At the end of 2011 around Christmas time we (Kyle and Natalie) approached our children and their spouses about having a regular family council. We talked about the benefits of counseling together. We discussed the problems that arise when families don't stay connected and let petty things get in the way of progressing together and working together for the good of the whole family. We shared our Stake Presidents vision about using councils in the home that are patterned after the Savior. We set a goal to start in January 2012 and to meet monthly.
In January we met for the first time. We began with an inviting the spirit exercise that we have used before- the last time we did this was when Joshua came home from his mission. It is a very effective tool and leaves everyone feeling accepted, loved and open to communicate. There are about 8-10 items written on slips of paper that each person gets one. You sit your chairs all in a circle, with no books, tables, barriers of any kind to be "between" each of you. The person in charge welcomes everyone and tells why you are gathered and that we are seeking the spirit to be here unrestrained. The person with the prayer slip starts with prayer. All kneel for the prayer. Afterward each person takes a turn to do what is on their slip. There are things like share your favorite scripture about the Savoir, Lead us in a song, tell someone why you love them, Share your testimony of the Savior etc. I LOVED DOING THIS TOGETHER. Then we began our first ever Larsen Family Council. We did a brain storm session on topics we thought our family needed to work on there were many good ideas which I hope we get to them all but we chose what we thought was the most important. It was due to council from our Bishop to increase/improve our temple attendance this year. Kyle and I felt for a long time that we have not set a good example of this in our home of what adequate temple service looks like. We also set our next topic to be on improving our communication. I apologize that this is from memory instead of the notes that I took but at least I am putting it down now, right?
Temple goal - start wherever you are and simple improve quality and quantity of temple attendance and share your experiences on this blog. Aerika created the Blog for us Thanks Honey! SHARE FAMILY SHARE!
In February we reported back on our temple experiences and encouraged each other.
In March we had a very fun birthday party for Kyle complete with "love notes" stuck everywhere we could think of, oh walls, all over in his car, in pockets of clothing, any place for him to find now and later and know how much we love and appreciate him in our lives.
In April during conference I had many talks inspire ways we can improve communication with each other and I asked all the family to re-read "Abiding in the Lord's Territory" and be prepared to discuss it as it relates to communication. When we met in May we had a great discussion and made a goal to improve the tone we use with each other. We also decided to set up a combined calendar for the family to keep each other informed on activities that we may want to all participate in. Thanks Curt for getting this started for us SHARE FAMILY SHARE!
From now on I vow to put notes about the meeting here right away that way they will be more accurate and we can all benefit from remembering what our purposes are and "returning and reporting" here too.
Love you All
The Mamma
