November and December Mini Missions: Take Inventory of my Blessings

Even though I did not get them posted on my blog, I have been working for the last two months on following President Monson's counsel to "take inventory of your blessings"( General Conference October 2012). My inventory is far from complete because I have so many blessings, but working on it is very sweet work.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Family Friendly: Peacemakers Bring Unity

Happily I am seeing more and more skillful peacemakers who calm troubled waters before harm is done. You could be one of those peacemakers, whether you are in the conflict or an observer.
One way I have seen it done is to search for anything on which we agree. To be that peacemaker, you need to have the simple faith that as children of God, with all our differences, it is likely that in a strong position we take, there will be elements of truth. The great peacemaker, the restorer of unity, is the one who finds a way to help people see the truth they share. That truth they share is always greater and more important to them than their differences. You can help yourself and others to see that common ground if you ask for help from God and then act. He will answer your prayer to help restore peace, as He has mine (President Henry B Eyring, "Hearts Knit Together in Unity," General Conference October 2008)g

I love the above definition for a peacemaker. I want to be one "who calms troubled waters BEFORE harm is done." That takes much greater discipline than trying to patch things up AFTER harm is already done. What is one simple thing I can change to give me greater likelihood of succeeding in my efforts to be a peacemaker? Besides praying for that gift on a daily basis and greatly desiring yo have that gift, there is a great idea in the above counsel: look closely for all the ways I can find myself tobe the same as the other person and don't let myself think of the differences.

Be Inspired to be a Peacemaker now--I have full belief that even small, imperfect efforts to change will bring us lasting and effective steps closet to joy and peace, Janelle Joy

Wise Women are "Quick to Observe"

Today I was led to look up a Devotional by Elder Bednar that caught my eye last Thursday as I looked through a lesson on spiritual gifts from the new curriculum for the Young Women. (It is interesting how things I noticed on a different occasion often come back to me and prompt me to take a closer look at them now). I was touched as I listened to this address and I noticed particular flashbacks come into my mind which reminded me of several times when I have been blessed with the gifts of being quick to observe and also with the gift of discernment. I am so thankful for those gifts and for a loving Heavenly Father who would help me to recognize specific ways they have blessed my life.

I am also thankful for how those gifts can help each of us to serve others as the Savior did:

"Observing and discerning also enable us to assist others who are seeking to obtain the path and who desire to press forward with steadfastness in Christ. Blessed with these spiritual gifts, we will not lose our way; we will not wander off; we will not be lost. And we can hope to obtain the supernal gift of discernment and its light of protection and direction only if we are quick to observe. As Alma taught his son Helaman, “See that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live” (Alma 37:47)." ( David A Bednar, "Quick to Observe,")  BYU Devotional May 10, 2005)

Be Inspired,
Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Daddy Balance

I loved how Lady Slipper excitedly told me on the phone all about her adventures with Daddy that day . . . lately one of her favorite things to mention is that she got to "Bowance!" (meaning that Daddy helped her balance as she walked along the thick cinderblock wall in front of our home).  I have heard her exclaim with excitement several times about this special time with Dad.  Finally, I was out front with them and was able to see the way she placed one around his neck as he walked along beside her . . . I smile just thinking about it.  I am so thankful for the wonderful Daddy my husband is for each of my girls.

What special and tender moment did you notice today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Women Know and Fulfill their Duties as Mothers

"What I am about to say I am exceedingly anxious that it should sink into the mind of every parent in Zion, and that is, that while the Lord has provided all these wonderful educational institutions, while science has contributed so much for our comfort and our blessing, while the Church has prepared places to which we may send our children to be taught the gospel of Christ, that does not relieve you or me of the responsibility and the obligation that is laid upon us by our Heavenly Father to teach our own children. … It is not sufficient that my children are taught faith, repentance and baptism, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost in the auxiliary organizations. My Father in heaven has commanded that I should do that myself.

Nobody else can perform the part that God has assigned to us as parents. We have assumed an obligation when we have been the means of bringing children into the world. We can’t place that responsibility upon any organization. It is ours. … First and foremost the obligation is upon you and upon me to not only advise and counsel but to train, by setting an example, by spending sufficient time with our loved ones, these boys and girls, that they may not be led into … forbidden paths.

Call your families about you, and if you have failed in the past to give them an understanding of the purposes of life and a knowledge of the Gospel of our Lord, do it now, for I say to you as a servant of the Lord, they need it now and they will need it from now on." (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith, page 236).


The above quote brought several questions into my mind. Two of the most important are:
How well am I doing at fulfilling my duties as a mother?
What improvements does my Heavenly Father desire me to make?

I know only prayer, pondering, and listening to the Spirit will give true answers to those questions. I must choose not to pay attention to thoughts which contribute to feelings of inadequacy and less confidence in my ability to be a good mother. . .I need pure truth which can help me see how I really am doing and increase my confidence that I really can fulfill the divine calling as a mother.

Be Inspired,
Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: "Is it Bocking Time Now?"

 

 

 Rocking time is one of Lady Slipper's favorite parts of her Kindermusik class.  She often asks "Is it bocking (rocking) time now?" at each transition between activities.  There is a certain song that is used for rocking time and each time she hears it, even if it plays in the background when we have our Kindermusik cd on at home, she runs to me and says "Bocking time!!!" and wants to cuddle with me no matter what I am doing.  Sometimes rocking time starts in the middle of the kitchen or in front of the computer while I am working on a project.  I love it!

 

Today we turned on the rocking time song and she ran to her room and rocked her

big sister's Molly doll.  

 

Our Kindermusik class is later today and I know that it is time to switch to a new rocking time song this week (I teach Kindermusik classes too, besides participating as a mom, so I know what songs they will use in class today) and I wonder how she will feel about having a new rocking time song.  She may not attach to it the same way she did with the last one, but I am glad for the truly tender moments I have had as she rushes to me asking for the "bocking song."  Even if she never does that again, I have those moments engraved into my heart to be opened up again at a later date.

 

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

 

 

Family Friendly:"The Family is the Foundation for Love and for Maintaining Spirituality."

At least on Fridays, I try to study a talk form the most recent General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Today I wanted to share two quotes from the talk "Can You Feel So Now" by Elder Quentin L. Cook. (click on the links for the full talk or to learn more about Elder Cook).  These quotes stood out to me as I often face a future that I am unsure of and I constantly work to keep my fears at bay and continue to believe that no matter what happens my family will be safe in the arms of my Heavenly Father--as long as we obey His counsel:

"The need for civility in society has never been more important. The foundation of kindness and civility begins in our homes. It is not surprising that our public discourse has declined in equal measure with the breakdown of the family. The family is the foundation for love and for maintaining spirituality. The family promotes an atmosphere where religious observance can flourish. There is indeed “beauty all around when there’s love at home” (emphasis added).

"Parents, the days are long past when regular, active participation in Church meetings and programs, though essential, can fulfill your sacred responsibility to teach your children to live moral, righteous lives and walk uprightly before the Lord. With President Monson’s announcement this morning, it is essential that this be faithfully accomplished in homes which are places of refuge where kindness, forgiveness, truth, and righteousness prevail. Parents must have the courage to filter or monitor Internet access, television, movies, and music. Parents must have the courage to say no, defend truth, and bear powerful testimony. Your children need to know that you have faith in the Savior, love your Heavenly Father, and sustain the leaders of the Church. Spiritual maturity must flourish in our homes."  (note: the announcement he refers to is an exciting change to the missionary policy of the church which will allow missionaries to serve at a younger age.  See the link above for more information).

I am also striving to show my faith in another way today as I just found out this morning that I am suffering yet another miscarriage--my seventh.  I am so thankful for my knowledge that families are such an important part of God's plan and that he has a specific plan for my family.  Although most of the time I can only catch quick glimpses of the specifics of that plan, and those are usually not enough to really understand why some things are happening the way they are, I want to keep pressing forward with the knowledge that God does see the whole plan and if I follow His counsel one step at a time, I can help my family to be that foundation of love and spirituality.

I hope all of you will find peace in each challenge you face today in your own families.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Thankful Thinking: The Right to Vote

I am thankful for the blessing of living in a country where I am allowed to vote for the leaders and policies I believe in.

Be Inspired,
Janelle Joy

Family Friendly: Scripture Study Timeline Characters

The girls and I had lots of fun creating characters to put on our timeline :)
See Stripling Scriptures to see what we did.

Be Inspired,
Janell Joy

Thankful Thinking: Thursday Study Time

I am excited to have completed my first study of "Daughter's in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society," I will now use my Thursday study time to learn more about Come, Follow Me, a new curriculum for Youth.  I know it will help me to become a better mother.

Be Inspired,
Janelle Joy

For more information about what I am learning from this wonderful new resource see Mom's MTC

The Little Pink Spot

I took a break during a very long day (12 hours) in a training session at work.  As I looked in the mirror in the bathroom, I noticed a pink jam stain on my cream colored sweater.  It was easy to hide under my vest, but it sure made me smile.   I am sure this little spill happened while helping Morning Glory pack her lunch for school.What a wonderful reminder of the fun morning I had with the girls.

The stress I was feeling in trying to learn everything in the training session started melting away as soon as I noticed that little pink spot.  I used the rest of my break thinking of  other Truly Tender Moments with my family and jotting them down in my notebook.  Although most of them never get written down, I am so thankful for each one engraved onto my heart.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Musical Motivation: Volunteer for Perfect Pitch Study

Volunteer for a new study on how genetics affects perfect pitch: University of California Genetics of Absolute Pitch Study  "It is easy to participate in our study by filling in a brief survey and taking our pitch-naming test online"

See also a wonderful article form The New York Times on new studies about how musical study can affect the brain for years after the lessons are discontinued.  I especially love how this study determined that there is a difference in the brain activity when talking about the benefits to the brain for passive listeners (Mozart Effect) vs. those who actually participate by studying and performing music.  See

Early Music Lessons Have Longtime Benefits

By PERRI KLASS, M.D.

 

Be Inspired,

 

Janelle Joy

Spiritually Saving: 607 Words Are Changing the World

  

Dr. Dollahite quotes President Hinckley in his introduction to the book ("Strengthening the Family: An In-Depth Look at the Proclamation on the Family") as he describes the importance of the Proclamation:

          'Why do we have this proclamation on the family now? Because the family is under attack.     All across the world families are falling apart.  The place to begin to improve society is in the home.  Children do, for the most part, what they are taught.  We are trying to make the world better by making the family stronger.'  (Sheri L. Dew (1997), Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book), 209)

Later in his introduction, Dr. Dollahite gives several reasons why applying scholarly applications to the principles of the Proclamation are beneficial:

"The Proclamation can serve Latter-day Saint families as a modern-day Liahona (1 Ne. 17:2-3) to guide them in the challenges of contemporary family life.  The Proclamation sets out a divinely inspired pattern for ideal marriage and family living.  any person, couple, or family who prayerfully seeks to strengthen their understanding and testimony of the principles in the Proclamation and who moves forward with faith in applying those principles will be blessed and strengthened as family members.  Since the volume is filled with sound scholarship supporting the Proclamation, a person who makes a careful study of this book will also be able to articulate and defend fundamental principles of strong families with confidence in a variety of settings." (page 4)

"Some who read the Proclamation may wonder how a volume of hundreds of pages could be generated in response to that 607 word, straight-forward statement of doctrine and principle. The Proclamation, like other inspired documents such as the Articles of Faith or the U. S. Constitution, packs a great amount of truth with a large number of implications into a few inspired words."
(Pages 3-4)

I invite you, even if you are a family of one, to strengthen your family by studying the Proclamation.  I know it is an inspired document.  It truly does have "a large number of implications [in] a few inspired words."  Give those 607 inspired words a chance to be applied to your own life by asking God to teach you how each principle applies to you and then go forth and live what you learn.  If you do this one simple thing, you truly will be strengthening the entire world by focusing on family. 

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy
.

For more information on my experience helping in the Editing Process of Dr. Dollahite's book see Mom MTC

Musical Motivation: I Completed Kindermusik Licensing.

I completed Kindermusik Licensing today!  I am so excited!!
For more information about Kindermusik and how to try a free class near you, see my music blog.

Be Musically Inspired,
Janelle Joy

Spiritually Saving: I Will Go and Do (1 Nephi 3:7)

This is one of the first scriptures I memorized when I was three years old.  My Dad would take me to seminary with him and ask me to recite it for his students in order to motivate them in their memorization assignments:)  Thanks, Dad for the fun memory!! Thanks, Mom for teaching this scripture to me!!  I am so thankful my parents taught me this scripture because it has come into my mind again and again whenever I am beginning to feel afraid I am incapable of doing something I know I have been asked to do and should do.

" And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I ^awill go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no ^bcommandments unto the children of men, save he shall ^cprepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." ( The Book of Mormon:Another Testament of Jesus Christ, 1 Nephi 3:7)

Thankful Thinking: A Rainy Day and a Hot Meal

I have been super busy with training and certification in another music teaching program for young children.  I stopped my rushed efforts to complete an assignment, and went to pick up my older daughter from school (about a 30 minute drive each way).  Just as I pulled out, it started to rain and I felt the inspiration to breathe it in and enjoy it.  I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for the rain.  It always makes me smile.

Then my day was made even brighter when my little Lady Slipper needed to stop for the bathroom on the way home and so we stopped at the nearest park. I was able to enjoy standing out in the rain for just a few moments with my girls.

Finally, as I walked into the house I was greeted with a wonderful sight: My incredible husband was making dinner for us.  He had all four burners going at the same time and everything smelled so good! Thank you, Sweetheart!! 

Be Inspired,
Janelle Joy

President Hinckley's Special Blessing for Supermom's

“May the Lord bless you, my beloved sisters. … May you be strengthened for the challenges of the day. May you be endowed with wisdom beyond your own in dealing with the problems you constantly face. May your prayers and your pleadings be answered with blessings upon your heads and upon the heads of your loved ones. We leave with you our love and our blessing, that your lives may be filled with peace and gladness. It can be so. Many of you can testify that it has been so. The Lord bless you now and through the years to come, I humbly pray.”(Daughters in my Kingdom, quoted at the end of chapter 9).

Family Friendly: General Conference Popcorn

We are so excited for General Conference tomorrow and Sunday!!!

My Family loves this recipe for Conference Popcorn (Friend, October 2010--scroll to the bottom of the web page for the recipe) and has used it  during conference before.  The idea is that it cools and hardens for two hours--the time of one conference session. 

Here is another fun activity from the  current month's issue of the Friend Magazine:  Conference Messages

What do you love to do with your family during General Conference weekend?  I hope it is a special time. If you have never listened to or watched it before,  I invite you to start a family tradition--even if it is for a family of one: yourself.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Women Use Good Judgement

"We live in a world in which many situations require us to make judgments that are often difficult. Yet the Savior gave the commandment to “judge not” our fellowman.¹ How can we do this and still exercise good judgment in a world full of deception and corruption?

We may often find ourselves making quick judgments about people, which can change or redefine our relationships with them. Often incorrect judgments are made because of limited information or because we do not see beyond that which is immediately in front of us

Good judgment is needed not only in understanding people but also in facing decisions that often lead us to or away from our Heavenly Father." (Gregory Schweitzer, "Developing Good Judgement and Not Judging Others," April 2010 General Conference)


Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Musical Motivation: D & C 42:29 Song

Morning Glory composed a new song and simple actions to teach Lady Slipper the September scripture verse for Primary.  We have enjoyed doing it together in the mornings before school.


I posted the song in solfege format (using Do, Re, Mi, . . etc instead of particular notes on the treble clef in order to alow for simplicity and flexibility). 

I also composed a version in the key of C on Classics for Kids.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

October Mini-Mission: Listen to Truth

Hearing is something most of us are born with, but Listening is a skill that must be practiced and grows as we use it. My goal this month is to exercise and improve my listening skills each day this month.  My Heavenly Father and The Holy Ghost and their prophets are the most important to listen to daily.  I can do that through prayer and scripture study.  This month I can also do that through listening to each session of General Conference.  My family members and friends and even myself deserve to be listened to as well.

I know that true listening requires taking action to obey what I know is right for me to do.  It also means careful discernment regarding which things I hear that I must get away from quickly and which ones require my full attention.  I must only obey and pay attention to truth.


You are invited and all you need to bring are listening ears attuned to the truth: 
Invitation from the Prophet of God

Be Inspired,
Janelle Joy

Wise Women: Plan and Prepare

My Mission statement for the kind of Mom I want to be

A Written Plan or mission statement or list etc. for each of the Relief Society Emphasis Points of:

Faith

Family

Relief


The above links are examples of mine.  Those of you who have visited Mom's MTC might recognize that they are simply the tabs from that blog.  These written statements, as well as the more specific plans I make monthly and daily, help me to remember where I want to keep my focus and help me to reach my most important goals.

What will help you?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Singing "Choose the Right"

As I helped lead the music during the practice for our upcoming primary program, I had a little visitor with me:  Lady Slipper wasn't feeling well enough to go to nursery.  She got very excited when we started to sing songs.  As the practice progressed, I noticed three words repeatedly coming from that cute little mouth even while the songs were finished and the children were giving their small talks:  "choose a wight, choose a wight" (choose the right) over and over again clear until she fell asleep in my arms toward the end of the program.  What a blessing that out of all the songs we sang that day, my little sweetheart picked out the most important thing we have been focusing on all year in primary: Choose the Right.


Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Spiritually Saving: Personal and Family Study Plans

I have really enjoyed creating and following study plans this year.  We don't always accomplish everything on the plan but I have been amazed at the progress and learning added to  my family by having a simple idea each morning of what I want to study with each of my girls during the day and how the Spirit helps me to find ways to teach those planned principles, as well as other unplanned teaching moments that come where I am inspired to teach a different principle.  The plan helps me feel prepared without taking away from the need to be flexible and in tune with the moment.

My study plans generally include scripture master scriptures and the scripture from the primary outline each month, the topics the girls are learning about in primary at church, and some personal goals I have such as teaching the girls about different latter-day prophets each month. 
For ideas and examples click monthly teaching plans.

I also work on personal study goals and a plan to be able to have some scheduled time to study myself and another scheduled time to teach the girls.  See September Mom Study Schedule for an example.

I wouldn't recommend following my plans.  Ask yourself: What are my personal goals? What do I want or feel the need to study personally?  How can I help family members with their study goals? Am I fulfilling my stewardship in teaching all those I have stewardship over?  Then pray for ideas and make a simple plan for a few minutes a day.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

September 2012 Mini-Mission: Organize and Prepare

" ^aOrganize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a ^bhouse, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;"  (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119)

Wise Words: The Greatest Power

"Love is the great power to influence this world.<sup>7"
(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert smith, Chapter 14)


Be Inspired,</sup>

Truly Tender: A Dustpan and a Hairbrush

I was just finishing up sweeping and ready to put away the dustpan when along comes little lady slipper.  She has my large hairbrush in her hand and asks nicely to please have the dustpan.  I watch with a smile on my face as she sweeps the floor for  me with that ingenious new tool.  That might be even cuter than when Ariel uses a fork to brush her hair.

Thanks for helping Lady Slipper!
I love being a Mom!

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Moroni Men: Encourage Others to Keep the Truth Already Gained, and to Continue to Seek More Truth

I like this example of how President George Albert Smith shared the Gospel in a kind and understanding way:

"I was riding on the train one day. My companion in the compartment was a Presbyterian minister, a very pleasant, fine gentleman, and when he gave me the opportunity to do so, I told him I was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ‍ of Latter-day Saints. He was amazed and he looked at me with astonishment. He said, ‘Aren’t you ashamed of yourself to belong to such a group?’
 

“I smiled at him and said, ‘My brother, I would be ashamed of myself not to belong to that group, knowing what I know.’ Then that gave me the opportunity I desired to talk to him and explain to him some of the things we believe. …

 

“There was a good man who had no conception of what we were trying to do. We were not there to give him sorrow nor distress; we were trying to help him. And as we talked the situation through I said to him: ‘You have a misconception of the purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this land. I am here as one of its representatives, and if you will just let me tell you a few things, I think you will feel better towards us.’ I said, ‘First of all, we are asking all you fine people over here to keep all the glorious truths that you have acquired in your churches, that you have absorbed from your scriptures, keep all that, keep all the fine training that you have received in your educational institutions, all the knowledge and truth that you have gained from every source, keep … everything that is good in your character that has come to you as a result of your lovely home; keep all the love and the beauty that is in your heart from having lived in so beautiful and wonderful a land. … That is all a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Then let us sit down and share with you some of the things that have not yet come into your lives that have enriched our lives and made us happy. We offer it to you without money and without price. All we ask you to do is hear what we have to say, and if it appeals to you, accept it freely. …’

 

“That is the attitude of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”²‍

(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith, Chapter 14)

Be Inspired,

 

Wise Words: Find a Friend in Duty

". . .there was a smile on her lips and peace in her heart.  She had looked her duty courageously in the face and found it a friend as duty ever is when we meet it frankly."
 (Lucy Maud Montgomery, "Anne of Green Gables," chapter 38)


Be Inspired,

Wise Women: Prepare for the Plague of Pornography in Positive Ways

I strongly believe that we don't need to fear pornography, but we do need to prepare to fight against it. We need to understand there is a reason prophets refer to pornography as a plague. We need to decide now that we will act with compassion toward anyone affected by pornography. Finally, we need to have a plan in place to combat pornography.

Faith in the wise instruction of the Savior, Jesus Christ to "Be not afraid, only believe." provides courage to fight against " The sleaze and the filth of pornography" (President Gordon B. Hinckley,"The Condition of the Church, April 2003 General Conference). President Thomas S Monson affirms, " This is not a time for fear. . . but rather a time for faith. . ." ("Be Your Best Self," April 2009 General Conference). "I know that the Lord giveth no commandment unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them" 1 Nephi 3:7

  We must acknowledge that pornography doesn't only affect those who seek after it, it is a plague which also infects those diligently trying to avoid it. "Just as fiery serpents swept through the camp of Israel, pornography is sweeping through our world, and even the Saints of God are not escaping unharmed." ( Overcoming Addiction  Through the Atonement, Ensign September 2012) It is not only affecting those who go out and seek it, but biting some on the heel even when they are doing their very best to avoid it.  I have heard many stories from friends who have been horribly exposed to the disgusting stuff even after choosing very carefully what movie, etc.  they went to.  Like any flu germ, we can do our very best to avoid it, and we should, but we must also know what to do if we, or someone we love, becomes infected despite our best efforts at germ control.  Being prepared by choosing now to show compassion and understanding when we encounter or hear about someone who is struggling with pornography, and not reacting with fear, disgust, or anger, is extremely important:

". . . everyone I have met struggling with addiction suffers from a terrible sense of shame and a belief that he or she is broken, defective, and beyond the love and grace of God.

But this belief, in my experience, is far from the truth. Usually I find that those who struggle with addictions are warriors with tenacity, courage, and a strong desire to be clean. They win far more battles than they lose as they march toward recovery.

This may be hard for some to comprehend—if people are so strong, why is overcoming addiction so difficult? Addiction is often misunderstood, and some believe that if a person would simply choose to recover or work harder at stopping, he or she would be able to. But the nature of addiction—and all sin, for that matter—is such that we cannot heal ourselves from it. The children of Israel could not heal themselves from the bites of the fiery serpents, and we cannot simply wish or even work addiction away. We must find our hope of healing in Christ."( Overcoming Addiction Through the Atonement, Ensign September 2012) 

Clearly one of our duties as mothers is to have a clear plan in place to deal with pornography. That plan must have our own good example of avoiding all forms of that plague very close to the top of that list."Parents need to teach children to avoid any pornographic photographs or stories. Children and youth need to know from parents that pornography of any kind is a tool of the devil; and if anyone flirts with it, it has the power to addict, dull, and even destroy the human spirit."(Marriage and Family Relations Participant manual, chapter 15).  Have a specific plan we discuss with our children such as "if you see pornography, which is pictures of immodest or naked people, be sure to turn off the TV or computer right away, don't click on another thing on the Internet, don't turn another page in that book, run to me or to another adult and ask for help!" 

 Those efforts to avoid pornography are commendable and necessary, but they must also be accompanied with a powerful testimony of the source of healing: Jesus Christ and the Power of the Atonement must be at the very top our preparation plan.  As Moms we must nurture our own testimony of our Savior and do our very best to lead our children, and all those around us to him so that if they ever are bitten by the fiery serpent of pornography, or any other sin or addiction, they know from our example that they are still loved and still important to the Savior and if they look to Him they will be saved.

Yes we live in a world of darkness and fiery serpents so we need to have our armour and our family's armour as strong as possible so that we can fight each battle with confidence that even if we can't always see it, the light of Jesus Christ is never far away, and He will always win.  All we have to do is choose to fight with His help.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Resources:
Overcoming Addiction Through the Atonement, Ensign September 2012
Combating Pornography Website