Bubba came up with the short answer. Here's the long answer. (Anyone who wants this as a printable PDF file, email me).
1. We will help each family member develop an active testimony of the Gospel and learn to live by the spirit.
An active testimony is one that keeps growing. It also implies a testimony that is more than just words but moves the bearer to have integrity of action and thought. We will all provide opportunities and an atmosphere that encourages and invites the spirit and help each family member to recognize the feelings and situations which result when the spirit is present.
The spirit is present when we lose ourselves in the service and love of others. The spirit is present when surroundings are orderly and organized. The spirit is present when music, TV, and literature are appropriate and uplifting. The spirit is present when selfishness, fighting, murmuring, and bickering are controlled.
An active testimony is a gift of the spirit and maintaining that testimony is a result of living by the spirit and following it. Personal and family prayer coupled with reading the scriptures will lead to a greater love of one another.
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2. We will have respect for ourselves and others. A part of that respect is to value each person as an individual with innate value and characteristics.
Each of us came to this earth with talents and qualities that were earned and developed in the pre-existence. This life is an opportunity to learn the control of our physical bodies that will enable our spirits to continue their progression. When we esteem ourselves and others as children of a Heavenly Father, we encourage divine respect for our bodies as a part of our eternal being and we come closer to behavior that demonstrates our ability to control ourselves. With an understanding of self we must also value others.
Respect will be demonstrated by a lack of self-pride, judgment, put-downs, and criticism of self and others. Open conversation about differences and helping others to value other's opinions is essential to valuing ourselves. We will always try to think of other family members first and how our actions may benefit them. Everyone is special. We will learn to accept the strengths and weaknesses of others without comparing our abilities to them. As a family we work together to complement and encourage each other.
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3. Each person should be as independent, self-reliant and self-sufficient as possible. Learn to love work and have satisfaction in a job well done.
An integral part of self esteem is the feeling that we are capable of caring for ourselves and contributing to the well being of others. Because each person has different talents they need to be encouraged in the areas which bring them fulfillment and help them learn to be independent.
Each person needs to understand and develop their unique talents. We will encourage each other to well rounded development in the general areas of spiritual development, physical development, academic achievement, and a skill which can always be relied upon to make a living if necessary. The ability to care for yourself enables you to extend yourself and care for others as the need might arise.
Family members working together on projects and jobs learn to love work and to value it beyond the compensation it might provide.
--------------------
4. We will learn to search for opportunities for service and to act upon them.
We will learn to have compassion for others.
Everyone has an opportunity to serve others. By watching for these opportunities and acting upon them we learn to think of others and try to meet their needs. Non-judgmental assistance brings us closer to Christ.
We will seek opportunities to serve others. We will encourage each other to serve without thought of compensation. We will involve children in service, home teaching, and visiting teaching opportunities. We will openly express thanks to those who serve us and to our Father in Heaven for opportunities to serve others.
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5. We will value and promote integrity; honesty with self and with others.
By demonstrating and teaching honesty we will help each family member to learn the peace of mind that comes by living in harmony with the teachings of the gospel. We will be consistent in helping children recognize their own actions and how they are weighed against what they profess to believe.
Being honest with yourself must begin with a statement of what you believe to be true. All truth is the same.
Way to go Paul for hitting the nail on the head. I hope you all remember and prescribe to them. While these were decided on in 1993 they still provide the same excellent guidance. And the prize is the standard prize for any family quiz - a wet slobbery kiss from Pops (kinda makes you wonder why anyone wants to win).
And good try by Bubba - probably got his answer from one of his house guests while she was making him dinner.
Yeah, she was making dinner actually. Breakfast burritos. It was delicious. But that's besides the point I want to make. I noticed that these "family values" were enumerated in 1993. For those of you who don't know, that would have been the year I turned eight. First of all, they have not been hammered into my head at any point beyond this, in fact I only vaguely recall their existence. Second of all, depending on when exactly this Bill of Virtues was penned, I may not even have been accountable. If that's the case, I think I'm entitled to a share of the prize.
Bubba makes a good point. 1993 was a long time ago and I think new values are in order. Here's what I thought they were, and maybe some of these should be added. 1. Love God above all else. 2. Pretend to love your family. 3. Eat bbq weekly. 4. Live in Texas at LEAST once. Stay as long as you can. 5. Do not ignore your fat when it tells you it's hungry. It is vital to feed it when necessary...which is always. 6. Sleep as much as possible even if it means missing out on multiple social events. 7. Do not participate in social events. 8. Be careful that what ever toilet you sit on is able to handle what's about to happen. Especially after a good Mexican fiesta. 9. With the exception of Sarah's kids, all grandkids must live far away. This way Sarah's kids get all the time with the best grandparents ever! 10. Bubba MUST be your favorite, no matter what you truly think about him.
Finally! A good argument! It's refreshing to hear someone legitimately challenge my place as favorite. It will fall on deaf ears, but at least it's a new take.
Faith
ReplyDeleteDivine Nature
Individual Worth
Knowledge
Choice and Accountability
Good Works
Integrity
Booya. What did I win?
Bubba came up with the short answer. Here's the long answer. (Anyone who wants this as a printable PDF file, email me).
ReplyDelete1. We will help each family member develop an active testimony of the Gospel and learn to live by the spirit.
An active testimony is one that keeps growing. It also implies a testimony that is more than just words but moves the bearer to have integrity of action and thought. We will all provide opportunities and an atmosphere that encourages and invites the spirit and help each family member to recognize the feelings and situations which result when the spirit is present.
The spirit is present when we lose ourselves in the service and love of others. The spirit is present when surroundings are orderly and organized. The spirit is present when music, TV, and literature are appropriate and uplifting. The spirit is present when selfishness, fighting, murmuring, and bickering are controlled.
An active testimony is a gift of the spirit and maintaining that testimony is a result of living by the spirit and following it. Personal and family prayer coupled with reading the scriptures will lead to a greater love of one another.
--------------------
2. We will have respect for ourselves and others. A part of that respect is to value each person as an individual with innate value and characteristics.
Each of us came to this earth with talents and qualities that were earned and developed in the pre-existence. This life is an opportunity to learn the control of our physical bodies that will enable our spirits to continue their progression. When we esteem ourselves and others as children of a Heavenly Father, we encourage divine respect for our bodies as a part of our eternal being and we come closer to behavior that demonstrates our ability to control ourselves. With an understanding of self we must also value others.
Respect will be demonstrated by a lack of self-pride, judgment, put-downs, and criticism of self and others. Open conversation about differences and helping others to value other's opinions is essential to valuing ourselves. We will always try to think of other family members first and how our actions may benefit them. Everyone is special. We will learn to accept the strengths and weaknesses of others without comparing our abilities to them. As a family we work together to complement and encourage each other.
--------------------
3. Each person should be as independent, self-reliant and self-sufficient as possible. Learn to love work and have satisfaction in a job well done.
An integral part of self esteem is the feeling that we are capable of caring for ourselves and contributing to the well being of others. Because each person has different talents they need to be encouraged in the areas which bring them fulfillment and help them learn to be independent.
Each person needs to understand and develop their unique talents. We will encourage each other to well rounded development in the general areas of spiritual development, physical development, academic achievement, and a skill which can always be relied upon to make a living if necessary. The ability to care for yourself enables you to extend yourself and care for others as the need might arise.
Family members working together on projects and jobs learn to love work and to value it beyond the compensation it might provide.
--------------------
4. We will learn to search for opportunities for service and to act upon them.
We will learn to have compassion for others.
Everyone has an opportunity to serve others. By watching for these opportunities and acting upon them we learn to think of others and try to meet their needs. Non-judgmental assistance brings us closer to Christ.
We will seek opportunities to serve others. We will encourage each other to serve without thought of compensation. We will involve children in service, home teaching, and visiting teaching opportunities. We will openly express thanks to those who serve us and to our Father in Heaven for opportunities to serve others.
--------------------
5. We will value and promote integrity; honesty with self and with others.
By demonstrating and teaching honesty we will help each family member to learn the peace of mind that comes by living in harmony with the teachings of the gospel. We will be consistent in helping children recognize their own actions and how they are weighed against what they profess to believe.
Being honest with yourself must begin with a statement of what you believe to be true. All truth is the same.
i think it's kind of creepy that you know this, Bubba. fyi they have (belatedly) added a new one...virtue. mom
ReplyDeleteWay to go Paul for hitting the nail on the head. I hope you all remember and prescribe to them. While these were decided on in 1993 they still provide the same excellent guidance. And the prize is the standard prize for any family quiz - a wet slobbery kiss from Pops (kinda makes you wonder why anyone wants to win).
ReplyDeleteAnd good try by Bubba - probably got his answer from one of his house guests while she was making him dinner.
Yeah, she was making dinner actually. Breakfast burritos. It was delicious.
ReplyDeleteBut that's besides the point I want to make. I noticed that these "family values" were enumerated in 1993. For those of you who don't know, that would have been the year I turned eight. First of all, they have not been hammered into my head at any point beyond this, in fact I only vaguely recall their existence. Second of all, depending on when exactly this Bill of Virtues was penned, I may not even have been accountable. If that's the case, I think I'm entitled to a share of the prize.
Bubba makes a good point. 1993 was a long time ago and I think new values are in order. Here's what I thought they were, and maybe some of these should be added.
ReplyDelete1. Love God above all else.
2. Pretend to love your family.
3. Eat bbq weekly.
4. Live in Texas at LEAST once. Stay as long as you can.
5. Do not ignore your fat when it tells you it's hungry. It is vital to feed it when necessary...which is always.
6. Sleep as much as possible even if it means missing out on multiple social events.
7. Do not participate in social events.
8. Be careful that what ever toilet you sit on is able to handle what's about to happen. Especially after a good Mexican fiesta.
9. With the exception of Sarah's kids, all grandkids must live far away. This way Sarah's kids get all the time with the best grandparents ever!
10. Bubba MUST be your favorite, no matter what you truly think about him.
As the first-born, I think it's cute that you guys vie for title of "favorite" as if it were up for grabs.
ReplyDeleteFinally! A good argument! It's refreshing to hear someone legitimately challenge my place as favorite. It will fall on deaf ears, but at least it's a new take.
ReplyDelete