Building Up a Righteous Posterity

February 9 was a LDS Worldwide Leadership Broadcast for all Adults. I was very humbled by the messages and the spirit in which it was conveyed.

I was appreciate of the extra time they took at the beginning of the broadcast to recognize all the family situations that exist. The Family: A Proclamation to the World was discussed in detail, and often referred to during the broadcast. I remember when the Proclamation first came out that it just made a lot of sense. It still makes a lot of sense, and I have come to appreciate the inspired guidance more and more as I recognize secular influences in direct opposition to its divine council.

There as a round table discussion about how the family is central to Heavenly Father's plan. Some of the points that I really appreciated were:
- Not only is the family organization central in this life, but in the life to come.
- Marriage is work, and selfishness may be the biggest challenge in marriage.
- Don't postpone marriage. (The Lord wants to bless us. There are many blessing that come from family, and we shouldn't delay Him the opportunity to give us those blessings.)
- We have children with faith, not money. Ways will be opened, but work and sacrifice and doing without may be required.
- Not all may be able to have children, but that desire to have children will not go away if we are living the gospel. We will be judged according to our desires.
-Extended family and friends are important. Look for what we can do to support others having children, and appreciate the help we receive from others.
- There are many external forces attacking the family. Even within the church we are often not as supportive as we need to be. We should celebrate and offer support rather than asking them of they are crazy for having more children.
- Being a mother or father is an eternal calling.
- Set down the burden of guilt for the bad choices of others, such as wayward children.
- Material things (both too much and too little) can distract us from focus on the family.
- Emotional homelessness is often crated when homemaking skills are neglected. Note: housekeeping responsibilities, such as cooking and cleaning can be delegated, but homemaking responsibilities can not (be delegated).
- Fathers were challenged to take the lead in conducting family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening programs that will set patterns and principles of obedience and learning.
- Focus on the conditions that help people grow. Look for opportunities for parents and children to work together. Reclaim the joy of the Sabbath. Have family dinner together. Always look for ways to show and express your love.

I feel like I strongly support families, yet I often wonder how I come across, as my family of one. I hope that most of my co-workers and friends know I am grateful for my immediate and extended families. Being single, I am not faced with so many of the day to day family demands, and may have to look a little harder or go more out of my way to provide support to those in need.

During this broadcast I was particularly in awe of my sister Cyndi, and her extraordinary efforts. Her family has struggled financially, yet she has listened and obeyed her call to continue to build her family. She has made and will continue to make many difficult sacrifices in fulfilling her mission as a wife and mother.