Wow, only the Saturday afternoon session and this is the third talk about mothers! Must be a message in that.
Elder Perry said, "Please allow me to . . . share a few of the lessons I learned from my mother about teaching the gospel in the home." He then talked a bit about his mother and added, "Times are very different today, but while times may change, a parent's teaching must never be devalued. Many activities link the values of one generation to the next, but perhaps the most central of these activities is parents teaching children in the home."
I hope that Theresia and I have done an adequate job of teaching in the home. Even though we just have Calais and Taylor at home now, we are still trying to do a good job. I hope also that our children have learned the importance of what Elder Perry is talking about and will strive to teach their children well, in their homes.
Elder Perry counsels, "Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. [We do try to do those things.] They know the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world.
One thing that struck me about that section is the phrase "daily parenting." It really is a daily endeavor. You can't take a week off or a month off because you are really busy, or distracted. Parents need to do those things that Elder Perry suggests, every day. It is a constant effort. And worth it. Our children are examples of that. We worked at it. We were also blessed with special spirits for children. And it has worked very well so far.
The leaders of the Church spend a great deal of time thinking about how to improve teaching in the Church. Our teaching in the home prepares us to teach more effectively at church, and our teaching at church helps us to teach more effectively at home.
I think this is one area that can really use attention in the church (speaking locally), improved teaching and improve speaking (talk giving.)
There is no such thing as overpreparing to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, for gospel insights, whether or not they are used during class time, can always be taught in the home.
We see so many challenges today from distracting and destructive influences intended to mislead God's children. We are seeing many you people who lack the deep spiritual roots necessary to remain standing in faith as storms of unbelief and despair swirl around them. Too many of our Father in Heaven's children are being overcome by worldly desires. Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home adds another layer of insulation to protect our children from worldly influences.
I noticed that this is yet another talk that mentions distractions. That last paragraph was very well put. It sums up a lot of thoughts I've been having lately.
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Elder Robert D. Hales: Our Duty God - The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation
Elder Hales talk was about the importance of parents teaching and listening to their children. This is one of many talks during this conference about the duties of parents. Elder Hales gives many excellent ideas about how we can be successful in talking to our children.
Throughout my life as a father and grandfather, I have pondered the question, what is my duty to God in relation to the youth? May I share some of what I have learned by way of personal reflection and testimony. (This is a good example of a topic sentence/paragraph; Elder Hales lets us know very early, what the talk is about.
Our duty to God as parents and leaders begins with leading by example - consistently and diligently living gospel principles at home. This takes daily determination and diligence. For youth, there is no substitute for seeing the gospel lived in our daily lives.
We lead them by understanding their hearts and walking alongside them on the gospel path. To truly understand their hearts, we must do more than just be in the same room or attend the same family and Church activities. We must plan and take advantage of teaching moments that make a deep and lasting impression upon their minds and hearts.
I have learned that what makes a priesthood or Scout activity most meaningful to a boy is not just getting a merit badge but having the opportunity to sit and talk with a leader who is interested in him and his life.
Research shows that during the most important transitions in life - including those periods when youth are most likely to drift away from the Church - the greatest influence [comes] from the regular, warm, friendly, caring interaction with parents.
Where family meals are concerned, it's not the food but the family interaction that nourishes the soul.
[We have always eaten dinner as a family, but for many years, we would also read at the table during mealtime. Theresia finally suggested that we make a rule that "no reading" at the table while we are there eating. I was tough at first because I usually have plenty to say at the dinner table, especially about table manners. But it wasn't a positive experience. So I have had to work on 'better' conversational skills. I do feel better about our dinner time together.]
For our interactions with you to truly touch their hearts, we have to pay attention to them. Most important is asking them questions, letting them talk, and then being willing to listen - yes, listen and listen some more - even hearken with spiritual ears!
Being there means understanding the hearts of our youth and connecting with them. And connecting with them means not just conversing with them, but doing things with them too.
Adult members of the Church should understand that Personal Progress and Duty to God requirements are not just lengthy lists of items to check off. They are personal goals set by each young man and young woman to help them become worthy to receive temple ordinances, serve missions, enter into eternal marriage, and enjoy exaltation. But let it be understood: for young men and young women to try to accomplish these goals alone would be a great loss and tragedy!
It is our imperative duty to help youth understand and believe the gospel in a deeply personal way. We can teach them to walk in the light, but that light cannot be borrowed. They must earn it for themselves. They must obtain their own light of testimony directly from the source of spiritual light-God Himself- through prayer and study and pondering. They must understand who they are and who Heavenly Father wants them to become.
Elder Hales then asks the question "How do we help them?" And he answers that question by outlining the things we can do to help our families.
When we have a family home evening, a family council, or a meaningful gospel conversation with our children, we have the opportunity to look into their eyes and tell them that we love them and that Heavenly Father loves them. In these sacred settings, we can also help them understand, deep in their hearts, who they are and how fortunate they are to have come to this earth and to our home and to participate in the covenants we have taken in the temple to be a family forever. In every interaction we share, we demonstrate the principles and blessings of the gospel.
Once again, there is a reference to the tough times we live in:
In these perilous times it is not enough for our youth to merely know. They must do. Wholehearted participation in ordinances, quorums and auxiliaries, inspired programs, and fortifying activities helps youth put on the whole armor of God. To truly choose the Lord's way they must know His way. And to truly know His way, we must teach and lead them to act, to participate, to do.
The greatest missionary work we will ever do will be in our homes. Our homes, quorums, and classes are part of the mission field. Our children and grandchildren are our most important investigators.
The greatest family history work that we will do will be within our own homes. It is the spiritual preparation of our children in the rising generation that will, through their obedience, ensure the eternal preservation and perpetuation of our families for the coming generations.
The greatest rescue, the greatest activation will be in our homes. There is no failure except in giving up. It is never too early or too late to begin. Do not worry about what has happened in the past.
The greatest faith we have will be within our homes as we remain strong in the trials and tribulations of parenthood. The prophet Joseph Smith said, "Therefore, . . . let us cheerfully do all things that like in our power; and then may we stand still,with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." (D&C 123: 15,17)
The greatest love and the greatest teachings should be in our homes.
Throughout my life as a father and grandfather, I have pondered the question, what is my duty to God in relation to the youth? May I share some of what I have learned by way of personal reflection and testimony. (This is a good example of a topic sentence/paragraph; Elder Hales lets us know very early, what the talk is about.
Our duty to God as parents and leaders begins with leading by example - consistently and diligently living gospel principles at home. This takes daily determination and diligence. For youth, there is no substitute for seeing the gospel lived in our daily lives.
We lead them by understanding their hearts and walking alongside them on the gospel path. To truly understand their hearts, we must do more than just be in the same room or attend the same family and Church activities. We must plan and take advantage of teaching moments that make a deep and lasting impression upon their minds and hearts.
I have learned that what makes a priesthood or Scout activity most meaningful to a boy is not just getting a merit badge but having the opportunity to sit and talk with a leader who is interested in him and his life.
Research shows that during the most important transitions in life - including those periods when youth are most likely to drift away from the Church - the greatest influence [comes] from the regular, warm, friendly, caring interaction with parents.
Where family meals are concerned, it's not the food but the family interaction that nourishes the soul.
[We have always eaten dinner as a family, but for many years, we would also read at the table during mealtime. Theresia finally suggested that we make a rule that "no reading" at the table while we are there eating. I was tough at first because I usually have plenty to say at the dinner table, especially about table manners. But it wasn't a positive experience. So I have had to work on 'better' conversational skills. I do feel better about our dinner time together.]
For our interactions with you to truly touch their hearts, we have to pay attention to them. Most important is asking them questions, letting them talk, and then being willing to listen - yes, listen and listen some more - even hearken with spiritual ears!
Being there means understanding the hearts of our youth and connecting with them. And connecting with them means not just conversing with them, but doing things with them too.
Adult members of the Church should understand that Personal Progress and Duty to God requirements are not just lengthy lists of items to check off. They are personal goals set by each young man and young woman to help them become worthy to receive temple ordinances, serve missions, enter into eternal marriage, and enjoy exaltation. But let it be understood: for young men and young women to try to accomplish these goals alone would be a great loss and tragedy!
It is our imperative duty to help youth understand and believe the gospel in a deeply personal way. We can teach them to walk in the light, but that light cannot be borrowed. They must earn it for themselves. They must obtain their own light of testimony directly from the source of spiritual light-God Himself- through prayer and study and pondering. They must understand who they are and who Heavenly Father wants them to become.
Elder Hales then asks the question "How do we help them?" And he answers that question by outlining the things we can do to help our families.
When we have a family home evening, a family council, or a meaningful gospel conversation with our children, we have the opportunity to look into their eyes and tell them that we love them and that Heavenly Father loves them. In these sacred settings, we can also help them understand, deep in their hearts, who they are and how fortunate they are to have come to this earth and to our home and to participate in the covenants we have taken in the temple to be a family forever. In every interaction we share, we demonstrate the principles and blessings of the gospel.
Once again, there is a reference to the tough times we live in:
In these perilous times it is not enough for our youth to merely know. They must do. Wholehearted participation in ordinances, quorums and auxiliaries, inspired programs, and fortifying activities helps youth put on the whole armor of God. To truly choose the Lord's way they must know His way. And to truly know His way, we must teach and lead them to act, to participate, to do.
The greatest missionary work we will ever do will be in our homes. Our homes, quorums, and classes are part of the mission field. Our children and grandchildren are our most important investigators.
The greatest family history work that we will do will be within our own homes. It is the spiritual preparation of our children in the rising generation that will, through their obedience, ensure the eternal preservation and perpetuation of our families for the coming generations.
The greatest rescue, the greatest activation will be in our homes. There is no failure except in giving up. It is never too early or too late to begin. Do not worry about what has happened in the past.
The greatest faith we have will be within our homes as we remain strong in the trials and tribulations of parenthood. The prophet Joseph Smith said, "Therefore, . . . let us cheerfully do all things that like in our power; and then may we stand still,with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." (D&C 123: 15,17)
The greatest love and the greatest teachings should be in our homes.
Elder David A. Bednar: More Diligent and Concerned at Home
I want to suggest three ways each of us can become more diligent and concerned in our homes.
Elder Bednar has my attention here. An apostle is going to give advice on what we can do to have successful homes.
Suggestion Number One: Express Love-and Show it.
We can begin to become more diligent and concerned at home by telling the people we love that we love them.
As disciples of the Savior, we are not merely striving to know more; rather, we need to consistently do more of what we know is right and become better.
It is not enough to know, we must also do. This is a very important principle that translates our knowledge and faith into action.
We need to both express and demonstrate love.
Elder Bednar then quotes President Monson. This is such important counsel that I am including it to:
"Often we assume that [the people around us] must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know . . . We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us."
From the scriptures: The relationship between love and appropriate action . . . "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)
Feeling the security and constancy of love from a spouse, a parent, or a child is a rich blessing. Such love nurtures and sustains faith in God. Such love is a source of strength and casts out fear. Such love is the desire of every human soul.
We should frequently review our relationships with those closest to us to make sure that we are showing love and that the love is having the above mentioned effects.
Suggestion Number Two: Bear Testimony-and Live it.
We also can become more diligent and concerned at home by bearing testimony to those whom we love about the things we know to be true by witness of the Holy Ghost.
We should remember that bearing a heartfelt testimony is only a beginning. We need to bear testimony, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need to consistently live it. We need to both declare and live our testimonies.
So, bearing testimony should be more than a missionary teaching technique or a Fast and Testimony Meeting event. We need to share our testimony with our family members and then live it, because they are closest to us and are always watching.
Suggestion Number Three: Be Consistent
Elder Bednar related some experiences from his family about Family Home Evening. I really enjoyed that. It showed me that even future apostles (and their families) had trials and that things like FHE did not always go smoothly. I could really relate to his examples and it gave me hope!
The consistency of our intent and work was perhaps the greatest lesson-a lesson we did not fully appreciate at the time.
Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results.
Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our homes.
We were creating family goals tonight (Jan 4th) in Family Home Evening. Many of our goals were these small "brushstrokes": weekly FHE, family prayer night and day, family scripture study on the weekdays, a family game night once a month, Mom & Dad going to the temple twice a month. We set those goals (and others) because we believe, and know from past experience, that they do help create (as much, or more, than anything else) a strong home.
Elder Bednar has my attention here. An apostle is going to give advice on what we can do to have successful homes.
Suggestion Number One: Express Love-and Show it.
We can begin to become more diligent and concerned at home by telling the people we love that we love them.
As disciples of the Savior, we are not merely striving to know more; rather, we need to consistently do more of what we know is right and become better.
It is not enough to know, we must also do. This is a very important principle that translates our knowledge and faith into action.
We need to both express and demonstrate love.
Elder Bednar then quotes President Monson. This is such important counsel that I am including it to:
"Often we assume that [the people around us] must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know . . . We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us."
From the scriptures: The relationship between love and appropriate action . . . "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)
Feeling the security and constancy of love from a spouse, a parent, or a child is a rich blessing. Such love nurtures and sustains faith in God. Such love is a source of strength and casts out fear. Such love is the desire of every human soul.
We should frequently review our relationships with those closest to us to make sure that we are showing love and that the love is having the above mentioned effects.
Suggestion Number Two: Bear Testimony-and Live it.
We also can become more diligent and concerned at home by bearing testimony to those whom we love about the things we know to be true by witness of the Holy Ghost.
We should remember that bearing a heartfelt testimony is only a beginning. We need to bear testimony, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need to consistently live it. We need to both declare and live our testimonies.
So, bearing testimony should be more than a missionary teaching technique or a Fast and Testimony Meeting event. We need to share our testimony with our family members and then live it, because they are closest to us and are always watching.
Suggestion Number Three: Be Consistent
Elder Bednar related some experiences from his family about Family Home Evening. I really enjoyed that. It showed me that even future apostles (and their families) had trials and that things like FHE did not always go smoothly. I could really relate to his examples and it gave me hope!
The consistency of our intent and work was perhaps the greatest lesson-a lesson we did not fully appreciate at the time.
Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results.
Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our homes.
We were creating family goals tonight (Jan 4th) in Family Home Evening. Many of our goals were these small "brushstrokes": weekly FHE, family prayer night and day, family scripture study on the weekdays, a family game night once a month, Mom & Dad going to the temple twice a month. We set those goals (and others) because we believe, and know from past experience, that they do help create (as much, or more, than anything else) a strong home.
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