Quickly we'll obey

Hey guys,

We got to take a trip this weekend to Cottonwood to see the cousins. It was my first road trip with all 5 of you without daddy. Luckily you children are excellent and knew it was important to behave and help me out and I can always count on you. So we had no problems, only a great time!

I did some thinking along the drive since I had no one else to talk to (you guys are happy as clams snuggled in the back seats watching movies). And I have three main focuses that I want to really emphasize in our home, as we parent you over the next 10-18 years: strict obedience, personal sacrifice and diligent work. None of these are very popular in today's world but they are the keys to success and happiness as far as dad and I are concerned. 

#1 - STRICT OBEDIENCE.  A recent talk in church by a returned missionary talked about how important obedience is in our lives. He said he never met a missionary who was not 100% obedient to the rules of the white missionary handbook, their mission president and, most importantly, the Lord. He spoke about how important it is for missionaries to be completely obedient so that they can be worthy of and ready for the blessing that Heavenly Father has in store. I know from my own life how obedience brings joy, lasting joy! Obedience brings peace. Obedience brings safety. Obedience allows miracles to occur.  

If there is one character principle I want to develop in myself and my children I've decided its this: obedience. If we can have the humility and willing heart to obey those who are in authority over us, we will be blessed. This means that we will learn to obey all of Heavenly Father's commandments. We will obey our parents;  our school teachers; our primary teachers; adult neighbors; parents of friends; and all civil laws. We will not justify reasons for disobedience. We will know that it is best to respect and be obedient to the good leaders in our lives whom we are surrounded with.  The people mom and dad put into your lives want the best for you. Listening to and obeying them will save you from danger, heartache and pain to varying degrees throughout your life. I hope you will accept their help.

Dad and I plan to be example of obedience. Even further, exact obedience, even in the little things. And we intend to expect it of each of you. It is human nature sometimes to justify a little here or a little there. If mommy says no friends can come over when she is not home, it may be tempting to invite friends to play in the backyard until she returns. Please don't do it. If daddy says no electronics before homework is finished it may be tempting to play on the iPad when he's not in the room. Please don't.  If your teacher tells you not to doodle on your assignments even though you have a really creative idea you want to sketch small in the corner…. do not do it! It's the little things - and we plan to follow them.  WHY??  Because it's a rule. A rule that those in authority have set forth. And obedience to the small and simple things allows for great and marvelous things to happen in our lives. I know this to be true!

So I hope you'll see some consistent parenting to this point my sweethearts. When mommy calls you to dinner you will be expected to come quickly, not when ...your level is passed ….your chapter is over or ...your basketball game is finished. You should come now. It's a principle. And it's important. It will take practice but we'll get there.

I love you guys so much, 

Mom

Primary Children's Songbook #197
Quickly I'll Obey

1. 1. When my mother calls me,
   Quickly I'll obey.
   I want to do just what is best
   Each and ev'ry day.
2. 2. When my father calls me,
   Quickly I'll obey.
   I want to do just what is best
   Each and ev'ry day.
3. 3. Heav'nly Father loves me,
   Blesses me each day.
   I want to do just what is best
   Each and ev'ry day.
4. Quickly I'll obey.
   Quickly I'll obey.