Finding the Way Back

The whole idea of Mormonism is improvement—mentally, physically, morally and spiritually. No half-way education suffices for the Latter-day Saint. - Lorenzo Snow

Can Ye Feel So Now?

Can Ye Feel So Now? - Quentin L. Cook

"While anything that lessens commitment is of consequence, two relevant challenges are both prevalent and significant. The first is unkindness, violence, and domestic abuse. The second is sexual immorality and impure thoughts. These often precede and are at the root of the choice to be less committed.
How we treat those closest to us is of fundamental importance. Violence, abuse, lack of civility, and disrespect in the home are not acceptable—not acceptable for adults and not acceptable for the rising generation. My father was not active in the Church but was a remarkably good example, especially in his treatment of my mother. He used to say, “God will hold men responsible for every tear they cause their wives to shed.” This same concept is emphasized in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” It reads, “[Those] who abuse spouse or offspring … will one day stand accountable before God.” Regardless of the culture in which we are raised, and whether our parents did or did not abuse us, we must not physically, emotionally, or verbally abuse anyone else.
The need for civility in society has never been more important. The foundation of kindness and civility begins in our homes. It is not surprising that our public discourse has declined in equal measure with the breakdown of the family. The family is the foundation for love and for maintaining spirituality. The family promotes an atmosphere where religious observance can flourish. There is indeed “beauty all around when there’s love at home.”"

I was impressed that Elder Cook considers unkindness to be similar in importance to violence and abuse. I do feel that kindness and civility are forgotten virtues in the world these days, and also are sometimes lacking in our home. This is something that I have been hoping to improve in our family.

I recently found a book on parenting that I really like called Positive Discipline. It suggests that once a week at a family meeting, each person in the family give every other person a sincere compliment. We have tried that for a couple of weeks and the kids seem to really enjoy it. I hope this small habit can help kindness become easier for all of us.

Greener

Work

"And they began to be a very industrious people (1) ...and rather than spend their days in idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands. (2)"

I've been reading about the conversion of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's and I found it interesting that their conversion led them to work more. The gospel demands action; salvation is not passive. I've found that when I am close to the Spirit I am more motivated and productive.