The Blessing Of Children

We can read in the scriptures about the importance of children.  I look around and I am grateful for our own children and the gifts and talents they have.  I read a small piece  about children in the Bible, written by a woman who is a member of the Methodist Church.  It was nicely worded and I liked it a lot.

"Children were often inserted into Bible stories as objects to make a point to adults. Even our favorite stories about children who became great leaders, such as Moses and Jesus, were written long after the fact to make a strong case for their leadership."  (J. Ann Craig)

I love to watch what children do and to interact with them is a treat!
When I was serving as a full-time missionary for the LDS church I was assigned to a city where there were a lot of children at church.  I quickly learned that the children were my greatest allie when it came to learning the Dutch language because they are honest and would tell me if I was saying something wrong.  I did learn that their indication of my errors was through laughter.  That was okay and I appreciated their honesty.
I am grateful for the children in our lives.  I love our four children more than words can describe.  My life is trully blessed because of their love and the talents they share with me.

Check Out Those Shoes

We've all experienced what I'm about to talk about. I have heard this from the mouths of our own children and other children as well.
"These new shoes can run fast!"
I can't help but smile when I have heard this.
I overheard a young boy say to his mother, "Mom, do you think that these new shoes will be able to run faster than Braxton?" The mother responded matter-of-fact to her son, "I'll bet so."
We all have things in our lives that give us the mental boost we need to overcome the trials and challenges that life 'deals' us. These psychological helps give the necessary energy we need to be the best that we can be.
Out of the mouths of young people are taught the valuable lessons we so badly need. I am grateful for these lessons that help me personally and give a perspective that I wouldn't have otherwise received. I love the outlook of children and the humor that comes with their simplicity.
The next time you face a difficulty, think about those fast running shoes that kids are convinced will sprint them to victory. If nothing else comes from that thought a smile will surely appear and a good laugh can get you through anything.

One For The Money

When our kids were younger and much smaller, Becky and I would each grab an arm and a leg and we would recite while swinging the kid up and down: "One for the money. Two for the show. Three to get ready and four to go." We would then hoist them high into the air and catch them before their feet could hit the ground. We would watch as they laughed and giggled with pleasure. My parents did that to me and I'm sure it happened with them too.
I watched this exact thing happen with two young parents and a young child. My brain was flooded with those fond memories of a day long since passed. I could see the big smiles on our kid's faces. They really got a kick out of that. We enjoyed watching them.
Each day presents an opportunity to make good memories that will last a lifetime.
"One for the money. Two for the show. Three to get ready and four to go." Such a small memory brings back many others just like it. I love my life and I love the opportunities that lie ahead.

They Deserve

There are articles in our nation's newspapers and the news stations cover stories that involve the mistreating of children.  The thought came to my mind as I was sitting in church that our children deserve to be treated in a respectful and kind way.  I understand that they need to be talked to sternly in appropriate times to get their attention.  I am talking about the abusive behavior that some people display because they want their children to do it 'their way'. 
I have mentioned, in the past, that I was raised in a loving home where structure was apparent and expected.  My mom and dad cared deeply about one another.  I knew what the expectations were and I tried my best to adhere to those. My siblings would see it in another light, I'm sure.)  I was never verbally or physically abused in any way. 
I read about a boy who was asked to pen on paper his experience at home.  He talked about the many things about his upbringing; those were touching.  The key part of his writing was the unity of his mom and dad.  Because they were together, it brought unity to the entire family.
Our children deserve the best we can give them.  They thrive on love.  Don't let a day go by where you tell them that you love them.  More importantly is that you show them that you love them.  I know that we all can do it.  It will bring about the unity that a lot of families strive to have.