What We've Learned So Far...

 Well folks, we have been through quite the journey these past few months! We’ve learned about everything from dating to communication to parenting and marriage and so much more!

I know that I have learned so much from what I’ve learned these last few months, and it has made me appreciate everything my family does for me more and more. I never really appreciated growing up in a home with parents who were strong and stuck to their values. I never appreciated growing up in a community that is safe from much of the world’s outside influences. We all still had our problems, as any family or community would, but I knew who to trust and where to go. And I think that influences me more than anything.

I have learned the power of having a father and mother in a home working together to rear their children in righteousness and in a way that would set their kids up for success. There is power in having a strong marriage, and I know that now. I know there are marriages that don’t work out, and that is for their own reasons. But I know there are ways that spouses can strengthen their marriage. They can continue “dating” long after they are married!! You can continually get to know your spouse and work with them to raise your kids and work with others in the community. I think it is so important to remember those principles long into a marriage and to always remember to keep your love strong!!

I have learned what it means to date and to get to know someone better!! It is so important that we learn where our levels of trust and communication are with another person so you can learn how to be committed to him or her. I know that I have commitment problems because it scares me that something will happen. But I’ve learned so much about trust and love, and it has truly made me want to be a better person. (And it has actually made me want to date more!!) I know this time is scary for a lot of people, but I know that when the right person comes, everything will feel right and good. So, if you’re like me, find ways to learn to trust another person. Talk with them!! Get to know their values and see where their heart lies on matters that are important to you!! I know this will greatly assist you in your future dating and marriage matters.

I know that setting boundaries is so essential!! I honestly am the worst at setting boundaries, and it has caused me a lot of grief and pain in the past because of it. So I know that setting clear boundaries with others allows you and your family to have a healthier relationship with each other and creates an open environment within the home. When these boundaries are breached, you may need to create more rigid boundaries with that person. But, in the end, it is so much better and safer for you and your family.

And finally, I have learned how involved Heavenly Father is in the family. The entire time I’ve been learning about these things, I’ve had the huge opportunity to learn more about what prophets, apostles, and the Lord have said about these matters, and it makes me all the more thankful for the family I have now. I don’t know if any of you have noticed, but I think that Satan pushes really hard on the dismantlement of the family. I think that is why God is so focused on creating a strong family that can become a safe haven from the world out there. I know, even today, that my home is the place that I seek refuge from everything going on in life. When we involve God in everything we do (dating someone, marrying someone, creating a family unit together, learning how to raise that family etc.) we gain the power to continue forward through the roughest patches. I think that is such a beautiful principle. And yet we seem to forget He is there or that He can help us. I know I often believe I can do everything all by myself and that I don’t need anyone else to help me get things done. But I have learned how wrong that is. I know that God is there to help us and strengthen us through the promises He has given to us.

So, we have learned a lot!! And I hope to continue this blog up to share my thoughts on marriages and families more!! Let me know if you have any questions or comments that you’d like me to share on!! So, for now, enjoy contemplating family!!

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