We, the family of Norris and Jo Packer along with children Susan, John, Ivana and Victoria, put forth this statement of our beliefs and the criteria by which we choose to live. We believe that we are spiritual sons and daughters of God, our Heavenly Father. We affirm our belief in the principals and teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We believe that scriptures are the word of God given to his prophets both in times past and in the present. We believe that the family unit is eternal. We believe that we are on this earth for a purpose and that our actions in this life have eternal consequences.
Listed below are characteristics and values that we, as a family, believe are very important to our temporal and eternal success as a family and as individuals.
Personal Character Traits
Faith
Patience
Modest and clean dress
Gratitude
Unselfishness
True charity
Honesty
Clean language
Humility
Self-reliance
Slow to anger
Quick to apologize
True love for everyone
Reliance on the Holy Ghost
Love one another - serve one another
Service to others - any time, any where
Sincerely saying you are sorry
Loving communication at all times
Behaviors
Physical exercise together
Read the scriptures together
Sing together
Work together
Family traditions
Eternal marriage
Family history
Family and personal prayer
Share household chores
Quiet study time
Eat meals together
Use a nice tone of voice
Family fun
Don't hurt each other's feelings
Strive for greater perspective
Maintain a house of order
Let someone else go first
Express love to your family
Respect each other
Guiding Principles
We understand that our decisions affect those around us, as well as future generations of people.
We believe that desire will overcome fear, and that love must drive our desire.
We believe that loving communication is key to successful relationships of all levels. Criticism is only given when moved upon by the Holy Ghost (D&C 121:43)
We should support good government
We must prepare physically, spiritually, and financially for any circumstance that arises.
We should have a family plan for emergencies and physical catastrophes.
We believe that we should prepare for the second coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. “…if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” (D&C 38:30)
We believe that we should look for opportunities to serve and help the poor
We believe that we should look for opportunities to share your beliefs
We believe in hard work and that one should provide an honest day’s work to one’s employer.
We believe that it is important to understand and utilize the process of repentance.
We must continually seek to draw closer to our Father in Heaven, and to our Savior.
The Role of Parents
"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. 'Children are an heritage of the Lord' (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations." (Family Proclamation)
We believe that a husband and wife should marry in the Temple of the Lord and should have perfect moral fidelity to each other. Father and Mother are equal partners and should counsel with each other in all of their decisions.
The Role of the Father
"As the patriarch in your home, you have a serious responsibility to assume leadership in working with your children. You must help create a home where the Spirit of the Lord can abide. Your place is to give direction to all family life. You should take an active part in establishing family rules and discipline.
“Your homes should be havens of peace and joy for your family. A father’s duty is to make his home a place of happiness and joy. He cannot do this when there is bickering, quarreling, contention, or unrighteous behavior. The powerful effect of righteous fathers in setting an example, disciplining and training, nurturing and loving is vital to the spiritual welfare of his children." (Fathers in Israel Ezra Taft Benson)
“The father is the provider the defender, the counselor, the friend who will listen and give support when needed.” (Gordon B. Hinkley)
“Fathers need to do the best they can to be the primary providers for physical and spiritual support.” (James E. Faust, Aug. 2004)
The Role of the Mother
She has been placed here to help to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home—which is society’s basic and most noble institution” (Spencer W. Kimball)
A mother has far greater influence on her children than anyone else, and she must realize that every word she speaks, every act, every response, her attitude, even her appearance and manner of dress affect the lives of her children and the whole family. It is while the child is in the home that he gains from his mother the attitudes, hopes, and beliefs that will determine the kind of life he will live and the contribution he will make to society. (N. Eldon Tanner)
Mothers have a sacred role. They are partners with God, as well as with their own husbands, first in giving birth to the Lord’s spirit children and then in rearing those children so they will serve the Lord and keep his commandments. (Spencer W. Kimball)
The Way We Treat Others
Alma 13:28 - humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering
“Cease to find fault one with another.” D&C 88:124
“Love flies out the window when contention enters.”
Slow to anger… control your tempers, to put a smile upon your faces, which will erase anger; speak out with words of love and peace, appreciation, and respect. If you will do this, your lives will be without regret. Your marriages and family relationships will be preserved. You will be much happier. You will do greater good. You will feel a sense of peace that will be wonderful. Gordon B. Hinkley
Good Music and Literature
"Encourage good music and art and literature in your homes. Homes that have a spirit of refinement and beauty will bless the lives of your children forever." (Fathers in Israel Ezra Taft Benson)
History
Keep records of the things you learn, and the things you believe. Record important events that happen in your life and the lives of your family. These will be a guiding light for generations that follow.
