I really love 2 Nephi 32! It is one of my all time favorite chapters in the scriptures. In 2 Nephi 32: 3 it states, "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do."
In the Book of Mormon student manual it reads, "After a person has received the Holy Ghost and been baptized by fire, the Holy Ghost inspires them with the ability and the vocabulary to "speak with the tongue of angels" so that they might "shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel" (2 Nephi 31:13). Speaking with the tongue of angels does not necessarily mean that a person would speak in another language.
President Boyd K. Packer explained that we speak with the tongue of angels when we speak by the influence of the Holy Ghost: "Nephi explained that angles speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, and you can speak with the tongue of angels, which simply means that you can speak with the power of the Holy Ghost. It will be quiet. It will be invisible. There will not be a dove. There will not be cloven tongues of fire. But the power will be there" (The Gift of the Holy Ghost: What Every Member Should Know," Ensign, Aug. 2006, 49-50)."
I love this principle that we learn through the scriptures. I pray that we may all lend a more sensitive ear to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Key Principles and Practices in Fathering
"President Ezra Taft Benson (1984, p. 6) reinforced this key principle of fathering in a conference address:
"God established that fathers are to preside in the home. Fathers are to provide love, teach and direct."
Abraham Heschel, a leading Jewish philosopher, identified the father as a powerful spiritual figure in the family circle with moral responsibility to teach and care for his children. He suggested that fathers are meant to be teachers and holy figures in the lives of their children. Before the patriarch Jacob died, he called his children to him and said, "Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father" (Genesis 49:2). He bestowed counsel and blessings upon each of his chilren. In him was the power to bless generations. He exercised a holy influence upon his children as he blessed them and uplifted them; this is part of what it truly means to preside."
Bibliography: Hawkins, Alan J, David C Dollahite, and Thomas Draper. Successful Marriages And Families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 2012. Print.
Chapter 13
"God established that fathers are to preside in the home. Fathers are to provide love, teach and direct."
Abraham Heschel, a leading Jewish philosopher, identified the father as a powerful spiritual figure in the family circle with moral responsibility to teach and care for his children. He suggested that fathers are meant to be teachers and holy figures in the lives of their children. Before the patriarch Jacob died, he called his children to him and said, "Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father" (Genesis 49:2). He bestowed counsel and blessings upon each of his chilren. In him was the power to bless generations. He exercised a holy influence upon his children as he blessed them and uplifted them; this is part of what it truly means to preside."
Bibliography: Hawkins, Alan J, David C Dollahite, and Thomas Draper. Successful Marriages And Families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 2012. Print.
Chapter 13
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Mothers as Nurturers
In 1978, President Spencer W. Kimball spoke prophetically of women in the latter days. His words entered a world of loud and clamoring voices raising questions about the purpose of womanhood and the meaning of motherhood. In response to this challenging confusion, he declared:
To be a righteous woman is a glorious thing in any age. To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman's strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times (p.103).
Teachings from the living prophets clarify and bring truth to the confusion and distortions that surround womanhood and motherhood. President Kimball's prophetic declaration suggested that by adhering to these truths, righteous women of the latter days would have the potential to be a remarkable influence. The purpose of this chapter is to respond to some of the questions and dilemmas women are likely to experience in fulfilling their divine role as nurturers. Responses to these questions draw on scientific theories and research, clarified by revealed truths in the restored gospel."
Bibliography: Hawkins, Alan J, David C Dollahite, and Thomas Draper. Successful Marriages And Families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 2012. Print.
Chapter 12
To be a righteous woman is a glorious thing in any age. To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman's strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times (p.103).
Teachings from the living prophets clarify and bring truth to the confusion and distortions that surround womanhood and motherhood. President Kimball's prophetic declaration suggested that by adhering to these truths, righteous women of the latter days would have the potential to be a remarkable influence. The purpose of this chapter is to respond to some of the questions and dilemmas women are likely to experience in fulfilling their divine role as nurturers. Responses to these questions draw on scientific theories and research, clarified by revealed truths in the restored gospel."
Bibliography: Hawkins, Alan J, David C Dollahite, and Thomas Draper. Successful Marriages And Families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 2012. Print.
Chapter 12
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Friday, February 20, 2015
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Maintaining a Strong and Positive Influence on Children
In the book "Successful Marriages and Families," it states, "In short, religious practices and traditions create conditions that engender greater moral maturity. Youth activities and religious education provide opportunities for moral discussion and civic engagement in ways that help youth think beyong themselves and consider the needs of others (King & Furrow, 2004). They also provide young people with expanded networks of exemplary, religiously oriented adults and peers-conditions that also provide opportunities for internalizing important values that help children and teens override temptations that stem from biological urges or negative peer group pressure (Bridges & Moore, 2002; Jang & Johnson, 2001). Encouragement of and support for religious involvement begins with parents in teh home and is maintained as parents teach religious precpets in the home to their children and youth.
Rearing children in love and righteousness, as the proclamation admonishes, requires the best effort parents have to offer. Nevertheless, the rewards of such well-placed time and attention are eternal.
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1997b, p.421) said, "Of all the joys of life, none other equals that of happy parenthood. Of all the responsibilities with which we struggle, none other is so serious. To rear children in an atmosphere of love, security, and faith is the most rewarding of all challenges. The good result from such efforts becomes life's most satisfying compensation."
Rearing children in love and righteousness, as the proclamation admonishes, requires the best effort parents have to offer. Nevertheless, the rewards of such well-placed time and attention are eternal.
President Gordon B. Hinckley (1997b, p.421) said, "Of all the joys of life, none other equals that of happy parenthood. Of all the responsibilities with which we struggle, none other is so serious. To rear children in an atmosphere of love, security, and faith is the most rewarding of all challenges. The good result from such efforts becomes life's most satisfying compensation."
Bibliography: Hawkins, Alan J, David C Dollahite, and Thomas Draper. Successful Marriages And Families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 2012. Print.
Chapter 10
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Parenting, Genes, and Peers
In the book, "Successful Marriages and Families," it talks about how important the influence of a parent can truly be. It states, "The family proclamation makes clear that Heavenly Father expects parents to have significant influence in the lives of their children. God's plan for His children may be ideally characterized as the placement of children into homes where parents are committed to their development and proclamation principles are practiced. No other arrangement is as effective, as demonstrated bu the First Presidency's call to parents
Bibliography: Hawkins, Alan J, David C Dollahite, and Thomas Draper. Successful Marriages And Families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 2012. Print.
To devote their best efforts to the teaching and rearing of their children in gospel principles which will keep them close to the Church. The home is the basis of a righteous life, and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfill its essential functions in carrying forward this God-given responisiblity (First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1999, p.3)."
Are we making our homes a place of righteous and a place of teaching? Are we aware of our deep responsibility to our Heavenly Father and children?
The family proclamation that is referred to at the beginning of the post can be found below:
The document may also be read at: https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation
Bibliography: Hawkins, Alan J, David C Dollahite, and Thomas Draper. Successful Marriages And Families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 2012. Print.
Chapter 11
Monday, February 16, 2015
Rearing Children in Love and Righteousness
In "Successful Marriages and Families" it spells some important principles of parenting. It states, "In order to promote optimal development and to rear children in love and righteousness, the following are crucial elements for each child, although specific implementations and approaches may be individualized based upon the needs and personality of the particular child:
Bibliography: Hawkins, Alan J, David C Dollahite, and Thomas Draper. Successful Marriages And Families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 2012. Print.
Chapter 10
- Love, warmth, and support
- Clear and reasonable expectations for competent behavior
- Limits and boundaries with some room for negotiation and compromise
- Reasoning and developmentally appropriate consequences and punishments for breaching established limits.
- Opportunities to perform competently and make choices
- Absence of coercive, hostile forms of discipline, such as harsh physical punishment, love withdrawal, shaming, and inflicting guilt
- Models of appropriate behavior consistent with self-control, positive values, and positive attitudes"
Bibliography: Hawkins, Alan J, David C Dollahite, and Thomas Draper. Successful Marriages And Families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 2012. Print.
Chapter 10
Saturday, February 14, 2015
2 Nephi 9:7 and 12:4
In 2 Nephi 9:7 its states, "Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement-save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgement which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more. "
Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained several ways in which the Atonement is infinite:
"His Atonement is infinite-without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from never-ending death. It was infinite in terms of His immense suffering. It was infinite in time, putting an end to the preceding prototype of animal sacrifice. It was infinite in scope-it was to be done once for all. And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension. Jesus was the only one who could offer such an infinite atonement, since He was born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. Because of that unique birthright, Jesus was an infinite Being" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996,46; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 35).
In 2 Nephi 12:4 it states, "And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks--nation shall not life up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said spoke of the peace that will finally come to the earth after the Lord's Second Coming. He also idenitified the reason why there will be no peace prior to that time: "Many take comfort from the Old Testament prophecy that nations will 'beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks' (Micah 4:3). But this prophecy only applies to that time of peace which follows the time when the God of Jacob 'will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths' (4:2). For now, we have wars and conflicts, and everywhere they are rooted in violations of the commandments of God" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1990, 92; or Ensign, May 1990, 72).
Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained several ways in which the Atonement is infinite:
"His Atonement is infinite-without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from never-ending death. It was infinite in terms of His immense suffering. It was infinite in time, putting an end to the preceding prototype of animal sacrifice. It was infinite in scope-it was to be done once for all. And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension. Jesus was the only one who could offer such an infinite atonement, since He was born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. Because of that unique birthright, Jesus was an infinite Being" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996,46; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 35).
In 2 Nephi 12:4 it states, "And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks--nation shall not life up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said spoke of the peace that will finally come to the earth after the Lord's Second Coming. He also idenitified the reason why there will be no peace prior to that time: "Many take comfort from the Old Testament prophecy that nations will 'beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks' (Micah 4:3). But this prophecy only applies to that time of peace which follows the time when the God of Jacob 'will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths' (4:2). For now, we have wars and conflicts, and everywhere they are rooted in violations of the commandments of God" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1990, 92; or Ensign, May 1990, 72).
Friday, February 13, 2015
Eternal Blessings of Marriage
"Behold, their husbands love their
"Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good. Righteous love is the foundation of a successful marriage."
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Love- President Thomas S. Monson
"There are many attributes which are manifestations of love, such
as kindness, patience, selflessness, understanding, and forgiveness. In
all our associations, these and other such attributes will help make
evident the love in our hearts."
Monday, February 9, 2015
Confidence Tests: From Fear to Faith in the Marriage Decision
Here is a preview of Elder Wickman's talk:
"Each of us faces an uncertain future. But when we face it, remembering what we already know, we face it with faith. We face it with good cheer. We face it with confidence.
One of the most significant confidence tests of mortality is usually faced in the young-adult season of life. It is the decision to marry. No decision is approached with greater trepidation by this generation of young adults. It is a subject that provokes much anxiety."
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward!” Remember that we come into this life hardwired, so to speak, to fall in love. Don’t make it harder than it is! Remember what you know, and move forward with confidence in Heavenly Father and the standing you enjoy as His son or daughter."
I highly encourage you to read this talk! It is really good and goes over many points that are essential in the marriage decision.
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2010/04/confidence-tests-from-fear-to-faith-in-the-marriage-decision?lang=eng
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Traditional Dating
"One of the main risks in today's dating culture is that young people often lack much dating experience before they get involved in an exclusive relationship and, sometimes, even get quickly engaged. Proper mate selection and coupling needs the middle ground of traditional dating."
"The most prominent LDS college town, Provo, is not exempt from the growing popularity of hanging out. The BYU School of Family Life published a study in 2010 about the hanging out culture in Provo. Matthew Call, Michael Richards and Thomas B. Holman found that there are two types of Latter-day Saint hanging out, each with very different purposes.
The first type, Purposive Hanging Out, does have dating as an end goal. If young adults hang out with the intention of finding dates, the outcomes can be positive. According to the study, this type of hanging out can help single adults to find and observe potential dating partners, thus reducing the awkwardness of dating total strangers. When it works correctly, Purposive Hanging Out leads to dating, so the hanging out stage is short lived.
But the other type of hanging out has much less purpose. With Non-Committal Hanging Out, the intention is to avoid committing to a dating relationship. Participants in Non-Committal Hanging Out want to have fun, fill time and stay friends. Ironically, this type of hanging out is all about the moment, but generally extends for long periods of time.
Rutter also saw distinct reasons for both hanging out and dating. “Dating is really great when you want to get to know someone one-on-one,” she said, “and hanging out is really good to see how they interact with other people.”
Overall, the study concluded that hanging out can lead to marriage, but LDS young adults don’t generally view a date as a casual way to start a relationship."
http://www.ldsliving.com/story/64829-marriage-age-on-the-rise-lds-single-adults-still-hanging-out
Hawkins, A., Dollahite, D., & Draper, T. (2012). Successful marriages and families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.
"The most prominent LDS college town, Provo, is not exempt from the growing popularity of hanging out. The BYU School of Family Life published a study in 2010 about the hanging out culture in Provo. Matthew Call, Michael Richards and Thomas B. Holman found that there are two types of Latter-day Saint hanging out, each with very different purposes.
The first type, Purposive Hanging Out, does have dating as an end goal. If young adults hang out with the intention of finding dates, the outcomes can be positive. According to the study, this type of hanging out can help single adults to find and observe potential dating partners, thus reducing the awkwardness of dating total strangers. When it works correctly, Purposive Hanging Out leads to dating, so the hanging out stage is short lived.
But the other type of hanging out has much less purpose. With Non-Committal Hanging Out, the intention is to avoid committing to a dating relationship. Participants in Non-Committal Hanging Out want to have fun, fill time and stay friends. Ironically, this type of hanging out is all about the moment, but generally extends for long periods of time.
Rutter also saw distinct reasons for both hanging out and dating. “Dating is really great when you want to get to know someone one-on-one,” she said, “and hanging out is really good to see how they interact with other people.”
Overall, the study concluded that hanging out can lead to marriage, but LDS young adults don’t generally view a date as a casual way to start a relationship."
http://www.ldsliving.com/story/64829-marriage-age-on-the-rise-lds-single-adults-still-hanging-out
Hawkins, A., Dollahite, D., & Draper, T. (2012). Successful marriages and families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.
Friday, February 6, 2015
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Engagement
Engagement
"The purpose of engagement are to confirm a decision to marry someone, make wedding preparations, and strengthen new extended family relationships. When a couple becomes engaged, they promise to "forsake all others" as the couple finalizes their plans to marry. The practices of this stage involve strengthening relationships with extended family members, meeting regularly with priesthood leaders, preparing for a wedding, and making specific plans for early married life.
President Spencer W. Kimball has commented, "The successful marriage depends in large measure upon the preparation made in approaching it...One cannot pick up the ripe, rich, luscious fruit from a tree that was never planted, nurtured, nor pruned."
By and large, couples will be better served by having longer periods of exclusive dating, followed by shorter engagements."
Hawkins, A., Dollahite, D., & Draper, T. (2012). Successful marriages and families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.
"The purpose of engagement are to confirm a decision to marry someone, make wedding preparations, and strengthen new extended family relationships. When a couple becomes engaged, they promise to "forsake all others" as the couple finalizes their plans to marry. The practices of this stage involve strengthening relationships with extended family members, meeting regularly with priesthood leaders, preparing for a wedding, and making specific plans for early married life.
President Spencer W. Kimball has commented, "The successful marriage depends in large measure upon the preparation made in approaching it...One cannot pick up the ripe, rich, luscious fruit from a tree that was never planted, nurtured, nor pruned."
By and large, couples will be better served by having longer periods of exclusive dating, followed by shorter engagements."
Hawkins, A., Dollahite, D., & Draper, T. (2012). Successful marriages and families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Traditional Dating is Endangered
Traditional Dating is Endangered
Given the messages young people are receiving from the broader culture, and even at times from their families and friends, it is not surprising that many Latter-day Saint young adults are confused, afraid to make commitments, and too often turning to the patterns of the world. Similar to young people in the broader culture, Latter-day Saint young adults today must date and marry in a dating culture that lacks strong norms, rituals, and relationship milestones to guide young people to marriage. Traditional dating is the most endangered part of the modern context of dating. Because of this, our prophetic leaders in recent years have warned society and have counseled them to follow a divinely directed approach to dating and courtship.
Elder Dallin H Oaks (2006) gave a landmark talk on this subject at a CES fireside. He encouraged young people to date rather than hang out. Dating involves planning ahead and pairing off. He urged young men to summon their courage and initiate dating. He counseled young women to be supportive by encouraging simple and inexpensive dates that foster greater frequency of dating. Above all, Elder Oaks encouraged young adults to resist cultural trends indicating that there are only two kinds of dating- hanging out or exclusive dating. Specifically, he counseled young adults to engage in traditional dating patterns that can lead to exclusive dating, engagement, and marriage."
Hawkins, A., Dollahite, D., & Draper, T. (2012). Successful marriages and families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.
Given the messages young people are receiving from the broader culture, and even at times from their families and friends, it is not surprising that many Latter-day Saint young adults are confused, afraid to make commitments, and too often turning to the patterns of the world. Similar to young people in the broader culture, Latter-day Saint young adults today must date and marry in a dating culture that lacks strong norms, rituals, and relationship milestones to guide young people to marriage. Traditional dating is the most endangered part of the modern context of dating. Because of this, our prophetic leaders in recent years have warned society and have counseled them to follow a divinely directed approach to dating and courtship.
Elder Dallin H Oaks (2006) gave a landmark talk on this subject at a CES fireside. He encouraged young people to date rather than hang out. Dating involves planning ahead and pairing off. He urged young men to summon their courage and initiate dating. He counseled young women to be supportive by encouraging simple and inexpensive dates that foster greater frequency of dating. Above all, Elder Oaks encouraged young adults to resist cultural trends indicating that there are only two kinds of dating- hanging out or exclusive dating. Specifically, he counseled young adults to engage in traditional dating patterns that can lead to exclusive dating, engagement, and marriage."
Hawkins, A., Dollahite, D., & Draper, T. (2012). Successful marriages and families. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.
Monday, February 2, 2015
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