August 20, 2010

Tonight I read a Conference talk by Elder Neil L. Andersen called Tell Me the Stories of Jesus. What a beautiful talk it was. I loved one of his opening statements: "We hold in our arms the rising generation. They come to this earth with important responsibilities and great spiritual capacities. We cannot be casual in how we prepare them. Our challenge is not to create a spiritual core in their souls but rather to fan the flame of their spiritual core already aglow with the fire of their premortal faith." That goes along with the other talk I read recently as well as the thoughts I've had about our premortal faith while pondering the lives of these new babies coming here.

As I have read and thought about this talk tonight, I've thought more of my son. I can do a better job at remembering who he is, remembering that he already has a faithful spirit and remembering my responsibility to help that faith stay burning in his heart. I can do better at teaching him of Jesus. I really appreciate this talk for that reminder and encouragement. Elder Andersen said, "Are the life and teachings of Jesus Christ embedded in the minds and souls of our children? Do they think about the Savior's life when they wonder what to do in their own lives?" As I read that, I thought about myself too and realized how much I really do look to the Savior's example when pondering what to do in my life. I attribute that deep testimony to the things I was taught in my youth by my parents and by my teachers and friends. I am so grateful I have been taught of Jesus and I want my children to receive that same gift. I can always be learning more of Him myself and remembering to speak more frequently of Him in my home. I love Him and I am so grateful for His example and the life He lived, the legacy He left and the gifts He gave us.