Evening Devotionals...

Back in August of last year, and then in October I shared about how I had started doing devotional time with my kiddos in the evening. We have created a nightly habit of reading together one on one and it has become such a treasured part of my day. Sometimes I find myself exhausted and counting down the time till bedtime (just keeping it real friends), but something happens during our devotional time. It doesn't matter what child I am reading with, a sense of calm and peace comes over me. The stresses of the day slip away and I am able to relax and enjoy the one on one time with my kids. I am able to sit and listen....really listen to my kids hearts. They have taken this one on one time to ask deep questions and share concerns that they have. I know that we are creating a habit that will become an even huger blessing as my children get older. I know that as they grow and mature, so will the concerns and problems they have. We're creating a pattern....a habit....where hopefully they will feel comfortable coming to Mom with anything that is on their hearts.

Last week I was reading with Keagan in his room. Oh this sweet tender hearted boy of mine. He is such a teddy bear. He thinks deep and always has such profound questions for me. He really helps strengthen my own testimony. On this particular night, we talked about how we all go through hard times, but it is in those hard times that we can step back and see the Lord helping us. My sweet boy asked me if I had ever experienced this. I immediately thought of something I had shared here on the blog two years ago. This was a time when I was walking through a lot of grief. It was a darker time for me. I was dealing with the death of my brother and a recent miscarriage. I was definitely feeling low.

I shared with him this picture and my testimony of how even when I was going through such a dark time and was hurting so much, I was given comfort in knowing that my Savior was walking it all with me. He carried me when I was too weak. We talked about the picture and the oxen and how that yoke can be customized to help each part of the duo carry the load that they are capable. It was such a neat thing to see his eyes light up....to see that he understood. It is in these moments that I am reminded of exactly why the Lord has leads us to do certain things. I was reminded that night how truly important that devotional time is with my kiddos.

I love sharing my testimony and my trials. It is this little mamas way of missionary work. I may not be able to go out knocking door to door, but I can share a little bit about my life and what I am going through. I am thankful for motherhood. It is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but it is also the most rewarding. :)

XO Danielle

Inspiration found here

Take My Yoke Upon You