Aiming High

I have thought about what I wanted to give to Cody at his baptism for a long time.

Two years ago I read a talk by President Henry B. Eyring called

Help Them Aim High

It is one of my all time favorite talks. Read it sometime.

He speaks with his incredible insight about helping your children find and strengthen their gifts.

He carves a wood height board for each of his sons with a scripture carved on it.

Here is one of his quotes to give you a taste of what the talk is:

"...you will bless them to help them recognize the spiritual gifts with which they were born. Every person is different and has a different contribution to make. No one is destined to fail. As you seek revelation to see gifts God sees in those you lead...—particularly the young—you will be blessed to lift their sights to the service they can perform. With your guidance, those you lead will be able to see, want, and believe they can achieve their full potential for service in God’s kingdom."

Encouraging my kids to become the best version of themselves is one of the most important things to me. 

I thought about something small and special I could make and decided to make a quilt for him. Until...I started making a quilt.

One of my talents/gifts is not making quilts or mostly anything having to do with making things look beautiful. When I realized my amazing idea would not work (like 20 hours into it) (but I still think it's a great idea, so I think you should do it!) I felt so sad.

One of the things I love about President Eyring's talk is that he emphasizes that we each have unique gifts, and so, we can influence our corner of the world unlike anyone else in the world.

"...help young people glimpse the grandeur God sees in them and their futures and the unique service He has prepared them to give."

My unique gift may not include quilting, however, last night as we finished Moroni chapter 10 I decided my gift to Cody was the gift of reading the Book of Mormon.

WE FINISHED!!!!!

I hope with this goal accomplished Cody you will realize that it's possible to do many, many more times.

I hope you grow to love this book and realize that it will CHANGE your life.

I hope the habit to read every night will stay with you for the rest of your life.

I hope you learn to study and ask many questions and look for answers.

I also want you to know that I know this book is the truth and it does bring peace and joy and knowledge of Jesus Christ and his mission on earth.

I'm not sure how much a three year old or six year old can glean out of what we read, but a habit was formed.

There were several nights throughout this year that I just wanted some peace and quiet at night and rushed to put the kids to bed. Mackayla, my three year old, would let me know every time, very concerned, that we needed to read the Book of Mormon.

This picture is of our well worn copy of our book that we read out of.

We're so proud of you for CHOOSING to be baptized today Cody. We love you!