2013
Come Follow Me
August 2013


“Come Follow Me,” New Era, Aug. 2013, 13

Come, Follow Me

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Come, Follow Me cards

Backgrounds and illustration by iStockphoto/Thinkstock; photograph courtesy of Ryan Houston

A Christ-Centered Home

This month, your Sunday lessons will focus on marriage and strengthening the family (see lds.org/youth/learn), a topic that was talked about a lot in the most recent general conference.

As society continues to devalue the family, it’s important for us to stand strong to protect the family unit in society and also to strengthen our own families at home. Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said that not only parents but also children have an important role in strengthening the family and the feeling of peace at home, and so he counseled:

“Be certain that every decision you make, whether temporal or spiritual, is conditioned on what the Savior would have you do. When He is the center of your home, there is peace and serenity. There is a spirit of assurance that pervades the home, and it is felt by all who dwell there.”

Read more about how to have a Christ-centered family life in his April 2013 general conference address, “For Peace at Home,” at lds.org/go/83Home.

“One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds.”

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “For Peace at Home,” April 2013 general conference

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blessings card

Preparing for a Happy Marriage

It may be natural to think you don’t need to prepare for marriage yet because it could be years away, but you can actually do a lot in your youth to prepare for a fantastic marriage when you enter adulthood. Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy shared several principles of happy marriages:

  • Recognition that the marriage is a pearl beyond price

  • Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

  • Repentance and humility

  • Respect, transparency, and loyalty

  • Love with complete devotion

This month, consider writing down some goals for things you can do today that will help you become the best spouse. After all, the habits you develop today will go with you into your future. Read more from Elder Clayton’s April 2013 general conference address, “Marriage: Watch and Learn,” at lds.org/go/83Watch.

“Seek after the ideal of forming an eternal marriage, including by striving or preparing to be a worthy spouse.”

“No other relationship of any kind can bring as much joy, generate as much good, or produce as much personal refinement.”

Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy, “Marriage: Watch and Learn,” April 2013 general conference

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marriage card