Sunday, November 9, 2008

Spiritual Sunday

I was listening to church music the other day, when one of my favorite primary songs came on. Everytime I hear this particular song, tears start to well up in my eyes. I have attached a slide show with pictures of my kids with the song playing in the background... you are welcome to pause my music on the side and watch, or just push play, but continue to read below the slideshow- that way you don't have to look at the pictures- but you can still listen to the song.


Click to play Families Forever
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The song is, "Teacher, Do You Love Me?" and when I heard the sweet child's voice singing the song- I got an instant vision of my older children singing to me- in that little voice- because they are still children, and I still am their teacher and example. Here are the words to the song:

(Child) Teacher*, do you love me?
Teacher*, will you care for me?
Even if I turn away, or disobey, or go astray,
Then will you love me still?
Teacher*, will you teach me?
Teacher*, help me choose the right.
When I do not understand the Lord’s command, please take my hand
And lead me safely with his light.


(First time child only.)
I need your love, I need your light
To show me how to be like Jesus.
The Savior’s love will light the path
To lead me safely home.

(Teacher) Oh yes, my child, I love you.
My child, I’ll always care for you.
And with the Savior as our guide,
I’ll share the light I feel inside,
And you will feel his love for you.


Oh, yes, my child, I’ll teach you.
My child, I’ll help you choose the right.
And when you do not understand
The Lord’s command, I’ll take your hand,
And he will lead us with his light.

(Second time duet.)
I need your love, I need your light
To show me how to be like Jesus.
The Savior’s love will light the path
To lead us safely home.


Words and music: Michael Finlinson Moody, b. 1941. © 1986 IRI

The parts that I have put in bold- really stuck a chord with me. How many times do I get frustrated with one of my kids, and instead of taking them by the hand, when they don't understand the Lord's command- I tell them, that they know better and they deserve whatever punishment they get. Do they really know?? I mean REALLY know WHY it is important to follow the Lord's commandments? Or do they just do it, because they should "know" better? I need to be a better teacher. I need to use the Lord's light to guide me, to help me to know what is best for my children and how to help them understand. I want them to feel their Savior's love for them- through the way I teach and through my love for them.

With all that has been going on lately with the election and emotions running up and down and forwards and backwards. I've come to the realization, that it doesn't really matter who is elected in office, which laws are passed, if the economy comes tumbling down... that is what we are here for- is for trials. My children will grow up in a very different world then what I grew up in... but as long as I'm in tune with the spirit and can heed the Lord's command and TEACH my children that- and help them to gain their own TRUE testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ- and teach them to be good, decent human beings- then I know EVERYTHING will be ok.

I recently read a quote by Barbara Bush:

"Your success as a family...our success as a nation...depends not on what happens inside the White House, but on what happens inside your house."


This quote can't be MORE true.

I'm going to do my part as a citizen in the US and vote and stand up for what I believe. BUT, more importantly, I will do my part as a mother and teacher and make MY home a place where refuge is sought, and and a safe harbor for learning, so that they will be able to face their oncoming trials with all that they have. I need to prepare them for that. Their trials will be so much harder then mine. It is unfair to send them out into a world, and to not give them the proper tools to help fight off evil. That is my job- and YES- I will teach them, I will hold their hand, when they don't understand, I will use the Savior as our guide so that we can both be lead safely home!

If I do that, then I know that everything will be ok, no matter what and I will be able to continue to feel peace in my heart.



2 comments:

Shauna said...

Families are forever! Thanks for sharing! Hope you are having a great Sunday! ♥ Hugs!

Amy Breeden said...

Aww Bertie! I love this post! Your children are so blessed to have you as a mother and we are so blessed to have the gospel to guide us through this life! You're a great example to me!