FAMILY COUNCILS

The stages of life can be broken down into smaller phases like the seasons of the year or cycles of the school year. Our family holds a special family council at the beginning and end of each school year. We use the council as a time to plan for our next small phase.

Together, we set goals we would like to accomplish and then we have something to work toward until the next special family council is held. We also try to foresee any problems or difficulties that might stall our progress and plan to overcome them.

Cooperating as a family through family councils is an excellent way to plan ahead for the stages of life. — Diana Eckersell Janson, Rexburg, Idaho

PLANNED AHEAD

In October 1994, I went into a diabetic coma, changing my life more than I knew at that time. I recovered from the coma, but I had to plan my life for physical challenges. In September 1995, I bought a walker, not knowing how long before I would need it. In March 1998, one leg was amputated above the knee due to bad circulation. The walker became a part of everyday life.

Today, I think of other means to prepare for unexpected health problems. I now make sure I have a decent supply of groceries and personal items in case I'm not able to get out to shop.

To prepare in spiritual ways, I also have the Ensign and the Church News to stay updated on happenings of the Church. I pray and read the scriptures daily. — Elaine Carpenter, Fort Wayne, Ind.

REALITY OF LONGEVITY

Six years ago, on our 30th wedding anniversary, we moved my mother into our home to live with us. She was in the beginning stages of dementia and was slowly losing the ability to care for herself and her home.

Research tells us that 30- to 40-year-olds today can expect to care for their aging parents longer than they care for their own infant children. Care givers today are 80 percent women and the average time of caring is five years.

I never pondered the reality of my task until it happened. I was not prepared. Putting my trust in the Lord, having the most supportive husband and family, using available community resources I am learning this stage of life is a blessing, not a burden.

My mother is now 96 and very physically healthy, and my husband and I are determined we will prepare our children better for the task that may lie ahead of them. Staying current on elder-care research, teaching by example and discussing with them the reality of our longevity is vital today. — Ann P. Smith, Logan, Utah

NEW STAGE ON HORIZON

I find it is most important to recognize early on that there are countless stages in one's lifetime. It starts at birth. We learn to walk, go to school; there is baptism, a mission, marriage, then a family, just to mention a few. If you plan to go on a mission when you are old enough, it's best if you don't wait for your 19th birthday to get ready.

In addition, sincere prayer will give each of us the help and direction needed for the many stages we face in life. Soon after my return to activity in the Church, I was asked by my bishop to give a talk in sacrament meeting. I accepted the assignment, then through humble prayer, received from the Lord the strength and courage to advance to a new level.

After that, it seemed as soon as one stage was accomplished a new one was on the horizon. — Ward Cottrell, Mt. Baldy, Calif.

EXEMPLARY PEOPLE

We need to become acutely aware, at the earliest possible age, of the paramount importance of each God-given season and time. We move on to accepting ourselves as a unique personality who meets daily challenges within the framework of individual strengths and weaknesses.

As we pass through each season, we will serve ourselves well if we constantly observe people around us who are in a parallel season, or seasons yet to come. Thus, we find exemplary people to emulate. By controlling our attitudes with optimism, by conscientiously planning our days, and by study and prayer, we can live each season to its fullest. — Esther J. Wallace, Salt Lake City, Utah

DAILY PROGRESSION

Rather than being discouraged about our future, let us try to conquer our daily progression with great faith. In doing so, when those different stages do occur, we will have the strength of the Spirit to either overcome or to fully enjoy. When we worry about how to overcome an obstacle, we miss the joys and happiness that would appear while performing them with faith. — Erik Moll, Antioch, Calif.

GOOD ADVICE

I was teaching school and was a widow with six children. I was concerned about money for when I was older. I asked the advice of my school's principal and he advised me to consult with a bank.

I did and took out certificates. Later in life, those certificates paid for two missions, a new car and many other things.

I am 85 years old. This helped me solve financial problems in my old age. — Twilla Newbury, Springville, Utah