A Prayer From The Heart

An experience happened today that  both brightened and enlightened my heart.  Our young niece volunteered to pray a blessing on the food.  She is a cute girl and her heart is like other children her age, pure as gold.  In her blessing there was one part that touched my heart to the very core and was a blatant reminder for me in my own life.  "Please bless us that we will remember how much we love each other."  I have thought about those words the remainder of the evening.
Look inside your own families and although the dynamic is very interesting from family to family there exists the ability and the desire to have active love.  I hope that it will be the desire of us all to "remember how much we love each other," because we do.  If there are things that are amiss within your own circle of 'family' then do what is necessary to repair and make right.
Life is too short!
I will always remember that clear piece of wisdom that was spoken from the lips of a young and innocent child.

Daddy, Are You There?

Our two boys and I attended a father and sons camp outing at the church owned property called Aspencrest.  It was a remarkable time and there was a fairly good showing from members of our ward. 
I need to share an experience with you that was profound and touching to my heart.
Early Saturday morning, I awakened by the sound of a small child crying.  I thought that it was a dream and so I listened carefully until I could hear the crying.  Soon a bright light shone in our tent and the young voice asked, "Are you there, daddy?"  I told the child that I was not his daddy but I asked him who he was.  He answered back with his name and I immediately knew that his tent was nearby where we were sleeping.  His father eventually heard the call from the child and he found his way.
You might not think this is that big of a deal but the parallel became very apparent to me. 
I know that my Father is there but there have been times in my life that I have needed His comfort and I have asked the same question the young child asked.  "Are you there?"
We can ask that question as often as we want and His answer will never disappoint.  He helps us in times of need. 
I am thankful for the precious experience I had while camping with our sons.  I will never forget it.

Speak, He Is Listening

"Heavenly Father, are you really there?  And do you hear and answer ev'ry child's prayer?  Some say that heaven is far away,  But I feel it close around me as I pray.  Heavenly Father, I remember now Something that Jesus told disciples long ago:  "Suffer the children to come to me." Father, in prayer I'm coming now to thee.  Pray, he is there. Speak, he is list'ning. You are his child; His love now surrounds you. He hears your prayer; He loves the children. Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heav'n." (A Child's Prayer)

I have known, from the time I was very young, that prayer is a powerful and useful tool, to help us throughout our lives.  From as far back as I can remember, prayer was offered in our home many times throughout any given day.  It was obvious that my parents believed that it was important.  I have heard my mom and my dad pray for me and specifically ask that God bless me in every facet of my life.
When I was nineteen, and just getting down to the last two weeks before leaving on my mission, I recall asking my dad for help because I felt confused and overwhelmed.  I was nervous about leaving to go on my mission, although I knew that my decision to go was good and right.  Dad's answer to me, was prayer.  He took the time to pray with me and even gave me several Priesthood blessings.  Looking back on that time, he knew that God was well aware of the feelings I was having and my dad knew that He would help me.  He did help me and He has helped me many times since then for which I am most grateful!
There isn't anything that we can't pray about.  He is our Father, and He will help us.  There is no doubt in my mind.  He is there and He is listening.