Moments/Atonement and Love

I spent the other night playing with Michael and Maddie.  They loved it and so did I.

Samantha got to go to a cat themed birthday party.  It was purrrfect for her.

Elizabeth and Michael love to play with my camera and always take fun pictures.

The Infinite Atonement (Illustrated Edition), by Tad R. Callister

pg. 334, 336-337--"Was a Sacrifice Required: Amulek also gave us an insight into the purpose of the atoning sacrifice when he said, "This being the intent [i.e., purpose] of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy" (Alma 34:15).  In other words, the magnitude of suffering was so intense, so deep, so overwhelming and unrelenting that perhaps all of the spirits of the universe, even the most hardened, may be cried out in universal accord, "It is enough." The collective spirits of God's handiwork may be been so touched, so moved by the awesome intensity of Christ's suffering that they would yield to his request to save the repentant, not because any mortal earned the right, but solely because Christ had earned the right for them.  The atoning sacrifice may have been the only catalyst that could bring men to such a common accord.  Again, this concept rests on the possibility that the laws of justice and mercy in the universe are dependent, at least in part, on the shared sense of fairness or equity among the members of God's kingdom."

I have continually felt dischord, contention, and general unkindness from my children and even myself.  This is not the kind of home I want.  I want the Spirit of peace and love to reside in my home.  That people who come into my home will feel that radiate and want to know more about it.  That my children will enjoy being at home, enjoy interacting with each other, and will want to bring their friends here.  That when Derek gets home he will find joy and love and not frustration and anger.

Now I know that my home can not always be perfect.  But it really struck me when we picked up my daughter and her friend from an weekly activity that the last 4 times she has gotten in my car there has been an argument going on.

Yesterday in Church I had been praying for inpiration to help my family.  I didn't know how this was going to happen as I had all my children upset and Michael using my lap as a jungle gym.  I did not know how I was going to be inspired.  Then a sweet sister offered to take Michael and watch him so I could sit in Sacrament Meeting with my other children.  I was able to listen to the last speaker who said, "If you want to love others more study the atonement."  That is what I needed to hear.  I have pondered this and decided to increase my study of the atonement with a hope that our family will have increased love and joy.

How grateful I am for a loving Heavenly Father who hears my continual cries for help and continually gives me guidance.