Rock Solid Relationships

 Book by Wendy Watson.

I really appreciated the author’s approach outlined in the introduction: 

“Rock-solid relationships are built upon the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ. His Power, Light, Love, Truth, and Spirit are their foundation. Relationships built on these “cannot fall.” “

“The scriptures are the very best “how to” books on relationships. The scriptures are the first and last word on how to be a better husband, father, wife, mother, parent, son, daughter, sibling, in-law, friend, neighbor, boss, employee, or any other relationship you can name.“

Each chapter was based on a scripture and a true principle taught by that scripture, which were then applied to examples of how that principle could strengthen a real-life relationship. 

Although not every piece of advice may apply to every situation, I feel confident in recommending this book that every reader will find something that will prove helpful in improving one of their relationships.

A few quotes:

“We have an ongoing need to be repeatedly immersed in the truths of the restored gospel, or we will understand and experience only enough to feel guilty—and not enough of the eternal truths to feel joy. Joy comes through immersion. A little sprinkling of the scriptures in our lives will never bring us the fullness of joy that accompanies regular immersion.”

“When you consider the truth that everything you think is registered at the cellular—and at what could be called the “soulular”—level, does it make you want to be a bit more careful about the thoughts you entertain? When you consider that you can actually raise or lower your blood pressure just by thinking certain thoughts, think about the effect thoughts might be having on your spirit. Over time, we become more and more like the thoughts that fill our minds and stay in our hearts. If our thoughts are filled with light and truth, our very bodies will be filled with light and truth (see D& C 88: 67). If our thoughts are filled with darkness and lies, so will we be. We become our thoughts. We are our thoughts. Indeed, as a man (or a woman) thinketh in his heart, so is he. Let’s take it a step further. It’s equally true that our thoughts about others influence them! In fact, we could say: As a man thinketh in his heart about his wife, so is she. As a woman thinketh in her heart about her son, so is he.”

“When we are drawn to think something marvelous, amazing, or wonderful about someone else, we are probably closer to acknowledging his or her true self than at any other time.”

“All that is required to nurture a relationship is to give all we are presently capable of giving, and to treat others as if they are doing the same.”

“Declare your feelings or concerns with confidence, clarity, and kindness.”

“The direction we’re looking determines where we’re heading. We need to look forward, if we want to go forward.”

“Find ways to stop forcing and start offering; to stop demanding and start inviting; to stop “pushing people through doors,” as one young man stated, and instead start “opening doors for people.” Invite your loved one to reflect on your ideas and the help you offer, so they don’t feel forced or pushed or shoved, and so they can choose what presently fits them.”

“Plants and flowers flourish in the presence of light. The same is true of other growing things, such as children, friends, parents, siblings, spouses, and relationships. We know that the Savior is the source of all light (see D& C 88: 6–13) and that love, truth, power, and the Spirit coexist with light. The more light in our lives, the more love we feel, the more truth we are drawn to, the more power we receive—the kind of power that magnifies our influence for good—and the more often we experience the promptings of the Spirit…. When we offer true love to others, we are also inviting more light into their lives. When we share an experience where the Spirit is present, love increases. When we offer a truth, power is included. Thus, as we bring light to others’ lives, the more open to the Spirit they can be, the more love they can feel, the more truth they are able to embrace, and the more power they can access.”

“One of the best ways to break out of our old, settling for less patterns, and to quit living beneath our privileges and ourselves, is to make sure that our view of life and love is not the world’s view, but instead reflects the grand truths of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The world speaks from its base of knowledge. But that knowledge is limited… It’s the best the world can offer. But how tragic if we live and love according to the world’s understanding when we could be enjoying relationships influenced by the light and knowledge the Lord has offered us.”