Soul Carving

How to Live  through a pandemic With the closure of many schools and workplaces, I see a lot of posts about the difficulty of being with our kids and family more than usual lately. I totally get it (I'm a homeschooling mom of eight -- believe me, I get it!). So what I say is not meant to shame anyone or heap more guilt upon weary souls. But I want to state very clearly my beliefs on this matter -- even if I have trouble practicing what I preach at times.  When our patience is wearing thin and we find ourselves pining for a return to normalcy, remember this: God gave you these children. He didn't give them to the school teacher, or the district administrator, the childcare expert, or the pediatrician. They are your divine charge for "wise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord." (1 Ne. 19:3). So instead of fretting over our supposed inadequacies, or complaining about the sacrifices involved, why not turn to the Lord to learn a bit more...

We had the privilege of celebrating a birthday recently. Richard now has 36 years of mortal experience behind him. He's one year older, and, due in large part to our "little people", he is another year wiser! We enjoyed a trip to an Aerospace museum. Richard may not be a soldier, but he's seen some time in the trenches. And while he's never flown a jet fighter or won any war medals, he has captured my heart. I'm sure glad I ran up that white flag. He may have thought I was surrendering, but I know it was my greatest victory yet. Look at all the little troopers that have joined our ranks since then. With comrades like these, you can face any challenge. Company, atten-TION!  Forward, MARCH!!