Heavenly Father, the Perfect Parent

Dear Sisters,

This week, during my scripture study, I noticed such a great pattern for excellent parenting.  In Alma 12:27-34, Alma does a beautiful job of laying out the doctrine behind the Fall of Adam, and Heavenly Father's plan.   God is such a perfect parent.  To begin with, he had an excellent plan, then he allowed his children to fall and make a mistake.  He used that as an opportunity to teach.  "He sent angels to converse with them" and "he conversed with them", taught them his plan according to their faith, and checked for understanding.  Once he felt they understood, he gave them commandments, and allowed them "to act according to their will and pleasure" -- in other words, he let them exercise their agency.  But knowing they would make poor choices from time to time, in his mercy, he provided them with a Savior, who would make it possible for them to repent and return to him.

These steps are fairly simple and familiar to us, but it occurred to me as I was reading them, how great it would be if I tried to follow his example a little closer in my own parenting.  Sometimes I get short with my kids or I focus on their short comings, and I'm quick to correct their mistakes.  

This week, I'm going to try to be more understanding when my children make mistakes.  I'm going to take time to teach and check for understanding, so that my expectations are clear.  And if they still make mistakes, I'm going to teach and remind them about repentance.  

I'm so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father, who, in his great wisdom, created such a beautiful plan for us to return to Him.  I like to think that I was one of the ones who "shouted for joy" when I learned of this plan.  He is so merciful and good to us.  I'm grateful he has given us a living prophet and apostles.  Wasn't General Conference wonderful?!  I was inspired to do and be better, and I look forward to studying the talks closely.

I hope you take advantage of the tools God has made available to you to be successful in keeping his commandments.  Study the scriptures and conference talks.  Follow his excellent example this week!

Hope you have a lovely 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

Draw All Men Unto Him

Dear Sisters,

Hope you are doing well!

In an effort to “Always Remember Christ” this year, I started reading the Book of Mormon with my daughters every morning before school.  Honestly, I’ve surprised myself with being able to get up consistently—mornings can sometimes be a struggle, and that extra half-hour of sleep seemed so tempting at first. :)  For me, starting a new routine or habit can seems a little daunting.  Although it’s still challenging sometimes, it’s made me realize how quickly we can make a positive change in our lives when we put our mind to it.  I tend to make a lot of excuses, but it really just takes a little extra will power. 

Yesterday, we read these beautiful verses that I would really like to memorize:

2 Nephi 26:23-24

For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the Lord God worketh not in darkness.

He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him.  Wherefore, he commanded none that they shall not partake of his salvation.

Isn’t that great?!  My girls and I talked about the visual image of a campfire or a bright light, and how you are drawn to it when you are walking in darkness.  

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The Savior’s light is tremendous because of his infinite sacrifice, and our spirits are drawn to the light of Christ.  I also love the emphasis that the Lord doesn’t work in darkness—he wants things to be plain and clear to us.  Everything he does is FOR us.  That scripture can help make it easier to know whether or not something is good or bad.

So… this week’s challenges: Always Remember Him!  Pick a small positive goal and make it a habit.  Read your scriptures.  And of course, remember that “the Lord works in the light.”  May you seek and find some of that light this week.

Sincerely,

Lydia

From Trials to Joy

Hello Sisters!

It’s been a while!  I was blessed to be able to go on a little family vacation, and sometimes it seems to take time to get back into the swing of things.  (Just the laundry alone sets me back a week. )  I hope you are doing well and feeling joy at the “Promise of Spring.”

I noticed something small, but worth noting, in our scripture reading this morning.  We were reading in 2 Nephi 1, when Lehi is reminding his family how blessed they have been because they were spared from destruction and led to a promise land.  

​He tells them that he knows through a vision that Jerusalem has been destroyed, and he reminds them that that would have had the same fate.  He points out that things have been hard, and refers to, “our afflictions.”  Certainly, they had their fair share of trials, wandering in the wilderness for several years, hungry much of the time, and their women giving birth in the wilderness, not to mention Nephi’s struggles with his older brothers binding him and even wanting to kill him. 

You could safely say that it had been a tough journey for their family. But, Lehi quickly followed his ‘even though we have had to go through a lot of hard things,’ with a reminder of the blessings that followed.  “We have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed.”

Lehi and his family were able to reach their land of promise, by enduring their “wilderness” and "wading through much affliction."  I belief it is the same for each of us.  The Lord has great things in store for us.  In a sense, we have a “Land of Promise” waiting for us, if we can strive to cheerfully endure those bumps in the road.

“The trials of this life will ultimately lead to joy if we patiently trust in God’s plan and discover how to use adversity to grow stronger.

If we turn to Christ with faith and patience, we can have the strength we need to face adversity. The doctrines of the restored gospel give us an eternal perspective that provides hope and courage to bear all of life’s trials. Each of us has the strength to bear our challenges in life because of who we are, who God is, and who we are together.”

(Larry Richman, Learning Through Life’s Trials)

I testify that as you turn to Christ and try to faithfully and cheerfully “hang in there,” the Lord has great things in store for you!  Try to keep an eternal perspective this week.

Sincerely,

Lydia

Light the World

Dear Sisters,

Merry Christmas!  It feels good to say that.  This is such a wonderful time of year!  I have to share a cute story that made me smile.  

On Monday, the first day of snow this year, I thought it would be funny to pretend that I didn’t know what snow was with my 1^st and 2^nd graders.  First thing in the morning, I gathered them and told them something really weird had happened in the night that I needed to talk to them about.  I described it, and before I could even finish, they were all telling me it was SNOW! They were appalled that I wouldn’t know what that was.  I said, “Well, I can’t figure it out.  It’s cold and wet and making everything so white.  Why is it there?!”  One little boy raised his hand and blurted out, “It’s there because of Baby Jesus, Mrs. Stewart!”  From the mouth of babes.  Even these little ones understand the reason for the season. J

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Speaking of little ones, I just want to share a simple experience about the importance of our examples.  Last Sunday, we were fortunate to hear some great talks from some of the young men in our ward.  Gavin Irwin talked about gratitude and made a cute little list of things he was grateful for using the alphabet.  A couple nights later, I went in to tuck my boys in, and clearly interrupted them, as they said, “Oh man, Mom!  Not yet!  We never make it all the way through!”  I asked, “All the way through what?”  “All the way through the alphabet with things we are grateful for, like that Irwin boy.”  I never would have guess my boys were listening at all during sacrament, but I was so happy to find that they found a good role model to follow.  I listened as they finished taking turns with each letter.  I am grateful for those young men for setting a good example.

Sisters, the Savior set a perfect example for us.  I love the “Light the World” video clip, that shows people following the Saviors example through simple acts of service.  

"Love is the motivating principle by which the Lord leads us along the way towards becoming like Him, our perfect example. Our way of life, hour by hour, must be filled with the love of God and love for others."

-Elder Henry B. Eyring

I want to challenge you sisters to find an opportunity to love, serve, and “light the world” this Christmas Season.  It doesn’t have to be big—just something simple. Follow this link to find some great ideas: 

https://www.lds.org/blog/25-ways-to-lighttheworld-this-christmas?cid=HP_TH_1-12-2016_dOCS_fBLOG_xLIDyL2-2_

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Count your blessings and find joy in the Savior this season!  I hope you have a wonderful week! PS --- Don't forget to come to our fun "Appetizer" Activity this Wednesday at 6pm! (Invite your friends and neighbors!  See you there!

Sincerely,

Lydia 

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings"

Dear Sisters,

I just had a quick thought for you today. It is almost more for your husband or the priesthood men of our ward, but maybe you can pass it a long. :)

I just want to share my testimony of the importance of family councils. One form a council can take is a personal interview. My sweet hubby recently started interviewing our children once a week. He pulls the kids into his office one at a time and talks with them. Sometimes afterwords, he has approached me with things like, "Brigham is worried he doesn't have enough clothes." Or "Amberlee is having a hard time in her math class." At first, I was almost irritated that they confided in him so much. I talk to my kids regularly and I like to think I am pretty involved in their lives, but I was amazed to see how much they open up to him. The brethren have a special ability to connect with and be powerful examples to their children. I feel grateful for Doug's example and willingness to be a great father. I think it is making a difference in our home.

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You may find yourself in a different circumstances, but this council from Elder Ballard can still apply to your family:

"A family council, when conducted with love and with Christlike attributes, will counter the impact of modern technology that often distracts us from spending quality time with each other and also tends to bring evil right into our homes.

Children desperately need parents willing to listen to them, and the family council can provide a time during which family members can learn to understand and love one another.

Alma taught, “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good.” Inviting the Lord to be part of our family council through prayer will improve our relationships with each other. We can, with Heavenly Father and our Savior’s help, become more patient, thoughtful, helpful, forgiving, and understanding as we pray for help. With Their help, we can make our homes a little bit of heaven here on earth."

I encourage you to council in your families or council with the Lord, whatever your circumstances. No matter your age or stage, especially take time to connect with your children. Have a little personal interview with them and increase the communication within your home. I testify you will find opportunities to teach and grow as you do.

I hope you have a fabulous week!

Sincerely,
Lydia 

Women of Faith

Dear Sisters,

My older sister just sent me a picture that I hadn’t seen in years.  The shocked, fearful expression on my little baby face made me laugh out loud when I saw it.

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On a more serious note, this got me thinking about fear.  We are facing troubled times in the world.  My heart goes out to the poor people in Belgium, who recently experienced the terrible terrorist attacks.  I have been encouraging my children to pray for them, and I think Brigham must have heard me pray that they would comforted, because last night during his bedtime prayers, I heard him pray “that the people in Belgimum will be comfortable.” J He probably doesn’t understand what is taking place, but I am grateful he wants to follow my example. 

I had a similar experience as I was taking notes during the General Women’s Conference, and my girls kept moving my hand so they could copy what I wrote word for word.  At first I was going to get after them and tell them to take their own notes, and then I felt humbled by how they were watching me so closely and trying to be like me.  It was a powerful reminder for me that we must make sure we are teaching our little ones and giving them a good example of faith to follow, and they will not fear, because “their mother’s knew it,” just as the Son’s of Helaman said of their mothers. 

Be women of faith, not fear.  

“Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time.” 

(Elder Andersen)

These beautiful scriptures found in D&C 50:40-42 seem especially applicable:

 40 Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

 41 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me;

 42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost.

We cannot carry our load alone, so let us put our faith and trust in our beloved Savior, who has paid the price and overcome all things, and we will not be lost.  I have faith in His ability to rescue us, and I know HE LIVES!!!

Sincerely,

Lydia

Counsel With Your Councils

Dear Sisters,

I have been thinking a lot about the amazing 5^th Sunday lesson given by our good bishopric.  They taught us about ward and family councils. At first, that seemed like a bit of an odd topic.  When it was mentioned in ward council, I even asked if that was in the church handbook.  I have since been quite humbled as I have come across several talks on the subject.  One of my favorites was a conference talk given by Elder Ballard.  He urged leaders to “make wise used of committees and councils,” because when they do, “they move the work of the Lord forward much faster and farther.”  

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I am certain the same is true within our own homes.  When we gather, and prayerfully discuss challenges and solutions as a family, there is more unity and the Lord can inspire and direct us, touching the hearts of our family.

As I have read the Book of Mormon this past week, I have been fascinated how often Lehi gathered his family and counseled with them, prophesying, warning, and directing them as they faced challenges.

  

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Almost all of 2^nd Ne. Chapter 1 is filled with his teachings to his family council.  He taught and prophesied “according to the workings of the Spirit” which was in him, pleading with his children to “remember to observe the statutes and the judgments of the Lord; behold, this hath been the anxiety of my soul from the beginning."

Elder Ballard told us that:

“This is the miracle of Church councils: listening to each other and listening to the Spirit! When we support one another in Church councils, we begin to understand how God can take ordinary men and women and make of them extraordinary leaders. The best leaders are not those who work themselves to death trying to do everything single-handedly; the best leaders are those who follow God’s plan and counsel with their councils." 

This was a quote I needed to hear.  I am working on being a better leader and using my council more effectively… so as not to work myself to death. ;)  We are also trying to follow this direction in our own home.  I’m trying to listen more—I tend to like to do the talking. (Shocking, I know.) J  It’s a work in progress, but I can already feel blessings come into our home as we try to follow the prophet and the counsel of our bishopric.

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Hope you have a wonderful week and take a moment to prayerfully counsel with your families.

Sincerely,

Lydia

Keep Trying & Book of Mormon Stories

Dear Sisters-

Are you staying cool?  We have had quite a heat-wave, haven’t we?  

It was worth going to church, if only just to be in that lovely air-conditioned building. :)  But—that wasn’t the only good that came of it.  The Garners gave excellent talks, and Sis. Herbert gave a wonderful lesson from Elder Relund’s recent talk “Latter-day Saints Keep on Trying.”  My favorite quote was from Pres. Monson:

“One of God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final.”⁸ Even if we’ve been a conscious, deliberate sinner or have repeatedly faced failure and disappointment, the moment we decide to try again, the Atonement of Christ can help us. And we need to remember that it is not the Holy Ghost that tells us we’re so far gone that we might as well give up.

This is a good reminder for us as we struggle through life.  It is so comforting to be reminded that the Savior has descended below all.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

I enjoyed a fun-filled camping trip with in-laws at Bear Lake this last week.   I had an experience I wanted to share.  My sister-in-law has not been active in the church for about ten years.  She has just recently started coming again, and bringing her cute son with her.  I shared a tent with my cute nephew, and we were telling stories before bedtime.  I started to tell about “Nephi and the Broken Bow” from the book of Mormon, and I was delighted to hear this cute little boy finish my sentences and recount the whole story because he had gone to primary once with his mom, and he remembered the whole thing.  His eyes lit up.  He even told me he had seen a “real liahona” because his teacher had brought a compass to show the class.

This experience made me consider two things: First, that children remember Book of Mormon stories!  Their little spirits recognize truth.  Take every opportunity to share what you are reading with your children, grandchildren, or young friends.  They will remember and return to it. 

The second thing that struck me, is how important our service in the church is.  His primary teacher likely doesn’t know what an impression she made on this little boy hungering for light and truth.  She might even think that her role is rather insignificant.  I wish I could tell her how grateful I was for her quiet preparation of that primary lesion—for making it engaging and memorable for a little boy who doesn’t come very often, and probably doesn’t sit very still.  This little experience brightened my heart, and I wanted to share it with you.

Keep reading and studying the Book of Mormon sisters!  I know it will strengthen your faith and change your life! Have such a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Lydia Stewart

PS—I know I am probably not the best at “waxing philosophical,” but I do try to be prayerful about what to share with you each week, and I have put my thought from past rs emails together on a blog, in case you missed any, or would like to look back and read.  Here is a link if you are interested: Ponderings from a ProgressingPresident

Turn to the Savior

Hello Ladies!

Happy {late} Mother's Day!  I was really taking the day off forgetting to send this. :)

In Relief Society yesterday, we shared this little clip that I thought you might enjoy:

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-00-1440-it-was-mom-a-mothers-day-tribute-to-moms?lang=eng

Just hope you know how wonderful you are, and how much we appreciate all you do.  You are a powerful influence for good in a troubled world.

I believe Satan works very hard to discourage mothers-- women in general, really.  I think he know our potential.  I was feeling a little down this last week, and as I knelt and poured out my heart, I felt impressed to listen to one of my favorite "pick-me-up" conference talks from Elder Holland:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/04/because-she-is-a-mother?lang=eng

I would encourage you to read it, no matter what your family circumstance, and remember what a difference you are making.

This was a quote I loved:

"We thank all of you ... and tell you there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God, in bringing to pass the mortality and earthly life of His daughters and sons, so that immortality and eternal life can come in those celestial realms on high.

When you have come to the Lord in meekness and lowliness of heart and, as one mother said, “pounded on the doors of heaven to ask for, to plead for, to demand guidance and wisdom and help for this wondrous task,” that door is thrown open to provide you the influence and the help of all eternity. Claim the promises of the Savior of the world. Ask for the healing balm of the Atonement for whatever may be troubling you or your children. Know that in faith things will be made right in spite of you, or more correctly, because of you."

Remember who to turn to.  Our Savior is the source of truth and light, and I testify that the he loves you, and that he really does stand at the door waiting for us to knock.  If you need help or inspiration, just ask and he will bless you!  Turn to the scriptures.  We have had some wonderful lessons on the power of the Book of Mormon.  Read and study, and cash in on the promised blessings!  I love you sisters and hope that you know it!  Thank you for all you do!  Have a wonderful week filled with things that will bring you closer to the Savior.

Love,

Lydia