Strengthen Home and Family

Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five minutes from start to finish.

In what ways can you strengthen your relationship with your immediate family members?
In what ways can you strengthen the spiritual uplifting in your home?

This post focuses on a October 2007 General Conference talk, and it is called "Strengthen Home and Family" by Sister Mary N. Cook, I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading this talk and I hope that you would be able to learn something new.

Sister Cook has mentioned the following;
"... Each Sunday, ... the young women of the Church repeat these inspired words: “We will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation” (“Young Women Theme,”) While this is the Young Women theme, it applies to all youth in the Church. I hope I can help you, my young brothers and sisters, understand how powerful your individual actions can be in strengthening your home and family, no matter what your circumstances.

I understand, for example, that many of you may be the only member of the Church in your family. For the Strength of Youth reminds us that “being part of a family is a great blessing. … Not all families are the same, but each is important in Heavenly Father’s plan.". All families need strengthening, from the ideal to the most troubled. That strengthening can come from you. In fact, in some families you may be the only source of spiritual strength.

The Lord is depending on you to bring the blessings of the gospel to your family. It is important to establish patterns of righteousness in your own life, which will enable you to set a good example for your family, whatever form your family may take. The example of your righteous life will strengthen your family.

President Hinckley gave the young women “a simple four-point program” in the general Young Women meeting last spring that will not only “assure your happiness” but will bless your family as well. He counseled each of us to “(1) pray, (2) study, (3) pay your tithing, and (4) attend your meetings” (“Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Unceasingly,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2007).

Seeking the help of the Lord daily through prayer will bring great blessings to your family. Ask yourself: “Who in my family could benefit from my personal prayers?” “What could I do to support and encourage family prayer?” As you personally study the scriptures, you will come to know the Savior and His teachings. From His example you will know how to love, serve, and forgive members of your family. Consider how you could share your understanding of the scriptures with your family.

"Families are the compass that guides us.
They are the inspiration to reach great
heights, and our comfort when we
occasionally falter." - Brad Henry.

On several occasions, President Hinckley has admonished us to “get all of the education you can” (Liahona and Ensign, May 2007). Your education will benefit your family now and will surely bless your future family. What can you do now to plan and prepare for a good education? 

President Hinckley taught us, “While tithing is paid with money, more importantly it is paid with faith." Are you experiencing the blessings of paying tithing with faith? As you obey this commandment, the Lord will “open … the windows of heaven” (Malachi 3:10) to bless you and your family.

How can attending your meetings particularly sacrament meeting bless you and your family? Regularly partaking of the sacrament will help you keep your baptismal covenant. 

As you live worthily and renew this covenant weekly, you will qualify for the guidance of the Spirit. The Holy Ghost will guide you and will teach you what you should do to bless your family.

As you commit to these patterns of righteousness, you will be blessed throughout your life and will develop the spiritual foundation from which you can strengthen your family by example. In 1 Timothy, Paul teaches us about example: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The family section in For the Strength of Youth gives some great ways you can be “an example of the believers” in your own home: “Be cheerful, helpful, and considerate of others. … Concern yourself with the needs of other family members.

... “Honor your parents by showing love and respect for them and by being obedient. … Participate in family activities and traditions, including family prayer, family home evenings, and family scripture reading. These traditions strengthen and unify families. … “Strengthen your relationships with your brothers and sisters. They can become your closest friends” (10–11). Example is often the best teacher. Who in your family could benefit from your example - a brother, a sister, your mom or dad?

... Can you make a difference in your family? Yes, you can! ... Remember, “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995). Eternal families are made up of individuals. “Do your part to build a happy home” (For the Strength of Youth, 10). Establish patterns of righteousness in your life. ... The Lord is depending on you to assist in the exaltation of your eternal family. ..."

If you would like to read this whole talk either now or in your own time, here's the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/10/strengthen-home-and-family

Stay Tuned until next time.