Be Not Entangled

Hello Sisters!

This last week, I took my kids to the river to play.  I joined them for a little bit, and then watched them along the river bank.  While I sat there, I noticed some huge spider webs spun between the tree trunks next to me.  

I must confess, I'm not very keen on spiders, but I was mesmerized as I watched a small ant that had fallen into the web.  He dangled from a strand for about one second.  The huge spider sat watching a waiting in it's lair, but he immediately rushed to it, snatched it, and took it right back into it's lair.

I'm not sure what the little ant was doing up in the tree near the web in the first place, but I was reminded of this experience as Sis. Herbert read Galatians 5:1 during the lesson on Obedience on Sunday.

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

"True freedom lies in obedience to the councils of God." (Proverbs 6:23)

I really believe that.  I think that Satan truly wants to drag us down.  We have to keep the commandments and watch ourselves.

3 Nehpi 18:18-20

Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name; And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.

Don't forget that nasty spider waiting in the wings.  Find freedom in obedience. Smile, and keep the Holy Ghost near you!

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Lydia

Establishing a Christ-Centered Home

Dear Sisters,

Happy July!  Hope you had a wonderful 4^th of July!  We are so lucky to live in this good land!

This last week, I came across a little sketch that Seth drew, and it is really made me smile.  I feel like he truly captured what motherhood occasionally feels like in this picture:

I love the symbolism here, like that this sweet mother, with her arms full to overflowing, is still trying to smile, and maybe just hoping that her husband might lend a hand.  His large, firm hand may be just what is needed. 

Mostly, it just seemed timely, because this last week, I have talked to a couple different mothers who have expressed that they feel tired, overwhelmed, and frustrated as a mother.  Those feelings are normal some of the time.  Motherhood can feel exhausting and lonely at times, but I think Satan would like us to feel that way much of the time.  Already, I can see it passes so quickly.  Hang in there!  Do your best to enjoy the little moments.  Relax a little—let that schedule slide a little and don’t forget to be your amazing self.  Both you and your kids need that.  As you find joy, you allow the companionship of the Holy Ghost to help you in your role.

Also, work with your good husband as much as you can.  Remember the basics.  We are promised great blessings as we do.  Elder Maynes, of the Seventy, talked about how he and his wife really tried to established habits of family home evening, scripture study, and family prayer when they were counselled to do so by the prophet.  Here is what he said.

“We learned that our children might not remember everything about the family home evening lesson later in the week, but they would remember that we held it. We learned that later in the day at school they would probably not remember the exact words of the scriptures or the prayer, but they would remember that we did read scriptures and we did have prayer. Brothers and sisters, there is great power and protection for us and our youth in establishing celestial traditions in the home.

Learning, teaching, and practicing the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our homes helps create a culture where the Spirit can dwell. Through establishing these celestial traditions in our homes, we will be able to overcome the false traditions of the world and learn to put the needs and concerns of others first.

The responsibility for establishing a Christ-centered home lies with both parents and children. Parents are responsible to teach their children in love and righteousness. Parents will be held accountable before the Lord in how they perform their sacred responsibilities. Parents teach their children with words and through example.”

​I think it is great council to work in a loving way with our spouse to create a Christ-centered home.  Don’t forget to reach out to friends and families, too, when you need help.  This last week, I helped tend a friend’s kids while she rested with her new baby.  She was so grateful, and it wasn’t hard for me. You are not alone!  Also, try to remember what a blessing your precious children are.  There are several sisters in our ward who are unable to have children.  I think they would urge you to enjoy them and see them for the blessing that they are.

I just felt inspired to encourage your young mothers this week.  You are doing a great work.  Enjoy it!  Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.

Sincerely,

Lydia