Strengthening Families & Marriages

It seems nearly every day there is something else astonishing in the news--most of it bad or repugnant. Short of hiding our heads in the sand or hibernating in a cave until the Second Coming, we will be faced with crass or even overtly sick material in the media from time to time. What is a parent to do? How do we prepare our children for that which they will most likely see, if not already seen?

News articles in the last month have talked about teen girls texting nude photos of themselves to unsuspecting guys in their high school or middle school classes--all in the hopes the boy will want to ask them out on a date. What is a parent to do? How do we prepare our sons for these kinds of matters?

Other researchers have now said that nearly half of high school students know fellow students with porn on their cell phones. What is a parent to do? How can we help prepare our children for the onslaught of evil that now is engulfing this planet?

Talk to any social psychologist who has studied longitudinally the effects of pornography. They will speak to the chemical changes it induces in the brain. They will speak to the numbing effect it has on "right and wrong." Pornography is not harmless "entertainment," much as the purveyors of this "entertainment" will put forth (remember, they profit from those addicted to the stuff).

Again, what is a parent to do for their children, especially those who are young and not aware of what lurks out there in the world? I think Brigham Young's counsel is pertinent for our children today (Brigham Young was one of the early presidents for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the official title for the Mormon church). He said:

"Learn...and be prepared for the most refined society upon the face of the earth, then improve upon this until we are prepared and permitted to enter the society of the blessed--the holy angels that dwell in the presence of God" (Journal of Discourses 16:77).

It's a funny thing about magnetic attraction. Heard the saying, "Like attracts like"? Building a refined family will help shape refined children. Refined children will be more likely to be drawn toward refined literature, activities, and endeavors. They will be more likely to shun that which is crass, vulgar, or rude.

How do we build refinement in our children? Again, Brigham Young gave this counsel:

"Our education should be such as to improve our minds and fit us for increased usefulness; to make us of greater service to the human family, to enable us to stop our rude methods of living, speaking, and thinking" (The Prophets Have Spoken, Vol 1, p 626).

Brigham Young wasn't just speaking about grade school and high school years when he spoke of education; he was speaking of our lifelong journey on this earth.

As parents we can set the example of refined living and education (that which we learn from) by what we choose to watch, what we choose to wear, what we choose to read, and so on. The more refined we are, the more likely our children will follow suit. And the better equipped they will be to handle the vulgarities of the world!

My daughter asked me yesterday, with great concern in her young voice, why bad things had to happen to good people. She was thinking of the people in Burma (Myanmar) and in China with the recent, horrific events they're experiencing.

I thought of what a deep question this was and indeed, a question that has been asked by people and individuals off and on throughout the history of the world.

I am not a philosopher by trade. In fact, the first two times I attempted to take a required Philosophy class in college, I dropped the class both times; the thinkings were deep and difficult to follow. But because I couldn't graduate without the class, I finally tried a third time. This time, the newest professor actually made sense and his overall enthusiasm soon moved me to a spot where Philosophy became my favorite subject.

But this still doesn't mean I can answer deep philosophical questions the same way a true professional "Philosopher" would. In fact, at dictionary.com the definitions of the term "philosophy" are multiple (how ironic this is -- even within the definition there are different approaches and answers about this one word!).

One definition is: "the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct." Another definition is "the critical study of the basic principles and concepts of a particular branch of knowledge, esp. with a view to improving or reconstituting them: the philosophy of science."

But one of the final definitions mentioned really struck me: "a system of principles for guidance in practical affairs." And it is from this perspective that I want to write today.

As rhetorical as some people could get about "why bad things happen to good people", all of that rhetoric doesn't help soothe the anguish of the moment experienced by individuals suffering through severe times, such as those people in Burma or in China with the cyclone or earthquake (respectively).

But Jesus Christ does speak to this suffering. First of all, He knows of what He speaks. He, who bled from every pore in the Garden of Gethsemane, knows of suffering. He knows of anguish. For He carried it all so that He might know how to succor God's children. And here is what He said,

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29).

I may not have all the philosophical answers to the difficult questions of the world, but I know Someone who does. I testify that He does lift burdens and answer unanswerable questions. All we need do is turn to Him.

Here is more information about Jesus Christ and some of the answers He provides to some of the more unanswerable questions of this life.

I've been studying recently in an instructional booklet put out by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon church because of our belief and use of The Book of Mormon). The instructional booklet is called Improving Gospel Teaching. It is a guide to improve gospel teaching moments, usually in the classroom but also in all other locations.

Perhaps it should not be surprising to find so much information within the booklet about and for parents, when overall the text is essentially geared for teachers within the Church. Because after all, parents are the teachers with greatest impact upon the main body of the Church.

Here is a paragraph from the chapter "Gospel Teaching in the Church":

"God has given His children their agency. Agency is the power to choose good or evil -- to either partake of the plan of redemption or reject it.

"To be able to choose good and partake of the plan of redemption, we must learn of the Savior and the doctrines of His gospel. He has commanded, 'Learn of me, and listen to my words' (D&C 19:23). In response to this commandment, individual members of the Church should study the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets, ponder and pray about them, and apply them in their lives" ("Gospel Teaching in the Church," Improving Gospel Teaching, p. 1).

What a simple path this lays out for us as parents -- to teach our children to:

• Study the scriptures,
• Study the teachings of the latter-day prophets,
• Ponder and pray about them,
• and Apply them in our lives.

Yet these things are not likely to happen consistently for our families if we as parents do not lay out a plan to achieve them. That's when I began thinking about my family's daily activities. First, am I carving out time each day for family scripture study? It need not be hard, scripture study need not be lengthy, it need not be complicated. It simply needs to happen. The word of God can be read for free online or can be inexpensively purchased. How we obtain our books of scripture does not matter as much as making sure we do and then read daily from them.

Second, what about studying the word of God through His living prophets? This could be a great Sunday afternoon activity as a family to visit this link to hear the modern prophets speak -- even if it were only one discourse a week!

Third, have I carved a simple time out of my day to ponder and pray on these things I've read? Have I done the same for my family? A family that prays together stays together, or so the saying goes. Why not start each day with family prayer, everyone kneeling and one person offering their thanks, praises and requests of God? And then end the day each evening the same way. There is a sweet spirit that enters family life for each family who pursues this activity. The Lord waits to bless us and quickly responds to requests for His aid.

Following through with these first three steps mentioned above ensures that we are in the process of applying God's words in our lives. And what transformations begin to happen! I've seen it in the lives of others; I've felt it in my own family's life. As Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a previous apostle for the Mormon church, said:

"Each person must learn the doctrines of the gospel for himself. No one else can do it for him. Each person stands alone where gospel scholarship is concerned; each has access to the same scriptures and is entitled to the guidance of the same Holy Ghost; each must pay the price set by a divine Providence if he is to gain the pearl of great price" (Doctrines of the Restoration: Sermons and Writings of Bruce R. McConkie, ed. Mark L. McConkie [1989], 234).

Truly each one has the responsibility to learn of God and of His manifest goodness. And what a joy it is as a parent to be the guide for our children in that process! Here is a quick and easy link to free online scriptures. Enjoy reading them with your family and enjoying the pearl of great price the Lord has given us to sustain us through our days on earth!

This title, "Home - The Central Place," caught my eye. I was reading in an instructional booklet put out by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (casually called the Mormons). The booklet was called "Improving Gospel Teaching: A Leader's Guide." Published in 1998, it contains much information under these various headings:

• Gospel Teaching in the Church,
• Leader Support of Teachers,
• Teacher Improvement Meetings,
• and the "Teaching the Gospel" Course.

But it was while I was reading in this booklet that I saw the sub-title, "Home: The Central Place." Actually, the full title was/is "Home: The Central Place for Learning and Teaching the Gospel." The entire title caught my attention, because I realized with great strength how true that saying is.

Imagine a child that goes to church and hears that Jesus taught we should love one another, yet the child returns home and is hit by his parents. Imagine a child that goes to church and hears that we should be honest, yet goes home and sees his parent keeping too much change the store clerk unknowingly gave. Imagine that same child hearing God's truth that the Sabbath day is holy, yet sees his parents hosting a raucous party on Sunday for the Super Bowl.

Yet on the reverse, imagine that same child (instead) hearing during Sunday services about loving one another and returning home to hear his mother say, "Son, you matter to me," accompanied by a big hug. Picture that child hearing in Sunday services the value of honesty and the next day, he sees his father returning the overage in change a store clerk unknowingly gave. And just imagine a child returning home after a Sunday School lesson on the 10 Commandments with the importance of Sabbath day observance, and his parents actually spend time with the family that evening studying the word of God.

In reviewing these scenarios, I realized yet again just how important a statement the title was: "Home - The Central Place for Learning and Teaching the Gospel." In fact, here is a quote from that very section:

The family is ordained of God. It is central to His plan. He has established families to bring happiness to His children, to help them learn the gospel in a loving atmosphere, and to prepare them for eternal life. The home is the most important place to teach, learn, and apply gospel principles (see Mosiah 4:14-15; D&C 68:25-28).

Parents should thoughtfully plan and hold family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, and other family activities. They should do all they can to make good use of these teaching opportunities ("Gospel Teaching in the Church," Improving Gospel Teaching, p 1).

While reading this quote, I of course had to face my own parenting skills, approaches, and moments. It is imperative that I make sure I provide the proper atmosphere and environment for my children in their gospel understanding and growth.

As President Spencer W. Kimball said, "Home is where we become experts and scholars in gospel righteousness" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 129). May we seek these kinds of things for our own families!

For more information on building the family and finding joy therein, feel free to visit the Church's Provident Living website where you will find help to strengthen your marriage, to strengthen your family, and even information of support groups for those seeking to overcome addictions.

I love the scriptures. Some days they are the only things that brings me peace. I particularly enjoy the Old Testament, as odd as that sounds. Even though it is a loooong book of scripture, the stories within it are rich and instructive.

Generally speaking, the first five books of the Old Testament are sometimes known as "the law" or the books of Moses. These books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. They address the Creation of the world all the way through Moses' instruction to the Israelites after they fled Pharaoh in Egypt.

The next section of the Old Testament is often known as "the history" portion of the Old Testament. These books are Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. In fact, if you want to read the Old Testament quickly, simply read 1 & 2 Chronicles. This is a concise summary of the history of the ancient Israelites boiled down into two summary books called 1 and 2 Chronicles.

The next section has been sometimes called "the wisdom literature" of the Old Testament. These are the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. The rest of the Old Testament (other than Song of Solomon) are records of specific prophets that are not in any chronological order, but are from different historical parts of ancient Israelites' experiences: Isaiah, Jeremiah (and his book of Lamentations), Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

All of this creates a pathway or a map for us to follow. And it is an important map for our children to be familiar with, for what befell the Israelites befalls all people who forget their God and leave His protecting care and insist on living dangerous lifestyles (did you know that the ancient Israelites turned to killing their infants during pagan ceremonies? No wonder the Lord decreed certain consequences for their behavior!).

Today I was reading in Obadiah. The Lord gave him a vision and a direct message for the ancient Israelites who insisted on going after false gods and false practices. Here are the Lord's words given through His prophet Obadiah to the Israelites:

"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou...whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? (Obadiah 1:3)." The Lord soon enough did bring them down to the ground, for their sakes, to attempt to keep them from self-destructing.

So often as I see other peoples' choices in today's world, rather than judge them, I sorrow and I wonder about myself. Are there any dangerous pieces of pride within me leading me on, as Obadiah mentions? For truly we learn from his clear "map" that pride leads us into paths where we can be deceived and wherein we deceive ourselves.

Obadiah also mentions many other mistakes on the part of these ancient Israelites; for example, they cold-heartedly looked on--without helping other Israelites--during the demise of those in Jerusalem. The Lord noted their many grievous choices and simply said, "...As thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee" (Obadiah 1:15).

Indeed, there are many rich stories amongst the Old Testament that create a sure and steady map or pathway for me to help teach my own children the way to peace and the way to God Himself. If you would like to explore the Old Testament yourself, feel free to explore these free online scriptures!

In this world that is drenched with sexual images and commodities, what is a parent to do to strengthen their child (and even themselves) against this onslaught? It is a rampant problem, one that appears to be worsening.

My husband a few years back attended a conference for mental health counselors and psychologists. The focus of the conference was helping clients overcome pornography addiction. During the lectures and workshops of the conference, my husband learned many important things to help those he counsels with sexual addiction issues. But one of the most startling facts shared at the conference was the new target market for porn companies are the 7- to 12- year-olds! Nothing beautiful, "artistic," nor entertaining about that!

This fact was shocking to me. It is more than appalling. I don't know how those who work for that industry face themselves in the mirror each morning. Most historians will tell you that a country that immerses itself in sexual promiscuity eventually self-destructs, whether internally or through external stronger forces.

My husband also shared with me that an additional report stated that the original funding for picture-capable cell phones came from pornography companies. And it makes sense (at least to them); pornography can be so addicting that if you bring porn to the young, they become the porn companies' customers for a lifetime.

So in the midst of all of this, what is a parent to do? Here are three suggestions:

1. Understand What Pornography Is.

Here is a simple definition of "pornography":

"Pornography is any material depicting or describing the human body or sexual conduct in a way that arouses sexual feelings."

Regardless if some people call it art or entertainment, this definition of pornography could not be clearer!

2. Understand the Lord's Perspective On Pornography.

The Lord speaks to us through his servants and prophets (see Amos 3:7). Elder Richard G. Scott clearly states:

"Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, the telephone, or on a flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging" ("The Sanctity of Womanhood," Ensign, May 2000, 36-38).

Our most recent prophet President Gordon B. Hinckley, prior to his death, said:

"Stay away from pornography as you would a serious disease. It is as destructive" ("Living Worthy of the Girl You Will Someday Marry," Ensign, May 1998, 49-51).

Links are also listed below for these two powerful discourses from God's servants. They provide a start to help understand the Lord's perspective and rationale on the dangers of pornography.

3. Make Use of Fasting, Scriptures Study, Prayer and Service.

As we work with our children, it is essential we arm them with the very real and effective tools of Fasting, Scripture Study, Prayer, and Service. We can help them find their power to overcome anything when they (and we) make use of these aids given us from God.

4. Get Help When Stuck.

A friend once told me that only the strong seek help. His comment stuck in my mind and has continued to register through the years. Truly, those who care will seek aid when they are struggling with anything, for they recognize the possibility of a brighter day. Church leaders are there to help anyone who struggles. The church has set up its own gentle 12-step program to help those who find themselves in the clutches of sexual addictions. The world is so much brighter when we are free of the chains Satan would bind us with.

It is urgent, given the conditions in the world today, to help our children understand the importance of getting help with struggling with anything, even (and especially) pornography. Because at times, experiences will broadside us when we least expect it. My husband, through counseling many clients, now has the perspective that most people on this earth will at some time or another be faced with a pornographic image. That's when we immediately turn off the computer, walk away, and immerse ourselves in the things of the Spirit to renew our souls.

We can help our children find joy in this world as we follow the Lord's plan and keep ourselves free from the entanglements that some would like to ensnare us with!

Additional Resources:

"You Can't Pet a Rattlesnake," David E. Sorenson, Ensign, May 2001, 41.

"Living Worthy of the Girl You Will Someday Marry," Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1998, 49.

"Breaking the Chains of Pornography," Ensign, Feb 2001, 55.

"Strengthening Marriage: A Resource Guide for Couples," www.providentliving.org.

Addiction Recovery Support Groups, www.providentliving.org

What do we do as parents when our kids stray farther and farther away from gospel principles and safe living? What do we do if they fail to protect themselves and instead insist on striking out toward risky terrains?

I was reading today in 2 Kings and the lessons there are so instructive, especially for parents who cry at night because of a child's (or children's) choices.

The book of 2 Kings in the Old Testament contains a sobering history about two segments of the ancient Jews: the kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah. Very few of the kings for either kingdom were righteous, neither were the inhabitants. The citizens followed their kings' choices and sought after pagan rituals, some even participating in infant and human sacrifice.

The Lord (obviously) found these practices revolting. As a result, He used prophets to warn the Israelites and those of the kingdom of Judah to mend their ways. But both groups apparently liked living a lascivious lifestyle, for they continually sought after it.

The Lord waited centuries, patiently giving them chance after chance. Finally, though, He allowed a frightening Assyrian army to sweep in, destroying the one kingdom (the Israelite one) and scatter it; the other kingdom He preserved, due to a rare and righteous king (king Hezekiah for the kingdom of Judah). In fact, those in Judah were spared for quite some time - as long as righteous choices were made.

Unfortunately Hezekiah died and his son began to rule in wickedness, again setting up pagan places of ceremony and initiating sacrifice again. But wait two generations and the story does become brighter - eight-year-old Josiah becomes king. And for me, Josiah holds instructive keys on how to rule a kingdom (or a household, for that matter).

Josiah did not care about being popular. He cared about what was right. He did not care about deeply established tradition. He cared about God's laws. As a result, he cast down all pagan places of worship. He did that "which was right in the sight of the Lord,..." (2 Kings 22:2). He also began to clean up the old temple site of the Lord's. He began to rebuild its walls. He oversaw it being cleaned out. As a result, he came across an ancient book. A book of scripture. THE book of the law as given to Moses. And he read it.

What he found there so troubled him that he called all the people to gather "concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us" (2 Kings 22:13).

There are several simple principles Josiah teaches us. First, he did not care about tradition when it was a bad tradition. This translates for us today. As parents, we follow in Josiah's wisdom when we say to our children, "Just because others are doing it does not imply it is wise ... or safe." These kinds of responses provide important principles our children need to hear when they say, "But MOOOOOMMMMMMM, Sally is doing it!" Again, Josiah did not care about tradition when it was a bad "tradition."

Second, Josiah took great care to reconstruct the temple of God. Sometimes in our parenting, we may have let some of the "walls" of our spiritual places get run down (i.e. scripture study time, family prayer, personal prayer). But no problem! When we follow Josiah's example, we simply get busy repairing the breaches and strengthening the walls to these important spiritual structures in our daily lives.

Third, because Josiah took the time to reconstruct the things of God, he received additional blessings and strength. For him, that strength came in finding a long forgotten book, something he could rely on to correct and chasten the people as necessary. For us as parents, as we increase our connection to the things of God, it will simplify our parenting. We can simply reference the Lord's ways while teaching our children (of course, this implies we are living those ways ourselves). Thus we can say to an upset child, "Honey, I know you're angry. But because I love Heavenly Father and trust His wisdom, we really do need to do things this way [referencing whatever the standard is]." Indeed, because Josiah took time to reconstruct the things of God (i.e. the temple for him, but for us it might the standards of God-like living), he received additional strength to face the day (i.e. for him it came in the literal form of finding a book of scripture, but for us it might come in the actual presence of the Spirit to strengthen us as we parent).

Fourth, Josiah used the scriptures as THE standard of behavioral clarification and judgment. We can do this too. And how wonderfully clarifying this is. It simplifies our job as parents. I can't tell you how many times I've shared with my kids, "Guys, this is something the Lord has clearly spoken against. I cannot allow this in my home." Again, Josiah set a great pattern here. He read the scriptures, or the "book of the law", to his people. As parents we need to set aside family scripture study so that law may begin to pervade the hearts of all family members.

Sometimes family life is messy. The way is not easy cleaning up that mess. But learning about the ancient men (and women) in the scriptures can sure be a God-send to those of us facing our own challenges today. I'm so grateful for Josiah and how he was willing to face down dangerous traditions, to reconstruct the places of spirituality, to accept additional blessings, and to use the scriptures as a standard. As we do the same, coupling all actions with prayer, the Lord will help inspire us to help our children by correcting their ways in loving truth and eternal standards.

To learn of additional ways to strengthen your family through Jesus Christ and His ways, visit the new Jesus Christ, The Son of God site.

Elder M. Russell Ballard, an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke two years ago on the topic, "What Matters Most is What Lasts Longest." Click on the link above to read the full talk. As I read his talk, it struck a chord.

So often as we're parenting our children, we get hung up on things that don't last very long and probably aren't very important - i.e. if our son didn't scrub under his nails or our daughter doesn't wash her hair often enough. These are important activities, true. Good personal hygiene is a lovely thing!

But sometimes as parents we become frustrated and angry in ways that aren't needful. If we're not careful, one day we might lose the opportunity to correct this. Elder Ballard spoke of his experience when he visited displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina. Listen to this:

"Their stories and situations are tragic and poignant in many ways, but in all that I heard, what touched me the most was the crying out for family: 'Where is my mother?' 'I can't find my son.' 'I've lost a sister.' These were hungry, frightened people who had lost everything and needed food, medical attention, and help of all kinds, but what they wanted and needed most was their families" (Elder M. Russell Ballard, “What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest,” Ensign, Nov. 2005, 41)

I read this and thought of the truthfulness of this thought. One can see this born out at airports, in fact. Suddenly everyone seems to love each other - for in saying goodbye, one often realizes what they will soon be missing.

So as parents, what can we do to correct hasty, angry, sour moments with our children? Here are a few thoughts.

First, we can love more verbally. I have heard it said that a child hears one positive comment for every seventeen negative comments. Perish the thought! No wonder children as they grow often turn to peers to have their needs met. Indeed, as parents we do NOT need to bend our rules. But we do need to love verbally more often and better. We need to catch our kids doing all the good things they do - and express gratitude over it. Why wait till a potential funeral when they're dead and it's too late?

Second, we can love more physically. Why not spend fifteen minutes tossing a ball back and forth - or spending the last few minutes of the day giggling or reading a story together. I've heard it said, "The family that laughs together stays together." And it is true. Families that have fun together seem to weather the storms of life better.

Finally, we can love the Lord more. This is for both individuals and as a family. When children see parents serving God and reading their scriptures and praying, the children will learn to do the same. The result will be a family that draws closer because they are based on the things of God.

Why wait for a devastation such as Hurricane Katrina to wake us up to the people living in our own homes and how terrific they are? Why wait till saying goodbye at an airport or a funeral to then say nice things to or about each other? Let's start today making a difference in the hearts and lives of those we love by loving them more verbally, physically, and spiritually.

To read the rest of Elder Ballard's talk, click here. To learn additional ways to strengthen your family, feel free to visit the Provident Living website. Families will last for a long time - even an eternity - if we just treat them right!

I'm going to speak from my heart here for a moment. As Mormons, we believe in the eternal significance of families. In fact, that belief shapes nearly everything we do as we seek to follow Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind.

Here is a great explanation about our perspective on families, quoted from the website Mormon.org:

The family is the fundamental unit of society and the primary setting in which children develop virtue. God has placed families at the center of His eternal plan for the happiness of His children.

I have to tell you, my experience being a Mormon has enriched my ability to be a better mother and a better spouse. I wasn't raised as a Mormon. So the experience has been one in extreme contrast.

But as I've become more deeply involved in my Mormon faith, the results have been profound. The Mormon.org site shares the following and I've experienced it!

Home should be a haven, free from the conflicts of the outside world - a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and accepted.

What the Mormon.org site says is true. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings I've learned within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the Mormon church), I've learned so much. I've learned to be a better mother. I've learned how to serve those around me. My heart has been softened to the things of God. Jesus' teachings have enhanced my sensitivity to things of the Spirit.

I know that for some who are on the outside looking in, these might seem large claims. But I testify they are true. Within the Mormon faith as I've learned about the Savior Jesus Christ and all He has done for me, my heart celebrates as I feel the Holy Ghost (sometimes called the Holy Spirit) move within me. The Lord is blessing my life as I apply His teachings in my life, and I'm so grateful for it.

So as you look at your own family, you too can have peace within the walls of your home. It may not be easy at times, but is anything worthwhile ever truly without effort?

I promise you that as you contact the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they will teach you of greater happiness than you may have yet experienced. As you apply the teachings they will share with you, you too can experience the joy that I now know as a Mormon.

Jesus Christ is real. He loves us. And families are given so that we can know a fulness of joy. He has taught us how to achieve that. Are you ready to start? Simply go to this link and click on the "Ask a Question" button at the upper right of the screen.

Most of us have seen the movie Freaky Friday. If not, it's a humorous Disney movie where a teenage daughter and mother are mysteriously switched - into each other's bodies.

The point of the movie seems to be that sometimes parents do not understand their children's pressures, and, conversely, that children do not understand the pressures of their parents.

By the end of the movie (sorry for the spoiler here), mother and daughter get put back into their rightful bodies - only this time the mother and the daughter understand each other much better.

If you're feeling a struggle between you and one of your children, why not try the following little activity. It's a bit zany and crazy, but you might be surprised just how fun, and eye-opening, it can be.

Develop a list of questions for each other - a bit like an interviewer would do for a guest on a television show. The questions might be something like this:

1. If I were to switch places with you for a day, what would be one essential warning I would need to have to function well in your world - whether at school, with friends, or at home?

2. What is your biggest pet peeve in the entire world?

3. If you could do one thing over, what would it be and why?

4. What do you love most about your family?

5. What worries you most about your family?

6. What tradition do you wish your family would start?

7. What do you like most in friends?

8. What has hurt you most in your family?

9. What is one strength you wish the Lord could give you?

10. How could I do better in helping you?

Once you have the list of questions, make two copies of them. Allow a few days for the child and yourself to fill them out. Then swap the questions, but only after establishing these rules:

A. For one day, we agree to look at life from the perspective of the other and not be offended by that perspective. During this day, we will work to defend that position as rationally and honestly as possible.

B. During that time,in our interactions with each other, and in good faith, we will lean on the interview questions to help us in this process.

C. At the end of the day, we will go out for ice cream to talk about our experiences and share three things we learned that were beautiful about the other person.

Again, it is a bit zany for a mother to be thinking as a fourteen-year old (for example), but then again, it can be an eye-opening experience. What we're aiming for, of course, in this life exercise, is to see the beauty in, and to understand a bit better, the child that causes concern.

In fact, why not do this activity with all your children? A little understanding can go a long way - one moment at a time.

How well do you know your children? Knowing another person is much like diving into a banana split. First you "meet" the cherrie on top, then the nut sprinkles. Next comes, in that tasty bite, the light and airy whipped cream.

Once you make it through all those layers, next comes the ice cream. Now, if you're like me, I prefer multiple flavors. So each flavor of ice cream comes with its own unique taste. But not to be ignored are the flavorful toppings mixed throughout the ice cream itself. For some, it is butterscotch topping that must be added; for others it is chocolate or strawberry.

And then finally, we get to the banana itself - the heart of the treat itself. Its soft and chewy flavor is greatly desired and the perfect finish to an absolutely delicious treat. In fact, my salivary glands are pumped and ready for such a thing now, even as we speak!

Getting to know our children can be much the same journey if we keep the experience of the ice cream banana split in mind. As Mormons, we know that the Lord blesses each of His children with unique gifts, perspectives and abilities; within each of those abilities comes value and priceless-ness.

But what if I'm a "chocolate" flavoring kind of person, and my child comes dripping with "strawberry toppings" - what then? For example, perhaps I see myself as serious and feel that work should come before all pleasures . . . but my child is different? What if my child believes that life is joyous and beautiful and meant to be absorbed at the fastest rate possible? On the surface it might appear the child has no work ethic. But what if he or she actually is manifesting a gift I've not yet tasted the joy of? Perhaps my child sees that people are placed here on this earth to be relished and that this can only happen through engaging in others in wondrous, social ways - a joyful insight I might not have considered?

The conflict of our two personalities could be great if I did not stop to ask the Lord for help in seeing the value of my child's strengths (and even weaknesses - remember that we are taught that weakness can bring us closer to the Lord is we only but ask - see Ether 12:27).

Yes indeed, each child of God is a multi-layered priceless entity. So it well might be good to ask the Lord each day for the eyes to see the wondrous nature of every one of our children. Their version of an ice cream banana split might be layered differently than my own, but I daresay it is equally as priceless and delightful in the eyes of God.

The way to value each child is to get to know them. I'll be providing some fun ways to do that in the next few blogs, so check back often!