Today Lisa shared her thoughts on the lesson, "Bringing up children in light and truth".
This week we have all had tender thoughts about children and a desire to draw in our children close and protect them the best we can, both.
As Paul prophesied, we live in “perilous times.” 1 “Satan [has been going] about, leading away the hearts of the people,” 2 and his influence is increasing. But no matter how evil the world becomes, our families can be at peace. If we do what’s right, we will be guided and protected.
The hymn often sung by our pioneer ancestors tells us what to do: “Gird up your loins; fresh courage take. / Our God will never us forsake.” 3 That courage and faith is what we need as parents and families in these latter days. - Robert D. Hales
There is a story in the manual about a father who tells his children that he must finish his chores before he went to the city. When he went to the city all that was open was the saloons or other poor settings. These people are those that took him in . A second boy went to his father also asked to go to the city. This father also required chores to be done, but volunteered to help and then to accompany his son to the city so they could go before dark. His father introduced his to his friends and they welcomed him. When he grew older and went into town it was these people that he interacted with.
What do we do to help our children have good experiences or to learn?
One sister shared that her parents always wanted her to accompany them on errands, which created time to share and interact. Reducing too many carpools to have that time together. Have family vacations be family vacations where we interact together. One sister described a surprise trip. Fun activities together like making movies. Dates with kids or grandchildren. Letting kids help with chores or cooking dinner. Being there "at the crossroads."
"There is no time that you can spend, no way in which you can utilize your time that will be of greater advantage than training your boys and your girls to be worthy of the blessing of our Heavenly Father." George Albert Smith
"Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations." - The Family:A Proclamation to the World
What are the best ways to bring kids up in light and truth. Teach children love and righteousness and serve one another. Show them through your service to others. Instill a love of scriptures gently. Be honest with kids about the struggles of faith we might face and allow them to find their own way. Help them to identify the blessing and Spirit when it does come. Having both parents involved.
“We advise and urge the inauguration of a ‘Home Evening’ throughout the Church, at which time fathers and mothers may gather their boys and girls about them in the home, and teach them the word of the Lord. … This ‘Home Evening’ should be devoted to prayer, singing hymns, songs, instrumental music, Scripture reading, family topics, and specific instruction on the principles of the gospel, and on the ethical problems of life, as well as the duties and obligations of children to parents, the home, the Church, society, and the nation.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith, Chapter 22: Bringing Up Children in Light and Truth)
What makes family home evening successful? Start and end in prayer, use the scriptures, add music, make it fun, be consistent, add variety. Keep it simple. Treats are always welcome. Www.lds.org/topics/family-home-evening. The stake President has suggested that our family home evenings to be based on For the Strength of Youth.
“If the Saints obey this counsel, we promise that great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influences and temptations which beset them.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith, Chapter 22: Bringing Up Children in Light and Truth)
