Cause for Concern: Pornography

Last week at the grocery store I was busy putting my cart load of groceries on the moving conveyer belt for the checker who was checking me out.  As I lifted the eggs and bread my beautiful four year old daughter said," Mom look, she is not modest."  She pointed at a very inappropriate magazine cover in the check out line.   It was the kind of picture that you see and then feel sick that we live in such a crazy world that people view it as normal.  I turned her head and quietly talked to her and explained that I agree, she is not modest and suggested we look the other way so that we don't have to see that picture.

How sad, why do our children have to be so exposed to such pictures at a young age?

This morning while getting ready I listened to a podcast on Power of Moms, entitled "Pornography: A Totally Doable Plan for Protecting Our Kids."  It was an excellent discussion about how as mothers we can protect our children by teaching them when they are young the difference between good pictures and bad pictures.  The discussion was with Kristen Jenson, author of Good Pictures Bad Pictures.  I have not read the book, but it sounds like a great resource to help our children.  This is a serious problem in our world today that is affecting so many people, ruining young minds, and damaging families.

Our church has a mormon message regarding the pain and heartbreak that can be caused by pornography.

So what can we do as mother's to protect our children?  We can teach and talk to them.  I knew what I needed to do.  This morning I called the manager of our local grocery store, I explained my concern of the magazine covers with women with very little clothing on and the manager was so helpful.  He explained that they have plastic covers that they can put in front of the magazine to cover the photo.  He said that he would get right on it to make sure that inappropriate pictures are not right at eye level (and are covered with the plastic cover) for my innocent four year old to see next time I am in the check out line.  I am grateful that he was so willing to understand and willing to help me protect my children.  

Following this experience we took time to talk with all of our children about pornography and how to avoid it and what to do when we happen upon something that is a "bad picture."  It our technological world it is a subject that needs to be clearly addressed at home.  

Meet The Mormons

Yesterday we were able to take our family to the new movie.  It was wonderful!  Regardless of your religious beliefs it was incredible to see the power of choice and faith in the lives of individuals who are striving to follow Jesus Christ.  It made me think, "Am I living up to my divine potential?"

General Conference Traditions

Two times each year our Prophet and 12 Apostle speak to us.  It is a special conference that is broadcast throughout the world in many different languages.  Our family gathers around our computer to watch it on the internet.  It takes place on the first Saturday and Sunday in October and April.  

It is a time that we all look forward to.  We block our schedules and enjoy spending that time together as a family.  

Today as the little kids and I ate lunch we read a short article in our church magazine, the "Ensign".  (October 2013 Ensign)

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?”

by Tina Spencer

Fifteen days before the start of each general conference, our family hangs up our sign announcing the beginning of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” Then we add the latest pictures of our prophets, seers, and revelators from the previous conference edition of the Church magazines.

I prepare by researching the prophet we will welcome that night. Sometimes I find objects around the house to represent a few things I found out, and I put them on a plate. During dinner, as I tell stories about each item, everyone tries to guess who it is. Other times, I tell a story or two that the prophet shared during the previous general conference.

I am amazed at the things my children remember about our beloved prophets and apostles, and I know this simple game has increased my love and knowledge of these great men also.

I reallly liked this idea.  It would be a great way to learn about past Prophets or current Apostles so I went to the computer and found this great website that has pictures of the Apostles and facts about them.  I am excited for our kids to learn more about these great men that are tremendous examples of Christ. 

http://lds.about.com/library/bl/games/apostlecards_new.pdf

Last Conference our oldest daughter set up a "Conference Concessions."  If the kids listened and took notes durning the morning session of General Conference and were obedient and quick to do their chores durning the week leading up to General Conference they were able to earn fake money and use their fake money to buy snacks in between the morning and afternoon sessions.   

The older kids take notes or draw pictures in their journal about what they are learning.  I always print a packet for the younger kids like this one.  

The Monday after Conference our Family Home Evening Lesson is review of what we have learned and how we plan to apply it to our lives.

  

Words of Inspiration

Watch General Conference April 2013

Saturday, April 6, 2013

I love that our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is set up just as Christ's church when he was on the earth.  We have a prophet and twelve apostles that teach us of Jesus Christ and inspire us to follow him. The first weekend in April and October they speak to us and teach us.  I sit and listen intently and look for answers to questions in my own life.  I always come away with my heart filled to overflowing.

Here are my "one liners" from speakers.  Not actual quotes, but one thing they talked about that inspired me.

President Boyd K. Packer-
Satan is attacking families.  

Elder Davies-
We need a sure foundation, build on the rock, Jesus Christ.

Sister Elaine S. Dalton-
We are all different and unique, but our part matters.  

Elder Cardon
Remember what Christ taught: Forgive 70 x 7. 

Elder Ballard
We have unlimited divine potential.  

Elder Eyering
As we serve we draw near to Christ.  

Elder Scott
Living an obedient life firmly rooted in Christ provides the greatest chance for peace in our home life.

Elder Cook
World peace is not always possible, but through Christ we can have personal peace.

Elder Ellis
We are not spiritual orphans, we are children of God.  

Elder Dickson
There are wonderful people throughout the world.

Elder Bednar
Marriage between man and woman is ordained of God, how we use the power of procreation will determine our happiness in this life. 

Elder Nelson-
Parents have a great responsibility to prepare children to be future missionaries.