Fathers

This morning I'm grateful for my father.  I'm grateful for the father of my children.  And I'm grateful for the wonderful fathers that those children are turning out to be.  Because of my dad's example, I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves and cares about me.  I hope my grandchildren will enjoy the blessing of that testimony as well.  So, I looked up some talks that I'm sure my dad read and followed, so that these wonderful young men who are just beginning to negotiate parenthood can do the same.  I hope you all have a Happy Father's Day!

"Father, Consider Your Ways" by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"Being a Righteous Husband and Father" by President Howard W. Hunter

"The Hands of the Fathers" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

LDS quotes on Fatherhood

even more resources and talks

 "To the Fathers in Israel" by President Ezra Taft Benson  (This particular talk had a great impact on your own father, and I thought it would be a good idea to save you the time of clicking on a link for at least part of it.  I'm so glad that my dad and your dad followed these ten suggestions, and I would encourage you to do the same!)

"With love in my heart for the fathers in Israel, may I suggest ten specific ways that fathers can give spiritual leadership to their children:

1. Give father’s blessings to your children. Baptize and confirm your children. Ordain your sons to the priesthood. These will become spiritual highlights in the lives of your children.
2. Personally direct family prayers, daily scripture reading, and weekly family home evenings. Your personal involvement will show your children how important these activities really are.

3. Whenever possible, attend Church meetings together as a family. Family worship under your leadership is vital to your children’s spiritual welfare.
4. Go on daddy-daughter dates and father-and-sons’ outings with your children. As a family, go on campouts and picnics, to ball games and recitals, to school programs, and so forth. Having Dad there makes all the difference.
5. Build traditions of family vacations and trips and outings. These memories will never be forgotten by your children.
6. Have regular one-on-one visits with your children. Let them talk about what they would like to. Teach them gospel principles. Teach them true values. Tell them you love them. Personal time with your children tells them where Dad puts his priorities.
7. Teach your children to work, and show them the value of working toward a worthy goal. Establishing mission funds and education funds for your children shows them what Dad considers to be important.
8. Encourage good music and art and literature in your homes. Homes that have a spirit of refinement and beauty will bless the lives of your children forever.
9. As distances allow, regularly attend the temple with your wife. Your children will then better understand the importance of temple marriage and temple vows and the eternal family unit.
10. Have your children see your joy and satisfaction in service to the Church. This can become contagious to them, so they, too, will want to serve in the Church and will love the kingdom."