Stages

Yesterday in our quorum meeting we were discussing the final judgement.  In that discussion the topic came up regarding the mind being a stage and how we control the things that are played on that stage.  We control our thoughts and we live with the decisions that we make.  The thought occurred to me that our homes are likewise a stage and we as leaders in our homes have to control those things that we allow to played there.

President Monson spoke about our homes a few years ago as being a place where the storm stops at the door.  We have to have the courage to stand strong and to stand firm when it comes to protecting our homes.  If we do not the storm finds its way in the door.  We cannot indulge in the things of the world and then expect our homes to be protected from them. 

There is much that is good out there.  There are uplifting messages and good programming.  There is also much that is not so good.  Many times that which is not so good is glamorized.  It is made to appear as if it is something that it is not.  It is certainly not the easiest thing to avoid.  The adversary knows what he is doing.  That is the thing though - we are in control.  I am listening to President Monson from the Priesthood Session right now and he is giving some incredible council right now.  His talk is entitled Dare to Stand Alone.  He just quoted "no man can serve two masters".  Seems fitting.

Tonight for Family Home Evening we discussed the birth of the Savior.  We watched the recent Bible Story videos regarding the same.  Getting the evening started was a challenge.  There were some tired kids and some problems because of it.  You know.  Anyhow, I wanted to just give up at one point but determined we would press forward and hope for something wonderful to happen.  The kids settled for the videos and they rather enjoyed them.  It was actually quite powerful. 

I asked Jack how he felt when he watched the videos.  He said that his soul felt like it was going to burst.  He knew where those feelings came from and what they meant.  It was a neat thing.  Natty also felt the spirit as did Andy.  I am grateful for that experience tonight. There is a lot we can allow on our stages, the neat thing is we get to decide.  I hope that I can make better decisions as I press forward.