Today and Always

It is very challenging to stand up for traditional marriage and defend the term at this moment.  Today, the meaning is very different than many years ago.  Due to a court ruling, same-sex marriage is now accepted in many places.  Many people do not view marriage as only between man and woman, but also between two men and two women. Back in ancient times, marriage was ordained of God for the purpose of procreation and in our world today whether here in America or in other countries abroad, this definition has grown to include those of the same sex gender, for the benefit of the individual’s parties involved. Marriage is ordained of God is for the upbringing of children where mother and father work together to care for and help their children learn and grow. Fathers and mothers teach the roles of each person so that each family members can help create a strong family unit.  Marriage of man and man or woman and woman is instituted by man and therefor...

“Repentance and Forgiveness in Marriage” Elder Dallin H. Oaks in his talk “Divorce” from the May 2007 Ensign said, “We live in a world in which the whole concept of marriage is in peril and where divorce is common place.” I have found this to be true in my own personal experience.   My family considers divorce normal; and being married for a long time is the rare exception.   This is very sad and as couples we should be doing all that we can to stay married, especially when young children are involved. Divorce hurts everyone and can cause many social, mental and physical problems for the family. One way that divorce can be prevented is by people reaching out to get help from others. Family, friends, local church leaders, counselors, and professional therapists can all provide help and support in these situations, but we must want it.   Two other things that can help prevent divorce are applying the principles of repentance and forgiveness. These ...

What meaning does marriage have for me?   Marriage to me is a sacred unity between two people who love each other and put God first in all they do together. It means that I'm not alone. It means that I have someone to share my goals, hopes and dreams with for all the days of my life here on earth.  It means "us" and not all about "me" or "you".  It means honesty, trust and togetherness. It means supporting your partner in our differences and similarities of activities and events. It means giving of oneself to the other person in sorrow and joy, pain and pleasure, sickness and health, and struggles and success. Most importantly, it mean bringing children into this world together, raising them, teaching them, and leading them along life's journey into adulthood.  Marriage to me means that I chose to bond myself to my spouse and choose to spend my life with him now and for always as we joined together by proper authority to seal our marriage in the t...