Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Simply Sweet Marriage

In case you aren't yet familiar with Simply Sweet Marriage, it's time to check out what you're missing! They have done a great job of creating a place where you can discover and purchase resources that will reignite your love life, without all the garbage and "yucky" that is found in many other online resurces. Way to go! Be sure to check it out soon - your marriage will thank you!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Words of the Prophet

"When the seas of life are stormy, a wise mariner seeks a port of peace. The family, as we have traditionally known it, is such a refuge of safety. 'The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfil its essential functions' (quoted in Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 72).

"Actually, a home is much more than a house. A house is built of lumber, brick, and stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. A house can be a home, and a home can be a
heaven when it shelters a family. When true values and basic virtues undergird the families of society, hope will conquer despair, and faith will triumph over doubt."

"Such values, when learned and lived in our families, will be as welcome rain to parched soil. Love will be engendered; loyalty to one's best self will be enhanced; and those virtues of character, integrity, and goodness will be fostered. The family must hold its preeminent place in our way of life because it's the only possible base upon which a society of responsible human beings has everfound it practicable to build for the future and maintain the values they
cherish in the present."

(Thomas S. Monson, "Dedication Day," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 64-65)

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Living by the Spirit

We mentioned the talk given by Elder Richard G. Scott about how to learn and teach more effectively in class yesterday. It is an instant classic and should be required reading for anyone wanting to learn how to learn. In light of our discussion about how to make the most of our time together, here again is his statement about committing the impressions of the Spirit to our hearts: Throughout the remainder of my life, I will seek to learn by what I hear, see, and feel. I will write down the important things I learn, and I will do them.

We very much enjoyed the Spirit that was present as we learned together. Please share with us any thoughts you have on how we can be more effective and helpful. We have a great desire to be instruments in the Lord's hands through whom He might speak directly to your hearts.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Marriage & Family Relations Class


Hello! We are very excited to learn the gospel with you. This class has been a great blessing to our family and we hope that it will also bless your lives. We look forward to the next four months as we study the principles of the gospel pertaining to marriage and family.

Hopefully you had the opportunity to listen to the recent world-wide broadcast regarding "Raising up a Righteous Posterity." We will be referring to the principles that were taught throughout the time we are teaching and learning together. Perhaps a great place to start our "extracurricular" study is by reading President Packer's talk on the Proclamation on the Family.

We've also added a link to the website where you can find all of the instruction given, including audio and video versions.

Blessings to you as we learn together.