We are surrounded by negativity. With online commenting, television, movies, and social media often persuading us to be unhappy with ourselves, with our lives, and with our situations, it's easy for us to begin taking out our negativity on others. So how do you keep that from dividing your family?
What do you do when negativity seems to take over your family? It's a pretty normal part of family life and often, as the Mom, I can see it before everyone else. But this time, it was my son who spoke out and opened my eyes to it all. He noticed our family often being negative and shared with my husband and his brother how being around the negativity made him feel more discouraged. When my husband shared this with me, we immediately thought of Elder Ballard's April 2016 General Conference talkabout the power of holding a family council. We decided that doing this might help us figure out how to turn things around.
We gathered the whole family together and started the council with a prayer and this scripture in Matthew:
"Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:36-41)
Lead image from Time Out for Women
Inspired by Elder M. Russell Ballard's counsel for families to conduct regular family councils, this journal can be a helpful toolin making note of items discussed, keeping track of "next steps" and assignments, or simply recording humorous or sweet moments you'll want to remember.
Interspersed with inspirational quotes from Elder Ballard on the importance of families and family councils, this is the perfect gift to keep families motivated.
