(from the book "The Divine council system " Elder M. Russell Ballard)
When a friend mine started to act as rector of a small college, he moved with his wife and three children to a residence owned by the institution. Since we do not have to pay for housing, decided that they could invest in a new car. But instead of starting the normal process of testing different vehicles, negotiating with vendors and finally buy a car, chose to make use of the family council to reach a decision.
"presented the idea to the family home evening," recalls one of his sons. "We asked three of us, which then went to primary school, and mom, we gave our opinion and we presented our preferences and ideas. We conclude that we did not rely enough on how to make a wise decision , so we started to collect information on new cars, which could review together. "
My friend brought home brochures, photographs and slides to the latest car models. The children went to public library were established in dozens of magazines and articles and talked with friends about your favorite vehicles. In another night of home exchanged the information they had gathered and began to narrow the list of possible cars to consider. Then the family made several visits to dealerships to test different cars.
Finally, the family decided as a brand and a particular model, but that was just the beginning of the process of making a final decision. They still had to consider color and other options. So each family member was given the opportunity to make known their preferences, and every single detail was put to the vote.
"After all that," continued the child, "most chose a metallic color car with light blue interior. Mama had suggested another color for the cover but did not receive the vote of approval of others. "
Since very few dealers units available in metallic color with light blue interior, had to make a special request to the factory in Detroit (Michigan). While awaiting the arrival of the new car, the family met regularly to plan vacation travel to be undertaken as opening of its new family car. Follow this model to gather information, express preferences and to exchange ideas and family counseling, took a trip to Yellowstone National Park.
"proved an extraordinary car and the trip was great," said one of the children. "I do not think any of us can ever forget that car or that vacation, and not the process we both do."
The fact that all this happened in 1957 and still causes so good memories, is sufficient proof of the power that can have a family council to strengthen ties and family unity and the creation of wonderful memories.
L. Elder Tom Perry of the Twelve Apostles explained that the family council meeting is the ideal setting in which teaching children "to prepare for his role as family members and parents." In the family councils, he added, the father and the mother can provide training on topics such as "temple preparation for missionary work, for household management and family economics, education, community work cultural development, acquisition and care of personal possessions, planning for free time, work assignments, etc.. " He suggested that before the family members gather to discuss issues such as advice, it would be good for parents to carry out meetings "'committee family executive. " . . to make plans. This committee, formed by husband and wife would talk, would plan and be prepared to play its leading role in the family organization "(see Ensign, February 1981, p. 12. ).
As in the case of others, the family council can be a positive and guiding force in the lives of members of the Church. You can contribute to order in the home, provide a means to heal hurt feelings, give parents an important element to fight against external influences create the opportunity to teach the important truths of the Gospel. But just as with other councils, it will be useful only to the extent that it is formed and put into practice properly. Certainly the principles governing family councils are basically the same that govern the councils of the Church. Its overall objective is the same. We want for our family as well as our Heavenly Father longs for His "immortality and eternal life" (Moses 1:39). We build relationships that extend beyond this life.
time ago, I was suddenly out of breath while climbed a small hill. Concerned, I made an appointment with my doctor and soon found myself admitted to LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. The doctor informed me that would be necessary to open heart surgery. The surgeon came to my room at 11:00 am and told me what would be the procedure. When he retired, said: "Gather your family before the operation."
honestly do not pay much attention to what he had said. When he returned to me at 2:00 in the afternoon, I asked: "Have you made arrangements to reunite his family?".
"Well, no," I replied. "I did not."
I looked at the way that you can only see a surgeon who knows what his patient face and repeated his earlier admonition: "Gather your family."
was not until then that I began to understand that this operation might be a bit more complicated than had originally been believed. So I asked my family members to come to my room to make a family council special occasion that something interesting happened. When I saw all around my bed, I felt an overwhelming desire to give instructions to my children if something happened to me. The first thing I asked was that his mother and ensure the latter, to watch one another. Nothing in life is more important than our family, we must seize opportunities to advise each other. Thanks to the sage advice I received from my surgeon friend, my family and I live a moment of union that will remain forever as an invaluable reminder to us all. Over how difficult it can be some challenges, we must overcome together.
In revelations we read: "Behold, my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, not of confusion" (D & C 132:8). Also, the Lord instructed His followers in the nineteenth century, saying: "Organize, prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning , a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God "(D & C 88:119). Even though these verses of Scripture refer specifically to the holy temples of God, so they can and should apply to our home. Councils family, led by righteous and loving parents who strive to teach their children to love and respect each other, can really create a framework of discipline, order and cooperation at home loving.
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