Light

Every morning on the way to work I listen to a talk given by speakers from my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or the Mormons as most know us by.  It's a way for me to hear inspired words to uplift me and give me something positive to focus on for the day.  I feel like it brings me closer to God and helps me to remember things that are important for me to grow as a person.


Today I listened to a talk by John H. Groberg from the October 1976 General Conference.  (Here is the link in case you'd like to listen or read it, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1976/10/there-is-the-light?lang=eng)  He recalls an experience he had while in the South Pacific and the prompting he got from God to get a young man, a missionary for our church, to the main island because he was sick and need medical attention.  However, there was a storm raging and in order to get him to the hospital they would have to go by boat.  There was only a small opening in the reef, which they needed to pass through and a small light that lit the narrow passage to get them to the island where the hospital was.  They were afraid they might not be able to see it.  The storm was gaining power and the conditions were worsening, but he knew he needed to get the young man to the hospital, so they went.  He talks about the brave captain who despite all of the adversity he was being challenged with, stayed calm and focused on the reef to find the light and get them safely through the reef.


It reminded me of our daily lives.  There are challenges we never expected to encounter, but if we stay fixed on Jesus Christ.  If we are kind, charitable, and loving, if we ask for help and try our best to do what is right, we too will be able to see the small, yet beautiful light.  May we all strive to share our love with others and come ever so close to being a light in places of darkness.

Mother's Day 2017

Mother's Day is a bittersweet day at our house.  It is the reminder of a mother gone, but still celebration of all of the wonderful influences that still grace us with their inspiring words and deeds.  This year as the kids left to visit their mom's grave I could sense sadness.  It broke my heart to know that they were suffering, were sad and there was nothing I could do to take that pain away.   The only thing I could do was understand and help them know I am here for them if they wanted or needed me. 


The rest of the day was filled with a wonderful church service about charity.  Food, family and CHOCOLATE!!  What is Mother's Day without chocolate right!!  It was fun to BBQ and spend time with our loved ones.


On the way home, I noticed this sweet post from Lucy on Instagram:

That simple, sweet message was one of the most precious gifts I've been given.  It was completely unexpected, but so powerful.  It made me realize that even though at times I've felt like I am not getting through to them or they don't see me as a mother figure....they do know that I will be there for them and that I do want to help them in any way I can.  I love them and in these quiet moments I know they must love me too!!


If you are struggling as a stepmom, DON'T GIVE UP!!  Those children need you and they will some day see how much you sacrificed for them and that you really did love them!  Get up, brush yourself off, and be the awesome only you can be for them!  I believe you can do it!  Its hard sometimes and good in other times, but you are exactly what they need!


Happy Mother's Day to all of you awesome mothers out there!