As we work to improve ourselves and our families, we must remember that the Lord wants us to have joy and happiness in our lives. One of Satan’s most effective tools is discouragement.
Sometimes in our efforts to improve, we forget that change and growth take time. We should remember that overnight perfection, for us or our family members, is impossible. Enjoying our families, despite our flaws and theirs, is one of the joys we should accept.
The Prophet Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church, said,
“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God. But we cannot keep all the commandments without first knowing them, and we cannot expect to know all, or more than we now know unless we comply with or keep those we have already received.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1976], pp. 15556.)
It isn’t always easy to create love and harmony within our families, but it is vital, especially today when we and our children must withstand the growing evil influences around us.
Strengthening Husband and Wife Relationships – The unity between a husband and wife is of supreme importance to a healthy family and a happy family.
Strengthening Parent and Child Relationships – The unity between parents and their children is also important. Parents and children should be open with each other, and parents ever nurturing.
Strengthening Individual Family Members – Children have individual needs and parents need to be aware of all of them. Some things may be more difficult for some children than others.
The Strength of Mormon Families - Mormons believe that families can be eternal, which prompts them to develop great devotion to their spouses and their children.
The Duties of Parents - Parents have many duties to their children, to promote their happiness and maturity and morality. Here, they are further explained.
Marriages and Families Blessed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ - Families and marriages can overcome the modern attacks of Satan. By Larry Barkdull. Content made possible by Ilene Olsen and Ron andBonnie McMillan.
