For a Morning to Follow Her Lead

This week so far has been full of hurry.  By the time I crawled into bed last night I swore I wasn't going to get up this morning I was so weary of it all.  At 6:00 am this little darling climbed in bed with me, snuggled up and fell back to sleep.  She woke up again just as Peter left the house.  I hadn't planned it this way, but I let her lead me all morning.

First we snuggled up on the couch and read book after book.  For the first time all week there wasn't anyplace we had to be this morning.  When Emma got tired of reading we headed to the kitchen for breakfast.  She wanted waffles and chattered on about Grandpa's big fluffy waffles.  So we ate waffles and told jokes to each other as the sun began to break through the fog.

I trimmed her hair while she watched a funny show on the computer.  She giggled and kept turning her head to see if I was watching her favorite parts.  Once the golden ends of her hair lay on the floor around her we headed off to the shower.  She was frustrated with my efforts to help wash her hair.  She could do it herself.

She pulled out two outfits and laid them on the floor for me to see.  One was a pair of gray jeans with a flowered shirt the other was her Rapunzel dress that she is famous around town for.  "Which should I wear?"  I feigned disinterest and told her either one was fine, but secretly I hoped for Rapunzel.  Of course that is what she chose.

Can we play hide and seek? she asked.  I convinced her to help me finish making my bed and put away the clean laundry before we played.  She tucked in one side of the bed and fluffed the pillow while I did the other side.  The clothes put away, the bed made and soon it was time for hide and seek.

We have our own special version of hide and seek that includes a lot of giggling.  I count, Emma hides and as soon as I say I'm going to get her, she giggles.  "Where is she?" I wonder and then listen for another giggle.  It isn't long before I've found her behind a chair, in a closet or under a bed.  I have to play the same way.  Those are the rules.  She counts, says she's coming for me and then I have to giggle.  She looks and looks and I giggle just loud enough that it doesn't take her too long to find me.

After hide and seek she wanted to play hopscotch.  So we found the chalk and headed outside.  I drew a hopscotch pattern on the front walk, a different color of chalk for each square.  I thought I would teach her how to really play the game, but she insisted that it wasn't the right way.  The only way to do it was to simply hop one, two, one, two up and back.  That's all there is to it.  That was good enough for her and it was good enough for me.

I suggested a walk, it was such a nice morning and all too soon the nice mornings will give way to blustery winds full of snow.  She slipped her hand into mine and we walked to the gravel pit to see what the machines had done.  We hoped they had created some new sledding hills for us.  We climbed all the way to the top of the hill on the east end of the pit.  I'd never been up there.  It was quite the adventure.  Going down Emma kept looking back at me and shouting, "Follow my lead!"  She'd go a little further and toss back over her shoulder, "Come on Mom, follow my lead!"  I realized that I'd been following her lead all morning and I couldn't have been happier, just following her lead.

One the way home she wanted to race again and again.  Her little legs flew down the road and I lumbered along behind her.  Once she promised she would let me win.  She showed me how she would run in slow motion.  I couldn't help laughing out loud.  She was so pleased and was even more pleased when I won the next race, thanks to her skillful slow motion run.

Back home it was time for lunch.  I made us some hot cocoa since the chill air had nipped our noses and ears.  She couldn't wait for me to make her favorite tuna fish sandwich so she nibbled on a waffle and sipped her chocolate while she waited.  She begged me to tell one story after the other, "Tell me the story about the waffle and the pancake!" was the first request.  It was a morbid tale of two breakfast foods who fell in love, but were fated to never be together.  The pancake was stabbed by a boy and eaten in quick gulps.  The waffle couldn't even hear the last proclamations of her love because the sound of it was drowned by the rushing of syrup pouring over his surface.  Next she wanted a story about a pancake that made it to the floor.  Oh dear!  It's a little overwhelming sometimes coming up with the stories she demands.  Still, I think she is keeping my mind young and fresh.

After lunch we headed to the couch again to read more books and then snuggled up for a little nap.  All week I have rushed Emma from one thing to the next.  Even when we were home I was too busy to pay much attention.  She tried to engage me, but I sent her away again and again.  Yesterday I felt so weary of my life.  I wondered if I was living it in the best way.  I felt like I was missing the most important things.  I wondered what I could cut out, how I could hold on to what meant the most to me.  A morning like this one was healing to my heart and soul.  To allow myself to be led by my child for a few hours, to let her call the shots, to listen to her chatter and join in her laughter was the best medicine I could have received.  I can't always spend my mornings like this.  There is a lot to be done to take care of a big, busy family.  But living like a child for a few hours clears my mind and makes me feel a childlike happiness that takes pleasure in the smallest of things.  So today I am grateful for a little blonde princess to take me by the hand and lead me.

For These Boys

Do you know how much I adore these boys? A lot!  They are full of fun and so sweet.  Every night when I ask them what the best part of their day was they almost always say, "Being with my best mom."  It fills me up every night even when I know I haven't been the best mom that day.

When Peter was born I had a vision in my heart that these two would be the best of friends and they are.  They have their moments like all siblings do, but for the most part they really are best friends.  Last night I saw that friendship in action again as McKay taught Peter during family home evening.

Peter is getting ready to be baptized in December so the last few weeks we have focused our lessons on him.  Last night McKay taught Peter about the Holy Ghost.  He had him stand up and he wrapped a blanket around his shoulders and said, "The Holy Ghost makes us feel warm and safe."  Then he handed him a paper star he'd made and said, "The Holy Ghost gives us light."  Then he handed him a picture of a stop sign he'd drawn and said, "The Holy Ghost warns us."  The whole time he stood with his arm around Peter's shoulder holding the blanket securely around him.  He taught him how sin can chase the Holy Ghost away, but that we can repent and He will return to us.  There was more to his lesson, but I'll never forget the sight of those two boys standing there together, McKay teaching and Peter listening intently.

For Our Veterans

via Valley Citizen

I don't remember anything about celebrating Veteran's Day when I was growing up.  I'm sure we must have talked about it in class at school, but it wasn't a big deal.  Here, in our little town, Veteran's Day is a big deal.  Every year my children practice from the first day of music class for this day.  They learn all the patriotic songs.  They learn about the divisions of the military.  They write thoughts about freedom, they draw pictures about freedom and write letters of thanks to our veterans.

On Veteran's Day each school hosts a special program for our veterans.  The veterans have a place of honor in front of everyone.  The children sing and speak.  Then we listen to the words and experiences of one of these good men.

My favorite part and most poignant part of each program is the playing of taps.  For as long as we have lived here this man, Dale Marcum, has played taps for those who never came home.  He plays it with his son Tom and even after the last echoing note dies out I still feel it vibrating in the room.  It makes me cry every time.  I feel for the men and women whose lives were cut short.  Even more I feel for the families who never welcomed them home.  Today as taps was played at McKay's school the veterans all stood, pulled off their hats and saluted.  Some of them looked to the flag, but many of them looked to heaven.

Too often I forget the cost of freedom.  I forget how much I owe the men and women who fought for our freedoms and the freedoms of those around the world.  I forget the broken hearted mothers, wives and children.  I forget their sacrifice.  I'm grateful for this gentle reminder every November.  I'm grateful for the freedoms I enjoy because of them.  I wish there was really some way to say thank you that meant something.  They may never know, but tonight my heart is full of thanks for all they have done to keep me and my family free.

For Coaches

We just got home from the end of the season cross country team awards banquet.  Of all the things I am most grateful for today it's good coaches.

When Sarah started cross country I wondered how she would do.  She hadn't trained over the summer and I knew it would be hard.  We wanted her to be part of this team.  Cross country at our school has a reputation for attracting great kids and making them even better.

Their first team meeting began at 10:00 pm the night before the day they could begin practicing.  At midnight they had their first practice.  When I talked to Sarah the next morning she shared how hard it had been.  "Are you going to stick with it?" I asked.  "I started so I might as well finish," was her reply.

That afternoon Sarah received an email from her coach telling her how impressed he was with her determination.  You should have seen Sarah's face.  She was so happy.  I thought, "No wonder he gets so much out of these kids.  Who wouldn't want to run for a coach who believes in you?"

Tonight Coach Gleichman had each member of the team stand in front of a room full of families.  Sarah was the first one.  Coach Gleichman said, "My first experience with Sarah was of her crying and gasping for breath.  It was our first practice, a practice that was designed to be easy.  It obviously wasn't easy for her.  All I could think was 'Wow!  This girl has guts!' Ever since then I've been a big fan of Sarah's."  He shared how she improved over the season, how she dealt with some injuries, but how she was determined and never gave up.  He finished with this advice, "Train your body to be as strong as your will and you can do anything."

Coach Gleichman saw in my daughter things I hadn't seen for myself.  He was able to inspire and encourage her in ways I wasn't able to.  That is what is so wonderful about great coaches.  I need them on my team in parenting.  I am so grateful for what they do for my children.

To Be a Homemaker

The other day I was filling out an application and had to list my occupation.  I carefully wrote HOMEMAKER in the assigned spot.  I liked seeing my career spelled out on paper, but I like even more living that occupation every day.

Today I woke up feeling so much gratitude for the blessing of being a homemaker.  Sometimes I complain and pretend I don't love it, but I really do love taking care of my home and my family.  When comments are made about if I will be going to work once Emma is in school I just cringe.  Could there possibly be any job out there that I could find so fulfilling or influential?  There is simply nothing I would rather do.

Today Emma worked along side me as I cleaned the house.  While I was working on the bedrooms she tackled organizing her drawers.  Wow!  My four year old now has tidier drawers than I do.  She was so proud of what she had done and could hardly wait to show dad when he got home.

She followed me to the kitchen where she swept and mopped with me.  Can I just say that this girl can really work?  What four year old sweeps and mops?!  She told me that today I was the dustpan holder so I got to hold the dustpan while she swept up the piles.  When it came time to mop she took the mop and worked a good half hour on the floors before she let me have a turn.  What I loved most about it all was the joy and satisfaction I saw in her eyes.  That is what homemaking does for me too.  I feel such joy and satisfaction from the work I do her in my home.

I wanted to cheer last General Conference when Elder Christopherson said, "There is not a higher good than motherhood and fatherhood in marriage.  There is no superior career, and no amount of money, authority or public acclaim can exceed the ultimate rewards of family.  Whatever else a woman may accomplish, her moral influence is no more optimally employed than here."  I believe this.  My influence is greater in my home than in any other place.

A few years ago my friend, Rosie, and I did a session on homemaking for the high school's career fair.  We had so much fun putting together our presentation and hoped kids would come.  They did, after all the homemaking class was the only one where you could get milk and cookies.  One of the things we shared with them was that homemaking is a lot like a foundation.  It isn't visible and it isn't the showy part of a house, but without that foundation the whole structure is compromised.  The same holds true with society.  Homemaking is the foundation of a strong, moral and peaceful society.  When the homes of the people are unstable the society is too.

What I do every day doesn't make the news.  I'll never be one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People, but I have more influence that most people realize.  I am one of many women who is building a foundation for a strong and peaceful nation.  Who knew that feeding, clothing, cleaning and caring could make such a difference?  But it does.  I know for sure that it makes a difference for the eight people living under this roof.  Could I be any luckier?  I get to be a homemaker.

The Right to Vote

Have you met Stephanie at barefoot in the kitchen?  I love reading her thoughts and catching glimpses of her life.  The other day she wrote this post about gratitude.  I tried to follow along with gratitude posts last year, but I didn't get very far.  I know that gratitude for the blessings in my life fills me with peace and happiness.  So, I think I'll give it a try again.

Today I'm grateful for the right to vote.  We didn't have a lot of issues on the ballot today.  I almost didn't go, but my friend called me up and asked if I wanted to catch a ride with her to the polls.  I'm so glad I did.  I'm so grateful I get to have a say.

I love it when I drop my ballot in the box and the poll worker says, "Kim Robison has voted!" I don't know why that thrills me, but it does, every time.  I feel lucky and blessed to live at a time and in a country where I can vote.  I know many women worked and sacrificed so I could.  I'm grateful for them too.

Halloween

 For several years I have been the biggest Halloween party pooper around.  I complained about the costumes, the decorations, the candy and the parties.  I preached about how it was a holiday built around all that is evil and ugly.  I pouted that we were involved with it at all.  And do you know what? We were all miserable.  This year I decided to let go of all my anger and frustration about it.  I would just let it be.

 I actually didn't think much about Halloween this year.  It snuck up on me.  Not fussing about how I hated Halloween left me lots of time and energy to concentrate on things that are truly important to me. My kids didn't focus as much on it either.  With mom taking it easy, they did too.

Last Friday we went to the Halloween carnival at Peter's school.  It was very simple and low key.  we got there early, the kids played all the usual carnival games: the cake walk (in which Emma won a cake), the fishing pond, bowling pumpkins and bean bag toss.  The kids came away with a few prizes and happy smiles.

 Monday night we carved pumpkins.  I've actually always loved this part of Halloween and we do it every year.  I don't even mind the mess.  I bought pumpkins weeks ago so I could make sure we had good ones.  We all get excited about designing faces, cutting them out and roasting the seeds.  I love seeing the finished products, with their wavering lights, shining on the front porch.

Yesterday, even though it was snowing, we headed out to do a little trick or treating.  Since we live in a rural community trick or treating is a little - tricky.  The local businesses in town sponsor trick or treating in the afternoon.  We've never done it before so we thought we would give it a try.  It was so much fun.  I could see how people really enjoy Halloween.  There was a festive feeling all along Main Street.  I could hear young voices shouting "Happy Halloween" to each other.  In every shop and business were people who smiled at my children, talked to them and told them how great they looked.  They gave them candy and my kids got to say "Thank you" again and again.  I felt so happy that when Emma started skipping down the street I had to join her.  

I was struck by the generosity and kindness of everyone.  The other parents and kids on the street were smiling at each other and visiting.  People who never talk to each other were treating each other like friends.  Adults were forgetting themselves, their lives and concerns and focusing on their children.  

After going around town we went to the trunk or treat.  I've never liked the trunk or treat, but coming from a happy place I couldn't help but talk to the people who came by our car.  I loved talking to the kids about their costumes.  I loved bending down to the little ones and hearing them say "Twunk o tweet!"  I loved seeing friends I hadn't seen in a long time.  It was just fun and left me feeling happy.

I know all the arguments against Halloween.  I've used them all.  But, I felt such happiness and goodwill that I don't think I will ever feel quite the same about it.  I don't think I'll ever be a true lover of Halloween.  I still can't abide the spooky, creepy, evil focus of much of it.  Living in a rural area has its advantages when it comes to that.  I don't have to see gross billboards or yards and stores filled with all that is scary and creepy.  I can keep it simple and happy.  I like that.

Day 31: The Lifting, Healing Power of Christ

Raising the Daughter of Jairus by Dan Burr

One of our friends, Dan Burr, is an amazing illustrator.  We love watching what he produces and always feel honored when he asks us to model for him.  A couple years ago he asked if we would model for this picture of Christ raising the daughter of Jairus.  

When I look at this picture I feel almost as if I was really there.  Because I am that mother, my Harold is Jairus and Sarah is our daughter.  Also, there is the Savior raising our daughter up.  This picture symbolizes all I wish for our family.  I wish for us to be in the presence of Christ.  I wish to see him lift my children up.  In all my efforts to create a Christ-centered home this is what I want more than anything.  I want the lifting, healing power Christ to be in our lives every day.  

Day 30: Where it all begins

A Christ-centered home begins in the hearts of two people who love each other and love the Lord.  Fifty-five years ago my darling parents entered the House of the Lord, joined hands across an altar and were married for time and all eternity.  This was the creation of their family, a family that would grow from two to twelve.  This was the beginning of their own Christ-centered home.  Creating a family and a home like this is an act of faith, and these two know a lot about faith.  After all they brought ten children into the world and raised them on a seminary teacher's salary.  If that isn't faith I don't know what is.

My parents raised us with love, sought to help us find our gifts and realize our potential.  They taught us to work and take responsibility for our actions.  They taught us to be kind and generous, honest and industrious.  But the most important thing they taught was to love the Lord and His gospel.  They raised us in a Christ-centered home shoring up our foundations of faith with everything they knew to do.  We read the scriptures together, had family home evening and family prayer, worshipped together each Sunday, had Christ-centered traditions, there were pictures of Christ on the walls and books about his life in the bookcases.  They talked of Christ, rejoiced in Christ, preached of Christ and taught us where to look for help and hope.

  

Day 29: Seeking Shiloah

Seeking Shiloah by Joseph Brickey

"The Pool of Shiloah in Jerusalem is fed by a spring located outside the city walls.  As the only source of fresh water in the area the waters of Shiloah have long been a symbol of God's protection and sustaining power. . . This woman is seeking the fresh waters of Shiloah - hence symbolically seeking God's ongoing love and protection (Ensign, May 2012)."

I am like this woman, seeking the waters of Shiloah.  I need that living water for myself and my family. That is what creating a Christ-centered home is all about.  It's finding what will really nurture and protect us.  It's feeling the love of God every day in our home.

Day 28: Careful and Troubled

Tonight I have nothing to offer.  I have no inspiring thoughts about having a Christ centered home.  No loveliness, no hopefulness, just fatigue and weariness.  It's what comes of trying to do too much.  They were all good things, just too much today.

Tonight as I look back it's as if I can hear the Savior whispering "Kimberli, Kimberli, thou are careful and troubled about many things; but one thing is needful: (choose) that good part which shall not be taken away from (you)."

I do feel careful and troubled, "cumbered about much serving."  I relate to Martha, wanting to serve those she loved, but getting lost in the task.  Some days the tasks are the most important thing to me.  I push those I love away because I have so much to do.  If they would just get out of the way I could really accomplish something.

Today I chose things that can be taken away.  Dishes, laundry, cooking, meetings, all those things are temporary - although sometimes they seem like one eternal round - relationships, keeping my eye on Christ, gratitude, those are the good things, the things that won't be taken away.

I don't think the Savior was chiding Martha for what she was doing.  She was doing good things.  She was serving, nurturing and caring.  I think he was revealing her heart in that moment.  I think, like me, she lost sight of why she was doing it.  I think she was resentful instead of grateful.  I think the Lord's remarks to her were full of love.  I sense great love from the Lord for Martha and for me.  I know He loves me and understands my desires to do good.  But he knows what is eternal and what is temporary.  He knows that if I will turn to Him I will find rest amidst all that I have to do.  He knows that if I will give up my own will and seek His that I will accomplish more than I can imagine, without the fatigue and frustration.

Tomorrow is a new day and a chance to begin again.  Tomorrow I will live differently.  I'll be more present, I'll not worry about what I have no control over, I'll look into the eyes of my children and really listen.  I'll fill my mind with gratitude and I'll turn my heart to Him.

Day 27: Let Him In

Letting them in - wishing they could stay.

On Sunday evenings I like to read to my kids from The Friend instead our usual read aloud.  One night a couple weeks ago we were reading this story.  When we were finished Peter slid close to me and said, "When we had my music teacher over for dinner it was like we were letting Jesus in."  I was impressed with the insight of this little boy who knew that when we serve others, when we let them into our lives, that we are serving our Savior and letting him in.

A Christ centered home isn't an island where we live with our family alone.  A Christ centered home must include letting friends and loved ones in.  When we have people in our homes it is a natural setting to teach our children to think of others before themselves.  They learn to share, to give our guest the first turn, the best and biggest piece of cake.  They learn to listen to others and share their own stories.  

When I was a little girl we had a flannel board story called "If Jesus Came to My House."  I loved that story.  I loved the idea that Jesus could come to my house, that he could spend time with me in the place I loved the most.  I wished he would come and visit.  I don't think I realized at that time that when my parents invited people into our home it was if they were inviting the Lord.  I'm glad Peter realizes that.  I'm glad he knows, "that when ye have done it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Day 26: The Power of Good Books

It was library day today.  I love library day and so do my kids.  We're a book loving family.  I took this picture awhile ago, but this is what library day looks like, books scattered across the floor, everyone reading something.  It's heavenly.

My kids come by a love of reading naturally.  I love books and I especially love reading to my children.  I really love reading to them.  So, what does read-a-loud have to do with a Christ centered home?  I think it has a lot to do with it.

Books give us insight and experience without leaving the comfort of our home.  When we read together I have a chance to transfer important values in a sweet and enjoyable way, no lectures or preaching, just a story.  We read, we cuddle, we talk.  There is so much more than just reading going on.  We are making connections with each other.  Our relationships are strengthened.  Connections are taking place in my children's hearts and heads about what is good and right.  Books fill my children's hearts and minds with great deeds, ordinary joys and beautiful ideals.  When these kinds of things are in their hearts and minds it is natural for them to love light and goodness.

Even books that don't completely align with our values give us an opportunity to learn from their stories.  When my children started reading the Percy Jackson series we were able to talk about how infidelity hurts children, the heartache and pain children experience when a father or mother is missing from their life. It was a chance for me teach again the importance of the family. We got to talk about mythology and the desire people have had through the ages to worship something or someone.  I could express gratitude for the knowledge we have of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, not petty gods, but loving, just and merciful Gods.

Mormon tells us, "That which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God (Moroni 7:13)."  The books we read do just that.  They invite and entice my children to do good and to serve God.  That is why books are essential to a Christ centered home.

Day 25: Keeping On

Teaching my children about Christ and centering our home on Him takes constant effort.  I'll go after it really hard and then life happens, I ease up, it doesn't seem as pressing and before I know it we're blown off course again.  I readjust, get back on the path and keep going.

I know I can't give up.  The world is too incessant in its teaching that faith is foolish and that doubt is true sophistication.  Without continual efforts to shore up spiritual foundations we could all fall to the relentless tide of unbelief.  I see it happening all around me.  I see friends and loved ones wavering in their faith, wanting more proof, seeing faults, becoming cynical.  Can't faith be simple, pure and just faith?  Faith isn't something we can hold in our hand, examine, poke and prod. "Faith is NOT to have a perfect knowledge of things. . . if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true."

Little children are perfectly comfortable with faith.  They believe all kinds of things they don't have perfect knowledge of.  My teenagers have a harder time of it.  It isn't as easy for them to believe.  But, I must say, to their credit, they trust enough in our belief that they keep hoping and having faith.  What a tragedy it would be if I gave up teaching them of Christ.  Where would their faith go then?  So onward I go, despite the winds, the tides and the pounding of the world.  With faith and hope that the peace that comes from believing will live in the hearts of my children all the days of their life.

Day 24: Of Pathways, Pitfalls and Alligators

My little storyteller.

The other day I overheard Emma in the living room with her friend. 

 

“Let’s play family home evening,” she said, “You sit over there and I’ll tell you a story.”

As she began, I could just see Emma standing in front of the chalkboard easel we'd used the night before. “This is a story about you. You are on this path and you come to a pit.  This pit is death!”  She put heavy emphasis on the word death and then paused.

“But, Jesus built a bridge over the pit.  How does that make you feel?”

I smiled as I listened to her.  I had told the story the night before, using the analogy of the pathway back to heaven with two pits representing death and sin to teach the children about the atonement of Christ.  I was feeling a little smug - what a good teacher I was.  She’d really taken in the lesson. Then all smugness melted away as I listened to rest of the story.

“This is the next pit,” I heard her say and imagined her pointing to the second pit drawn on the chalkboard.   

“You fall into this one.  At the bottom is an alligator.  It has big teeth and chomps you up!”

“My turn,” I heard Emma’s little friend say and story time was over.

I laughed to myself, first of all for how the story ended and second of all for feeling smug.  Teaching children about Jesus Christ and his mission is a process.  Even once they know all the right answers they don’t have the experience to know what it means for them personally.

We start when children are young and teach them again and again.  We hope that when they really need it they will remember those lessons.  They will know where to turn for help.  It’s 2 Nephi 25:26 all over again.  “We talk of Christ . . . that our children may know to what source they may look to for a remission of their sins.”  Emma may not have gotten the whole idea this time, but I think she understands, in some small way, that Jesus Christ did something for her that she couldn’t do for herself.  That’s enough for now.  Understanding what Christ’s life and mission means to us is a life long process, a pathway we travel, a pathway with pitfalls, hopefully ones without alligators at the bottom to chomp us up.

Day 23: Camilla Loves Jesus

I live on a dirt road.  In the winter it's covered with packed snow and in the spring it's mud.  But, no matter what the season, driving on dirt roads make for dirty cars.  One of my kids favorite things to do is draw pictures and write things in the dust on the back window of my car.  This afternoon I stopped at the store to get a few things and when I got back to the car I saw for the first time what was written on the window.  "Camilla loves Jesus," it said.  I smiled.  I think Camilla really does love Jesus.  She is a girl that shines.  She treats people with kindness.  If you want a kind and loyal friend Camilla's the girl for you.  She doesn't make a lot of noise or draw attention to herself, but she is observant and thoughtful.  Yes, I think Camilla loves Jesus.  There it is on my back window for all to see.  Even better there it is in her eyes and in her life, as plain as day.

Day 22: Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

Rescue of the Lost Lamb by Minerva Teichert

The other night Emma begged me to come to her room and tell her a story.  "I want the one about the lamb," she said.  I snuggled up next to her on her bed and began.  "There was once a little lamb. . . "  I proceeded to tell her the parable of the lost sheep - with a few embellishments of my own.  When I finished I told her, "Jesus is the shepherd and we are like His sheep.  He loves all of us so much."  Emma threw her arms around me and said, "I love Jesus too!"

Stories are a powerful way to point our children to Christ.  Little children have such a natural love for the Lord.  When they hear the stories of Jesus, they feel like they know Him.  Emma tells me often how she misses Jesus and can't wait to see Him again.  Stories help her feel close to Him in the same way that reading His word makes me feel close to Him.  There are so many sweet stories to tell, so many opportunities to help my children know Christ better.

Have you seen the new Bible video of the Parable of the Lost Sheep?  It's beautiful.

Day 21: A Bright Living Hope

He is Not Here - Walter Rane

Just under two weeks ago we heard our friends, Ryan and Renae, had lost their son.  He was their youngest, the baby of ten.  I could hardly take it in and my mother's heart broke for my friends.  

Today was the funeral.  It was the most beautiful funeral I've ever been to.  The church was packed with people who love them.  They had chairs set up in the gym all the way up onto the stage.  Classrooms were full of people too who watched the funeral on televisions.  Every member of Colt's family participated in his funeral.  All his sisters, one of his brothers and both his mom and dad spoke.  When I saw the program I wondered how they would manage to speak.  Each person testified of Christ and the hope they have in Him, the hope they had that they would be with Colt again someday.  There was sadness, but not despair.  That was how they could manage to do it, because of their faith in Christ. 

This is why it is important to center our homes and lives on Christ.  Hard times will come.  We will lose those we love, but with Christ as our companion, friend and helper there is hope - bright, living hope. 

Day 19: The House of the Lord

This is where I spent the afternoon.  Every time I go it's like going home.  It's heaven.

Several years ago when the Mount Timpanogoos temple was having its open house, I went through it with my family.  My sister and her family were in front of us.  Randy was carrying little Summer and I overheard her ask him, "When do we get to see Jesus?"  His answer must not have satisfied her because before long I heard her ask again, "Where is Jesus?  When do we get to see Jesus?"  I smiled at the sweet innocence of her question.  She'd been taught, and rightly so, that the temple is the Lord's house.  She'd been taught that we find Him when we go there.

I expect to find Him there too.  I don't expect to see his face, but I do feel his presence, his love and his acceptance of me.  When I go to the temple I feel closer to him.  I feel peace and hope.  I feel safe.  It truly is His house.

If you've ever wondered what temples are for, look here.

Day 18: The Repentance Bench

Although I wish "love at home" was always the rule for this home, it isn't.  There are times when there is a lot of love and peace here.  But, we also have a fair share of fighting, selfishness and teasing.  I've tried all kinds of things to get kids not to fight, but I haven't found the perfect solution.  One thing we do use is the Repentance Bench, an idea I got from Linda and Richard Eyre.

The Repentance Bench is a way for our children to reconcile their differences.  When kids have been fighting, instead trying to figure out who caused what we simply send them to the piano bench where they sit together.  We then go in and ask each child what they did wrong.  Then they have the opportunity of making things right.  They say they are sorry, ask for forgiveness and then give each other a hug.

Each of these steps are important as they are part of the process of repentance.

1- Admitting that you have done something wrong.  If allowed to, children will always blame the other person (don't we all like to blame someone else?).  The beauty of acknowledging guilt is that it makes them take responsibility for their actions.  Often times, but not always, it humbles them.

2- Apologizing and asking forgiveness is one of the ways they begin restitution for their actions.  We have them say, "I'm sorry, will you forgive me?"  Sometimes children do this grudgingly, but I still think it has value.  It gives them practice in saying they are sorry.  It helps them recognize that their actions affect others and it humbles them.

Asking forgiveness is another humbling part of this experience.  They are asking for something only the other person can give.  When they say yes that they will forgive they are letting go of their anger and letting their relationship heal.

3- Hugging each other is positive way of reconnecting.  This part of the process usually comes with giggles, especially from young children.  Hugging is a physical way in which they say they are not going to be angry any more, they are going to be friends again.

This Repentance Bench is easiest with pre-school and school age children.  At this age children don't have too much of their ego/pride invested in themselves.  They easily admit what they did wrong and readily forgive.  It's harder with older children.  They can't seem to let go as easily.  They want to be right.  They want justice.  Sometimes with older children I have to send them away for awhile to cool off.  Then they can come back and go through process.

Almost always we use this experience to remind them of the gift repentance is.  We remind them that because of Jesus Christ they can begin again, they can let go of hurt and forgive.  We all make mistakes, but the atonement gives us another chance.

Day 17: Making Mistakes

via My Recipes

A few days ago a friend brought over cinnamon rolls for our family.  Some of the kids snatched one up right away, but it was almost bedtime before Peter wanted his.  It was too late, I told him, he could have his in the morning.  

The next morning when I went into the kitchen with Peter all the rolls were gone!  I was horrified.  What about Peter?  What about my promise?  I knew the culprit who had eaten all the extra cinnamon rolls and shouted his name the moment I saw the empty plate.  I found him in another room and gave him the scolding I thought he deserved.  I stomped back through the kitchen and to the laundry room to calm down.  

Calm came quickly and with it regret.  Each of the children came solemnly to me to give me hug good-bye before they left for school, everyone but the one I'd scolded.  I hurried to see if he was gone and he was halfway to the bus stop.  I shouted to him, wishing him a good day and telling him I loved him.  My words sounded hollow and he didn't turn around.

When I went back into the house I felt horrible.  I ruined the spirit in our home, everyone could feel it.  I'd wounded my son.  No amount of cinnamon rolls was worth the hurt I had done to him and our home.  I wished I could start over.  I wished I had handled it differently.  I wished I didn't have a tendency to blow up like that.

I make mistakes in mothering.  I make mistakes in my life.  Sometimes I seem to float through the steps of my life like a graceful dancer and then other times I blunder, crash and step on toes at every turn.  I simply can't get through life without making mistakes.

I can't talk about a Christ-centered home without talking about mistakes.  Mistakes are inevitable.  We get to choose every day what we will do and what we will be.  Sometimes we make poor choices, even horrible ones.  That is why we have a Savior.  He came because I would make mistake after mistake.  What matters in my life and in my home is that I pick myself up from my mistakes and turn to the Lord, repent and make things right.  I also must point my children to Him when they make mistakes, and for me to be as compassionate with their mistakes as I hope they will be with mine.  When Christ is the center of my home no mistake is the end of the story.  It's just the prelude to a new one.

Day 16: On the Lord's Errand

via Courtney Aitken

It's good to remember whose work we are really doing as we raise our children in light.  It is the Lord's work and He will be with us.  I love these words from Elder Ballard, they comfort me and bring me hope.

Day 15: Angels

Angels Ministered Unto Them by Walter Rane

In my home hangs a painting by Walter Rane depicting the Savior with the Nephite children.  The Savior and the children seem still, watching, waiting as angels, in a flurry of movement descend. 

I have always loved this story of Christ blessing the children.  I have thought often of the significant command the Savior gave the people to bring their children to him.  I know he commands me to bring mine to him too.  Once the children were brought to him, he prayed for them and blessed them one by one.  One by one!  Each child had a personal experience with the Lord!  I can only imagine the joy of those children and the joy of those parents as they watched the Savior blessing their children.  It seems like that should have been enough, but it wasn't.  Angels descended and encircled those children and ministered to them.

I see the wisdom and the compassion of the Savior in this event.  I see how he met the needs of those little children by calling angels down to encircle and minister to them.  As great and marvelous as he was, he was one and those children were many.  He needed helpers to help him care for those little ones.

One of the many angels in my life, my dad.

As parents we are primarily responsible for bringing our children to Christ, but we are not alone in that task.  There are angels all around our children.  Angels who encircle them and minister to them.  I think of school and church teachers, coaches, friends and extended family.  They are often there at critical moments to teach, love and help my children.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said of these mortal angels, "But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods.  Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind."

I am grateful for these angels who aid me in the work of bringing my children to Christ. I am grateful for their encircling, ministering, angelic ways. They give me hope that I am not alone in the monumental task of pointing my children to Christ.  

Day 14: Building a Sure Foundation

Emma loves to build tents.  Just the other day she asked if she could build one.  We placed the chairs across from the banister and hung a sheet across them.  She piled in pillows and her dolls, and then she invited me in for lunch.

Tents are fun to play in, but I don't think I'd want to live in Emma's little tent home.  It certainly wouldn't protect us from the weather.  It wouldn't give us room to grow.  We need a house built strong and firm.  We need a house built on a solid foundation.

In the Book of Mormon are the words of a father, Helaman, to his sons Nephi and Lehi.  He teaches them about Christ and in those teachings he says, "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which yea are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation wheron if men build they cannot fall," (Helaman 5:12).

Creating habits in our family like family home evening, family and personal prayer and scripture study, and worshipping together is a way of helping our children build upon a foundation of Christ.  

Last week when we were running from one thing to the next these foundational habits kept us returning to Christ again and again.  Without these in place it would be easy get caught up in life and forget about the importance of our faith.

We don't usually see the foundation of our home.  It is beneath the structure where we live.  We don't think about it.  It is just there holding up the place where the most important work is being done.  These spiritual habits are much the same.  They are just there and as we keep doing them they create a foundation for our faith individually and as a family.  Upon them we continue to build our faith in Christ, without them it is as if we setting up temporary, flimsy structures of faith.  Like Emma's tents they might be pleasant and give an illusion of security, but they can't withstand even the slightest blow.

I want my children to have the protection of a sure foundation.  I would never send them out into a storm with a sheet and a couple chairs to huddle under for protection.  Harold and I provide for them a roof, walls and foundation that keep them comfortable and safe.  Could we choose to do less with the foundation of their faith?