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What LDS General Authorities Say About Fatherhood

Compiled by Kelsey Berteaux and Kate Ensign-Lewis - June 13, 2013

Fatherhood is challenging for every man--and these men aren't perfect. But like many others they've learned valuable lessons from their parents and from being parents themselves. Here are a few select stories--sweet, funny, and poignant--from and about LDS Church leaders on fatherhood.

Monson family photo. Photo from LDS.org.

Thomas S. Monson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A funny story from young fatherhood, from "Peace, Be Still":

Brethren, there is one responsibility that no man can evade. That is the effect of personal influence.

Our influence is surely felt in our respective families. Sometimes we fathers forget that once we, too, were boys, and boys at times can be vexing to parents.

I recall how much, as a youngster, I liked dogs. One day I took my wagon and placed a wooden orange crate in it and went looking for dogs. At that time dogs were everywhere to be found: at school, walking along the sidewalks, or exploring vacant lots, of which there were many. As I would find a dog and capture it, I placed it in the crate, took it home, locked it in the coal shed, and turned the latch on the door. That day I think I brought home six dogs of varying sizes and made them my prisoners after this fashion. I had no idea what I would do with all those dogs, so I didn’t reveal my deed to anyone.

Fab Five: For the Future Missionary + GIVEAWAY

LDS Living Staff - June 13, 2013

Whether your children are 1 or 18, these things can keep the spirit of spreading the gospel in your home and help you to raise future missionaries. And make sure to enter our GIVEAWAY at the bottom for the chance to win a free missionary CD!

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Doctrine & Covenants Missionary Print from MomoPrints on Etsy.

What a great inspirational print to hang in your child's room--reminding us we are all called to share His gospel as member missionaries and planting the seed of an even greater call when he or she is older. You can get the prints in several different sizes and background colors.

50 Ways to Show Your Husband You Love Him

LDS Living Staff - June 11, 2013

Candy and cards on Father's Day and Valentine's Day are nice, but it's the small things in day-to-day life that really make a difference in your relationship and show your husband how much you care.

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1. TELL HIM you love him.

2. Make his favorite meal. (Or introduce him to a new recipe that might become his new favorite: check out our manly menu for Father's Day, favorite grilling recipes, and casserole contest winners for inspiration.)

10 Ways to Support Your Bishop

Compiled by LDS Living Staff - June 06, 2013

Bishops have an incredibly demanding calling, so how can the rest of the ward give him the support he needs? We asked some bishops we know, and here is what they said.

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1. Pray for him specifically, just as you would the prophet. A prayer uttered on behalf of someone, by name, can yield great results.

2. Magnify your calling. When members anxiously go about serving as they are assigned, the Lord blesses not only them but the entire ward with an outpouring of inspiration and unity.

3. The most difficult calling in the ward belongs to the bishop’s wife. Often times, my wife feels like the loneliest person in my ward. I am happy when my ward recognizes my wife’s (and my children’s) sacrifices.

4. Earnestly prepare when asked to speak in Sacrament meeting. Teach with the Spirit.

5. Never ask to be released. If circumstances change that are making it difficult for you to serve, inform your bishop and then allow him to seek inspiration. Don’t short-change yourself of heaven’s blessings because life gets a little hectic.

Maternity Fashion: Top Picks for the Pregnant Woman

Kate Ensign-Lewis - May 30, 2013

Pregnancy might make you feel physically self conscious, but you can still feel stylish--and excuse us for thinking that pain does not have to equal beauty.

This is my second time 'round the pregnancy cycle (check out my first stab at pregnancy fashion) . . . and this time I'm chasing a busy toddler boy. AND I'm going to be pregnant through the long, hot summer. My priority is comfort.

Most days I would write this blog and include just one item:

Men's pajama pants.

(Old Navy)

But, let's face it, I have to go to the store every once in a while, and I feel better when I've put a little effort in. So, without further ado, here are my top fashion picks for a comfortable and cute pregnancy: