Family

1.)"The Family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." -The Family: A Proclamation to the World

2.)"Because of the importance of the family to the eternal plan of happiness, Satan makes a major effort to destroy the sanctity of the family, demean the importance of the role of men and women, encourage moral uncleanliness and violations of the sacred law of chastity, and to discourage parents from placing the bearing and rearing of children as one of their highest priorities." -Robert D. Hales, The Eternal Family
                                                  
3.) "We need to protect our families and be at the forefront together with all people of goodwill in doing everything we can to preserve light, hope, and morality in our communities." -Quentin L. Cook, Let There Be Light!

4.)"We can begin to become more diligent and concerned at home by telling the people we love that we love them. Such expressions do not need to be flowery or lengthy. We simply should sincerely and frequently express love." - David A. Bednar, More Diligent and Concerned At Home 

5.)"When children see their parents faithfully performing Church callings, it strengthens their family relationships. When families are strong, the Church is strong, The two run parallel." -Dallin H. Oaks, Church News and Events

6.)"With the Lord, families are essential. He created the earth that we could gain physical bodies and form families. He established His Church to exalt families. He provides temples so that families can be together forever. -Russell M. Nelson,Set In Order Thy House

7.)"So the bad news is that family breakdown is causing a host of societal and economic ills. But the good news is that, like any cause and effect, those ills can be reversed if what is causing them is changed. Inequities are resolved by living correct principles and values. Brothers and sisters, the most important cause of our lifetime is our families. If we will devote ourselves to this cause, we will improve every other aspect of our lives and will become, as people and as a church, an example and a beacon for all the people of the earth." -M. Russell Ballard,That The Lost May Be Found

8.)"If we will hold fast to the Church's proclamation on the family, we will see that we hold the jewels, as it were, that can enrich so many other things. Let the world go its own way on the family, It appears to be determined to do that. But we do not have that option. Our doctrines and teachings on the family are very, very powerful, and they are full of implications for all the people on this planet." -Neal A. Maxwell, Insights From My Life

9.)"Let us open wide the windows of our hearts, that each family member may feel welcome and 'at home'. Let us open also the doors of our very souls, that the dear Christ may enter. Remember His promise: 'Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him' (Revelation 3:20)."  -Thomas S. Monson, Hallmarks of a Happy Home

10.) "Through the restored gospel we learn there is an ideal family. It is a family composed of a righteous Melchizadek Priesthood bearer with a righteous wife sealed to him and children born into the covenant are sealed to them. With a mother in the home in an environment of love and service, the parents teach their children through example and precept, the ways of the Lord and His truths. They fulfill their divinely appointed roles mentioned in the family proclamation.Their children mature by living teachings instilled from birth. They develop characteristics of obedience, integrity, love of God, and faith in His holy plan., In due course, each of those children seeks a companion with similar ideals and aspirations. They are sealed in the temple, bear children, and the eternal plan continues, with generation strengthening generation.  -Richard G. Scott,First Things First "

                                                     *********************

Families are essential to Heavenly Father's plan. We are so incredibly blessed to be able to have families where we can grow together in love and righteousness. I love my family! I'm so grateful for each and every one of them. :) I'm also very grateful that I was born into the covenant and that my parents were able to teach me the ordinances of the gospel, and that I could learn by their examples. I know that I was blessed with my family for a reason, and that they are each here to love me and to teach me different things about myself, and about the gospel. I'm so grateful that I have the privilege to live with my family forever, and that I was blessed to have them in my life. I know that if I stay true to the principles of the gospel, I too can one day have a family of my own that I can help to lead back to our Father in Heaven. I can't wait for that day... :)

Mormon Message: What Matters Most By Thomas S. Monson