Next top 10 0f '10 happened in my pajamas. It was Saturday afternoon session of General Conference in April. Elder Perry was the first speaker and started off by talking about his mother and what a wonderful teacher she was. I'll quote a few paragraphs from his address.
Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father’s children. Our families are an integral part of His work and glory—“to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). On God’s eternal stage, it is usually intended that parents act as the central cast members in their children’s lives. Fortunately, there are understudies involved in the production who may step in when parents can’t. It, however, is parents who have been commanded by the Lord to bring up their children in light and truth (see D&C 93:40).Listening to this talk was a really defining moment for me. The more I listened to him the more something grew inside my heart and my mind really caught hold of his words. "wow...I want that." " I want to do that." I want to be that kind of family", these kinds of thoughts played over and over in my mind. A strong testimony was born to me that our family would and should be the most important priority to Matthew and I and that my most important job would be to raise my children and care for my family. It also confirmed to my that I had a lot of preparing to do to be that kind of mother and that like anything worth while, it was going to take a lot of hard work and preparation to be the best I could be. Truly a glimpse into the future that I am grateful for.
Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.
You can read/listen to the rest of Elder Perry's address here or watch it below.
If this top interests you (it fascinates me) here are some other really amazing talks you might enjoy.
The Joyful Surprise of Motherhood (please read this)
Mothers Who Know (and this also)
Mom-at Home
Finding My Happiness at Home
Proverbs 31: 10-31
I also recommend reading or listening to The Mormon Way of Doing Business. While its focus is on business CEOs and Executives, the wives of these multi-millionaires have some really wonderful things to say and some points of view that I love.
I love this Tiff! Thank you so much for sharing it. It strengthens my testimony of the importance of parents in the home and the important example we need to be to the next generation in setting a good example for them and teaching them the right way. I sure look to you as a great example to me. We need to catch up! Let me know when you have some time it would be good to see you, i sure value friends like you:)