September 2025

March 27, 1836, was a special date both on earth and in heaven. For the first time since 70 AD, a temple of God was available for men and women to worship in. Many saints who were present for the dedication saw angels celebrating the return of temple blessings to the world. The Lord Jesus Christ shared His own joy of the temple’s completion in Doctrine and Covenants 110:6-7, when he said, “let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name. For behold, I have accepted this house…”.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized according to the Lord’s instructions, as detailed in this week’s reading in the Doctrine and Covenants. One of the ways we can apply the Lord’s guidance in these sections to our families is to establish councils within our homes. We should, with our children, “sit in council with them, and to teach them their duty, edifying one another” (D&C 107:85).

Zion’s Camp was less of an army marching to liberate Missouri and more of a multi-week training in how to be a true saint. Those who showed they trusted in the Lord by following the Prophet Joseph received a massive boost to their faith, giving them strength for the road ahead: “That they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience” (Doctrine and Covenants 105:10).

Doctrine and Covenants 97 was given to the saints as both a blessing of comfort and instruction. With persecution growing around them, the saints needed to know the will of the Lord to guide them. Jesus Christ spoke peace to the saints through the Prophet Joseph, encouraging them to wait “patiently on the Lord” and to do what He would do, even if it meant further persecution (D&C 97:2).

It’s easy to think that, as parents, we’re not doing enough to give our children a good life. The world is always persuading us to look at what others are doing and tells us our kids are missing out on extravagant trips, the latest entertainment systems, and privileged extracurricular activities. Yet these experiences will fall short of the positive impact that regular family prayer, daily scripture study, and keeping covenants can have on our children.