The Sabbath...

My parents left on their mission to serve the Lord for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on August 10, 2015; in the Bakersfiled, CA mission.  Because of this I am going to try and post more regularly so they can have a glimpse of what is going on in my families lives.  I miss them so much and am so excited for them at the same time, kind of like sending my children to school.  I hate it but I know they need it and its so good for them. I know my parents need this mission and I know that this mission and the Lord need them.
Today is Sunday.  We had stake conference today.  The little bit of the meeting that I actually got to hear was wonderful and very inspiring.  We had an adult meeting last night, thanks to Kimie watching the children Carl and I got to go on a much needed date to dinner and the meeting.  The two meetings really caused me to reflect on how sacred the Sabbath day truly is and what my actions on the Sabbath are telling Heavenly Father and what I'm teaching my children.
I've learned we have a long way to go... I truly am so thankful for the tender loving grace of our Lord.  I know that he is willing to forgive me every time, no matter how many times I make mistakes.  I know he loves me.  I know he is there for me.  I know he knows my heart and my many shortcomings and loves me anyways.  I know he hears my prayers, even those I don't vocalize.  I know he feels my heartache and is with me ready to always comfort and encourage me in my trials.  I know out of love he gives me trials so that I can become a better, more loving and compassionate person.  I know Jesus Christ is my brother, he suffered for me, he died for me, and I know he loves me and even though I make mistakes each day I know he would do it all again for me.  I'm know that I can be with my family forever.  I know we will all live after we die.  I know all of these things and so many more, because of my parents and how diligent they were in teaching and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their home. 
I pulled up my blog today and looked at the first page.  The last post was of the kids first day of school.  On the sidebar was their pictures as babies.  Instantly my heart ached at the thought of how quickly time really does go by. I'm so grateful to know that even though it seems like I don't have enough time with my family here on earth that I will have time with them for Eternity if I live righteously. 
One of the things that was stressed at stake conference was "begin with the end in mind".  It hit me that if I would do this in all things I do in my life how much more successful I would be.  Right now I feel like I need focus this thought on raising my children.  Even on the days where I feel so tired all I want is sleep I need to make sure I'm still teaching them to pray, read scriptures, serve others, love others, etc.  So many things that if I neglect their end won't be what I want it to be.
I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lords church.  I pray that I can become a better example to those around me of what the Gospel truly is.  I'm so thankful for this beautiful life I have been blessed with and the many amazing people that the Lord has put in my life.  I'm thankful for the Sabbath and the opportunity it gives me to slow down and little and reflect on what really matters.