Family

"Certainly there are times when getting the family together to read the scriptures does not stack up as a spiritual experience worthy of a journal entry. But we must not be deterred. There are special times when the spirit of a son or daughter is just right and the power of these great scriptures goes down into their heart like fire. As we honor our Heavenly Father in our homes, He will honor our efforts."

Neil L. Andersen, “Prophets and Spiritual Mole Crickets”, November 1999

"Now, fathers, I would remind you of the sacred nature of your calling. You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Boyd K. Packer, “The Power of the Priesthood”, May 2010
 

"A happy home is but an earlier heaven. President George Albert Smith asked, '[Do] we want our homes to be happy[?] If we do, let them be the abiding place of prayer, thanksgiving and gratitude' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1944, 32)."

Thomas S. Monson, “Precious Children, a Gift from God”, June 2000

"In these last days it is essential—even critical—that parents and children listen to and learn from one another."

M. Russell Ballard, “Mothers and Daughters”, May 2010

"To parents everywhere, my counsel is simple: Get a copy of 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World.' Read it and strive to align your marriage and your family to its inspired, revealed direction from the Lord."

M. Russell Ballard, “The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood”, March 2006

"Let us open wide the windows of our hearts, that each family member may feel welcome and 'at home.' Let us open also the doors of our very souls, that the dear Christ may enter. Remember His promise: 'Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him' (Revelation 3:20)."

Thomas S. Monson, “Hallmarks of a Happy Home”, October 2001

"Etched in sacred scripture is a commandment to 'set in order thy house' (D&C 93:44). Once we as parents understand the importance and meaning of that commandment, we need to learn how to do it."

Russell M. Nelson, “Set in Order Thy House”, November 2001

“We teach that God’s love for His children is infinite. Regardless of race, nationality, or gender, He loves all of them. He has done so from the beginning and will continue to do so. He invites all to gain eternal exaltation for their family.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Generations Linked in Love”, May 2010

“Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child’s life to put feet firmly on the path home. Parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles are made more powerful guides and rescuers by the bonds of love that are the very nature of a family.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Help Them On Their Way Home”, May 2010

"Through the restored gospel we learn there is an ideal family. It is a family composed of a righteous Melchizedek Priesthood bearer with a righteous wife sealed to him and children born in the covenant or sealed to them. With a mother in the home in an environment of love and service, the parents teach their children, through example and precept, the ways of the Lord and His truths."

Richard G. Scott, “First Things First”, May 2001

 

               I have always known how important families are.  With my major being Child Development, several of my classes overlap with teaching about the family, and the importance and influence they have in an individual’s life.  I have also learned how important family is to God’s plan of happiness.  It is a key component.  I have learned more of the type of family I hope to have some day.  Not only the type of family I hope for, but the type of family I will work to build. 

               Parents each have different roles that are divinely important.  One is not greater than the other.  They are central to the mother and father individually, as a couple, and as parents.  When there is discord in the family, it will have a greater influence than many might think it would.