Multiply and Replenish the Earth

Heavenly Father commanded Adam and Eve to multiply and replenish the earth. Today, the prophets have told us that this commandment "remains in force" (The First Presidency, 1995) What does it mean to "multiply and replenish the earth"? I usually think of math when I hear the word "multiply." Is that what you think? 3x2=6 or 3 multiplied by 2 equals 6. Those numbers get bigger when you multiply them.

Let's think about multiplying our family. Let's see, if we start with Granddaddy and Nana, how many people is that? Two. That's easy. When they got married it was just them. They were commanded to "multiply and replenish" the earth. They had seven children. So how many people is that now? 2+7=9

Did Granddaddy and Nana multiply? Who are their children? They are your moms and dads and aunts and uncles. How many people do we have altogether in our family?

Granddaddy, Nana, Joseph, and Caroline

Joshua, Cari, Sam, and new baby boy.

Jacob, Anna, Clara, and new baby boy.

Jordan, Mandy, Mikah, Andrew, Jane, and Bella

Anna, Robbie, Kiffyn, Lily, and Juniper

Alyssa and KC

After the babies are born this year, we will have 25 people in our family. Will it keep multiplying? More babies will be born. Joseph and Caroline will get married and have children, and one day you will get married and have your own children. Can you imagine how many people will be in our family when all of you have children? Wow!!!

This picture was taken a year and a half ago.
 How many babies have been born in our family since then?
Why do you think Heavenly Father has commanded us to multiply and replenish the earth?

Did you know there are a lot of people in the world that don't want to have any children or only want one child? What do you think would happen to the world if everyone only had one child or no children at all? With less children in the world and more older people, can you think of problems that might occur?

Without brothers and sisters, do  you think it would be hard for the children to learn how to get along with others? It also means children wouldn't have aunts and uncles or cousins. Do you think children need aunts, uncles, and cousins? Do you think as those few children grew up they would be able to take care of so many older people? (Because if adults only have one child or no children there will be a lot more old people in "old folks homes" than the number of young people to take care of them.

As a mom and a grandma, do you know what I think the biggest problem would be if I only had one child? There would be a lot less joy in my life. I love being a mom and a grandma. It's a hard job to be a mom or a dad, but they are the best jobs ever...go ask your mom and dad! Heavenly Father loves us. He wants us to be happy, so he gives us families and the opportunity to be together forever.