7.18.2012

little brother jare bear entered the mtc today. sunday he gave his farewell talk in church. last night we had a wonderful visit with his stake president and bishop, along with our whole family where he was set apart as a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints.
it's safe to say that two years ago, and even a little over a year ago, we weren't sure if our sweet brother was going to make it on a mission. he has been through a lot. my parents too, well the whole family actually.
life is hard. the world is full of darkness. and is often discouraging. but, there is light - the light of Christ within each of us. there is hope - hope in the gospel and in our Savior. there is peace - peace that comes from true knowledge. there is redemption through the atonement, and happiness in families... forever families.
while it is always hard to say goodbye, i was happy and proud and excited to see my brother off today. he is going to be a rock star in malaysia. he is going to grow more than he has in his life, and learn more about himself and his Savior.
so, as a mother of a one-year-old, and hopefully many more littles... whenever i feel discouraged, anxious, and nervous for my darlings and their lives ahead, i will think of jared and his faith. i will think of my parents and the time spent and prayers said. i will strive to live more worthy of the spirit, so i can be inspired about how to teach and love my children - to make them strong soldiers against the adversary.
i will have hope, dig in my heels and push on.