How I live my faith

Living the gospel is what make our family happy! It affects every part of our lives.

Each morning and night we kneel as a family for prayer and thank the Lord for blessing us and ask for His help. We teach our children to pray individually both morning and night and whenever they feel worried or scared or need to make a decision or are thankful for a blessing. We read our scriptures as a family, usually over breakfast before heading off to work and school and our day. We know the Lord hears our prayers because He helps us all through the day and comforts our hearts. These simple things bless our lives so much.

Once a week, usually on Monday nights, we also have a Family Night. We sing and pray and teach each other the gospel and also do something fun together - like a game or playing in the back yard or at the park or even just having ice cream together at home.

We attend church every Sunday and try to attend the temple every week. At church I have been involved in many different things - from leading music or playing the piano; teaching classes for all ages including nursery, children, youth and adults; working in the leadership of the church organization for children and young women ages 12-18; and just being a general support in going to church activities and supporting others in their work for the church. We have been so blessed by the efforts others have given in volunteering their talents at church and it feels good to be a part and to share and to be needed too.

When we get paid, we pay 10% of our paycheck to the Lord. This money goes to build churches and temples and to share the gospel. We also fast (or don't eat 2 meals) on the first Sunday each month and take the money we would have spent on the meals and give the money to the Bishop (or leader of our congregation) to use to bless those in our own neighborhood who are struggling and need financial help. We do not have extra money (as it is always a constant project to budget and spend wisely to be able to live and raise several children with only one parent working) but the Lord always has given more back to us and taken good care of us and we know it is because we have done this.

In the summer, our family helps at a church orchard close to our home. We help to pick the fruit that the church uses both locally as well as processes to send to others who need it throughout the world. We also try to help out others around us - help with moving people, yard projects, caring for children, sharing food and meals, giving rides and visiting others.

We just try to be good people, and try to do what the Savior did. To love others, to be kind to everyone and to help when and where we are needed. To work hard and be as honest as we can. To say we're sorry when we goof up and try to make things right. To strive to recognize the Lord's hand in our lives and His help and to thank Him for it.

Living the gospel is a big part of who I am and what I spend my time doing!