1. For those not yet blessed with marriage or children, we hope you are looking forward to these opportunities with anticipation – “good things to come”. The articles and discussions posted on this website will provide governing principles and practical advice that can help you have greater confidence as you approach marriage and parenthood. As is the case in many aspects of life, this scriptural promise also pertains to family life: “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30).

2. For those already married and/or parents, we hope you are enjoying family life! However, the happiest of families still experience trials. And, some of you may not describe your current family situation as anything resembling happiness and are hoping for “good (or better) things to come”. Regardless of your current level of satisfaction, our articles are intended to help you “press forward, having a perfect brightness of hope” (2^nd Nephi 31:20) as you strive to create the family Heavenly Father desires for you.

3. The restored gospel contains the potential of eternal familial relations. Thus for those who make and keep sacred covenants there is the eternal hope of “good (wonderful, fabulous, incomprehensible) things to come”. Elder Robert D. Hales noted, “The family relationships we have here on this earth are important, but they are much more important for their effect on our families for generations in mortality and throughout all eternity (C. October 1996)”. Our intent is to share gospel teachings and scholarly research that can help each family in their respective journey back to our Heavenly Father.

4. Finally, we (Dr. Stewart and Dr. Rarick) take great caution in not portraying ourselves as a perfect husband or father. We both routinely make mistakes. However, as we traverse mortality with our respective families, we are filled with hope: hope in our ability to continuously improve as a spouse and a parent, hope for divine assistance for current and future trials, and hope for the promises of eternity. At different times in our lives we have both been touched by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s message of hope entitled “Good Things to Come”.