Principles For Marriage

One of the challenges in marriage can be creating healthy ties with in-laws and extended families.  For myself, this has not been a major struggle.  I have been married for 11 years now. I feel blessed my in-law relationships and acceptance into extended families have transitioned smoothly.   Although in-law relationships have not been a challenge for me, I feel I have learned some valuable lessons along the way.   In the book,  Helping and healing our families: Principles and practices inspired by "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"  James Harper and Susanne Olsen discuss  how to create healthy ties with in-laws and extended family.  I will also share some teachings from this book. First lesson, is form your own identity as a married couple.  In Genesis 2:24 we are commanded to: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife."  Cleaving to our spouses does not just mean ph...

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages couples and families to have weekly family councils.  Some may ask, “What are family councils?”  A family council is an opportunity for family members to discuss things.  This could range from talking about problems, planned activities, struggles and triumphs, ways to help one another, and making various family decisions.  Councils within the church play a crucial role in the organization and implementation of the various programs, procedures, and policies.  In 1997 Elder M. Russell Ballard teaches about general councils in the church in the article “Counseling with our Councils”.  Below are specific principles he highlights that are especially relevant and applicable to a family council. Start with a prayer and request the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Prayer can have a powerful influence within a family and allows the Spirit to soften and humble hearts. Everyone shares thou...