Uphold, Nourish and Protect the Family

March 2009 Relief Society Visiting Teaching Message:

Why Must I Defend the Doctrine of the Family?

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity" ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World," Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: "As a disciple of Jesus Christ, every woman in this Church is given the responsibility for upholding, nurturing, and protecting families. Women have distinct assignments given to them from before the foundation of the world. And as a covenant-keeping Latter-day Saint woman, you know that raising your voice in defense of the doctrine of the family is critical to the strength of families the world over" ("What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 110).

How Can I Defend the Family?
D&C 88:119: "Establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God."
President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985): "Home is a haven against the storms and struggles of life. Spirituality is born and nurtured by daily prayer, scripture study, home gospel discussions and related activities, home evenings, family councils, working and playing together, serving each other, and sharing the gospel with those around us. Spirituality is also nurtured in our actions of patience, kindness, and forgiveness toward each other and in our applying gospel principles in the family circle" ("Therefore I Was Taught," Tambuli, Aug. 1982, 2; Ensign, Jan. 1982, 3).

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "I call upon members of the Church and on committed parents, grandparents, and extended family members everywhere to hold fast to [the family] proclamation, to make it a banner not unlike General Moroni's 'title of liberty,' and to commit ourselves to live by its precepts. . . .
"In today's world, where Satan's aggression against the family is so prevalent, parents must do all they can to fortify and defend their families. But their efforts may not be enough. Our most basic institution of family desperately needs help and support from the extended family and the public institutions that surround us" ("What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2005, 42–43).

Elder Robert S. Wood of the Seventy: "For too many, responsibility seems to end with hand-wringing and exclamations of dismay. Yet talk without action accomplishes little. We need to be vigorously engaged in the world. If our schools are inadequate or destructive of moral values, we must work with fellow members of the community to bring about change. If our neighborhoods are unsafe or unhealthy, we must join with the civic-minded to devise solutions. If our cities and towns are polluted, not only with noxious gases but soul-destroying addictions and smut, we must labor to find legitimate ways to eliminate such filth. . . . We have the responsibility to be a blessing to others, to our nation, to the world" ("On the Responsible Self," Ensign, Mar. 2002, 30–31).

Quote to Inspire

I love this quote from the January Visiting Teaching message:

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

"Your faith and your knowledge of the restoration of the gospel will give you the strength to be faithful and true to the covenants you have made with the Lord, and to share your strengths and talents gladly to build up the kingdom of God here on the earth! Your testimony of Jesus Christ is the most important anchor that you can have to help hold you, steadfast and immovable, to principles of righteousness, regardless of the challenges and temptations that may come in the future" ("Steadfast in Christ," Ensign, Dec. 1993, 52).

A Loving Voice of Warning

Our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson has said,

"Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year's supply of food and were debt-free. "

"Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year's supply of debt and are food-free."

The Christmas Gift

I know this to be true for the Spirit has witnessed to me of it's truthfulness.

New Video

What Mormon Leader's REALLY Teach....enjoy. Yes, it's a long one so plan your time for about 10 minutes to be inspired. Shared with love.

Great Map

Temples To Dot The Earth

Hope you click above.

Sounds Official to Me!

Get the details here.
Phoenix Arizona Temple
Design and construction approval phase; groundbreaking pending
Location: 5212 West Pinnacle Peak Drive, Phoenix, Arizona, United States.
Announcement: 24 May 2008
Construction Status
The Phoenix Arizona Temple has been largely designed, and efforts are underway to obtain the necessary approvals to permit construction. As reported by Phoenix-area members, the site intended for the temple is land adjacent to a Glendale Arizona North Stake meetinghouse in Northwest Phoenix, located at 5104 West Pinnacle Peak Road.
When President Thomas S. Monson announced that a fifth temple for Arizona would be built in Phoenix, he stated: "The blessings of the temple are eternal. Those who come to this holy house will feel of God's love for His children and come to a greater understanding of their own divine origin and potential as His sons and daughters." The announcement came less than a month following the announcement that temples would be built in Gilbert, Arizona, and in Arizona's Gila Valley.
A temple in Phoenix will decrease travel time for the growing number of members in the northern and western areas of Phoenix, who currently drive to the Southeast Valley to attend the Mesa Arizona Temple, which serves 74 stakes throughout much of the state. The Mesa temple is attended by more patrons than any other temple outside of Utah.