“In Praise of Those Who Save,” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2016 General Conference

How can the Lord help you when you are worried about your family situation?

"A Society of Disposables

I think another reason this tender scene has stayed with me for so long is the contrast to some of today’s attitudes. In so many societies around the world, everything seems to be disposable. As soon as something starts to break down or wear out—or even when we simply grow tired of it—we throw it out and replace it with an upgrade, something newer or shinier.

We do this with cell phones, clothes, cars—and, tragically, even with relationships.

While there may be value in decluttering our lives of material things we no longer need, when it comes to things of eternal importance—our marriages, our families, and our values—a mind-set of replacing the original in favor of the modern can bring profound remorse.

I am grateful that I belong to a church that values marriage and family. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are known throughout the world for having some of the finest marriages and families you can find. I believe this is, in part, due to the precious truth restored by Joseph Smith that marriages and families are meant to be eternal. Families are not just meant to make things run more smoothly here on earth and to be cast off when we get to heaven. Rather, they are the order of heaven. They are an echo of a celestial pattern and an emulation of God’s eternal family.

But strong marriage and family relationships do not happen just because we are members of the Church. They require constant, intentional work. The doctrine of eternal families must inspire us to dedicate our best efforts to saving and enriching our marriages and families. I admire and applaud those who have preserved and nourished these critical, eternal relationships.

Today I wish to speak in praise of those who save." (“In Praise of Those Who Save,” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2016 General Conference)

And here's the end part of the commentary entitled: "Heavenly Father made it possible for families to be eternal." : 

"In his message “In Praise of Those Who Save,” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf contrasts eternal marriage relationships with “disposable” things (Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 77–78). What does this contrast teach you about how to nurture—or prepare for—a marriage relationship? Think about your family relationships—now and in the future—as you read Elder Uchtdorf’s message. What do you find there that gives you hope in Christ for your family relationships?

President Henry B. Eyring shared this counsel he received when he was worried about his family situation: “You just live worthy of the celestial kingdom, and the family arrangements will be more wonderful than you can imagine” (in “A Home Where the Spirit of the Lord Dwells,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 25). How could this counsel help you or someone you know?

See also “Families Can Be Together Forever,” Hymns, no. 300; Topics and Questions, “Marriage,” Gospel Library.

A marriage can be sealed for eternity in the house of the Lord."

Living worthy of celestial kingdom is truly the best decision we can do everyday. When we choose to do that, blessings will flow from the Lord. When we are doing what we can to keep our covenants and align our lives with the Lord's will, we are pleasing Him and show Him how much we love Him. And whatever circumstances we may find ourselves in, we are still able to find peace and joy. 

If your family situation is making you worried at the moment, striving to live worthy of celestial kingdom would be the best decision to make. For me, that involves focusing more on the Savior by striving to look unto Him in every thought. Peter was able to walk on water when his full attention was focused on the Lord. We can learn to walk on water as Peter did by focusing on the Savior as well. The wind and the waves of the sea, and the storm will not make us feel worried or anxious or overwhelmed. When our attention is always on the Savior, we are able to stay on top of things, keep our balance, even when we are facing challenges in life. This analogy came to my mind vividly early this week and it inspired me to create this account on Substack (my second one) dedicated to my journey on faith: Learning to Walk on Water