Yesterday Phil and I had the opportunity to attend time-out for couples. It was an amazing night. I want to share some of the things that they shared and some stories so that I can remember it. So bear with me while I make this my journal entry.
Kathleen Hinckley Barnes Walker & M. Richard Walker (Temple President and Matron for the Salt Lake Temple)
Sister Walker is President Hinckley's daughter and had some pretty funny stories about getting annoyed that her dad was always right. But joking aside, they spoke about the power of love in solving problems within your family and marriage. She spoke about how if you can just love your spouse and family members and try not to get offended, that a powerful unity will occur. She shared a story about when she was little, a mom approached her who had 2 children and said that it was a shame that her mother (Sister Hinckley)had 5 children and had to divide her love among all those children and that she only had to divide her love between her two kids. Sister Walker went home troubled by this (and I'm thinking, what kind of person would ever say that to a child...) and told her mom what had happened. Sister Hinckley smiled and said, "Oh, what she doesn't understand is that with each child your heart grows and is not divided." I loved this story.
The other day Kaylin was sitting at the table and turned to me with a loving gaze and said "Mommy, I love you special heart" She had her fingers in the shape of a heart. At that moment, I literally felt my heart swell within me and I felt an overwhelming feeling of joy and love for this little child that is so innocent and sweet. It was a powerful experience and I am deeply honored that Heavenly Father has entrusted me in raising her. I agree with Sister Hinckley that with each child, your heart really does grow and sometimes feels like it's bursting at the seems with so much love.
The second part of their talk spoke about embracing our differences. They spoke about how inherently different men and women are and how instead of dwelling on that as a negative characteristic, view it as a positive thing. They said that men and women were created differently for a reason and that we all have strengths that can compliment each other.
Elia Gourgouris, Ph.D.
He spoke about the need for Trust, Communication, Forgiveness and Intimacy in Marriage. He spoke about the need to have your children hear you apologize to your spouse. He listed the 5 languages of love (which Janessa has been trying to get me to read for forever, so I finally will) and the need to love your spouse how they want to be loved.
There was also two musical guests: Jenny Jordan Frogley and Abe Mills who were excellent. I bought Jenny's CD and it's wonderful.
It was a great evening full of great ideas and introspective thought. I feel like I have a lot to work on. I'm grateful for the atonement and the power of change and repentance. I love how we have the opportunity to change and mold into the person we want to become. We have that powerful choice. I love my husband and family. They make me want to be the best person I can be!
4 comments:
I am so glad that I got to see you there! Wasn't it soooo good? I came away wanting to be a better wife and mother. oh, I bought Jenny's cd too...which one did you buy? I don't love mine that I bought. I got the one with the bonus cd.
Bec--loved reading this entry!! Makes me TOO EXCITED to have this little baby GIRL!! Kaylin is the sweetest thing EVER. Shanunie and Painho were just talking about how they loved (I think it was Shaunie that heard this and was telling us) how at the cabin, Kaylin at one point was sitting, doing a craft or maybe eating..whatever, and she all of the sudden looked up, and said "Mom?" and as a "good mom," Shaunie said, you didn't ignore her, and you said "Yes, Kaylin?" and she simply responded, "I love you." How cute is THAT??? Shaunie was saying it was really remarkable that she did that because at that age usually kids will typically just say "I love you" BACK to their parents, and not really initiate it.... she is such a cutie. Anyway, thought I'd share.
Becca,
I completely agree with the comments that Sis. Hinckley and you made about how your love grows with each child. I have found in the last few weeks since Janie Kate was born that not only has my love for her exploded like crazy, but also for my 3 sweet boys. It's addicting, I just never want that to end, ya know?
And also wanted to add that I think you're an awesome mommy, I laughed at post. My kids have watched more tv in the past 3 weeks and I'm hoping that it doesn't do any permanent damage:)
Moving is crazy, glad that you are in your house and enjoying the yard!!
Yup, we're in the Morristown mission and you can come and visit anytime! We are in a small town, Sparta about 40 min NE of Morristown. It's beautiful, tons of trees, hills, BEARS, lots of critters! I guess they make the new missionaries tract in Newark as soon as they get off the plane, we have some great missionaries. Where is your house? I'm guessing UT because of the snow?
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