Are we happier when we have less?

One article we studied and discussed this week was about the impact on families that were immigrating from Mexico. In this study, they interviewed several different famliy members that had immigrated. One person mad the statement that American had so much, yet they did not seem very happy. She compared that to her life in Mexico, where they did not have very much, but they took great joy and happiness through their families. I really had to think about this comment. Is this truly the case? Are we focusing so much on material things that we forget the importance of our families and the great joy that we can have through them! They are one of the most important things in our lives! Where would we be without our families? Quite honestly, this reminds me of President Monson's talk Priesthood Power. In it he talks about how it is acutally good for a couple to have to struggle (financially). It brings them closer together. I'm not saying that it's bad to have money (it is a blessing), but I've realized that if we are constanly focusing our attention upon it then we will lose sight of what really matters.

But is it easier to be happy when we have less? Do we focus more on our families when we have less material possessions/ money? Maybe. I think we can still be just as happy when we have more, but I think often it is easier to focus on what's really important when we don't have as much to be distracted by.

No matter what may be going on, we should always keep our families in focus and remember that the Lord will provide for us as long as we are faithful to Him. Our families help us become stronger and better people. Together we work to overcome obstacles. Together we have fun and rejoice. Together we help each other return to our Heavenly Father.

Marriage and Family Relationships

This week we have been studying family systems. What has really interested me are the subsystems that are found in a family. There are several different ones that can can be present in a family: husband and wife/mom and dad, father and daughter, brothers and sister, etc... Understanding the subsytems in a family help to understand how a family works and functions. Understanding them can us help to change our families for the better.
We know that there are many different roles and relationships in the family, but the most important one and the one that should be the strongest is between mom and dad. All other relationships in the family are based upon this. If there is a strong and healthy marriage, then the kids will be much better off for it! The family will be stronger for it! Although the family life will not be pefect, there will be much more joy and happiness found within. I think it's important to note that when the parents have a strong and happy marriage, then the children will know what to look for in their future spouses. They will have a better chance at having a stronger marriage. The will be able to help strengthen the family!

Why the Family?

I truly believe that the family is one of the most important areas that we can study. The family is sacred and ordained of God. It is central to His Plan of Salvation. The family has the power to strengthen and help us become better people. Although it seems that the world views it as something of diminishing importance, having a family is one of the most important things we can do in this life. I want to be a strength to the family. I want to one day raise a strong and loving family of my own. I want to help strengthen other families as well. I want to help the world see why we need the family. One of the ultimate and lasting joys in life is found in one's family. This is why I am studying it.