God's Laboratory of Love and Service

Dear Family:

As I walked with giants along the beach at Monterey Bay this morning, the crashing waves and starlit sky bore witness of God's power and majesty. The Holy Ghost spoke softly to my soul, confirming once again God's goodness and love for us. In that divine setting, I was uplifted by this divine counsel from Elder Nelson:

The home is to be God’s laboratory of love and service. There a husband is to love his wife, a wife is to love her husband, and parents and children are to love one another. ...

Do not try to control your children. Instead, listen to them, help them to learn the gospel, inspire them, and lead them toward eternal life. You are God’s agents in the care of children He has entrusted to you. Let His divine influence remain in your hearts as you teach and persuade. ...

As children of the covenant, we have met in this morning’s solemn assembly. Attention has been focused upon the sacred titles of prophets and apostles. But the final responsibility to prepare for salvation and exaltation rests upon each person, accountable for individual agency, acting in one’s own family, bearing another sacred title of mother, father, daughter, son, grandmother, or grandfather.

In those responsible roles, may we go forward in faith, led by Jesus Christ, whose Church this is, and by His prophet, through whom He speaks.

-- Elder Russell M. Nelson - Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Salvation and Exaltation, April 2008 General Conference, Saturday morning session.

Please know of the love I have for each of you. It is a singular honor to be a member of this family, working with you in a united and noble quest to walk back into the presence of God.

Love,

Dad/Mark