Happiness in Family Life is most likely to be Achieved when Founded upon the Teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ

You will know no greater happiness than that found in your home. -Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1998, 51

The greatest joys of life are experienced in happy family relationships. The most poignant of sorrows, the most bleak and forlorn feelings of misery come of unhappy family life. -Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Aug. 1992, 5 

If we would look for the virtues in one another and not the vices, there would be much more of happiness in the homes of our people. There would be far less of divorce, much less of infidelity, much less of anger and rancor and quarreling. There would be more of forgiveness, more of love, more of peace, more of happiness. This is as the Lord would have it. -Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1998, 51

Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child’s life to put feet firmly on the path home. -Henry B. Eyring, Help Them on Their way Home

Near the end of his life, one father looked back on how he had spent his time on earth. An acclaimed, respected author of numerous scholarly works, he said, ‘I wish I had written one less book and taken my children fishing more often.’ Time passes quickly. Many parents say that it seems like yesterday that their children were born. Now those children are grown, perhaps with children of their own. ‘Where did the years go?’ they ask. We cannot call back time that is past, we cannot stop time that now is, and we cannot experience the future in our present state. Time is a gift, a treasure not to be put aside for the future but to be used wisely in the present. -Thomas S. Monson, Dedication Day

I believe in the family where there is a husband who regards his companion as his greatest asset and treats her accordingly; where there is a wife who looks upon her husband as her anchor and strength, her comfort and security; where there are children who look to mother and father with respect and gratitude; where there are parents who look upon those children as blessings and find a great and serious and wonderful challenge in their nurture and rearing. The cultivation of such a home requires effort and energy, forgiveness and patience, love and endurance and sacrifice; but it is worth all of these and more. -Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Aug. 1992, 5–6

Our eternal happiness is not one of Satan’s objectives. He knows that an essential key to making men and women miserable like himself is to deprive them of family relationships which have eternal potential. Because Satan understands that true happiness in this life and in the eternities is found in the form of family, he does everything in his power to destroy it. -Richard J. Maynes, Establishing a Christ-Centered Home, April 2011

 
Sermon on the Mount: Treasures in Heaven


 
David A. Bednar, More Diligent and Concerned at Home


Scriptures:

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. -Acts 17:27-28, Holy Bible

And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy. -Doctrine & Covenants 130:2

And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. -Doctrine & Covenants 68:25

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. -2 Nephi 25:26, Book of Mormon

Definitions:

Happiness - good fortune; prosperity; a state of well-being and contentment; joy; a pleasurable or satisfying experience.

Achieved - brought to or marked by a high degree of development or refinement; finished.

Founded - to take the first steps in building; to set or ground on something solid; base; to establish (as an institution) often with provision for future maintenance.

Teachings - something taught; especially doctrine.
-Merriam Webster

Children are Entitled to Birth within the Bonds of Matrimony, & to be Reared by a Father & a Mother who Honor Marital Vows with Complete Fidelity

The Church lays great stress on the sanctity of the home and teaches that children are a blessing from the Lord. There is no principle on which the Latter-day Saints lay greater emphasis than the sacredness of the marriage covenant. -Gordon B. Hinckley

Marriage provides an ideal setting for overcoming any tendency to be selfish or self-centered…Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good, and the foundation of a successful marriage. -Richard G. Scott

C. S. Lewis has said that only those who resist temptation really understand the power of temptation. Because Jesus resisted it perfectly, He understood temptation perfectly; hence He can help us. (See Mere Christianity [1952], 124–25.) The fact that He was dismissive of temptation and gave it “no heed” reveals His marvelous character, which we are to emulate (see 3 Ne. 12:48; 3 Ne. 27:27).

-Neal A. Maxwell, “Enduring Well,” Ensign, Apr 1997, 7

 

Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it. -Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 5:134

 
 
Jeffrey R. Holland, Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul

Scriptures:

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! -Isaiah 5:20, Holy Bible

Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else. And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out. Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out. But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive; -Doctrine & Covenants 42:22-25

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. -Matthew 5:27-28, Holy Bible

Definitions:

Entitled - to give (a person or thing) a title, right, or claim to something; to designate.
Bonds - something that binds a person or persons to a certain circumstance or line of behavior.
Matrimony - the state or condition of being married.
Reared - to take care of and support up to maturity.
Honor - honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions.
Vows - a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment.
Complete - having all parts or elements; lacking nothing; whole; entire; full.
Fidelity - strict observance of promises, loyalty, conjugal faithfulness. -Dictionary.com

Marriage between Man and Woman is Essential to His Eternal Plan

Quotes:

It was Joseph Smith who taught me how to prize the endearing relationships of father and mother, husband and wife; of brother and sister, son and daughter. It was from him that I learned that the wife of my bosom might be secured to me for time and all eternity; and that the refined sympathies and affections which endeared us to each other emanated from the fountain of divine eternal love. … I had loved before, but I knew not why. But now I loved—with a pureness—an intensity of elevated, exalted feeling, which would lift my soul from the transitory things of this grovelling sphere and expand it as the ocean. … In short, I could now love with the spirit and with the understanding also.

Yet, at that time, my dearly beloved brother, Joseph Smith, had … merely lifted a corner of the veil and given me a single glance into eternity. -Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, ed. Parley P. Pratt Jr. (1938), 297–98.
The unique combination of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both males and females were needed to implement the plan of happiness. Alone, neither the man nor the woman could fulfill the purposes of his or her creation. By divine design, men and women are intended to progress together toward perfection and a fulness of glory. Because of their distinctive temperaments and capacities, males and females each bring to a marriage relationship unique perspectives and experiences. The man and the woman contribute differently but equally to a oneness and a unity that can be achieved in no other way. The man completes and perfects the woman and the woman completes and perfects the man as they learn from and mutually strengthen and bless each other. -David A. Bednar, Marriage is Essential to His Eternal Plan, June 2006

Thus, marriage between a man and a woman is the authorized channel through which premortal spirits enter mortality. Complete sexual abstinence before marriage and total fidelity within marriage protect the sanctity of this sacred channel. A home with a loving and loyal husband and wife is the supreme setting in which children can be reared in love and righteousness and in which the spiritual and physical needs of children can be met. Just as the unique characteristics of both males and females contribute to the completeness of a marriage relationship, so those same characteristics are vital to the rearing, nurturing, and teaching of children. -David A. Bednar, Marriage is Essential to His Eternal Plan, June 2006

Eternal marriage is not merely a temporary legal contract that can be terminated at any time for almost any reason. Rather, it is a sacred covenant with God that can be binding in time and throughout all eternity. Faithfulness and fidelity in marriage must not simply be attractive words spoken in sermons; rather, they should be principles evident in our own covenant marriage relationships. As we consider the importance of our personal example, do you and I discern areas where we need to improve? Is the Holy Ghost inspiring our minds and softening our hearts and encouraging us to do and to become better? -David A. Bednar, Marriage is Essential to His Eternal Plan, June 2006

Marriage allows these different characteristics to come together in oneness—in unity—to bless a husband and wife, their children and grandchildren. For the greatest happiness and productivity in life, both husband and wife are needed. Their efforts interlock and are complementary. Each has individual traits that best fit the role the Lord has defined for happiness as a man or woman. When used as the Lord intends, those capacities allow a married couple to think, act, and rejoice as one—to face challenges together and overcome them as one, to grow in love and understanding, and through temple ordinances to be bound together as one whole, eternally. That is the plan. -Richard G. Scott, The Joy of Living the Great Play of Happiness, October 1996

 
Dallin H. Oaks, Marriage and Divorce

Jeffrey R. Holland, How Do I Love Thee?

Scriptures:

And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. -Genesis 2:18, Holy Bible

Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. -1 Corinthians 11:11, Holy Bible

Definitions:

Marriage - the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law

Essential - of the utmost importance: basic, indispensable, necessary.
-Merriam-Webster.com

Dating

Questions:

Why is dating so important?

What will continued dating do for a marriage?

Quotes:

Keep your courtship alive. Make time to do things together—just the two of you. As important as it is to be with the children as a family, you need regular weekly time alone together. Scheduling it will let your children know that you feel that your marriage is so important that you need to nurture it. That takes commitment, planning, and scheduling. -Joe J. Christensen, in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 86; or Ensign, May 1995, 65

The formula is simple; the ingredients are few, though there are many amplifications of each. First, there must be the proper approach toward marriage, which contemplates the selection of a spouse who reaches as nearly as possible the pinnacle of perfection in all the matters that are of importance to the individuals. Then those two parties must come to the altar in the temple realizing that they must work hard toward this successful joint living. Second, there must be great unselfishness, forgetting self and directing all of the family life and all pertaining thereunto to the good of the family, and subjugating self. Third, there must be continued courting and expressions of affection, kindness, and consideration to keep love alive and growing. Fourth, there must be complete living of the commandments of the Lord as defined in the gospel of Jesus Christ. -Spencer W. Kimball, Marriage and Divorce (1976), 17–18.

Man is at his best when complemented by a good woman’s natural influence. -Ezra Taft Benson, Woman, Salt Lake City, Deseret Book Co., 1979, p. 69

Begin by discussing with your eternal companion how much time you need together to strengthen your marriage, to demonstrate the love you have for each other. That is your first priority.

The Church is to help individuals and families come unto Christ and obtain eternal life. Eternal life is God’s greatest gift to His children, and it is obtained only through a family relationship. This relationship must start with the union between husband and wife, which is sacred to the Lord and is something not to be trifled with. The marriage covenant is essential for the Lord’s plan and is the purpose for which He created the heavens and the earth. In all periods of history, He has given His divine law to safeguard and protect the holy union between husband and wife. -L. Tom Perry, A Solemn Responsibility to Love and Care for Each Other, June 2006

Love is like a flower, and, like the body, it needs constant feeding. The mortal body would soon be emaciated and die if there were not frequent feedings. The tender flower would wither and die without food and water. And so love, also, cannot be expected to last forever unless it is continually fed with portions of love, the manifestation of esteem and admiration, the expressions of gratitude, and the consideration of unselfishness. -Spencer W. Kimball, Oneness in Marriage, Ensign, Mar. 1977, 5


Marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other human relationship. Yet some married couples fall short of their full potential. They let their romance become rusty, take each other for granted, allow other interests or clouds of neglect to obscure the vision of what their marriage really could be. Marriages would be happier if nurtured more carefully. -Russell M. Nelson, Nurturing Marriage, April 2006

Friendship is … a vital and wonderful part of courtship and marriage. A relationship between a man and a woman that begins with friendship and then ripens into romance and eventually marriage will usually become an enduring, eternal friendship. Nothing is more inspiring in today’s world of easily dissolved marriages than to observe a husband and wife quietly appreciating and enjoying each other’s friendship year in and year out as they experience together the blessings and trials of mortality. -Marlin K. Jensen, in Conference Report, Apr. 1999, 81; or Ensign, May 1999, 64


Scriptures:

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; -Ephesians 5:25, Holy Bible

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. -Colossians 3:19, Holy Bible

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. -1 John 4:18, Holy Bible

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. -John 13:34-35, Holy Bible

Definitions:

Dating - an appointment to meet at a specified time; especially : a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character; a person with whom one has a usually romantic date. -Merriam-Webster

Husband & Wife have a Solemn Responsibility to Love and Care for Each Other and for Their Children.

The joining together of a man and a woman to be legally and lawfully wed not only is preparation for future generations to inherit the earth, but it also brings the greatest joy and satisfaction that can be found in this mortal experience. -L. Tom Perry

Children need the emotional and personal strength that comes from being raised by two parents who are united in their marriage and their goals. -Dallin H. Oaks

The foundation of kindness and civility begins in our homes. It is not surprising that our public discourse has declined in equal measures with the breakdown of the family. -Quentin L. Cook

And what did you do for someone today? -Thomas S. Monson


-Expressions of Love


-Parenting: Touching the Hearts of our Youth

Scriptures:

Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -Matthew 22:35-40, Holy Bible

And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness. But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another. -Mosiah 4: 14-15, Book of Mormon

Definitions:

Solemn - grave; sober; causing serious thoughts; serious; earnest.
Responsibility - answerable, or accountable for something within one's power, control, or management; reliable; dependable.
Love - a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person; a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
Care - serious attention; protection; worry or concern for another.
-Dictionary.com

We further Declare that God has Commanded that the Sacred Powers of Procreation are to be Employed only between Man and Woman, Lawfully Wedded as Husband and Wife.

Physical intimacy between husband and wife is beautiful and sacred. It is ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love within marriage. In the world today, Satan has led many people to believe that sexual intimacy outside of marriage is acceptable. But in God's sight, it is a serious sin. It is an abuse of the power He has given us to create life. The prophet Alma taught that sexual sins are more serious than any other sins except murder and denying the Holy Ghost (see Alma 39:3-5). Sometimes people try to convince themselves that sexual relations outside of marriage are acceptable if the participants love one another. This is not true. Breaking the law of chastity and encouraging someone else to do so is not an expression of love. People who love each other will never endanger one another's happiness and safety in exchange for temporary personal pleasure. When people care for one another enough to keep the law of chastity, their love, trust, and commitment increase, resulting in greater happiness and unity. In contrast, relationships built on sexual immorality sour quickly. Those who engage in sexual immorality often feel fear, guilt, and shame. Bitterness, jealousy, and hatred soon replace any positive feelings that once existed in their relationship. Our Heavenly Father has given us the law of chastity for our protection. Obedience to this law is essential to personal peace and strength of character and to happiness in the home. Those who keep themselves sexually pure will avoid the spiritual and emotional damage that always comes from sharing physical intimacies with someone outside of marriage. Those who keep themselves sexually pure will be sensitive to the Holy Ghost's guidance, strength, comfort, and protection and will fulfill an important requirement for receiving a temple recommend and participating in temple ordinances. -See True to the Faith (2004), 29-33


Jeffrey R. Holland, BYU Devotional

Scriptures:

Thou shalt not commit adultery. -Exodus 20:14, Holy Bible

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. -1 Corinthians 6: 18-19, Holy Bible

Behold, it is written by them of old time, that thou shalt not commit adultery; But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart. Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart; For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell. -3 Nephi 12:27-30, Book of Mormon

Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else. And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out. Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out. But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive; But if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast out. -Doctirine & Covenants 42: 22-26

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. -Romans 1:24-32, Holy Bible

Definitions:

Powers - ability to do or act; capability of doing or accomplishing something.
Procreation - to beget or generate (offspring); to produce; bring into being.
Employed - to make use of (an instrument, means, etc.); use; apply; to occupy or devote (time, energies, etc.).
Lawfully - recognized or sanctioned by law; legitimate; acting or living according to the law.
Wedded - united in matrimony; married.
-Dictionary.com