Children

As members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to have the knowledge that Christ has established prophets and apostles on the Earth for us today. The first weekend of every April and October is reserved for a worldwide General Conference where these special witnesses of the Lord give talks that are broadcast to every continent. Then, the next month, their words are distributed to members in written form in a church magazine called the Ensign. I am so grateful for the wise and inspired counsel that is given to us from these conferences that applies so directly to our day and the specific challenges we face.

This morning I was reading one of my favorite talk's from this last October's General Conference. It is by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles titled Children. As we are preparing for the birth of our second child in just a few months it was encouraging to me to listen to and read his words, and I would like to share some of them with you.

"Many voices in the world today marginalize the importance of having children or suggest delaying or limiting children in a family. My daughters recently referred me to a blog written by a Christian mother (not of our faith) with five children. She commented, '[Growing] up in this culture, it is very hard to get a biblical perspective on motherhood...Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out and night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get.' She then adds: "Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because they are cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.'"

"Across the wold, this is a time of economic instability and financial uncertainty. In April general conference, President Thomas S. Monson said: 'If you are concerned about providing financially for a wife and family, may I assure you that there is no shame in a couple having to scrimp and save. It is generally during these challenging times that you will grow closer together as your learn to sacrifice and to make difficult decisions.'"

Elder Andersen then gives many examples from the scriptures of faithful couples bearing children during times of hardship, ending with the most supreme example of all: In the most beloved story of a baby's birth, there was no decorated nursery or designer crib - only a manger for the Savior of the world."

When people are shocked to discover we are already expecting our next child when Oliver is so young, it's wonderful to know that we are doing as we are commanded to multiply and replenish the earth. We have prayed about our little family and are so excited to know that the Lord is willing to bless us with at least this one more little baby - and we hope to have more. I love this gospel and the beautiful principles it teaches, especially about families.