A Night of Concerts

"May it be our resolve this year to build a gospel-centered home, a safe harbor from the storms of the adversary".    Elder L. Tom Perry

When challenges come, Satan tells us to abandon our beliefs and go with the ways of the world. He encourages us to leave the iron rod and visit the great and spacious building across the river. He tells us that we don't need to work. He tells us that we deserve the "easy life". He attacks our faith in God and plants the seeds of discouragement in our hearts. That discouragement is whispered to each of us as he tells us that we are not good enough. We have made so many mistakes that we can never come back. That we are worthless and imperfect. That our sins are so aweful God could never forgive us. Satan wants us to give in. He wants us to cast aside the things that matter most in pursuit of the things that don't really matter at all.So, I have been trying to really change my business.  It will be an ongoing process.  It will not be something that I will accomplish easily.  But I will change.  It is important to be a little bit different.  It is important to teach my children that they have value.  That they are gifts that I treasure. 

Last night was the multi-school concert.  It is taking the place of the Christmas concert this year becasue they had an open house for the new performing arts center at the middle school.  Every one of my three girls participated. 
Anya was in the fourth grade choir.  They were able to sing about all the 50 states as well as singing about Christmas trees.  They did a great job and, as you can see, she was singing away and knew all of the words.

Miracle played her flute with the Jr. High band.  She has been taking lessons on the side and has really improved.  You can see how serious she looks.  she is the one in front with the white shirt on.  You might not be able to see her shoes, but trust me, they are killer three inch RED heels.  Life is good when you are growing up!

Mikayla plays the Cello.  She is very serious about it.  We bought her a brand new Cello this year because she has worked really hard and loves it so much.  She totally stressed out because she was going to be late to her assigned room due to the fact that she had to watch me sing with the Community Choir.  Life is hard when everyone (almost) in your family is doing something musical.

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.

~Jane Howard~

May you have as wonderful a day with your family today as I did yesterday.  They really are amazing.  Do something fun with them and you might just find out what wonderful people they can be.  May we each try just a little harder today to be a little better than we were yesterday.  May we try to "be there" for our families, as often as they need us and sometimes even when they don't think they do! 

Today, I am going to leave you with one of my favorite quotes.  It is attributed to Barbara Bush and says simply:

"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there".