Love is Spoken Here

I love this quote from Peggy O'Mara. I'm actually not sure who she is, but I love it just the same.
"The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice." I have been thinking about this a lot lately.  How do I want that voice to sound?

I am not a big yeller... (something I have worked really hard at), but just because I don't yell doesn't mean my voice is always positive. And this makes me so sad.

I know, I know... I'm a mom. I can't just be positive all the time.

"Hitting your sister again? Well, you sure are building up your arm strength, aren't you?" OR "The 13th outfit you tried on today didn't work either? No rush, just take your time. It's cool if we miss the Sacrament today."

I'm sorry, but some of those teaching moments just can't always sound sugary sweet.

That being said...

I can do better. I need to do better. I want my voice (and my children's inner voices) to start sounding a lot more like the Savior's voice.

Instead of a voice of disappointment, a voice of compassion.
Instead of a voice that criticizes, a voice that teaches.
Instead of a voice that threatens, a voice that encourages.
A voice of unconditional love that helps them understand their incredible worth.

Especially when they are scared, or lonely, or discouraged.
Especially when the voices around them are not very loving.
Especially when they make mistakes.


A few nights ago I sang the song, "Love is Spoken Here," to one of my kids. I couldn't even get through it.

"I see my mother kneeling, with my family each day.
I hear the words she whispers, as she bows her head to pray.
Her plea to the Father, quiets all my fears,
And I am thankful, love is spoken here."

The truths in this songs sunk deep into my soul. I realized that the Lord wanted to use me as a tool to speak peace to my children's hearts. I realized that my words, my prayers, and my love, can help the Savior to calm them in the raging storms they face. What a powerful motivation to speak words of love to them!

And then came a sweet tender mercy.
My brother came to town and we decided to take the kids to a nearby amusement park. My son (who just barely met the height requirement) wanted to ride one of the BIGGEST, scariest, rollercoasters at the park .... sort of.
He kept changing his mind. He finally decided to do it, then turning to me said, "But Mom, will you please sit by me on the rollercoaster?  I feel safe when I'm with you."

And he held my hand the whole. entire. ride...

What a beautiful blessing to know that I can help create a safe place for my sweet children's little hearts. I hope they always feels safe when they're with me. And eventually I hope they realize that they don't need me to feel safe, because they can always be safe in their Savior's loving arms. If I do my job right, I know that they will.


Deficits: Still working on making that voice of love more consistent.
Deposits: Being used a vessel for the Lord to bring peace to others.
Balance: Richly Blessed!