I never thought that you could map family relationships. And I had a hard time at first figuring out what exactly that meant. My family for the most part seems like they have fairly normal boundaries but sometimes its hard to know when being the one in the family instead of looking and observing. Family Systems also are very important especially in the eternal perspective. Without those families and working as a unit and everyone having their part in the system is part of the Lord's plan. We discussed a lot about how a family cannot function properly without certain boundaries and rules being in place. I completely agree with that fact. I have seen many families where the boundaries were not clearly set at all and it made all the relationships strained in some way or another. I am amazed at how much I learn in this class all the time! I never expected this class to be how it is but I'm glad that it is more than I expected.

Some of the things that have been discussed in this class so far have never hit me as hard as they have lately! I didn't realize that the fertility rate all over the world is way below where it needs to be. Sooner than we think, there aren't going to be enough people to take over companies, businesses and families. And trends such as higher divorce rates and individuals marrying later just make this issue bigger and bigger. It's no wonder we as members of the church are told to multiply and replenish! Satan is using absolutely every tool he has to make the family something that is not important. I see people often who say that they don't want any kids and I can't help but think that is exactly what Satan wants. He is destroying the meaning of family even within the church. So when studying these trends, it is important to me to know how I can avoid these and also be able to teach others the benefits of avoiding these trends as well. Our future families depend on us being able to break the cycle and do what is necessary to keep family an important aspect of our lives.

Hello! I'm excited for the upcoming semester and all the things in store for this class! I'm from Idaho Falls and this is my fourth semester.