Sunday, November 18th Lesson

Bringing Up Children in Light and Truth
Chapter 22 from Teachings of the Presidents of the Church George Albert Smith

Some might be thinking this lesson isn't important for me at this point in my life, but there is something we can all learn from these words from George Albert Smith.

The family is the most important organization. This is not just true in the church, for the world. We can find important truths about the family in The Family: A Proclamation to the World. During our lesson we were challenged to read the Proclamation, and write down a list of what the gospel says about family responsibilities and blessings, and what the adversary is doing to destroy the family. For everyone's convenience here is a link to the Proclamation.
http://www.lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Manuals/TheFamily_AProclamationToTheWorld_35538_eng.pdf

We focused on 4 points to strengthen our families now and our future families.

1. We need to have an understanding and testimony of the gospel if we are going to teach it to our children.
Matthew 7:7 teaches us to search for answers, and study to know.
It is important to actively be searching and learning about the gospel.
Once we are baptized we have left neutral ground.

2. Children learn by example- Be your best self.
Page 233 of the text President Smith shares how he learned from the example of his parents, and how he remembers the patience of his mother in raising her children.

3. Create a miniature Zion in your home.
On page 240 of the lesson we are taught to "safe guard the rising generation" because if we as obligated members of a family don't, who or what will protect the children from the garbage of the world.
A way to create Zion at home is to have a picture of the Savior in every room of the house. Personally in my family we have a picture of a temple in every bedroom.
Not only should our home be like Zion, but our family is Zion. The people and interactions in our home can create our safe havens.

4. Gather family often, and study the gospel.
Even though we are not yet the wives and mothers of our own families, we are all part of a family, and we are all important members of Gods family.

If all these responsibilities seem overwhelming let us turn to Doctrine and Covenants 98:12. The Lord will teach us precept upon precept. He does't expect us to be perfect all at once, and he will help us achieve our worthy goals.