Family Gems

The Role of Fathers

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Fathers are expected by God and His prophets not only to provide for their families but also to protect them. . . .". . . On a day-to-day basis, fathers can and should help with the essential nurturing and bonding associated with feeding, playing, storytelling, loving, and all the rest of the activities that make up family life."

M. Russell Ballard, "The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood," Ensign, Mar. 2006, 30

Topics: Fatherhood

It Is a Sacred Duty and Privilege to Have Children Grace Our Lives

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"It is our solemn duty, our precious privilege—even our sacred opportunity—to welcome to our homes and to our hearts the children who grace our lives."

Thomas S. Monson, "Precious Children, a Gift from God," Ensign, June 2000, 2

Topics: Children

There Is Power in Couple Prayer

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"There is great power in prayer. I strongly encourage personal and family prayer, which are important in building strong families. . . . I'm wondering if many of you parents, you couples, have lost that essential moment of kneeling together at the end of the day, just the two of you, holding hands and saying your prayers. If that has slipped away from your daily routine, may I suggest you put it back—beginning tonight!"

M. Russell Ballard, "The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood," Ensign, Mar. 2006, 33

Topics: Prayer

Give Family Study the Highest Priority

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Certainly there are times when getting the family together to read the scriptures does not stack up as a spiritual experience worthy of a journal entry. But we must not be deterred. There are special times when the spirit of a son or daughter is just right and the power of these great scriptures goes down into their heart like fire. As we honor our Heavenly Father in our homes, He will honor our efforts."

Neil L. Andersen, "Prophets and Spiritual Mole Crickets," Ensign, Nov. 1999, 17

Topics: , Family

Every Parent Is a Teacher

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Should a parent need added inspiration to commence his God-given teaching task, let him remember that the most powerful combination of emotions in the world is not called out by any grand cosmic event nor found in novels or history books—but merely by a parent gazing down upon a sleeping child."

Thomas S. Monson, "Only a Teacher: A Personal Observation," Ensign, May 1973, 27

Topics: Parenthood

Parents Must Set an Example of Obedience

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"As parents and adult leaders of youth, we cannot expect our young people to take to heart the things the prophet says to them if we show a complacent attitude toward his counsel in our own lives."

M. Russell Ballard, "His Word Ye Shall Receive," Ensign, May 2001, 66

Topics: Obedience, Parenthood

Begin Teaching Children When They Are Young

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

"A wise parent would never miss a chance to gather children together to learn of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Such moments are so rare in comparison with the efforts of the enemy. For every hour the power of doctrine is introduced into a child's life, there may be hundreds of hours of messages and images denying or ignoring the saving truths."

Henry B. Eyring, "Teaching True Doctrine," Ensign, Apr. 2009, 6–7

Topics: Teaching

Family Prayer Is Indispensible

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 01:00:00 MST

"With the influences of evil that surround our children, can we even imagine sending them out in the morning without kneeling and humbly asking together for the Lord's protection? Or closing the day without kneeling together and acknowledging our accountability before Him and our thankfulness for His blessings? Brothers and sisters, we need to have family prayer."

Neil L. Andersen, "Prophets and Spiritual Mole Crickets," Ensign, Nov. 1999, 17

Topics: Prayer

Do Not Delay Opportunities to Teach Children

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Parents are with their children almost constantly and can observe when they are ready to be instructed. From questions or behavior or because of experiences in their own lives, they can sense that it is time to teach. Parents must know when the time for the lesson is now, right now, for their children are ready for it."

Boyd K. Packer, "Ready or Not, You Will Be Taught," Tambuli, Dec. 1977, 29

Topics: Teaching, Parenthood

Hold Fast to the Church's Proclamation on the Family

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"If we will hold fast to the Church's proclamation on the family, we will see that we hold the jewels, as it were, that can enrich so many other things. Let the world go its own way on the family. It appears to be determined to do that. But we do not have that option. Our doctrines and teachings on the family are very, very powerful, and they are full of implications for all the people on this planet."

Neal A. Maxwell, "Insights from My Life," Ensign, Aug. 2000, 7

Topics: Family

A Happy Home Includes Prayer, Thanksgiving, and Gratitude

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"A happy home is but an earlier heaven. President George Albert Smith asked, '[Do] we want our homes to be happy[?] If we do, let them be the abiding place of prayer, thanksgiving and gratitude' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1944, 32)."

Thomas S. Monson, "Precious Children, a Gift from God," Ensign, June 2000, 5

Topics: Family

Parents Should Be Examples of Christlike Attributes

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Each mother and father should lay aside selfish interests and avoid any thought of hypocrisy, physical force, or evil speaking. Parents soon learn that each child has an inborn yearning to be free. Each individual wants to make his or her own way. No one wants to be restrained, even by a well-intentioned parent. But all of us can cling to the Lord."

Russell M. Nelson, "Set in Order Thy House," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 70

Topics: Parenthood

Contention Does Not Belong at Home

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"If any of you are struggling with contention in your homes, you can change this. Talk with your family. Ask for their help. Tell them you don't want a contentious spirit in the home anymore and discuss what each family member can do to prevent it."

M. Russell Ballard, "The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood," Ensign, Mar. 2006, 32

Topics: , Parenthood

God's Love Will Strengthen the Youth

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"We live in the last dispensation, the dispensation of the fulness of times. The priesthood will never be taken from the earth again as we prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. No one knows when He will come. We are told in the scriptures that Satan will tempt us in the last days before the Savior comes again. For this reason, our children need to know that God and Jesus Christ will always love them and answer their prayers. This knowledge will bring them abiding strength."

Robert D. Hales, "Teaching by Faith," Ensign, Sept. 2003, 27

Topics: Parenthood, Prayer

Parental Responsibility Includes Creating Heavenly Homes

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"God, our Father, has entrusted precious little ones to our earthly care. To them may we teach prayer, inspire faith, live truth, and honor God. Then we shall have heavenly homes and forever families. For what higher gift could we wish? For what greater blessing could we pray? None!"

Thomas S. Monson, "Teaching Our Children," Ensign, Oct. 2004, 7

Topics: Teaching

Home Is an Ideal Place for Teaching and Learning

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"In the home it's more intimate and better and easier and less formal, and parents are teaching by example. Parents also teach some things that are kind of painful to kids when they ask 'why,' and all the parents can say is 'because'—because they don't know why, they just know it isn't the thing to do, and they teach them obedience so that they will know and understand. And at home there's that powerful bond of love between parent and child that you won't let go until you get it taught."

Boyd K. Packer, "Principles of Teaching and Learning," Ensign, June 2007, 86–87

Topics: Teaching,

Advice for Parents

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 MST

"To parents everywhere, my counsel is simple: Get a copy of 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World.' Read it and strive to align your marriage and your family to its inspired, revealed direction from the Lord."

M. Russell Ballard, "The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood," Ensign, Mar. 2006, 33

Topics: Family

Make Your Houses Happy Homes

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Let us open wide the windows of our hearts, that each family member may feel welcome and 'at home.' Let us open also the doors of our very souls, that the dear Christ may enter. Remember His promise: 'Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him' (Revelation 3:20)."

Thomas S. Monson, "Hallmarks of a Happy Home," Ensign, Oct. 2001, 8

Topics: Jesus Christ, Family

Parents Can Teach Leadership Skills to Youth

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"The responsibility of building leadership in the Church belongs to the father and the mother. . . . As youth grow and mature through their teenage years and move toward adulthood, the Church picks up an important role in this process of giving youth an opportunity to lead, but it begins in the home."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Tending the Flock: Teaching Leadership Skills to Youth," Ensign, June 2008, 16

Topics: Leadership

Teach Your Children to Pray

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"When we teach those we love that we are spirit children temporarily away from a loving Heavenly Father, we open the door of prayer to them. . . ."I can promise you that no joy will exceed what you would feel if a child of yours prays in the hour of need and receives . . . an answer."

Henry B. Eyring, "Write upon My Heart," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 86–87

Topics: Prayer

Strength Comes from Frequent Family Home Evening

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"I wonder if having unplanned and infrequent family home evenings will be enough to fortify ourselves and our children with sufficient moral strength to meet the complexities of our day."

James E. Faust, "Enriching Our Lives through Family Home Evening," Ensign, June 2003, 6

Topics: Family Home Evening

Parents Should Establish Order in Their Homes

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Etched in sacred scripture is a commandment to 'set in order thy house' (D&C 93:44). Once we as parents understand the importance and meaning of that commandment, we need to learn how to do it."

Russell M. Nelson, "Set in Order Thy House," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 69

Topics: Family

Families Are Essential

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"With the Lord, families are essential. He created the earth that we could gain physical bodies and form families. He established His Church to exalt families. He provides temples so that families can be together forever."

Russell M. Nelson, "Set in Order Thy House," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 69

Topics: Family

Teach Children to Pray

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Parents should teach their children to pray. The child learns both from what the parents do and what they say. The child who sees a mother or a father pass through the trials of life with fervent prayer to God and then hears a sincere testimony that God answered in kindness will remember what he or she saw and heard."

Henry B. Eyring, "That He May Write upon Our Hearts," Ensign, Aug. 2009, 5

Topics: Parenthood, Prayer

Women Have an Essential Role

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 MST

"We are living in a great season for all women in the Church. Sisters, you are an essential part of our Heavenly Father's plan for eternal happiness; you are endowed with a divine birthright. You are the real builders of nations wherever you live, because strong homes of love and peace will bring security to any nation."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Influence of Righteous Women," Ensign, Sept. 2009, 7–8

Topics: , Motherhood

Parents Have Abundant Opportunities to Teach Their Children Important Gospel Principles

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

"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."

Robert D. Hales, "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation," Ensign, May 2010, 97

Topics: Family Home Evening

Girls Need to Develop Their Nature to Nurture

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Satan is always attempting to undermine the most precious element of a woman's divine nature—the nature to nurture."A mother-daughter relationship is where a daughter learns how to nurture by being nurtured. She is loved. She is taught and experiences firsthand what it feels like to have someone care about her enough to correct her while continuing to encourage and believe in her at the same time."

M. Russell Ballard, "Mothers and Daughters," Ensign, May 2010, 20

Topics: Motherhood

Parents, Speak Frequently about Jesus Christ

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

"To fathers and mothers, to grandfathers and grandmothers, and to those without children of their own who lovingly nurture children and youth, my counsel is to speak more frequently about Jesus Christ. In His holy name is great spiritual power. 'There [is] no other name given nor any other way. . . whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ' (Mosiah 3:17)."

Neil L. Andersen, "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus," Ensign, May 2010, 109

Topics: Parenthood, Jesus Christ

Parents, Give Your Children Your Full Attention

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

"For our interactions with youth to truly touch their hearts, we have to pay attention to them just as we would pay attention to a trusted adult colleague or close friend. 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!"

Robert D. Hales, "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation," Ensign, May 2010, 96

Topics: Parenthood

A Parent's Role Is to Entice Children to Obedient Actions

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Giving a man a fish feeds him for one meal. Teaching a man to fish feeds him for a lifetime. As parents and gospel instructors, you and I are not in the business of distributing fish; rather, our work is to help our children learn 'to fish' and to become spiritually steadfast."

David A. Bednar, "Watching with All Perserverance," Ensign, May 2010, 42–43

Topics: Parenthood

Mothers Are Teachers of Moral Values

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Throughout the history of the world, women have always been teachers of moral values. That instruction begins in the cradle and continues throughout the lives of their children. Today our society is bombarded with messages about womanhood and motherhood that are dangerously and wickedly wrong."

M. Russell Ballard, "Mothers and Daughters," Ensign, May 2010, 19–20

Topics: Motherhood

The Stories of Jesus Will Strengthen Our Youth

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

"The stories of Jesus can be like a rushing wind across the embers of faith in the hearts of our children. Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6). The stories of Jesus shared over and over bring faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strength to the foundation of testimony. Can you think of a more valuable gift for our children?"

Neil L. Andersen, "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus," Ensign, May 2010, 108–9

Topics: Jesus Christ, Teaching

Parents' Warm, Caring Interaction Will Have Lasting Effects on Children

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 MST

"It is impossible to overestimate the influence of parents who understand the hearts of their children. Research shows that during the most important transitions of life—including those periods when youth are most likely to drift away from the Church—the greatest influence does not come from an interview with the bishop or some other leader but from the regular, warm, friendly, caring interaction with parents."

Robert D. Hales, "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation," Ensign, May 2010, 95

Topics: Parenthood, Teaching

Parents Should Look for Opportunities for Spontaneous Testimony Bearing

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Parents should be vigilant and spiritually attentive to spontaneously occurring opportunities to bear testimony to their children. Such occasions need not be programmed, scheduled, or scripted. In fact, the less regimented such testimony sharing is, the greater the likelihood for edification and lasting impact."

David A. Bednar, "Watching with All Perserverance," Ensign, May 2010, 42

Topics: Parenthood, Testimony

Persistent, Daily Parenting Will Bring Powerful Rewards

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

"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. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world."

L. Tom Perry, "Mothers Teaching Children in the Home," Ensign, May 2010, 30

Topics: Parenthood

Advice to Parents for Helping Their Youth

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

"The best counsel for us to give young people is that they can arrive back to Heavenly Father only as they are guided and corrected by the Spirit of God. So if we are wise, we will encourage, praise, and exemplify everything which invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost."

Henry B. Eyring, "Help Them on Their Way Home," Ensign, May 2010, 25

Topics: Parenthood

Women Have a Unique, Divine Role

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Sisters, we, your brethren, cannot do what you were divinely designated to do from before the foundation of the world. We may try, but we cannot ever hope to replicate your unique gifts. There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman."

M. Russell Ballard, "Mothers and Daughters," Ensign, May 2010, 18

Parents Can Act as Watchmen on the Tower for Their Families

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

"I bear witness that parents who consistently read and talk about the Book of Mormon with their children, who share testimony spontaneously with their children, and who invite children as gospel learners to act and not merely be acted upon will be blessed with eyes that can see afar off (see Moses 6:27) and with ears that can hear the sound of the trumpet (see Ezekiel 33:2–16). The spiritual discernment and inspiration you will receive from the combination of these three holy habits will enable you to stand as watchmen on the tower for your families—'watching . . . with all perseverance' (Ephesians 6:18)—to the blessing of your immediate family and your future posterity."

David A. Bednar, "Watching with All Perserverance," Ensign, May 2010, 43

Topics: Teaching, Parenthood

Help Your Children Shun the Evils of Contemporary Living

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

"While there are steps that we can take in our homes and families to minimize our exposure to [the] unsavory elements of contemporary living, your daughters cannot entirely avoid the blatant sexual messages and enticements that surround them. You need to have frequent, open discussions during which you teach your daughters the truth about these issues."

M. Russell Ballard, "Mothers and Daughters," Ensign, May 2010, 20

Topics: Parenthood

Youth, Look to Your Parents

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

"One of the great blessings of the plan is that we are organized into families. You have parents whose greater wisdom and experience will help you reach your divine potential. Trust them. They want the best for you."

Mary N. Cook, "Never, Never, Never Give Up!" Ensign, May 2010, 118–19

Topics: Family, Youth

Parents Must Be Attentive in Teaching the Rising Generation

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

"We hold in our arms the rising generation. They come to this earth with important responsibilities and great spiritual capacities. We cannot be casual in how we prepare them. Our challenge as parents and teachers is not to create a spiritual core in their souls but rather to fan the flame of their spiritual core already aglow with the fire of their premortal faith."

Neil L. Andersen, "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus," Ensign, May 2010, 108

Topics: Motherhood, Fatherhood

Revelation Plays a Key Role in Teaching Children Righteousness

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Parents play an essential role in helping their children to understand the things pertaining to righteousness. In the Book of Mormon we find that Alma the Younger, being grieved because of the iniquity, the wars, and the contentions that existed and distressed by the hardness of heart of his people, 'caused that his sons should be gathered together, that he might give unto them every one his charge, separately, concerning the things pertaining unto righteousness' (Alma 35:16; emphasis added)."

Francisco J. Viñas, "Things Pertaining to Righteousness," Ensign, May 2010, 107

Topics: Parenthood, Teaching

Never Give Up on Those Who Stray

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 MST

"With the help of priesthood leaders, parents must continue to go back and find their lost ones, assuring them there will always be a 'home' within the family and the Church, waiting for their return. We never know when a heart may be turned. We never know when a soul may be weary and worn out by the world. When that happens, it seems our children almost always turn first toward Mother."

Bradley D. Foste, "Mother Told Me," Ensign, May 2010, 99–100

Topics: Teaching, Parenthood

A Parent's Duty Is to Lead by Example

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 MST

"For youth, there is no substitute for seeing the gospel lived in our daily lives. The stripling warriors did not have to wonder what their parents believed. They said, 'We do not doubt our mothers knew it' (see Alma 56:47–48). Do our children know what we know?"

Robert D. Hales, "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation," Ensign, May 2010, 95

Topics: Parenthood, Teaching

Parents Have a Pattern to Follow in Bringing Their Children to Jesus Christ

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 MST

"The account in 3 Nephi can help us bring our children to Him because it gives us a pattern to follow. First, we must love the Lord with all our hearts, and we must love our children. Second, we must become a worthy example to them by continually seeking the Lord and striving to live the gospel. Third, we must teach our children the gospel and how to live its teachings."

Cheryl C. Lant, "That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior," Ensign, May 2010, 82

Topics: Parenthood, Children

Parents Need to Regularly Read and Study the Book of Mormon with Their Children

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Regular reading of and talking about the Book of Mormon invite the power to resist temptation and to produce feelings of love within our families. And discussions about the doctrines and principles in the Book of Mormon provide opportunities for parents to observe their children, to listen to them, to learn from them, and to teach them."

David A. Bednar, "Watching with All Perserverance," Ensign, May 2010, 41

Topics: Parenthood, Book of Mormon

Teaching in the Home Is Paramount Today

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today's world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility."

L. Tom Perry, "Mothers Teaching Children in the Home," Ensign, May 2010, 30

Topics: Parenthood

The Most Important Assignments Are in the Family

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child's life to put feet firmly on the path home. Parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles are made more powerful guides and rescuers by the bonds of love that are the very nature of a family."

Henry B. Eyring, "Help Them on Their Way Home," Ensign, May 2010, 23

Topics: Family

The World Seeks to Undermine Womanhood and Motherhood

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Mothers and daughters play a critical role in helping each other explore their infinite possibilities, despite the undermining influences of a world in which womanhood and motherhood are being corrupted and manipulated."

M. Russell Ballard, "Mothers and Daughters," Ensign, May 2010, 18

Topics: Womanhood

Fathers Have a Sacred Calling to Protect Their Homes

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 MST

"Fathers, I would remind you of the sacred nature of your calling. You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Boyd K. Packer, "The Power of the Priesthood," Ensign, May 2010, 9

Topics: Fatherhood

Establish Harmony in Your Marital Relationship

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 MST

"It is far more difficult to be of one heart and mind than to be physically one. This unity of heart and mind is manifest in sincere expressions of 'I appreciate you' and 'I am proud of you.' Such domestic harmony results from forgiving and forgetting, essential elements of a maturing marriage relationship. Someone has said that we 'should keep [our] eyes wide open before marriage, and half shut afterward.' True charity ought to begin in marriage, for it is a relationship that must be rebuilt every day."

James E. Faust, "Fathers, Mothers, Marriage," Ensign, Aug. 2004, 5

Topics: Unity, Marriage