In “To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing for the Decade of Decision” Elder Robert D Hales mentions the need to organize yourself so that you can be in tune with the Holy Ghost. I think that this counsel can apply to each of us as individuals, as well as to our families as a whole. Organization leads to order and to peace. When I think of organization when it comes to family, the first thing that pops into my head is a scene from the original “Yours, Mine and Ours.” Frank, the dad, has set up a system as they move into their new home, but things go awry, and the result is chaos. If the organization structure is too rigid, it can easily cause more harm then good. In many ways it is a matter of prioritizing the top few things and letting everything fall into place around it. Here are the five things that can help your family be in tune with the Holy Ghost.
1) It is important that prayer be a central part of your family’s life. Your children will learn prayer as you model it before meals and during family prayer. You should pray together as a couple. You should have personal prayer and encourage your children to do the same as well.
2) The best way to learn about the gospel is by studying the scriptures and applying them to your life. You can do this as a family. Read a chapter or two at night, and then discuss how to apply it to your life. If there are issues in the news or at school, you may find scriptures that teach about those issues and discuss it as a family. Take the time to teach your children how to search the scriptures to find the answers to their questions. You should have personal scripture study, and encourage your children to do the same.
3) Family home evening and family council are great ways to bring the family together. Time together helps to build unity. Family councils allow every member of the family to voice concerns and to help organize the family activities. Following the counsel of the church in regards to this matter will bring peace into your family and strengthen your children for the future.
4) Elder Hales specifically mentions goals when it comes to organization. You should have goals that you work towards as a family. It may be improving scripture study or saving up for a vacation. It could be keeping the house clean or completing a service project each month. In addition to family goals you should encourage your children to set individual goals as well. The Personal Progress program, Duty to God program and the Faith in God program all encourage your children to set and achieve goals as well. It is important that you model this behavior for your children as well.
5) Finally I feel that it is important to have your children work along side you. This can accomplished out in the garden, through chores around the house and by helping to prepare meals. Work brings a satisfaction and peace to life. It is also important to give your children the opportunity to learn the skills that they need in order to survive as adults.
Related Articles:
General Conference: “To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing for the Decade of Decision”
Benefits of Family Scripture Study