Family

1) President Heber J. Grant spoke repeatedly on this matter from this pulpit. He said: “If there is any one thing that will bring peace and contentment into the human heart, and into the family, it is to live within our means. And if there is any one thing that is grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet” (Gospel Standards, comp. G. Homer Durham [1941], 111).

2)" As rising generations diminish in numbers, cultures and even nations are hollowed out and eventually disappear." (Protecting the children Oct, 2012 elder oaks)

3) "Children need the emotional and personal strength that come from being raised by two parents who are united in their marriage and their goals. As one who was raised by a widowed mother, I know firsthand that this cannot always be achieved, but it is the ideal to be sought whenever possible."(Protecting the children Oct  2012 elder oaks)

4) "I pray that we will humble ourselves as little children and reach out to protect our little children, for they are the future for us, for our Church, and for our nations. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."(Protecting the children Oct, 2012 elder oaks)

5) "Of all the joys of life none other equals that of happy parenthood. Of all the responsibilities with which we struggle, none other is so serious. To rear children in an atmosphere of love, security, and faith is the most rewarding of all challenges. The good result from such effort becomes life’s most satisfying compensation".
(President Gordon B. Hinckley OCTOBER 1994 SAVE THE CHILDREN)

6) “The onslaught of wickedness against our children is more subtle and brazen than it has ever been. Building a strong family culture adds another layer of protection for our children, insulating them from worldly influences.”  (President L. Tom Perry Becoming Goodly Parents General conferences October 2012)

7)“Let us resolve to cherish those we love by spending meaningful time with them, doing things together, and cultivating treasured memories.” (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf  OF REGRETS AND RESOLUTIONS General Conferences October 2012)

8) “If you have concerns about your family, ask the missionaries! They can help you! Strengthening marriages and families is of utmost importance to Latter-day Saints. Families can be together forever. Ask the missionaries to teach you how this is possible for your family.” (Russell M.  Nelson  Ask the Missionaries! They can help. General conference October 2012)

9)“The great plan of happiness” centers on family life. The husband is the head of the home and the wife the heart of the home. And marriage is an equal partnership. A Latter-day Saint man is a responsible family man, faithful in the gospel. He is a caring, devoted husband and father. He reveres womanhood. The wife sustains her husband. Both parents nurture the spiritual growth of their children.” (President  Boyd K. Packer Guided by the holy spirit General Conferences April 2012)

10) "One of Satan’s most effective approaches is to demean the role of wife and mother in the home. This is an attack at the very heart of God’s plan to foster love between husband and wife and to nurture children in an atmosphere of understanding, peace, appreciation, and support. Much of the violence that is rampant in the world today is the harvest of weakened homes. Government and social plans will not effectively correct that, nor can the best efforts of schools and churches fully compensate for the absence of the tender care of a compassionate mother and wife in the home.[...] Moreover, as you teach truth by word and example, those children will come to understand who they are and what they can obtain as divine children of Father in Heaven."(The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness RICHARD G. SCOTT OCTOBER 1996) 

11)"I know I have been speaking of the ideal, and you may be disturbed because your life may not now fit that mold. I promise you that through your obedience and continuing faith in Jesus Christ and your understanding of the whole plan of happiness, even if important parts of it aren’t fulfilled in your life now, they will be yours in the Lord’s due time. I also promise you that you can have significant growth and happiness now in your present circumstances. As a daughter or son of God, live whatever portion of the plan you can to the best of your ability."(The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness RICHARD G. SCOTT OCTOBER 1996) 

12)“You adult men—fathers, single adults, leaders, home teachers—be worthy models and help the rising generation of boys become men. Teach them social and other skills: how to participate in a conversation, how to get acquainted and interact with others, how to relate to women and girls, how to serve, how to be active and enjoy recreation, how to pursue hobbies without becoming addicted, how to correct mistakes and make better choices.” (D. Todd Christofferson Brethren, We Have Work to Do General Conferences October 2012)

13)“When we follow the prophets’ counsel to hold family home evening, family prayer, and family scripture study, our homes become an incubator for our children’s spiritual growth. There we teach them the gospel, bear our testimonies, express our love, and listen as they share their feelings and experiences. By our righteous choices and actions, we liberate them from darkness by increasing their ability to walk in the light.” (Elder Hales Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life General Conferences October 2010)

Why does it matter?: Family is the most important goal on earth. It is through families that the great plan of happiness or plan of salvation is accomplished. We are given commandments to multiple and replenish the earth and our goal is to go to the temple and be sealed to our families for all eternity. There is no other way to gain exaltation or to fulfill our godly gifts (Priesthood for men and creation for women) without getting married and striving to have a family.  I have a testimony that I will be able to have an eternal family with my husband because we were married in the temple and the children we do have will be born into that covenant and it will  help protect them.