Integrity Value Experience #7

I am still working on my young women personal progress (the leader version). Gambarimasu. Today's value experience is to define some of the issues, trends and problems that weaken the family, read some of the counsel given to strengthen the family and to write down ways I can strengthen my own family. I am supposed to share my thoughts with others so here I go ...

Issues, trends and problems that weaken the family:
* Immorality (including pornography)
* Addiction (to a lot of things - not just habits that are inherently wrong)
* Substance Abuse (This can go along with addiction, but is its own beast as well)
* Dishonesty - half-truths (I'll include gossip in this one)
* Disrespect (for self and others)
* Laziness (I am constantly struggling with this)
* Entitlement (Don't even get me started with this one)
* Vulgarity or just plain not talking nicely to each other.
* Immodesty (Really, some things are just better covered up.)

Counsel, truths we have received from the prophet, other church leaders
* Honor Womanhood. Treasure Faithful Motherhood and Fatherhood.
* Stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places.
* Cultivate feminine virtues.
* Honor covenants.
* Teach children that procreation is sacred and beautiful.
* Remember that children are an heritage of the Lord.
* Parents have the responsibility to provide for physical and spiritual needs of their children to teach them to love, be law-abiding citizens and to keep God's commandments.
* Successful marriages and families are established and maintained by principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.
* Mothers and Fathers have different roles, but both are to help each other and work together as equal partners.

Ways I can strengthen my home and family
* Be an example - recommit to the high standards I have chosen. Avoid even the appearance of evil. Avoid places and situations that would compromise my standards.

* Teach my children to keep high standards. Incorporate value lessons that emphasize respect for self and others in Family Home Evening and Family Scripture Study as well as when situations present themselves in in everyday life.

* Share my knowledge of strengthening the home and family with others. Share the blessings I have received by striving to keep my home a place of security, confidence, peace and love. Encourage them to do likewise.

I feel so blessed to have a clear understanding of my role as a mother. I am not ideal by any means, but I feel that if I continue to put forth the effort my family will be blessed. I love singing "I am a Child of God" and "Families Can Be Together Forever" with Sarah and William. I know there is a plan of happiness for families and that we were sent to earth to learn and progress together. I am thankful for my little family of four, my parents, siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandparents and ancestors. I'm thankful for their diligence in strengthening home and family. I pray that I can continue the great heritage I have in preserving this vital unit of society.