Family: After searching and reading all of these talks I have developed a stronger testimony of the importance of a family. I know that when we make time for our family we will gain a greater understanding of the love that our Father in Heaven has for us. As we face this world that is chipping away at the family more and more everyday it becomes more and more important for us to hold fast to the doctrine so that we do not succumb to the traditions of the world. I love my family and want nothing but the best for them and I know that if I follow the teachings of the prophets and apostles I can see my family flourish and return to live with our Heavenly Father again. As learning this it has inspired us as a family that we need to be diligent at teaching each other through family home evening. We are dedicated and have been doing very well at this goal and it is becoming a natural part of our lives.
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"In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make our families the center of our lives and the top of our priorities. Families lie at the center of our Heavenly Father’s plan."
L. Tom Perry, The Importance of the Family, April 2003 General Conference
L. Tom Perry, The Importance of the Family, April 2003 General Conference
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"Our family-centered perspective should make Latter-day Saints strive to be the best parents in the world. It should give us enormous respect for our children, who truly are our spiritual siblings, and it should cause us to devote whatever time is necessary to strengthen our families. Indeed, nothing is more critically connected to happiness—both our own and that of our children—than how well we love and support one another within the family."
M. Russell Ballard, What Matters The Most Is What Lasts The Longest, October 2005 General Conference
M. Russell Ballard, What Matters The Most Is What Lasts The Longest, October 2005 General Conference
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"An eternal family begins when a young couple kneels at an altar in the holy temple of God and make covenants with each other and with God and receive His greatest promises. This sealing is preceded by each making and receiving covenants which, if they continue worthy, will bless them in this life as well as in the life to come."
James E. Faust, Eternity Lies Before Us, April 1997 General Conference.
James E. Faust, Eternity Lies Before Us, April 1997 General Conference.
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"We need to make our homes a place of refuge from the storm, which is increasing in intensity all about us. Even if the smallest openings are left unattended, negative influences can penetrate the very walls of our homes."
L. Tom Perry, The Importance of the Family, April 2003 General Conference
L. Tom Perry, The Importance of the Family, April 2003 General Conference
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"When we speak plainly of divorce, abuse, gender identity, contraception, abortion, parental neglect, we are thought by some to be way out of touch or to be uncaring. Some ask if we know how many we hurt when we speak plainly. Do we know of marriages in trouble, of the many who remain single, of single-parent families, of couples unable to have children, of parents with wayward children, or of those confused about gender? Do we know? Do we care?
Those who ask have no idea how much we care; you know little of the sleepless nights, of the endless hours of work, of prayer, of study, of travel—all for the happiness and redemption of mankind.
Because we do know and because we do care, we must teach the rules of happiness without dilution, apology, or avoidance. That is our calling."
Boyd K. Packer, The Father and the Family, April 1994 General Conference
Those who ask have no idea how much we care; you know little of the sleepless nights, of the endless hours of work, of prayer, of study, of travel—all for the happiness and redemption of mankind.
Because we do know and because we do care, we must teach the rules of happiness without dilution, apology, or avoidance. That is our calling."
Boyd K. Packer, The Father and the Family, April 1994 General Conference
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"Family life, where children and parents communicate together in study, play, and work, has been replaced by a quick, individual, microwaved dinner and an evening in front of the TV set. In 1991 the National Association of Counties, meeting in Salt Lake City, thought that the lack of home influence had reached such a point of becoming a crisis in our nation and spent time in their meetings discussing their concerns. They identified five basic concepts that could increase every family’s chances for success.
First, strengthen relationships through family activities; second, establish reasonable rules and expectations; third, build self-esteem; fourth, set achievable goals; and fifth, periodically evaluate family strengths and needs."
L. Tom Perry, "Therefore I Was Taught", Ensign May 1994
First, strengthen relationships through family activities; second, establish reasonable rules and expectations; third, build self-esteem; fourth, set achievable goals; and fifth, periodically evaluate family strengths and needs."
L. Tom Perry, "Therefore I Was Taught", Ensign May 1994
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"mortal families predate the founding of nations, and families will exist after the Almighty “hath made a full end of all nations” (D&C 87:6). For Latter-day Saints, though it is to be done in the Lord’s own way, every year should be the Year of the Family. However, as Latter-day Saints, we need to do better in our families—much better! There should be less wringing of hands and more loving arms around our families."
Neal A. Maxwell, Take Especial Care of Your Family, April 1994 General Conference
Neal A. Maxwell, Take Especial Care of Your Family, April 1994 General Conference
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"plan for our weekly family night to be a setting for the bearing of testimony. Be sure that some truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is taught simply and plainly, so that even a child could understand. A child could do the teaching. The child may choose to end with a testimony, if that is the way we end our teaching. A shy child may not easily bear testimony in larger settings but may in the safety of our homes. And the Holy Ghost will testify to those who hear and to the child who testifies."
Henry B. Eyring, A Legacy of Testimony, April 1996 General Conference
Henry B. Eyring, A Legacy of Testimony, April 1996 General Conference
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"All families need strengthening, from the ideal to the most troubled. That strengthening can come from you. In fact, in some families you may be the only source of spiritual strength. The Lord is depending on you to bring the blessings of the gospel to your family.
It is important to establish patterns of righteousness in your own life, which will enable you to set a good example for your family, whatever form your family may take."
Mary N. Cook, Strengthen Home and Family, October 2007 General Conference
It is important to establish patterns of righteousness in your own life, which will enable you to set a good example for your family, whatever form your family may take."
Mary N. Cook, Strengthen Home and Family, October 2007 General Conference
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""Many breadwinners worry that their occupations leave too little time for their families. There is no easy formula for that contest of priorities. However, I have never known of a man who looked back on his working life and said, 'I just didn't spend enough time with my job."
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Good, Better, Best, October 2007 General Conference
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Good, Better, Best, October 2007 General Conference