A Great Weekend

Post by Kevin: This weekend was stake Conference.  It was amazing.  Saturday night was my favorite because we had a question and answer session with Elder Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and with Elder Jones from the Seventy.  Many people asked some good questions, and their responses were very insightful and thought provoking.  After the question and answer period both spoke on marriage and how to strengthen our relationship with our spouse.  They stressed the importance of having faith in the Savior, and also taught that although the nation is in an economic crisis, if we stay close to the teachings of the prophets and rely on the Spirit we will make the right choices.  They counseled us not to worry about the future because God knows us and He won't forget about us.

Sunday was gorgeous outside--it was so nice out that we walked to church.  Well it was only around the corner at the Provo Tabernacle.  We sat on the balcony and got to "people-watch" before the meeting started.  It was pretty fun.  We got a new Stake Presidency, then Elders Jones and Cook spoke to us.  We especially enjoyed Elder Jones' talk.  Since the entire stake consists of newly-married couples, most people there are either starting or are about to start expanding their family.  So he gave us 25 suggestions on how to raise children and have a happy family.  Bree and I wrote furiously to write down every suggestion.  We recorded every other one: Bree wrote down the even numbered suggestions and I did the odds.   So if any of you would to know what they are, here's the list:

1. Assist your sons to earn Eagle Scout and Duty to God Awards, and daughters to earn Young Women award.

2. Eat at least one meal a day together as a family.

3. Kneel together in family prayer night and morning.

4. Teach children the importance of graduating from seminary and institute.

5. Help children save for missions and post-high school education.

6. Review and memorize the family proclamation.

7. Arrive 15 minutes early to church and sit together near the front.

8. Hold meaningful family home evenings every Monday.

9. Teach the Plan of Salvation and emphasize saving ordinances.

10. Husbands and wives should have an hour of companion time daily to study the scriptures and nourish their relationship.

11. Arrange schedules so that one parent can spend dedicated time alone with each child every week.

12. Don't give children an allowance.  Provide them with opportunities to earn money for jobs well done.  Teach them how to budget.

13. Search the scriptures daily--both personally and as a family.

14. Hang a picture of the temple in a prominent place in the home.  Testify to your children of temple covenants and temple worship.

15. Fill home with worthy literature and music.

16. Strictly monitor the use of the Internet and TV for yourselves and for children.

17. Husbands, give timely priesthood blessings to wife and children.

18. Study and reflect upon your Patriarchal Blessings.

19. Teach children that their individual worth comes from who they are, not what they do.

20. Correct children in a firm, timely manner without belittling them.

21. Establish the home as a place of peace, kindness, understanding, and love.

22. Lead out in giving heed to all the words of the prophet.

23. Be prepared for temporal emergencies.

24. Teach children to enjoy hard work.

25. Bear your testimony privately and frequently to each child.

So this weekend was awesome for us.  And then Sunday afternoon we went for a little stroll around the neighborhood and took a picture just for the blog!