For What Purpose?

Before diving into a variety of home evening ideas, I thought it might be good to outline what we are trying to achieve by holding these activities each week. The First Presidency of the Church promised members way back in 1915 that if they set aside one special evening for activities and learning as a family, faith would develop, and children and parents would bond, gaining protective powers with which to fight off evil influences of the world.

Now that’s a promise we could all benefit from in these latter days. More so now than in 1915. What a wonderful tool. I often wonder why many don’t take advantage of it. Is it because it’s not easy? Or because we can’t see immediate results? Or we have too many children of mixed ages? Or children complain because other activities are more attractive and compelling? Or do we simply get too tired to cope?

In the April 2004 New Era (“Making Monday Memories”) Ryan Carr says, “President Gordon B. Hinckley appreciates invitations to community gatherings on Monday evenings, but he turns them down “with the explanation that I have reserved Monday as family home evening time. I earnestly hope that each of you will do the same.”

I hope that over the coming months, this blog can help more families listen to the Prophet’s voice and fight the good fight. Family Home Evenings are the way to go. They are our hope for a blessing filled future. Let’s face it, no one wants to look back one day and say “If only . . . ”