We don't need a "new normal"

• What did you learn this week about the changing definition of the family?

Today the very word Family has changed.  It can include any variation of arrangements.  But those other families are not what Heavenly Father designed.  That is not what is testified about in The Family Proclamation.  "Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children."  In today's world it is easy to be swayed and pulled in many different directions.  Satan is working hard to confuse the world, especially our youth in what their divine nature is.  There are TV shows and other things in the media that are teaching a "new normal."  No wonder why our youth are confused.  It is because they see these things and hear these things.  It is important to be good role models in our own homes. 
We need to have a loving, working relationship with our spouse.  We need to find the time to spend with one another.  We need to show affection to each other privately and also in front of our children, so that they can see that this is important.  We need to teach the principles of the family to our children.  I would even say that it is important to have them know the doctrines, maybe even memorized, in The Family Proclamation.  I was telling this to another classmate this week and she said that her kids memorized this through song.  This sounded like a great idea.  Well I just found all the words at http://joansowards.com/system/files/entireproclamation.pdf.  I think that would be a great idea.  I would love to even incorporate this into primary.  I know that if our kids can know of these principles at a young age, it will help them not be blown with the winds of the adversary.  It is ever more important for our kids to stand up for their beliefs even if it means standing alone. 

• What did you learn about the doctrine of the family?

According to Sister Julie B. Beck who spoke at a seminary and institute broadcast on August 4, 2009 titled Teaching the Doctrine of the Family, she said that rearing children is a faith-based work.  It really is.  It is hard work raising a family.  And maybe that is one of Satan's tactics.  He wants us to get overwhelmed and frustrated and then walk away.  Satan is using many different tactics in trying to make families not look good.  My kids have gotten into watching Phineas and Ferb (which I don't like them doing and we have put a stop to it) but in that show they are always degrading the role of the mother.  She always comes off looking like the clueless idiot.  As we have had conversations about this with our kids, we've tried to explain this.  The family is so important. 

• Why do you think the Proclamation was first given to the women (in the 1995 General Relief Society Meeting), before the church received it?

I remember when this document was read.  I know that as I was in this meeting and was            amazed at the magnitude of such a document.  I then also remember going door to door            giving this to all of our neighbors.  Many people took the document, but most were ok with its            content.  I don't think it would go over with the same enthusiasm today, because the values around us has changed so much.  I don't know why it was chosen to be given in the women broadcast, maybe because he knew the women would support it wholeheartedly.  I have come to love this document as I have studied it over the years. 

• What call to action does the Lord give all of us in this proclamation?

He specifically defines the roles of men and women.  There are two warnings at the bottom of the document that are worth paying attention to.  It isn't very often that such blunt words are used.  It says, "We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

• What, if anything, was confusing to you or what would you like to understand better?

I enjoyed this week's readings.  It makes me want to better advocate for the family. I understood the material.

• As a family advocate, how has this week's material been helpful to you?

It's great to see how much our church leaders promote the family all over the world.  Watching this past April 2015 conference, it seemed that every talk on Saturday talked about advocating for the family.  If we know something is true then we need to stand up for it.