Osburn
Family
Constitution
Table of Contents
Preamble - Mission Statement, Mottos, and Logo
Article I - Under God (Heavenly Parents)
Article II - The Governing Body (Parents)
Article III - The Constituents (Children)
Article IV - The Structure (Home)
Article V - The Institution (Family)
Article VI - The Standards (Values)
Article VII - The Discipline (Rules - Consequences)
Article VIII - The Development (Family Apprenticeship)
Article IX - The Memories (Traditions)
Article X - The Future (Goals & Vision)
PREAMBLE
MISSION STATEMENT
We, the members of the Osburn Family, establish the following rules, guidelines, and ideals, with the intent of perfecting, unifying, and clarifying the purpose of our family, to assist us on our earthly journey to return with honor to our heavenly and eternal home, and to secure the blessings of the gospel plan to ourselves and our posterity.
We have identified the following core values as our goal of becomeing and being. We are faithful, charitable, honourable, responsible, diligent, grateful, provident, liber, successful, prepared, organized, and healthy.
Mottos
The Sky's the Limit
Excellence in Effort
Logo
Our family logo is the wagon wheel.
This represents our heritage, the journey that we are making in this life to the promised land (Celestial Kingdom), as well as our educational philosophy.
ARTICLE I - UNDER GOD
Heavenly Parents
Heavenly Father made possible the great Plan of Happiness by providing the 3 pillars (creation, fall, and the atonement) of earth life which enables us to return to him. He organized the church, and prepared scriptures, leaders, the restored gospel, as well as giving us the gift of the Holy Ghost to assist us on our journey. He sanctioned the family unit as the only means of becoming exalted. The model for fatherhood is our Heavenly Father.
He expects us to multiply and replenish the earth, stay close to him, seek his guidance, keep family responsibilities as apriority, and teach our family in love and righteousness. He has warned us of Satan's desire to destroy His work by weakening the family and keeping them small. There will be many who will want to encroach upon parent's responsibiltiies to teach and provide activities for family members. The Lord expects families to fulfill His resonsibilities in spite of earthly agendas.
ARTICLE II - THE GOVERNING BODY
Earthly Parents
The governing body in our family unit consists of Heavenly Father, papa, and mommy. Papa is the patriarch, presiding priesthood authority, and provider. Mommy is his motivator, companion, and counselor.
Papa and mommy honor their marriage covanant and are completely faithful to each other and the purpose of the family outlined herewith. Their duty and desire is to love, serve,and lift each other to greater heights. Papa's and mommy's roles are inseparable as they are one - sealed for time and all eternity.
Both parents are responsible for leading the family through example, prayer, love, and concern. This responsibility extends to the physical, mental, social, and spiritual growth, and development of all family members. They yearn to bless our family by going to the Lord, pondering the words of God, and living by the spirit to know the mind and will of the Lord and what must be done to lead the family.
Papa's spiritual responsibiltiies include:
-Practice basic gospel principles - Faith in Christ, repentence, personal prayer, study, fasting, service, magnify callings, etc.
-Preside over family home evening, family prayers, and family study.
-Teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to Children.
-Interview members regularly.
-Provide priesthood ordinances including
*Name and bless children
*Baptize and confirm children, members of the church
*Adminster blessing when ill or special needs
*Confer priesthood upon sons
*Bless and pass the sacrament
*Dedicate the home and graves
-Assure the families involvement in prieshood duties
-Missionary Work
*Prepare children for missions and parents for couple missionary service.
*Seek and pray for a missionary experience
*Donate generously to missionaries & general fund.
-Family History and Temple Work
*Complete family records and histories
*Turn the hearts of the children to their fathers
*Perform temple ordinances
-Spiritual and temporal preparedness
Papa's Temporal Responsibilities are:
-Maintain own physical fitness through diet, exercise, and rest
-Provide the necessities of life - food, clothing, fuel, shelter
-Increase self-reliance - storage, savings, debt-free, life skills.
-Provide protection for our family.
-Assist in household duties such as home repairs/improvements and auto care.
-Delegate leadership responsibilities, as inspired.
-Finalize all family decisions
-Help train children in their physical responsibilities
-Be informed of and actively particpate, where possible, community and political concerns.
Mommy is primarily responsible for the bearing and nurturing of our children. Her responsibilitiies include:
-Multiply and replenish the earth
-Oversee that the family has
*a clean organized, and beautified home
*Wholesome food and regular meals
*Clean, adequate, and modest clothing
*Medical and dental care
*Educational opportunities and resources
*Emergency storage and inventories
*Wholesome recreational activities
-Be at the crossroads
-Comfort sick, lonely, or disheartened children
-Assist in teaching and training of children
-Counsel with Papa in all his leadership roles
-Veto decisions that don't "feel right"
ARTICLE III - THE CONSTITUENTS
Children
Each child is a gift and blessing to the family with indiividual strengths, passions, and purpose. Each child is loved and cherished by parents and siblings.
1- Phsycial Responsibilities
a. Help parents with home stewardship
b. Study well and obtain an education
c. Take care of clothing & other possessions
d. Keep self & home clean and neat
e. Maintain good health through diet, rest, & physical activities
f. Obey the laws of the land and rules of the family
g. Avoid peer pressure and teachings of the world
h. Acquire skills necessary for parenthood, vocation, and mission
i. Develop talents in order to serve others
i. Develop talents in order to serve others
2- Spiritual Responsibilities
a. Honor & Obey parents
b. Respect & be helpful to siblings
c. Avoid any form of contention with family members
d. Study the scriptures, encourage family study
e. Learn to pray and fast, ecourage family prayer
f. Try to be like Jesus & keep the commandments
g. Seek quality friends and be a good example to others
h. Seek to find and fulfill your unique mission in life.
i. Qualify for, receive, and record personal revelations
ARTICLE IV - THE STRUCTURE
i. Qualify for, receive, and record personal revelations
ARTICLE IV - THE STRUCTURE
Home
There's No Place Like Home! The home is not the walls of the house but the family's temporary headquarters while in this life. The home is dedicated as a sacred edifice where the Holy Spirit resides, and as a sanctuary when family members can worship, find safety and rest from the world, grow spritually, and prepare for eternal family relationships. Family members within our home are united with friendship, love, confidence, and trust.
ARTICLE V - THE INSTITUTION
Family
The family is the most sared unit of society and the church, (more so than meeting houses and even temples) therefore contention is not allowed. Our family is an eternal unit and we yearn to be an exalted family forever. We are dedicated to strengthen family members in keeping all the commandments and help them return to our heavenly home. Ordained by God, the family unit is the principal agency for nurturing the individual child. The relationships we develop and nurture here on earth help prepare us for eternal relationships. We consecrate all family resources to the Lord. Each individual shares the responsibiltiy to contribute to the love, positive attitude, cleanliness,and humor of our home. Our family has strong spiritual and unifying traditions which are in line with our values and not simply what society does or entices.
ARTICLE VI - THE STANDARD
Values
We have high values and standards. As we develop these characteristics, we draw closer to becoming as the Savior. Our family has identified the following 12 moral values as our standard.
Faithful
First Principles & Ordincances
-We know that faith is a principle of action and of power. We exercise our faith in Christ, doubting not and praying in prophetic tense, in order to receive the blessings and intervention needed to be successful in this life.
-Only when we are humble and teachable (meek) can the Lord bless us with the things whech we need and desire. Daily repentance, sharing our testimony (sins are forgiven) and regular analysis of our worthiness before taking of the sacrament, helps us to prepare ourselves for the Lord's blessings.
-We understand that we must work our our own salvation by being worthy and participate in essential ordinances. Our family assists each of us to stay on the straight and narrow path.
-Each of us is or will be blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost. We strive to heed the shisperings of the Spriti in spite of the noise of the world.
Increase Spirituality
-We seek to have personal spiritual experiences so that we can receive a testimony in that particular area of truth. We understand that reverence invites revelation. We each must recognize, value, and treat these experiences with enough respect to record them in our journals and share them with others as appropriate.
-We love to communicate with the Lord frequently. These include personal prayers, family prayer, blessings on meals, opening prayers, and continuing communication throughout the day (i.e. mouse - Tevyia). We take turns saying the family prayer.
-Our family Canon is the scriptures and we study from it regularly in family study. Personal study is encouraged and respected. We have scripture mastery and discussions/ questions to study individual verses. Our children receive their own set of scriptures when they are baptized.
-Papa is a worthy priesthood holder and can give priesthood blessings in times of need and comfort. He is always willing to receive requests and reminders of this opportunity.
-We attend our church meetings with a good attitude and proper respect for devotion. Sometimes a conflict in schedule, values (appropriateness of activity), or energy level prevents us from attending all activities.
-We hold regular family home evenings, daily devotionals, discussions of good books, and other spontaneous opportunities to teach gospel principles and development of character.
-We anticipate and are spiritually prepared (sactified) for the second coming of our Lord.
-We understand that no one is perfect and mistakes are tools for learning. We are, however, quick to recognize when we offend the spirit and immediately apologize and seek forgiveness of the Lord and those we offend.
Sacrifice
-We dedicate one day in seven to worship our Lord. Our Sabbath day observance includes refraining from working, shopping, television viewing, homework, study, playing with friends, unnecessary cleaning and other inappropriate activities. We do encourage service, scripture study, family gatherings, Circle the Wagons, FEC, SPICEE mtgs, family games, work on church callings, or anything that brings glory to and brings us closer to our Savior.
-We dedicate the first tenth of our increase to the Lord in our tithing. Knowing that only through this sacrifice canour needs be met and our lives blessed. Generous offerings also bless us as well as others of our Heavenly Father's children.
-We abstain from two meals each fast Sunday or on special fasts. This helps us practice self-discipline, cleanse our bodies, as well as increase our spirituality.
-We anticipate the initiation of the United Order, where all our material possessions decrease in vlaue as every members needs are met. We strive to see and fulfill others needs before the law of consecration is in effect so we can acquire the attribute of charity.
Charitable
At Home
-In a constant battle against pride, we strive to have servant's heart, seeking the Lord's will, his pure love motivating our deeds.
-We are a loving family and we show that love by serving those within our home. Kindness, respect, helpful, sharing, hugs, and thoughtfulness toward siblings shows love.
-We serve extended family by turning the hearts of the children to their fathers, spending time together at reunions and gatherings, being a good example of a disciple of Christ, and corresponding occasionally.
At Church
-We have an obligation to consecrate ourselves,time, and talents to the building up of the Kingdom of God. We do this by accepting and magnifying our callings, donating generously to the church funds, volunteering to help others in need, attending the temple regularly, and setting a good example.
-We recognize our need to support those who are working hard in our behalf by attending our meetings and participating in class discussions. Obedience is a way of honoring our Heavenly Father.
-We are missionaries in God's army, serving as full-time, couple, parents, or member missionaries.
Community
-We desire to do a good work wherever we are. This includes being friends to neighbors, contributing to the neighborhood success, participating in community events, supporting community businesses, and being an informed voter.
-We encourage a global knowledge of history, language, and culture to appreciate the diversity of all of God's children.
Honorable
Integrity
-We trust that each of us will tell the truth at all times. We believe and defend each other. When dishonesty occurs, the trust bank is depleted and that trust must be re-earned.
-Moral courage is a part of our character, even though it is not the easy or popular method. We value integrity and know it is necessary to have a clean conscience before God.
-We do not lie, that includes keeping confidences, fulfilling promises and obligations, stick to decisions, testifying of truth, and avoiding the appearance of evil.
Modesty
-Our bodies are sacred temples that have appropriate attire, which allows the companionship of the spirit, honors our Heavenly Father, represents our family values, and compliments our figures.
-We do not subscribe to popular fashion or fads that are immodest or unattractive for our figure. Our dresses must be able to enter the temple. We do not pierce or tattoo our bodies other than one pair of earrings when girls turn 16 (if desired).
-First impressions are a lasting impression. We try to avoid frump and unkempt appearances and strive to establish a leadership dress code.
Entertainment and the Media
-Pornography, immorality, and violence are prevalent evils in today's society. We have to choose to keep ourselves unspotted from the world by not allowing these popularnorms to be part of our life. We do not watch rated R movies, we use TV guardian, and have the moral courage to turn off offensive material when it catches us off guard.
-We love the diversity of all the types and styles of music. We have the right to turn off any music that is offensive to the spirit, includes bad language, promotes immorality, violence, satanism, suicide, unhealthy introspection, or is not uplifting.
-Music expression is encouraged in all its forms: playing instruments, singing, conducting, composing, etc. We encourage at least 2 years of piano lessons before trying another instrument.
-Dancing is an art form of physical expression. We love to dance and move to the the beat. We avoid any type of suggestive, hip-hop, or inappropriate styles of dance or costume. We have fun dancing together with family and friends.
Language
-Communication is essential in relationships. We communicate through words, writing, body language, and art expression. We try to improve our communications by being positive, polite, and expressing our opinions in a non-offensive manner.
-We love learning more about foreign languages and the meaning of words, as well as using homonyms (puns) in humor.
-We are careful in our language to not hurt feelings, gossip, criticize, speak ill of others, take the Lord's name in vain, swear or use profane gestures, or even use substitutes for swear words. A name should always be safe in our confidence.
Dating
-Socialization is the ability to interact with other people We love to socialize first within our family and second with friends and acquaintances.
-Our children may begin dating at the age of 16 in groups of friends. We do not date the same person two times in a row until to the courting age. At the age of 18 they may go on one-on-one dates. Our boys are encouraged to postpone courting until after their mission.
-Location awareness is encouraged for safety measures. If children do not return when expected, papa will go out in search of them to make sure everything is OK. We always welcome their dates into our home for activities or an ice cream sundae.
-You marry who you date, so we encourage our children to only date those who have the same high standards and be aware of the challenges of dating acquaintances from different nationalities, cultures, languages, traditions, educational backgrounds, family structures, and religions.
-When getting married, the family will try to help apy for travel to temple of choice, hotel (if necessary), essential attire (wedding dress, veil, shoes, tuxes, and dress), bridal show, invitations and postage, decorations, flowers, dinner for immediate family and friends, wedding cake, refreshments, building rental, photographer, DJ(music), and gifts. However, we are willing and prefer to simply write a check equivalent to the expense of a reception so those funds could be used at your own discretion.
Sexual Purity
-We encourage our chidren to marry in the temple and be worthy to do so.
-We honor life by holding to firm standards of modesty, chastity and morality. If there is a violation of these standards, we will work through them the best we can with love and patience.
-Immorality holds terrible consequences including :life-threatening diseases, unwed pregnances and suffering innocent children, loss of reputation, broken marriage, and lost opportunities of quality dating, education, missions, companionship of the spirit, partaking of the sacrament, and entering the temple. We urge our children to avoid these consequences at all costs.
-We defend life and firmly oppose abortion. If an unwed pregnance occurs, the birth mother will receive whatever counseling necessary to make the the difficult decision of marriage or adoption.
Responsible
Spiritual Responsibility
-We are free to choose, have the light of Christ to know right from wrong, and the Holy Ghost to guide us.
-Once we are at the age of accountability, it is the individual's responsibility to make their own choices regarding moral, spiriutal, and ethical decisions, such as whether or not to fast, pay an honest tithing, or get the work done. Parents set limits, instruct, encourage, request certain behavior, and provide consequnces for the choice but ultimately the individual is accountable to the Lord.
-We understand that consequences always follow each decision. Each decision provides blessing or bondage.
Social Responsibility
-We choose friends who share the same high standards as ourselves. We are always polite, friendly and try to have a good influence on everyone. Friends are always welcome to play at our house or join us in our activities.
-We are each responsible for our own happiness. No one can make us happy. We must learn to express negative emotions (gloominess, depression, frustration, hostility, discouragement, stress/time pressure, etc.) appropriately or dismiss ourselves until we are in control.
-Internest use is done responsibly by not giving personal information to non-secure sites, we don't spend excessive time 'chatting', and only searching sites that are reputable and highly recommended. We are careful with general searches to avoid unexpected pornography.
Family Responsibility
-The Lord holds parents responsible to discipline children and have them account to them. Parents must follow-up on assignments to see that their children return & report.
-We love each other enough to let parents know where we are at all times and if there is a change of plans. Before permission is given, parents need to know the 5 W's and H.
-In order for our household to run effectively, all family members participate in the work and maintenance of our home.
-When babysitting the babysitter must be in the smae room as children. Blood sugars need to be monitored at least every two hours. Doors are to be locked. Phone use is only for emergencies so the phone line can be open for parent's calls; this includes not using the internet. Most activities should be indoors or at least in fenced in back yard. Babysitter should provide meals if necessary and clean up table and preparation messes. Diapers need consant attention. The babysitter should be cautious of unrighteous dominion as well as the children being tended need to obey and respect the temporary authority.
Diligent
Mottos and Sayings
-Our family motto is "The sky is the limit"
-Our Education motto is "Excellence in Effort"
-Some of our other favorite sayings include:
"Don't ever give up"
"Never Give Up, Never Surrender"
"If at first you don't succeed, Try, try again"
"Fake it, till you make it, Someday you'll get there"
"It's better to reach for the stars and fall in the trees, than to reach for the trees and fall in the mud"
"Anything worth doing, is worth doing poorly, until you can learn to do it well"
Constancy
-We recognize that quality requires effort andcontintual attempts to succeed.
-This earth life is the time to develop the patience and other enduring qualities to rule our own kingdoms throughout eternity. If we don't acquire the patience and persistence here, when will we?
-Enduring means continued checks and iventories to see if we are still on the straight and narrow. Course deviations are a part of life, but we have to get back on course as quickly as possible in order to reach our destination.
-We work diligently together as a family to complete the required goas in Primary and youth programs, as well as our family apprenticeship requirements.
Grateful
Expressions
-The Lord blesses us more abundantly when we are grateful for the blessings we've already received.
-We express gratitude for our many blessing in our prayers
*The plan of Salvation
*The Atonement of our Savior
*The Priesthood
*The Church and our Leaders
*The Restoration of the Gospel
*The Scriptures
*The Prophets
*OurHope and Faith, and ability to communicate
*Our eternal Family
*Our great nation and the freedoms enjoyed
*Our opportunity to home educate
-We express our gratitude for our many blessings by the way we live. Keeping the commandments, serving others, expressing thanks for other's service and kindnesses, are all ways to show our appreciation.
Healthy
Prevention
-Our bodies are a gift from our Heavenly Father and with that gift comes a responsibility to take care of it. We sustain the Word of Wisdom in our daily habits. We avoid the abusive substances and try to improve our use of the whole foods.
-Moderation in all things which means to be moderate and gain self-control in our eating, exercise, and rest habits.
-Physical activity is best attained by finding something that we enjoy doing. Work, dancing, sports, active play, or scheduled exercise helps us to become physically fit and get the exercise that our bodies need. It is our responsibiltiy to make sure we are doing something physically active each day.
-Preventative health is as important as treatment. We try to eat, exercise and rest appropriately, try to manage weight and stress and anger, avoid too much sun, have high morals, and wear seat belts in the car and helmets on a bike.
Treatment
-Our medical health isour own responsibility, even under the care of a physician. We tr to take an active role in working with health care professionals and avoid taking medicines or chemical into our bodies if a healthier approach is available We put or faith in the priesthood blessing before believing what the doctor diagnoses.
Prepared
Emergency Preparedness
-We follow the prophet's counsel to get prepared and have a year's supply of food, clothing, and fuel. Through regular inventories and rotation, we maintain this supply so it is ready when needed.
-We have compiled for each family member a 72-hour kit with the essentials needed to take during an emergency. This kit is updated occasionally with food and clothing as time necessitates.
-We have learned some of the basics in first aid and how to treat minor emergencies. We also have an emergency communications system set up on how to notify health care providers of the need for additonal help.
Georgics
-We follow the family apprenticeship to help us verify that each child has been taught the lfie skills necessary to be capable, accomplished, and self-reliant whent they need to go out on their own. These skills help prepare them for most every aspect of their life. We have fun learning these skills and work to earn each career before turning 18.
-We try to follow the prophet's counsel to plant a garden and live off the land. Our dream home has lad for gardening, as well as fruit trees, space for kid's play, a few farm animals, and landscaping. We hope to be able to harvest and preserve enough food from our own efforts to sustain us if need be.
-We are blessed with an abundance and therefore have a greter stewardship to share our bounty. We manage our resources to meet our needs and still be in a position to help others by providing work, and a means to take care of their own. We are not extravagant in our pruchases and maintain a thrify mentality. We pay off our debt and save for missions and unexpected circumstances.
Increase Spirituality
-We seek to have personal spiritual experiences so that we can receive a testimony in that particular area of truth. We understand that reverence invites revelation. We each must recognize, value, and treat these experiences with enough respect to record them in our journals and share them with others as appropriate.
-We love to communicate with the Lord frequently. These include personal prayers, family prayer, blessings on meals, opening prayers, and continuing communication throughout the day (i.e. mouse - Tevyia). We take turns saying the family prayer.
-Our family Canon is the scriptures and we study from it regularly in family study. Personal study is encouraged and respected. We have scripture mastery and discussions/ questions to study individual verses. Our children receive their own set of scriptures when they are baptized.
-Papa is a worthy priesthood holder and can give priesthood blessings in times of need and comfort. He is always willing to receive requests and reminders of this opportunity.
-We attend our church meetings with a good attitude and proper respect for devotion. Sometimes a conflict in schedule, values (appropriateness of activity), or energy level prevents us from attending all activities.
-We hold regular family home evenings, daily devotionals, discussions of good books, and other spontaneous opportunities to teach gospel principles and development of character.
-We anticipate and are spiritually prepared (sactified) for the second coming of our Lord.
-We understand that no one is perfect and mistakes are tools for learning. We are, however, quick to recognize when we offend the spirit and immediately apologize and seek forgiveness of the Lord and those we offend.
Sacrifice
-We dedicate one day in seven to worship our Lord. Our Sabbath day observance includes refraining from working, shopping, television viewing, homework, study, playing with friends, unnecessary cleaning and other inappropriate activities. We do encourage service, scripture study, family gatherings, Circle the Wagons, FEC, SPICEE mtgs, family games, work on church callings, or anything that brings glory to and brings us closer to our Savior.
-We dedicate the first tenth of our increase to the Lord in our tithing. Knowing that only through this sacrifice canour needs be met and our lives blessed. Generous offerings also bless us as well as others of our Heavenly Father's children.
-We abstain from two meals each fast Sunday or on special fasts. This helps us practice self-discipline, cleanse our bodies, as well as increase our spirituality.
-We anticipate the initiation of the United Order, where all our material possessions decrease in vlaue as every members needs are met. We strive to see and fulfill others needs before the law of consecration is in effect so we can acquire the attribute of charity.
Charitable
At Home
-In a constant battle against pride, we strive to have servant's heart, seeking the Lord's will, his pure love motivating our deeds.
-We are a loving family and we show that love by serving those within our home. Kindness, respect, helpful, sharing, hugs, and thoughtfulness toward siblings shows love.
-We serve extended family by turning the hearts of the children to their fathers, spending time together at reunions and gatherings, being a good example of a disciple of Christ, and corresponding occasionally.
At Church
-We have an obligation to consecrate ourselves,time, and talents to the building up of the Kingdom of God. We do this by accepting and magnifying our callings, donating generously to the church funds, volunteering to help others in need, attending the temple regularly, and setting a good example.
-We recognize our need to support those who are working hard in our behalf by attending our meetings and participating in class discussions. Obedience is a way of honoring our Heavenly Father.
-We are missionaries in God's army, serving as full-time, couple, parents, or member missionaries.
Community
-We desire to do a good work wherever we are. This includes being friends to neighbors, contributing to the neighborhood success, participating in community events, supporting community businesses, and being an informed voter.
-We encourage a global knowledge of history, language, and culture to appreciate the diversity of all of God's children.
Honorable
Integrity
-We trust that each of us will tell the truth at all times. We believe and defend each other. When dishonesty occurs, the trust bank is depleted and that trust must be re-earned.
-Moral courage is a part of our character, even though it is not the easy or popular method. We value integrity and know it is necessary to have a clean conscience before God.
-We do not lie, that includes keeping confidences, fulfilling promises and obligations, stick to decisions, testifying of truth, and avoiding the appearance of evil.
Modesty
-Our bodies are sacred temples that have appropriate attire, which allows the companionship of the spirit, honors our Heavenly Father, represents our family values, and compliments our figures.
-We do not subscribe to popular fashion or fads that are immodest or unattractive for our figure. Our dresses must be able to enter the temple. We do not pierce or tattoo our bodies other than one pair of earrings when girls turn 16 (if desired).
-First impressions are a lasting impression. We try to avoid frump and unkempt appearances and strive to establish a leadership dress code.
Entertainment and the Media
-Pornography, immorality, and violence are prevalent evils in today's society. We have to choose to keep ourselves unspotted from the world by not allowing these popularnorms to be part of our life. We do not watch rated R movies, we use TV guardian, and have the moral courage to turn off offensive material when it catches us off guard.
-We love the diversity of all the types and styles of music. We have the right to turn off any music that is offensive to the spirit, includes bad language, promotes immorality, violence, satanism, suicide, unhealthy introspection, or is not uplifting.
-Music expression is encouraged in all its forms: playing instruments, singing, conducting, composing, etc. We encourage at least 2 years of piano lessons before trying another instrument.
-Dancing is an art form of physical expression. We love to dance and move to the the beat. We avoid any type of suggestive, hip-hop, or inappropriate styles of dance or costume. We have fun dancing together with family and friends.
Language
-Communication is essential in relationships. We communicate through words, writing, body language, and art expression. We try to improve our communications by being positive, polite, and expressing our opinions in a non-offensive manner.
-We love learning more about foreign languages and the meaning of words, as well as using homonyms (puns) in humor.
-We are careful in our language to not hurt feelings, gossip, criticize, speak ill of others, take the Lord's name in vain, swear or use profane gestures, or even use substitutes for swear words. A name should always be safe in our confidence.
Dating
-Socialization is the ability to interact with other people We love to socialize first within our family and second with friends and acquaintances.
-Our children may begin dating at the age of 16 in groups of friends. We do not date the same person two times in a row until to the courting age. At the age of 18 they may go on one-on-one dates. Our boys are encouraged to postpone courting until after their mission.
-Location awareness is encouraged for safety measures. If children do not return when expected, papa will go out in search of them to make sure everything is OK. We always welcome their dates into our home for activities or an ice cream sundae.
-You marry who you date, so we encourage our children to only date those who have the same high standards and be aware of the challenges of dating acquaintances from different nationalities, cultures, languages, traditions, educational backgrounds, family structures, and religions.
-When getting married, the family will try to help apy for travel to temple of choice, hotel (if necessary), essential attire (wedding dress, veil, shoes, tuxes, and dress), bridal show, invitations and postage, decorations, flowers, dinner for immediate family and friends, wedding cake, refreshments, building rental, photographer, DJ(music), and gifts. However, we are willing and prefer to simply write a check equivalent to the expense of a reception so those funds could be used at your own discretion.
Sexual Purity
-We encourage our chidren to marry in the temple and be worthy to do so.
-We honor life by holding to firm standards of modesty, chastity and morality. If there is a violation of these standards, we will work through them the best we can with love and patience.
-Immorality holds terrible consequences including :life-threatening diseases, unwed pregnances and suffering innocent children, loss of reputation, broken marriage, and lost opportunities of quality dating, education, missions, companionship of the spirit, partaking of the sacrament, and entering the temple. We urge our children to avoid these consequences at all costs.
-We defend life and firmly oppose abortion. If an unwed pregnance occurs, the birth mother will receive whatever counseling necessary to make the the difficult decision of marriage or adoption.
Responsible
Spiritual Responsibility
-We are free to choose, have the light of Christ to know right from wrong, and the Holy Ghost to guide us.
-Once we are at the age of accountability, it is the individual's responsibility to make their own choices regarding moral, spiriutal, and ethical decisions, such as whether or not to fast, pay an honest tithing, or get the work done. Parents set limits, instruct, encourage, request certain behavior, and provide consequnces for the choice but ultimately the individual is accountable to the Lord.
-We understand that consequences always follow each decision. Each decision provides blessing or bondage.
Social Responsibility
-We choose friends who share the same high standards as ourselves. We are always polite, friendly and try to have a good influence on everyone. Friends are always welcome to play at our house or join us in our activities.
-We are each responsible for our own happiness. No one can make us happy. We must learn to express negative emotions (gloominess, depression, frustration, hostility, discouragement, stress/time pressure, etc.) appropriately or dismiss ourselves until we are in control.
-Internest use is done responsibly by not giving personal information to non-secure sites, we don't spend excessive time 'chatting', and only searching sites that are reputable and highly recommended. We are careful with general searches to avoid unexpected pornography.
Family Responsibility
-The Lord holds parents responsible to discipline children and have them account to them. Parents must follow-up on assignments to see that their children return & report.
-We love each other enough to let parents know where we are at all times and if there is a change of plans. Before permission is given, parents need to know the 5 W's and H.
-In order for our household to run effectively, all family members participate in the work and maintenance of our home.
-When babysitting the babysitter must be in the smae room as children. Blood sugars need to be monitored at least every two hours. Doors are to be locked. Phone use is only for emergencies so the phone line can be open for parent's calls; this includes not using the internet. Most activities should be indoors or at least in fenced in back yard. Babysitter should provide meals if necessary and clean up table and preparation messes. Diapers need consant attention. The babysitter should be cautious of unrighteous dominion as well as the children being tended need to obey and respect the temporary authority.
Diligent
Mottos and Sayings
-Our family motto is "The sky is the limit"
-Our Education motto is "Excellence in Effort"
-Some of our other favorite sayings include:
"Don't ever give up"
"Never Give Up, Never Surrender"
"If at first you don't succeed, Try, try again"
"Fake it, till you make it, Someday you'll get there"
"It's better to reach for the stars and fall in the trees, than to reach for the trees and fall in the mud"
"Anything worth doing, is worth doing poorly, until you can learn to do it well"
Constancy
-We recognize that quality requires effort andcontintual attempts to succeed.
-This earth life is the time to develop the patience and other enduring qualities to rule our own kingdoms throughout eternity. If we don't acquire the patience and persistence here, when will we?
-Enduring means continued checks and iventories to see if we are still on the straight and narrow. Course deviations are a part of life, but we have to get back on course as quickly as possible in order to reach our destination.
-We work diligently together as a family to complete the required goas in Primary and youth programs, as well as our family apprenticeship requirements.
Grateful
Expressions
-The Lord blesses us more abundantly when we are grateful for the blessings we've already received.
-We express gratitude for our many blessing in our prayers
*The plan of Salvation
*The Atonement of our Savior
*The Priesthood
*The Church and our Leaders
*The Restoration of the Gospel
*The Scriptures
*The Prophets
*OurHope and Faith, and ability to communicate
*Our eternal Family
*Our great nation and the freedoms enjoyed
*Our opportunity to home educate
-We express our gratitude for our many blessings by the way we live. Keeping the commandments, serving others, expressing thanks for other's service and kindnesses, are all ways to show our appreciation.
Healthy
Prevention
-Our bodies are a gift from our Heavenly Father and with that gift comes a responsibility to take care of it. We sustain the Word of Wisdom in our daily habits. We avoid the abusive substances and try to improve our use of the whole foods.
-Moderation in all things which means to be moderate and gain self-control in our eating, exercise, and rest habits.
-Physical activity is best attained by finding something that we enjoy doing. Work, dancing, sports, active play, or scheduled exercise helps us to become physically fit and get the exercise that our bodies need. It is our responsibiltiy to make sure we are doing something physically active each day.
-Preventative health is as important as treatment. We try to eat, exercise and rest appropriately, try to manage weight and stress and anger, avoid too much sun, have high morals, and wear seat belts in the car and helmets on a bike.
Treatment
-Our medical health isour own responsibility, even under the care of a physician. We tr to take an active role in working with health care professionals and avoid taking medicines or chemical into our bodies if a healthier approach is available We put or faith in the priesthood blessing before believing what the doctor diagnoses.
Prepared
Emergency Preparedness
-We follow the prophet's counsel to get prepared and have a year's supply of food, clothing, and fuel. Through regular inventories and rotation, we maintain this supply so it is ready when needed.
-We have compiled for each family member a 72-hour kit with the essentials needed to take during an emergency. This kit is updated occasionally with food and clothing as time necessitates.
-We have learned some of the basics in first aid and how to treat minor emergencies. We also have an emergency communications system set up on how to notify health care providers of the need for additonal help.
Georgics
-We follow the family apprenticeship to help us verify that each child has been taught the lfie skills necessary to be capable, accomplished, and self-reliant whent they need to go out on their own. These skills help prepare them for most every aspect of their life. We have fun learning these skills and work to earn each career before turning 18.
-We try to follow the prophet's counsel to plant a garden and live off the land. Our dream home has lad for gardening, as well as fruit trees, space for kid's play, a few farm animals, and landscaping. We hope to be able to harvest and preserve enough food from our own efforts to sustain us if need be.
-We are blessed with an abundance and therefore have a greter stewardship to share our bounty. We manage our resources to meet our needs and still be in a position to help others by providing work, and a means to take care of their own. We are not extravagant in our pruchases and maintain a thrify mentality. We pay off our debt and save for missions and unexpected circumstances.
Liber
Purpose
-The Lord wants us to educate our minds & improve our skills and abilities.
-We believe the Lord has a purpose and mission for each of us and has blessed us with special talents and strengths. It isour responsibility to magnify those talents, use them to help others, and bring satisfaction andenjoyment to ourselves.
-We believe the Lord has given us weaknesses/trials so that we will humble oursleves enough to put our trust in him and then he will help turn them into strengths.
-We strive to teach our children HOW to think - not WHAT to think - and expose them to a variety of all the great works and experiences available.
Environment
-Our mottos for our education is "Excellence in Effort"
-Our family loves to learn. Books and resources are abundantly available to seek, learninge even by study and also by faith. Having "School" is part of our regular daily schedule for all ages.
-The books we read, the movies, music, and art we are exposed to, the degree of self-discipline we enforce, the values that surround us will help mold our character. Therefore we seek knowledge out of the best books and participate in anything that is lovely, praiseworthy, or of good report.
Responsibility
-Obtaining an education is the individual's responsibility and must be sought after and sacrificed for by the student - not the teacher.
-We encourage each individual to pursue any and all of their interests. Becoming an expert is not easy but well worth the investment.
-Education is a high priority for our family and we help and support each other as a team with everyone pulling their own weight and completing their assignments.
-Family members are encouraged to seek higher learning and choosing and attending the college of their choice.
-Education and the ability to work hard are both required for success. Each family member decides, with prayer, whether to pursue college or employment, or self-employment.
-Continuing education, espeically for girls, is part of our emergency preparedness, to enable individuals to support oneself and family if necessary.
-A diversity of knowledge willenable the individual to have something to fall back on. We strive to be well-rounded and balanced in our interests and pursuits.
-Working through the pains of learning can be discouraging. We do our best to inspire each other through discussions, support, and building relationships with the material through stoires, games, etc.
Statemen
History
-We understand the significance of living in a free nation and the groundwork the Lord placed in order to bring about the restoration of the gospel on this continent. We are grateful for the privilege of living in this nation and this time in history.
-We have an appreciation for the sacrifice that was paid to gain our freedom and the lives of the founding fathers that made this nation possible. We honor their contributions to this great nation and are familiar with their words of wisdom and the documents they provided for us, namely 'The Declaration of Independence' and 'The Constitution of the United States of America'.
Our Duties
-We understand our duties as a citizen of this nation which includes: obeying the laws of the land, respecting the rights of others, keeping informed on issues of government, making our voice heard by our representatives, voting in elections, serving and defendingour country, assisting the law enforcement agencies, practiciting and teaching good citizenship in our home.
-We recognize the need for leadership in this nation and are in the process of rising to the occasion by acquiring the necessary education to lead a moral nation, even if that means only being the mother/father of moral children.
Provident
Personal Mission
-We believe that each of us has a mission and prupose to fulfill in this earthly life. We strive to find and fulfill that mission by listening to the promptings of the spirit and following the developing our God-given talents, interests, and passions.
-We did not come to this life to have security or safety. Life is risky business and we must always be on guard to fight against passivism, or an all-is-well mentality. Satan is busy and does not rest. We must constantly be prepared for battles against his subtle ways.
-Setting and accomplishing goals keeps us moving in a forward motion. Our goals are lofty yet attainable. Regular evaluation and recommitments keep us on track.
-We all desire to serve afull-time mission in sharing the good news of the gospel wherever the Lord has need of us. We are saving and preparing for that event.
