Matthew was asked to speak in sacrament meeting on Father's day along with several other youth in the ward. They were asked to keep it a secret from their dads, so you can imagine Dallan's surprise when Matthew walked to the stand to speak! Matthew's sweet words were the best gift he could have given him:
I’m glad I get to speak today about Father’s because I have the best one!
President Ezra Taft Benson said: "...Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth; it is a matter of desire, diligence, and determination to see one’s family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters."
I’m thankful that my dad is a righteous example for me and my family. I know he wants us to be in the celestial kingdom together. I want to focus on 4 ways my dad helps our family on our path to the celestial kingdom: Scripture study, Family Prayer, The Priesthood, and Fun time together.
Scripture Study: My dad always makes sure we read the scriptures before we go to bed. He even helped me find a scripture that might relate to cats after I got a new cat a few weeks ago and I was really excited about it. You never know, cumons or cureloms could be cats !Ether 9: 19( I know the scriptures are important to my dad because even when we go on camp outs he makes sure we read the scriptures.
Family Prayer: My Dad is really good at making sure we do family prayer… even when we’re in a hurry. From the time I was really little my dad started a tradition of saying an article of faith before we have family prayer. That has helped me and my brothers memorize our articles of faith really fast. He always makes sure each of us have a turn to pray… even my brother Caleb who is in heaven… when it’s his turn my dad says the prayer for him in his “Caleb voice.”
Priesthood: I’m really thankful my Dad holds the priesthood. He tries hard to make good choices and be a good example so he can be worthy to use it. My dad has given priesthood blessings that have really helped me. On the day my brother Caleb died I was heart broken. When my parents got home we all gathered in my room and the first thing I asked for was a blessing from my dad. That blessing brought me some comfort on my hardest day. I also really like it when my dad gives me blessings before I start a new year at school. His example helps me to know what kind of priesthood holder I want to be when I receive the priesthood in a few months.
Fun time together: Eztra Taft Benson said: “Wholesome recreation is part of our religion, and a change of pace is necessary, and even its anticipation can lift the spirit.”
A few weeks ago my dad brought me to the store and we got a volley ball and badminton net and we had lots of fun playing with it as a family and with our neighbors… It started out as a little neighborhood competition then when some young women showed up and we had a competitive competition of boys against girls. I like how my dad enjoys having fun with us.
I just went on my first scout camp and my dad was able to come. I like making memories like that together. I also like how my dad will plan little adventures for us as a family. We have fun going on family trip. My dad will always go on the scary rides with me even when nobody else will. We like going to BYU games (even though my favorite part is getting the frozen lemonade, because I don’t always understand the games) I also like Fathers and sons outings because he doesn’t make us brush our teeth and lets us more candy than my mom would let us eat in a week.
I am really thankful that I was blessed with a great dad. His example helps me to know what things are most important in this life. I know he loves me, and that helps me to understand that Heavenly Father loves me too. I hope I am able to be as good of a Dad to my children as my dad is to me. I hope all of the men here today have a great Father’s day. Thank you for your examples in your families and in our ward.
I’d like to end with my testimony that I know I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. I know Jesus Christ is my Savior and redeemer and that through Him we can be a forever family. I am thankful for Joseph Smith and our living prophet president Monson. I’m thankful I was born into a family that belongs to the true church. And today I’m especially thankful for Fathers.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
