Happy Early Father's Day

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

I would like you to think about your father or a father figure in your life and then encourage yourself to ask, and answer the following questions either now or in your own time. 

~ Was there any great and helpful lessons that you have learned from your Dad? ~ Have you been able to apply any of those great and helpful lessons into your life? ~ In what ways have you acknowledged that your Dad has supported you in your life? ~ In what ways have you acknowledged that your Dad has been proud for your major achievements and efforts even the little achievements and efforts in your life?

~ In what ways have you acknowledged that your Dad has experienced proud moments in your life? ~ In what ways have you acknowledged that your Dad has loved you in your life? ~ In what ways have you acknowledged that your Dad has cared about you in your life? ~ Did you know that Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea always have celebrated Father's Day in September? Those countries celebrates Father's Day on the first Sunday in September every year. Most countries celebrates Father's Day in June every year. 

 We may not fully understand about the greatest things that of what our fathers has done for us. I would love to say "Happy early Father's Day" to my Dad, my father in law, my husband (he would be a father to my and his children one day), all those fathers, grandpas, step fathers, future fathers, future grandpas and future step fathers. 

"Fathers, yours is an eternal calling from which
you are never released. - Ezra Taft Benson."

I have appreciated the patience that my Dad has faced while he was supervising me when I was learning how to drive in Australia, I have appreciated the great lessons that I have learned from my Dad, I have appreciated all of the letters that my Dad has written to me, I have appreciated the support that I got from my Dad, I have appreciated all of the incoming calls from my Dad, I am grateful that my Dad was able to spend some time with my husband when my husband was on his vacation in Australia, I have appreciated have appreciated all of the great memories that I was able to have with my Dad prior to me leaving Brisbane, Australia and I sure am grateful and appreciate everything else that my Dad has done for me.

If you have currently a father; keep up the great work. Please keep doing your best to show your support to your child/children in any way that you can, please keep loving your child/children, please keep doing your best to understand whatever your child/children when he or she or they are talking to you, please keep doing your best to understand your child/children's needs, please keep doing your best to understand your child/children's wants and so forth. 

If you are currently a future father; do your very best to prepare well to become a great, supportive, loving, and caring father to your future child/children. Indeed there would be times to face miscommunications, difficulties, misunderstandings, hardships, and so forth; just remember to stay strong during difficult times, you will be able to get through those times and be the best person that you can be.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Father - Your Role, Your Responsibility

Good Morning, Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

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

This post focuses on a October 1977 General Conference talk, and it is called "Father - Your Role, Your Responsibility" by Elder L. Tom Perry. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading

the talk and I hope that you would be able to learn something new while reading this post. 

Elder Perry has mentioned the following; "... As any righteous father, he pleaded with the Lord for a change to occur in the life of his son. ... The scriptures record how the prayers of a righteous father had been answered. ... I want to speak to you who bear the great and noble titles of husband and father. I find myself greatly concerned with what I see around me. Man, woman, young adult, youth, and child - all groping to find their identity in a troubled world.

I stand before you today to accuse many of the husbands and fathers who are within the sound of my voice and throughout the world of failing in your two major God-given responsibilities. The reason for most of the problems
we find in the world today must be laid at your door. Divorce, infidelity, dishonesty, the use of drugs, deterioration of family life, loss of identity, instability and unhappiness have resulted from the lack of your leadership in the home.

Husbands and fathers, could we again remind you of your role and your responsibility?

First, as a husband: The first instruction given to man and woman immediately following the creation was, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Gen. 2:24.) So God in His divine plan ordained that marriage was to bring about his basic organizational unit, the family. The role of husband and wife was clearly defined from the very beginning. In the Lord’s plan, these roles are unchanged and eternal. A prophet has said of womanhood, “A beautiful, modest, gracious woman is creation’s masterpiece.” (David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, Improvement Era Publication, 1953)

To safeguard this masterpiece, the Lord gave to man the duty and responsibility to be the provider and protector. Husbands, if the Lord’s plan is to work, you must learn how to perform in the leadership role He has designed for you. Could I remind you of some of these requirements? ... Husbands, are your actions at all times a reflection of your love for wife?

Second is your responsibility to provide peace and security in your home. It is your duty to provide adequately for your family. You must prepare yourself for this responsibility and have the ambition to see that it is accomplished. Your wife should live her life with the comforting assurance that so long as you are healthy and well you will take care of her first above all others. She should not be forced into the labor market unless you become incapacitated. She must be allowed to fulfill her role as the Lord intended it for her.

Third, it is a twenty-four-hour-a-day job to show appreciation and consideration for her. The Lord has warned you in the scriptures by saying: “We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.

"The quality of a father can be seen in the
goals, dreams and aspirations he sets not
only for himself, but for his family."
- Reed Markham.

... She does not have to follow you in unrighteousness. She is your wife, your companion, your best friend, your full partner. The Lord has blessed her with great potential, talent, and ability. She, too, must be given the opportunity for self-expression and development. 

Her happiness should be your greatest concern. Learn how to magnify both your roles in order that the husband and wife can be found having fulfilling and happy lives together.

Brethren, your first and most responsible role in life and in the eternities is to be a righteous husband. Second only to the title of husband is that of father. Next to eternal life, the greatest of all gifts that our Father in heaven can bestow on a man is the opportunity of being blessed with sons and daughters. 

Every healthy and normal son of God should have the joy of bestowing the following gifts on his children:

First, an honored and respected name. I will be eternally grateful to a father who thought enough of me to give me his name. It was a name of honor and respect in the community in which I grew up. It carried before it the title of bishop from the time I was six months old until just a few months before I left to go on my mission. How proud I was of his service. I was pleased that he had the patience to involve me in his responsibilities. ... Should not every child have the same opportunity? Fathers, is it not your obligation to give your children an honored and respected name?

Second, every child needs a sense of security. I often think of the security of our old family home. It was a fortress against the adversary. Each morning and evening it was blessed by the priesthood as we would kneel in family prayer. That power was also manifest as my father blessed his family in time of need. Fathers, is it not your obligation to give your children a home blessed with the power of the priesthood?

Third, an opportunity for development. ... I returned to the motel where my family was waiting for me and gave them the choice of having a father or this new home. Much to my surprise, they said, “We will take the home. You are not around much anyway.” The shock of that statement was overwhelming to me. If that statement was true, I needed to repent fast. My children deserved a father. Is it not our obligation as fathers to spend as much time as possible with our children, to teach them honesty, industry, and morality?

Fourth, give your children the opportunity of having a joyful, happy childhood. 
The priesthood manual a few years ago quoted a story written in 1955 by Bryant S. Hinckley. It is as follows: “‘Three hundred twenty-six school children of a district near Indianapolis were asked to write anonymously just what each thought of his father. “‘The teacher hoped that the reading of the essays might attract the fathers to attend at least one meeting of the Parent-Teacher’s Association. “‘It did. “‘They came in $400 cars and $4,000 cars. Bank president, laborer, professional man, clerk, salesman, meter reader, farmer, utility magnate, merchant, baker, tailor, manufacturer, and contractor, every man with a definite estimate of himself in terms of money, skill, and righteousness.

… “‘The president picked at random from another stack of papers. “I like my daddy,” she read from each. The reasons were many: He built my doll house, took me coasting, taught me to shoot, helps me with my schoolwork, takes me to the park, gave me a pig to fatten and sell. Scores of essays could be reduced to “I like my daddy. He plays with me.”’ “Not one child mentioned his family house, car, neighborhood, food or clothing. “The fathers went into the meeting from many walks of life. They came out in two classes: companions to their children or strangers to their children. “No man is too rich or too poor to play with his children.” (The Savior the Priesthood and You, Melchizedek Priesthood Manual, 1973–74, p. 226.)

I am aware how concerned we each are with the leadership we find in the world today. To change the head of a nation, state, or community towards righteous leadership may require our earnest efforts for years. But there is something we can change today to make the world a better place in which to live. Husbands and fathers, the power is within you as bearers of the priesthood. Enjoy the inspiration of God, our Eternal Father, to lead, guide, and direct your families in righteousness. You stand at the head of the only organization I know of that can be eternal. Should not that charge and responsibility receive top priority in your life? God bless you to understand your duties and responsibilities to be righteous husbands and fathers ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here's the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1977/10/father-your-role-your-responsibility

Stay Tuned until next time.

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.

Family Traditions

Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

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

Do you remember any fun family traditions that your family had while you were growing up?

I remembered as growing up; my family and I went to church weekly, we had family home evenings on most weeks, we had family prayers most mornings and most evenings and I remembered when several times duration in December to January (summer school holidays); my family was abe to stay with my grandparents (on my Dad's side), we were able to go camping, swimming, and so forth.

This post focuses on a April 1990 General Conference talk, and it is called "Family Traditions" by L. Tom Perry. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope that you would be able to learn something new. Elder Perry has mentioned, "... The prophets have taught us that before the world was, there was a council in heaven. President Brigham Young instructed the Saints: “The Council … said, ‘Let there be an earth, and let there be a firmament above and beneath it,’ and it was so. They said, ‘Let there be heat and cold,’ and it was so. They said, ‘Let there be spring and summer, autumn and winter,’ and it was so.

“‘Who will redeem the earth, who will go forth and make the sacrifice for the earth and all things it contains?’ ...
I give [unto] each and every individual his agency; all must use that in order to gain exaltation in my kingdom; inasmuch as they have the power of choice they must exercise that power. They are my children; the attributes which you see in me are in my children and they must use their agency. If you undertake to save all, you must
save them in unrighteousness and corruption.’” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe, Salt
Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1941)

As these spirits have come forth from the council in heaven to take their “turn on earth,” they are still desiring their free agency, and in fact, they are willing to sacrifice for that freedom. We are witnessing today remarkable events occurring throughout the world: evidence of the strength of man’s desire for freedom. The history of man’s mortal experience would indicate that the desire to be free has spiritual roots. There is an innate, overwhelming, compelling desire to be free. This desire seems to be more precious than life itself.

Another desire we carry from the preexistence is to know who we are and where we came from and what our opportunities are in this great eternal plan. Answers to these questions can really only be found in the gospel of our Lord and Savior. As we hear the cries for help from those who are just now trying to deal with their newly found freedom, trying to use it and understand it, we can turn to the scriptures and read how the Lord prepared another nation for their freedom.

... Moses was raised up, trained, and charged with the responsibility of freeing them from bondage and leading them to their own promised land. ... It would have been impossible for Moses to lead his people without the direction of the Lord. As a way of rebuilding their faith and reminding them who was their true God, Moses was instructed to establish certain principles and practices with them to help them to return to the true doctrine.

First, the Lord directed them to construct a tabernacle, which would be moved about with them from place to place as they journeyed towards their promised land. This was to be a house of worship, where their sacred observances could be held. It was to be used by those who were willing to abide by the Lord’s law. When the children of Israel were disobedient, the privilege of enjoying the blessings of having the tabernacle in their midst was removed from them.

"FAMILY is the CENTER OF LIFE. It is the key to eternal
happiness." = L Tom. Perry.

... In addition to the tabernacle as a place of worship, the Lord gave to them His written law contained on tablets of stone. These commandments were written by the finger of the Lord. They were kept for guidance and direction. ... 

Four of them have to do with our attitude toward God; the remaining six with our attitude toward our fellowman. Reverence for God was a basis for the Ten Commandments. Here was a foundation on which to build a society of law and order.

The Lord had another way of reminding Israel of the blessings He had given them. He had them establish religious customs, that became a part of their everyday life to signify the ways through which they could express their faith in God. 

Israel refused to abandon these practices even after being taken into captivity.  They conceived that God’s domination was not limited by national or political boundaries, and they would not give up their faith even though they struggled in a strange land. Deprived of their temple, they still had their law and their religious customs to worship their God. ... Following the pattern that the Lord established for ancient Israel, He has commanded us to build houses of worship for the purpose of having a place where the gospel can be taught.

After understanding is achieved, we can enter into covenants with Him to be obedient to His will and, in turn, receive His promised blessings as a result of our faithfulness. We have temples they now dot the maps of nations here the worthy can enter, worship, be taught, and make covenants to serve God and abide by His law. From the very beginning of man’s existence on earth, he has been taught that he must be obedient to law. .. Prophets through the ages have taught us to be obedient to the laws of the Lord, and these laws are the foundation of our existence here and will bring order out of chaos.

President Wilford Woodruff once taught us: “The God of heaven, who created this earth and placed his children upon it, gave unto them a law whereby they might be exalted and saved in a kingdom of glory. ... Whatever law anyone keeps, he is preserved by that law, and he receives whatever reward that law guarantees unto him. It is the will of God that all his children should obey the highest law, that they may receive the highest glory that is ordained for all immortal beings. But God has given all his children an agency, to choose what law they will keep.” (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, sel. G. Homer Durham, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1946)

... However, the practice of having traditions to keep us close to the great heritage which is ours to enjoy should be something every family should try to keep alive. Daily we should kneel in family prayer and study the scriptures together. Weekly we should observe the Sabbath day by attending our meetings, especially sacrament meeting, and behave appropriate to the activities that are proper for the Lord’s day. We should also gather our families together in weekly family home evenings. Perhaps it would also be appropriate to have a date with our wives each week, to remind us of the great blessing they are in our lives.

Monthly we should fast and pay our tithes and offerings to the Lord. Semiannually, we should make listening to the messages delivered at general conferences a family tradition. We should organize, annually, family reunions to keep alive our great gospel heritage. Other traditions which should continually be part of our lives are receiving father’s blessings, patriarchal blessings, missionary preparation, temple preparation, and regular temple attendance where possible, and being together as family units on those occasions when sacred ordinances are performed in behalf of a family member.

If we will build righteous traditions in our families, the light of the gospel can grow ever brighter in the lives of our children from generation to generation. We can look forward to that glorious day when we will all be united together as eternal family units to reap the everlasting joy promised by our Eternal Father for His righteous children. ... His choice blessings and live in peace and harmony until the day that He returns to rule and reign over us. ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time, here is the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1990/04/family-traditions

Stay Tuned until next time.

The Family - A Divine Blessing

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

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

I would like to let you know that the first half of this week; the topic is "Families" and the second half of this week, the topic is "Fathers. Upcoming Sunday in Australia, it's Father's Day. This post focuses on a April 1974 General Conference talk, and it is called "The Family - A Divine Blessing" by Rex D. Pinegar. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope that you would be able to learn something new.

Elder Pinegar mentioned the following; "... His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, exists for the perfecting of the Saints and for the unifying and exalting of the family of our Father in heaven. ... The Lord has said that in the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood “the power of godliness is manifest.” (D&C 84:20.) Thus, clothed with the holy priesthood of God and commissioned by the Lord, a man takes his place at the head of his family.

Through his righteous leadership, the power of godliness may be manifest in his home. This sacred obligation and stewardship he shares with his wife, his helpmate. In partnership with our Heavenly Father, they experience the joy of creation as children bless their home and enlarge their family circle. A wife and mother will be an inspiration to her family and to her husband and will honor him in his divine appointment as head of their family. President Hugh B. Brown has said to the women of the Church: “There is no better way to worship and glorify God than by assisting his sons on the upward and difficult climb. This takes patience, tolerance, forbearance and other typically feminine virtues.” (Hugh B. Brown, “The Exalted Sphere of Woman,” Relief Society Magazine, December 1965)

A husband and father will endeavor to be noble and faithful in carrying forth his sacred responsibility to teach correct principles to his children by precept and by example. Recently I heard a father tell of the powerful influence his own testimony and example had in the life of his daughter. His lovely daughter was being pursued by an ardent admirer one who had unfortunately turned away from the Church and who, through his wrongdoings, had been cut off from the blessings of the priesthood and Church membership.

This girl thought she loved him and believed she might be happy with him. Her concerned parents invited the young man into their home and tried to convince him of the need to put his life in order and to follow Christ. The father bore a fervent testimony of the reality of the Savior and of the joy that comes through obedience to his gospel. However, his words were rejected by the young man. In fact, the boy scoffed at such ideas and afterward tried to convince the girl that her father was old-fashioned and a hypocrite. This accusation, the father said, was the young man’s undoing.

That daughter defended her father and his beliefs. She knew him. She knew the validity of his testimony. She knew her father lived as he believed his sincere love of the gospel and his example of living its teachings she could not doubt nor deny. Her love she would save for another whose testimony was like that of her father, whose life would be blessed with the joy and peace that comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Today she is the wife of such a man, a happy mother of a lovely family born in the covenant of an eternal marriage. Oh, how blessed is the influence of a righteous father!

"Families are the because of Heaven."
- Elder Neil L. Anderson.

... A mother’s inherent qualities of trust, courage, and faith lend strength to every member of the family. Children also provide strength to the lives of family members. ... The atoning sacrifice of Christ was the supreme example of unselfish love. 

While Jesus was our only brother who could make such a sacrifice for us, each of us can and should make Christlike sacrifices daily for one another through unselfish actions and willing service. It is in the home that we experience many opportunities to do this.

... So important are our relationships with our family members as we learn these lessons of life that family home evening has been revealed by the Lord as a prescribed means for the enduring development of all family members.

Each Monday evening families will gather together, with father presiding, to experience one of the highlights of the week’s activities. During this special time together, the family, regardless of size or circumstances, may receive instruction and inspiration. Here in the sacredness of home father and mother teach correct gospel principles to their children. The children also have opportunities to teach and to share their thoughts and talents.

Often the most effective learning takes place as family members help each other prepare for family home evening. Parents and children increase in their love and appreciation for one another as they participate in family home evening and strive to apply the principles learned there throughout the following weeks and years.

President Kimball ... said: “While one objective is reached by merely being together, yet the additional and greater value can come from the lessons of life. The father will teach the children. Here they can learn integrity, honor, dependability, sacrifice, and faith in God. Life’s experiences and the scriptures are the basis of the teaching, and this, wrapped up in filial and parental love, makes an impact nothing else can make. Thus, reservoirs of righteousness are filled to carry children through the dark days of temptation and desire, of drought and skepticism.

As they grow up, the children cooperate in building this storage for themselves and the family. And so we have as a basic part of the Lord’s programs the home evening and the family prayers and the teaching of gospel principles in our homes.” (Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, Deseret Book Co., 1972) The Lord has blessed us with families that we might maintain our eternal relationship with him. May we recognize the importance of this divine blessing and do all in our power to fulfill this sacred responsibility."

If you would like to read the talk either now or in your own time, here's the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1974/04/the-family-a-divine-blessing

Stay Tuned until next time.