Opening Song: Dearest Children, God is Near You #96
Lesson: Multiply and Replenish the Earth
Genesis (1:28) States, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it." God commanded Adam and Eve to have children in order to fill the earth. The earth was designed to be a habitat for spirit children of our Heavenly Father as they come from the premortal existence, are clothed with an earthly tabernacle, and "gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection" (Hill, Carroll, Fellows).
The modern fertility patterns around the world are showing less and less children being born in families and more frequently choosing to have none at all. The decisions to not "multiply and replenish the earth" are having a significance on future generations to come. It is estimated that roughly 2 children are born per family and that number will continue to decrease as time goes on.
The transition to parenthood is a normal stage that takes place in a marriage. Foregoing that stage may affect the stability and satisfaction in a marriage. Married couples who choose to be childless may be more likely to separate and divorce when marital satisfaction decreases. From a gospel perspective, choosing to be a childless family may reduce the potential for earthly couples to become like their heavenly parents.
More and more you see families growing up with just one child and don't have the opportunity to have brothers or sisters, aunts, cousins, or even nieces or nephews. Children without siblings or extended family may have a less than optimal environment for development. "The unselfish acts of service rendered by parents are effective preparations for eternal life" (Hawkins, Dollahite, Draper).
As a couple discuss the following questions:
- How many children do you hope to have?
- What do you want the timing of each child to be?
- How will the decisions that you make impact your marriage?
Read the following quote by Elder Dallin H. Oaks:
"Mothers suffer pain and loss of personal priorities and comforts to bear and rear each child. Fathers adjust their lives and priorities to support a family. The gap between those who are and those who are not willing to do this is widening in today's world. . . .We rejoice that so many Latter-day Saint couples are among the unselfish group who are willing to surrender their personal priorities and serve the Lord by bearing and rearing the children our Heavenly Father sends to their care."
"It should be noted that the interpretation of "multiply and replenish" is determined by husband and wife united in counsel with the Lord. There is no mandated quota assigned to the members of the Church" (Hawkins, Dollahite, Draper).
President Hinckley states,
"The Lord has told us to multiply and replenish the earth so that we may have joy in our prosperity. There is no greater joy in life than the joy that comes of happy children in good families."
Watch the following video:
Closing Prayer
Activity: Name That Tune
Isn't it amazing how quickly musical groups come and go? Music doesn't have to be old to be out of style. Test your knowledge of the trends in music by playing a version of the classic "Name That Tune." Play a tune and time how long it takes the others to recognize it.
Treat: Eclair Cake
You can find the direct link to the recipe here.
Ingredients:
"Mothers suffer pain and loss of personal priorities and comforts to bear and rear each child. Fathers adjust their lives and priorities to support a family. The gap between those who are and those who are not willing to do this is widening in today's world. . . .We rejoice that so many Latter-day Saint couples are among the unselfish group who are willing to surrender their personal priorities and serve the Lord by bearing and rearing the children our Heavenly Father sends to their care."
"It should be noted that the interpretation of "multiply and replenish" is determined by husband and wife united in counsel with the Lord. There is no mandated quota assigned to the members of the Church" (Hawkins, Dollahite, Draper).
President Hinckley states,
"The Lord has told us to multiply and replenish the earth so that we may have joy in our prosperity. There is no greater joy in life than the joy that comes of happy children in good families."
Watch the following video:
Closing Prayer
Activity: Name That Tune
Isn't it amazing how quickly musical groups come and go? Music doesn't have to be old to be out of style. Test your knowledge of the trends in music by playing a version of the classic "Name That Tune." Play a tune and time how long it takes the others to recognize it.
Treat: Eclair Cake
You can find the direct link to the recipe here.
Ingredients:
- 2 (3.5 ounce) packages of instant vanilla pudding
- 1 (8 ounce) container of frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 3 cups milk
- 1 (16 ounce) package of gram cracker squares
- 1 (16 ounce) container of chocolate frosting
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend the pudding mixes, milk, and whipped topping.
- Arrange a single layer of gram cracker squares on the bottom of a 13x9 inch baking pan. Evenly spread half of the pudding mixture over the crackers. Top with another layer of gram crackers and the remaining pudding mixture. Top with a final layer of gram crackers.
- Spread the frosting over the whole cake up to the edges of the pan. Cover, and chill at least 4 hours before serving.
Resources
Text: Hawkins, Alan J., David C. Dollahite, and Thomas W. Draper. Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation and Research Perspectives. Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University, 2012. Print.
Activity: Tolman, B. (1995). Dating for under a dollar 301 ideas. Fruita, Colorado: National Family Institute.
Treat: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Eclair-Cake/Detail.aspx
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