The Eternal Family: A Plain and Precious Part of the Plan of Salvation (Chapter 32)

"From the Beginning, God organized the human family and revealed that marriage and family relationships are intended to be eternal." (Judd, 2012, p. 337). While our individual salvation is based on our individual obedience, it is equally important that we understand that we are each an important and integral part of a family and the highest blessings can be received only within an eternal family. When families are functioning as designed by God, the relationships found therein are the most valued of mortality. The plan of the Father is that family love and companionship will continue into the eternities. Being one in a family carries a great responsibility of caring, loving, lifting, and strengthening each member of the family so that all can righteously endure to the end in mortality and dwell together throughout eternity.

Elder Robert D. Hales stated that "Some of the greatest lessons of gospel principles about the eternal nature of the family are learned as we observe how members of the Church, when faced with adversity, apply gospel principles in their lives and in their homes. In the past year I have witnessed the blessings of joy which come to those who honor and revere the gospel teaching of the eternal family during times of adversity in their lives."

The text states that "God and His plan are eternal. He instituted marriage and family in the beginning. Thus, the great plan of happiness is God's plan for happiness in time and in eternity." (Judd, 2012, p. 337).

"Members of the Church believe that marriages performed in temples are “sealed,” or blessed to last for eternity. The concept that the family unit can continue beyond the grave as a conscious, loving entity, with the marriage partnership and parent-child relationships intact, is a core belief of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

"From the time of Adam and Eve and on to the present day, God's Covenant people rejoice in the plain and most precious doctrine of eternal families." (Judd, 2012, p. 354). I am so grateful and blessed to be sealed to my family for all time and eternity because I think that is one of the greatest blessings we could ever recieve.

References:

• Judd, D. K. (2012). The Eternal Family: A Plain and Precious Part of the Plan of Salvation. InSuccessful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 337-345). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.
• Hales, R. D. (1996, October). The Eternal Family - Robert D. Hales. Retrieved July 23, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/10/the-eternal-family?lang=eng
• Newsroom. (2012). Temple Marriage. Retrieved July 23, 2014, from http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/temple-marriage

Some Linguistic Observations on "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" (Chapter 31)

Elder Bruce D. Porter said "The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” is “an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.”The differences between men and women are not simply biological. They are woven into the fabric of the universe, a vital, foundational element of eternal life and divine nature.The family is intended by God as the great entryway into mortal life. It is central to the salvation of the human race, the perpetuation of civilization, and the birth and rearing of each new generation."

In families more than anywhere else children learn the values, practical life skills, manners, and fundamental truths that enable them to rise up and be successful in the world. They learn the all-important attributes of love, unselfishness, sharing, giving, and hard work that someday will be essential for them to form families of their own and to rear up a new generation. In the text it states that "One of the significant linguistic features of teh proclamation is its ues of an instructive religious register. (Oaks & Stanley, 2012, p. 330). President Henry B. Eyring siad the following about the title of the proclamtion: "Three things about the title are worht our careful reflection. First, the subjec: the family. Second, the audience, which is the whole world. And third, those proclaiming it are those we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators. (Henry B. Eyring, p. 10, as cited in Oaks & Stanley).

In the family proclamation, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declare, “We warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.” It is vital that we defend the family and raise a voice of warning and of invitation to the world. The Lord expects us to do this, and in doing so to ignore the mocking and pride of the world and stand as a witness.







References:

• Oaks, D. D., & Stanley, E. S. (2012). Some Linguistic Observations on "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". In Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 329-336). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.
• Porter, B. D. (2011, June). Defending the Family in a Troubled World - Ensign June 2011 - ensign. Retrieved July 23, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/ensign/2011/06/defending-the-family-in-a-troubled-world?lang=eng
• The Family: A Proclamation to the World. (n.d.). Retrieved July 23, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation

Defending the Sanctity of Human Life (Chapter 27)

For this blog, I would like to ask what "defending the sanctity of human life" means? The text states that "Life. The etymology of the Old English word for life includes meanings such as "body" and "person", or that which "remains" and "continues. Life can be defined as a condition of sustained regenerative activity, energy, expression, or power that human beings and other animate creatures experience." (Hallen, 2012, p. 291). Each human being no mater who they are or what they look like is a beloved spirit son or daughter of our Heavenly Father and each has a divine nature and destiny.

“One human life is as precious as a million lives, for each is infinite in value.” (Rabbi Immanuel Jakobovits, Jewish Views on Abortion, p. 4, as cited in Faust
). In our world today, especially during this time, abortion has become such a worldwide political issues that has created several debates and controversies within our world today. This is the biggest debate of defending the sanctity of human life. The text states that abortion literally translates to "cut off the existence of someone" or to "cause someone to disappear". (OED, 1989, s.v., abortion, as cited in Hallen). "Abortion can generally be defined as the natural or deliberate termination of the life of an unborn or partially born child." (Hallen, 2012, p. 292).

I have been involved with several different debates regarding abortion with friends in high school and it is quite disheartening how common and frequent it is in our world today. How are we suppose to preserve and the defend the sanctity of human life if it is so easy to take away? The text advises us that " Latter-Day Saints should prayerfully, strive to strengthen their testimonies of the sanctity of life, their resolve to and defend gospel principles relating to the sanctity of life." (Hallen, 2012, p. 295). The proclamation invites us to counteract the violence of abortion by peacefully upholding the sanctity of life and I know we will be blessed if we do so.




References:

• Hallen, C. L. (2012). Defending the Sanctity of Human Life. In Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 290-299). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.
• Faust, J. E. (1975, April). The Sanctity of Life - James E. Faust. Retrieved July 23, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1975/04/the-sanctity-of-life?lang=eng

Supporting Families Across Generations (Chapter 17)

"People in modern society are living longer than ever before, which is giving family members unprecedented opportunities to experience and enjoy extended family relationships." (Miller & Yorgason, 2012, p. 181). I think that this chapter can also tie in with family history and the importance of family history work and ancestry. 

My Grandma has always been so diligent with family history and our ancestry and I am so grateful for the example that she has been to me of dedication and hardworking and spreading and supporting families across generations. I am so grateful for all of the resources that we have to continue family history work and the accessibility we have to temples and to several different resources to help further this eternal work of the Lord. 

Elder M. Russell Nelson said that " While temple and family history work has the power to bless those beyond the veil, it has an equal power to bless the living. It has a refining influence on those who are engaged in it. They are literally helping to exalt their families." I can truly testify that families are brought together through generations of family history work and temple work as part of the eternal plan of salvation. It is so miraculous all of the resources that we have today to help further this vital work and how much we are blessed for doing this. 

References:

• Miller, R. B., & Yorgason, J. B. (2012). Supporting Families across Generations. In Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 177-182)). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.
   
• Nelson, M. R. (2010, April). Generations Linked in Love - Russell M. Nelson. Retrieved July 23, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/generations-linked-in-love?lang=eng&query=family+history+work

The Proclamation: A guide, a Banner, and a Doctrinal Summary of the Church's Emphasis on the Family (Chapter 29)

Elder Russel M. Nelson sated that "The proclamation on the family helps us realize that celestial marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship." In the text it sates that "The proclamation has served as a guide for individuals and families, a banner to communities and nations and a doctrinal summary of the Church's emphasis on the family." (Newell, 2012, p. 313). I think that the proclamation to the family has served as a guide especially during this particular time in our world today where the family unit is being torn apart.

The text sates that "More than ever, families are under attack. A culture of throwaway relationships; familial apathy and permissive values; and secularism, selfishness, and immorality has made the responsibility to build strong families more challenging and more important. The eternal truths in the proclamation counteract this culture and provide individuals and families with guide and a standard, a kind of Liahona or compass to chart their course." (Newell, 2012, p. 313).

We abide by the precepts of the proclamation because it is our mission to build eternal families and put our families first and to identify specific ways to strengthen their individual families. "The proclamation’s clear and simple language stands in stark contrast to the confused and convoluted notions of a society that cannot even agree on a definition of family, let alone supply the help and support parents and families need. " (M. Russell Ballard).




References:

• Newell, L. D. (2012). The Proclamation: A Guide, a Banner, and a Doctrinal Summary of the Church's Emphasis on the Family. In Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 313-3-18). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.
• Nelson, R. M. (2008, October). Celestial Marriage - Russell M. Nelson. Retrieved July 23, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/celestial-marriage?lang=eng&query=importance+of+the+Proclamation
• Ballard, M. R. (2005, October). What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest - M. Russell Ballard. Retrieved July 23, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/what-matters-most-is-what-lasts-longest?lang=eng&query=The+importance+of+the+proclamation

Social Policies to help assist and bless families and children (Chapter 28)

"Families are vial to individuals and society. Families typically provide group identity. They generate economic resources, address the health and emotional needs of family members, and enforce moral codes and norms of behavior." (Seipel, 2012, p. 300). In other words, families are so important in our society and they play an important role in the formation of our society. "Policies must be reconstructed to more fully address the needs of poor families." (Seipel, 2012, p. 307). The family is the basic unit of society and our society cannot function without families.

"As a solid body of research shows, there is no replacement for the way this institution creates and develops human relationships. Family is no longer, nor ever has been, something that is simply “granted.” As anyone who has tried it knows, raising a family and sustaining a marriage are challenging things to do. However, at stake is not only the health of the individual family but also the prosperity and future of society." (LDS commentary). The presence of children in families and societies summons responsibility for their care, encourages productivity, creates an orientation toward the future and pulls individuals outside of their own needs.



References:

• Homage to the Home: Why Society Needs Strong Families. (2013, May 6). Retrieved July 23, 2014, from http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/homage-to-the-home-why-society-needs-strong-families
• Seipel, M. M. (2012). Social Policies to Assist and Bless families and Children. In Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 300-309). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.

Wholesome Family Recreation: Building Strong Families (Chapter 22)

In my family we always had the motto of "Work hard, play hard". This meant that we would work hard and give everything we do our "all" and then we could go out and reward ourselves by doing something fun or something that we want to do. I think that if family work can build strong families then I also think that wholesome family recreation can also build strong families and bring them together. "Recreation can be easy. We all know how to find fun things to do. In our current world, we are immersed in a plethora of entertaining technology. We have access to a variety of television programming; we have myriad interactive video games. If we are on the go, we have smart phones that access the digital airways. Opportunities to recreate surround us. The choices are endless. But we must consider the implications of these different recreation choices for the quality of our lives " (Widmer & Taniguchi, 2012, p. 225). I think that an example of good wholesome recreation is family home evening.

"We have found the Family Home Evening to be a great assistance to parents in fostering meaningful and close family relationships which help the home serve as a sanctuary from evil influences and as a source of strength to each family member." (James A. Cullimore). I think that wholesome family recreation and family home evening tie together because you can always include wholesome recreation in family home evening and both of them build strong families. My family and I are really big into sports and we thrive on being active so we always included some kind of wholesome recreation activity in our family home evening and I think that it brought us closer together because we always had so much fun together and we learned to enjoy the time that we had with each other. "We live in a world full of opportunities to engage in wholesome family recreation, if we know where to look for them." (Widmer & Taniguchi, 2012, p. 233). Sometimes it is important that we take ourselves away from worldly things and engage in activities that build families and together and bring us closer to the Savior.



References:

• Widmer, M. A., & Taniguchi, S. T. (2012). Wholesome Family Recreation: Building Stronger Families. In Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 225-236). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.
• Cullimore, J. A. (1975, October). Family Home Evening - James A. Cullimore. Retrieved July 23, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1975/10/family-home-evening?lang=eng&query=family+home+evening

The Meanings and Blessings of Family Work (Chapter 21)

My dad grew up on a farm and he was raised to work very hard and learned the importance of hard work and dedication not only as an individual but as a family also. So as a little kid, I learned the importance of hard work and what it takes. For example, as a family, ever since we were little, we would all work in the yard on hot and sunny Saturday mornings from 8am until 3pm or until we were done. Although, I grew to dread and hate Saturday's and I also hated yard work more than anything, I also grew to learn how to work really hard not only by myself but we also learned how to work hard as family by working together as a team and finish the job until it is done. 

How family work benefit children and kids? The text states that "At every age, children respond best when working alongside parents or other children, but even when they work alone, they benefit form the experience." (Bahr, Manwaring, Loveless, & Bahr, 2012, p. 221). The text also states that "Young children want to help, and working with them can be fun. But as they mature and become more capable, they are influenced by the wider culture to avoid family work." (Bahr, Manwaring, Loveless, & Bahr, 2012, p. 220). Even as a grew older I still was taught the exact same principles of hard work that I was taught when I was younger, because throughout life you have to work just as hard at anything you do. Hard work teaches kids discipline, motivation, determination, respect, responsibility, and love. I truly believe and testify that hard work brings families closer together and to the Savior. 

"One of parents’ most important responsibilities is to teach their children to work. Even young children can begin to experience the benefits of working when they are involved in household chores and in service to others. Wise parents will work alongside their children, will provide frequent praise, and will make sure no task is overwhelming. Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that power to work is a blessing, that love of work is success." (Bishop H. David Burton). 

In our world today, during stormy economic times, surely the commandment to work is among the commandments the Lord is prepared to help us keep. I think this is why family work is so important because it brings families closer together and closer to the Savior and I can truly testify of that through my own experiences. 

References:

• Bahr, K. S., Manwaring , K., Loveless, C., & Bahr, E. B. (2012). The Meanings and Blessings of Family Work. In Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 213-224). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.
• Burton, H. D. (2009, December). The Blessing of Work - Ensign Dec. 2009 - ensign. Retrieved July 23, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/ensign/2009/12/the-blessing-of-work?lang=eng

Repentance and Forgiveness in Family Life (Chapter 20)

To start off this blog, I would like to define what repentance and forgiveness is. Repentance means sincere turning away, in both the mind and heart, from self to God. In a biblical context, repentance is recognizing that our sin is offensive to God. Repentance can be shallow, such as the remorse we feel because of fear of punishment or it can be deep, such as realizing how much our sins cost Jesus Christ and how his saving grace washes us clean. The Savior suffered for our sins and gave His life for us. This great sacrifice is called the Atonement. Through the Atonement, you can receive forgiveness and be cleansed from your sins when you repent. Repentance is more than simply acknowledging wrongdoings. It is a change of mind and heart. It includes turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness. It is motivated by love for God and the sincere desire to obey His commandments.

To forgive is a divine attribute. It is to pardon or excuse someone from blame for an offense or misdeed. The scriptures refer to forgiveness in two ways. The Lord commands us to repent of our sins and seek His forgiveness. He also commands us to forgive those who offend or hurt us.Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can receive forgiveness for our sins through sincere and complete repentance. Sinfulness brings suffering and pain, but the Lord's forgiveness brings relief, comfort, and joy. The Lord has promised:
“Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 58:42).

Now that we know the definition of repentance and forgiveness we can put it together in the family life. In the text, it states that "Repentance and forgiveness are two sides of the same coin and are frequently addressed together. For example, apologies facilitate forgiveness, and forgiveness motivates repentance." (Holeman, 2008, p. 201, as cited in Walton & Hendricks). An example from my own family, my dad and I use to not get a long very often and it was very hard on the both of us, but I had to learn to forgive him and let go of what was said and done even when he failed to apologize because the bottom line is, he is my dad and I am not perfect and neither is he, and when we fight or argue and no matter how mad I am at him or how mad he is at me, I love him so much and so I am willing to forgive and forget and move on because that is what you do in families and learn to love and build each other up through difficult experiences.

In a conference talk called "Point of Safe Return" given by President Uchtdorf he stated that "For our own good, we need the moral courage to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. Never is the soul nobler and more courageous than when we forgive. This includes forgiving ourselves.

Each of us is under a divinely spoken obligation to reach out with pardon and mercy and to forgive one another. There is a great need for this Christlike attribute in our families, in our marriages, in our wards and stakes, in our communities, and in our nations.

We will receive the joy of forgiveness in our own lives when we are willing to extend that joy freely to others. Lip service is not enough. We need to purge our hearts and minds of feelings and thoughts of bitterness and let the light and the love of Christ enter in. As a result, the Spirit of the Lord will fill our souls with the joy accompanying divine peace of conscience."

"Repentance and Forgiveness are divine expectations that are particularly relevant to family life." (Walton & Hendricks, 2012, p. 210).The gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ provides us at all times and at all places with the blessings of repentance and forgiveness. this is so important within families because no matter what our families are always there for us through everything and we are sealed together for eternity as families and as we learn to repent and forgive within our families we will grow closer to the Lord and his celestial kingdom as a family unit.

References:

• Youth Standards/Repentance. (n.d.). Repentance. Retrieved July 21, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/repentance?lang=eng
• Forgiveness. (n.d.). Retrieved July 21, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/topics/forgiveness?lang=eng&query=Forgiveness
• Uchtdorf, D. F. (2007, April). Point of Safe Return - general-conference. Retrieved July 21, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/point-of-safe-return?lang=eng&query=Repentance+and+Forgiveness+in+Family+Life
• Walton, E., & Hendricks, H. M. (2012). Repentance and Forgiveness in Family Life. InSuccessful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 201-211). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.

Faith in Family Life (Chapter 18)

As Latter Day Saints and with knowledge of the "great plan of happiness" we have the opportunity and also the responsibility to help restore faith in the family. This chapter specifically talks about Faith in Family Life and the text states that "Our central purpose in this chapter is to examine the connection between faith and successful marriages and families, based on the social science record." (Marks, Dollahite, & Freeman, 2012, p. 185). In this blog, I would like to discuss three important highlights of the chapter that will help create a better understanding of what faith in family life is. 

So, the question is, does faith influence family or does family influence faith? This chapter answers this question by saying that "certainly both, but in terms of social science, the best we can usually do is to discover and examine correlations, or relationships, between ideas such as faith and the quality of family life." (Marks, Dollahite, & Freeman, 2012, p. 185). 

Another highlight of the chapter is Religious Practices and Family. "Praying together as a family and reading the scriptures...together is probably the best thing we do to pull us toward Heavenly Father and each other." (Marks, Dollahite, & Freeman, 2012, p. 188). Elder John H. Groberg stated that "I promise you that as you consistently and fervently pray as a family, and as each member takes his or her turn and sincerely prays for others, impressions will come as to what you individually should do to help others. Thus, you can, in family prayer, receive personal and family revelation as to how to love and serve one another." I think that family prayer is only effective when we arise from our knees with increased love and understanding, taking better care of each other. 

In conclusion of the chapter "the social science indicates that marriage-based families in which the parents share religious involvement seem to fare comparatively well." (Marks, Dollahite, & Freeman, 2012, p. 193). Elder Fransisco J. Vinas once said that "The plain and simple principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ... should be firmly established in our homes to ensure happiness in family life." These principles, will act as a light that will illuminate each member of the family and, in a progressive way, will lead us to integrate other related values and principles which will strengthen family relationships. 

My family has always taught me the power of family prayer. We have never gone a day without saying a family prayer and I think that because of family prayer and the faith in our family we have grown together as a family unit towards the Savior and that has made us a stronger family. 

References:

• Groberg, J. H. (1982, April). The Power of Family Prayer - general-conference. Retrieved July 20, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/04/the-power-of-family-prayer?lang=eng&query=Family+Prayer
• Vinas, F. J. (2004, April). Applying the Simple and Plain Gospel Principles in the Family - general-conference. Retrieved July 20, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/applying-the-simple-and-plain-gospel-principles-in-the-family?lang=eng&query=Faith+in+the+Family
• Marks, L. D., Dollahite, D. C., & Freeman, J. J. (2012). Faith in Family Life. In Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 185-195). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.

Parenting with Love, Limits, and Latitude: Proclamation Principles and Supportive Scholarship (Chapter 10)

In this blog, I would like to discuss three important aspects from chapter ten of Successful Marriages and Families. As I was reading this chapter, I discovered three important aspects that I think are important when it comes to "parenting with love, limits, and latitude." The first aspect is that "Parents should never drive their children, but lead them along, giving them knowledge as their minds are prepared to receive it. Chastening may be necessary betimes, but parents should govern their children by faith rather than by the rod, leading them kindly by good example into all truth and holiness." (Widstoe, 1978, p. 208, as cited in Hart, Newell, & Haupt). I think that this is important because I think that parents should guide their children by being a strong example. The second aspect is that "Every child is entitled to grow up in a hoe where there is a warm and secure companionship, where there is love in the family relationship, where appreciation on for another is taught and exemplified and where God is acknowledged and His peace and blessings invoked before the family altar." (President Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 108). I truly believe that every child deserves to be loved and comforted through security and protection of their parents and/or guardians. The final aspect is that "Helping children learn how to make decisions requires that parents give them a measure of autonomy, dependent on the age and maturity of the child and the situation at hand. Parents need to give children choices and should be prepared to appropriately adjust some rules, thus preparing children for real-world situations." (Elder M. Russell Ballard, 2003, p.8). I think that parents should teach their children the importance of decision making and that with every decision comes a consequence.
References:

• Hart, C. H., Newell, L. D., & Haupt, J. H. (2008, August). Love, Limits, and Latitude - Ensign Aug. 2008 - ensign. Retrieved July 20, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/ensign/2008/08/love-limits-and-latitude?lang=eng

Parenting in Gospel Context: Practices Do Make a Difference (Chapter 11)

In this blog, I will also be discussing three important aspects of chapter 11 in the text, Successful Marriages and Families that emphasize the importance of "Parenting in Gospel Context". The first important aspect of the chapter is that "As children grow through the years, their lives, in large measure, become an extension and a reflection of family teaching. If there is harshness, abuse, uncontrolled anger, disloyalty, the fruits will be certain and discernable, and in all likelihood they will be repeated in the generation that follows. If on the other hand, there is forbearance, forgiveness, respect, consideration, kindness, mercy, and compassion, the fruits again will be discernible, and they will be eternally rewarding. They will be positive and sweet and wonderful.... I speak to fathers and mothers everywhere with a plea to put harshness behind us, to bridle our anger, to lower our voices, and to deal with mercy and love and respect one toward another in our homes." (President Hinckley, 1990, P. 70, as cited in Nelson). I thought that this was an important aspect because how parents treat their children will affect how they perceive themselves. Another important aspect is that "the primary goal of any socialization should be to promote children's internalization of the reasons for behaving appropriately rather than to behave solely to avoid punishment... The research to date indicates that physical punishment does not promote long-term, internalized compliance." (Nelson, 2012, P. 122). The last important aspect of the chapter is that "Additional insights regarding the importance of parenting are evident in the domain of parenting intervention, where studies consistently show that positive changes in parenting lead to more appropriate child changes in parenting lead to more appropriate child behaviors beyond the family environment." (Nelson, 2012, P. 120).

Elder David A. Bednar stated that "As parents are patient and persistent in loving their children and in becoming living examples of disciples of Jesus Christ, they most effectively teach the Father’s plan of happiness. The steadfastness of such parents bears powerful witness of the redeeming and strengthening powers of the Savior’s Atonement and invites wayward children to see with new eyes and to hear with new ears."

Elder Robert D. Hales stated that "Besides showing youth the way by example, 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."

References:

• Nelson, D. A. (2012). Parenting in Gospel context: Practices Do Make a Difference. In Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 120-122). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.
• Bednar, D. A. (2014, March). Faithful Parents and Wayward Children: Sustaining Hope While Overcoming Misunderstanding - Ensign Mar. 2014 - ensign. Retrieved July 19, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/03/faithful-parents-and-wayward-children-sustaining-hope-while-overcoming-misunderstanding?lang=eng
• Hales, R. D. (2010, April). Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation - general-conference. Retrieved July 19, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/our-duty-to-god-the-mission-of-parents-and-leaders-to-the-rising-generation?lang=eng