Capstone Practicum

1.

"We look on marriage and the bearing and nurturing of children as part of God’s plan and a sacred duty of those given the opportunity to do so. We believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity."
Elder Dallin H. Oaks- General Conference October 2013 "No Other Gods" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/no-other-gods?lang=eng

2.

"As parents, as teachers, and as leaders in any capacity, we cannot afford to attempt this potentially perilous journey through mortality without heavenly assistance to aid us in guiding those for whom we have responsibility. As we offer unto God our family prayers and our personal prayers, let us do so with faith and trust in Him."
President Thomas S. Monson- Ensign June 2006 "Heavenly Homes, Forever Families" https://www.lds.org/ensign/2006/06/heavenly-homes-forever-families?lang=eng

3.

“If we do not invite others to change or if we do not demand repentance of ourselves, we fail in a fundamental duty we owe to one another and to ourselves. A permissive parent, an indulgent friend, a fearful Church leader are in reality more concerned about themselves than the welfare and happiness of those they could help. Yes, the call to repentance is at times regarded as intolerant or offensive and may even be resented, but guided by the Spirit, it is in reality an act of genuine caring.”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, General Conference October 2011 “The Divine Gift of Repentance”  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-divine-gift-of-repentance?lang=eng&query=

4.

“Where once the standards of the Church and the standards of society were mostly compatible, now there is a wide chasm between us, and it’s growing ever wider. …The Savior of mankind described Himself as being in the world but not of the world. We also can be in the world but not of the world as we reject false concepts and false teachings and remain true to that which God has commanded."
Thomas S. Monson, General Conference April 2011 “Priesthood Power,” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/priesthood-power?lang=eng

5.

“Obedience is taught by example. By how we live, we teach our children.”
Elder Robert D. Hales, General Conference April 2014 “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/if-ye-love-me-keep-my-commandments?lang=eng

6.

“If in matters of faith and belief children are at risk of being swept downstream by this intellectual current or that cultural rapid, we as their parents must be more certain than ever to hold to anchored, unmistakable moorings clearly recognizable to those of our own household...
We can be reasonably active, meeting-going Latter-day Saints, but if we do not live lives of gospel integrity and convey to our children powerful heartfelt convictions regarding the truthfulness of the Restoration and the divine guidance of the Church…, then those children may, to our regret but not surprise, turn out not to be visibly active, meeting-going Latter-day Saints or sometimes anything close to it...
Some parents … seem to feel that they can ease up a little on the fundamentals without affecting their family or their family’s future. But... if a parent goes a little off course, the children are likely to exceed the parent’s example.”

7.

“Children who are made to feel accountable for their actions, whether righteous or otherwise, grow to become trustworthy citizens in the kingdom of God.”
Elder Richard G. Scott, General Conference April 2013 “For Peace at Home” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/for-peace-at-home?lang=eng

8.

“Couples blessed with children are accountable to God for the care they give to their children.”
Elder Russell M. Nelson- General Conference April 2006 “Nurturing Marriage” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/nurturing-marriage?lang=eng

9.

Our family-centered perspective should make Latter-day Saints strive to be the best parents in the world. It should give us enormous respect for our children, who truly are our spiritual siblings, and it should cause us to devote whatever time is necessary to strengthen our families. Indeed, nothing is more critically connected to happiness—both our own and that of our children—than how well we love and support one another within the family... in the kingdom of heaven, families will be both the source of our eternal progress and joy and the order of our Heavenly Father. As we are often reminded, we will be released one day from our Church callings; but if we are worthy, we will never be released from our family relationships.
Elder M. Russel Ballard, General Conference October 2005 “What Matters Most is What Lasts Longest” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/what-matters-most-is-what-lasts-longest?lang=eng&query=family

10.

If we neglect our families here in having family home night and we fail in our responsibility here, how would it look if we lost some of those through our own neglect? Heaven would not be heaven until we have done everything we can to save those whom the Lord has sent through our lineage... So, the hearts of you fathers and mothers must be turned to your children right now, if you have the true spirit of Elijah, and not think that it applies merely to those who are beyond the veil. Let your hearts be turned to your children, and teach your children; but you must do it when they are young enough to be properly schooled. And if you are neglecting your family home evening, you are neglecting the beginning of the mission of Elijah."
Elder L. Tom Perry, General Conference April 1994 “Therefore I Was Taught” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1994/04/therefore-i-was-taught?lang=eng&query=family+home+evening

This is a topic that my wife and I have discussed (and worried about) a lot since the birth of our first daughter last year. With the growing divide between God's ways and the ways of the world, we worry about how we can teach our children to have a relationship with Christ and protect them from the influence of the adversary. I learned that some of the things I thought of as basic or small are actually the most important things we can do; holding regular family home evening, family dinners, family prayers and scripture study. Setting an example of obedience and of temple worship. I was especially struck by Elder Holland's talk which said that it isn't good enough for us to be casual in our church service, even if we attend every week. We need to regularly bear sincere testimony and we need to let them see us serve diligently. My wife and I have committed to establish those habits which will bless our family and allow us to teach them through words and example.