Good
morning to my favorite child...
Yes
it's your momma with thoughts from the pool. As I swam this morning I was
feeling reflective and as often happens I think of my family. Stop Jackie...let
them know that I'm healthy and not writing a farewell
letter. Hope that you like my greeting because as you all know and believe...YOU
are my favorite.
Part
of this letter began last week. I was preparing for my Sunday School lesson;
Alma 36-39 where Alma speaks to each of his sons. Those are
full
of some
beautiful teachings, and pure testimony. It made me think that it's been awhile
since I spoke to each of you. Now Alma chose to speak
individually
to each of
his sons, and that's probably what I should do. I do enjoy my individual times
with each of you and I have been blessed to have many good times and
conversations with
each of
you on more personal levels. Don't ever stop having these with me, as I love
them most.
Like
Alma I want you each to know how proud I am of each of you!!! I'm proud of you
on so many levels.
Michael....you continue to make me
grateful for having you as my son. You are so much fun to be with.... a great
game player, a thoughtful son, and a great husband and father.
I
love watching you and Keah with your girls. You are doing an amazing job
together. I love how you individualize with each girl. I am grateful
that you honor your priesthood, and that you are
raising your children in the gospel. I see
you exhibit your love to Keah so openly and tenderly and that brings me much
joy!!!
My
counsel to you...magnify your priesthood constantly. Come to value it
for the great gift that it is in your life. Search out your family ancestry and
do this with your father. I know that this is important to do and it will help
your father return to the church. Also Michael...return to the Temple with your
wife. This is a challenge for many young couples and I know how much
strength, regular attendance at the Temple has been for me. Just as you are
learning to keep your physical body healthy, always seek to be spiritually
fit too.
Kathryn....what a growing year this
has been for you!!! Probably your biggest ever and you have accomplished so very
much already. Well done daughter, wife and mother!!
You held
your family together, despite deep challenges ( especially financially), you
renovated your home from top to bottom ( beautifully) and sold it in record
time, you continued to work for Stampin Up..inspiring
many ladies, you served as Primary President, and you did many things with the
children's school community. You have also been a strong support to your husband
as he made a huge career change. Your children and
husband are lucky to have you!!! You continue to be lots of fun, and a special
friend to many!
My
counsel to you....when the dust settles...is listen to your children.
As they grow older they need to know that they are heard and understood.
Organize your home with order, and dedicate it as a home of holiness.
Family Home Evening, family prayer, and scripture time are so valuable in
raising your children. They will need these in the small LDS community that they
are in. You will want them to be strong as they make new
friends, and as they grow. Work as a strong team with Jeff to help them make
good choices. Encourage more priesthood in your home, and don't settle for less.
The Temple is now farther away....but not out of
reach...return.
Karen....another growing year....this
time as a mother and you glow in this role. It is so evident as we see what a
happy little person Olivia has already become. You continue to be such a support
to your family, to your siblings, your friends and your momma. How deeply I
appreciate your thoughtful ways. You are an amazing teacher, especially in
Relief Society. You are not without your challenges and
I admire the positive attitude that you demonstrate !!
My
counsel to you.....support your husband and call on his
priesthood...come to the Temple....read your scriptures and look for answers in
them....Set goals for you and you family.Continue to serve the
Lord...follow your Patriarchal blessing.
Laura.....miles have never separated
us and I deeply appreciate your constant contact with me. ( even at 2 in the
morning) What a year you've been having and what impresses me most how
automatically you turn to the Lord for answers. You are
preparing for a huge change in your life and you are ready. Jeremy is very lucky
to have your love. He loves you deeply and you two will be strong in the
Lord! I have been so thankful for your focus towards the Temple, and your
righteous choices that have brought you there. You are very independent and in
setting up your home away you have made many sound choices.
My
counsel to you....be patient always and willing to listen. Support the
priesthood in your home, and value family. Visit the Temple often and begin many
special traditions with Jeremy. Pray often...individually
and as a couple. Be supportive as your husband completes his studies and give
praise often.
Children....I have just written as I
have felt impressed. You are all very blessed and we should always acknowledge
our many many blessings. Face your trials ( and you will have many) with a
positive attitude. Value the family that you came from
and especially the one that you are creating. Raise your family in the
gospel....be obedient....keep the commandments...and serve. My mother's last
words are deeply imbedded in my heart...."Be kind to each other"....I echo this
to you.....especially with your siblings and with your
spouses!!!
I want to
share my testimony with you. It is deeply important to me. I found the gospel at
a young age, and gradually heard the Spirit whisper the truth of it to me. With
experience, time, and service I have come to gain a better
understanding of the gospel and of my Father in Heaven. I am thankful for the
Savior and his part in the plan. I am grateful for repentance,forgiveness, and
opportunities to grow. How I love our prophet, and I know that he, and those
who serve with him are truly called of God. The ordinances, and covenants of the
Temple are very precious and my attendance there constantly
reaffirms
how true
this all is. How I wish that we all could be together in the Temple.....it is a
prayer in my heart always!!! I face many trials and tests and it is my testimony
of the gospel and the Plan of Salvation which always always gets me where I need
to be!!!
Love you
all deeply and forever,
Be Kind to
Each other, always.
Love
Mom
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