Jesus is our friend

Every morning at breakfast, I read an article to the kids from the Friend. It's a good way to make sure we get something in about the gospel before the day starts and they like the stories. A couple of weeks ago we read President Eyring's story about being a faithful friend, specifically to Jesus Christ. Ally seemed to kind of struggle with the concept that being a good example is one way we are Jesus' friend. Well, yesterday, as Ally was doing some of her "imaginative play" with toys, blankets, pillows, etc. I overheard this little conversation: "Jesus, you are my friend. Do you want to help me make a bed for Jessie? We like to be nice to our friends Jesus." It made me smile to see that Ally understands what a friend is at her level. For her, He is someone that will play with you and help others. Jesus did love children and I think Ally knows that.

Sisters and Comfort

Viana has been sick. She has spent the last 24 hours on the couch. Brooke and Ram have been playing together and leaving Viana to mend. This afternoon Viana says to me, "I want to say hi to Brooke." I went back to the bedroom where Brooke and Ram were playing and said, "Brooke, Viana wants to say hi." Brooke immediately stopped what she was doing and walked to the living room. She walked over to the couch and said, "Hi Viana." Viana said, "Hi Brooke." And that was it. Viana turned over content and Brooke went back to playing. It was so precious. Brooke was so anxious to help her sister, and Viana felt her love.
Mosiah 18:9
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort,

Charity

Thursday when Viana came home from school the big news of the day was that Gunner, a boy in her class, did not want to play with her. Friday came with even bigger news. Viana hopped out of her classroom and said, "Mom! Gunner is my friend again! I told him his hair looked nice and that I liked the way he combed it and then he smiled at me. He even waved goodbye to me!" This example that Viana gave to me is huge. I have found that when I think someone doesn't like me I don't have the right reaction. I usually avoid them, or smile timidly if I do run into them, or list all the reasons I can think of that they don't like me, or tread lightly when around them certain that each movement I make will sink me even further down their bad list. Instead, I need to be more like Viana. Look for the positive in that person, make an effort to reach out to them, let it be a concern so that I can improve the relationship and then I will probably be pleasantly surprised that even I get a little smile and a wave.

Eternal friendship

Brooke was scheduled to leave early this morning on her special trip with Meemaw and Grandbill. Viana still managed to stumble out of bed to fall into a tight embrace with her best friend. "I will miss you Brooke" "I'll miss you too Bee-ana" "I love you." "I love you." "Take care of Doug." "OK" "And help him do his job" "OK."
This makes it easy to see why families are central to Heavenly Fathers plan.