By His Grace I Can.

Things have been rough in our home lately.  It feels like the kids are more often than not very contentious and critical of each other, and oftentimes I chime in with cutting remarks to counter theirs.  This evening, while attempting to have dinner, one son was chasing another with a broom and a third one got involved and got clawed by his angry brother.  We called everyone over to try to sort things out and calm them down, but one by one the kids were "casting in" their own "stones".  I felt like I was looking at a group of feral, injured animals, all ready to pounce and inflict more wounds.  My frustration turned to sadness. Though my son's scratches were only surface level, I felt a tenderness towards this often unruly son and with it a desire to gently put band aids on his arm.  Then quietly I opened to one of the most poignant passages of scripture, Alma 7:11-12,    And he shall go forth, suffering pains and   afflictions   and ...

We can ’ t help but think of Mary & Joseph , leaving their familiar town, with the birth of the Savior on the horizon, not knowing how everything would work out.  It humbles us to think, unbeknownst to these weary travelers, of the provisions that loving Heavenly Parents had made long before--ensuring that angels would herald His birth, shepherds would come in awe and wisemen would travel from afar bringing gifts.  A new family, that would have otherwise found themselves alone, infused with the love of God by those individuals that answered the call and went. A humble thanks to you who have helped to prepare for this event and to you who have come to bring this evening to life. Our hope is that regardless of what you’re facing, you’ll be reminded of how your Heavenly Father prepares the way & provides  along the way , of the village that sustains you, and the role that the Savior plays in it all. -The Graden Family     The Seemingly I...