As I have thought more about making my home an extension of the Temple many ideas popped into my head. Which of course were some answers to my pleading prayers. I am going to list them in no particular order since they all are important to me.
Daily Scripture Study: We have always been promised that if we read our scriptures that our homes will be filled with a spirit of peace and love. I have noticed a difference in my home since doing this for about 3 months now. One thing that I've realized that has to take place as well is that everyone needs to be open and willing to invite the spirit in. Reading the scriptures helps with this.
Daily personal prayer: My Heavenly Father knows my children better then I do. They are His children placed in my care for their Earthly journey. Who better to turn to for help and guidance then Him.
Cleanliness is Next to Godliness: Making sure my home is clean and in order is vital to me to keeping the spirit in my home. When you go to the Temple it isn't filled with clutter, or dust, or even full garbage cans. There are beautiful pictures of the Savior and other important moments in the Book of Mormon and Bible. There are also beautiful bouquets of flowers. When you walk in you immediately feel a spirit of peace and order because of the Interior. Keeping my home clean and orderly with 6 children is some what of a challenge, but not an excuse. My children are old enough now to do their part to keep the house clean. And since this is a priority to me, I am trying so much harder to make sure that my home is clean and orderly. Some days are better then others.
Temple Attendance: I need to spend more time in the Temple. I know that when times are rough, and even when they are not, we gain greater strength by Temple attendance. I miss going to the Temple once a month. Of course I would like to go more, but again, having 6 children and arranging babysitters is sometimes difficult. But as I write this I realize where are my priorities? I do what ever I can to make sure that I exercise my body. Going to the Temple is like exercise for my soul. It is VITAL, for me, my marriage, and my family to survive in such a world as we live in now. So what am I going to do about this? Make it a priority, drop my bucket and run!!!
None of these tasks are earth shattering. They are your simple church answers. But I really have felt for a very long time that when it comes down to it, it is the simple things that will make us strong, that will get us through the roughest of times, that will strengthen ourselves and our families. The simple things are the things that turn fence sitters into unwavering members of the church.
8 years ago
3 comments:
Those are great ideas Amberlynn. I have noticed that my kids love it when we have family home evenings and scripture study. It is better to make them habbits now while the kids are young rather than to fight them when they get older. You are a great example.
Amberlynn, like I have said before, I ALWAYS am learning more and more from you. I have always heard that Our Heavenly Father "uses" His strongest children to help those who are feeling weak or going through rough times in their lives...in my case YOU have been the instrument in God's hands to help me when I feel so low and in my darkest hours, I read your blog and feel so, but so inspired. Thank you for posting your thoughts and for being the amazing woman, wife and mother that you are. In my case I appreciate having you as a friend, because it has been through YOU that so many of my prayers have been answered. Loved this post. Thank you for sharing it.
Amberlyn I totally agree. I can and know we gain the spirit in our homes by following those simple task you wrote of.. Keep up the good work, you are a wonderful mom and right now your season in life is to assure a safe, spiritual and loving home for your children, of which I know you do. Love you, Aunt Sandy
P.S. Thanks for reminding me.!!!
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