February Issue: Pause & Take Inventory

This article was used as the reference for one of our Sacrament Meeting talks yesterday. I was reminded what a powerful message it has.
"Some parents become so expert at filling every physical desire for their children that they begin to suppose that all is well in this life and that their eternal stewardship is progressing right on schedule...I believe that we must pause and take a careful inventory to determine how well our families are doing spiritually. We could ask how well are we feeding, nurturing, training, and exercising the spirits of our children...Remember, eternity is now, not a vague, distant future. We prepare each day, right now, for eternal life. If we are not preparing for eternal life, we are preparing for something else, perhaps something far less." - M. Russell Ballard

That is my favorite quote from the article. I think it is so powerful. When I pause and take inventory, I realize that I could and should be doing more to spiritually strengthen my family - especially my children. One key for me is to make sure I fix dinner each night. I have found that if we sit down and have dinner together, it is natural to go straight from dinner to scriptures and family prayer.

I think for the month of March, I am going to be more consistent with these responsibilities and duties.

February Issue: Repentance, Atonement, Grace

These two articles, "The Atonement Makes Repentance Possible" and "His Grace is Sufficient" are wonderful articles.
The repentance process is outlined for us:

• Have Faith
• Recognize sin and feel sorrow
• Confess
  
• Abandon the sin
• Make Restitution
• Forgive others who have sinned against you

I learned two great lessons in these articles. The first came from this quote, "Sometimes we sin by doing something we know is wrong, but sometimes we sin by failing to do what we know is right."
The second came from the story about a mom who realized that she was letting Satan influence her life through her lack of patience for her children. I struggle with patience. But I have realized that if I try to put my needs and desires aside, I do have more patience for my kids and their needs and desires.
I know that when I am frustrated or angry with them the Spirit will not be with me or in our home. It is a weakness I am working on daily.
"Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. He said of His suffering, "[It] caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit" (D&C 19:18)

March Issue: Jump Start

The March issue is published! Click here for the online table of contents. The magazine should be in your mail box soon. Mine came today - it looks like another great issue! Get a jump start!

February Issue: Joy

The First Presidency message this month has the same charge it had last month. Missionary Work!





"And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" - D&C 18:16






I think a powerful statement is made when, on page 8 of the February issue you will find the exact same message from President Monson printed in the January issue. It is no wonder what the Prophet is trying to tell us! Click here to see what latter-day Prophets have taught about preparing to serve a full time mission.






This cute young lady is leaving to serve a full time mission tomorrow! I am so excited for her. I have known her for many years, in fact she used to baby sit my kids when they were little! I know she will be a great missionary.






President Eyring reminds us that missionary work is not just for full time missionaries. He said, "Members are to have the power to find those the Lord has prepared for the missionaries to teach. We need to exercise our faith that the Lord has prepared people around us to be taught. He knows who they are and when they are ready, and He can guide us to them by the power of the Holy Ghost and give us words to invite them to be taught."

February Issue: Helping Children Feel Safe

This is my grandpa... He is very close to the veil today, and will soon be on the other side. We love him dearly, and my kids have been blessed to know him and build a loving relationship with him. I took them to see him last night - maybe for the last time. It was difficult to watch them hug and kiss him with tears streaming down their faces.






This article teaches parents how to help their children feel safe in difficult times such as this.

"How do we bring that peace into the lives of children who are growing up in trying, troubling times?...The best and most meaningful resources are found within the home where faithful, devoted parents and supportive brothers and sisters love one another and teach one another of their divine nature." - M. Russell Ballard

I am so blessed to know that life is eternal. It is such a comfort to me that I can reassure my children that we will see our grandpa again. I can teach them about the plan of salvation and eternal families.





"Children will receive an added measure of comfort and stability as you and they live by the words of the prophets and continue the practices that bring peace into the home, such as family and personal prayer, scripture study, and temple worship." (Feb. issue pg. 17)

February Issue: Voice of the Spirit

The February issue is packed full with great articles. Four of them go hand in hand and would be great to use for a family home evening lesson. "Learning to Hear and Understand the Spirit," "Check the Tire," "Revelation Pouring Down from Heaven," and "Finding Answers."

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said, "Men ought - above all things in this world - to seek for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing as important as having the companionship of the Holy Ghost. There is no price too high, no labor too onerous, no struggle too severe, no sacrifice too great, if out of it all we receive and enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost."



I love to go to the temple to more clearly hear the voice of the Spirit...