What is it like?

I pose these following questions to LDS wives reading this ... What is it like to have an LDS husband? What is it like to have the priesthood in your home? What is it like to be a full member family? .... you get the picture. I wonder if it's anything like the family in Leave it to Beaver? Probably not, but you get the idea there too. Anyway, these questions came to mind after the awesome Fireside last night that guest starred Sister Susan Bednar, an apostle's wife. She didn't strike me as an eloquent speaker but it was obvious she was humble and I adored her for that quality. She invited questions and towards the end I had a question in mind but didn't get around to asking. I wanted to ask her take on part-member families. Being in that situation, I wanted insight on the subject. I found myself hearing the churchie answers like: pray, live the gospel, be patient, be faithful, etc. What else? I know there's no magic answer but ...but.

What also drove me to ask those questions came from the sweet feeling I felt during President M.'s (didn't catch the name, one of the stake presidents in attendance) closing remarks. He struck me as an eloquent speaker. I sensed his righteous use of his priesthood. I liked that and so I wondered what life was like for his wife and thus your lives with your husbands.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I chose the wrong man. Far from it! Dave's my man. He leads his life worthy of a priesthood holder ... just doesn't have it officially. I wouldn't trade him for one that does either. He's a keeper!

A Mother's Prayer

Last night I noticed scratch marks on David's belly. It looked like he dug into it enough to go through skin so I told him to make sure he has clean hands and fingers if he's going to scratch in order to prevent infection and that he's well overdue for a nail trim. He said OK and so I left to go to another room. Shortly after, he comes to me with a scared look. I thought he got scared being alone and missing his Daddy (which is usually the case). With sincere voice he requested, "Mommy, will you give me a blessing?". I replied that I couldn't because I didn't hold the priesthood. He then said, "But my teacher said that if you go to church you could give a blessing". OK, I don't know exactly which lesson that was but sounds like he caught part of it. So I proceeded to tell him about who can hold the priesthood and some of the roles it plays. As I was explaining, I was inspired to conclude, "As a mom, I can pray and ask for a blessing for you. Would you like me to do that?" He said yes, so we closed our eyes, bowed our heads, and wrapped our arms together and I offered a prayer. Knowing David's sincere concern I prayed clearly, thoughtfully, and to my surprise ... became sacred. Along with asking for comfort in his concern for his health, I also softly pleaded for David to continue in righteous faith so that he will receive the priesthood and someday have the priesthood in our home and perhaps inspire his dad to receive the priesthood as well. I found myself choked up during this prayer. I was reminded that we do not have the priesthood in our home yet, so I need to be strong for us now. I need to be diligent in raising my kids to know Christ and live His teachings. As hard as it can get, I just have to keep trying.