Another Day....Another Message

Today we didn't make it to church, as usual. Jason didn't get off work until after it had started and I just haven't been able to find the strength in myself to fight the kids, mainly Ike, to get up and get ready and out the door by 8:30. I struggled with this decision to not go after as I have noticed in myself and the kids lately that we aren't as grateful as we should be. 

I think that a lot of my being overwhelmed yesterday has to do with not being grateful or not fully realizing all of my blessings. In myself not noticing my blessings, my children aren't noticing theirs. With Christmas approaching quickly as ever I have noticed the increased number of I wants from the kids, more use of "NO" from Jason and I and a little more tension as just one use of the word no tends to invite negativity into our home. So following yesterday's post about looking up to the lord when we are struggling I did. 

After a temper tantrum or two from Ike today, one that particularly made me angry, but now makes me laugh, I decided to look up. As I looked back at the table I saw the Friend and had an idea. I called everyone to the couch, shut off the TV and started with asking everyone to go around and tell each person that they loved them and one reason why, including themselves. It seemed to calm things down a bit and bring a more positive light to our home. After that we went through and read a few messages from the Friend before making dinner, a count down to Christmas chain, reading about eighty Christmas books, then heading to bed. 

I got the kids tucked in, but still felt I need to do more in my home to keep the positive energy up and since I haven't read this months Ensign yet, I headed there for some guidance. When I clicked on the Ensign the first article was The Choice to Be Grateful, it couldn't have been more fitting. It reminded me that we need to count our blessings and be truly thankful for them. At the end of the article there is a challenge for youth that I plan on challenging myself and Jason to do, and well you too! After Jason and I have done it I want to share it with Hailey and Ike to give them a better understanding of blessings. As a new part of our nightly routine, possibly mornings if anyone wakes up on the wrong side of the bed I am going to have them share the blessing they are most thankful for that day and a new reason why they love everyone else. 

I am hoping that this helps bring the Spirit closer and helps us all to have a little happier glow about us from now on. And quickly I will share with you that today I am thankful for the members of the Elder's Quorum that came out to check up on us and make us feel a part of the ward. I am also very excited that church will be starting at 11 next year and that hopefully Jason will be off work on time to make it there with us.