Families are a vital part of Heavenly Father's plan, as explained in the proclamation of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve titled, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," said Margaret D. Nadauld during the General Young Women Meeting March 28.
Sister Nadauld, Young Women general president, recalled President Gordon B. Hinckley reading the proclamation for the first time during the General Relief Society Meeting Sept. 23, 1995. "In this proclamation we are taught again, by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, that Heavenly Father has a plan for His children and that families are the central part of that plan. It is vital then, that we strengthen these families which are so very important in the sight of God."During her address, Sister Nadauld referred to the 1998 Young Women Worldwide Celebration, with the theme, "Turning Hearts to the Family."
"You young women have an important part to play in at least three families," she explained. "The first is the family you are part of now, the second is your future family, and the third is the heavenly family of which we are all part."
Sister Nadauld then referred to all three families. First, she spoke of the "family you are growing up in now. You learn important things in a family, don't you? Things like praying and sharing and laughing and loving and working and getting along with others."
In speaking of their future families, she encouraged young women to prepare now by be loving with children, saying kind things in the home, doing better in school, developing artistic and musical talents, learning to cook and being a peacemaker.
"Now let me tell you what I see in you. I see in you young women who are getting an education and who are preparing to bless others through it. In you young women, I see girls who look forward to establishing a home of love, a home of order, a home of faith.
"I see young women who understand that the things you do today will make you the kind of strong, faithful woman that the Lord needs to bless His children," Sister Nadauld continued. "You want to teach your family of Heavenly Father and His ways, and you know how and where to go for that preparation, don't you?"
She responded to her own question by listing scripture study, Church meetings, prayer, seminary and family home evening.
Speaking of being part of Heavenly Father's family, Sister Nadauld said: "You are a remarkable, precious daughter of Heavenly Father who loves you. You were chosen before this world was to come forth to do some very unusual and wonderful things. It is a divine and priceless blessing to be born a woman. Your Father in Heaven blessed you, His daughters, with some very precious qualities in extra capacity. Qualities such as sensitivity, spirituality, a loving, nurturing nature.
"Please take opportunities to develop these divine gifts and then use them to bless others." Sister Nadauld promised young women that if they worked hard and prepared themselves to make contributions and keep baptismal and temple covenants, they would be able to "meet any of the challenges of life with faith and hope and courage."
