Lets remember that we are not alone. As hard as some days may be, we will always have the help of our Heavenly Father. I believe we could also say that our families were sent here to succeed gloriously!

Let us remember that we can do hard things! Some of the hardest times come in our families, but we can make it through!

Home

I love love love this quote! It is a reminder to me that being a wife and mother is the most important thing I can be doing with my time.
Let's talk for a minute about what it means to make a house a home. A house is simply walls, some windows, rooms, some fixtures, and not much else. But what is that magic ingredient that turns a house into a home? Is it a clean toilet and vacuumed floors? Is is pleasing color schemes, furniture arrangements, and decor? Is it hearty home-made comfort food? Not exactly... these things may be present in a house that isn't necessarily a home. I bet you've guessed the magic ingredient by now: love.
How do you show your love and turn your house into a home? Some women do use the methods described above, but it's not necessary. I imagine most children feel more loved when a parent plays with them or helps them with their homework than when their Mom is cleaning the bathroom or baking an apple pie. Love your children, teach them your values and skills, and you will "make a greater contribution to society than those who command large armies or stand at the head of impressive corporations." Wow! Now that is an attainable objective.

Make your house a home.

Children

What a true statement! What words of wisdom. Things we almost all have heard, but so easy to forget. It is one thing to hear this, but another to live it. Neil L. Andersen stated what I wanted to express, but couldn't articulate as well. In October of 2011, he said:

Many voices in the world today marginalize the importance of having children or suggest delaying or limiting children in a family. My daughters recently referred me to a blog written by a Christian mother (not of our faith) with five children. She commented: “[Growing] up in this culture, it is very hard to get a biblical perspective on motherhood. … Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get.” She then adds: “Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.”

Children are one of the greatest joys in the world. When all is said and done, family is what counts.

Forgiveness

In some families, please is described as the magic word.  In our house, however, it was sorry.  ~Margaret Laurence


I'm not trying to tell you to change your own "magic word" but I would like to express the importance of saying you're sorry. I know in my home it seemed like my parents were always right, even if they weren't. I think they were afraid to admit when they were wrong because if they admitted that, then maybe the other things they said would be less credible. However I think it's the opposite. There is a sincerity introduced when someone humbles thenself enough to admit they are wrong and say they are sorry, and when that sincerity and honesty is introduced it carries over to the rest of the things you say. 

In my home growing up, my Father was always right, even when he wasn't. But after moving out my Father gave me a very sincere apology for being a poor example. Hearing this come from my Father had a very powerful impact on me and I knew he really cared about me. So don't be afraid to admit to your children that you are wrong and sincerely apologize. You will be setting and example for them that will help both of you to grow.

Forever

Lets just remember the good news of Christ rising from the grave. Because of his resurrection, each of us will rise again. Our families will be united forever! Knowing that family relationships are eternal, is there anything you would do differently today?

I love this quote by C.S. Lewis. Just some food for thought, how would our world be different if every child grew up in a home where they knew that their family believed in them. What is the difference between a child whose family believes that he of she is talented, smart, kind, generous and good as as opposed to another child whose family sees him or her as dumb, careless, rude, and ugly. I picture the first child smiling, even after losing a soccer game. I see them reaching for the stars and excelling in school. I see the first child believing that they can do hard things. The second child I see having low expectations for themself. I see the second child as achieving little, not because of a lack of ability, but because a lack of self-confidence. One of the places where are impact will be the greatest is in our own homes. Lets let those we know believe in them and care. Lets not forget to see the good in those who are the closest to us.

Read with Me

"you may have tangible wealth untold, caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. richer than i you cannot be, i had a mother who read to me." ~strickland gillilan

I was so lucky to grow up with a mother who read to me. I still remember my bedtime routine. As a young child, my mom would read to my sister and me for a half an hour each night. She read many, many books to up. When we were really young she would read us picture books. She still has "Where the Wild Things Are" memorized from reading it so many times. As we got older she read us the entire "Little House on the Praire" series, "Anne of Green Gables", and many other classics and as well as many less known books.

Listening to my mom read to me is one of my fondest childhood memories. There is a power in reading to children. I remember an experience on my mission when we went to visit a hispanic family in a trailer park. We got there as the kids were getting home from school and pulling out their homework. The oldest child was a boy in 5th or 6th grade. He told me how he was good at math, but didn't like reading. He said it was hard and he couldn't learn. I read with him for a few minutes and it made my heart sad when I realized no had been able to take the time to read with him before. His parents didn't speak English, and he had been left floundering, struggling to learn to read at 11 years old. Still to this day, my heart aches for him.

Take time to read to a child. It will change their life. Whether it be your own child or another, cuddle up and pull out a favorite book. It can be a rewarding experience for you both.