The House of the Lord

 

Our oldest son is old enough this year to attend the temple, the House of the Lord.  My husband was able to take him to perform proxy baptism’s for his deceased ancestors. It was a special experience for both of them. Oh how grateful we are for the temple and the eternal work happening therein. 

Ask in faith for whatsoever is good

 

Recently I helped my husband with this spiritual thought he shared with his students, it’s something we’ve talked about often:

Do a good deed

Our little family has a tradition of drawing names for secret Santa. We try to do secret acts of service throughout the Christmas season and then on “Christmas Adam” we reveal who we had and give them a final gift. This year my husband had our 6 year old Oliver. One night he found a little treat on his bed with a note “from secret Santa.”  He was so overjoyed and he let the whole family know of this good deed. I noticed it started a chain reaction of secret service....beds of siblings were being made, notes and treats were left on beds, etc.  It’s amazing the impact that one act of kindness can have.  It really brought the Christmas spirit into our home.  It reminds me of this quote: 

 

The Lord loves effort

 

As we begin a new year, this quote really hits home from President Russell M. Nelson, “Of course it’s hard. Everything to do with becoming more like the Savior is difficult”  President Nelson also often says, “The Lord loves effort, and effort brings rewards.”

In the beginning of starting anything new, it’s almost always difficult. It reminds me of when our little ones learned to walk. It was awkward and difficult. It requires falling and getting back up. It required determination and childlike faith and trust. 

Here’s to a new year and a renewed desire to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ.