295 O Love that glorifies the Son
129 Where can I turn for peace
casualness causes casualties
Our Marriage and Family Relations manual says…
One of the more important furnishings found in most homes is the kitchen table. It may be small, it may be large, or in the form of a little counter with barely room to put the food and utensils. Its major function seems to be a place for the different members of the family to receive nourishment; temporal nourishment through meals prepared and eaten together and spiritual nourishment from discussions, scripture study, prayers, family home evenings and family councils. (Marriage and Family Relations, 51)
Quote 1
In a family council we talk about the needs of the family and the needs of individual members of the family. It is a time to solve problems, make family decisions, plan day-to-day and long-range family activities and goals. It is a time to share one another’s burdens and joys and counsel together, to keep each family member on the right track spiritually. It is the time when we discuss family matters, much as a bishop or branch president does with his ward or branch leaders. It is when parents use the tremendous powers of the council system. A family council could certainly be part of family home evening, but it could also take place at any time. (Ballard, Ensign June 2003)
Quote 2
Single parents often come home tired after a day at work. Then they’ve got to prepare dinner and help children with homework. They stretch themselves emotionally to the point that they may not have the energy or time to sit down and have a family council in a formal way. But the more stress there is on a family, the more important family councils become.
The key for a single parent—and other parents as well—is to take advantage of informal counseling opportunities with a child. They might be while driving in the car, doing the dishes, or in the morning and evening just before prayers. As tired as you may be, it’s wise to invest the time and attention it takes to make an effective connection with your children. It is far better to lovingly communicate in the beginning, while they are young, than to try and hammer it into them later when behavior changes more slowly. (Ensign June 2003 Family Councils A Conversation with Elder and Sister Ballard)
What is keeping you up at night? What do you want to see happen in your family?
Examples of Councils
1. Car
2. Boyfriend
3. Death
4. Ward Council (from June 2011 Ensign)
5. Quorum of the 12 Apostles
6. Council in Heaven
From Elder Ballard's book Counseling with our Councils.
What are some of the attributes of your group’s council example?
Free Expression - Willingness to listen Increases insight and inspiration Energizes people through their input and being heard. D&C 50:10 Isaiah 1:18 1 Corinthians 12:14,18-21,25-26
Vision Proverbs 29:18 Parents - Executive Council/Date night
Agency
Serve with love
Delegate - Share burden and joy Exodus 18:17-18 Luke 16:10 When more people feel ownership of the problem, more people are willing to become part of the solution, which greatly enhances the possibility of success. (Ballard 15) to empower and prepare for future service Visual One cup trying to hold all the weight by solving all the problems v/s using the council.
Teach by Example – Set an example of hard work
Clear Instructions – Direction – Lead Preside See Family Proclamation
Step by step plan
Holy Spirit John 5:30
Why have councils? Purpose/result
“The way to unity is for us to learn the will of the Lord and then to do it.” (Unity, Romney)
“that our families may be one on earth and in the eternities to come.” Striving for Family Unity, Staheli)
Unify, binding moment, strengthen, follow the will of the Lord, reduce stress – scheduling, know needs and address them, keep on the path, share testimony, goal setting and achieving, practice skills for future service in the home, church & the world
Quote 3
Governance through councils is more than just a good idea: it is God’s plan. Ballard 169 By encouraging parents to hold family councils, we imitate in our homes a heavenly pattern” (in Conference Report, Mar.–Apr. 1979, 124; or Ensign, May 1979, 88 ). President Ezra Taft Benson
Quote 4
As we take a long, hard look at the world today, it is becoming increasingly evident that Satan is working overtime to enslave the souls of men. His main target is the fundamental unit of society—the family.
During the past few decades, Satan has waged a vigorous campaign to belittle and demean this basic and most important of all organizations. His success is becoming increasingly evident—the grim facts are seen, reported, and heard about daily and involve the collapse of many family units. With the decay of the family, we see the terrible effects on our society—increased crime, behavior disorders, poverty, drug abuse, and the list continues to grow and grow.
It appears to me that the crosshairs of Satan’s scope are centered on husbands and fathers. Today’s media, for example, have been relentless in their attacks—ridiculing and demeaning husbands and fathers in their God-given roles.
Fatherhood an Eternal Calling L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles General Conference April 2004
Quote 5
I think a mother is probably the key to making councils work. I say that because she is often more sensitive and gentle than her husband. (Elder Ballard Ensign June 2003 Family Councils: A Conversation with Elder and Sister Ballard)
Council Visual
Single cup (mother) doing everything on their own cannot bear the weight of all that needs to be done. Stand on the paper cup squishing it.
A family council can bear the weight. 6 paper cups and a board representing the council. Stand on the board.
In His great Intercessory Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Savior pleaded with the Father five separate times for unity (Striving for Family Unity, Staheli) John 17:11-23
What is keeping you up at night? What do you want to see happen in your family? Pray about these important concerns. Reason one with another, following the will of the Lord. No one needs carry their cross alone. We covenant to bear one another’s burdens that they may be light, being made one through our loving Savior.
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