Ballard - Family Councils - April 2016

Elder Ballard talks about Family Councils and how they can be used to improve our most precious relationships.  No matter what our family situation looks like, we can be blessed from gathering together and counseling with those that mean the most to us.  Elder Ballard reminds us that this idea of councils started before we were born.

• We belonged to a family council in the premortal existence, when we lived with our heavenly parents as their spirit children.

A Family Council will help us leave the world outside the walls of our home and provides strength to our relationships.

• A family council, when conducted with love and with Christlike attributes, will counter the impact of modern technology that often distracts us from spending quality time with each other and also tends to bring evil right into our homes.

Elder Ballard says that there are four types of family councils.  We will look at each one individually.

• First, a general family council consisting of the entire family.
• Second, an executive family council consisting of a mother and father.
• Third, a limited family council consisting of parents and one child.
• Fourth, a one-on-one family council consisting of one parent and one child.

First, a general family council consisting of the entire family.

• No matter what our particular family situation is, it is critical that we understand the unique circumstances of each family member. Though we may share DNA, there may be situations and circumstances among us that may make us vastly different from each other and which may require the compassionate collaboration of the family council.

Second, an executive family council consisting of a mother and father.

• During this time together, parents can review each child’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and his or her progress.The executive family council is also a good time for wives and husbands to talk about their personal relationships with each other.

Third, a limited family council consisting of parents and one child.

• This is an opportunity for a discussion on making decisions in advance about such things as what he or she will and will not do in the future. When such decisions are made, he or she may want to record them for future reference if needed. If your son or daughter sees you as a staunch supporter, this council meeting can establish goals and objectives for the future. This is also a time to carefully listen to serious concerns and challenges that a child may have faced with such things as lack of confidence, abuse, bullying, or fear.

Fourth, a one-on-one family council consisting of one parent and one child.

• This type of family council generally just happens. For example, the parent and child can take advantage of informal opportunities while traveling in the car or working around the house. An outing with one child with either father or mother can provide a special spiritual and emotional bonding time. Calendar these in advance so children can anticipate and look forward to a special time alone with Mom or Dad.

Elder Ballard talks about how the influences of the world are coming at our families like never before.

• There was a time when the walls of our homes provided all the defense we needed against outside intrusions and influences. We locked the doors, closed the windows; we shut the gates; and we felt safe, secure, and protected in our own little refuge from the outside world.  Those days are now gone. The physical walls, doors, fences, and gates of our homes cannot prevent unseen invasion from the Internet, the Wi-Fi, the mobile phones, the networks. They can penetrate our homes with just a few clicks and keystrokes.  Fortunately, the Lord has provided a way to counter the invasion of negative technology that can distract us from spending quality time with each other. He has done this by providing the council system to strengthen, protect, safeguard, and nurture our most precious relationships.

Finally he concludes with this:

• A family council that is patterned after the councils in heaven, filled with Christlike love, and guided by the Lord’s Spirit will help us to protect our family from distractions that can steal our precious time together and protect us from the evils of the world.

Elder Ballard really outlines a great pattern for us to follow in trying to strengthen our relationships with our families.  Over the years, our family has been strengthened by coming together to discuss issues that are effecting one person or another.  My wife and I have been blessed to turn off the outside distractions and focus on our family for a few minutes.  I have had some amazing memories created by spending time with my kids one-on-one.  The most important relationships we have are with our families and we need to be aware of each individuals needs and address them at the appropriate times.  Family Councils create those special moments if we will take Elder Ballard's advice.