Sometimes, when you only have one kid left at home (and she may or may not be trying her darnedest to get out of the watchful eye of her sometimes-too-doting parents:), you have to call in other “troops” for Family Home Evening.
I mean, sometimes you’ve got to bond together, you know?
So we had three other families with only one kid left at home over last week and felt the goodness of all that togetherness.
Lucy gave a short little lesson. She talked about how it feels and how to cope if you don’t feel like you get answers to prayers. And she got a little conversation started about how sometimes God answers prayers in different ways than we think.
We played games squished around the table.
(“Sweaty-penny” was the game of choice, and it’s explained I think a couple games down on my “Family Reunion Games” post.)
The “consequence” for the loser was that they had to jump in the pool…fully clothed.
Kara was a pretty great sport.
And we ate dessert.
It was short and sweet but oh so grateful for good people who surround us. And for Lucy’s determinedness to make it happen.
Oh how I wish I could’ve heard Lucy’s talk!! That is my number one struggle right now on my spiritual journey! Always wondering why! Why doesn’t God hear me? And why would God answer my prayers in ways that I can’t possibly understand. I start feeling so sad and hopeless about my struggles. But I will say this: Because of my interest and fascination with the Mormon religion, the only time I feel peace about life and hopeful, is when I read YOUR blog and the blog that Marie Osmond writes. I tend to be a bit of a skeptic on religious matters, but I can honestly say that I NEVER feel that way after I read things that you write. It just feels so right to me, and FOR me. Lot’s of people have tried to school me a little about the religions that they were born to and love. And I appreciate their efforts, but the feeling just isn’t there for me. I was not raised with a religion, so I have to do my own digging, reading, talking and researching. The religion I choose has to feel right. I love what I’ve discovered about myself by learning about the Mormon religion. But I do get stuck. Especially about the subject that Lucy gave a talk about. I bet I would’ve learned something valuable.
Oh I’m so sorry to be late on responding to this Laura! Thank you so much for your response in the meantime, Abby! Sending out love to you both!
Laura, I’m so glad you feel peaceful and hopeful here. And I’m so sorry you feel sad and stuck sometimes too. I think Abby is so right, we ALL feel that way from time to time. I think this is why Lucy chose that topic for our lesson. She is trying so hard to “hear” God. And often-times she doesn’t. You can read more about that in this post I wrote a while back: https://71toes.com/real-questions-for-real-life/
But I know because she is trying to hear Him, she does in little ways. She feels deeply. You can tell when that beautiful spirit washes over us both. We both try to sit in those moments and memorize them. And recognize them. She is trying to be patient. I think we all are.
I think sometimes we think we know what is best for us and oh we pray so hard for it. But sometimes our prayers are answered in different ways than we expect or want. I believe God knows best, and sometimes it’s not the easy route that we are wishing for that will help us grow the most.
I don’t know if that helps, just some rambling on a Thursday night, but I wanted so send so much love your way! And also encourage you to hold on and trust that mighty God who loves each of us so dearly if we will recognize the light He’s sending our way.
XOXO
I was raised in the Mormon religion and sometimes I feel the same way – nothing! I try to be patient and have found that the answers always come eventually – and they are worth the wait! In the mean time it’s lovely to find the corners of the internet that are full of light and feel right.
Abby,
Thank you for your kind words. It’s so nice when someone takes the time to share inspiring advice. I appreciate it very much.
Love this idea!
Any chance you have details on your table? I need something round for our big family and don’t like what I’m seeing online.
We love our table. We had a guy make it for us who I lost track of, but in the meantime I have found another guy who is incredible and can make them. He is in AZ so not sure if that helps you but I can send him your contact info. if you’d like!
xoxo
Thanks… I’m in Arkansas so probably won’t help. I’ll look for a craftsman here. Thank you!
Love this!
When it comes right down to it. Lucy is an astonishing speaker!