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!

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!

With all the turmoil in the world today, a parent might well ask, "Where is safety for my children? For my family? For me?"

Our generation can now obtain news at any hour of the day (it used to be just the "evening news" that people would check). And most news that comes across the wire or across the internet or on TV contains bleary and dreary information. Shooters at a school. Freedoms being lost. Corrupt individuals. Wheat shortages. Wars in distant (or close) lands. And on and on.

Then there are the societal trends which seem to slide ever faster down the slippery slope of sin. What used to be underwear thirty years ago (camisoles to shield women's blouses from being too sheer) is now blatantly worn as if shirts. Without going into too much detail, so much of what used to be only worn under clothing now is boldly worn as daily wear.

The traditional family is under attack on many fronts. Alternative lifestyles are being taught in the schools. Children's play things, technology and such, now feature abilities to carry pornography. According to researchers, in fact, porn companies newest targeted audiences are children 7 to 11 years of age.

What is a parent to do? Again, where can we go for safety? Here is what one church leader for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (casually called the Mormon church) has said. Harold B. Lee served as the prophet and President of the Mormon church a number of decades ago. This is what he said in 1943:

"I was down in Kelsey, Texas, last November, and I heard a group of anxious people asking, 'Is now the day for us to come up to Zion, where we can come to the mountain of the Lord, where we can be protected from our enemies?'

"I pondered that question. I prayed about it. What should we say to those people who are in their anxiety? I have studied it a bit, I have learned something of what the Spirit has taught, and I know now that the place of safety in this world is not in any given place; it doesn't make so much difference where we live; but the all-important thing is how we live, and I have found that ... security can come to Israel only when they keep the commandments, when they live so that they can enjoy the companionship, the direction, the comfort, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit of the Lord, when they are willing to listen to these men whom God has set here to preside as His mouthpieces, and when we obey the counsels of the Church" (Conference Report, April 1943, p 129, emphasis added)."

The day of danger is coming of course, according to the scriptures, when individuals will need flee to Zion or face taking up weapons against their neighbors (see D&C 45:66-68, Zechariah 14:13, and Isaiah 10:3). But apparently that day has not arrived. When it does, the Lord's prophet at that time will sound the warning. But until then, the answer to the question, "Where is Safety?", lies within the hearts and lives of the people. When we are...

• keeping the commandments
• living so that the Spirit of God is present
• and following the Lord's annointed/counsels of the Church

...we will be guided into paths of safety, both for ourselves and our little ones. Thus, how do we know the counsels of the Lord so that we may have those promised blessings of safety? By reading the scriptures and by studying the words of the living prophets. What a blessing to know this and to do it!

As Mormons, we believe in serving missions; we believe in sharing the good news of the gospel about Jesus Christ and His redemptive offer for all God's children. I had the privilege during college to serve one of these full-time missions. It was a wonderful opportunity. And during that mission, I learned an amazing lesson of obedience.

A missionary doesn't just leave home and go immediately to the assigned place of service. Missionaries first go to a Missionary Training Center for several weeks or months in preparation for their mission. Then they go to their assigned areas of service.

Since I was going to Brazil on my mission, my scheduled stay at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) was nine weeks. During this time, our time was so deeply spent in scripture study and language study (I was learning Portuguese) that we did not watch TV, etc. As a result, for a short time we were relatively cut off from the rest of the world.

One day one of our language instructors came and said how some women were reacting to something the prophet of the Mormon church had said. The prophet speaks for the Lord, so we as missionaries knew that if a prophet spoke on some topic, it was important and the mind of the Lord. But what could be so offensive to women in the world, spoken by a prophet?

Essentially that prophet, President Ezra Taft Benson, spoke of the necessity of mothers - their impact - their essential nature in raising their children. He then spoke of a mother's importance, absolute importance, of being home with their children for that impact to be felt. Then he invited women to stay home with their children, instead of focusing on their personal careers. (My paraphrase of a much lengthier discourse.)

Now mind you, this was spoken in the late 80s - a time where women generally were very proud of being in the job force, making money like men were. At least in the United States, women as a whole were priding themselves as being "equal" to men and that was why having a job was so important. What the prophet spoke cut some women to the core and appeared to threaten their personal beliefs.

What astonished me then was how people could criticize a humble man of God for speaking the truth. Researchers have now shown the reality of that which he spoke. Children who do not have parents who spend time with them have higher behavioral and psychological problems.

Study after study now brings forth the value of parents who take time for their kids. Mothers are important in the lives of their children, not just in birthing them but being there at the crossroads of their lives. Fathers are integral also.

I for one am grateful the Lord speaks through prophets. As God once called Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Elisha, and others, He still does today. Those prophets are called to teach us ways of happiness and to help us avoid regret. If you would like to read more of the prophets' words on the importance of the family, visit this link that explains more about prophets.

Our dear President Hinckley, prophet for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon church), passed away Sunday, January 27, 2008.

President Hinckley's passing was marked by many people around the world. For example, youth in certain portions of the United States went to their high schools the next day in their Sunday best - simply as a tribute to a prophet who was known for loving the young.

President Hinckley's love for the youth was felt and seen in many ways. One of those manifestations was his well-known talk given to the youth now nicknamed "The 6 Bs."

Another manifestation of that love was a prayer he offered for the youth during that same meeting. The words to that prayer are:

"O God, our Eternal Father, as Thy servant I bow before Thee in prayer in behalf of these young people scattered over the earth who are gathered tonight in assemblies everywhere. Please smile with favor upon them. Please listen to them as they lift their voices in prayer unto Thee. Please lead them gently by the hand in the direction they should follow.

"Please help them to walk in paths of truth and righteousness and keep them from the evils of the world. Bless them that they shall be happy at times and serious at times, that they may enjoy life and drink of its fulness. Bless them that they may walk acceptably before Thee as Thy cherished sons and daughters. Each is Thy child with the capacity to do great and noble things.

"Keep them on the high road that leads to achievement. Save them from the mistakes that could destroy them. If they have erred, forgive their trespassea and lead them back to ways of peace and progress. For these blessings I humbly pray with gratitude for them and invoke Thy blessings upon them with love and affection, in the name of Him who carries the burdens of our sins, even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen."

As a tribute to the prophet, a young Mormon vocalist has put President Hinckley's words to song. This was as per the request by her Stake Presidency to do so. To listen to "A Prophet's Prayer," visit this link.

But as you can tell, many have been touched by his words. I think my life has been moved the most by his dear kindness to all he traveled with and saw. No matter how fatigued our dear prophet was, traveling around the world and teaching about Jesus Christ, he did not get cranky.

His topics that he has addressed have ranged from warning against the dangers of gambling to testifying of the prophet of the restoration, Joseph Smith. President Hinckley has spoken on preparing our lives in such ways that we can call on the Lord for guidance and protection. And his many discourses on the beauty and power of forgiveness are legendary.

I pray that as I go through my life, I can remember the impact of President Hinckley not only in my life, but in the many lives of others. As President Hinckley said, may we all be led to ways of peace and progress.

I've been thinking a lot recently about my personal life and my standing in God's eyes. I'm not sure why. It's not that I have some awful disease, with pending death in the picture. It's just that this has been a refrain in my mind.

If the day I had to appear before my Maker were tomorrow, though, would I be ready?

And what if it were NOT tomorrow? Does that give me allowance to "slide" in expectations ... until the urgent time did arrive?

The latter thought troubles me. Very much so. Why would I wait to better my life, wait to purify it until some nebulous future?

I cannot tolerate that thought for some reason. No, I want to please my God today. My Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for my sins. Why would I want to pile on sin even higher? The Spirit witnesses through quiet, calm assurance that there is a higher path.

True, it is by grace we are saved - after all we can do. That much is witnessed by the Spirit, and in the word of God. It is NOT by my works that I am saved. But do I really want to live my life flinging my sins about, like so much flotsam and jetsam? Do I really love my Lord that little that I would be careless with personal choices? Again, the Spirit burns within me that there is a better way.

Indeed, I desire to be as pure as possible. I desire to reduce the suffering I might cause the Lord. It is for this reason I desire to allow the Lord to make my life holy.

Ancient Israelites were commanded to make offerings that had no blemish. I desire to offer my life with as few blemishes as possible. Will I be perfect? No. But I sure can seek to live a life that would please my God who has given so much.

In the Book of Mormon, we read:

3 Ne. 17: 14
14 And it came to pass that when they had knelt upon the ground, Jesus groaned within himself, and said: Father, I am troubled because of the wickedness of the people of the house of Israel.

I do not want to trouble the Lord in any way.

I cannot do this on my own, but I most definitely can do this by walking with God through humble prayer, scripture study, and service manifest toward His children. Through these humble and persistent efforts (though woefully small), I show my Heavenly Father my sincere longing to be like Him and His Son in all I do.

It will take me a lifetime, I am sure. But that is alright. To do anything less, at least for me in my life, weakens my gratitude for the greatest gift extended towards the children of men. That gift is none other than the sacrifice and redemption offered from Him who desires to lift us to become children of God.

Just as Jesus Christ was lifted up on that terrible cross, each one of us can be lifted heavenward because of the very One who willingly atoned for our sins. Is this not sufficiently amazing? Wow. It is for this reason I want to be this pure ... even me, the smallest of all.

Have you ever sat through a college course taught by a very knowledgeable instructor? I remember sitting in my science class in college during a physics lecture. I was amazed at the intellectual dexterity of my professor. You could tell he was well versed in the sciences; the knowledge came effortlessly to him. Imagine the power and ability he had to wield that knowledge in effective ways.

This is how it must be for the Lord. He created us. He knows us. He knows life. He knows cause and effect. He knows pending disaster. He knows what brings joy. Does it not make you curious to know His thoughts on how to have a joyful family?

Have you heard of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"? If you've not yet, here is a quick link so that you can read the entire document. It is just one page, but contains absolutely essential information to the potential of having a joyful and successful family.

One way to experience greater success as a family is to base your family experience off the truths contained in this great document. It was originally shared with the women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 23, 2005; since then it has been re-published again and again, going forth to millions.

Here is a summary of some of its truths:

• Marriage is intended from God to be between a man and a woman.
• All human beings are created in God's image.
• Each person has a divine nature and destiny.
• We knew God before we came to this earth. He was our Eternal Father.
• Family relationships can continue beyond the grave.
• Parents are charged with loving and caring for their children.

There are many other landmark truths contained in the Proclamation on the Family. It would behoove every serious person to study them to understand the Lord's perspective on family relationships.

Why? Because the Lord created us. He knows us. He knows life. He knows cause and effect. He knows pending disaster. He knows what brings joy. Does it not make you curious to know His thoughts on how to have a joyful family? I know that I would desire to see all things as He sees them.

I know from personal experience the more I've sought to apply the truths contained in the Proclamation on the Family, the happier I am and the happier and more right my family feels.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in the account found in the Old Testament in Amos 3:7:

"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

As latter-day saints, or Mormons as so many call us, we do believe in prophets - those who are called of God as was Aaron in ancient days (see Hebrews 5:4).

Our current prophet and President of the Church is President Gordon B. Hinckley. And part of his responsibility, other than overseeing the direction of the Lord's worldwide church, is to the earth's inhabitants as the Lord's official mouthpiece.

Thus, President Hinckley has taught many important truths. Amongst those, he has warned and continues to warn along these lines regarding the break up of the family - an institution established by God and viewed by Him as sacred.

President Hinckley has stated:

"The family is falling apart all over the world. The old ties that bound together father and mother and children are breaking everywhere ... Hearts are broken; children weep" (Ensign, Nov 1995, 102).

It is easy to see the results. Much as an egg falls from the counter to the floor, leaving cracked shells and an icky mess, so too are many families. They are falling from the counters of safety society had in place for centuries to the cold hardness of a rocky surface below.

While sociologists may argue for years why the demise is occurring so rapidly, what really matters is that we actually save the family structure the Lord has set in place, starting with our own at home.

This requires many things, but amidst those things comes a sweet spirit of peace when we do it the way the Lord set out.

What is that way? We can read of it in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," first announced September 23, 1995 at the General Relief Society Meeting broadcast worldwide. The Proclamation contains urgent and essential knowledge about how to strengthen families; here, in a brief paragraph from that Proclamation, is a good start and example:

"Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome activities."

Of course, it takes more than a few days of effort to apply these qualities into a family. But little by little soon becomes a lot! So why not take one quality and focus on it per each month in the coming year? It requires faith to begin (the first quality mentioned), but faith is always rewarded by the Lord.

So a good starting place is to each evening and each morning pray to your Father in Heaven. Thank Him for what you do have and then ask for a successful marriage and family. As you then seek to feel and see His influence in your life, He will begin to share with you impressions and ideas how to bring this about.

Families CAN be beautiful. I know, because I am living in one - just the other evening I heard my children singing with my husband a sweet children's Sunday song. The song had broken out spontaneously, yet filled our home with a piece of joy that remained for the rest of the evening.

Yes, indeed the Lord uses prophets to bless us. One way they bless us is by teaching what makes a family work. Begin today to try adding just a few of the qualities mentioned above - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how well they work!

(To be able to actually read "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," simply click here.)

I remember exactly where I was September 23, 1995. My daughter was only three months old and I was standing in the lobby of our local church building, holding her while she fussed. Many women were in attendance that evening, as it was nearing General Conference weekend; we were gathered for a world-wide women's meeting - broadcast from Salt Lake City to chapels the world over.

The meeting had been full of spiritual topics and my little baby had been fairly quiet during them. But then as the evening neared an end, she became cranky. Regrettably I took her out to the lobby. I say "regrettably" because at that moment, the President and prophet of our church had just appeared on the screen and stood ready to address the women of our church worldwide.

But now that I was out in the hallway, his voice came dim and muted from the overhead speakers. I admit I had a hard time focusing - until I heard something change. The timbre of his voice deepened and I felt a sense of the importance fill the building. He began reading a document, a proclamation really.

At the time I had no idea how transcendent that moment was; I do now. Phrases such as the following flowed from the prophet's lips. And now that we flash forward twelve years to the present, they feel even more potent and prophetic than they did then.

For example:

"We ... proclaim that marriage between man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children ..."

and:

"We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife."

He also shared poignant statements such as:

"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children."

Can you imagine if all parents understood their "solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children"? What would this world look like? To be solemn means to be deeply earnest. And nowhere is this more urgent than in the care of children. For those children who grow up secure in the love of their parents, their future becomes much brighter in contrast to those who are abused by their parents.

One of the most potent statements in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" is this one:

"Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

Folks, those calamities aren't pretty. In fact, spend just a few weeks study in the Old Testament and the prophecies of those ancient prophets will become rather urgent in nature.

I'm so grateful for a modern-day prophet, who teaches us of righteousness, who teaches us that mothers and fathers who love each other and their children create stable societies.

To some, the statements contained in this proclamation may be astonishing. I for one am grateful for the truth contained in Amos 3:7 - that the Lord God will reveal His truths and His secrets to His prophets. May we abide by those truths.

Now as I think back to September 23, 1995, I'm in awe I was present when our prophet first read from this urgent proclamation.

To be able to read it yourself, simply click here.

The other night as I was driving home from a meeting, I looked off to the left. The sun had completely set and as a result, everything was pitch black other than weak light puddled directly under street lamps. Everything, that is, except a little clearing near the edge of the woods to my left.

For some odd reason, the owner of that property had planted a regal Robellini palm tree on the edge of the thickly knitted trees. I wouldn't have seen the graceful thing if it weren't for several spotlights aimed directly at it, bathing it in an iridescent glow.

I slowed down in my car as I passed it. There it stood, all alone in an open expanse just at the outskirts of the woods. I wondered at the owner's reasoning for planting this one palm tree and highlighting it. Eventually, I could no longer linger near it, being on the street and all in my car, and so I passed by it and was soon on my way.

But I continued to ponder the sight. The brilliant pool of light that surrounded that regal, three palmed tree resonated within me. It felt distinctly placed in my mind. That is when something occurred to me. We, too, as Latter-day Saints are intended by the Lord to function in the same way.

Confusion exists in this world, whether from man's brutality to man (or to women, child, animal, etc.) or to doctrines that clang, clash and contradict about God and who He is, what His purposes are for this little blue planet and His children on it.

We as Latter-day Saints, or Mormons as so many call us, believe that God uses prophets to teach us, guide us, and comfort us during this sojourn on earth. There is light and clarity in their minds - and in ours, if we choose to hearken to our prophet and church leaders. One only need attend the semi-annual General Conference to feel the light and warmth of the comfort and light the Lord extends.

At Conference, we replenish our souls with the light of Christ. In fact, I've often wondered how others could not call us Christian. All it would take is to sit through the eight hours of General Conference twice a year to help strengthen the individual and help inform otherwise.

For example, in this last conference these were some of the topics covered: "The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent," "Nourished by the Good Word of God," and "Feed My Sheep." Other topics were, "What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable" (a bit like that Robellini palm tree), "Nourished by the Good Word of God," and "Live by Faith and Not by Fear."

How could others accuse us of evil when we are taught by speakers to love children and serve them (Sister Julie Beck, "Mothers Who Know"), speakers who teach us that our smallest choices during life matter in God's eyes (Elder Christoffel Golden Jr, "Small and Simple Things") and that personal purity is absolutely essential as a Christian (Elder David A. Bednar, "Clean Hands and a Pure Heart")?

As I passed that small, but regal Robellini palm tree last week, I thought on the gospel of Jesus Christ and how as Mormons we seek to apply it in our lives. The world may be lost in a darkening "woods" of confusing thoughts and blackened actions, but when we follow the Savior, we light up the darkness for those around us.

If you've not had a chance yet to listen to the most recent General Conference talks, I invite you to visit the LDS.org page. The Robellini palm tree may have been only "one" near that vast woods, but the impact of the light attending it was tremendous. May we do the same for our brothers and sisters around us by living the gospel of Jesus Christ and sharing His light. Each individual may be only one, but the light and impact that comes from the one can be wonderful.