Families

Today, I would just like to testify of the importance of families. One of the main reasons we are here on this earth is to get married and have children and teach them the ways of our Heavenly Father. I have wonderful parents who did that. I was raised by a mother who was virtuous and taught me to be proud I am a woman. I was raised by a father who demonstrated righteous dominion in our home. He displayed characteristics that I wanted in a future spouse and taught me to value the priesthood. 

I grew up and got married and I married a wonderful priesthood holder who takes care of us and helps us all be better. I try my best to be a virtuous woman, like my mother. I want my children to grow up and be glad that they had righteous parents. I recognize that not everyone has that, and it breaks my heart. But whatever your background is, I challenge you to improve on it. Make your home better than the one you grew up in. Satan knows how crucial the family is and we have to be ever stronger than previous generations to keep him out of our homes. With the lack of structure in families that exist in our society, we can see that our society is headed down a dangerous path. 

People have commented to my husband and I about not wanting children. They say that they are too much work and it isn't worth it. But to those who choose not to have a family, I say "It is worth it!" There are hard days but it is worth every long night, every snotty nose, and every tantrum to see your children choose righteous paths and learn the things that you try so desperately to put in their heads. Children are a blessing from God. Families are central to His plan. I challenge everyone to create a stronger family shield against the Evil One and put in more effort to teach your children righteous ways. 

---Jashley

"Free Yourself From Unrealistic Expectations of Perfection"

Today I saw, "Free Yourself From Unrealistic Expectations of Perfection" on the LDS.org website and I immediately clicked the link. What followed was a beautiful talk reminding me about the all encompassing power of the Savior's Atonement. Below is a short excerpt:

"The Savior’s freely given atoning love helps us become more forgiving and less judgmental of others and of ourselves. This love heals our relationships and gives us opportunities to love, understand, and serve as our Savior would.

His atoning love changes our concept of perfection. We can put our trust in Him, diligently keep His commandments, and continue in the faith (seeMosiah 4:6)—even as we also feel greater humility, gratitude, and dependence on His merits, mercy, and grace (see 2 Nephi 2:8)."

Most times, my concept of perfection is completely skewed. An immaculate home, beautifully dressed children, a roast on the dinner table at exactly 5:30 when my husband arrives home, and of course my homemade apple pie for dessert (which I made 2 of to give one away, of course). While I'm typing this I realize how completely ridiculous this is, but apparently deep down, that is what I expect of myself- even if I don't neccesarily want that (I hate apple pie!)

But when I truly focus on the Savior, on what He wants for me, and on what He expects of me, I realize that perfectionism (at least my idea/the worlds perspective) is a tool of Satan. He wants us to get overwhelmed, unmotivated, depressed, & anxious over our weaknesses, to the point that we want to give up. That is not how the Savior works.

His infinite love surpasses anything we can comprehend, and as our Advocate with the Father, is fighting for our success. He loves us. He will always love us. And all He wants for us is to wake up each day, with a renewed hope that we will be better than yesterday.  

Hope

Next week my little family is moving to Ohio. The closest person I know will live over 500 miles away. I have never been farther than 30 minutes from family for longer than weeks.  Needless to say, I am terrified. I try to have a smile and be excited about this 'adventure'.  I try to be positive and optimistic. But the truth is, I am terrified. I don't want to go.  I want to stay in close reach of my family, my comfort.  I know this is a good path for us to take, but all the uncertainties keep creeping up in my mind.  The negative and unsure thoughts keep overpowering the good thoughts. I can only think of how hard life will be, how I hate packing, and how I can't do this.

But I'm wrong.

I can do this.

In quiet contemplation, I get a burst of hope. A chance to see the light, that not all is wrong. Not all will fail and be miserable. I see that there will be a chance to start a new, to hope for our future and to strive for our goals.

Don't give up. Don't give up to the despair that can so easily find a place in our hearts. Don't give step to the negative thoughts.  Fight for the hope of the future. That things can and will get better.

This video helps me to remember to always have HOPE.  Enjoy.

-Cherstin