Hallmarks of A Happy Home....

Today my mind was conmplenting just how I can make my home a better, more inviting place for the spirit to reside in. I came across a talk given my President Monson in 1988 entitled Hallmarks of A Happy Home. There it gave us four guidelines to follow to increase the happiness in our homes they were as follows:

1. A pattern of Prayer
2. A library of Learning
3. A Legacy of Love
4. a treasure of Testimony


A pattern of prayer:

We do manage to have family prayer most nights of the week. But, I can say that sometimes we are just going through the motions, saying the words, but not really putting much thought or sincerity into it. We need to try harder as parents, and my personally as an individual to put real meaning and thought into this process. So, Porter will grow up realizing the power and importance of true and meaningful prayer.

“Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, Uttered or unexpressed.” (Hymns, 1985, no. 145.)
So universal is its application, so beneficial its result, that prayer qualifies as the number-one hallmark of a happy home. As parents listen to the prayer of a child, they too draw close to God. These little ones, who so recently have been with their Heavenly Father, have no inhibitions in expressing to Him their feelings, their wishes, their thanks.
Family prayer is the greatest deterrent to sin, and hence the most beneficent provider of joy and happiness. The old saying is yet true: “The family that prays together stays together.”

It is so true Porter loves to give the prayer each night, in fact every night is his turn. And, even if Kevin or I offer the prayer he repeats every word out loud as well.

However, family prayer also needs to occur between a husband and a wife each night. As you may recall one of my spiritual goals for this year was to pray each night with just Kevin. I can not say that this is happened once since I began this journal. But, I will make it a goal to try harder and to have it be a common occurrence by the end of the year. President Monson had this to say about couples who kneel in prayer together.......

On October 7, my wife, Frances, and I will have been married forty years. Our marriage took place just to the east of us in the holy temple. He who performed the ceremony, Benjamin Bowring, counseled us: “May I offer you newlyweds a formula which will ensure that any disagreement you may have will last no longer than one day? Every night kneel by the side of your bed. One night, Brother Monson, you offer the prayer, aloud, on bended knee. The next night you, Sister Monson, offer the prayer, aloud, on bended knee. I can then assure you that any misunderstanding that develops during the day will vanish as you pray. You simply can’t pray together and retain any but the best of feelings toward one another.”
When I was called to the Council of the Twelve just twenty-five years ago this weekend, President McKay asked me concerning my family. I related to him this guiding formula of prayer and bore witness to its validity. He sat back in his large leather chair and, with a smile, responded, “The same formula that has worked for you has blessed the lives of my family during all the years of our marriage.”

"Prayer is the passport to spiritual power."

I think that this would help me and Kevin in our disagreements and trials I need to make this my personal mission.

2. A Library of Learning:

“Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118.)

3. A Legacy of Love:

This is so important to a happy home. Sometimes I feel like mine is full of resentment of my part and anger on his part. I know that Porter recognizes these feelings between the two of us, and doesn't welcome their presents. He always tells us when we are having a disagreement in front of him " don't be mad," or " don't be mean." Kevin and I , or should I say me personally need to work on seeing the good, not just focusing on the imperfections, forgiveness, and love. This has been my downfall in the last few years, and I need to let go. We as parents forge our children's ideas of love, marriage, and home based on the examples we give them. Right now I am failing and I need to try harder. President Monson said this quote in this talk, and I really loved it...

"Choose your love; Love your Choice."

4. A treasure of Testimony:

Does my child now I have a testimony? I don't know but I sure hope so. Though weak it might be, I am working on building it up, and I know its existence is still there. I need to do things in my home that will not only build mine but forge a way for his.

"My brothers and sisters, let us determine, whatever our circumstance, to make of our houses happy homes. Let us open wide the windows of our hearts, that each family member may feel welcome and “at home.” Let us open also the doors of our very souls, that the dear Christ may enter. Remember His promise: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him.” (Rev. 3:20.)