Sabbath Day Light: Every Day like Easter Sunday

This past Sunday was so wonderful. It was Easter Sunday, so my husband and I made a special effort with our kids to focus on the Savior. We also got to hear beautiful music and messages in church about Christ's atonement and resurrection. Then, we were able to spend time that evening with the people we love most - our family. It was one of those days you wish you could have every day.


As I think about it, though, can't every day be like Easter Sunday? If I am to call myself a true disciple of Jesus Christ, mustn't I remember Him every day? Shouldn't I bear witness of Him at all times? Can't I feel the Spirit testify to me of the divinity of Christ at any given moment?


I think that we feel more comfortable talking about Jesus around Christmas-time or Easter-time because people expect Christians to talk about Him during those times. However, as the Apostle Paul says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16)."


In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi speaks of his people, the Nephites, and how they live. He says, "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins (2Nephi 25:26)."


How can we better show our devotion to Christ - to talk of Him and to rejoice in Him? I have a few suggestions:


1. Listen to and sing spiritual songs of praise and love to the Lord.


I know for me, when I sing or hear hymns at church, at home, or in the car, I always feel warm and joyful. I feel the Holy Ghost touching my heart. I especially love to hear my children sing hymns. I always have to wipe tears from my eyes when I hear their sweet voices.





Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.


Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 - For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.


2. Read the scriptures daily and ponder their meaning in your life.


My husband and I read from the Book of Mormon each night with our children. Then before we go to bed, he and I will listen to recent General Conference talks or watch Bible videos about Christ's teachings. Individually, my husband and I also strive to study the word of God.


1 Nephi 19:23 - ...I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.


2 Nephi 32:3 - ...Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.


Psalms 119:105 - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.





**If you would like to learn more about The Book of Mormon, click here.


3. Pray to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ daily, always having a prayer in your heart.


When you pray, you are showing that you love God, that you wish to communicate with Him, that you believe that He hears and answers your prayers, that you have faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. We can pray for many things, such as for safety for our family, comfort, help, answers, and blessings. This shows that we trust that God loves us and wishes to bless us. We should also focus on thanking God for all the blessings we have and will receive. In all these forms of praying, we can come closer to our Father in Heaven, as well as our Savior.


I love praying, and pray many times a day. I strive to say sincere prayers, and to really remember who I am talking to.





1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18 -  Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.


Psalms 55:17 - Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.


4. Observe the world around you and see God's hand in all things.


When I smell a flower, look into my children's eyes, drive through the mountains, gaze at a rainbow, accomplish something I didn't think I could, I feel God's presence near.


One of my favorite children's hymns is called My Heavenly Father Loves Me. Here are the words:.


Whenever I hear the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet rose
Or walk by our lilac tree,
I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heav'nly Father created for me.


 He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:
I thank him rev'rently
For all his creations, of which I'm a part.
Yes, I know Heav'nly Father loves me.






I know that if we can see God's hand in all things, we will talk of God more, and we will feel His love more abundantly.


Alma 30:44  ...The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.


5.  Love and serve others.


When we help other people, whether it be in our homes, in our churches, or in our communities, we learn to be a little more selfless, a little more kind, a little more compassionate, a little more like Christ.


As we love our neighbors, we can help them feel God's love for them. I am always happier and feel more fulfilled when I am helping someone else.


President Dieter F. Uchtdorf,  Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, "As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit." You can read his whole talk on how we can be the Lord's hands here.





Mosiah 2:17 -  And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.


St. Matthew 25:40 -  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.


St. John 13:34 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 


6. Testify of Jesus Christ and His gospel.


In my life, my testimony of Jesus Christ, and my relationship with Him, has grown the most through sharing His gospel with others.


Never have I felt the Spirit more, felt the love of God for me individually more, realized my purpose and worth more, than when I am anxiously engaged in the work of bringing souls unto Christ.


Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want all people to receive exaltation. Those of us who have the truth are called to share it with the world, so all can partake of the gift of the atonement of our Savior.


Doctrine and Covenants 18:15 - And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!


Isaiah 52:7 - How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!





I know that if we do these things, as well as any other things that draw us nearer to God, that each and every day can be as special to us as Easter Sunday. Let us live our religion every day, and love the Lord with all our heart, might, mind and strength.

Sabbath Day Light: Peace through Keeping God's Commandments

In church this past Sunday, we had our monthly Testimony Meeting. In these meetings, members of the congregation, who feel the Spirit prompt them, will come up to the pulpit and share their testimony of different aspects of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I always look forward to these meetings, and often share my testimony.


In this particular meeting, there were three individuals, all from different backgrounds, who spoke a similar theme. One of the speakers was a 12-year-old girl, not yet a member of our church. She expressed sincere gratitude to the missionaries for teaching her the gospel, and for helping her turn her life around. She said she used to be "out of control," but has now calmed down and starting doing the right things. She is so happy to be a part of our congregation.


Another sister spoke of a close member of her family who had been making poor decisions for quite a while. Life was getting harder and harder for him. She had been praying for this person to have an experience where his eyes would be opened and he would realize he was on the wrong path. She said that her prayer had recently been answered. She is so grateful because now, this person she loves so dearly, has recognized that he has been missing God's love in his life. He wants a relationship with his Father in Heaven again.


The third person whose testimony struck me has been coming back been to church, where he had been gone a long time. As he spoke, his humility and honesty were inspiring. He expressed a desire to continue to turn his life around and get worthy again to return to the temple. He knows he has done some wrong things. He knows that he needs to change to be truly happy, and he is trying really hard to do so.


Each of these people helped me see a theme, which is when we follow the commandments the Lord has set for us, we are at peace. We have hope, we feel love, and we see our true potential.
In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi said, "...And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them... (1 Nephi 17:3)."


In his mortal ministry, Jesus said,  "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6)."


I know this to be true. You can read more about how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints keep the commandments here: http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/commandments

Sabbath Day Light: In this there is safety. In this there is peace.

The past two days I was truly spiritually fed.  My family and I watched four 2-hour sessions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ General Conference. It was wonderful. The spirit was strong, and from the experience I have grown and have specific, loving instruction on how to better myself and help those around me.

In an effort to help you see how priceless hearing the words of the Lord’s servants is, I would like to highlight some of my favorite talks from the conference.

Saturday Morning Session - April 5, 2014

1. Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: He is always such a powerful speaker, and this time was no different. He spoke of how there will be times in our lives when we are persecuted for our beliefs. He said it is worth it to be courageous and hold true. We will find safety and strength if we are righteous and have Christ-like love, which is the greatest need we have on this planet. My favorite part of his talk was when he boldly, and poignantly testified of priesthood keys and ordinances. He said he was more sure of their existence on the earth than he was sure he was standing before us, and that we were watching him speak. See below for a sample of his talk:

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2. Ronald Rasbund of the Presidency of the 70: He spoke of how sustaining our leaders is a privilege, and comes with a responsibility to share their burdens, and to be disciples of Christ. We are the Lord’s hands on the earth, and we must lift and serve others. We can get help to make divine decisions and love what God loves as we help others.

3. Linda S. Reeves , Second Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency: She was incredibly bold and powerful as she spoke of the dangers of pornography as one of the worst problems facing families today. However, she offered wonderful guidance. She said not to be shocked and angry, or reject someone with a pornography problem. Through Christ, one struggling with this type of addiction can be made clean again and have his/her sorrows taken away. She also gave suggestions on how to prevent the desire to view pornography in our homes. She said to do daily scripture study, pray and do weekly family home evening, as well as talk of Christ and rejoice in Christ often. She testified that coupled with prayer, the Book of Mormon can strengthen family relationships.

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4. Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency: He spoke of his great grandfather, Heinrich, and his conversion to the gospel, as well as the example Heinrich set for him, though he never met him. The thing President Eyring said that meant the most to me was to let the Lord be the leader of your family and things will work out.

Saturday Afternoon Session - April 5, 2014

1. Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: The theme of his talk was to let our faith show. All truth comes from God, and we should not set aside any of it. Living our religions day by day, wherever we are, will bring divine guidance. God’s laws must ever be our standard, and we should look first to God and the scriptures for guidance. You can’t rise to the full stature of your integrity, or become all your true self can be, if you segment your life into compartments. “Even if everyone is doing it, wrong is never right.”

2. Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: My favorite points from his talk are that we should serve the Lord first. He also said to sincerely love those we went to help so they can then gain confidence of God’s love. That really struck me – that through our love, others can feel God’s love.

3. W. Craig Zwick of the 70: He spoke about communication with others, and how we should never let corrupt or abrasive words come out of our mouths. We should try to see other people’s perspectives. We should always be kind and civil, even when we disagree with someone. Also, being right is not that important. What is important is listening, having empathy and seeing through another’s eyes.

4. Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Elder Cook’s talk focused on hastening temple work and family history work. I loved hearing his enthusiasm as he said that there were only 12 temples 50 years ago, and now there are 142. Eighty five percent of our church membership lives within 200 miles of a temple. With the advances in technology, family history centers are now in our homes. The church is growing, and it is growing because it is true.

Sunday Morning Session - April 6, 2014

1. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: If I tried to tell you my favorite parts of this talk, I would quote the entire thing. I have never heard a more powerful talk on gratitude in my life. One quote is “Gratitude is a catalyst to all Christlike attributes.” Please watch this talk! It will change your life.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1462571953976355

2. Jean A. Stevens, First Counselor in the General Primary Presidency: She told a story that really strengthened my testimony. She said that one day she was driving and she saw a boy walking on the side of the road. She felt an impression to stop and help him, but then didn’t. She received a stronger prompting, and then went back and asked him if he needed help. He said he had been praying for someone to help him. She later told his perspective of the story in his own words, and he indicated that he had tried to walk home a long distance and just couldn’t. He prayed for someone to help him, and minutes later, Sister Stevens pulled up to him. She testified that God is aware of our situations and wants to bless us. He has a plan for us and wants to see us home again. God accomplishes His miracles one prayer at a time, one person at a time.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1462571893976361

3. David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:  His talk used a metaphor of a truck in the snow that needed a load to give it enough traction to get unstuck and head safely home. The load represents our trials, our obligations, our sorrows. He said that happiness is not the absence of a load. He talked about how Christ will help us pull our load and be with us to the end as long as we make and keep sacred covenant with Him. Christ experienced all we will ever experience before us, so He has perfect empathy. There is always someone who knows what we are going through. This talk is definitely worth watching.

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4. Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:  Our dear prophet reminded us that the greatest commandment is to love God, and the second to love one another. He said that we can’t fully love God without loving others, and we can’t fully love others without loving God. He counseled that as we recognize that we are all spirit children of God, and thus brothers and sisters, loving others gets easier. We will never regret being too kind. Love should be at the heart of family life. Blame keeps wounds open; only forgiveness heals. This man is a prophet of God. Please listen to his words.

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Sunday Afternoon Session - April 6, 2014

1.  Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

I have one quote I want to share that touched me deeply: “I know the Lord. I am His witness.” I believe him.

2. L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: I loved his talk. It was a profound reminder of the importance of following the Spirit, submitting our will to God’s, and keeping the commandments. I strongly recommend watching his talk.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1462699320630285

In the meantime, below are two of my favorite quotes from his talk:

             

             

3. Lawrence Corbridge of the 70: Other than President Uchtdorf’s talk, this was my favorite. He spoke with great love for the Prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph, as a 14-year-old boy, was searching for truth. He wanted to know which church to join. I love how Elder Corbridge said, “In his haste to know, he was not hasty.” I felt the Spirit very strongly as he gave a long, yet not complete list, of the many truths we now know because of revelation given to Joseph Smith. Please, please, please watch this talk. If you have a desire to know more about my faith and about prophets of God, namely Joseph Smith, I promise you will be touched.

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 4. D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: His talk was the final talk before President Monson’s closing remarks, and I felt that was appropriate because his talk focused on the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ - He who we worship as our beloved Savior. It is a wonderful talk to get us in the right mood for Easter. I loved it when he said that many doubt or disbelieve that Christ was resurrected... and some know. I know that he knows, and I also know. We can know that Christ lives and He is our Savior. We do not need to see him to know.

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For those of you reading, I want to bear you my solemn testimony that Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior. He, along with our Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost, love us and want more than anything for us to be happy in this life and in the life to come. We have everything we need to be able to return to Heaven, and one of those ways is through living prophets. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's prophet on the earth today. Please take the time to hear the words of the Lord's servants. By their fruits ye shall know them, and their fruits truly lead to God.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch?lang=eng&cid=HPTU040114644

Sabbath Day Light: A promise to receive answers

My family is currently on vacation in Williamsburg, VA, so this Sunday morning we worshiped with fellow Latter-day Saints from the Jamestown area.


At the beginning of our first meeting, a visiting local church leader gave us a promise. He promised that if this coming weekend, we watch all four sessions of General Conference, we will receive answers to all of the specific questions we currently have about our lives and our faith.





For those of you who are not of my faith, you may be wondering what General Conference is. Well, every six months, in April and October, my church does a series of broadcasts from Salt Lake City, UT, to many countries around the world. In these broadcasts, which consists of five 2-hour sessions held over two days, we hear spiritual messages from the leaders of our church. Those who speak to us prayerfully choose what they will speak about, and their messages are meant to uplift, counsel and inform not only the members of the faith, but all the world.


We believe that God still speaks to His children, and does so through living prophets. We believe that Thomas S. Monson, the President of our church, as well as his counselors, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are prophets, seers and revelators. They receive direction directly from God for the benefit of His people. One profound mission of the apostles and prophets is to teach and testify of Jesus Christ to the world.


If you would like to listen to some of their poignant testimonies of Christ, you can view them at this link: Special Witnesses of Christ. You can also view their pictures and biographies here: Meet Today's Prophets and Apostles.


Throughout these two days we hear from these divinely-appointed prophets and apostles. We also hear from other leaders of our church, such as leaders of our women's organization, called the Relief Society, and many others.


I always look forward to General Conference. I do not watch much television, but this is better than television. It is life-changing. It leaves me, and everyone who watches it with a prayerful heart, with new hope, renewed purpose, and an overwhelming feeling of love from not only the prophet and other church leaders, but from our Father in Heaven, and His son, Jesus Christ.


In this world, there is so much confusion, so much hate, so much darkness. We can always find light when we follow Jesus Christ. We know we are following Him as we heed the words of His servants. To read more about why prophets are so important, read here:  We Need Living Prophets.


The promise my congregation heard on Sunday applies to everyone who has an open heart and wishes to find answers of peace, hope, and love. I want you to watch General Conference and receive the blessings millions of people receive already: Come Join Us for General Conference.


I know with all my heart that God still speaks, and does so through living prophets, just as He did anciently. I know that our prayers are heard. I know that we can walk in light. I know that God loves all of us and wants each of us to live with Him again. He has provided the way through prayer, though scriptures, and through His servants, the prophets. Come, join with us. You will be changed for the better.

Parenthood: Change for the harder, but truly for the better

My name is Mandy. I am 29 years old and I am the mother of three boys ranging from almost 1 to almost 9.

I am not going to lie to you – there are days when I just want to fold into myself and cry. Life as a parent is really hard.

Despite this, I loving being a mom, and I even want to have more kids. Am I crazy for wanting this? I don’t think so.

Yes, things change when you become a parent, many times for the harder, but with all my heart I say, not for the worse. Let’s talk about some of those difficult changes. I promise that with all of these difficulties come blessings. See if I am right after you keep reading about my life.

Cleanliness of the Home… and the people in it

I am someone who loves a clean, organized house. At this time in my life, it is pretty far from that description. At the end of any given day, there are toys strewn all over the floor, crumbs comparable to the sands of the sea under the kitchen table, kids with food stains all over their clothes and faces, and an at least one pile of laundry  spilling off the couch.

 It doesn’t only seem this way, but it is true, that my husband or I clean up and five minutes later there is another mess. Sometimes we think, why clean at all? Then we face reality and start cleaning, often after the kids are in bed.

What could be good about this? Well, I can be grateful that I have food to feed my kids. Crumbs show they are fed. I can be grateful my kids have toys so they can have fun and play together. I can be grateful that my kids are curious and want to touch everything. This means they are learning.

I used to apologize every time someone would come over to my house and it wasn’t perfectly clean. I have learned over time that true friends and loving family are coming over to see my family and me, not my clean house. They understand, and they usually want to help.

A friend of mine told me about a wall plaque that says, “Yes, we do live here.” I love that. It’s not just that we sleep in this house either, but it’s that we have joy here. We live in our house, and happily so. That is what makes it a home.

Physical Appearance

There have been times in my life when I have been really concerned with how I looked. I wanted to make sure my makeup, hair and clothes all looked fabulous. I wanted to look great all the time.

Having kids changed this for me. Hey don’t get me wrong, I don’t all of a sudden want to be smelly and gross. It’s not like that. I still have a desire to look good, and I have even had self-confidence issues due to my weight after having kids. However, I no longer make the way I look my top priority. I am not going to lie - sometimes I don’t take a shower until noon or later. I only put on makeup and fix my hair if I have time, but mostly just when I go to church or spend the day out. I don’t wear fabulous clothes that often either, but that is probably smart. I would have spit up, snot and food all over them at the end of the day anyway.

Not focusing so much on my physical appearance has helped me in many ways. I have learned to see myself as more than my outward appearance. My insides – my character, my mind, my spirit - have become so much more important to me.

I have learned to put others’ needs before my own. I do this by making sure my kids have the clothes they need, that their faces and hands are clean, that their noses are wiped, that their bums are clean. Putting others before myself has made me happier and more humble than ever before.

The icing on the cake is that there is no better smell than freshly washed baby. It is beyond heavenly.

Privacy and Free Time

Once you have kids, you are really lucky to go to the bathroom on your own or sit down and eat a meal peacefully.

When you are on the phone, your kids are the loudest and craziest. When you want a quiet moment with your spouse, your kids run in and jump all over you. When you think you might be able to get a nap, your baby wakes up from his nap just as your head hits the pillow.

Not only do you have little privacy as a parent, you also have very little free time. I know I go all day every day because my kids always need something. Each day I look forward to when the kids go to sleep so I can relax a little. Earlier in the day, when the little ones nap, assuming they actually nap at the same time, I have to make a choice. Do I catch up on chores, take a nap, or do something fun like watch a movie? Actually, I usually choose to do something responsible, like pay bills or work on a lesson.  All this work can be really tough because I still have hobbies and interests and friends.

This concept of less free time and privacy has taught me many things. I have learned to multitask and to survive on less sleep. I have been able to see what in my life isn’t important and get rid of it.

I have pondered on what is the most important. There are many things that are important in my life. Some I have time to do now; others will have to wait. What I do know, though, is there is nothing more precious than my time with my husband and my kids. So, though I don’t get a lot of time alone, that time alone I would not cherish as much as my time with those I love most.

Romance

When you have kids, you are really busy. They take up most of your time. Even when you and your spouse are both at home with the kids, there is always a never-ending list of things to do. By the time the kids are all in bed, quite often my husband and I are exhausted. We have struggled with having enough time together to keep our marriage strong.

We are still working on this, but a good thing that has come from it is that we are planning things to do with each other. We have goals we are working on. It has been rewarding to talk together about what we want and need, and how to do that. It is helping our communication.

We want to be married forever, so we know we have to keep our marriage at the forefront. We want to, but we also know our kids aren’t going to be living with us forever.

Sometimes we have moments when we look at each other and just smile with love and adoration. Those moments come when we see each other loving, playing with, and teaching our children, and when we see our children do something amazing that touches us to the core.

We recognize for a few short years we may not have as much time together, but we are growing in love and adoration for each other each day as we see each other develop into a better spouse because of trying to be a better parent.

Sleep

I mentioned sleep earlier, but it merits mentioning again. Reasons for staying up late and the definition of sleeping in change drastically when you are a parent. It is rare you stay up late for fun. You instead stay up late so you can clean the house, do other chores, and possibly spend a little time alone, or with your spouse. The amount of sleep you get changes too. Eight hours? What’s that? Try five or six hours – and those five or six hours often are interrupted.

Through enduring this difficult challenge for so long, I find I don’t need as much sleep as I used to. I can feel totally fine on way less than eight hours of sleep, on the good fortune that it is uninterrupted. I also feel way more grateful for sleep than I ever used to. Naps are a luxury and a good night’s rest a reason to celebrate.

Timeliness

When you have kids, it is a huge struggle to get anywhere on time. It doesn’t matter what time of the day it is or when you started getting ready. It seems like right before we go somewhere, someone either needs a diaper change, needs to go potty, has forgotten something, or just isn’t cooperating.

That is my life. I have found that I am most impatient and yell at my kids the most when I am in a hurry. Sometimes it is due to my lack of preparation, but most of the time it’s just the way it is.

I am still trying to master the skills I am learning from this. I do think surviving on less sleep helps sometimes. What I really need to work on is my temperament. I need to be more patient. I need to be more compassionate. I need to keep my voice gentle. These skills would be helpful in so many aspects of my life, and this is an avenue for me to develop those skills.

I also have learned that being a little late or exactly on time won’t make the world end. Life will go on. Do I want to care more about getting somewhere on time, or about how my kids feel about me when life gets tough? I know that the way I act in these situations is how they will act in those situations.

Noise

Peace and quiet doesn’t really exist in a house full of kids. Kids use their imaginations very loudly. My toddler imitates just about everything we say, in his adorable and LOUD voice. My baby cries when one of his brothers knocks him over by accident, or when he really doesn’t want to take a nap or be spoon-fed. My two oldest like to pretend to fight each other, but they also really just don’t get along sometimes. Expressing that frustration is very noisy and whiny.

The only times it is really quiet are when the kids are asleep. To get some peace, sometimes as parents, we must get away – a quick trip to Wal-Mart for me, washing the car for you, an occasional date for us. You know what the funny thing is, though? After a date with my husband, or after going out on an errand without the kids, I welcome the noise with open arms. I always miss the laughter and the craziness, even after a few hours.

Focus/Thoughts

Ever heard of mommy brain? It’s real. Because of increased stress and lack of sleep, many times we moms are inarticulate, forget where our stuff is, forget what we are talking about while we are talking about it, forget regular vocabulary, go into a room having no idea why – wait, what am I talking about?

Are there good things about this? Perhaps other people learn to be more patient with us? I do know I have learned to laugh at myself more. It also keeps me humble, which is always a good thing. J

Budget

With kids come extra reasons to spend money: food, clothing, diapers, toys, school supplies, field trips, gifts for holidays and birthdays, etc., etc., etc. What might have been spent on concerts or new clothes now goes to caring for your children. Honestly, I see this as a great blessing. Having to think more about what we spend money on has helped us purge out unneeded expenses. It is also so rewarding to pay for a field trip, knowing my child will have fun and learn. Buying clothes for my kids, especially the little ones, is so enjoyable. I also love buying toys and books for my children in anticipation of their excited, lit up faces.

Food and Entertainment

I have noticed that the food I eat, the music I listen to, the movies and shows I watch, the books I read, the activities I do outside of the house, are so different than they used to be. When we go to restaurants as a family we make sure there is a good kids’ menu. I watch a lot of Pixar, Disney and Dreamworks. I read books with pictures far more often than I read novels. I listen to whatever my kids want to listen to over, and over, and over. My kids use my phone more than I do it seems, playing games or watching clips from “Frozen” on YouTube. When planning family activities, or family vacations, my husband and I focus on what our kids will enjoy.

Do I miss my old forms of entertainment? Sometimes, but not really. A lot of the stuff I used to watch, read and listen to wasn’t uplifting, and sometimes inappropriate. As far as activities go, sometimes I do wish my husband and I could go swim with dolphins or do a romantic dinner cruise, but we know there will be a time when we can go on vacations alone. Periodically we will, but we know right now, our first priority is making sure our kids enjoy their childhood. What an amazing responsibility. It is one I hold dear.

 Pain

There are very few times in life we voluntarily go through pain. Any woman who decides to be a mother goes through some of the most intense pain she will ever go through as she bears her children. Many mothers, including myself, keep on having kids even after going through nine months of discomfort and then intense labor/delivery pains. Some mothers also go through grave emotional stress and depression after having children.

Do you know why we do it? I don’t know about all mothers, but as for me, as soon as I hold my baby in my arms for the first time, I forget all about the pain I just went through. I forget about everything but the overwhelming love I have for my little angel from Heaven.

Another thing happens as we have kids. We see them go through pain - emotional and physical. When babies get hurt or are upset, what calms them down? Mommy nursing them or cuddling them. When toddlers get a booboo, what do they say through their little tears? They say, “Kiss it, Mommy.” When you kiss it, they know it is all better.

When our older kids go through bullying, or not understanding their worth, it is up to us to stand up for them, to help them know just how precious they are.

Enduring pain with our children helps our family grow in love. We know we can do anything as long as we have each other.

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These are just a few of the major ways having kids makes life harder. I hope I convinced you that these harder things are actually for our good.

There is so much more, though! There are so many things about parenthood that are nothing short of amazing. Let me highlight some of those!

We get more excuses to act like kids.

We come together as an extended family to celebrate our kids.

We get to see ourselves in our kids.

We find many more opportunities for laughter.

We get to share our talents with our kids.

We are surrounded by cuteness all the time.

We get and give a lot more kisses.

We always have great stories to tell.

We find more reasons to be creative.

We rejoice in our children’s accomplishments.

We find joy in the small things.

We get to see little imaginations at work.

We get to make special one-on-one memories to strengthen our bonds.

We get to see our children grow in love towards each other.

 

 Most importantly, we find divine purpose and ultimate joy in the journey.

God, our Father, has entrusted precious little ones to our earthly care. To them may we teach prayer, inspire faith, live truth, and honor God. Then we shall have heavenly homes and forever families. For what higher gift could we wish? For what greater blessing could we pray? None!

Thomas S. Monson

 

You rock a sobbing child without wondering if today's world is passing you by, because you know you hold tomorrow tightly in your arms.

Neal A. Maxwell

 

For these, and countless other reasons, my greatest joy and calling in life is being a parent. Even at the end of those days when I want to cry, I am blessed beyond compare. I really do hold tomorrow in my arms, and there is nothing more magnificent or valuable in all the world.