Draw Nearer

Little Bear Cubs,
Over winter break, I took you to see a movie with some of your friends. We were all so excited to see "Marley and Me".... and the day was built up with much anticipation. Your mama didn't even bother to research the movie online - to make sure that the content was appropriate for us.....it was just assumed that it was a kids movie since it had been advertised in every kid show we had been to - months in advance. We settled in with our treats and booster seats....and after an eternity of previews - our movie arrived.

We thought that we were going to see a movie about a dog and the trouble he seemed to get into - but what we quickly discovered was that this PG rated film had a bunch that you didn't need to see or hear. Your mama got that feeling in her heart that I needed to get you out of there. I struggled with normal mama emotions...."but they have been so excited!" "They are going to be so disappointed"...."what if?"........ Luckily I answered that question, "What if?"

"What if my kids are recognizing that this is not the kind of movie we should be in.....and they notice that I do nothing?" That was all it took and I knew we had to go. I whispered down the row that we had to leave and without question - you and your friends followed me down the stairs and out of the theater.

I wasn't too shocked to find out that indeed, you EACH had those whisperings in your heart that these things were not right or good.

Even Bradley, 3 years old, understood those promptings. We were able to have a great discussion about the Holy Ghost - and the importance of obeying those whisperings of the Spirit that are designed to act as a protection to our souls.

As a mother, there are so many things I want to arm you with before you go out on your own....but most importantly.....being able to not only FEEL the spirit - but to RECOGNIZE it - and to ACT upon those promptings. There is safety in this.....in every facet of your life.

We went to Walmart afterwards and I bought Karah and her girlfriends bracelets - to forever remind you of that day - and the peace you felt for following the Spirit. The boys got "Bakugans" ....for lack of a better idea :)

I hope you always remember this experience and the feelings you had when you did the right thing. I am so proud of each of you and your desire to live happy, clean lives. Great blessings await all of us as we live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. His presence is yet another sign of the love our Heavenly Father has for us. Maybe that's why it is called "The Gift."

Stay close to Him.

I love you. Oh, how I love you.

XO,
The Mama Bear