Proud parenting moment

Hayden came home from school yesterday with a tear stained face. I knew something was terribly wrong but wasn't sure of the details of the problems. Hayden's first sentence out of his mouth was, "Mom, when dad gets home today, can he give me a priesthood blessing."

He went on to explain the problems and anxiety causing situations at school. Why he was afraid and what could we do to help him. I listened intently knowing that this was a real crisis for him, not just a bad day.

As I took my son in my arms and hugged him, I reassured him that yes, his parents would help him out and help to rectify the situation. I told him how proud I was of him for coming to us to help him with the situation. Even more so, I was so proud of him that he knew where the greatest source for peace, understanding, guidance and help would come from, his Father in Heaven and his older brother, Jesus Christ.

As I hugged him, he took a big sigh of relief, he was unsure as to the outcome of the situation, but he trusted that between his Heavenly Father and his earthly parents, we would help to show him the way to handle the problems that he faces.

Later that evening, when Thomas came home, Hayden and I laid out the problems and situations going on at school, then Hayden ever so tenderly again asked, "Dad, I know that I will feel a lot better if you just give me a priesthood blessing." He continued with, "I need my Heavenly Father's help to understand what to do and to help me not to be afraid and scared."

My sweet husband took our son in his arms, hugged him and offered a beautiful priesthood blessing.

The look on Hayden's face when the prayer was over was one of contentment, peace, relaxation and trust.

Hayden knew that he was given the answers in how to handle the situation. More importantly, he was reassured, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that he was a Son of God. That his worth was is great. His Father in Heaven was proud of who he is, what he does and the valiant spirit that he is developing. He was reassured that he would be given the strength and added ability to handle the situation. He is loved. He is surrounded by people who love him. And that through his goodness and love he would bring many to the Savior and teach them the ways of our Lord.

My boy. He has such a beautiful spirit. His spirit is so much stronger than the mere mortal body that houses his spirit. I was again reminded that Hayden will do great things on this earth. That there is a very special mission set in place for his life.

I love that he asked for a priesthood blessing. I think that he needed to know who he is in the eyes of the Savior. I think as his mom, I needed the reassurance that although I fall short in so many areas, that Hayden is learning what he needs to and developing the skills that our Father in Heaven deems important. He stood up from the blessing with added courage, added strength, add resolve and added knowledge to do what needs to be done.

I needed the sweet reminder yesterday of the love our Father in Heaven has for each of his sons and daughters. We have a divine mission and purpose for walking this earth. I was gently reassured that he knows each of us personally. Our situation. Our strengths and weakness. Our heartaches. Our shortcomings. Our needs. Our desires. Our good points. Thank you my sweet son for the kind and tender reminder that there is one who knows the way out of each situation, that knows the answers, that knows how to fix any ailment or problem that we face.

I love my son and his faith. I love that my husband honors his priesthood and is worthy to lay his hands on Hayden's head and call down the powers of heaven to help Hayden. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father that shows mercy and love to each of us. That he takes the time in each of our situations to reassure us that we are his and if we ask, he will always guide us and walk with us and help us find solutions to all of life's challenges.

Sacred Temple Experience

What a beautiful and long awaited day I was blessed with yesterday. Julie made the decision to go thru the temple and make sacred covenants with our Savior. My heart cannot express the joy that has overcome me for the peace and understanding that her choice has brought her. She has spent a lot of time coming to this decision. My heart is so happy for her.

With the way I have been feeling, I was trying to figure out a way possible be there for her on this sacred and special day. My heart desired to support her, be with her and let her know how much I care. However, when the spirit is willing, sometimes the body is weak, and endurance is just not possible.

Jodi picked me up and went with me to meet Thomas at the temple. Thomas and I were going to participate in sealings and meet up with Julie at the end. As the day went on, my prayers and pleading with my Father in Heaven, became more fervent. I really wanted to experience this with her.

As I walked into the temple, I pleaded with the Father for added strength to be able to go thru a session. I said a silent prayer and asked that I be able to have the strength to walk thru the next couple of hours.

Peace came over me and I decided to have the faith to walk thru the session. As I walked in, ward members were all shocked to see me. Honestly, I do not have the strength to sit thru three hours of church, much less handle a session in the temple. But my faith was strong.

As I sat next to Jodi, I about had a panic attack. What was I doing? My strength was gone and I had only rode the elevator up one floor. I took a couple of deep breaths and prayed or pleaded for strength. I prayed for the Savior to take over and make up for my lack of strength.

Half way thru, I was in big trouble. I was white as a ghost and had no strength to move. I struggled just to not pass out. I spent the entire time pleading for help. So many tender mercies occurred while I was in that session. When things became rather dire, I let my head drop and put it in the Lord's hand. I knew I was passing out. I know the symptoms. I have never gone that far into the process without going out.

As I lifted my head, Jodi looked at me and told me that I looked like a different person. My Savior let me walk until just before my strength completely gave out and then He stepped in.

I trusted him and he didn't disappoint me. He did just as I expected and had asked. He knew how important this event was for Julie. He knew how important it was for her for me to be there. He wanted to make the day perfect and special for her. He wanted her to know that he knows her, he is aware of her, he knows the true desires of her heart, he walks with her and he has the power to do the impossible.

Once again, he taught me.

I learned so much in those moments. I was required to walk in faith and into the darkness before I was strengthened. The Lord pushes me farther and I must walk longer in faith than I have before. However, he always comes. The darkness always turns to light and he comes.

I will never forget walking in and seeing Julie. Hugging her in the temple was a beautiful experience. I want so deeply for her to be happy. I want her to experience all the love and joy and peace and happiness that The Lord has to offer.

The Lord has promised us that all he has is ours if we will just come unto him.

I have tasted the sweet peace and joy of following the Savior. It is desirous beyond any other joy that life has to offer. When I saw Julie, her face was glowing. She was filled with peace and the happiness that only comes from the Savior.

I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to spend those precious moments in the temple. The sweet moments spent with my friends and family that I love dearly, was so uplifting. Seeing Julie there touched my heart. Being strengthened by the Savior and having my prayers and deepest desires of my heart answered again, absolutely priceless.

My heart is so full! My Savior knows me and has again answered my prayers. He loves me enough to fulfill the deepest desires of my heart. And although I cannot do much, when the stakes are high and the deepest desires of my heart need to be met, my Savior strengthens me to do what is needed. He takes over when the frailties of my body are too weak to do what is wanted and needed. I am so grateful to him. He loves me, he knows me and I am his.

Scripture Study

Hayden has learned to receive answers to his prayers, just like his momma. If he is looking for an answer, he says a quick prayer and then holds the scriptures and lets them fall open to a page. He then starts reading until he finds an answer to his prayer.

It works! I wasn't able to communicate this way for answers until I was on my mission. Hayden has it pretty much mastered at 11.

Mormon 8:21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.

As we flipped open the scripture, this is the first scripture we read. I asked Hayden what he thought his Father in Heaven was trying to say to him. He proceeded to go through the scripture and rely the feeling of his tender little heart. I expressed his love for our Savior. He expressed his belief that the Savior can do all things. He expressed his deepest fears, desires, hopes and beliefs. It was such a tender moment.

Then, with wisdom beyond is years, he connected this scripture with the events in our lives. Hayden began expressing miracles, linking them with events in our lives and talking of how those related with miracles in the scriptures.

I love my boy so much. I am in awe of his understanding of the scriptures, his love for our Savior and how he has learned to listen and be taught by the Spirit.

After reading the scriptures, listening to Hayden's sweet testimony and his understanding of the scriptures and his Savior's love for him, I relaxed. Hayden may find himself in situations where he is scared, frightened or lacking the answers. However, I know he is armed with the understanding that he is not alone, he knows where to find the answers and knows that help is only a prayer away.