not this cute anymore!
Ironically, Ben asked us this morning what happens when the prophet dies. Aaron quickly explained the order of succession, but had no idea we would have a more serious discussion before bed on this subject. Although I am glad to know that he passed peacefully and is reunited with his sweetheart, I feel a deep sadness that he is no longer here. I love him dearly and I am truly grateful for the influence he has had on my life.
These past 12 years during his service as Prophet have been HUGE decision making years in my life.. [High school, going to college, marriage, having children, getting through law school, starting a career, just to name a few..] President Hinckley has been MY prophet, and I am thankful for his inspired guidance. Out of all the experiences I went through these past few years, I believe that his challenge to read the Book of Mormon is the one that has had the most impact on my testimony and my life. When the challenge came, I felt rightfully excluded from those he challenged. I was a law school widow with two young children and a baby on the way. My pregnancy with Zack was a difficult one and for some reason, I felt as though I was an exception to the rule. After reading his promise of the blessings that would come into our lives by taking on the challenge, I began reading.. and I didn't stop. My love for the Book of Mormon grew and I knew without a doubt that the feeling in our home changed. It was exactly what I needed at that time in my life, and I was amazed at how quickly I finished, especially when I had so much on my plate. It was such a testimony-building experience for me, as I know it was for so many others who took the challenge. In honor of the Prophet, our family decided last night that we would read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover this year.. something we haven't done with our children.
This weekend was stake conference for us.. and Aaron and I were able to attend the adult session on Saturday night. Although it's not really exciting to spend a date night attending a church meeting, we decided to go (and deduct the babysitting fees out of our tithing funds.) It was a wonderful meeting and I came home with such a desire to protect our family from that which can quietly destroy our children and/or our marriage. While sitting there with my husband, I had a picture in my mind of someone (or something) coming inside our home and attacking us. I wanted so badly to guard my children from this evil, but I felt hopeless because I had not prepared and had nothing for protection. My children are so young and would be defenseless if something were to happen to them.. and it's my responsibility to make our home as safe and secure as possible. I am too casual about what I invite in.. through the television and internet. And even though some of these things aren't necessarily "bad" they are occupying our time and keeping us from doing what is essential. I cannot sit back and let it happen anymore! For family home evening this week, we are going to talk about how we can put on the armor of God and build our own fort of safety... even if it's just one stone at a time. I may not be able to change what is going on in the world, but I am in control of our home. I need to simplify my life so I can do the things that are most important for me and my little family!
Any suggestions on how you've been able to improve the spirit of your home? How about ideas of making scripture reading more entertaining for the little ones? We've read the picture books before (which are awesome) but we are doing 'the real thing' now and I know it's not going to be easy....
These past 12 years during his service as Prophet have been HUGE decision making years in my life.. [High school, going to college, marriage, having children, getting through law school, starting a career, just to name a few..] President Hinckley has been MY prophet, and I am thankful for his inspired guidance. Out of all the experiences I went through these past few years, I believe that his challenge to read the Book of Mormon is the one that has had the most impact on my testimony and my life. When the challenge came, I felt rightfully excluded from those he challenged. I was a law school widow with two young children and a baby on the way. My pregnancy with Zack was a difficult one and for some reason, I felt as though I was an exception to the rule. After reading his promise of the blessings that would come into our lives by taking on the challenge, I began reading.. and I didn't stop. My love for the Book of Mormon grew and I knew without a doubt that the feeling in our home changed. It was exactly what I needed at that time in my life, and I was amazed at how quickly I finished, especially when I had so much on my plate. It was such a testimony-building experience for me, as I know it was for so many others who took the challenge. In honor of the Prophet, our family decided last night that we would read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover this year.. something we haven't done with our children.
This weekend was stake conference for us.. and Aaron and I were able to attend the adult session on Saturday night. Although it's not really exciting to spend a date night attending a church meeting, we decided to go (and deduct the babysitting fees out of our tithing funds.) It was a wonderful meeting and I came home with such a desire to protect our family from that which can quietly destroy our children and/or our marriage. While sitting there with my husband, I had a picture in my mind of someone (or something) coming inside our home and attacking us. I wanted so badly to guard my children from this evil, but I felt hopeless because I had not prepared and had nothing for protection. My children are so young and would be defenseless if something were to happen to them.. and it's my responsibility to make our home as safe and secure as possible. I am too casual about what I invite in.. through the television and internet. And even though some of these things aren't necessarily "bad" they are occupying our time and keeping us from doing what is essential. I cannot sit back and let it happen anymore! For family home evening this week, we are going to talk about how we can put on the armor of God and build our own fort of safety... even if it's just one stone at a time. I may not be able to change what is going on in the world, but I am in control of our home. I need to simplify my life so I can do the things that are most important for me and my little family!
Any suggestions on how you've been able to improve the spirit of your home? How about ideas of making scripture reading more entertaining for the little ones? We've read the picture books before (which are awesome) but we are doing 'the real thing' now and I know it's not going to be easy....
picture copyrighted by Boyd Ivey Photography
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11 comments:
Thank you so much for sharing your testimony of President Hinckley. He was such an amazing man. I too had some of the same feelings you had this weekend about protecting my children and my family. My thoughts returned to a talk, given by President Hinckley, to mothers. I thought it was amazing when I heard it and I didn't even have kids then. Now that I have kids it's even more meaningful. Here's the link in case you're interested:
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=ca73a1615ac0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
I knew you would bear a sweet tribute like this. Thanks for sharing.
I knew you would too. (I'm probably going to copy you on the picture) I have similar feelings toward him... I love the quotes on the side from him.
I love that picture of him. YOu worded what I felt exactly...you do a much better job at it. He is going to be missed by so many.
You said it so perfectly, these past 12 years have been EXTREME life changing/making decisions for us as well and we couldn't have done that without the guidance and councils that we had from this beloved man. He truely is a prophet of god.
Me and your Ben must have been on the same page. So sad. I love that man. The first time I saw him in person I cried. It was unreal to be in the presence of someone so great.
You seem to be doing so many of the right things for your boys. Scripture reading is tough but so worth it. I tend to stop and ask questions and extrapulate on the things we are reading even if we only got through three or four verses, I find that it helps my kids to learn to ponder and come up with questions. Sometimes the questions continue tell we read again. Don't rush. President Eyring spoke of looking for ways that the Lord touched our lifes everyday and writing it down, we do this in a nightly journal and it is amazing what your kids come up with. It can be such a testimony builder for me. Thank you for your beautiful testimony, what a strength you are to so many.
Thank you for this janet. It's amazing that you talked about what happens if the Prophet dies just before he did. I do not doubt that these little ones are more in tune with Heaven than we or they even know. I too am seeking, as always it seems, to simplify my life. I feel a real determination in the Prophets passing to remember how good I have been and can be, and how good it feels to just have the right focus always. For me, once I get in my personal routines of taking time to be holy, it seems that everything else just comes along. i really appreciate you.
Hi Janet,
Love the pictures of the boys! I told someone today that I felt he was my prophet too, I feel extremely lucky that he was the prophet I grew up with so amazing. As for the scripture reading, I remember from a young age sounding out the words to the verses as we all took our turns reading a chapter every morning before work/school it is amazing how fast it adds up. Starting your kids so early you will have such an advantage on building a great habit, plus it is such a great way to invite the spirit into the house for the whole day when you start in the morning. Sorry for the extra long comment! Hope that gives you an idea or two!
Sophia
I love that I get to comment under my sister! I remember those reading moments too! We try and read every morning, and get Miriam to repeat the words after us. I think with little kids, its not so much the goal of getting it done in a certain time, but making sure the time you do have with scriptures is a happy peaceful time. I find too, that looking after my spirituality is important, if I don't do that, I am not a good example and that is important.
Janet,
You probably don't remember me from high school, but I saw your blog off of Sara's and I was hooked! I hope that is okay! Your little family is so cute! Anyway I just wanted to share what we do for scripture reading, my little girl is only 3 1/2 but it works for her. When we are reading we choose a word for her to listen for (something that is repeated often in the verses, or one you can sneak in while reading) and then she raises her hand when she hears it. I am not convinced she is understanding things, but she is listening for words at least! Sometimes is carries over into church as well during talks. Good luck with your reading, and thanks for letting me look at your blog!
Tanelle Smith (Anderson)
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