Tithing... letting go.

I have a testimony of Tithing. And yes this is new to me. I have been a member all my life and have paid my tithing whenever we get money. But this last month has been a little different. My husband got a pay cut and so things have been a little tighter then we all would like. Just last week we were getting groceries and other things we needed and I realized in my head that we hadn't paid our tithing or at least hadn't put it aside to pay. And my dear husband told me no we will be ok, we paid it.I took it out. I'll I could see was the numbers adding them and subtracting them in my head. It just didn't work in my head. I even got mad at him. But that night I just finally got down on my knees and said I can't seem to make it all work but Lord I know you can. And I know this doesn't happen all the time but the next day I went to the mail and there there was two checks for us that we never knew where coming. I learned that sometimes we can't see the bigger picture or what is going to happen next but our loving Heavenly Father can. I am greatful to have my husband a worthy presthood holder in our home he is such a great excample to me.

Parenting Advice from the Scriptures

In Jarom 1:7-12, I found some great parenting advice. In verse 7 we see that their "leaders were mighty men in the faith of the Lord." Being mighty in the faith of the Lord must surely be a mark of a great leader. The same verse tells us that these leaders "taught the people the ways of the Lord." How will our children know of Christ and be expected to act like Him if we haven't taught them.

If we are faithful and good teachers as were those leaders, our families can withstand the trials that come from the adversary. The Nephites were able to withstand the Lamanites by using this method. The leaders prepared their people by teaching them about all kinds of things and because they were "prepared to meet the Lamanites, they did not prosper against us."

There is a bit of a catch, though. It isn't enough to teach them once or twice. We must "labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence." Also, those leaders "did prick their hearts with the word, continually stirring them up unto repentance." There is nothing more powerful than the word of the Lord to make a difference in someone's life.

By doing all this great work, the leaders were able to preserve their people. When I try to apply these scriptures to my own life, I am inclined to believe that I must not be weary in teaching and guiding my children continually. I can also believe that if I do my part, my children will be able to have the know-how to deal with trials and temptations that come their way. This seems worth the reward. :)

Read all the verses in full to see if you have more insights to share on this section!

FHE Does Wonders!

Last week was one of those survival-mode weeks for our family. Everybody was in a bad mood all the time; there was yelling; there was disrespect. It was just an awful week all-around!!

Then came Family Home Evening last night. My husband decided to do a lesson on obedience (something our kids had been lacking all week). In the middle of the lesson, I had the thought that we needed to do some role-playing, so they could understand the concept a little better.

So we decided to ask the kids a question, and they had to respond in the wrong way, and then in the right way. So I'd ask something like, "Will you please put that coloring book away?" Then (amid giggles!) she had to answer, "NO!!!" with a huge scowl and stomping her foot. My two-year-old thought this was hilarious! She would try, but would never be able to finish the tantrum because she was too busy laughing. Then, we'd try again, and they'd do it the right way: "Sure, mom!" and run off to do it.

It was the simplest thing! Yet today has been wonderful!!!! At one point, my oldest was starting to get a little attitude, and I'd say, "You're not doing it good enough! You have to scowl really hard and stomp your foot like this!!" That would break the spell, and she'd start giggling.

I'm so glad that we have Family Home Evening!! I know I would have never thought of this idea to role-play if we hadn't had FHE last night!

"The Church has established two special times for families to be together. The first is centered around the proper observance of the Sabbath day. ... The second time is Monday night. We are to teach our children in a well-organized, regular family home evening. No other activities should involve our family members on Monday night. This designated time is to be with our families."

-L. Tom Perry, "The Importance of the Family," Ensign, May 2003, 42

Angels

Here are a few of my angel favorites!

2 Kings 6:14-17 There are more with me than against me.

Jeffrey R. Holland's The Ministry of Angels talk. He handles "all about angels" so well here. He uses stories and explanations that encompass the topic in a beautiful way.

Dallin H. Oaks talks about the Aaronic Priesthood holding the keys of the ministering of angels. He explains what this means.

If I Were an Angel on Christmas Night angel song. Here's the video with pictures of many angels that dwell in our own homes.



May angels be round about you during this Christmas season.