Fortifying the Family

We're into forts lately at our house.

There's just something about a blanket fort that makes you feel so comfy and safe and protected. Especially when you're in there with your two favorite boys, having family home evening and reading some stories about Jesus, eating ice cream and watching a movie.

We hold in our arms the rising generation. They come to this earth with important responsibilities and great spiritual capacities. We cannot be casual in how we prepare them. Our challenge as parents and teachers is not to create a spiritual core in their souls but rather to fan the flame of their spiritual core already aglow with the fire of their premortal faith.

The stories of Jesus can be like a rushing wind across the embers of faith in the hearts of our children. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The stories of Jesus shared over and over bring faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strength to the foundation of testimony. Can you think of a more valuable gift for our children?

-Neil L. Andersen

James couldn't get enough of this fort, so we've built one almost every day since. I love the wonder in his little eyes when we put those blankets up over the furniture and climb right in.

I think that every home should be as comfy and happy and safe as this blanket fort. For isn't that just what our children need and deserve? We need to fortify our little families against the storms that will come. Spending time with our children, being there, showing them that they are the most important thing to us, holding family prayer, loving each other, making fun memories, teaching our children the gospel.

There has never been a greater need for increased faith and personal righteousness. There has never been a greater need for strong families and homes.

-Julie B. Beck

Can you believe how many talks there were in General Conference that were all about families and parenting, about teaching our children and about the importance of motherhood? I think the Lord must be trying to tell us something ;)

Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.

-L. Tom Perry

Those bright, shining eyes on the face of my two-year-old remind me every day that we need to keep our family strong. I guess we'll keep on building those forts.