Sunday Thoughts

As I'm writing this, we are well over a month into the COVID-19 pandemic with social distancing and staying home. And while I am writing another post to highlight many moments for our family during this unique window of time, today, my thoughts keep wrapping around our focus from church at home today. We asked each of the kiddos to write about the good they've seen during this time, to think about what has been hard, and to think why and how God has been in the details. Each one sat and shared simple yet profound truths highlighting so much power and faith in knowing that as they stay close to God, no matter what happens in the world, things will work out. I truly believe this pause in time they are experiencing in their youth from the routine of what they've always known is preparing them for great things where they will shine in their lives because they have this experience to draw from.

I felt drawn to talk about our scripture theme for the year. At the beginning of each school year, Mike and I choose one scripture to focus on for the year. Looking back, it's humbling to see how much that focus for each year truly ties in with life as it unfolds. And today was no different. Last August, we chose "Be Still and Know that I Am God" (Psalm 46:10). We'd hoped to bring this message intentionally into our lives as a tool for increasing the power of the present moment, of listening, and hearing God's voice in our lives. What we didn't foresee is how this scripture would apply in new layers connected to this current pandemic.

Experiencing a stillness and a true pause from the daily routine and schedule of life has always felt unimaginable, unthinkable and absolutely impossible. Yet, here we are. And with all of the uncertainty, disappointment and worry completely available for our minds and hearts (and trust me, we've all had our fair share of praaciting those emotions), the ultimate truth is how this opportunity opens the door for an even deeper reliance on God. His will. His timing. And practicing patience that while we don't have all the details, as long as we stick to Plan A (trust Jesus), the rest will work out. All of it. All the hard. All the wonderful. Weaves together into incredible moments that I have no doubt will be a hinge point of remembrance on our timeline of personal history.

And as we sat together today, so grateful to be soaking in church at home together, listening to the kiddos share glimpses of their faith journey during this time, I felt it.

The purpose in this place.
The growing that's happening here.
The stillness.
The light of truth.

That's the power we'll continue to ignite. That's the power we will continue to draw from.

Sunday Thoughts: President Nelson's Invitation to Read the Book of Mormon

When Alexis and I drove home after listening to an awesome Women's Conference in October, one of the first things we talk about was the four invitations President Nelson gave to the sisters.

"Mom, when President Nelson invited sisters to read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year, do you think he just meant grown ups?"

I saw the question in her mind - the spark of light had been ignited. And I knew she was capable. So we made a decision in the car that night. We'd both do it. Start to finish by the end of the year.

And today, on December 30th, we both finished.

I'd like to write a few things I learned personally from this journey since October:

1. Having been asked to not only read the Book of Mormon but to mark each mention of Christ, I was reminded time and time again of His words, His light and His truth. Beautiful.

2. Ministering is inspired. For me, this was the first time the word MINISTER has jumped out of the pages to me. I loved reading the stories and learning from the examples of true ministering. All centered in LOVE and centered in Christ. Most often, ministering happened 1:1. Loved pondering not only those who ministered one another, but the angels who ministered was a tender reminder to me that the Lord's Holy work is unchanging and these things are happening all around us today. I found a greater awareness of seeing people in all settings ministering to one another in small ways in every day life. Seeing this was so inspiring and I strive to continually deepen this awareness and seek opportunities to minster in small and simple ways.

3. I felt greater feelings of peace, joy and love in my every day life. Circumstances haven't changed, but I absolutely feel, trust and know that the Lord knows and will continue to direct us and give us strength in ALL THINGS.

4. I have a greater appreciation and gratitude for Joseph Smith and his wife Emma. At the same time I read the Book of Mormon, I also read the book Saints. What a reminder of the constant turmoil they were in as they encountered so much resistance and what faith and courage they had to keep moving forward. I am so grateful for their sacrifice. I am so grateful for the sacrifice and resilience of the pioneers, some of whom are my ancestors. Their stories help me remember that to be deeply rooted in something takes effort, resilience and the courage to keep moving forward. I strive to honor them.

5. I've noticed a deeper love and connection to nature these last couple of months. And while I've always felt that connection, it has definitely deepened in conjunction with this invitation. I believe that God can speak to us through His creation, and nature seems to share so much wisdom in being still, looking upward, trusting, working, continually changing and growing with intention. There have been many moments that have opened my mind and heart to receive specific inspiration.

6. Another word that really spoke to me was SERVE. There are so many inspired words in the Book of Mormon centered on service. I can't think of a better way to magnify oneself, to get outside of one's own worries, or to feel more abundant joy than through serving others. Each time we have moved, our greatest connection - to ourselves, as a family, and in our neighborhood and church congregation has happened as we've stepped outside of ourselves and stepped into service. Reading SERVE in the Book of Mormon was yet another reminder that service is love in action. In any way. I need those continual reminders to step outside of "me" and into others.

7. REMEMBER was another word that really jumped out to me. With constant noise and distraction, I feel remembering who we are, where we came from and who we are meant to become is essential and gives peace, hope and light.

8. I was reminded (again and again) that I don't need to have all the answers. I don't need to know the "how." I don't need to have everything planned and mapped out and that's totally okay. What I do need (and I need this in things big and small) is to trust the Lord, and trust that He knows, He's already figured out the "how" and it's my job to just keep acting on the good thoughts, showing my love to him through keeping his covenants, and using his grace each and every day. Because things will work out.

I asked Alexis to share some of her thoughts with what she learned from the Book of Mormon and here's what she said:

I liked that you really can read the Book of Mormon as many times as you like. I like having the invitation. This gave me a challenge to really read it every day, and spend time on something that is important to me. I learned that it doesn't matter what age you are, you can just pick it up and read it. I felt the spirit every time I read it and I had better days. I noticed that I was happier each day. I noticed some really good scriptures in there that I want to memorize! I really liked waking up early in the mornings to read it. I liked that time that it wasn't noisy because I could read and think about what I was reading. I think my mom is an amazing example of how she reads every morning because it made me want to read the book of mormon too. She's always so happy and I wanted to be happy like her. Now that I've finished, I feel SO GOOD that I did it. In the beginning, it was SO HARD because I thought it was so much, but then, after awhile, I realized I made it half way and that I could keep going. I loved the idea when President Nelson said to mark any mention of Christ. In the beginning I forgot about it, but then my mom told me how she had been marking it, and I remembered I wanted to do it too. There was so much in there about Christ. I love reading about him and every time I read about him I feel warm and happy. I know God answers my prayers.

My heart is so full of peace and joy over this whole experience. I know she's going to look back and always remember that she finished something that felt hard. She wrote the part above about me being an example for her, but the real truth is, she's the example for me.

words to remember: kindness

This past Sunday, I was the recipient of some kind words.

Kind words that took the person less than one minute to communicate. They were simple. Shared by someone we hardly knew in the moments just after our church meeting.

But they were so meaningful. They felt like light. They were a reminder of how much I am loved. Of how much we are all loved.

Those kind words brought peaceful tears later that day as I had a moment to reflect and ponder them. The few words were full of principles of truth I had been pondering in my heart for some time. Tears of gratitude for God, who connects with us on such personal and individual levels.

And as I've been pondering in the days since, it has more fully opened my heart and mind to both the giver and receiver.

The giver was willing to say something simple to someone he hardly knew, but because it was a good thing, he didn't hesitate to act. It reminded me of these words written by Moroni (chapter 7): "...all things which are good cometh of God."

The receiver was willing to listen. Sounds simple, but it's something I continually must practice. To let go of the inner conversation that limits and disputes what was shared. That discounts the goodness and finds the fault. Instead, choosing to listen and humbly accepting what was spoken with gratitude.

Because good thoughts are centered in God's love. A connection that utilizes the enabling power of Christ, who can heal our heavy hearts and strengthen our weaknesses. The choice is ours to receive and to listen.

I choose to write this experience, not for the experience alone, but as words to remember.

To remember the feeling of God's abundant love.
To remember that goodness has the potential to grow within all of us.
To remember to receive.
To remember to give.

A new theme

We swapped out our scripture theme from last year...

And replaced it with the theme for this year!

This hangs as a large poster just off of our kitchen. We love having these words in such a visual place. We’re big believers in using our walls as space for creating an intentional home. And I love a reason to handletter!

We love how this scripture is the theme for the youth of our church this year. A beautiful song centered on this theme is here.

Last summer, I read “A Quiet Heart” by Patricia Holland who shares amazing insights on meekness. I love how she defines meekness as a “quiet strength.” I’ve applied that definition every time I’ve read meekness in the scriptures and it’s truly opened my eyes and mind to this attribute of Christ. 

One of my favorite talks from general conference was this one by Elder Bednar and his insights centered around meekness. He shares: "Meekness is a defining attribute of the Redeemer and is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint." Beautiful. 

I'm a visual learner, and I need lots of visual reminders. Because sometimes it's those moments when I'm nagging everyone to do their jobs, or I'm caught in worry over something, that I will see words of truth like these on the wall, and stop for just a moment. Re-center. Re-connect. A little breath of strength. Of gratitude. For the bigger picture, and the opportunity to grow, learn and change.

Florida Snapshot

We've been here *almost* six months! We've been creating and reworking so many of our old routines into every day life here, and we're feeling a good flow again in this chapter. Which had me thinking about past chapters, and how that was always an evolving thing too. I want to remember the "every day" and am beginning a tradition of "snapshot" posts to remember a recap in one spot. Like a little glimpse into the daily routines. I think I'll aim to do these at the first of each year, but this one begins in April as our "Florida snapshot."

Max is growing. A couple weeks ago he walked into the kitchen with this shirt that didn't even cover his torso and his shoulders occupying the part where the arm sleeve should be. I couldn't help but laugh. It was one of his back-to-school shirts we'd purchased at the beginning of the school year! We took a trip to the Nike outlet (probably his favorite store). He was a little hesitant to hand over his % of paying for new clothes, and was quick to find the bargains, but is now happily wearing shirts that fit.

Alexis tidies up her room every night before going to bed. I love watching her scurry around, give everything a place, and then brush off her hands with a little clapping sound once she's done. 

Sometimes I have to slam on my brakes when driving so that an iguana can cross the road safely. 

Tayler is a bookworm. It's the first thing she does when she comes home from school. She jumps for joy when it's time to go to the library. She takes books EVERYWHERE. She has so much animation to her voice in every story. Abigail LOVES it.

Our car is a disaster of books. 

"That's awkward" and "so disgusting" are two of the funniest phrases I hear from Abby throughout the day.

Socks full of sand end up all over the floor. Never in the laundry.

The girls and I ride bikes to/from school every day. Mike surprised me with a cruiser bike for Christmas and I smile every time I'm on it. My heart is so grateful. In our one day of house hunting and purchasing a home, we didn't know what the to/from school routine would look like, and I say a little prayer of thanks every day to God for being so mindful of little routines that matter so much and that bring so much joy.

I give as many hugs as they let me.

Max's school starts and ends about 2 hours later than the girls. The mornings he doesn't have bball practice, he uses that time to get ahead in homework, or we chat about current events or watch a Studio C clip. It's been awesome. 

I probably say "no thumb" or "take your thumb out of your mouth" to Abby at least 50 times a day. I figure at some point it will sink in. Work in progress.

Mike travels around a week out of every month, although it's broken up into smaller trips throughout. Initially, he was traveling a lot more, but things have settled into more of a consistent routine. I'm so grateful for how he just jumps into life with us as soon as he's home. And cleans the floors. It means the world.

Max received a basketball hoop for Christmas and we knew he would use it like crazy, but had no idea he'd utilize any moment. Anytime we pull into the garage, or get ready to leave, he grabs a basketball and gets a couple quick shots in. He practices every day after school, and his shooting and ball handling have really improved.

Max, Alexis and Tayler are all taking golf lessons. We started the older two in January and Tayler just started last week. They are all in the same hour, and Abigail and I hang out on this grass spot while they have their lesson. We read Elephant and Piggy books, she eats loads of snacks and plays under the trees. We look forward to it every week.

I don't remember the last time I unloaded the dishwasher. Or set the table. Or cleared the table. Or emptied the bathroom garbage cans. Or replaced toilet paper in the bathroom. So grateful to be in a chapter of hands helping and contributing in a variety of ways.

I also don't remember the last time I walked into the little girls room and it hasn't been covered with clothes, dress ups, books, dollhouse toys and all other things. I try to take a big breath as we tackle it each day.

I teach Alexis piano. She's diligent with her practice, and I feel so grateful to be able to do that with her. She wants to learn how to play the violin, and I feel like sometime over the next year we might find a teacher and add that in.

Our car now holds just two car seats. And technically it's one seat and one booster. 

Max builds PowerPoint presentations in his spare time. On all kinds of topics.

I am so grateful for the many different "hats" I've been able to wear during this journey of motherhood, and how much of a team of support Mike has been through it all. From working from home part-time, to teaching group fitness, to starting my own business, to volunteering on PTA boards, my heart is full with the variety of experiences and people I've met and learned so much from. And while I have many thoughts on this, and the flexibility we seem to embrace as women, I will say that I am continually discovering and finding peace with letting go of "hats" from other chapters, and wholeheartedly focusing on life here and now, and the "hats" I am currently wearing. I am hoping to take some time to piece these thoughts together in a way that makes a little more sense for a later post.

The girls play on the playset in our backyard every day. I'm soaking in the time I push Abby on the swings and find that more and more she prefers to be with her older sisters, immersed in whatever creative game they've come up with for the day. And it's absolutely okay.

Our backyard always has a football or soccer ball laying around. 

Max cracks his knuckles relentlessly.

Mike and I wake up around 5:30 for early morning workouts and scripture study, although we've done the same workout videos so many times he and I were just screaming with boredom. This last week we shook up the routine a bit and are both pretty excited about it. 

The girls are always humming or singing something.

One of our favorite moments in the day is to walk into the kitchen in the morning and see the kiddos up and reading their scriptures. It's been a two-year goal-setting work-in-progress in our family, and it still is far from perfect, but it's feeling consistent. We really wanted to create space for them to study on their own and to feel that personal connection first thing. 

Our family Scripture study still happens at night. For now that seems to be working.

We eat out once a week as a family. Usually it's Saturday night. I remember this tradition with my own family growing up and it has been so fun to continue. 

Our "morning devotional" is going strong while the kids eat breakfast. I most often alternate between the Friend and the New Era Magazines. 

I'm making and packing lunch for all three kiddos in the morning. That's a routine that needs to change with ownership handed to them, but we haven't quite gotten there yet. Work in progress.

We are so grateful for the opportunities we have to serve in our church no matter where we live. We think fondly of the time Mike was able to serve as a Bishop for our church congregation in Utah. Currently, he is the Young Men's President (he leads the boys 12-18) and they are in the middle of planning a fundraiser for summer camps. I'm currently serving as a Service Leader. It's been fun to connect with folks in an out-of-the-box way. We're in the midst of a fleece-blanket-making project.

We do our Family Home Evening lessons on Sunday nights. 

Monday nights are "game night." We love it. Transamerica is the game we play most right now.

Max loves scouts. He's set a goal to earn his Eagle.

I can't believe how quickly food disappears. 

Alexis loves attending activity days (girls 8-12 from our church congregation meet together a couple times a month). She's learning all kinds of fun things and loves that time with other girls.

Family movie nights are something we really look forward to. And it feels like we’ve finally entered a chapter where we can all sit and enjoy a movie together.

I look forward to reading parts of a chapter book each night with the kids. Some nights are getting trickier to squeeze it in, but I'm still trying.

Since the girls and I have around a 2-hour window before Max comes home from school, we usually use that time for homework, and do things like tea parties, a weekly "art time" and playing outside. Love the endless summer!

Friday cleaning day is going strong. Grateful for hands that help with cleaning, and while sometimes it happens begrudgingly, it sure is nice to have things clean. At least for a few minutes. 

We started up the jobs and boxes thing we do for money and personal management up again in January. And overall, it's going well and is building consistency. 

We're all making friends with neighbors, folks in the community and in our church congregation. There are good people everywhere.

Max has started babysitting for us and we go out about 2 times a month. He has created a "camp fun" where he's the "coach", Alexis is his "assistant coach" and Tayler and Abigail are the campers. The girls jump with excitement when they hear he's in charge. And we are so, so grateful to be entering the chapter of having an in-home sitter. And we head out on a weekly walk once the girls are down.

This is the first house we live in that doesn't have baby items throughout. I have a lot of thoughts on this that I hope to write more on, but in short I am so grateful for those years, and so grateful for the current chapter.

Saturday afternoons are still our set "family activity" time. We started that tradition years ago, and it has stuck! In Florida, we seem to almost always head to the pool. We love it.

Mike is still doing his monthly 1:1 chats with each kiddo the first Sunday of each month. 

For the first time in my adult (and teenage life), I'm experiencing more consistent clear acne-free skin. Sounds a bit silly to even write about, but it's been a huge confidence killer for me for many, many years. I didn't think I would ever actually see clear skin in my life. I was told about a gal that focuses not only on skin care, but nutrition and better understanding the source of acne. I went to her, learned a ton and started implementing her tools. It's taken nine months, but I'm starting to see more consistently clear skin. And I'm hopeful it will continue! So grateful for folks who see problems, and find true solutions rather than quick-fixes and that we can learn from their wisdom! 

Abigail is swimming on her own, as long as she can hold her breath. Still working on the swimming and breathing part. 

Family dinner is a constant. Alexis helps regularly with the prep and actual cooking. I'm hopeful that one day Abigail will actually eat dinner. Until then, I'll continue taking big breaths.

The kiddos all bring down and put away their own laundry. I'm still washing/drying the loads for everyone, but feeling a nudge that Max is ready to take full ownership of his. Work in progress.

I've found a yoga class at the gym that I love to go to.

Mike and I are trying to learn Spanish. But gosh it's hard to set time aside for it. We try to text one another in Spanish only. Which is fun. But the study in general feels really sporadic. Definitely a work in progress.

We talk about nature all the time. The sunset. The clouds. The trees. The flowers. Bugs. Animals.

While we haven't made it to an allergist, I'm 99% sure that some of us have a tree pollen allergy. It's been a beast these last two months with higher pollen counts, and I need to learn tools in the long-term to navigate and prepare better for it next year. Gratefully, the season seems to be changing. Work in progress.

I read/listen to multiple books at a time. I try to squeeze in bits and pieces whenever I can. I have a long list of ones to get to - but most books center on personal growth, learning tools to teach to the family, messages on resilience and the value of work, and spiritual growth. My nightstand is an explosion of books. So much goodness.

Whew, and I guess that's the everyday life in a nutshell!

Easter

Building simple family traditions that center on Christ are what we strive to create during the Easter season. It feels like a proactive effort to let go of the "noise" and commercialism that surrounds the holiday. Every year we seem to tweak, add or refine something, but it has absolutely become one of my most favorite holidays. I wanted to write a few of our traditions down for memory!

Palm Sunday - We typically begin our Easter focus the Sunday prior. We love the Bible videos that bring the scriptures to life. In past years, the kiddos made palm leaves out of construction paper and took turns walking over them. This year, it was fun to go in our backyard and connect with actual Palm Leaves. 

We use these bible videos.  

During dinner that night (we've built a tradition that at the end of our Sunday Dinners, we'll have a gospel-centered discussion. Often, we start with a short video and then chat from there.), we watched the Because of Him video and all chose a specific focus to center more on Christ. I loved this idea, and next year I think it might be fun for us to incorporate for the whole month leading up to Easter, or in conjunction with Lent!

Holy Week - Each night we read the scriptures/watch the Bible video that connects with the Holy Week. This year we were a little off with it being the same week as our vacation, so we had a couple catch ups, but it all worked out. We usually finish up with a short discussion - sharing why this part of history connects to our every day life, and how we can strive to follow the teachings and example of Christ.

Jerusalem Dinner - We started this tradition a couple years ago, and it is a favorite! Depending on how scheduling works out, we try to do this on Thursday night, in conjunction with the last supper, but this year, it fit better for us to do on Saturday night. We keep the meal simple - and it seems to evolve depending on what I can put together to "represent" a dinner from long ago. This year, we ate outside, with little tea lights and background music. We chat together about the Holy Week, what it means to us, and share our love for Christ and for families. We keep it really informal, short and it's of course mixed in with whatever topic comes up, but it has those mindful moments where we just feel present and connected.

Easter Egg Hunt - I LOVE family Easter egg hunts! I find myself smiling the whole time. I actually signed up for our neighborhood Easter egg hunt (held the week prior) and even dropped off the eggs prior to the event. And then forgot to go! Ha! Oh well, it all worked out. We did our hunt in the backyard, and combined two types of eggs. Some were full of candy (of course) and others were numbered filled with scriptures and a little object that connected with the scripture. After everyone found their eggs, we went through the numbered scripture eggs, and it's handy that the kids have fun munching on their candy while reading them too!

Sugar Cookies - We make these every year - since it seems like they don't get enough sugar already! The girls love helping in the kitchen, and making cookies together is just fun (messy, but fun!). 

Easter Eggs - We usually dye these and use them as an Easter decoration along with some spring flowers, but didn't get to it this year!

Artwork - This year, we printed the packet from the small seed and used art to connect to Christ as well. To me, art is so calming and mindful. It is such a beautiful way to center and connect things we may hear or see and express in a personal way. Alexis really took to this one - and it reminded me how meaningful it is to have a variety of different mediums to teach principles as different kiddos strengths will connect in different ways. 

Sunday Morning Devotional - Our first thing on Sunday morning is a Christ-centered devotional. We typically have an Easter breakfast - for us it's German pancakes! We love attending church - and this year we loved that our church held the semi-annual conference on Easter. It was amazing to soak in! 

Easter baskets: These are fun to look for and in full disclosure, Tayler found hers and said, “Mom and Dad, you are totally doing these. There’s not a bunny that hides these!” Probably not too hard to figure out since I realized about 10pm night prior that we didn’t have any “Easter baskets” (those didn’t make it in the move!) and used some gift bags (which of course she totally recognized).   Initially, I thought “oh no! I’ve spoiled it for her” but I let that thought go and realized how freeing it felt that she knew for herself what was real about Easter, what wasn’t, and was happy and content all the same. We’ve never really chatted about the bunny anyway, so for us, it feels like one more way to simplify and focus on the fun and deeper purpose of the holiday.

It's our hope that these traditions will not only connect our kiddos (and ourselves) more deeply to Easter, and center our minds on Christ, but that through this study, it's something that we can continue to be mindful all year long. President Spencer W. Kimball said that "perhaps the most important word in the dictionary is remember." And that's our hope. To remember.

Photos from the Easter egg Hunt:

 Our Jerusalem Dinner:

 Making Sugar Cookies!

 Some of Alexis' drawings!

Loved Tayler’s interpretation of this!

The growth of spring

Okay, I had to laugh at myself. The amount of pictures I've taken of blooms, plants, green grass, and pretty much anything that resembles spring is a little ridiculous. Clearly I'm excited. But honestly, I LOVE seeing the growth and feeling the change in the air. Not going to lie, I actually really do enjoy winter, but those final weeks of winter are such a struggle. The days seem endless, we've done everything I feel like I 'want' to do in winter, and I hit a point where I'm tired of the cold!

And seeing these photos made me realize I should have a little more love for those final weeks of winter. The toughest part of the season (for me) is simultaneously developing the whole new chapter - spring! I just can't see it yet.

The funny thing about spring is the actual growth behind what I'm seeing happens much sooner than I can see it. Those little buds are hard at work long before they become buds. Change happens deep within the roots that triggers a series of progression. Plants are growing long before we see the beauty transpire.

Which makes me ask:

"What unseen growth happens in my life?"

I've found that change is usually kinda hard. Okay, sometimes it's really hard. And if change doesn't happen on 'my timeline' I'm frustrated. I'm ready to throw in the towel. If I don't see a result, why continue trying?

In my experience, there are loads of times where I've started something new only to feel foolish. So many setbacks. Failures. Trials. And oodles of weeds to work through.

I remember when we decided our oldest was 'old enough' to start reading scriptures as a family. He was two, and we thought bedtime would be a great way to finish the day. It was a habit we wanted to create, and while it seemed like a good idea, we soon found it fell far from any expectation. I picked up the picture/story version of the scriptures and imagined he'd sit on my lap while we read. In actuality, he rolled all over the floor, jumped, tore the pages, ran all over the room and did anything but listen. I was frustrated. If we were doing something that seemed right, why wasn't it working? It would have been super easy to shelf that idea for a future 'someday.'

Wisely, the Lord has reminded me again and again of this scripture. I think because I need to hear it. Over and over. And I've learned (over and over), the truth behind it is very real:

"Now you may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." Alma 37:6

Often change and growth are both small and simple.

In the case of reading scriptures together, it was simple: change our approach. Instead of fighting against who he was, or giving up completely, we could choose to learn how to embrace where he was at. As an active guy, he wanted to participate. Through trial (and error), we learned he LOVED acting out the scenes and loved listening if we told the story and pointed to the pictures rather than reading the words directly. Over time, as he became more familiar (and older), he began to tell the stories. Gradually, he began to sit and listen. As other children were added into the 'bedtime routine,' he welcomed the opportunity to act out stories for them. Now, with a habit of family scripture study (while we still do miss nights from time to time), I'm grateful for his reminders to get us back on track.

Looking back, there have been loads of fails in the process (and I have no doubt this will be an ongoing continual work in progress - especially as schedules continue to change and kiddos grow). But, had I completely stopped all efforts, and 'shelved the idea' for when it would be right, I wonder when the 'right time' would have (if ever) happened. I know we would have missed out on those sweet memories of foam swords and laughter (he loved acting out the battle scenes the most).

Just as much as I seem to never grasp the complexity behind a simple beautiful springtime blossom, I don't think I'll ever fully grasp how much the Lord guides and lifts in small and simple ways. It's humbling to think how thoughts build on one another like an individual blossom. Choosing to listen and take action on those thoughts - no matter how small - are what build those blossoms into the framework of an entire tree.

Small and simple is a lesson I am continually learning from. Life is FULL of springtime. There is so much good. So much warmth and growth happening. I simply need to remember to see it.

Book Review

I jumped into a 90 day group Book of Mormon Challenge.  And am so grateful a sweet friend introduced me to this study guide!

Currently delving into book 2 (there are three separate books to cover the entire Book of Mormon), I feel like I'm listening to a really good seminary/institute teacher. In my own home. Every. Single. Morning.

While there are loads of study guides out there, I love how this one:

• Defines verbiage really well.
• Offers insights, but includes references of where to find more information about those insights.
• Bolds portions of verses to help the reader see specifics in an easy way.
• Explains timeframes and who's who.

As I'm going through it, I feel confident I'll be able to go through it again. And again. Love that.