By Amy Nicklin

►This past April, Elder Hales spoke at our Stake Conference (through a broadcast.)

 

►He spoke to the parents and reminded us of the Law of the Harvest - that we don't get something for nothing, and that applies to the work that happens in our home.   We need to strengthen our children and remember that we need to plant seeds of faith today through -

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1. Family Prayer

§It is essential that every child hears us give thanks even in our trials.  We need to be setting an example of gratitude. Our behavior becomes a pattern for our children. His wife still remembers seeing  her parents kneeling in prayer. We should confess our shortcomings, ask for what we need, ponder, and give thanks for what we receive and report what we have done.  We need to also remember our personal and companion prayers. 

§Never raise your voice to one another, the Spirit will leave your home.

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2. Family Home Evening

§It is essential to have time together. Be fully engaged in Family Home Evening, ask children what they have learned.  Use this time to prepare for Sacrament meeting, prepare names for the temple, missionary service and to teach the gospel.  Too often we neglect to teach our children, especially tithing.  Tithing is a protection from worldliness.  The seeds you plant teaching the gospel will bear fruit for years to come.

 

►3.Family Council

§Hold these together when you are facing a big decision as a family, for financial reasons, illness, or big moves.  It is an ideal time to consider how each child is doing/learning.  Ask ourselves, "How can we help our children develop hidden talents and to discover their mission on earth?"  Use this time to prepare for ordinances.  Help your children chart their covenant path, plan for missions, education and work.

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He also counseled parents to help your children finish what they start.  Never shut the door to one of your children.  Your children are yours for the eternities.

►The whole world is in commotion right now and strong homes are required in these strong storms and in the winds of these times.  We need to fortify our homes.  Sing hymns and children Primary songs.  Teach your children to seek good friends and welcome their friends into your homes while getting to know their parents. Strive for life-long learning and being self-reliant.  Bless those in need.  Our homes need to be a holy place. "Stand in holy places and be not moved."  As parents, leaders and teachers, we are watchmen on the towers.   

Specific Teachings that Mean Something to Me Personally – By Amy Nicklin

►     In reading many of Elder Hales past talks this week, I noticed he has spoken quite a bit about the family in these difficult times of the last days.  I especially loved one talk entitled, “With All the Feeling of a Tender Parent: Message of Hope to Families” given in April 2004 General Conference.  As I read it, I felt hope and gratitude that the Lord will help us as we raise our families, if we turn to Him for guidance.

►     He said that even though we live in “perilous times”, as Paul prophesied, our families can “be at peace.  If we do what’s right, we will be guided and protected.”  He reminds us that no family is perfect, but “all of us are given the gift of agency – to choose for ourselves and to learn from the consequences of our choices.”  We must teach our children the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Moses taught, and thou shalt teach [these words] diligently unto they children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

►     Elder Hales compares families of today to Moses’ family.  Moses was born “during difficult times.” Pharaoh had given the edict that every Hebrew male infant should be killed, but “Moses parents took seriously their parental duties.”  They were not afraid of the wicked king.  Just as Moses mother saved his life by crafting a waterproof basket, and sending her daughter Miriam to guide the baby safely in the river, Elder Hales says, “Like Jochebed, we raise our families in a wicked and hostile world – a world as dangerous as the courts of Egypt ruled by Pharaoh.  But, like Jochebed, we also weave around our children a protective basket – a vessel called, ‘the family’ – and guide them to safe places where our teachings can be reinforced in the home and at church. Ultimately, we guide them to the greatest of all houses of learning – the holy temple.” Just as Miriam watched over and guided her little brother on his journey, “the Lord provides ‘Miriams’ to watch over [our children]…priesthood and auxiliary leaders, teachers, extended family, and worthy friends.” Through the Spirit we, as parents, can know if we need to counsel with other guides and resources to help our children as well.  Jochebed had faith in God, and we can also trust the Lord will direct us.  This talk was comforting to me.  The Lord will always help us find a way to help our children, to teach them who they really are and who they can become.