Lesson for June18, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Camille Maynard about Chapter 11 of the Teachings of Gordon B Hinckley, Chapter 11 "Home--The Basis o Righteous Life." Camille started by telling about President Hinckley and the Proclamation on the Family. There is a story about their home where their children grew up and how sad they were when they decided to move closer to Church headquarters He called the Proclamation asa a clarion call to strengthen the family and home. We all want to have strong homes. Camping together can strengthen a family. Family dinners can help families to bond. Extended family dinners are important to because everyone needs good relationships and people they can lean on. Prayers for each other can strengthen bonds. Going through hard times together can give a bonding experience. Having some available time together is important for feelings of closeness. Even if you have a very healthy family, investing in the one you love the most makes a big difference. Family councils helps a family to counsel together and to plan the year for the family. Family council can give children a voice We have to know and have to plan so time is apparent to us when we can spend time together. We want to be part of our grown children's lives, so social media can be a good way to stay in touch. President Hinckley said a home is the basis for a righteous life where we teach gospel principles. We can love our wayward family members and bless them through our examples and love. Family Home Evening, scripture study, and temple attendance, and even church pageants can help the family to be stronger. Church pageants are a way to be immersed in the gospel. Starting the day with a family devotional can help gospel principles be normalized. The roles of fathers and mothers are in viewing children as gifts of the Lord an a residue of affection that will guide love and respect for each other and for their parents. Single parents can allow leaders in the church or friends in the church to help their family. Never forget that Heavenly Father is there for us. He ways He will come to us even though we cannot go to Him. President Hinckley said he built his first home and the landscaping. He planted a honey locust tree right where the wind blew. When it grew, it grew in the direction of the wind. He tried to correct the tree by cutting off a branch that leaned too far, which was a drastic remedy. Remember to train up a child when he is young and when he is old he will have grown the right way. It doesn't take as much effort when children are young as it will when they are grown. One sister said that one-on-one outings with parents can help children know they want to be good, go on a mission, go to the temple, and other good things. It does take time. Having expectations can also be good. These expectations can be useful to guide children. They can be something to talk about between family members. Play and pray for your little ones. They are growing up in complex times that will require a greater strength than we have to have now. Pray that they will have that source of strength that will sustain them in any situation. Family prayer can be opportunities to express love for each other and be a special time to express gratitude for each of them. Saying nice things about other family members can bring a glow to their faces. Be careful not to be too critical. Help our children to know why we are grateful for the gospel and each other and help to strengthen their testimonies. President Hinckley said that when he was 5 years old, President Smith started Family Home Evenings. His family tried to do what President Smith wanted and even though their efforts were funny sometimes, something wonderful grew out of their efforts. Many times a FHE can be an opportunity to discuss gospel principles that are confusing. Sometimes FHE gives us a break from the world and can be a relief from stress If you have any doubt about FHE, try it for a while. Not every evening will be successful, but continuous efforts will bear fruit. Even if there are members who go astray. Keep at it. Never give up. Pray for them and love them and never give up. If we have those relationships in place, we could be non-judgmental so they want to be close to us. We can't take away someone else's free agency. If we have that relationship, then there may be times when we can offer some gentle comments. Raising a family may not be the easiest, but love can make the difference. With mastery over anger and Heaven's help we can be patient and encourage our family