Provide, Preside, Protect

Paid For-----Provide (Manage the resources, the location, the supplies etc)     

Planned----- Preside (Take charge, make decisions-not the boss, but an “executive officer”)

·Paired off----- Protect (Sense of security and stability, companionship, keep each other in check morally)

These are the 3 P's of the Priesthood. When in a dating and marital relationship, its important to understand them. For instance, if a guy asks you on a date, did you discuss if he will be providing for the date? or if you will be going "dutch"? I personally dont see the point of asking someone on a date, then going dutch. THAT'S NOT A DATE! When he asked you on the date, did he plan it out, and tell you what was going to happen? this is always important, so that you know how you should dress, and what kind of shoes you should wear. you wouldn't want to be wearing a fancy dress and heels, if he had planned on a hike with a picnic. And lastly, when he asked you on the date, did he say, "date"? or "hang out"? if its a date, that's a lot easier to understand where he stands... but if you're "hanging out", then how do you know if he is interested in you or not? or if he is committed to you, or seeing several of other girls at the same time? 

R.A.M.

Notice how on the image, the sliders go up or down? The reason is, is because the more you know someone, the more you'll trust them. Which means, the more you'll rely, and then be able to commit to them, and touch them. If you rely on someone, MORE then you KNOW them, then your relationship becomes unbalanced.

KEEP CALM AND DATE

Once you get married, the fun shouldn't be over. Married couples can keep going on dates, WITH EACH OTHER. In fact, I recommend going on weekly dates. After a long work week, its nice to get out of the house, get your mind off the "to do list", and just enjoy each others company. Go out to dinner, or to a sporting event. In the movie, "date night" Steve Carell and Tina Fey are a married couple who go out to dinner to the same restaurant  every Friday night and order the same food. they are becoming bored with the routine, but are afraid to "spice things up a bit". You don't have to spend a ton of money on a date. the best dates are always free... or cheap, that is. go for a drive through the country side, and site see. picnics are always a great idea on those warm summer nights. you can also go for a walk through the park or go dancing. the important thing is, is that you are spending QUALITY time together, and that both are having fun. If one didn't have fun, don't do that activity again. Its also important to not get into a "routine" of date options. mix it up, try something new, and go somewhere new.

You want HOW many kids?!

While during the courtship phase of every relationship that is leading to marriage, its important to discuss how many children you want to have. Especially if one person wants 7, and the other may only want 1 child. I know for me, I personally want 4 or 6. NOT 5... The reason I want an even number is because I am 1/3 kids in my family... and I'm the youngest. Growing up, I was always ganged up on, left out, always in the way, or felt like the third wheeler in every situation. When we'd go to theme parks, someone always had to sit by them self .. ME. When w'd go on road trips, guess who got shafted with the back seat, all alone... ME. To this day, my older brother and sister still have a better relationship and I will forever feel like the black sheep of the family. They live a different life and are able to relate more to each other, so they spend more quality time together, and leave me out of it. I know that when I have kids, I don't want them to feel like they don't have anyone to climb trees with, or go jump in those giant rain puddles in the drive way. I want my children to be best friends with each other. I wish I had that relationship, today with my own siblings.

A Working Father

A father who works outside of the home, needs to remember and make an effort to spend time with his family. Not only his beautiful children, but his wife as well. Everyone needs to feel loved and BE loved, and love one another. A father who works 50 hours a week, and is rarely available on the weekends, because hes brought work home to complete before a deadline, or hes out playing golf with the guys, or even sitting on the couch playing call of duty when he should be spending QUALITY time with his family. The children need their father as a role model, and someone to teach them how to fish, play catch, help them with their homework, and to teach them how to wrestle. The wife needs her husband for not only her physically intimacy needs, but also her emotional needs as well. She needs her husband to acknowledge her existence, and to work as a team to raise their family.

Same Sex Attraction

In class we watched this video (ill post the link at the bottom), which was really inspiring because its a speech given by an 11 year old girl who asks, "Which parent do I not need? My mom or my dad?" It really touched my heart because we need both our mom AND our dad! Each parent teaches differently, and sets a wide range of examples for the child. Mothers are the nurturers who care the the child when they scrape their knee... who sew a button back onto their shirt, make their lunches for school, braid their hair into pig tails, or get those grass stains out of your football uniform. Fathers are the protectors. They provide for the home and family's needs and preside over the household. Anyways, watch the link, and listen to her speech.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=CRhGDmdG4dk

Tithing

Some people think, "oh I cant afford to pay my tithing", but in reality, you cant afford NOT to pay your tithing! I personally know from experience, that if you pay your tithing honestly and first thing before anything else, that you will be blessed down the road. Heavenly Father knows your hearts intentions. What you may not understand is "who's money is this?" its the Lord's money. your tithing, BELONGS to the Lord, and should be paid in full. If you aren't honest in paying it, then how can expect all of the blessings? By paying your tithing, you are showing the Lord that you have faith in Him and His plan for you. Teach your children and family members the importance of paying an honest tithe  by teaching them at an early age, they will grow to understand it.