Phase 3: Walk

Being a Father: Plan of Implementation

Week 1- Look up scriptures and conference talks that will help me become a good father. Also, in order to be a good father, I must also strive to be a good husband. I will help my wife with whatever she needs in the last few weeks of her pregnancy.

Week 2- In my prayers I will ask Heavenly Father to help me develop the skills and knowledge to become a good father.  I will ask specifically for personal revelation and to look for those who are good fathers in my own life to guide me

Week 3- I will focus on cleaning the house and getting it in order for the arrival of our baby. I also want to "interview" my dad on ways he feels he was a good father and things he would change or do differently if given the ability.

Week 4- Have our precious child! I will cuddle and kiss her as much as possible all week long!

Week 5- I will pray that my child will grow and develop normally. I will help my wife this week during her recovery and work on my paternal skills by practicing the basics of infant care.

Week 6- Make sure that I am in tune with the spirit so that I am able to give her a baby blessing. This is her first real opportunity for personal revelation just for her so I want to make sure that Heavenly Father is able to communicate through me as perfectly as possible.


***My "plan" is a little up in the air now since our baby came 3 weeks early....but I am still working on the the goals, just not in their original order!

Well first oft, we had our baby girl three weeks early. But, I did what my plan of implantation said but with a few modifications. As I had started my plan, I knew that it would make me a better father and husband by doing these plans. As I had started with week one I was guided by the spirit to read talks that would inspire me to be a good father. Also when reading the biographies of our Prophet and Twelve Apostles there was a common theme among them and that was make time for their families. I am doing my best to spent time with my family because it is important to be with family. As I went along I had the opportunity to talk with my dad about his feels about what it means to be a good father. It was also interesting that he said to spent time with family. We talked about what it is like to be able to care for and hold a child. My dad is not perfect and I won’t be either but the thing that my dad emphasized to me is the importance of being there for your children. Doing this activity has made me want to be the best father. I have many examples of good fathers. They all have different ways of being good fathers and that is what makes them good. I am grateful that I can turn to God in prayer, read from the scriptures and from our lives prophets to help me become the father that our Heavenly Father wants me to be. It is also a good thing that my daughter was born three weeks early, she would have been making finals week harder. God knows what He is doing.  

Personal Revelation

Personal Revelation is a true gift from our Heavenly Father. It is our ability to find out answers and receive guidance for ourselves.  Personal Revelation is a real power upon the earth this day and we have the chance to use it in our lives every single day. When we pray to our Heavenly Father for guidance and answers, we are able to be given those answers that pertain to our specific needs and circumstances. It is such a wonderful knowledge to know that Heavenly Father knows you personally and when you ask for guidance, you are able to receive true and divine wisdom for yourself. It is what separates our faith from others. I know that God is mindful of each one of us and we have the ability and responsibility to receive revelation for ourselves and our families. 

Top 10 Favorite quotes about Personal Revelation

1."There are some practical principles that enhance revelation. First, yielding to emotions such as anger or hurt or defensiveness will drive away the Holy Ghost. Those emotions must be eliminated, or our chance for receiving revelation is slight" Richard G. Scott https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/how-to-obtain-revelation-and-inspiration-for-your-personal-life?lang=eng&query=revelation,

2."We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, and building faith. Faith is the key. Remember Joseph’s preparation for the First Vision: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. … “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” By unwavering faith, we learn for ourselves that “it is by faith that miracles are wrought."" Robert D. Hales https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/personal-revelation-the-teachings-and-examples-of-the-prophets?lang=eng&query=revelation,

3."We pray continuously for guidance, but we shouldn’t expect continuous revelation. We expect continuing revelation, which is the continuing assurance of revelation whenever we seek guidance and our circumstances are such that a wise and loving Lord chooses to give it to us." Dallin H. Oaks https://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/08/in-his-own-time-in-his-own-way?lang=eng, 

4."As the world grows darker, the light of the truth shines brighter. As the hearts of men become colder, the warmth of the Savior’s peace burns stronger. As the noise of tempting voices shout louder, the still, small voice of the Spirit comes with even greater clarity. As evil increases in the world, the Lord sends the power of revelation and spiritual gifts for the righteous." Neil L. Andersen https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/a-classroom-of-faith-hope-and-charity?lang=eng

5. “The ability to quality for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life.” Julie B. Beck https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/and-upon-the-handmaids-in-those-days-will-i-pour-out-my-spirit?lang=eng

6. “As you gain experience and success in being guided by the Spirit, your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear.” Richard G. Scott https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/to-acquire-spiritual-guidance?lang=eng

7. “We need not just one flash of light and comfort, but we need the continuing blessing of communication with God.” Henry B. Eyring https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/continuing-revelation?lang=bul&clang=ase

8. "We should recognize that the Lord will speak to us through the Spirit in His own time and in His own way." Dallin H. Oaks https://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/08/in-his-own-time-in-his-own-way?lang=eng

9. "Temples are places of personal revelation. When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I have gone to the House of the Lord with a prayer in my heart for answers. These answers have come in clear and unmistakable ways." Ezra Taft Benson https://www.lds.org/ensign/1985/08/what-i-hope-you-will-teach-your-children-about-the-temple?lang=eng

10. "In conference we can receive the word of the Lord meant just for us." Robert D. Hales https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/general-conference-strengthening-faith-and-testimony?lang=eng

Raising Children and Being a Father

Becoming a father this semester is hands down the best thing that has ever happened to me. Looking into the eyes of my child, I can see our Heavenly Father’s plan unfolding in my life. I can better understand perfect love and the reality of the sacrifice that He made for all of us in allowing Jesus Christ to die for our sins. Being a family here on earth is what it is all about. We come down into families to learn and to grow and we will return to our ultimate family when we are reunited with our Heavenly Father. He has trusted me with His daughter and I will do everything I can to be an example to her of a true disciple of Christ. 

Top 10 Favorite quotes about Raising Children and Being a Father

1."Remember that the conversion of individuals is only part of the work. Always seek to strengthen families. Teach with a vision of the importance of families being sealed in the temple. … When you have the vision of the sealing ordinances of the temple, you will help build the kingdom of God on earth." Richard G. Scott https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/i-have-given-you-an-example?lang=eng,

2."Parenthood is a sacred privilege, and depending upon faithfulness, it can be an eternal blessing. The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children can be happy at home." Boyd K. Packer https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-witness?lang=eng,

3."Family commitments and expectations should be at the top of our priorities to protect our divine destiny. For those who are looking for more fruitful use of the Sabbath day for the family as a whole, the hastening of this work is fertile ground. … Our precious roots and branches must be nourished." Quentin L. Cook https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/roots-and-branches?lang=eng,

4."Teach yourself and teach your families about the gift of the Holy Ghost and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. You will do no greater eternal work than within the walls of your own home." Boyd K. Packer https://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/05/these-things-i-know?lang=eng

5. "Fathers, yours is an eternal callings from which you are never released." Ezra Taft Benson https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1987/10/to-the-fathers-in-israel?lang=eng

6. "What we are speaks so loudly that our children may not hear what we say." Quentin L. Cook https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/in-tune-with-the-music-of-faith?lang=eng

7. "You will come to know that what appears today to be a sacrifice will prove instead to be the greatest investment that you will ever make." Gordon B. Hinckley https://www.lds.org/new-era/2002/10/words-of-the-prophet-forget-yourself-and-go?lang=eng

8. "We have the responsibility to preserve and protect the family as the basic unit of society and eternity." L. Tom Perry https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/finding-lasting-peace-and-building-eternal-families?lang=eng

9. "There should be no yelling in the home unless there is a fire." David O. McKay https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1998/04/agency-and-anger?lang=eng

10. "The greatest thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother." Elaine S. Dalton https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/love-her-mother?lang=eng

11. "Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar His face is to us." Ezra Taft Benson https://www.lds.org/ensign/1988/12/jesus-christ-gifts-and-expectations?lang=eng

12. "I gave him to you because I knew you could and would love him no matter what he did." Henry B. Eyring https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/to-my-grandchildren?lang=eng&clang=ase

Family Home Evening

 Family Home Evening is the best thing to be doing with your families. Family Home Evening is the specific time set aside to spend time with your family learning about the Gospel and ways to apply principles in everyday life. It is the time that Parents can teach their children about the Gospel. Elder Bednar once said “that our children may not remember what was taught but they will remember that they always had Family Home Evening”. When growing up we always had Family Home Evening and just like Elder Bednar said I don’t remember what was taught but my parents always had it. Family Home Evening is part of the family foundation. 

Top 10 Favorite quotes about Family Home Evening

1."We are to teach our children in a well-organized, regular family home evening. No other activities should involve our family members on Monday night. This designated time is to be with our families." L. Tom Perry https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/the-importance-of-the-family?lang=eng&query=Family+Home+Evening,

2."Hold family home evening every week. As parents, we are sometimes too intimidated to teach or testify to our children. I have been guilty of that in my own life. Our children need to have us share spiritual feelings with them and to teach and bear testimony to them." Robert D. Hales https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/04/strengthening-families-our-sacred-duty?lang=eng&query=Family+Home+Evening,

3."I begin with family home evening. We cannot afford to neglect this heaven-inspired program. It can bring spiritual growth to each member of the family, helping him or her to withstand the temptations which are everywhere. The lessons learned in the home are those that last the longest." Thomas S. Monson https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/constant-truths-for-changing-times?lang=eng&media=video,

4. "Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results." David A. Bednar https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/more-diligent-and-concerned-at-home?lang=eng&query=Family+Home+Evening

5. "Parents must bring light and truth into their homes. By one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time." L. Tom Perry https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/mothers-teaching-children-in-the-home?lang=eng

6. “We cannot afford to neglect this Heaven-inspired program. It can bring spiritual growth and to each member of the family helping him or her withstanding the temptations which are everywhere. The lessons learned in the home are the ones that last the longest”. Thomas S. Monson. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/constant-truths-for-changing-times?lang=eng&media=video

7. “The home is the basis of a righteous life, and no other instrumentality can take its place nor fulfill its essential functions.” Gordon B. Hinckley https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/constant-truths-for-changing-times?lang=eng

8. “Hold family home evening every week. As parents, we are sometimes too intimidated to teach or testify to our children. I have been guilty of that in my own life. Our children need to have us share spiritual feelings with them and to teach and bear testimony to them”. Robert D. Hales https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/04/strengthening-families-our-sacred-duty?lang=eng

9. “When we are consistently praying morning and night, studying our scriptures daily, having weekly family home evening, and attending the temple regularly, we are actively responding to His invitation to “come unto Him.” – Richard G. Scott https://www.lds.org/new-era/2014/11/general-conference-is-for-you/apostles-speak-to-us?lang=eng

10. “So if you are trying to do the best you can—if, for example, you keep trying to hold family home evening in spite of the bedlam that sometimes reigns in a houseful of little bedlamites—then give yourself high marks and, when we come to that subject, listen for another which addresses a topic where you may be lacking. If we teach by the Spirit and you listen by the Spirit, some one of us will touch on your circumstance, sending a personal prophetic epistle just to you”. Elder Holland https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/an-ensign-to-the-nations?lang=eng

11. "Staying close to the Lord, going to church together, reading scriptures together, praying together, having Family Home Evening, going to the temple together... All of that can do SO MUCH for a marriage relationship and can help you connect even more and grow even closer". Unknown.

Prayer

Prayer is our opportunity to communicate with our Father in Heaven. He wants us to pray and talk to Him. He loves us and wants to hear from us about everyday topics as well as the things that are pulling on our hearts. It is a way that we can turn to Him when we are in need, to give thanks, to ask questions and for daily guidance. We also have the blessing of receiving revelation when we pray to our Heavenly Father. It is a way to directly community with God. We should all be praying personally every morning and night. He hears and answers EVERY prayer. Sometimes it is not always how we hoped or thought, but He will always listen and always answer in the way that will benefit our lives and eternal progression the most. 

Top 10 Favorite quotes about Prayer

1."We pray continuously for guidance, but we shouldn’t expect continuous revelation. We expect continuing revelation, which is the continuing assurance of revelation whenever we seek guidance and our circumstances are such that a wise and loving Lord chooses to give it to us." Dallin H. Oaks https://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/08/in-his-own-time-in-his-own-way?lang=eng, 

2."As you pray for forgiveness, you will find yourself forgiving others. As you thank God for His kindness, you will think of others, by name, who need your kindness. Again, that experience will surprise you every day, and over time it will change you." Henry B. Eyring https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-priesthood-man?lang=eng,

3."Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let Him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with Him in Christ's name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear His voice." Dieter F. Uchtdorf https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/the-hope-of-gods-light?lang=eng,

4."As we remember prayer and take time to turn to the scriptures, our lives will be infinitely more blessed and our burdens will be made lighter." Thomas S. Monson https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/we-never-walk-alone?lang=eng

5. “Prayer is the provider of the spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak with Him in prayer and then listen for the answer.  Miracles are wrought through prayer”. Thomas S. Monson https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/be-your-best-self?lang=eng

6. “By becoming the answer to someone’s prayer, we often find the answer to our own”. Dieter F. Uchtdorf  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/waiting-on-the-road-to-damascus?lang=eng

7. “Prayer is your personal key to heaven”. Boyd K. Packer https://www.lds.org/liahona/1997/06/personal-revelation-the-gift-the-test-and-the-promise?lang=eng

8. “Heavenly Father hears your prayers. He loves you. He knows your name”. Henry B. Eyring https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/continuing-revelation?lang=eng

9.  “God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can’t if you don’t pray, and He can’t if you don’t dream. In short, He can’t if you don’t believe”. Jeffery R. Holland https://www.lds.org/ensign/2007/07/this-the-greatest-of-all-dispensations?lang=eng

10. “Family prayer should be a nonnegotiable priority in your daily life”. Richard G. Scott https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/make-the-exercise-of-faith-your-first-priority?lang=eng

Pornography

Pornography is a deadly disease that will kill the soul. We have been taught that pornography is not to be taken lightly. If we view it, it will consume us. It will destroy lives, tear apart families, and ultimately destroy your life. All of our leaders have warned us about the effects of what pornography can do. At least every conference our leaders have pleaded with us to stay away from it. The devil has made it to look so pleasing, but once consumed our natural man will tell us that we want more. The only way to keep it from consuming us is by simply not viewing it. If we do fall into its trap we can use the Atonement and get out.   

Top 10 Favorite quotes about Pornography

1. Let us all improve our personal behavior and redouble our efforts to protect our loved ones and our environment from the onslaught of pornography. Dallin H. Oaks https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng&query=pornography+quotes,  

2. The computer is a wonderful instrument when it is properly used. But when it is used to deal with pornography or so-called chat rooms or for any other purpose that leads to evil practices or evil thoughts, then there must be self-discipline enough to turn it off. Gordon B. Hinckley https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/rise-up-o-men-of-god?lang=eng&query=pornography+quotes,

3. “Then suddenly, there appears before us in this generation a sinister and diabolical enemy—pornography. Like the bark beetle it too is the carrier of a deadly disease. I shall name it “pernicious permissiveness.” Thomas S. Monson https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1979/10/pornography-the-deadly-carrier?lang=eng&query=pornography+quotes,  

4. “My brothers and sisters, involvement in such will literally destroy the spirit. Be strong. Be clean. Avoid such degrading and destructive types of content at all costs—wherever they may be! I sound this warning to everyone, everywhere. I add—particularly to the young people” Thomas S. Monson https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/until-we-meet-again?lang=eng&query=pornography+quotes

5. "The greatest filter in the world is the personal internal filter that comes from a deep and abiding testimony of our Heavenly Father's love and our Savior's atoning sacrifice for each one of us." Linda S. Reeves https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/protection-from-pornography-a-christ-focused-home?lang=eng

6. "Don't accommodate any degree of temptation. Prevent sin and avoid having to deal with its inevitable destruction." Dallin H. Oaks https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng

7. "Pornography is not some titillating feast for the eyes that gives a momentary rush of excitement. Rather, it has the effect of damaging hearts and souls to their very depths, strangling the life out of relationships that should be sacred, hurting to the very core those you should love the most." Gordon B. Hinckley https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/10/a-tragic-evil-among-us?lang=eng

8. "To collect pornography, view it, or carry it around in any form is akin to keeping a rattlesnake in your backpack. It exposes you to the serpent's strike with its injection of deadly venom." Boyd K. Packer https://www.lds.org/liahona/2014/08/youth/truths-most-worth-knowing?lang=eng

9. “I testify to you that your body, mind and spirit can be transformed, cleansed and made whole and you will be freed”. - M Russell Ballard https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/o-that-cunning-plan-of-the-evil-one?lang=eng

10. “Pornography is everywhere with its seductive invitation. You must turn away from it. It can enslave you. It can destroy you. Recognize it for what it is-tawdry and sleazy stuff created and distributed by those who grow rich at the expense of those who see it”. Gordon B. Hinckley https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/10/an-ensign-to-the-nations-a-light-to-the-world?lang=gil&clang=ase

11.  "The onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms has caused great grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages. It is one of the most damning influences on earth." —Richard G. Scott https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/to-acquire-spiritual-guidance?lang=eng

Agency

Agency is our ability to make choices for ourselves while here on earth – whether they be righteous or not. Agency allows us to be who we need to be. It is a true gift of our Heavenly Father. Without the gift of agency, we would all be the same. We would not have our individuality or identity. Because we were given agency, we have the power to cultivate ourselves how we choose. We can develop ourselves and change for the better. Agency is a blessing to us all. We are following Heavenly Fathers plan when we use our agency for righteousness and to bring His plan to fruition here on earth. I am so thankful for my ability to choose for myself that which I know will make me eternally happy.

Top 10 Favorite quotes about Agency

1."Each day is a day of decision, and our decisions determine our destiny." Russell M. Nelson https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/decisions-for-eternity?lang=eng, 

2."We cannot force God’s children to choose the way to happiness. God cannot do that because of the agency He has given us." Henry B. Eyring https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/to-my-grandchildren?lang=eng,

3."The choice is yours, and the choice is mine, remembering that our choices, our decisions, determine our destiny. God will guide you in your determination to serve Him and keep His commandments as you listen, as you learn, as you labor, and as you love." Thomas S. Monson https://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/08/youth/four-words-to-guide-you?lang=eng

4. "As we strive to understand, internalize, and live correct gospel principles, we will become more spiritually self-reliant. The principle of spiritual self-reliance grows out of a fundamental doctrine of the Church that God has granted us—agency." Dieter F. Uchtdorf https://www.lds.org/liahona/2005/11/christlike-attributes-the-wind-beneath-our-wings?lang=eng

5. "We must choose whom to follow." Boyd K. Packer https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-witness?lang=eng

6. "Our fathers gave us liberty. Our vigilance must preserve it." J. Rueben Clark http://www.latterdayconservative.com/articles/some-fundamental-principles-of-our-constitution/

7. "Our choice in this life is not whether we will or will not to subject to any power. Our choice is to which authority we will yield obedience: God's or Satan's." D. Todd Christofferson http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=344

8. "We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails." Thomas S. Monson https://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/01/living-the-abundant-life?lang=eng

9. "Christlike attributes come into our lives as we exercise our agency righteously." Dieter F. Uchtdorf  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/christlike-attributes-the-wind-beneath-our-wings?lang=eng

10. "Agency is your power to become. Each choice takes you closer to or further from what you are meant to become." Randall L. Ridd https://www.lds.org/general-conference/print/2014/04/the-choice-generation?lang=eng

11. "Obedience is a choice. It is a choice between our own limited knowledge and power and God's unlimited wisdom and omnipotence." L. Tom Perry https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/obedience-through-our-faithfulness?lang=eng

12. "Unless overcome by serving others, selfishness leads to serious sin, with its depressing feelings and binding chains. It is the crowbar Satan uses to open a heart to temptation in order to destroy agency". Elder Richard G. Scott https://www.lds.org/ensign/1989/05/trust-in-the-lord?lang=eng&query=Elder+Richard+G.+Scott