The In-Laws

The In-Laws.  Many people cringe at those words.  I will admit that the first few years of my marriage were harder because I didn't have a great relationship with my in-laws.  It's taken a long time and a lot of effort on both sides to be able to create a better relationship.  I really enjoyed reading about proper relationships with in-laws and extended family this week.  The most meaningful thing about it was that as I read, I often thought of my future son and daughters-in-law.  I feel that it's priceless to be able to learn things about this important relationship now, long before I need it.  Well, before I am the dreaded mother-in-law.  I truly hope that I won't be dreaded when the day comes.  I would love to have a wonderful relationship with the daughters of God that my sons will marry, and with the son of God that my daughter will marry.  That's what it's truly all about anyway, treating each other as sons and daughters of God.  It was really interesting to read about different parenting styles, to have a little refresher on some of the things I've learned in previous classes.  This week's reading gave me some things to think about so that I can work on becoming the kind of person that will never be considered a monster-in-law.  I feel that my relationship with my husband's parents has improved over the last 14 years and I'm thankful for that.  We will always have our differences, but we can learn from those differences and we can love each other despite those differences.  This was a great week, and a wonderful way to wrap up an awesome semester learning about marriage and family.

Power

There were so many great things in this week's reading.  One of the first things that stood out to me was this quote, from the "Who's the Boss" reading.  "Do not be afraid to set clear moral standards and guidelines. Be sure to say no when it is needed. As Dr. John Rosemond counseled: “Give your children regular, daily doses of Vitamin N. This vital nutrient consists simply of the most character-building two-letter word in the English language––‘'No’ . . . Unfortunately, many, if not most, of today’s children suffer from Vitamin N deficiency. They have been over-indulged by well-meaning parents who have given them far too much of what they want and far too little of what they truly need.” I liked that because it's so true and also because it's far-reaching.  We can be over indulgent to our kids and also to ourselves.  I think that this kind of attitude or lifestyle leads to pride, which Pres. Eyring warned about.  Pride, a lack of gratitude, entitlement are all detrimental to any relationship and should be carefully guarded against.  This can be true no matter what relationship we're talking about.  

That brings me to a book called Counseling with our Councils.  We read a great chapter that showed parallels between how the Church operates, and how we can, and should, use those same principles to operate our homes.  We have a responsibility to teach our children in a loving, safe and spiritual environment.  Men should lead the family in the way that Christ led the Church.  I loved reading about the priesthood as well.  As the priesthood is the government of heaven and of earth, and it should be used for service, compassion and caring, it gives us a glimpse of heaven and what Heavenly Father and Jesus are like.   When we fully embrace those characteristics and attitudes, we can become a little more like Christ and Heavenly Father each day.