Nick & Becca: Happiness in Family Life

One of the biggest take-aways I had from this section was the importance of being consistent as parents. Elder Bednar taught, "Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results."

Reading this quote from Elder Bednar's talk gave me hope! It is true that our family is the happiest when we are consistently having family prayer, family scripture study and Family Home Evening. But many nights, as I review my day before I kneel to pray, I find myself going over all the areas I am letting slip through the cracks. For the most part, we are consistent in our morning and evening family prayers, family scripture study and Family Home Evenings. But sometimes, those prayers are rushed through as we are late running out the door, scripture study is just a verse or two because Dad got home late and all the Littles are beyond tired, and our FHE's are hit and miss in keeping the attention of the 6, 5, 3, & twin 1 year-olds, and still meeting the spiritual needs of the 14 & 12 year olds. Elder Bednar went on to quote D&C 64:33:

We don't have it together, but we don't give up and I pray that God will make up the difference for us as we continue to consistently keep his commandments!

"Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."