Dear Family,
I know that we're in a little different state of life then everyone else, but let me tell you- trying to live the gospel standards with teen's is challenging. And bless their hearts, they're doing an amazing job.
Brant's BIG football playoffs were supposed to be on Saturday- and it was HUGE because they were having them in the big college football stadium. Tonight we got word that they moved the games to Sunday. Nothing is worse then seeing your son cry, because he knows that Sunday's are special. There weren't any arguments or complaining, just a few tears and lots of Hugs.
If any of you have stories of how living the gospel has blessed your life, we'd love to feature them during our next FHE. Their is strength to be gained from hearing about other people that you know and how they've chosen the right...
And maybe if you happen to be talking to Brooke or Brant or Alex, would you let them know that they are doing a good job?
Thanks.
Jen
Oh, my heart hurts for Brant! We're proud of him for making such a hard decision. I can't think of any keeping the Sabbath day holy stories right now, but I have plenty of others, if you'd like those! Teenage years weren't that long ago for me, and I also spent them in a predominantly non-LDS area. Let me know, and I'll email them to you.
ReplyDeleteYeah Liz, We would love ANY stories that you have. With so few members around us, and with Aunts and Uncles who are (thanks for pointing out :) closer in age to my kids then to me, you're the perfect person to share thoughts and experiences! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWe are really proud of Brandt, and all of your kids, for that matter! It is very hard to make the right choice, but I know that you will be blessed exponentially for it. Being a teenager is hard. I remember being faced with many difficult choices. Every time I chose the right, I felt nothing but happiness. When I chose wrong, I still feel the effects to this day. Making poor choices always ended with me feeling terrible inside. It was never worth the instant gratification....because it always ended with guilt and sorrow. I am so proud of Brooke, Brandt, and Alex. They are wonderful kids, and great examples to me. I love you all! -Hayley
ReplyDeleteThis post made me cry! Jaxson, in a lot of ways, reminds me of Brant and I'll tell you, if Jaxson turns out as good as Brant has I will be so happy! He is an amazing example to my kids of good choices and I am super glad that they have older cousins like all of your kids that lead the way for them. I didn't have such a hard time because of where we grew up but I still had to struggle with making good choices. I will think of some and e-mail them to you. I'm not sure that I have the right e-mail for you so will you send it to me. Thanks for being a great example to me of a great mom sis. You have been an answer to prayer over and over throughout the years and I'm sure grateful for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Hayley and Alisha- we're lucky to have such great examples in our family. Man, moving my kids to the hills and living in a fenced off area away from society sounds so wonderful some days. Heavenly Father is amazing though, and I just have to keep reminding myself to raise them in FAITH, trusting that Heavenly father loves them as much (and probably more!) then I do.
ReplyDeleteBrant and Piippo kids - the lord will bless you so much when you follow him! I personally had strayed off the path and got a job that required to work on Sundays. I thought it wouldn't be a big deal. Soon after a few months family told me that they noticed a change in me, I was not as happy. I started to make more wrong choices and it started to affect my family. I realized it was because of working Sundays. So I quit the job, and applied for a job that was not open on Sundays. I got a better raise, I was more happy and I had some fun callings!!
ReplyDeleteFollowing the words of the prophets is so important. Now because I am worthy to go to the temple after making the right choices and listening to the holy ghost, I have received so many blessings because I decided to live by the Lords commandments. I can testify to you kids, that the church is true, that if we follow all the commandments, listen to the small voice, pray daily, read you're scriptures with a fervent heart, and make good choices that you will be blessed. Me and Jeff have had a better marriage and are so happy together ¡!! Love you kids so much, and Brant you are amazing!