'O Lord, what Church shall I join?' Directly I saw a light, and then a glorious Personage in the light, and then another personage, and the first personage said [of] the second, "Behold this is my beloved Son, hear him." Interview by David Nye White, Aug. 1843, published in "The Prairies, Nauvoo, Joe Smith, the Temple, the Mormons, etc.," The Pittsburgh Weekly Gazette, Sept. 15, 1843, 3; reprinted in The Papers of Joseph Smith, ed. Dean C. Jessee, 2 vols. [1989–92], 1:444 The Godhead
God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what He will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them. History of the Church, 3:380
"I have always declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God the Father, and the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit: and these three constitute three distinct personages and three Gods," (Teachings of Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 370).
When we understand the character of God, and know how to come to Him, he begins to unfold the heavens to us, and to tell us all about it. When we are ready to come to him, he is ready to come to us. History of the Church, 6:308
The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it. History of the Church, 3:30 The Book of Mormon
Let us take the Book of Mormon, which a man took and hid in his field, securing it by his faith, to spring up in the last days, or in due time; let us behold it coming forth out of the ground, which is indeed accounted the least of all seeds, but behold it branching forth, yea, even towering, with lofty branches, and God-like majesty, until it, like the mustard seed, becomes the greatest of all herbs. And it is truth, and it has sprouted and come forth out of the earth, and righteousness begins to look down from heaven, and God is sending down His powers, gifts and angels, to lodge in the branches thereof. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (1976), 98.
I did translate the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God, and it is before the world, and all the powers of earth and hell can never rob me of the honour of it. Quoted in James Palmer, Journal, 75, Church Archives, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah; capitalization modernized.
"I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book," (History of the Church, vol. 4, p. 461). Priesthood, Authority and Baptism
The Savior, Moses and [Elijah] gave the keys to Peter, James and John on the mount, when they were transfigured before him (see Matt.17:1–5). The Priesthood is everlasting—without beginning of days or end of years. . . . The keys have to be brought from heaven whenever the Gospel is sent. . . . How have we come at the Priesthood in the latter days? It came down, down, in regular succession. Peter, James, and John had it given to them and they gave it to others. History of the Church, 3:385–87.
The Melchizedek Priesthood . . . is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation, and every important matter is revealed from heaven. . . . It is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing His glory at the beginning of the creation of this earth, and through which He has continued to reveal Himself to the children of men to the present time, and through which He will make known His purposes to the end of time. History of the Church, 4:207; spelling modernized and paragraph divisions altered.
Whenever men can find out the will of God and find an administrator legally authorized from God, there is the kingdom of God; but where these are not, the kingdom of God is not. All the ordinances, systems, and administrations on the earth are of no use to the children of men, unless they are ordained and authorized of God; for nothing will save a man but a legal administrator; for none others will be acknowledged either by God or angels. History of the Church, 5:259
In the former ages of the world, before the Savior came in the flesh, "the saints" were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to come, because there never was any other name whereby men could be saved; and after he came in the flesh and was crucified, then the saints were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, crucified, risen from the dead and ascended into heaven, that they might be buried in baptism like him, and be raised in glory like him, that as there was but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and father of us all [see Ephesians 4:5?6], even so there was but one door to the mansions of bliss. Times and Seasons, Sept. 1, 1842, 905; spelling modernized.
Missionary Work
We don't ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more. What if all the world should embrace this gospel? They would then see eye to eye, and the blessings of God would be poured out upon the people, which is the desire of my whole soul. History of the Church, 5:259
No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done. History of the Church, 4:540
After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel. History of the Church, 2:478
Our Ancestors
"The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead," (Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, p. 7) Adversity
Hell may pour forth its rage like the burning lava of Mount Vesuvius . . . and yet shall "Mormonism" stand. . . . God is the author of it. He is our shield. . . . It was by Him we received the Book of Mormon; and it is by Him that we remain unto this day; and by Him we shall remain, if it shall be for our glory; and in His Almighty name we are determined to endure tribulation as good soldiers unto the end. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (1976), 139.
Prayer
When we understand the character of God, and know how to come to Him, he begins to unfold the heavens to us, and to tell us all about it. When we are ready to come to him, he is ready to come to us. History of the Church, 6:308 Revelation
The plea of many in this day is, that we have no right to receive revelations; but if we do not get revelations, we do not have the oracles [prophets] of God; and if they have not the oracles of God, they are not the people of God. . . . Jesus in His teachings says, 'Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.' What rock? Revelation. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (1976), 272, 274.
Jesus Christ
22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! 23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father— 24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God. Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:22-24 President Thomas S. Monson Testifies Of The Prophet, Joseph
You may not realize this, but YOU ARE WHAT YOU SHARE, online! What you choose to SHARE with others, through the use of Social Media, tells the story of YOU! When you send out a "MESSAGE", be it through Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, Email, etc -- you are essentially saying, "Hey Everybody -- THIS is ME!" You are telling others what is IMPORTANT to you. Ultimately, you believe that they will ALSO find it important. If not, WHY would you SHARE it?
Social media is online content created by people using highly accessible and scalable publishing technologies. At its most basic sense, social media is a shift in how people discover, read and share news, information and content. It's a fusion of sociology and technology, transforming monologues (one to many) into dialogues (many to many) and is the democratization of information, transforming people from content readers into publishers. Social media has become extremely popular because it allows people to connect in the online world to form relationships for personal, political and business use..." Wikipedia
Social Networking is about making connections. We CONNECT with those, online - who have similar VALUES AND INTERESTS. We refer to these "connections" as our FRIENDS.
Social Networking In Plain English
In reality, because of the ability to connect with those that we DO know and who REALLY are our friends -- through Social Networking -- we are then able to easily make further connections with others, whom can potentially become good connections, too... even "FRIENDS". The possibilities of finding those with similar interest, values and concern as yours, online - are ENDLESS!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - understands the POWER of Social Networking, and Social Media - for SHARING THE GOSPEL, online. They continue to create and update Official LDS Church Websites, so that we have excellentSocial Media to share with our non-member friends. They have invited members of the Church, to help distribute this media. Each time that we share a video, or an article from an LDS website, a widget, etc... WE are helping to share the gospel online, with our growing Social Network.
The internet is flooded with Social Media, of ALL kinds. It's really very cool. What we choose to share with others on and through our Social Networks, tells others WHAT we think, value and has meaning in our lives. It is a REVELATION, and a record of WHO we ARE!
If we are fortunate enough to have a VOICE - that others are willing to listen to - then WHAT we do SHARE - ought to be ONLY those things which are of "good report".
LDS Video about the LAST DAYS, and some of the stunning and EPIC circumstances and SIGNS -- that testify that we are truly living them -- and MUST PREPARE our families NOW! Here's what Dave, who made this video, had to share about it:
"I have felt strongly the need for this video to be created. --- A friend of mine, Karen Boren, a wonderful author and researcher found the following quotes for me, which prompted me to create this video:
"There was only one time in history, where men were given in marriage to men, and women given in marriage to women. Want to venture a guess as to when? No, it wasn't in Sodom and Gomorrah, although that was my guess. Homosexuality was rampant there, of course, but according to the Talmud, not homosexual marriage. What about ancient Greece? Rome? No. Babylon? No again. The one time in history when homosexual marriage was practiced was during the days of Noah. And according to Satinover, thats what the Babylonian Talmud attributes as the final straw that led to the Flood."WorldNetDaily
"The generation of Noah was condemned to eradication by the flood because they had sunk so low morally, that, according to Midrashic teaching, they wrote out formal marriage contracts for sodomy and buggery--" Leviticus Rabbah 18:13. Quote from "Jewish Bioethics," Dr. Fred Rosner and Rabbi David Bleich, Ktav Publishing House, Israel, December 1999, page 219:
"Now, the video is not about same sex marriage, but it is interesting that we are experiencing all of the same things that happened in the days of Noah. Same-sex marriage laws have been passed recently in Connecticut and Iowa. Vermont and Maine will honor same-sex marriage in September and New Hampshire in January 2010. But rather, it is about the need we have to prepare both spiritually and temporally for what is to come...
"But as it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man; For it shall be with them, as it was in the days which were before the flood; for until the day that Noah entered into the ark they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage; And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be."JST Matthew 41-43.
We Live In The Days Just As In The Time Of Noah: LDS Mormon Prophets And Leaders Warn And Prepare Us
Be sure to visit Dave's YouTube channel and watch more of his well done LDS videos! tDMg Kathryn Skaggs
When I first created this blog, A Well Behaved Mormon Woman - I really didn't know how it would evolve... Just this week, I published my 100th post! Needless to say, I can hardly believe it.
This little blog, has become a sort of personal haven, for me. For those of you who have been following me over the past year or so, you will note that I write on a variety of topics. And that, is exactly why this particular blog of mine, has actually become my favorite place to write. I almost feel guilty saying it. That's not to say, that writing on my other blogs, does not have its rewards, as well. But I was just browsing over those 100 posts, and realized just how much fun I've been having here, with all of YOU! So, thank you so much for hanging out with me:-)
At A Well Behaved Mormon Woman, I write mainly to an LDS audience. I just love you! I've tried to inspire you and inform you - the best way I know how; about those things that I am passionate about -- and that I feel are important to our little LDS community. Although, I am privileged to have many, not of our faith - who read and support this blog. I hope that you, too, have gotten a little bit more of a glimpse and understanding into the life of a simple Mormon gal.
That really makes me happy.
I tend to share more of my personal feelings and thoughts about things like my family, traditional marriage, current events, etc... and how that applies to my religious beliefs. I also get a little silly at times. On occasion, I will even expound doctrine. However, most of my expounding of LDS doctrine, is done over on Hubpages, as LdsNana-AskMormon . Over there, I write about Mormonism and our beliefs - with a focus on those who would like to know more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most of my energy in writing online - has been spent on Hubpages . Each article over there, averages approximately 2000 words per post. I think that is why I am so surprised with the fact that I have so many entries here, now. I really do love that I can just write spontaneously here -- as little or as much as I feel like -- about whatever strikes me at any given moment, literally!
When I first started writing over on Hubpages, I was new to blogging and writing my own stuff, online. I was NOT new to interacting with those who either were wanting to know more about the Church, or dealing with apostate Mormons, as well as those who are our worst and most vile enemies, online. Yuck! I would say, that I became a good defender of the faith. Really good! When I finally decided to begin blogging on my own, it was right before Elder Ballard gave his landmark address, at BYU Hawaii. There seemed to be such a great need for more positive information about the Church, on the Internet. Needless to say, I was thrilled when he did, and felt I had made the right decision to do so.
In making the decision to "blog for the Lord", and after dealing with so much negativity online, in defending the Church - I decided to take a completely different approach to my time spent online. I made the decision that there were enough LDS apologist, who are well trained to do a good job at what they do best -- and that I could offer more of a basic approach -- with my solid LDS doctrinal background.
I'm so glad that I did. I much prefer teaching about the doctrines and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, than defending or debating them. However, I will always STAND UP when necessary! I've learned that there are so many more wonderful people online, genuinely interested in learning about the LDS Church, from a credible source. I've tried very hard to be, just that. It has been an extremely fulfilling way to go about sharing the gospel, online.
I also hope, that this blog encourages more LDS members, to go out and do the same...
I'm excited to see where and how A Well Behaved Mormon Woman will continue to progress - through my next 100 posts. I can promise you this for certain -- that as "that"Well Behaved Mormon Woman -- I will continue to be one to WATCH!
Thank you to Seth Adam Smith, for another beautiful LDS video. Here, we are treated to stunning pictures of the Mormon Temple in Hawaii - along with the most inspiring of music. Seth also shares with us a brief history about this very special LDS Temple...
This video is dedicated to the Polynesian Saints.
"The Laie Hawaii Temple is a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) located on the northeast shore of the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu. The temple sits on a small hill a half-mile from the Pacific Ocean in the town of Lāʻie, 35 miles (56 km) from Honolulu. Along with Brigham Young University Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Laie Hawaii Temple plays an important role in the town of Lā'ie, with the temple Visitors' Center attracting more than 100,000 people annually.
Laie Hawaii Temple was the first LDS Church temple built outside of the continental United States. The temple is also the oldest to operate outside of Utah, and the fifth-oldest LDS temple still in operation. The site of the temple was dedicated by Church President Joseph F. Smith on June 1, 1915, and the completed structure was dedicated by Church President Heber J. Grant on November 27, 1919. Laie Hawaii Temple was formerly known as the Hawaiian Temple or the Hawaii Temple until a standard naming convention for LDS temples was adopted in the early 2000s."
tDMg Kathryn Skaggs
Please be sure to share this lovely video with others...
We live in such an exciting time in the growth of the Church. It is truly a modern day miracle, to witness the building of temples throughout the world at such an unprecedented rate.
Citizenslink.com is reporting today, that a "new poll finds only 33 percent of Americans favor [same-sex marriage], a 9-point drop since April". Now that's really good news! What this means, is that the more we keep educating about WHY it is important to preserve traditional marriage in society, the more people are forced to THINK about what such a fundamental change would mean to the future of THE FAMILY!
"The number of Americans who support same-sex marriage has plunged over the last few months, according to a new poll.
The CBS News/New York Times study found that 33 percent of respondents favor same-sex marriage. That represents a 9 point drop since April.
Everett Rice, legislative coordinator for the California Family Council, said he has a theory about the decrease.
"People really recognize their core and their values, their heritage," he said. "When people want to go in and redefine that, it really goes against everybody's individual cultural understanding."
I also believe that when people begin to understand that same-gender "unions", without the designation of "marriage", can actually obtain the same benefits -- and in many states already -- they begin to think a little more clearly on the subject. For some, IF this is about "equal rights", it is becoming more and more evident that "rights" are not being taken away from the gay community, simply because they are not allowed to rewrite the definition of marriage.
Most people ultimately agree, that legal unions should be made available to those who desire them, and such should benefit by law in the same ways as those who are "traditionally" married. However, changing the definition of marriage, which is between a man and a woman is not necessary, for those who practice homosexuality to get what it is - that they claim to really want.
It's also interesting to note, that President Obama has just recently backed off his earlier determination to repeal the "Defense of Marriage Act", on the federal level. Perhaps he got wind of this most recent poll -- and is finally realizing that Americans at heart, are still a fairly conservative, and religious bunch of folks. Needless to say, Mr. Obama is not nearly as popular with the gay community as once hoped.
Another positive indicator, as a result of this recent poll, shows that most people are not getting their information by which they are forming their opinions - through mainstream media. That tells me, that what many of us are doing online via social media, may be having a more powerful effect than we realize.
With that, I say keep blogging, keep sharing on Facebook and Twitter, etc... tDMg Kathryn Skaggs
The following was published as “A Message from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” and was distributed as a pamphlet in December 1973.
Brethren, have you considered the challenge it is to be a successful father? It takes hard work and planning to rear your children in righteousness and have unity with your wife, to build a constant feeling of love and harmony in the home. Why is being a successful, righteous father such a challenge for almost any man?
The Lord’s plan of salvation requires that you pass through trials in this mortal life. Those trials seem to be greatest when you reach fatherhood, but be assured—fatherhood, in a sense, is an apprenticeship to godhood. This presentation will help give you a broader perspective of what it means to be a father; to give you an understanding and a feeling of your worth to your Father in Heaven. Father, consider your ways! Fatherhood and the Plan of Salvation
Through His Son, Jesus Christ, God created the heavens and the earth. At this time you lived with Him as His spirit child, and you shouted for joy when this earth was formed. You knew the necessity of coming to earth, of gaining a physical body, and of passing through the many trials of earth life. You knew that at times you would make mistakes. You also knew that through the atoning sacrifice of your Brother and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, you could repent of these mistakes and be found clean.
You also knew that Jesus Christ was to be your example and would show you the way to return back to your Father in Heaven. “So God created man in his own image … ; male and female created he them” (Gen. 1:27). And He gave man dominion, or stewardship, over all things on the earth and made him accountable for them. His greatest stewardship and accountability would be for children.
Marriage, as ordained of God, is the lawful union of man and wife, not only for this earth life, but for all eternity. A paramount purpose of marriage is to clothe spirit children of our Father in Heaven with earthly bodies. When your first child is born, you become a father. The title father is sacred and eternal. It is significant that of all the titles of respect and honor and admiration that are given to Deity, He has asked us to address Him as Father. Your Family
A father is the presiding authority in his family. On this earth your initial experience of being a father of a family gives you opportunities to learn to govern with love and patience, and with your wife to teach each of your children correct principles, to prepare them to become proper fathers and mothers. When you do this according to the pattern given us by the Lord and you endure to the end, your family will be added upon eternally. A righteous family is an eternal unit. On this earth, priesthood quorums and all other organizations of the Church aid you, the father, and your wife and family in achieving these eternal goals.
Father, with your wife you have entrusted to you from God the power to be cocreators with Him, to multiply and replenish the earth. As cocreators, you have delegated to you the opportunity and responsibility to bring into mortality and teach in light and truth spirit children of our Father in Heaven.
A Father Is a Teacher
When you recognize the importance of teaching your children, you become humble, because at once you realize that this is accomplished by precept and example. You cannot be one thing and effectively teach another. You must live and study and pray for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. You must purify and organize your life so that your example and leadership reflect the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
You must plan your day as guided by the Spirit of the Lord, earnestly seeking your own welfare and the welfare of your family before other cares blind you to these first responsibilities. As we have been taught by living prophets, “No other success in life can compensate for failure in the home” (David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Apr. 1964, 5) 1 and “The greatest work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home” (Harold B. Lee, Strengthening the Home [1973], 7).
It must be emphasized that as a father, you are always teaching. For good or ill your family learns your ways, your beliefs, your heart, your ideas, your concerns. Your children may or may not choose to follow you, but the example you give is the greatest light you hold before your children, and you are accountable for that light.
At one time a young father acted somewhat unkindly to his wife. Three days later this same man saw his three-year-old daughter use his very words in acting unkindly to her mother. The man was sobered and came to ask himself this question, “Do I love my children and family enough to repent, to change my life for their welfare?”
The obligations, the burdens, the responsibility of being a proper father may seem overwhelming. Fortunately, you are not required to preside and judge and act without counsel, without assistance. You have a wife—a companion, a counselor, a partner, a helpmeet, a friend.
Is she one with you? Do you thank the Lord daily for her? Do you keep the covenants you made with her and with the Lord in the temple? Do you always strive to keep your thoughts and words and actions pure? Do you realize that when you offend her in any way it is like offending yourself, since you are one?
Does she know of your love for her? Is your relationship one of continual courtship? Do you regularly spend time together—alone, where your expression and actions reassure her of your appreciation and reliance on her companionship? Do you exercise righteous leadership with her?
Do you always keep sight of your marriage goal, the creation of an eternal unit bound together by love and by the power and ordinances of the priesthood? What Will Be Your Report?
Father, you are accountable to the Lord for what you have and what you are. In the future you will surely stand before Him. What will be your report concerning your family? Will you be able to report that your home was a place of love, a bit of heaven? That daily family prayer and secret prayer were fostered? That it was a house of fasting? That in family home evenings and at other times you and your wife taught your children the basic principles of the gospel?
Will you be able to report that you created an environment in your home to build faith in a living God, to encourage learning, to teach order, obedience, and sacrifice? That you often shared your testimony of the reality of your Father in Heaven, of the truthfulness of the restored gospel with your wife and children? Will you be able to report that you followed the living prophets? That your home was where your tender children could feel protected and safe, and where they felt the love and acceptance and warmth [from] you and their mother?
And what will be your report concerning the temporal welfare of your family? It is God’s plan that you work for what you get. Your occupation should be honorable and should provide sufficiently to meet the needs of your family. Are your duties and labors undertaken with a joyful and thankful spirit? Do your wife and children feel secure because you feel good about your occupation? Do you practice frugality and thrift and avoid debt by living within your income, your tithed income? Do your wife and children feel a sense of tradition and stability because the family home is not relocated on a whim, for unsound reasons?
Father, are you committed to the eternal welfare of each of your children? Do you labor and love and strive with them as long as they live?
A Father Is a Leader
Fatherhood is leadership, the most important kind of leadership. It has always been so; it always will be so. Father, with the assistance and counsel and encouragement of your eternal companion, you preside in the home. It is not a matter of whether you are most worthy or best qualified, but it is a matter of law and appointment. You preside at the meal table, at family prayer. You preside at family home evening; and as guided by the Spirit of the Lord, you see that your children are taught correct principles. It is your place to give direction relating to all of family life.
You give father’s blessings. You take an active part in establishing family rules and discipline. As a leader in your home you plan and sacrifice to achieve the blessing of a unified and happy family. To do all of this requires that you live a family-centered life.
Prepare Your Family
Now, you are a son of God. You were sent to this earth to gain a physical body and to prove yourself in the trials and experiences of this earth life. It is the plan of your Father in Heaven that you have been or will be sealed for eternity to a companion. In marriage you and your wife are one in purpose as you strive to fulfill the purposes of the Lord. As a cocreator with God you bring forth children.
You prepare your family and each member in the family to serve their fellowman, to build the kingdom of God on earth. You conscientiously provide for their material well-being. In the family you learn to govern righteously. You teach your family generally and each child individually the doctrines of the kingdom.
The day will come when you will stand before the Lord and report your stewardship as a father on earth. Father, consider your ways. What will be your report? Fathers and Mothers Work Together Following are teachings for fathers by [other] Church leaders:
“We are trying to preserve the traditional family—father, mother, and children—working together in love toward a common goal. In large measure we are succeeding against great odds. We advocate a family home evening, for instance, one night a week reserved for family activity together. Lessons from the scriptures are taught. Family business is discussed. Vacations are planned. We sing together. We pray together. It works!” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, Jan. 1998, 73–74).
“I repeat that plea to all fathers. Yours is the basic and inescapable responsibility to stand as head of the family. That does not carry with it any implication of dictatorship or unrighteous dominion. It carries with it a mandate that fathers provide for the needs of their families. Those needs are more than food, clothing, and shelter. Those needs include righteous direction and the teaching, by example as well as precept, of basic principles of honesty, integrity, service, respect for the rights of others, and an understanding that we are accountable for that which we do in this life” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Bring Up a Child in the Way He Should Go,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 60).
“In the home it is a partnership with husband and wife equally yoked together, sharing in decisions, always working together. While the husband, the father, has responsibility to provide worthy and inspired leadership, his wife is neither behind him nor ahead of him but at his side” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Relief Society,” Ensign, May 1998, 73).
“Is yours a culture where the husband exerts a domineering, authoritarian role, making all of the important decisions for the family? That pattern needs to be tempered so that both husband and wife act as equal partners, making decisions in unity for themselves and their family. No family can long endure under fear or force; that leads to contention and rebellion. Love is the foundation of a happy family” (Richard G. Scott, “Removing Barriers to Happiness,” Ensign, May 1998, 86).
Some Points of Emphasis
1. Your fatherhood is, in a sense, an apprenticeship to godhood.
2. Your earth life is a part of the plan of salvation that enables you to become like your Father in Heaven.
3. Jesus Christ is your example to show you the way to return to your Father in Heaven.
4. A righteous family is an eternal unit.
5. You are the presiding authority in the home.
6. The Church exists to assist you to return with your family to the presence of our Father in Heaven.
7. You and your wife are cocreators with God for the eternal welfare of His spirit children.
8. You teach most effectively by example.
9. The greatest work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home.
10. You must seek the Spirit of the Lord in leading your family.
11. The mother sustains the father and is his helpmeet, his counselor.
12. You and your wife are one in purpose.
13. You have the responsibility for the physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being of your children.
14. You have the responsibility to lead your family by:
a. Governing, correcting, nurturing, and blessing them in meekness, tenderness, and love on the principles of righteousness (see D&C 121:34–45).
b. Creating an environment in the home conducive to order, prayer, worship, learning, fasting, happiness, and the Spirit of the Lord.
c. Teaching them the principles of faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, enduring to the end, and praying vocally and in secret.
d. Loving God and keeping His commandments.
[illustrations] Illustrated by Cary Henrie Source: About.com "Father, Consider Your Ways," Ensign, Jun 2002, 12.
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After experiencing my own parent's divorce, and being married now almost 31 years, - I can attest to the fact, that MARRIAGE was never meant to be easy! For members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who make eternal covenants in Holy Temples, the pressure to succeed in marriage is even greater. But, as many of you know, regardless of the desire to have a successful marriage -- DIVORCE happens.
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