Week #7 Steadfast and Immovable

Mom,

The last two weeks have brought me a bit of humility. I have never understood my kids so much as I have this week. I saw less fighting. I am assuming that their openness to me and security of knowing I was listening and responding, left them feeling like a problem could be resolved without a battle. This is a must continue. I also feel like they respect me more and we are closer, I didn’t think that was possible. I felt so guilty but I also understand that positive change is better than no change at all. I feel really good about the discovery of motherhood, and I am not afraid to let people see some weakness of mine. Life is all about learning and growing. I am grateful for the experiences good or bad.

This week comes with a companionship study John and I had. Side note: John and I have been studying together for the last six or eight months. We have family study and individual study but this was something new. A little boost in the partnership. I HIGHLY recommend it if you aren’t already. I have learned a lot about us in our different stress and the things that stand out most to us. Anyway, one thing we recently read was a list of promises when we live the gospel completely.

Dad and you woke me in the wee hours of the morning to do a routine thing in our home; family prayer and family scriptures. I also remember the days before answering machines when dad would answer the phone, “Cuthbertson Family Home Evening”. Some people would just hang up and some would get the lecture of interrupting our family time. Either way, I loved it. John and I sport the same rules, Monday night is family night. Even when dad was bishop nothing was more important then his family home evening night. It is an example to me of how important that time was for us. No calling after 5pm on Monday! How I miss those days.

My favorite part of family scripture study was the little pictures you drew for me and Mary. When everyone was reading, Mary and I got these little pictures to understand the scripture or story line. I remember that being the highlight of my morning. I still have those scriptures, they are my most cherished treasure from my mom. Thank you for taking that time to draw me little pictures!!

The lesson learned from this family experience is the importance of the Gospel. To be steadfast in the gospel, immovable from the principles.

Elder Bednar, who has become a favorite speaker of mine, said, “A person who is steadfast and immovable is solid, firm, resolute, firmly secured, and incapable of being diverted from a primary purpose or mission.” Or in other words Fred and Kate Cuthbertson. Ok, he didn’t say that but I am sure if he met you he would agree.

Elder Bednar said, “A building or structure that is stable and immovable must be built upon a strong foundation. If you and I (I LOVE that he included himself) desire to become steadfast and immovable disciples of the Master, we must build appropriately and effectively upon Him as our foundation.”

Another favorite, “The Lord Jesus Christ is the sure foundation, and you and I (included himself again) cannot and will not fall if we build upon Him as our foundation.”

We will not fall, We will not fall, We will not fall, IF we build upon Him as our foundation.

Another one, “Disciples who are steadfast and immovable do not become fanatics or extremists, are not overzealous, and are not preoccupied with misguided gospel hobbies.”

President Joseph F. Smith emphasized: “We frequently look about us and see people who incline to extremes, who are fanatical. We may be sure that this class of people do not understand the gospel. They have forgotten, if they ever knew, that it is very unwise to take a fragment of truth and treat it as if it were the whole thing”

I had to throw this in. Sometimes people can get real caught up in this very thing.

Elder Bednar said, “If you and I are focused on receiving consistent drops of spiritual nourishment, then gospel roots can sink deep into our souls, can become firmly established and grounded, and can produce extraordinary and delicious fruit. In a gospel sense, you and I need to implement constant spiritual drip saturation and avoid sporadic and shallow spiritual spurting. Sturdy gospel roots that go deep into rich spiritual soil strengthen and steady us in times of trial and difficulty.”

I love Elder Bednar. My personal feeling is we should be focusing on the quality of water that is being dripped into our spiritual nourishment. I hope I will develop the proper roots in my children that will have long lasting effects in their life as followers of Christ. This brings me to my goals:

1. Read and Pray, it keeps Satan away. Personal (something my kids can form a habit of and have a testimony of) and as a Family.

2. Attend Church. (which we do)

3. Family Home Evening. With quality discussion. This is the time John and I take to talk about the Gospel with our kids. We give a lesson and ask a lot of questions so a discussion will occur. This is our favorite part of family home evening, it’s interesting to see what the kids know but more importantly understand and have developed a testimony of.

It may seem like goals we are already doing, but something I need to really appreciate and not take for granted, especially the blessing that come from this. It’s good to put in writing or typing.

Mom, you never fell short of ensuring a nice drip line into the roots of your kids. Thank you!

I love you!

Kathy