LDS Freedom Forum

In our meetings we always talk about what we can do to prepare our youth for missions, and the list is exhaustive, including housekeeping tasks (i.e., cooking, cleaning, etc.), attending seminary, knowing scriptural content, and so forth, but I've had a sudden "Aha!" moment that we are to teach our youth how to feel and act upon the promptings of the spirit in order to better prepare them for missions. In fact, it seems to me that so many of our conference talks these past few years have been guiding us (even as adults) toward this.

Sister Beck said in a recent talk that the teachings of the MTC should be a "review, not a revelation" (“Mothers Who Know,” p. 76, Ensign Nov. 2007).

Our stake YM President spoke in our sacrament meeting several weeks ago and said that in our area, 3 out of every 10 LDS young men went on missions and stayed on missions. The other 7 either didn't go or came home, and many of those who came home did due to problems separating themselves from their electronic devices. My own extended family has had its share of challenges in regard to missionaries, so please don't think I'm judging or pointing fingers, but I know it's hard to hear the spirit when the earbuds are playing full blast. As parents (or grandparents) what can we do to help the youth tune in to the spirit?

We have FHE, read scriptures and have family prayer, but I wonder if it is enough. We take our kids to church and support seminary and mutual activities, but I also wonder if it is enough. The call of the world seems so much louder than the still, small voice, at times.

I am not a parent of teenage children yet but I do have young children and once you become a parent I think you immediately begin thinking of all the possible things that your child will encounter (positive or negative) as they grow through their journey of life. I am 27 and I can still remember my teenage years like they were yesterday! I can honestly say that during my years of that time period there was much distraction and unfortunately for me I allowed those distractions to takeover and was lost for a while. Fortunately, we are able to repent and come back and experience the Lord's tender mercies!! And now I am blessed with an eternal companion and three (soon to be four) beautiful young children! God is good!! Anyway, in regards to your post.... What do we do to ensure we are providing the best foundation for our children?? I think what you are doing is what you need to be doing! Your children will grow up learning that they have parents who love them, who support them, who know what is right from wrong and are willing to remind them often of that! I don't blame my parents at all for my wrong choices because I have always been very mature and take responsibility for my own actions, however, it would have been nice to have parents who were much more involved in the church and involved in my life. I truly believe that the programs that are available to the youth are extremely important to their protection against the fiery darts of the adversary (i.e. Primary, YMYW program, EFY, Seminary, etc.). The fact that you guys are very involved is a wonderful start! Along with much prayers on their behalf daily and faith that God is in control and His plan will proceed in their lives as well as yours. Having strong parents is so important to our youth growing up!! Children learn so much just by observing those whom they love and respect. It sounds to me like you guys are doing what has been asked and what is right in their lives! Keep up the good work and keep praying for their behalf!! There is much power in the prayers of the righteous!