Guardians of the Hearth

This past Sunday we had a great lesson based on one of the chapters from this new Relief Society book.  This book has been a great addition to the R.S. curriculum, it's been very helpful for me when preparing my lessons.  Our R.S. president taught this week from Chapter 9, "Guardians of the Hearth".

I just wanted to share some of my favorite quotes from the lesson. 

"Call your children around you...and pray with them...Warn the children of the evils that surround us...that they may not become a prey to these evils, but grow up in holiness and in purity before the Lord.  Be diligent in all the duties of life, as mothers and wives...Let us be careful to speak with wisdom before our little ones, avoid fault-finding...and cultivate the higher attributes of our nature, that will tend to elevate, refine and purify the heart...We should take the utmost pains to teach the children of Zion to be honest, virtuous, upright and punctual in all their duties; also to be industrious and keep the Sabbath day holy...Mothers should never speak a word detrimental to the father's best interest before the children, for they are close observers.  Sow good seeds in their young and tender minds, and always prefer principle to policy, thus you will lay up treasures in heaven."  Sister Zina D.H. Young

This one really says it all when it comes to raising our children in these latter days.  Things that we should be teaching our children everyday are listed throughout, and I feel that it is a great reminder to me.  Especially when everyday life keeps me busy, sometimes I may forget to uphold all these principles.


"There is an art to being a homemaker.  For ourselves and for our families, it is important that we have a sanctuary--a place of refuge away from the world where we feel comfortable and where, if others come, they, too, can feel comfortable."  Sister Barbara W. Winder, eleventh Relief Society general president

I felt this growing up in my parents home, and I hope to continue that on for our family.


"To nurture means to cultivate, care for, and make grow.  Therefore, mothers [should] create a climate for spiritual and temporal growth in their homes...Nurturing mothers are knowledgeable, but all the education women attain will avail them nothing if they do not have the skill to make a home that creates a climate for spiritual growth...Nurturing requires organization, patience, love, and work.  Helping growth occur through nurturing in truly a powerful and influential role bestowed on women."  Sister Julie B. Beck current Relief Society president

I love how Sister Beck explains the word nurture and the things that are required of us to be good nurturers.  It's definitely an action word to me, and I need to get to work!  :)