It's June.
With both Father's Day and Nate's birthday being in June, I'd like to acknowledge the importance of Nate's role as the provider and father of our children.
God has clearly stated His laws and design and expectations regarding men as fathers. The family is the central and most important part of God's plan for us on earth. Our living prophets and apostles have stated:
"Marriage between man and woman is essential to His plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ."
In 2004, Elder L. Tom Perry spoke to fathers:
“You preside at the meal table, at family prayer. You preside at family home evening; and as guided by the Spirit of the Lord, you see that your children are taught correct principles. It is your place to give direction relating to all of family life.
“You give father’s blessings. You take an active part in establishing family rules and discipline. As a leader in your home you plan and sacrifice to achieve the blessing of a unified and happy family. To do all of this requires that you live a family-centered life.”
As President Joseph F. Smith counseled: “Brethren, there is too little religious devotion, love, and fear of God, in the home; too much worldliness, selfishness, indifference, and lack of reverence in the family, or it never would exist so abundantly on the outside. Then, the home is what needs reforming. Try today, and tomorrow, to make a change in your home.”
So this month, I am happy and excited to honor the fathers in my life and fathers everywhere who have spent their lives being the kind of men that God wants them to be.
Grandpa Larry
Grandpa Gary
