Hello, Doer of the word! Let's dive into the invitations from President Dallin H. Oaks’s October 2025 General Conference address, "The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ."

Invitations

  1. "It is vital that Latter-day Saints do not lose their understanding of the purpose of marriage and the value of children. … The national declines in marriage and childbearing are understandable for historic reasons, but Latter-day Saint values and practices should improve—not follow—those trends."

    • Application Idea: If you are married, discuss the current size of your family with your spouse. If you feel the inspiration come to grow your family, bravely take action, even if this involves adoption or welcoming foster children into your home.

  2. "As parental influences diminish, Latter-day Saints still have a God-given responsibility to teach their children to prepare for our family destiny in eternity (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:25). … [E]very single mother can teach of the love of a Heavenly Father and the eventual blessings of a temple marriage. You too can do this!"

  3. "Parents, single or married—and others, like grandparents, who fill that role for children—are the master teachers. Their most effective teaching is by example. The family circle is the ideal place to demonstrate and learn eternal values, such as the importance of marriage and children, the purpose of life, and the true source of joy. It is also the best place to learn other essential lessons of life, such as kindness, forgiveness, self-control, and the value of education and honest work."

    • Application Idea: President Oaks shares an interesting list of "essential lessons of life." Looking at the five lessons he listed (i.e., kindness, forgiveness, self-control, education, and honest work), identify which of these areas needs improvement, and set concrete goals to improve.

  4. "[M]any Church members have beloved family members who do not embrace gospel values and expectations. Such members need our love and patience."

    • Application Idea: We have more in common than we think. When was the last time you asked your family member what they believe? If it's been a while, asking them could lead to a deep and engaging conversation.

  5. "Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our ultimate role model. We will be blessed if we model our lives after His teachings and self-sacrifice."

    • Application Idea: Complete the Christlike Attribute Activity. (Mitch has made this available for free in Excel format for newsletter subscribers - sign up here).

  6. "Parents also have a duty to teach their children practical knowledge apart from gospel principles. … Parents should educate children in the basic skills of living, including working in the yard and home."

    • Application Idea: Make a list of "basic skills of living." In your next family council, discuss this list, and determine how each of your children will get involved.

  7. "Families should organize family reunions to remember ancestors, which lead to the temple."

    • Application Idea: Get a family reunion with your extended family on your calendar.

  8. "To find time to do what is truly worthwhile, many parents will find that they can turn their family on if they all turn their technologies off."

    • Application Idea: Set a goal as a family to have no devices on during certain rituals - for example, dinner, family home evening, etc. If needed, have a designated bowl or jar where family members can deposit these devices during the ritual.

  9. "Great blessings come to families if they pray together, kneeling night and morning to offer thanks for blessings and to pray over common concerns. Families are also blessed as they worship together in Church services and in other devotional settings. Family bonds are also strengthened by family stories, creating family traditions, and sharing sacred experiences."

    • Application Idea: Create a kneeling family prayer routine in the morning and the evening.

  10. "The sealing powers of the priesthood, directed by the keys restored in the Kirtland Temple, bring families together for eternity (see Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16). They are currently being exercised in a growing number of temples of the Lord throughout the world. This is real. Let us be part of it."

    • Application Idea: Always have a temple appointment on your calendar. If you don't currently have one, schedule an appointment today.

Additional Resources

Take Action

  • Clay's Application: In my home, we are consistent with family prayer before meals and bedtime, but inevitably some of us half-listen or wander around. I'll work on improving this by creating a kneeling family prayer routine, both evening and morning, in the same time and place where possible.

  • Mitch's Application: As a family, we will prioritize KNEELING both morning and night in family prayer. Additionally, we will follow the pattern (perhaps at least once per day) that Sandra and Stephen Covey outlined in a January 1976 Ensign article ("Teaching Our Children to Pray"): "Often we go around the prayer circle and ask each family member if he has any special needs or blessings he would like to have remembered in the prayer."

  • Your Application: Reply to this email and tell us how you’ll take action on one of these invitations and whether we can share your response in our newsletter, podcast, and/or on social media.

Thanks for joining us in becoming a “Doer of the word!” Please help others do the same by sharing this newsletter with them.

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