Reminder lessons

Have you ever wondered why we have some lessons over and over at church? Well Sunday was one of those days. Not that it is bad, it wasn't, in fact it was somewhat enlightening to know that many of the things that were discussed were actually activities that we did accomplish or do with our family.
The topic was "Perfecting the Family". The question was, what are some things that we did with our children as they were growing up to make them feel secure in the family, and who they are? As well as in training them? It was fun to reflect on those times, but also to hear comments of what others did, that we too experienced.
In these challenging days we live it is more and more important to strengthen, and fortify the family unit to withstand the many temptations that are thrown at them. As well as help each child to feel secure from knowing they are a child of God who loves them very much.
Ideas that were shared were to have a picture of the child in his or her room, along with other pictures of family, Christ, and the temple of their choice. Each of these things will help a child to remember who they are, and that they are very much loved.
Along with these things were discussed the importance of family prayer, scripture reading together, or reciting a scripture together on days that time is short. In our case, we worked as a family to memorize the 13 Articles of Faith together with a reward of going to Disneyland. Having meal time together and sitting at the table was another very important time to strengthen the family and helped us to become more united.
Advice for parents:
- Express Love and Show it. Don't assume that loved ones already know.
-Bear testimony of the love of our Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ.
-Be consistent, follow through with what you say you will do.
-Be constructive in speaking to a child, never compare, but praise.
-Someone can always fill in for you in your church responsibilities, but no one can fill in for you in your family. Not to say that you use this as an excuse not to serve, since the Lord needs each of us, but use wisdom in the time that you are away from your family.
The family is ordained of God. As parents we have the responsibility to love and care for each other and for our children, to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law abiding citizens wherever they live.
Poem: " My Child "
If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd finger paint more and point the finger less.
I'd do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch and watch more with my eyes.
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious and seriously play.
I'd run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I would be firm less often and affirm much more.
I'd build self-esteem first and the house later.
I'd teach less about the love of power and more about the power of love.

I know I didn't fulfill all that I could have as my family was growing. But at least I have more chances to fulfill those things now as a grandmother and a mother with no regrets, but great anticipation, even if it is through a long distance communication. Thank goodness for modern technology of cell phones, e-mail, video, and Skype, we can all be connected to continue the bonding of our family.