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).

December V.T. Message

This is just a small segment:
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency:

"The gospel of Jesus Christ has the divine power to lift you to great heights from what appears at times to be an unbearable burden or weakness. The Lord knows your circumstances and your challenges. He said to Paul and to all of us, 'My grace is sufficient for thee.' And like Paul we can answer: 'My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me'

. . . Reality of Our Premortal Existence

This is just a part of June's Visiting Teaching message that I liked. You can click on "June" on the side bar to view the entire message. Boy do I have respect for the individuals that put together all these lessons. I always love them and think they pack such a punch in a little space.

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president:

"Women have distinct assignments given to them from before the foundation of the world. . . . We know that in the great premortal conflict we sided with our Savior, Jesus Christ, to preserve our potential to belong to eternal families. We know we are daughters of God, and we know what we are to do. . . . We believe in the formation of eternal families. . . . We know that the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. . . . We have faith that with the Lord's help we can be successful in rearing and teaching children. These are vital responsibilities in the plan of happiness, and when women embrace those roles with all their hearts, they are happy!"
("What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 110).

April V.T. Message

Marriage between a Man and a Woman Is Ordained of God. Ensign, April 2008

Teach the scriptures and statements that meet the needs of the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you teach to share what they have felt and learned.

Why Is Marriage between a Man and a Woman Ordained of God?
D&C 49:16–17: "They twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation; and that it might be filled with the measure of man, according to his creation before the world was made."
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: "We believe in the formation of eternal families. That means we believe in getting married. . . . We know that in the great premortal conflict we sided with our Savior, Jesus Christ, to preserve our potential to belong to eternal families" ("What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 110).
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Two compelling doctrinal reasons help us to understand why eternal marriage is essential to the Father's plan.
"Reason 1: The natures of male and female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to progress together toward exaltation. . . .
"Reason 2: By divine design, both a man and a woman are needed to bring children into mortality and to provide the best setting for the rearing and nurturing of children. . . .
"As men and women, as husbands and wives, and as Church leaders, one of our paramount responsibilities is to help young men and women learn about and prepare for righteous marriage through our personal example. As young women and men observe worthiness, loyalty, sacrifice, and the honoring of covenants in our marriages, then those youth will seek to emulate the same principles. . . . As we consider the importance of our personal example, do you and I discern areas where we need to improve?" ("Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan," Liahona, June 2006, 51–52, 54; Ensign, June 2006, 83–84, 86).
What Is My Responsibility Because I Know That Marriage Is Ordained of God?
Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Let us consider . . . actions that would strengthen a marriage. . . .
"To appreciate. . . . Look for the good in each other and sincerely pay compliments to one another. . . .
"Suggestion number two—to communicate. . . . Couples need private time to observe, to talk, and really listen to each other. They need to cooperate—helping each other as equal partners. . . .
"My third suggestion is to contemplate. . . . Frequent participation in temple service and regular family scripture study nourish a marriage and strengthen faith within a family" ("Nurturing Marriage," Liahona and Ensign, May 2006, 37–38).
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Through your obedience and continuing faith in Jesus Christ and your understanding of the whole plan of happiness, even if important parts of it aren't fulfilled in your life now, they will be yours in the Lord's due time. I also promise you that you can have significant growth and happiness now in your present circumstances. As a daughter or son of God, live whatever portion of the plan you can to the best of your ability" ("The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness," Ensign, Nov. 1996, 75).