The Family is of God

The Primary children will be learning a couple of new songs this year, to go along with the theme "My Eternal Family." When I read the words to this first one, "The Family is of God," I was amazed at how timely they are. (Remember the propositions that were passed this last election.) And the music is beautiful as well. I think this is a wonderful tool to help parents teach children the true purpose of families.

(Our latest "family" picture - sending boys back to college!)

The second song has music that needs to grow on you, but it actually does fairly quickly! And of course the message is wonderful and perfect. Since my college kids probably won't even get to hear a Primary program later this year, I figured it would be a good idea to introduce them to these truths. I think this one would be of particular interest to construction manager majors!

(First you build the form.)

1. I am a builder working each day to build my family.

And I will do the best I can to serve them lovingly.

I am a builder growing so tall and learning ev'ry day

To speak with kindness in my home, to help at work and play.

(chorus)
My heav'nly Father sent me here and He knows I can be
Strong and righteous as I build my eternal family.


2. I am a builder building a home; I seek the Lord in prayer.
And as I try to live God's word I feel the Spirit there.
I am a builder serving the Lord and following His plan
To help my fam'ly come back home and live with Him again.

(And then you fill it!)

And here are the words to the first song:

1. Our Father has a family. It’s me!

It’s you, all others too: we are His children.

He sent each one of us to earth, through birth,

To live and learn here in fam’lies.

2. A father’s place is to preside, provide,

To love and teach the gospel to his children.

A father leads in fam’ly prayer to share

Their love for Father in Heaven.

3. A mother’s purpose is to care, prepare,

To nurture and to strengthen all her children.

She teaches children to obey, to pray,
To love and serve in the fam’ly.

4. I’ll love and serve my family and be

A good example to each fam’ly member.

And when I am a mom or dad, so glad,

I’ll help my fam’ly remember:

[Chorus]

God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be—

This is how He shares His love, for the fam’ly is of God.

© 2008 by Matthew Neeley. All rights reserved. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. This notice must be included on each copy made.