Does "Love at Home" Always Mean "Peace at Home"?

In the hymn "Love at Home," there are some lines that are questionable: "Peace and plenty here abide..." "Roses bloom beneath our feet..." "Making life a bliss complete..." But life is rarely that simple. But maybe there's a reason it's hard to keep "bliss complete."

A comedian's bit once included the joke, "Being a parent is easy, as long as you don't care how your kids turn out." But when you do care, things get tough. You have the responsibility to help your kids become good people (as much as you can--they have their own agency). But underlying that responsibility should be love. Then, after the conflicts and the hard conversations, you can return to a place where "roses bloom beneath your feet."

Your Eyes

I've been learning a lot recently about the eyes and what messages I'm sending people with my eye contact.

There's a phrase that says "The eye is the window to the soul." I thought that that was pretty cheesy and overrated, until one exercise.

We were paired together with the person we were sitting by. I was sitting by my friend's friend, a beautiful woman and mother.
Our challenge was to sit across from each other and one of us would gaze into the other's eyes. After thirty seconds, we would start to say everything (positive) that came to our minds about that person. It was an unforgettable, exhilarating experience. I felt like I caught a glimpse of the mother's pre-mortal experience with her Heavenly Mother. I saw a growing green in my mind, like healing and nurturing. As I was sharing these things with her, there was an amazing connection between us.

I was struck again with the knowledge that everyone is a child of God, and they all have a divine potential and mission. I know that if I looked into your eyes-- whether I know you or not-- I would see an amazing destiny and power. It's something that God has given to all of us.

Christmas Character spotlight: MARY

Mary is a hero to many. She is to me! She was worthy to be the Mother of Christ. And she had the courage to accept that calling from the Angel.

Luke 1:37 For with God, nothing is impossible.

In the culture back then, if you were pregnant outside of marriage, you would be severly punished. Both Mary and Joseph must've struggled.

And then the glorious night in Bethlehem!

To sum up, this is one of my favorite songs, and the video is really powerful, too: "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant

 

I know that Mary was chosen to bear Jesus, and that she had great courage and faith to accept that, and follow through. I know that she is a daughter of God, and that she played an important part in His plan.

My Mom's Recent Post

This is a beautiful post that my Mom wrote for her blog. 
Please read it, it's wonderful!