When I was little, watching General Conference was... pure torture. (I probably shouldn't admit that:))
But now that I have matured a bit, I look forward to it every April and October.
It was fun to see family on Saturday! My kids are lucky to have so many cousins, on both sides, to play with.
Several of the speakers touched my heart, but in particular, Elder Scott's. As Jon and I sat next to each other listening to his talk on Sunday, I felt determined to try a little harder as a wife and mother. I know I am not perfect and Jon especially knows I'm not, but I am grateful that Heavenly Father gives me the opportunity to live and grow, learn from my mistakes and gives encouragement to be a little better.
Last night as I lay thinking of Elder Scott's experience of being awoken in the middle of the night by his son crying, my eyes filled with tears as he told of his son passing away only a short time later and how grateful he was for that special moment of holding and rocking him back to sleep.
I lay awake wondering if I would have the faith it would take to lose a child and know that I would see them again. I fell asleep with a determination to follow Christ more closely and not take a moment for granted.
***
I've also been reflecting on being a mother and what it means to be a good mother.
How grateful I am to have children to teach, watch grow and love. I am grateful for the good, the bad and the ugly- and believe me their's a lot of ugly:)
I am thankful for the day to day things like when somebody accidentally break one of Hunter's Lego creations, he never gets mad but instead says, "it's okay, I'll just fix it."
or trying to get Jaina to say her "c"s the right way-
"say cuh" and everytime it's "tuh"-everytime!
or when Grey says "eet jew" (thank you) whenever you give him something or he gives something to you. I love it!
I really do love everything their is about being a mom!
I also learned from Elder Scott's talk that it is up to me if I want to have a happy marriage. I am grateful that Jon is so easy to love. He takes being a husband and father seriously. He is fun and silly when the time calls for it and is a leader and disciplinarian when other times call for it. His main focus is to make sure me and our kids are happy.
He is a man I am grateful to stand next to.
Heavenly Father knows exactly what I need to be happy... and it doesn't cost a thing.
3 comments:
I loved his talk too, thought a lot about it. I also really loved Elder lynn Robbins talk about discipline-- how when we are disciplining there is no greater time to teach about Christ, and show love to our kids, and being and doing, and Elder Ballards talk sat. afternoon about gold-and by not overlooking the gold flecks-that by small things are great things brought to pass. It was an amazing conference, wasn't it?! Thanks for your post---and what a DARLING new family picture!!
Well said Mandi. My favorite line from you, it doesn't cost a thing. It really is the simple things that matter and you really are so great about that. Your kids are so happy and my kids are always so thrilled to be with you! thanks for really being there for me these past several weeks! Love you.
What a perfect post! I've thought about Elder Scott's talk every night too as I tuck my children in bed. It made me want to be a better wife too. I look up to you in so many ways. I am so excited to hear more of your wisdom tomorrow! :)
And your pictures are all BEAUTIFUL!
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