How To Kill An American

I received an email stating this was 'too good not to pass on'. Good stuff. It makes a great statement about who is American - where Americans come from and what we believe.

Faith of a Child

We have been sick this past week.  Our Home Teacher came to help with giving the children blessings.  The boys have been the sickest.  When they were done receiving their blessings, my husband asked if anyone else wanted one.  One of our daughters said that she did and she went and sat down.  She was very sweet about it.  I thought about her excitement and realized the simple faith that children have.

I was particularly touched because I've been having a hard time with her the last little bit.  I wasn't feeling well today and she's not really one to be trusted to her own devices for very long.  She can think up crazy schemes and her little sister will think it's fun to join along.  So, for me to see a child in a different light was good for me.

When I tucked her in bed tonight, I told her I loved her and apologized for the times I wasn't very nice today.  She seemed to forgive so quickly.

Oh to be like a little child - to have faith, love others and forgive quickly...all without having to think much about it or put much effort into it. Life would be so much happier and peaceful if we were to all live like that.  I guess I should try it more often.

It's a Faith Based Work

I had a chance to hear Sister Beck speak a couple of weeks ago.  What a great experience.  A neighboring stake invited her to come and they invited us along with another stake or two.  It was a larger group - but, still small enough to seem personable.

She shared a brief explanation of the purpose of Relief Society, spoke lovingly of her two counselors and how they are filling their mission here on earth (that is specific to them) and bore her testimony.  She then opened it up to question and answers.  Wow!  It seemed quite brave to me.  That means you get to deal wisely with any topic that could be thrown your way - while 'on your feet'.  Apparently, she was confident the Spirit would be there.

There were questions about the curriculum, visiting teaching, eternal companions, abuse, scripture study, being single, 'wayward' children, one about 'how do you do it all?' and more.   

Here are some lessons taught: 

1.  Read from the scriptures daily.

2.  It is your right/responsibility to live the female half of the plan.

3.  It doesn't work out on paper.  Turn your life over to Christ and miracles will happen.

4.  We are never alone.  We have a sisterhood, our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with us.

5.  Taylor your service to the individual/s involved.

6.  Love your spouse and work together.

7.  Motherhood is an eternal calling given to all women.

8.  We all have a mission here on earth.

9.  We all have access to prophets.

10.  Teach children the meaning behind the action.

11.  Pray.

12.  Be the strong link in your family.

13.  Use the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Favorite quote:  "Children are welcome in an LDS home because we know what to do with them."

It was interesting to me how many times the message came out - 'It's a faith based work.'.  We need to have faith in everything we do.  Each scenario will be different - depending on who is involved. The main idea to grasp is that Heavenly Father will taylor what we need to us.  We are able to get answers for our specific questions and concerns.