Our call to the Asia Area has been one of the highlights in the life of Elder and Sister Dickson. I would like to address parents in every country. Sister Dickson and I have a family, and we love our family and want to bless our family as you do your own. Truly we live at an exciting, but dangerous, time when parents must be especially vigilant to protect and save their children. Over the years we have learned that certain things, when practiced with constancy, can help parents raise children in righteousness and spiritual safety.
I would like to mention 10 things that could help you greatly, especially if taught and practiced during a child's formative years.
1. Insure that your home is centered in the Savior and his teachings. . 2 Nephi 25:26
2. Teach children that they are children of God and what is required to return to His presence. Help each child have a good knowledge of pre-mortal life, the reason for coming to earth and have testimonies of how the Savior helps them return to Heavenly Father through his restored gospel.
3. Have no unresolved iniquity in your own life. · Ask yourself - Is what I am doing getting me closer to the celestial kingdom? If not, stop. Change a situation, change a direction, break a habit. Plead with the Lord for his help to break an addiction.
· Alma 7: 11-12 The Savior understands what we go through and can help.
4. Teach children that ongoing repentance is needed for all of God's children and that they should worthily partake of the sacrament throughout their lives. D&C 19:15-18; 3 Nephi 18:11
5. Children must be taught the meaning of "no" and understand responsibility for choices.
6. Plan time to nurture individual children and enjoy family life.
7. Teach children financial responsibility, avoidance of debt and the importance of the Law of Tithing.
8. Do all that you can to strengthen your marriage and be a contributing partner. Be humble, apologize when you foul up, return thanks to your spouse and to God.
9. Live in a way that divine guidance will come. · D&C 84:85 (This works for parents as well as leaders, teachers or missionaries). · The spirit is as close to your home as to Salt Lake City. · You have the right to plead with the Lord for help and be inspired on what to do on behalf of your family.
10. Let your home be an oasis from the world. · Where children can feel love and peace. · Where there is no abuse. · Where there is control of tempers. · Read Elder Ballard' s general conference address. Do you need to reexamine your family' s experience with the TV? If your children continue to watch what they are watching for the next 15 years, what will their values be? What will they be looking for? Will they be closer to a celestial life, or further from it? · Enjoy daily scripture study, family prayer and family home evening.
It is wonderful to teach our children these principles, but we must remember that our children see how we live, and our actions will teach many times what our words will teach.
We love you and wish you the best.
Sincerely, Elder Dickson
