Sister-to-Sister Questions

Remaining anchored to our covenants with Christ gives us the strength to respond to our children or family members choices with love and respect, even when it’s not as we hoped for them. President Joy D. Jones taught, “As we nurture and prepare our children, we allow for their agency, we love them with all our heart, we teach them God’s commandments and His gift of repentance, and we never, ever, give up on them. After all, isn’t this the Lord’s way with each of us?” By maintaining open, positive communication, we will more likely be able to continue to build and maintain strong relationships. Trust the Lord. We are all His children, and He will never ever give up on us.

Questions: What are ways we can nourish relationships with children or family members who make different choices than ours? What holy habits help me stay anchored to Christ so that I can be led daily by the Holy Ghost in my interaction with others? What can we learn about loving others from the example of Jesus Christ? How do I continue to stay faithful, when my family members are taking a different path?

Elder Neal A. Maxwell testified, "The submission of one's will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God's altar…It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!” When we embrace Heavenly Father’s plan, we will find peace and fulfillment in aligning our hearts and actions with His greater purpose. President Camille N. Johnson explained, “As we understand and embrace foundational truth, our desire to let God prevail in our lives will increase. We will invite Jesus Christ to be the author and finisher of our faith and of our stories. We will want to give our lives over to Him, drawing strength and power from our covenant connection with Him.”

Questions: How does temple attendance, prayer and scripture study, etc. help me understand and embrace God's plan? How can I better understand God’s plan amidst the noise and distractions of the world? How can I develop greater trust and build faith in God's plan? How can embracing God’s plan help me move forward with faith and confidence?

“Mothers need not fear. When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children” (Sister Julie B. Beck). Mothers have an essential role in shaping their homes and families. Their efforts create lasting influence and invite love and guidance from God. Patience is a vital part of this divine role, as is trusting in the Lord’s love for His children and His readiness to assist. President Jeffrey R. Holland beautifully reminded all mothers, “To all mothers in every circumstance, including those who struggle—and all will—I say, ‘Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are. In fact, you are saviors on Mount Zion, and like the Master you follow, your love ‘never faileth.’ I can pay no higher tribute to anyone.’” 

Questions: How can I feel confident that my daily, sometimes repetitive efforts as a mother are seen and cherished by the Lord? How can my faith in the Savior and His example help me be patient with myself as a mother? How can I as a mother have greater influence than the voices of the world? Why is it important to remember that "small and simple things" bring about great things in my daily mothering efforts?