No Greater Joy

The Family Proclamation states, “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.” In a time when the world is filled with wickedness and society is lost in confusion we are so blessed to have latter-day Apostles and Prophets to guide us through all the chaos and commotion! 

One of my absolute favorite quotes ever is from President Hinckley who wisely and passionately counseled us to “work at our responsibility as parents as if everything in life counted on it, because in fact, everything in life does count on it.” I know how true this is! I sat in the Salt Lake temple with all five of my children and their spouses to witness the eternal sealing of my son to his sweetheart and I can testify that everything in life does count on it! Moments, like being in the temple with your children, are moments that make every effort worthwhile.

The Apostle John claimed, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 John 1:4) 

These past couple weeks have caused me to reflect on the past 30+ years of teaching and raising my children. It hasn’t always been easy but it has been the most incredible and wonderful adventure ever! Again, President Hinckley’s words touch me the most, when he said: “I want to say that as the years pass, you will become increasingly grateful for that which you did in molding the lives of your children in the direction of righteousness and goodness, integrity and faith. That is most likely to happen if you can spend adequate time with them.”

Our little family has changed. My child rearing years have indeed passed, and that oftentimes makes me sad. However, and I am eternally grateful for the time and sacrifices we made as a family, and I made as a mother, to be there for my kids and to teach them “righteousness and goodness.” Isaiah said, “And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” (Isaiah 54:13). That day in the temple - there was peace. My children felt peace. I felt peace. As a family we had the greatest peace and joy that can be found here on earth. 

I have such a strong testimony of the principles & doctrines contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that by living these principles - in our families and in our marriages- we can have happy, eternal families. In this time, when the world is filled with wickedness and society is lost in confusion we are so incredibly blessed to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hearts Locked in Love

This post is dedicated to my True Love ~ Doug. We have had the most incredible past week with our son’s wedding. We had all 5 of our children and their spouses in the Salt Lake temple. My heart is filled to overflowing! And I know none of it would be possible without him. I am so thankful for Doug. I am so grateful for a husband who understands my feelings as a mother and recognizes my needs & desires to be here with my children and grandchildren ~ at least for a few weeks.

Elder Hales wisely counseled, “Be worthy of the priesthood which you hold, brethren, and use it to bless the lives of your family.” (General Conference, April 1999) I am eternally grateful for my husband who honors his priesthood and blesses our family. 

I love the words of President Hinckley who said, “I ask you men, particularly, to pause and take stock of yourselves as husbands and fathers and heads of households. Pray for guidance, for help, for direction, and then follow the whisperings of the Spirit to guide you in the most serious of all responsibilities, for the consequences of your leadership in your home will be eternal and everlasting.” I am eternally grateful for my husband who honors his priesthood and blesses our family. 

Hearts Locked in Love

Oh, how I love Paris, the most romantic city in the world

One would be hard pressed to challenge its claim

And yet, without my love, it isn’t the same

Its magnificent magic becomes miserably melancholy for me

Oh, how I love Doug, like the sun he lights my world

Seeds planted, blossoms grow, sunny days are spent

Children laugh and they cry, the years they came and went

His strong steady hands, his sturdy stable back, he is my rock and foundation

Oh, how the Pont de l’Archeveche’ holds hundreds of hearts

Brightly colored padlocks, declarations of devotion, glimmer on the railing

Holding fast to lover’s true love, endless, eternal and never failing

My heart is securely clasped, lovingly locked, and constantly committed to Doug

Oh, how Doug holds my heart like a lock upon the bridge

As waves ever gently roll his tender touch for me enfolds

His arms embrace, I’m always safe, my heart he ever holds

Hearts locked in love, on Parisian river railings, in warm pulsating chests, forever beating