Karen and I take this family business seriously. :) Over five years ago, we created a family mission statement. It's not perfect - but it came from our hearts as our tiny family was growing. And then two years ago we created a family standard. We review them both as a family the first Monday night of each year. If we create any other family documents in the future, we'll review those as well. Since this is our family blog, we wanted to share them here:
The Christensen Family Mission Statement
The Christensen family knows that Jesus Christ is our Savior and the literal Son of God. We believe that grace works through the daily application of the atonement; through which we may return to live with our Heavenly Father. We know that the sealing power of the priesthood has been restored to the earth and through that power husband and wife are joined together for time and all eternity. We strive always to bring the spirit of the temple into our home as a protection from the temptations of this life.
As parents, we have determined the proper order of events for the lives of our children. Our desire is that: each child receive their baptismal covenant at the age of eight; each boy receive the Aaronic Priesthood at twelve years of age, to be followed by the Melchizedek Priesthood prior to leaving home; each child receive his or her endowment in the house of the Lord; each son, and each daughter who chooses, serve an honorable mission; each child pursue continued education at a college or school of their choice; each child be sealed to an eternal companion in the temple. But if not, we will love each child dearly and praise God for the blessings our children have brought into our home.
We believe that the purpose of life is to have joy. Our family hopes to create joy by having a spirit of honesty, forgiveness, service, and charity; as well as a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of work, a house of order.
Christensen Family Standard
We are committed to living according to standards that will set us apart from the world and help us live a more Christ-like life. If ever there is a question as to whether or not something fits within our standards, we will use these three questions to determine if it is right for us as a family:
What do the Latter-Day Prophets say?
What do the Scriptures say?
What does the Spirit tell you?
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These two documents are treasures for our family. They are personal testimonies that help us stay on course. Karen and I are special stewards of these sweet children. And we take that responsibility with reverence and joy.
Anya's birthday was Jan 9 and she is loving being 9, on January 9th. She got an ice cream log cake, made by Mom, and had fun opening all her gifts.
Way back about 1 year ago, Aunt Laurel took a little trip to China. She brought back gifts. One was matching dresses for our little girls. However being halfway around the world, it was a little difficult to size match, so Eliza is just now big enough to wear hers. Since Anya is simply enthralled with matching her baby sister, they now have two Sunday outfits that are identical.
A week ago a stomach bug invaded our home. James was first, early on Saturday morning. It lasted about six hours and he was fine. Later that night Luke had the unfortunate experience of being next. He is only three and had no idea what was happening, and this was his expression after the fact. Clearly a sad boy. Thankfully everyone is better now.
I have come to realize that we have reached a point in the life of our family that things are only going to get exponentially busier as kids get older. We'll try to keep with our lives and share it too.
