Modern Fertility Patterns & God’s Commandment to Multiply & replenish the Earth (ch.14)

"The First Commandment God Gave to Adam & Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife.." 

The commandment to replenish the earth was not just for Adam and Eve, but for our day as well. Husband and wives are commanded to replenish the earth. It is our duty to bring spirit children to earth from the premortal existence. In today's world, couples are choosing to have smaller and smaller families. Therefore the value in children are decreasing. God loves all his children and wants all his children to have the opportunity to come to earth. Great joy comes form raising children and for those who do chose to, greater blessings are to come.  

Multi-generation family

Marital Sexuality and Fertility (ch. 5)

"We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiple and replenish the earth remains in force..."

Sexual relationships should only occur in the bonds of marriage. Sex is a good thing when shared with a spouse. Sex in marriage brings oneness. Sexuality in marriage serves many purposes. Like mentioned, couples can become one but they can also connect with God. That may sounds strange that sex between husband and wife is also connecting with God. Lets explain, sex between husband and wife is an expression of power that God has given to us. It is divine. The third purpose is to bond the husband and wife. This bonding strengthens the emotional and spiritual bond of husband and wife. An expression of love. Lastly, the purpose of procreation. We are to bring children to this earth to participate in God's great plan. Of course for those who adapt the sealing power will bring upon the save covenant. Sex in a relationship is to be treated with respect and value.

Foundational Processes for an Enduring, Healthy Marriage(ch.3)

"Husband and wife have the solemn responsibility to love and care for each other."

Marriage is a beautiful union. And while that is true, those who participate in marriage are human. Humans are not perfect. There is conflict, but how you handle it can help. Forgiveness and respect are important keys in marriage. Troubles will come. How do you handle it? Is your marriage contractual or a covenant? In a covenant marriage each partner gives 100%, enough to spare to cover any shortcomings. Success in marriage can be founded on the teachings of Christ and his gospel. A marriage is between; God, husband and wife. We can be perfected in Him. Marriage needs to be cared for. It is vital to nurture your relationship. Be dedicated and check in with each other. Change what needs to be changed to have a unified relationship. Support and love each other.


The Covenant Marriage Triangle:

The Eternal Family: A Plan & Precious Part of the Plan of Salvation (ch. 32)

"The family is central to the creator's plan for the eternal destiny of his children.."

God has always intended for us to be eternal beings. Our family relationship can go beyond the grave. Eternal marriage and families are key parts in the plan of salvation. God has commanded to multiple and replenish the earth. Marriage and families have been around since the beginning. Because of the Saviors sacrifice, we have God's plan of happiness. We have the opportunity to marry and become one. What a beautiful gift we have been given.

Here I am picture with my husband as we came out of the temple after being sealed for all time and eternity. They joy on our faces says it all.

The ABCs of Successful Romantic Relationship Development (ch. 2)

"Marriage between a man and women is ordained of God."

Who you marry is one of  the most important decisions in life. Thomas S Monson said, "Decisions determine destiny."  Your whole life your decisions will effect your future, which can effect who you marry. If you wan to marry someone worthy, you need to be worthy yourself. Practice having faith and practice Gospel principles so when the time comes and an eternal companion presents themselves, you are ready. Be mature enough to recognize there is a difference between mature love and immature love. Pray about marriage and if the person you are dating is the one you should move forward with out not. When you have built that relationship and found an eternal partner, a temple marriage is most important.

Young Adulthood & Pathways to Eternal Marriage (ch.1)

"Marriage...is ordained of God...God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and women, lawfully wedded as husband and wife...Marriage between man and women is essential to His eternal plan."

Marriage is something you are preparing for from a very young age. Before you get married, you date. Dating should be done respectfully. There is a difference in dating in high school and dating in college. Highschool is where you practice dating. You get to know people in groups and shouldn't pair off. As you mature into adulthood dating looks different. It should be less about "hanging out". Dallin H Oaks teaches us that dating should be, (1) planned ahead, (2) paid for, and (3) paired off. Dating is about becoming the right person to marry. "You become what you hope your spouse will be and you'll have a greater likelihood of finding that person." That is something my mom taught me from a very young age. Before marriage you should be developing faith in Christ and His divine plan for marriage as well as seeking alignment with God. Dating isn't about being with the cutest person in the room, rather about finding that person you can grow spiritually with and become more together. "Don't go on endlessly in a frivolous dating game. Look for a choice companion, one you can love, honor, and respect, and make a decision." 

This is a picure from my first date with my husband. 

The Meanings & Blessings of Family Work (ch. 21)

"Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principle of... work"

We can help ease each others burdens through family centered work. Doing so will bring blessings and opportunities. We learned in the last blog post that God gave us families to help us endure this life. We can do so by working together and working towards Christ. All family members are vital to family work. It is important to include children of all age in the work. A 5 year old's work may look different than a 15 year old but both are just as important towards helping the family function. As children mature the more work they will be able to take on. Children can learn responsibility from work. With everyone involved in the work the family is building up the home together. I have seen working together as a family connect us as a unit many times. When dad was out in the yard we were all out there doing out part. At the end of the day we could all look back and see what we accomplished all together. The hard work you learn as a child will carry through your life. When you get to marriage you are going to have to work hard for many spiritual, temporal or  physical things. Start practicing while you are young.