Monday, October 3, 2011

earth life is for family life

This might be just a teeny, tiny wee bit off of topic from class...but I feel like writing it anyway.

This past weekend was General Conference.  If you missed any of it, I highly suggest that you should make time to watch, listen to or read it on the LDS website.

One talk that I really enjoyed was given by Elaine S. Dalton.  She started off her talk by asking this question:
How can a father raise a happy, well-adjusted daughter in today's increasingly toxic world?


And her answer was:
The most important thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother.


I wholeheartedly agree with this!  What a beautiful topic and what a beautiful, and absolutely true answer!  I know that children do learn by example, especially from that of their parents.  Sister Dalton reemphasized this when she said, "She will learn from your example what to expect from young men.  You can show your daughter by the way you love your wife that she should never expect less.  You are showing her that she is a daughter of God who loves her."


She then went on to explain why it is of such great import that you teach your daughter by example these things:
A temple marriage is worthy of your greatest efforts and highest priority.


The temple.  The temple, it's teachings, covenants and reason why we have them all point to Christ.  He is the life and light of the world.  The living water.  The author and finisher of our faith.  He can and will bring us joy if we are examples of righteousness to our children, and also if we, as children (both of our earthly parents and Heavenly parents) are obedient and righteous to our parents' teachings.


It was only after Nephi had completed the temple in the wilderness that he stated, "and we lived after the manner of happiness."  The manner of happiness is found in temple; it is covenant keeping.  Don't let any influence come into your life or your home that would cause you to compromise your covenants or your commitment to your wife.


Salt Lake City LDS Temple

I know that is not only important for a father to show and be this living example for his daughter, but for a mother to do likewise for her son.  The temple is our goal, and not to simply be sealed.  That is only the beginning.  And where will children learn more of a better example than in the home from their own parents?

I hope that I can continue to strive and do only better to prepare to be a parent who lives by example.  My children will be placed in my home and entrusted to me and my husband.  What a great responsibility and calling.  It definitely is one worth making all sacrifices and efforts for.

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