December 2016 Relief Society Visiting Teaching Message Ideas: Family Joy Is Found in Righteousness

December 2016 Relief Society Visiting Teaching Message:  Family Joy Is Found in Righteousness

My Thoughts:

Have you heard the chorus of the song, "The Family is of God"?

It says, "God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be—

This is how He shares His love, for the fam’ly is of God."

This song came to my mind as I was reading this December's Visiting Teaching Message. I was serving in primary a few years ago when the primary children sang this song for their primary program. I was so choked up during the song, that I could not sing. These primary children knew with all their hearts the importance of their families and sung their little testimonies out about it. 

The family is a gift from our Heavenly Father and it is central to his plan of Happiness!

This visiting teaching message is exactly what I need right now. To be completely honest being a mom can be hard sometimes. I think that we each desire the happiness of our family and of each family member. 

We understand that, that happiness is founded upon righteousness. In our homes we teach our children of the Savior, we teach of prayer and a loving Heavenly Father, we read from the scriptures and emphasize the imortance of keeping commandments and covenants. 

Sometimes, because our children do have their agency, they are not going to always make the right choices.  This can leave us feeling disappointed, sad and inadequate. When a child chooses to not treat family members with kindness, are disobient, or do anything else contrary to what the Savior teaches, then it can effect the atmosphere of the home. 

 I love the quote from Elder Scott, he said that a Christ-centered home still “provides the greatest assurance for peace and refuge in our homes.” He acknowledged that “there will still be plenty of challenges or heartaches, but even in the midst of turmoil, we can enjoy inner peace and profound happiness.” (For Peace at Home)

I love that he says that, "we can enjoy inner peace and profound happiness". As we strive to teach and love our children, we are doing what we are asked to do. Heavenly Father will be there to help us. I do believe this! 

I found this beautiful talk by President Eyering, "Our Perfect Example". It is my suggestion that you take a minute and read it, maybe even print it off and give it to your sisters you visit. 

President Eyering gives some counsel that I love! 

For Spouses: "Pray for the love which allows you to see the good in your companion."

For Parents: "You can pray for your children, love them, and reach out to them with confidence that Jesus reaches for them with you. When you keep trying, you are doing what Jesus does."

For Children: "...you owe them life. And in every case, even if your life is not lengthened, its quality will be improved simply by remembering your parents with honor."

I think that most of us will agree with this scripture:

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

No family is perfect, it is made of imperfect people working together. Helping each other to reach their great potential! Think of ways that you can work together as a family to live a more righteous life. 

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Sometimes it's fun to give our sisters something when we go and visit them! Here are some ideas:

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OR

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Frame them, clip them onto a clipboard, make a clothes pin magnet and attach it too it. You could attach it to some Almond Joy candies or some Joy dishsoap. 

Here are some other fun ideas that go with Christmas that could be given this month too...

2x4 Snowman Craft

Can of Chips Snowman

Soda Pop Snowman

Nativity Ornament or 2x4 Block

I hope these ideas have been helpful. Really the most important thing is that your sisters know you care about them, that you are their friend :)

Here is the link to previous Visiting Teaching Posts