FAMILY FD UNIT 1 OBJECTIVES

Readings:

The Eternal Family Robert D Hales

(Eternal Marriage student manual, p.100)

The Family  Feb 1998 Ensign Henry B. Eyring was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this fireside address was given at Brigham Young University on 5 November 1995. (Eternal Marriage student manual, p.104) 

Things As They Really Are by Elder Maxwell
King Follett Sermon by Joseph Smith

The objectives of this Unit are:

1. Learn the eternal realities pertaining to the Creator’s Plan of Salvation.
2. Understand how truth is knowledge of things “as they are, as they were, and as they are to come” (D&C 93:24) and how this reflects the nature of eternal laws “by which all things are governed” (D&C 88:13).
3. Prepare to teach and share how gospel covenants, commandments, blessings and opportunities are natural outgrowths of eternal truth, and point us to our destiny as God’s children.

Be able to problem-solve by employing eternal truths and the Plan of Salvation as taught in the Family Proclamation and the Scriptures
CASE STUDY: 

The Art of Case-Learning in Family Foundations

1.       Each of the cases you will grapple with in this course have been real-life situations that BYU-Idaho students have shared with their Professors.  The names have been changed of course, but the cases are true to life and are authentic to our current culture.  

2.       For a case to be successful, each learner needs to be less concerned about presenting “answers” and “solutions” than about identifying and understanding gospel principles and doctrines that are relevant to the situation.  The Spirit will teach and  testify most effectively when we are focused on true principles and doctrines versus when we seek to defend a personal position.

Jenny closed the email with mixed emotions. Her oldest sister Bethany has just announced to the family that she is pregnant.  While such news would ordinarily be joyous, Bethany is 38 years old and has never been married. Jenny has always believed in the importance of families, but she’s not completely sure how to feel about Bethany’s decision.

B A C K G R O U N D

Bethany has continually longed to be a mother. Considering that she is almost 20 years older than Jenny, Bethany has always seemed like a second mother to Jenny. Yet, marriage and motherhood never happened for her. Bethany worried that her opportunity to have children was slipping away along with her biological clock year after year.

Finally, in desperation, she had decided to become pregnant through a medical procedure using an anonymous donor. At last, she could be the mother she so wanted to be. Jenny knows her sister would make a great mother because Bethany has so much love to give.

As Bethany considered this option her parents counseled her against it.  However, Bethany believes she hasn’t broken the law of chastity because she hasn’t engaged in any immoral behavior.

Jenny is struggling with her feelings. On one hand, the teachings of the Church and her own gut instincts clearly conflict with Bethany’s decision. However, her sister is such a great person and full of love that she would be a blessing to any child and would raise them to be active in the Church.  Bethany’s logic makes sense on one hand, and Jenny finds is hard to think that her sister is being “wicked.”

T H E C H A L L E N G E 

Jenny has an assignment to talk in Sacrament meeting as part of the Mother’s Day program.  The Bishop has specifically asked Jenny to talk about the Plan of Salvation as it relates to families. As Jenny begins preparing her talk, consider the following questions on her mind:

1.      Why exactly does the Lord care about how children come into the world?

2.      Why does it matter so much that each child have a mother and a father who are married – especially when so many don’t have that “traditional” family today?

3.      There is a possibility that Bethany will be attending this meeting, should Jenny have two versions of her talk?  If so, how would they be different?

Your answers must be documented/supported by scripture, teachings of the Prophets, and/or the Proclamation.

POSTED ANSWER:

While Bethany may cause Jenny much heartache and confusion (as she wrestles with knowing her sister’s goodness and good intent) the decision is already complete: Bethany is pregnant. Jenny does not need to judge Bethany. She need only love and support her and her child to the best of her ability. The proclamation is clear that “extended families should lend support when needed” (para. 7). Bethany clearly intends to become a single parent and has begun a long and very difficult path in her life. By doing so she has imposed duties and obligations on all of her loving, extended family.

While we should not shun or judge real people,* who struggle with decisions in less than ideal circumstances, we can identify ideals in theory and seek ways to apply the principles those theories are built upon. Prophets guide us to perfect ideals that bring the greatest joy and happiness so we can work to make our choices reflect those ideals as closely as possible, and maximize our happiness (as well as the happiness of everyone around us).

Jenny must now wrestle with her own beliefs, as she decides if she believes that prophets speak for God, and the words written and taught by prophets in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” are true. Her sister’s actions seem to negate these truths. Bethany is “like a second mother” to her, and Jenny recognizes Bethany’s goodness, righteous goals, and honorable desires. Deciding what she truly believes may be simple for Jenny, or Bethany’s actions may cause Jenny to question many truths as she considers the implications of Bethany’s choice. Jenny must also decide if she believes the words in the proclamation enough to testify of them publicly. If she does she must also consider how to do so without seeming to condemn or condone her sister. (And if she can, might it not be the catalyst to get Bethany to consider the best interests of her child instead of merely her own short-sighted desires to be a mother?)

Jenny may wonder: Do I believe “the Creator’s [has a] plan?” (para. 1) Does Bethany, or any one else, need to make their own “plan?” Can a person have “divine nature and destiny . . . and eternal identity and purpose” (para. 2) if she or he is not married in this life? Are “children entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother . . .?” (para. 7). Is Bethany failing “to fulfill family responsibilities” to her child? Will she “one day stand accountable before God?”

Bethany’s decision is not ideal. Bethany thinks “at last, she [can] be the mother she so [wants] to be,” but she is deceived: she is not part of an eternal family and neither is her child, who will arrive to the love and care of only one parent, without the love and support of a father, or binding eternal ties to him or Bethany. Whatever her own heartaches and desires, has Bethany actually considered that the child she will bear is God’s spirit child who has needs and rights? Has she considered that God’s instructions are intended to help His child have needs met? Has she thought about where the child is coming from and what will happen to the child after this life?

Joseph Smith taught, in the King Follet sermon, “The mind or the intelligence which man possesses is co‐equal [co‐eternal] with God himself. I know that my testimony is true. . . . The intelligence of spirits had no beginning, neither will it have an end. Spirits which existed with God have left the tabernacle of clay only for a little moment, as it were; and they now exist in a place where they converse together the same as we do on the earth. Intelligence is eternal and exists upon a self-existent principle. It is a spirit from age to age and there is no creation about it.”

Bethany has decided to use the “sacred powers of procreation” (para. 4) in her way without consideration to God’s command to employ them only within marriage. (para. 4). Does she think she is wiser than the prophets and even God himself? He wants her and her family to have blessings but she is refusing to receive them in his time and way. She is denying herself and her child happiness that can only be achieved within Heavenly Father’s plan, as he has instructed. Without being part of an eternal family what will become of this child in eternity? Thankfully we can trust God does have a plan and that he will provide for such extenuating circumstances.

If I were Jenny: First I would reply to my sister's email, letting her know I received hers, and let her know I want to support her when she needs help. I would also call our parents and ask their counsel. I would not sponsor a baby shower for her but I would attend one if someone else gave it.

I would give the talk in church, as asked by the Bishop, and try to reassure my parents and the Bishop that I understand the doctrines and principles of the proclamation so that they know I have not become confused by my sister's ill-considered choice. I would clearly outline Heavenly Father's plan for his children and how blessings are only obtained through obedience. Commandments and other counsels from the prophets are the way our loving Father in Heaven tries to help us obtain as much happiness and joy as possible. He knows the way, he has done it Joseph Smith taught, and God wants to guide us, and help us avoid the things that bring sadness or misery.

I know someone that has lived with her boyfriend for more than 20 years. One day she said to me, "you can't tell me the love we share is wrong."

I wanted to share correct principles. As I silently began to pray for help, suddenly there came an answer to mind which taught me an important truth also. I replied, "I won't try to tell you that what you have is 'wrong' BUT I will tell you that God has something more, more blessings and more happiness that you can not have except in eternal marriage." This is the way all the commandments are. God wants to give us more. When we disobey we deny ourselves the blessings of more - more joy!

*We should be very careful about judging others. 

We find the command in Math. 7:1 a Judge not, that ye be not b judged. If we even glance at the footnotes (a rather important process in understanding) we see Joseph Smith's rendering of that verse. 

JST Matt. 7:1–2 Now these are the words which Jesus taught his disciples that they should say unto the people.Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgment.Alma 41:14 (14–15); 3 Ne. 14:1 (1–27);D&C 11:12.

Elder Dalin H Oaks provides a rather amazing and inspiring talk at BYU in 1998 (published Aug 1999 Ensign). He taught about 2 kinds of judgements and helped me understand a lot better.  If Jenny, or anyone, were unkind or unsupportive of her sister (or anyone else), they would likely not be judging righteously, as well as being unforgiving because they would not really be privy to all the facts as Elder Oaks describes. His sixth of seven points says, "Sixth, forgiveness is a companion principle to the commandment that in final judgments we judge not and in intermediate judgments we judge righteously. The Savior taught, “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). In modern revelation the Lord has declared, “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” (D&C 64:10). 

2 WEEK PROVIDENT LIVING PLAN

Provident Living Plan Unit 1 Scripture Study:

Reading: "A Reservoir of Living Water" by David A Bednar 

Make and execute a plan to study the scriptures every day. This plan should take at least twenty minutes a day. Your specific plan might include what, where, when and how you will study the scriptures each day.

Reading, studying, and searching the scriptures is part of my daily routine. I am working my way through an overview of the entire scriptures by listening to the scriptures on my i-phone (or computer) each day. I began with the New Testament on September 14^th when I finished my summer semester class. Prior to that, after reading the Book of Mormon through, I was studying individual topics in the scriptures and the words of prophets each day, for approximately for questions that my reading from the Book of Mormon had instigated—I just make notes in a small notebook to refer back to.  I am so pleased to have this assignment that correlates with and extends my personal study.

PLAN: listen to scriptures for 30 minutes daily, at least—this is in addition to my reading and study in lesson preparation times.

WHEN: during chore and/or exercise time (also driving/travel time)

WHAT:
Beginning with the New Testament, listen to the entire Quad. Proceed to D&C/Pearl of Great Price next,
and then the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon. This order is unusual but breaks “routines and habits”—often we follow a prescribed cycle in Sunday School. (This will be lasting more than 2 weeks obviously but it is surprising how quickly it goes.) 

HOW: I listen to the scriptures while I am engaged in tasks like mending, exercising, dishes, laundry etc that do not fully engage my mind otherwise. 

1) What did you learn throughout the course of this project?

I have read my scriptures regularly for approximately thirty years. My first personal study of the scriptures involved a comparison of the text of Isaiah with 2Nephi in the Book of Mormon. Isaiah is still my favorite book of scripture. His witness of the Savior left me "thirsty" for more. 

 In 1982 when the new editions of the scriptures were published, Elder Boyd K Packer explained that the older generation had not had the advantage and opportunity these new publications would provide to the rising generation to “know the Lord Jesus Christ [and be] disposed to do his will” (“Scriptures,” Ensign Nov. 1982, 53). 

There are many strategies to vary my studies and increase my understanding, including variations and combinations of the three methods Elder Bednar suggested: reading from beginning to end; topical studies; and “searching for connections, patterns, and themes” (Bednar, David A., A Reservoir of Living Water, 2007). This project has helped me realize that occasionally I neglect to be as carefully diligent as serious scripture study merits. I realized, during the past 2 weeks, I need to place God’s word more in the center of my life as a core priority.

FAMILY FD: UNIT ONE

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

(Unit One)

1) We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that

1. marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that

2. the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.  

Who said this?

Why?

Do I believe God exists?

What is He like?

Does He speak to prophets?

Are there really authorized reprentatives of God?

If so, what else do they say?

Do I really believe God has a plan?
Or do I think I need to make up my own plan?
What is God's plan?
What is a "family"?

Do I actually think I have  eternal destiny?
Am I the child of God?
Do I believe that?

Seriously?

Do I act like a child of a divine being?
Is my Father pleased with how I act?

If you know me at all you know I always ask a lot of questions.

Sometimes I find answers.

Sometimes I don't.

I found some answers to some of these questions (and others).

Now I have more questions!

TEACHINGS INTRO WEEK

Assignment: After reading through Sister Beck and Brother Hafen's talks about marriage and family, discuss what impressed you, made sense, or that you still need more understanding about. 

ETERNAL MARRIAGE student manual

TEACHING THE DOCTRINE  OF THE FAMILY 

Julie B Beck

HOW WE LOST THE PLOT

Bruce C Hafen

DISCUSSION:

Elder Bruce C Hafen discusses “what people accept [and expect] and what they wish for.” He states, “The cultural changes of the last generation have . . . created a widespread pessimism about binding commitments. . . . and that very pessimism is one of the biggest obstacles to fulfilling the dream [of eternal family love].”

I am not sure this is all of the problem. Sister Beck states our youth “aren’t sure they can be successful in keeping covenants” and discusses youth having “insufficient and undeveloped social skills, which are an impediment to them in forming eternal families.” Elder Hafen also says, “In earlier years, most people worked hard to reach high ideals, such as stable marriage, even when they didn’t achieve their hopes ‘except [later].’” 

With no disrespect to anyone, I submit the root of a lack of commitment (that I witness) is a lack of the ability to know how to do that kind of hard work – to put in the time and effort to keep the commitments being made. In my family (and maybe in my generation) wishing for something and not doing anything purposeful to achieve that desire was called being lazy.

Please don’t lynch me until you hear me out. 

Although some of today’s youth lack goals and commitment to anything, many can work IF they want to – but what is their desire? Let me share an example. My young visiting teachers made an appointment to come visit. I missed out on an unexpected offer to go with a friend to lunch so I could be here for their visit. They didn’t show up. They never even called. I was here waiting, even long after the time they appointed. Later I found out why they missed. To me it seemed trivial – they would have had to have made additional effort to keep their commitment to me. My daughter tells me not to expect people to really keep appointments like that and to just go with my friend if I have something come up. I was astonished. I had a commitment; so did they. I told her I had no way to let them know I would be unavailable, so I hadn’t gone. I expected to honor my commitment to them and expected them to honor their commitment to me. She thought I was silly and told me that they would have known I had something “come up.” 

To me, if I say I will do something or be somewhere I can be counted on to do it or to be there (unless very extenuating circumstances occur). I am committed. I don’t do something else on a whim merely to satisfy my personal preferences; when I have made a promise I don’t break it. Am I old fashioned or am I missing something else? I expect others to keep their commitments. I felt so sad. I did not get to visit with my VT or go to lunch! Was it just a silly little thing, or a symptom of something much bigger?

It seems that many who fail to form eternal attachments, do not marry, or who readily divorce take the path of least resistance by failing to seriously and diligently put much effort into those relationships. It seems to begin long before marriage as young teens start habits to avoid making commitments. I have taught Sunday School to age 14-16 for several years (and one year regularly had the youth age 16-18 as well, whenever their teacher was absent). Usually if youth make commitments they at least try to keep them, but I sense a great hesitancy overall to make commitments. 

Are the youth of the church avoiding commitments?

I think there is something deeper happening than just the pessimism and fears our reading describes. What do you think? 

ADDITIONAL IDEAS AND COMMENTS:

One young man said,  "In the addresses that Sister Beck and Elder Hafen gave it seems that they talked about how the world has really lost sight of families and how teaching the youth of the church the importance of families is essential in our day. Elder Hafen gave many examples on how the world was moving from family values and focusing more on the “self.”

"Elder Hafen shares that the divorce rate has risen and the how the requirements for divorce have changed so people can now divorce because the no longer like the person they are married too. He also shares that people seem to hope for a lasting marriage but the fear that the world has put towards it hinders a lot from actually going through with it. Sister Beck transitions well with her talk to seminary and institute directors pleading them to teach the importance of the family. The Church did research pertaining to the family and how the youth feel about their future families. It came back with results of worry and fear. Sister Beck went on to share how it is not enough for a child to know the prophets and scriptures but need to know how it applies to the family and its eternal importance.

"These addresses are very powerful and important for our time. I know that as a new father teaching my daughter and her future sibling about the family and its importance is crucial. It is not enough for our youth and children to learn and hear about it at church, but needs to be taught and observed at the home too."

I shared: This summer I took a class in child development. One of the things we studied was that children age 11-18 (and later for some) typically do not have a part of their brain completely formed - the part that recognizes and responds to emotions of others, and that also helps to regulate analytical decisions. This can make them seem focused on "self," yet they also are extremely perceptive and quick to act on, or notice many things that older people don't connect with. Often they make quick decisions based on emotion rather the longer process of working out and analyzing details (which by the way they are quite adept at when they actually do it). 

I notice the youth I work with (age 14-16) can be keenly aware of self and others. In class, we also learned that when youth have warm and loving support that connects with them, and validates their competencies that they become confident, caring, responsible adults but that when their needs are not met they tend to remain self-centered. I wonder if that is what happens in fractured families; there isn't anyone to tell them what they are doing right, and they become confused about exactly what is right. 

Other discussions centered on Elder Hafen's article and social changes that occurred in the 60s and 70s. One said, "It is so sad today to see how the family is being altered in society and is being pushed on everyone to accept these “alternate families” as being okay and the norm. My kids hear so much at their high school that we have often had to have discussion about “what is so wrong with lesbians/gays/transgender couples marrying and/or having children and raising them. It is being taught to them that they are being biased or un-Christian if they are not accepting of everything and everyone in however they are." Another felt that we shouldn't speak out about how anyone else lives their life.

Several students felt that children are better off in a loving same-gender family than in a dysfunctional or abusive circumstance.

I shared: This summer I took a child development class. In that class, as the articles in our reading also explain, long term studies consistently show that children are more healthy and happy, and optimum development is maximized when they are raised in nuclear families – a father and a mother with their children.

We have a friend that developed a problem with alcohol. He is a very tall and strong man. One night while drinking in a bar there was a fight and someone attacked someone else with a knife. Our friend held the attacker so that person couldn’t harm anyone (until police arrived) and thereby saved the other person's life because others could help the wounded person. He was quite proud of himself. Even though he saved a life, he should not have been in the bar drinking and associating with those that could take his life. He had a young family of 5 children when this happened. Just as our friend should not have been in that bar, children should not need to live in either of the situations you have described. Both are harmful.

The prophets tell us this in the proclamation clearly: “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 on the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Unions of two persons of the same gender would not have biological children. The sad thing is that when children are part of such families they have already been subjected to the problems of fractured families, and single parent families. Worldwide, studies show that children’s mental and physical health suffers in such circumstances. (Documentation in reading material.)

When we marry we willingly covenant to become completely unified with another person. This, to me, is the meaning of Elder Hafen’s quote "Lovers must not . . . live for themselves alone. . . [They] are giving themselves away, and they are joined by this [their covenant with each other] as no law or contract could ever join them. Lovers, then, 'die' into their union with one another. [Emphasis mine.]” The covenant of a man and wife to be unified should preclude selfish interests and self-serving behaviors on both parts to an extent that the self-centered, distinct person I was before marriage no longer exists. Ideally I have “died” by becoming a new and better person that is part of my husband and he has part of me, as we become a family.

Several female class members vehemently opposed statements quoted from President Spencer W Kimball in a dicussion about having children. He said, “It is an act of extreme selfishness for a married couple to refuse to have children when they are able to do so” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1979, 6; or Ensign, May 1979, 6)." They felt they shouldn't be made to feel guilty about choices to not have children and that couples shouldn't have to have any kids if they didn't want them.

I replied: 

"Dear Sisters;

You are so right that planning and preparing is vital to bringing children into a family. You also speak truth in saying that children should be wanted, and loved, and that no one should be “compelled” to have children (or choose childbearing because of guilt or shame). Each person and each couple are unique and our loving Father in Heaven knows the needs, desires and abilities of each one. He gives us commandments and directions from prophets to increase our blessings and happiness, never to condemn us or diminish our joy. When prophets speak we need to carefully evaluate what blessings they are trying to explain we might obtain. If I refuse to be married for eternity in the temple it IS my choice. There are, however, blessings I can not obtain because I have refused them.

All commandments and instructions from God are to protect us and extend to us greater opportunities. There are many of God’s children that are still spirits, and do not yet have bodies. Can I possibly help any of them?

Each couple must answer that personal question, individually. Their choice should be between themselves, Heavenly Father, perhaps a spiritual adviser such as a Bishop, and (if needed) competent professionals such as doctors or counselors.

One day my friend’s 2 year-old wanted to drink something harmful. She would not let him. She offered him 2 other choices. He refused both. He is too young still to understand his mother wants him to be healthy and happy. She can invite him to enjoy good things, but he can choose to refuse them. When God, our loving Father, invites us through prophets to think or act in specific ways we need to carefully consider what good thing is being offered to us. What are we declining?"

FAMILY FOUNDATIONS 101

THE FAMILY: A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD

Course Introduction: Week 1

This semester I get to STUDY these words of living prophets. I look forward to serious consideration of what the Lord is trying to teach me through them.

Sometimes this class gets called "Eternal Marriage," "Marriage and Family Relations," or "Building a Celestial Family." Those titles get at some general ideas, with the key intent being to prepare for or be part of an Eternal Family patterned after the family of Heavenly Parents.

Our introductory lesson states:

In this course we will focus on The Family: A Proclamation to the World. You will be given the opportunity to study this document in depth with the help of the words from Prophets and Apostles. Each Unit will focus on a new selection from The Proclamaion.

Course Outcomes:

¨      Deepen our understanding of eternal law, the plan of salvation, and the doctrines and principles of effective family living as identified in The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

¨      Increase our desire, commitment, and ability to strengthen our marriages, nurture our children, and create a healthy, supportive, and righteous home and family environment.

¨      Provide opportunities to learn and share provident living skills that will aid in attaining an eternal marriage and family

The doctinal composistion and content of each unit and lesson are presented in an outline form of that document.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

(Unit numbered & outline form)

1) We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that

1. marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that

2. the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.  

2) All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God.

1. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and,

2. as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.

Gender is an essential characteristic of individual

1. premortal,

2. mortal, and

3. eternal

    identity and purpose.

3) In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could

1. obtain a physical body and

2. gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and

3. ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as heirs of eternal life.

The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for

1. individuals to return to the presence of God and for

2. families to be united eternally.

4) The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. 

1.  We declare that God’s commandment for his children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.

2. We further declare that God has commanded the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only

a.       between man and woman,

b.      lawfully wedded 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. 

5) Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for

1.  Each other

2.  and for their children.  “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3).

Parents have a sacred duty to

1.  rear their children in love and righteousness,

2.  to provide for their physical and spiritual needs,

3.  to teach them to love and serve one another,

4. to observe the commandments of God and to 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.

6) The family is ordained of God.

1. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.

2. 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

1.  founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2.  Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of

a.       faith,

b.      prayer,

c.       repentance,

d.      forgiveness,

e.       respect,

f.       love,

g.      compassion,

h.      work,

i.        and wholesome recreational activities.  

By divine design, fathers are to

1.  preside over their families in love and righteousness

2.  and are responsible to provide the necessities of life

3.  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.

7) We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family 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.

7) 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.”

Do I really believe God has a plan?

Or do I think I need to make up my own plan?

Do I actually think I have divine nature and destiny?

Do I act like a child of a divine being?

Is my Father pleased with how I act?

Do I have eternal identity and purpose?

Who am I? What is my purpose?

Maybe I will increase understanding of my own divine nature and destiny; my own eternal identity and purpose. Here's hoping!

DAY OF PRAYER

 I don't remember where I was on 11 September 2001

or what I was doing when I heard about the US being attacked.


I will never forget 13 September 2001.

Our national and religious leaders called us to prayer.

I think most of us already were praying.


I will never forget 14 September, either.

I was on my knees praying with millions of other people.

 May we all, ever remember the 14 September,

and pray for peace.

2nd Chronicles 7:14

"Humanity transcends the definitions of outward form and physical location." Sylvia Engdal