Faith and Family

You will find some of your greatest joys in your efforts to make your home a place of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a place that is permeated with love. Henry B. Eyring 1

Christ centered homes are spirit filled homes. A Christ centered home is a place we long to be, a haven from the world.  A place that we learn about the Savior and feel His presence. One of my favorite homes to visit as a little girl was my Great-Grandma Vance's.

My great-grandmother Vance lived down the street. I would often run down and visit.  I was always welcomed whether I was expected or not.  Great-Grandma Vance would play her favorite hymns on the piano or tell me stories.  I loved her stories and my favorite was of her baptism.

Great-Grandma Vance was raised by her grandparents.  Her mother died during childbirth with Grandma Vance.  Her heart broken father was unable to care for a new baby and support the other four children.  So, she was taken to her grandparents.  

The day of her baptism was cold and icy.  They lived on a farm and her grandpa had to break the ice in the canal to baptize her.  Grandma had the fire all ready with cow patties set aside.  After she was baptized her grandma wrapped her in a blanket and told her to run to the house and throw the patties on the fire.  As many times I heard the story her smile was always there when she told me that she never felt cold.  She felt so warm inside that the ice never bothered her.  

We are always welcome in a faith filled home.  When our homes are filled with love others will be drawn to it, just as I loved to go to grandmas and was always welcome.  Our heavenly home is never far away, and we are always welcome.  We can call upon our Father whenever we need him or just want to feel His love.

Faith filled homes are places of learning.  I loved to learn Christ's teaching through the hymns my grandmother would play.  The words will stay in my mind long after leaving and returning home.  The happiness I felt would linger in my heart.  I learned from my grandmother's testimony through her stories. The stories are with my still and the lessons learned grow deeper as I gain a deeper understanding of Christ's teachings.

Families come with different talents and strengths and we are to find ways to show love in our own way.  What is consistent is that they are places of learning and places of love.  

1  Eyring, H.B.(2019, April) A Home Where the Spirit of the Lord Dwells. Ensign