At Conference, Elder Ballard reminded us of the series of talks he has been giving us lately. Like many of you, I have forgotten them.  This is just another example of why great talks should be remembered, and referred to, often.

Starting with “Daughters of God”, he talks about motherhood and offers answers to some common questions.

Q.  What can you do to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?
A.            1)  “Live in the moment”.  Love your children at every age.
                2)   Don’t overschedule yourselves or your children.  Families need unstructured time together.
                3)   Take time to cultivate your own gifts and interests.
                4)   Pray, study, and teach the gospel to your children.

Q.  What more can a husband do to support his wife?
A.            1)   Show extra appreciation and give more validation to your wife.
                2)   Talk to your wife regularly: about her, about kids, about how you can help more.
                3)   Give your wife a “day away” now and then.
                4)   Come home from work and be with the family.

Q.  What can children do?
A.            1)   Pick up your toys, and do chores, without being asked.
                2)   Say thank you more often
                3)   Put your arms around your mother and say “I love you”.

Q.  What can the Church do?
A.            Bishoprics should know their families well enough to help them appropriately.  Be wise in extending callings.  Make sure that the women in your ward feel valued.

So, how could we have forgotten THAT talk?  Important thoughts and ideas continue:

In his talk, “Learning the Lessons of the Past”, Elder Ballard cautions us to see and recognize the cycle of righteousness followed by wickedness.  “Learning the lessons of the past allows you to build personal testimony on a solid bedrock of obedience, faith, and the witness of the Spirit.”  This talk reminds us to check our testimony, check the path we are taking, and bring our children along.

Next, he spoke to the men, in the Priesthood session.  “Fathers and Sons” have to nurture their relationship, because all sons look up to their fathers.  Elder Ballard offers advice for each party. First to the sons:

1)      Trust your father.  He may not be perfect, but he loves you.
2)      Take an interest in your father’s life.  Ask him questions about his youth, his job, etc.  Watch how he conducts himself.
3)      Ask your father for advice.  That is, ask before he forces it on you.

Now for the fathers:

1)      REALLY listen to your sons.  No judgment, just ears.
2)      Find a way to connect.  Share an interest regularly.
3)      Did he mention listening? 
4)      Pray with and for your sons.  Never give up on them.
5)      Dare to have the “big talks” with your sons.
6)      I think he said to keep listening again, without giving too much advice.

I think something that warms the heart of a mother more than anything else is seeing a good, strong relationship between her husband and her children.

Now, for the “Mothers and Daughters”.  Face it, men are pretty straight forward and one dimensional (and that’s actually a good thing).  Women, on the other hand, can be a little wild and crazy.  Right?  Elder Ballard says, “My dear young women, with all my heart I urge you not to look to contemporary culture for your role models and mentors.”  He begs the young women to look to their mothers for advice, example, and acceptance.  In turn, mothers need to keep high standards, and values, of courage and faithfulness.

Young Women:  “Love your mother.  Respect her.  Listen to her.  Trust her.  She cares about your eternal safety and happiness.  So be kind to her.”

Too many of our girls are blowing their mother’s off as “old fashioned idiots” (thanks to Hollywood).  Girls, please recognize that we want to protect you from the flashy lights of false happiness.  Of course, the world is attractive.  Satan knows exactly how to draw us in.  But we love you and want you to feel true joy that only the Spirit can bring.

Mothers:  “(Your daughter) watches you to see if your actions match your words.  Teach your daughters to find joy in nurturing children.  Teach your daughters to be faithful daughters of God.  Teach your daughters about things of the Spirit.”

Every one of these talks is worthy of our close examination.  He warns us…”in these last days it is essential—even critical—that parents and children listen to and learn from one another.”  Why would that be the case?  Because our eternal family depends on our conduct toward each other here upon the earth.

Elder Ballard’s Talks:

1)      Daughters of God, Ensign, May 2008
2)      Learning the Lessons of the Past, Ensign, May 2009
3)      Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship, Ensign, Nov 2009
4)      Mothers and Daughters, Ensign, Apr 2010