Family

1.      “We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together. In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home. We talk with, rather than about, each other. We learn from each other, and we appreciate our differences as well as our commonalities. We establish a divine bond with each other as we approach God together through family prayer, gospel study and Sunday worship.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf in Conference Report, Of Things That Matter Most, Oct. 2010)

2.      “I believe the mission statement for mortality might be to build an eternal family. Here on this earth we strive to become part of extended families with the ability to create and form our own part of those families.” (M. Russell Ballard in Conference Report, What Matters Most is What Lasts The Longest, Oct. 2005)

3.      “The doctrine of the family begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them.” (Robert D. Hales in Conference Report, The Eternal Family, Oct. 1996)

4.      "One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds." (Elder Richard G. Scott in Conference Report, For Peace at Home, April 2013)

5.      "Let us place higher priority on family prayer, family scripture study, and family home evenings and eliminate those activities that fill our lives with worldliness and evil." (Elder L. Tom Perry in Conference Report, A Year of Jubilee, Oct. 1999)

6.      “In addition to our having loving family ‘sociality’, which , one day, will be ‘coupled with eternal glory’ we stress again and again the available remedies of family prayers, family home evenings, and family scripture study.” (Neal A. Maxwell in Conference Report, Take Especial Care of  Your Family, April 1994)

7.      “We hope you have not forgotten the need for family activity and recreation, for which time is also provided. Ler you love of each member of your family be unconditional. Where there are challenges, you fail only if you fail to keep trying!” (Spencer W. Kimball in Conference Report, Families Can be Together Forever, October 1980)

8.      Oh, brothers and sister, families can be forever! Do not let the lures of the moment draw you away from them! Divinity, eternity, and family- they go together, hand in hand, and so must we! (Spencer W. Kimball in Conference Report, Families Can be Together Forever, October 1980)

9.      “Remember, this scripture says to teach our children. How can we teach them if we don’t get together as a family (and not just as a place to exchange the car keys)?” (David B. Haight in Conference Report, A Foundation Whereon Men Cannot Fall, April 1972)

10.  “All over the world Monday evening has been set aside by the First Presidency as family night. A night of participation, involvement, and wholesome fun. The importance of the family unit cannot be overemphasized. Every home in the Church has been instructed to build a solid foundation for sound citizenship and active church participation.” (David B. Haight in Conference Report, A Foundation Whereon Men Cannot Fall, April 1972)

Position Statement: I have always known that the gospel is focused and centered on the family. As I have read talks about the family, I have learned that it is crucial. I guess I seemed to look over those talks as I have grown up because I was born and raised in a family that was active in the church. But as I took the time to read these talks on the family, my eyes have been opened. I have learned that just because someone is raised in the gospel does not mean they should not focus on strengthening the family as much as possible. The smallest things make the biggest difference. For example, my family come together each night for family dinner. Although we were all busy with our own schedules, it was a blessing to come together to talk with each other about our days, to laugh with each other and cry with each other. Dinner as a family is a simple thing, it was not always easy for all of us to be together, but it certainly made us grow into a stronger family unit.