Sadness vs Happiness (Building Description)

Describe a building from the point of view of a woman who has just lost her son to war. Do not mention death, war, son or self.

As I passed by the little house, I cannot help stopping and staring. It seemed to share my sadness. I could tell the owners were trying to make a good impression with the fresh, white paint, but the bright sun showcased the chipped, old wood cracked under the paint. The roof shingles newly patched gave the roof a motley look. Red brick chimneys jutted awkwardly from the roof; the bricks worn and chipped. The grass and plants ran unkempt over the yard. The flag hung limp and lifeless. In the bright light the true age of the house could be seen. This was an old house. Once it had a good life, but now it was old and finished.


Describe a building from the point of a view of a woman who just found out she is pregnant. Do not mention birth, baby, self.

With a smile on my face, I stopped to stare at the cute, little, white house. The grass in the front yard looks perfect for bare feet. I could imagine running around the yard. The blooming flowers were beautiful. They would be a delight to see each day. The plants growing in an arch over the door give excellent shade for visitors knocking at the cute, green door. The white paint was bright and fresh. The red brick chimneys coming up from the roof gave the house unique look. The chimneys also gave a continuity to the house, showing that this house could span generations. The wonderful flag declared the house's patriotism. This house looked perfect for a little family. It had a beautiful yard to play in and plenty of windows for natural light from the bright sun. This lovely, little house was bright and happy.

The house being described:

Waiting

It was midnight. The woman closed the curtains and huddled on her bed. Tim should have been home hours ago. Why hadn't he called? She could still hear her daughter's question as Mary tucked her into bed.

"Mom, when will Dad be home? I miss him."

Mary didn't have the heart to tell her that Dad should have been home earlier this morning. She curled under the covers, listening to the rain, praying that Tim was just delayed. Mary shook her head to erase the rumors she had heard. She refused to believe it. Instead she thought, "Tim is just delayed and will be home soon." With that, Mary fell into a fretful sleep.

"Ding-Dong!" Mary bolted out of bed to the sound of the doorbell. Rushing she opened the door, hoping to find Tim.  Instead, she saw two men on the doorstep. Weakly, she collapsed against the door frame.

A week later with her children by her side, Mary held back tears as she accepted the folded flag and awards. Tim had been a hero, but she would rather have him home than the folded flag clasped in her arms.

Families are Forever

"Families are Forever" is this year's theme in primary. We learn from "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" that "the family is central to [God's] plan". We are all part of one family, God's family. He gave us families here on earth and these families can continue after death. Strong families are essential to strong communities and nations.

To quote a song from primary "Our Father has a family. Its me! Its you! All others too." Basically, we are all sons and daughters of God. He is our Father in Heaven. In the bible, Romans chapter 8, verse 16 says "The Spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God". Heavenly Father loves all of us, his children. Most parents want the best for us and our Heavenly Father also wants the best for us. He provided a savior for us, Jesus Christ. Christ came to show us the path to return to live with our Father, and to provide us that way. Christ died for our sins so that we could return to our Heavenly Father.

Also, Heavenly Father gave us families. The proclamation states "The family is ordained of God." It was no accident that from the beginning of time men and women have formed family units. Adam and Eve were commanded to have children, but part of that commandment was "to love and care for each other and for their children... Happiness in family life is most likely to achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ." (The Proclamation) In families, parents teach children how to love and care for each other and to follow our Heavenly Father. Parents learn responsibility and control because let's face it, no one can test the patience of an adult like children.

With all the work and effort put in creating a loving family, it would be sad if families ended when we died. That is why our Heavenly Father's plan includes the opportunity for families to be together eternally. In the sacred temples, families can be sealed together. This means that a family will be able to be together after death, if they follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Parents will be able to be with each other and their children forever. Heaven would not be heaven if we could not be with the ones we love so much. Heavenly Father understands this, since He is our Father, so he provided the way for us to live with our families for eternity.

The theme this year is to teach the children the importance of families. We are are all one family, because we are the children of God. He gave us families to love and teach us how to return to our Father in Heaven. Heavenly Father then provided a way for us to be with our families for eternity. We have been warned that "the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets." (The Proclamation) Look around, watch the news, and it is clear that the slow disintegration of family values is having a negative affect. The family is vital to communities and nations well-being. We should all help to strengthen families.