Father's Day

A Dad is a pretty special person. Dads spend time with their children, work hard to help support a family, teach,  instruct, protect, and many more things. 

I have got to say, My Dad is the greatest Dad in the world!!

My Dad has been patient with me.

My Dad took me camping in the woods to help me receive the Eagle Scout Award.

My Dad taught me how to manage money.

My Dad taught me to love my Mom.

My Dad taught me to work hard.

My Dad taught me to not procrastinate.

My Dad found time to spend with me.

My Dad helped me with my home while in school.

There are many things I admire about you Dad, So Have a happy Father's Day!!

The Family

On September 23, 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15th President of the Church, read the following proclamation in a general Relief Society meeting. This inspired proclamation, titled “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” has become the Church’s definitive statement on the family:

“We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a 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.

“All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

“In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

“The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. 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.
“We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

“The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

“We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

“We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

Family: The most important social unit.

As I look back through the years, I can reflect on many memories I have had, which have led to who I am today.  Like everyone, I have had some sweet memories.  Each one is precious to me.  They have let me learn and grow.  Through out the years I remember the happiness I found because of my family.

I remember when I was young I had a blue toy tractor that had an attachable trailor.  I loved to pedal around our yard.  One of my favorite things to do was to pull my father's tools as he worked around the yard. I treasure this memory above many others because it was in those moments Dad and I woved the loving relationship we continue to strengthen today.

I remember many times when my mother took my little brother and I to a place that had a gigantic play pin.  The pin had many pipes that we could crawl through.  Often our friends would be able to join us in the fun. 

I remember many occasions when my parents helped me with homework.  Mom, helped me with the english, while Dad helped me with the math. 

I remember many occasions when my brothers and sister played together.  We found time to have pillow fights, and making forts with the blankets, tables, and chairs. 

In these times we learned many life lessons we practice today. 

Today I enjoy having 10 nieces and nephews!  All of which are near my home.  The happy moments with my family continue today.  The only change is time.

Life is no picnic.  As we know, it isn't always easy.  We have to continually work for our sweet moments. 

I don't believe being able to find happiness in a family is a coincidence.  I believe families are a gift from God; that they are an important role in our early mortal development.  Romans 8:16 states,"The Spirit itself beareth witness to our spirit, that we are the children of God."  If we are the children of God then He is our Father!!!  A Father in Heaven who loves us for who we are, His children!!!