October 2023 General Conference
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Divine Parenting Lessons

Valeri V. Cordón, of the Seventy
Elder Valeri V. Cordón describes the importance of climbing to a higher gospel culture and shares parenting lessons from the scriptures and living prophets to establish a strong gospel culture in families.
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In this talk, Elder Valeri V. Cordón of the Seventy shares valuable insights on parenting. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a gospel culture within the home, making the home a center of gospel learning, and the role of parents as God's agents in teaching and guiding their children. He also discusses the need for intentional, righteous parenting and the divine partnership between parents and God in guiding children back to heaven.

Topics

Climbing to the Higher Ground of Gospel Culture

Elder Cordón emphasizes the importance of adopting the gospel culture in our families to create an environment where faith may flourish. He encourages parents to abandon any traditions or practices contrary to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ.

As we choose to make the gospel culture the predominant culture in our family, then by the powerful influence of the Holy Ghost, our current parenting styles, traditions, and practices will be sifted, aligned, refined, and enhanced.
Key Points:
  • Adopting the gospel culture is critical in creating an environment for faith to flourish.
  • Parents should abandon any traditions or practices contrary to the teachings of the Church.
Experiences:
  • Can you recall a time when adopting gospel culture positively influenced your family environment?
  • What are some traditions or practices you had to abandon or adjust to align with gospel culture?
  • How has the gospel culture helped you in your parenting journey?

Making the Home the Center of Gospel Learning

Elder Cordón discusses the importance of the home as the center of gospel learning, emphasizing the need for parents to teach freely, model discipleship, and invite their children to act.

The purpose of gospel learning is to "deepen our conversion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and help us become more like Them."
We teach our children generously when we spend meaningful time with them.
Key Points:
  • The home should be the center of gospel learning.
  • Parents should teach their children freely, model discipleship, and invite them to act.
Experiences:
  • How have you made your home a center of gospel learning?
  • What are some ways you have modeled discipleship for your children?
  • Share an experience when you invited your children to act and saw positive results.

Righteous, Intentional Parenting

Elder Cordón underscores the importance of intentional, righteous parenting, stating that parents are God's agents in the care of their children. He shares a personal experience to illustrate the power of intentional parenting.

As parents, we are God's agents in the care of our children.
No other work transcends that of righteous, intentional parenting!
Key Points:
  • Parents are God's agents in the care of their children.
  • Intentional, righteous parenting is crucial in guiding children back to heaven.
Experiences:
  • Share an experience where your intentional, righteous parenting made a difference in your child's life.
  • How have you acted as God's agent in caring for your children?
  • What changes have you made to be more intentional in your parenting?

The Divine Partnership between Parents and God

Elder Cordón highlights the divine partnership between parents and God in guiding children back to heaven. He encourages parents to create an environment where children can feel God's divine influence.

As we partner with God through covenants and become His agents in the care of our children, He will sanctify our intentions, inspire our teachings, and temper our invitations.
Key Points:
  • There is a divine partnership between parents and God in guiding children back to heaven.
  • Parents need to create an environment where children can feel God's divine influence.
Experiences:
  • How have you felt God's guidance in your parenting?
  • Share an experience where you felt you were partnering with God in guiding your children.
  • What steps have you taken to create an environment where your children can feel God's divine influence?

Challenges of Parenting in a World of Competing Philosophies and Cultures

Elder Cordón discusses the challenges parents face in a world full of competing philosophies, cultures, and ideas. He encourages parents to guide their children to the "more excellent way" prepared by God.

Parents, this world is full of philosophies, cultures, and ideas competing for our children's attention.
But in the gift of his Son," the prophet Moroni taught, "hath God prepared a more excellent way.
Key Points:
  • Parents face challenges in guiding their children amidst competing philosophies, cultures, and ideas.
  • Parents need to guide their children to the "more excellent way" prepared by God.
Experiences:
  • Have you experienced challenges in guiding your children amidst competing philosophies and cultures? How did you handle it?
  • How have you guided your children to the "more excellent way" prepared by God?
  • What strategies have you found effective in helping your children navigate through the world's competing philosophies and cultures?

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