December Presidency Message

I am amazed at the example each of you set as mothers, grandmothers and even those without children who lovingly nurture our children and youth. Our children are the rising generation; President Monson describes them as “the very best ever”. We have been counseled to speak more of our Savior, Jesus Christ to our children. Elder Neil L. Andersen, in his May 2010 talk Tell Me the Stories of Jesus, gave specific questions to help us evaluate what needs to be taught in our homes and in the lives of children that surround us. Please turn to these questions in his article. This is the perfect time of year to share Christ’s life and teachings with the children. When we share His teachings and bear testimony of what we know to be true, it will remain in his or her mind. We have great youth. I’m sure there are moments you wonder if your child is listening. Elder Anderson states: “If a child is not listening, don’t despair. Time and truth are on your side. At the right moment, your words will return as if from heaven itself. Your testimony will never leave your children.” For those of you who are not sharing these sweet moments with your children as often as you should (myself included), start now. They need you! They have so many troubled times ahead of them. Our challenge, again from Elder Andersen, is “not to create a spiritual core in their souls but rather to fan the flame of their spiritual core already aglow with the fire of their premortal faith.” This is a great challenge for each of us, whether we have children in the home or not. Jesus Christ is the foundation of our church. He is our redeemer and I’m thankful for this wonderful season to focus on Him more deeply. What a wonderful gift He is to us.

~Andrea