Jan 4, 2011
Sorry this message is late. I've thought about doing it several times, but it didn't happen. Well it is a New Year and time to reflect on what we want to improve or to add to our lives, and set new goals. I've been thinking about happiness in the home lately because that is the topic assigned me to talk on in church. This is an area that I've discovered needs a lot of improvement on, especially on my part. There are several things that can bring unhappiness in the home, and damage us as individuals in the family. So I was thinking of ways to hedge up the home and to teach gospel principles to the children in ways they embrace it and live it because they want too. I came up with seven principles/concepts the family needs, in no particular order.
Devotion
Devotion to the Lord and the church must be first priority (scripture study, prayers, tithing, church callings, family home evening, etc….) Devotion to each other in the family. We must devote the necessary time to the family and the individuals in the family.
Gratitude
We must learn to recognize the Lord's hand in all things and to acknowledge it to each other so that we learn to be grateful for what we have. Continually express gratitude in prayers to the Lord. Gratitude brings blessings of contentment and happiness.
Support
We must reach out and support each other in the family. In church callings, in hobbies, in school events. Each individual must feel the support of their siblings/parents to feel of value and happy in the home.
Faith
Everyone has hard times, families have hard times. To get through these hard times and maintain happiness in the home faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is necessary. Faith in Christ brings a sense of worth and confidence that is contagious in tough times. Our children must see our faith and learn to develop their own, they need to develop their own relationship with Christ.
Respect
This is where I probably have damaged my children a little with my rough housing. Children need to learn to respect and honor their parents. If there is not a parent/child relationship it is hard to teach children. Children are much more likely to act out and to go against the parent’s teachings if they do not have this respect and honor for their parents. Likewise we must show respect for our own parents and to anything that has to do with the gospel. I think the priesthood has a place here, as the family develops a respect and love for the priesthood it can be a powerful tool in teaching the members of the family and to develop their relationship with God. The priesthood and other sacred things must be treated with the proper respect.
Goals
Members of the family need to work together on goals, spiritual, and physical goals. Having goals to work on as a family helps unite the family and give it purpose to a greater extent. It also helps the family shore up their weaknesses and to reach out and to be of help to others.
Repentance/Forgiveness
Members of the family must be quick to forgive and ask for forgiveness when this happens the Lord's spirit can dwell in the home. Contention drives it away (I've lots of experience at this with all of my teasing.) Also a relationship between the parents and children need to be maintained in a way that children can seek guidance for wrong doing in their own repentance process. The lines of communication need to be there for them when they make mistakes. (Monthly one-on-one Interviews/meetings with the Father/Mother can help establish this relationship and confidence needed)
These are just some principles that came to my mind that if followed will bring happiness to the home and will increase the self-worth of those in the home. Basically do what the prophets have told us for years. It’s a new year hopefully we can see where we are lacking and improve our home and work on it as a family. Thanks we all have been blessed with a great family (the best), I hope we can continue on with this legacy of the family and faith.
Thanks Love Moroni
Deborah
