Belated Sunday Post

{This is a photo I took of the flowers Jenn gave Whitney.}
To see all the flower photos click here

This is a belated Sunday-type post. I should have written after church on Sunday, but was weary and had stupidly decided that since not very many of you comment on my Sunday posts that you must not be interested in them. But I think this is foolish of me, because this is my blog and a record of my thoughts so whether you comment or not (though I love it and prefer that you do) I want to accurately document my life and thoughts.

So here goes... Our Sacrament Meeting on Sunday March 12, 2006 was so fantastic. The Young Women's Presidency spoke and reduced me to a blubbering mess. I had packed a mini package of tissues in my bag that day (only to find I had 3 others in there), and it was a good thing because I used a ton of tissues during that meeting. Here are the highlights from my 5 pages of notes.

• We have the responsibility to raise our children in righteousness, and will be held accountable for what we've taught them.
• Dedicated, selfless parents teach their children so well that when temptation comes it rolls right off their children because they know the truth. (A daunting statement for sure.)
  
• It's easier to invest in our children while they're young so that they have a firm foundation when they're teenagers.
• Teach your children accountability and respect. The Lord does not jump in and solve our problems, He lets us struggle and learn for ourselves. We should follow His example of parenting with our own children.
• If you don't know where you want to go it doesn't matter which path you take.
  
• Friends can an amazing force for good in each others' lives. Teach your children to choose friends wisely. (I think this is true for us as grown-ups well. Do our friends lift us up or drag us down?)
  
• Indulge in goodness. Take advantage of all the good opportunities that will help keep you on the right path. (I love the use of the word indulge in this context.)
• Teach your kids to "Be that good kid" to be the one that stands up for what they believe, to be a good influence on their friends, to not just be one of the crowd.
• Teach your kids that it is up to them to put themselves in good places--they will be held accountable for their choices (after the age of 8).
• Once you realize your infinite worth as a child of God, then nothing will hold you back from fulfilling your goals and your purpose in life.
• Heavenly Father's love for us is intense and powerful. We can experience a taste of His love for us as we feel love for our own children and families. (So just try imagine how much greater His love really is.)
• The power of example is an awesome tool, be mindful of what your example is saying.
• You are the only person who can limit what you become.