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. 

Seeing Christ through a child’s eyes

 Last night I took the kids to a Christmas lighting celebration at our town park. There was cocoa and cookings, caroling and Christmas lights. And then the crowd of people started to gather and shout, here comes Santa Claus...so we rushed to see him through the crowds, little Abigail was holding my hand and was so happily surprised to see Santa. She got bright eyed and said I think he’s the real Santa! It was so sweet to experience that through her eyes, it made the cold and blustery weather melt away for a moment. 

Touch the temple

 

When our kids were really little I heard someone say “If you let your children touch the temple, the temple will touch them” Whenever we’re a temple we try to let the kids touch it. The youth have been given powerful promises of protection as they participate in the work of family history and temple work.

The need for wind

 

Give Thanks

 

Living Waters