I have my own Heaven on earth. It has shaped me, defined who I am, built my character and my faith. It is not architecturally interesting, beautifully decorated, nor extraordinary to discriminating eyes. Yet to me, it is sacred and dear. It is a little box of a cabin sitting in the center of a vast meadow basin. Rising in the distance is a towering mountain covered in pine trees. The only trees around the cozy cottage are tiny sticks, poking out of the ground. They wave in the constant wind, tugging against staked ropes. Next winter they will be crushed again, and the cabin’s owners will attempt to convince the next batch to survive the heavy winter snow.

Once a year, the walls of this tiny structure reverberated with the laughter of a hundred people who all wore the same smile. Children swarmed over the yard and porch, aunts and sisters scrubbed dishes in the crowded kitchen, and fathers and uncles tried— and failed— to find a quiet corner, somewhere. Tents sprouted up in the yard, with cars and campers crowding outside the lodgepole fence. During this weekend of revelry, silence came only four times a day; during the three mealtime prayers, and in the dark of night, when the last of the giggles faded away. Rising up from the encampment came a swell of voices. “Firm as the mountains around us... Carry on, carry on, carry on...!”

This was Nielsenhaven. A refuge from the storms of life. A cottage industry that produced faithful men and women with confidence shining in their eyes. Did my grandparents know what they were giving us those many years ago? Did they know that we would forever associate the words “Carry On,” with all that our family stands for? Did they realize that this tiny cabin they named “Nielsenhaven,” would become a temple, a heaven in our hearts? Today, years later, when I face any problem, hardship, trial, or blessing, my heart says “Carry On.”

In his impactful book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families Steven R. Covey states, “For the most part, families don’t have the kind of mission statement so critical to organizational success. Yet family is the most important, fundamental organization in the world.”

I definitely agree with him, that the family IS the most important organization in the world. In reading further in the chapter, I found that he believes that the mission statement can come in many forms, like a song, a poem, or a piece of artwork. I then realized that my grandmother knew what she was doing when she bought 5 acres in the Idaho mountains thirty years ago and then chose a family song. I have sung it with my amazing extended family time and time again over the years, and it still reminds me of who I am, and what I want out of life. Every time I hear it or sing it, I am inspired to stand a little taller and be a little better.

A Family Mission Statement

In our own immediate family, we have finally— after years of working on it— created our own unique family crest and motto. After much study in the art of heraldry, we have finally come up with something that speaks to us, and represents what our family is all about. This is an enormous building-block in the creation of our family culture. It embodies our family’s mission and purpose.

Symbolism

The blue background stands for loyalty— to God, to each other, to the truth.

The white tree represents our family: the roots acknowledge our ancestors, those who came before us; the trunk represents my husband and I and our eternal marriage; the branches represent our children, and the acorns are a manifestation of the the sweet fruit our efforts in raising our children will bear.

The tree is a mighty oak tree, and also signifies the leadership education going on in our home. The growth of the oak may seem slow, but that is because the roots are growing strong and spreading out, deep and wide. When the tree grows to its full height it will withstand all the storms of life.

The battlement division of the top represents our steadfastness through trials and hardship.

The ermine background of the top signifies our noble heritage, as children of God.

The five red losenges (diamond shapes) were taken from the ancient Keppner crest from Germany. Lined up in this manner, they represent noble blood, reminding us to never forget that God is our Father.

Our family motto, which belongs under the crest is “Dominus Illuminatio Mea,” which is Latin for “The Lord is My Light.” This phrase reminds me to keep God at the center of all I am doing.

Creating the Vision

Dr. Covey says this about a family mission statement: “The mission statement itself has given us a clear, shared vision of the destination where we as a family want to go.” This thought has impacted me tremendously. I am now examining what my goals are for my family. Where do I see my children in the next five, ten, or even twenty years? What kind of “beautiful family culture” does my family need in order to meet those goals and the vision we all have for our futures? (Dr. Covey has some great tips and ideas on how to create a family mission statement in his book.)

Soon after my new daughter was born, in my mind’s eye, I created a picture of her wedding day. I saw each one of my eight children standing tall. Many of them had children of their own. We were all together, smiling, laughing, rejoicing in the great event. As I immerse myself in this vision, I am overwhelmed by the joy this possible future gives me. I don’t want to just dream about it— I want to LIVE it! I want my children to be able to experience this beautiful vision first-hand. When I make daily, weekly, monthly decisions that concern my family, this dream for the future brings me back into alignment with my ideals. I examine my priorities. Do the things I am currently focusing on bring us closer to the desired end, or do they drag me off course?

When I review the beautiful past I have come from, and look to the future I desire, I am so grateful for God’s hand in my life. He can help me reach my goals and make these visions reality. I know He can help and inspire each of us create a beautiful family culture in our own homes.

“Carry on, carry on, carry on...!”