Cherishing Moments

I saw this quote on Facebook and I couldn't agree more. It made me think of the moments I shared with my parents. Some of my most cherished memories growing up consist of moments where my father let me tag along with him on his Saturday errands and sharing his big gulp sprite with me. He would listen to me rattle on about everything. I would talk his ear off. He made me feel like what I had to say was important, and that I'm not wasting his time.

My mother would sit down with me at times to play, at times we would be playing school, other times it was a game. Even though my mother would have a million things on her list to do each day, she spent her time with me. When we were off track she would take us on adventures. I was a bit young when my mom would help my siblings put on carnivals for the neighborhood kids to come attend. She is simply amazing.

Through the years my parents did provide material things for me, but I don't remember those as much as I do the moments they spent time with me. President Uchtdorf said once that love was spelled T-I-M-E. I can't argue with him, he is totally right.

I want to challenge anyone who reads this to spend more time with your loved ones to help make them feel cherished.

The Last Two Paragraphs

The last two paragraphs of The Family: A Proclamation to the World states:

"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse of offspring, or who fail to fulfill responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

"We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."

I feel as though these two paragraphs are very straight forward in their warning to the individuals of society.  There is no need to add other words from the prophets or scriptures.

This past semester while taking Family Foundations at BYU-Idaho Online, I chose to do my part as a responsible citizen and designed this blog in hopes of sharing how important the family unit was and ways that you could strengthen your family unit.  Though this class may be over now, but my duty is not.  I will continue to make posts on this blog on occasion when I have something I'd like to share that may help you and your family stay strong.  I invite you as always to help "promote measures that were designed to maintain and strengthen the family" today and everyday of your lives.

The 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Paragraphs

The fourth through seventh paragraphs of The Family: A Proclamation to the World states:

"The first commandment of God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully weeded as husband and wife.

"We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.

"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. 'Children are an heritage of the Lord' (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives--mothers and fathers--will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed."

 Overall I feel these paragraphs shows us the responsibilities of parents.  Below are some videos I felt help share this message.

 

 Moments that Matter Most

I often feel that parents get too caught up in their own things, that they often lose sight of what matters most--their family.

Parenting: Touching the Hearts of Our Youth

I feel that this video helps us show how parents and other family members can provide for the children spiritually.

Let Us Be Men

This video is just a snippet to show the role of a father.  In 1987, President Ezra Taft Benson gave a talk titled, To the Fathers in Israel.  I recommend all fathers to read this talk from the October 1987 General Conference.  But I want to share a list he shares of ten specific ways fathers can give spiritual leadership to their children:

1. Give father's blessings to your children.
2. Personally direct family prayers, daily scripture reading, and weekly family home evenings.
3. Whenever possible, attend Church meetings together as a family.
4. Go on daddy-daughter dates and father-and-sons' outings with your children.
5. Build traditions of family vacations and trips and outings.
6. Have regular one-on-one visits with your children.
7. Teach your children to work, and show them the value of working toward a worthy goal.
8. Encourage good music and art and literature in your homes.
9. As distances allow, regularly attend the temple with your wife.
10. Have your children see your joy and satisfaction in service to the Church.

Motherhood an Eternal Partnership with God

I feel that this video did an awesome job in showing the importance of motherhood.  But, there is still so much to learn as well.  In 1987, President Ezra Taft Benson gave a talk titled, To the Mothers in Zion.  This is another awesome talk.  I recommend all mothers to read this talk.  But, I want to share with you now ten specific ways mothers can spend effective time with their children:

1. Be at the Crossroads.
2. Be a Real friend.
3. Read to Your Children.
4. Pray with Your Children.
5. Have Weekly Home Evenings
6. Be Together at Mealtimes.
7. Read Scriptures Daily.
8. Do Things as a Family.
9. Teach Your Children
10. Truly Love Your Children. 

 The talk will go into more detail for each of these ten ways. 

I hope what you have seen in this post will help you become a better mother or father, or to prepare now to be a mother or father.  As always feel free to share this on social media.