The Family is of God

"The family is ordained of God." 

I believe this truth that comes from The Family: A Proclamation to the World. It's been a guiding influence for me my whole life. I love my family. I wish the whole world could understand the importance of families and the strength they provide to each of us as individuals.

This summer we added a daughter through marriage. We also recently learned that two grand-daughters will be joining our family early next year. We love our growing family, and each member of it.

We recently had the annual Primary program at church and both my husband and I were deeply impressed with the song which was the theme for the year. I suspect the lyrics were taken straight from the Family Proclamation! The truths this song professes are profound. Take the time to listen to it if you're not familiar with it. (You can go here to read the words and music.)

The Family is of God, by Matthew Neeley

I'm grateful for parents who taught me by example. They learned from their parents, who were also a great example to me.

With both sets of my grandparents at my wedding.

Our son with both sets of his grandparents at his wedding.

Another hymn, which we sang recently during a family "scripture and prayer", also has a great message. As we turn to God, we will receive the knowledge and support to help us strengthen our families, not matter what our current situation may be.

Our Father, by whose name all fatherhood is known,

Who dost in love proclaim each family thine own,

Bless thou all parents, guarding well,

With constant love as sentinel,

The homes in which thy people dwell.

As thou thy Child didst fill with wisdom, love, and might,

To know and do thy will and teach thy ways aright,

Our children bless, in ev'ry place,

That they may all behold thy face,

And, knowing thee, may grow in grace.

May thy strong Spirit bind our hearts in unity,

And help us each to find the love from self set free.

In all our hearts such love increase,

That ev'ry home, by this release,

May be the dwelling place of peace.

Hymn #296, Text: F. Bland Tucker, 1895-1984, alt.

I look forward to recreating the "grandparents" picture with each one of these sweethearts at their weddings.
We'll give them a few years to grow up first!

Remember, "God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be." Among other things, he wants us to be happy and successful. He wants our families to be happy and successful as well. It's possible.

This post is part of Celebrate the Family Proclamation. Go here or here to find what others have to say about the importance of families!