Tricia, thanks for the great idea and then setting it all up. The most important thing in my life is family, which we all are, and there is no better way, in my opinion, to bond and grow than to do it in a manner of spiritual enlightenment. The gospel seems to be the core of each of us as we have all taken the name of Jesus Christ upon us, so by contributing our thoughts and experiences we will grow to love and appreciate each other on a deeper level. I, for one, would love to be that way with each of you. Plus, I would also LOVE to hear your thoughts and experiences on something that is so dear to my heart- the gospel and especially motherhood. I really do love each of you and have already learned from you. Thank you.
I enjoyed both talks. As I read the first talk this personal analogy came to my mind. Back when I was in high school there was a terrible wind storm that swept through Hyrum. The next morning our neighbors discovered one of their very large trees has blown to the ground during the night. This tree was one of two, that stood side by side. They each reached a height that doubled over the two story house where they were rooted. These were massive and thick trees. It left much damage and a huge mess. As we all helped clean up, one person noted that the tree that had fallen did not have deeply anchored roots. The tree that was almost identical to the fallen one did. We could see from the ground dug around the still standing tree that the roots went deep into the ground. At the time I didn't think anything of it. This was a mess I HAD to help clean up and I wanted it to be over with quickly. Fast forward a few years, after being married and having two children, I came to love that experience I had the pleasure of taking part. As I sat one day in church feeling completely overwhelmed with motherhood duties, feeling like I didn't know how to be an effective mother, feeling like a failure already, the Lord kindly reminded me of these two trees. I realized two things. First, what kind of tree am I? Are my roots deeply planted so that when the winds of life come I stay put and continue on? Or are my roots planted shallow and when the winds of life come I may sway at times or just fall completely? I made a decision to plant my roots deep and take life's beatings firmly. I made a decision to stand tall. I made a decision to not contribute any damage or mess to the world. I have to or else how am I going to help my children be deeply rooted trees? That was my second realization, what kind of trees am I going to plant, tend to and raise? I share this long story (sorry) because it was a very pivotal point in my life. Some days when I start to feel those negative feelings again I try to think back to the trees and it helps to restore my perspectives.
I think that relates to being a goodly parent by being a good example. Sometimes after all I have done as a parent, the most effective thing for my kids is my example, either good or bad.
The second talk mentioned the song "I Am A Child of God". I have always liked that song but as a parent I have come to appreciate the simple doctrines taught in that song. It talks of the plan of salvation. That we lived with Heavenly Father before we came (...He has sent me here...). That He has a plan for each of us (...has given me an earthly life...). That He has given us help to return to Him (...parents kind and dear to lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way, teach me all that I must do...). And eventually to live with Him some day. It also teaches that we are like God and formed in His image (I am a child of God...). I have thought of it as parents guide to raising children, especially if you go on to study the rest of the verses.
I'm sorry this was so long. I just wanted to share my thoughts on the subject. I really, really appreciate Tricia's thoughts. I also really, really hope to hear from the rest of you. I love you all.
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