I Delight in the Sabbath

I Love the Sabbath Day.

Looking back over my life I always have had respect for the Sabbath day, which which was taught early by my parents. Growing up we were a family that did not watch regular TV, attend sporting events, shop, go out to eat, do homework, or attend parties or events on the Sabbath. We had a large list of things that we could do like read from good books, attend church, work on future talks or lessons, watch church movies, learn family history stories, make treats to share with others, write letters, go for a walk, visit other wards or branches in our area, and spend time as a family. We often had guests spend the day at our home and they were included in Sabbath activities. We listened only to uplifting music and grew to love the hymns, primary songs, EFY albums, and classical music. It was a wonderful way to keep the Sabbath distinct and different from any other day of the week. It has been easy to carry those similar habits over into my home and family.

In our most recent General Conference, Elder Russel M. Nelson spoke about the Sabbath. His talk articulated so much that I already felt about the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a Delight

I defend, protect, and plan for things that I feel strongly are important in my life. I Love celebrating birthdays and holidays. I spend hours and hours in preparation for each event. I look up things online, discuss ideas with friends, set aside time, and really plan to create memorable experiences.

My Sabbath observance is no different. My feelings for the sacred nature of the Sabbath day directly determine my behavior. I defend, protect, and plan for experiences that will occur weekly in my home. I do this through selecting music to play in the background all day long, making sure things are picked up on Saturday evening so we aren't in the middle of messes and projects, and waking up before my family so that I can set the tone in my home. I plan my Sabbath menu ahead of time. I plan for the children to help make a treat that we can enjoy and share. I plan for church and ask questions to help prepare my family for the Sacrament as we drive. I plan for Hour of Power and family time.

Hour of Power is one of my favorite weekly traditions. During this time (which isn't always a full hour) the children can read from the Friend, scriptures, or family histories, watch any church videos, and write in their journals. I have found that writing down something they felt, learned or liked has been a tremendous blessing. As they record their own thoughts, they are growing personal seeds of faith and testimony. (When they were younger, I wrote down some thoughts for them.)

Yesterday our Hour of Power included designing their Mission Statement/Goal pages and watching a short video about an amazing young man. His story is incredible. 

Butterfly Boy Shows Strength

This was a powerful lesson for every member of my family. We spoke about Jonathan's amazing attitude. He encourages everyone to look at the positive. We talked about how we take so much for granted in our busy lives. Our hearts were touched by his struggles, his pain, and his determination. Each of my children felt a connection to this impressive young man. Jonathan has such a good spirit about him and he taught us so much yesterday. Our home was filled with light. 

I certainly felt a surge of determination and resolve to endure my difficulties with grace. I felt recharged by our family discussion in Hour of Power. I felt the sweet spirit of the Lord's Sabbath in my home. 

Between attending church, taking the sacrament, leading the choir, enjoyable family dinner and game time, and a very sweet discussion in our Hour of Power, I most assuredly state that I delighted in this Sabbath Day. 

Kendra