Mothers Can Draw on the Power of God

by Marisa Sharpe
The Monday before General Conference, our FHE went like this. My 30-second preparation was to share a story I had seen in The Friend magazine about watching Conference with a question in mind and then listening for it to be answered. My husband was working late, as usual, so he wasn't even part of FHE. I hadn't planned ahead enough to have a treat. The kids were being silly and I didn't feel they were hearing what I was trying to portray. My "lesson" lasted less than five minutes, and I was sure between their cracking jokes and giggling that nothing had sunk in. I quickly gave in and just sent them off to get in pajamas. No song, no prayer, the end. I was tired and discouraged and just done for the day.

Conference came around that Saturday, and we actually had a pleasant time watching and listening.
They built scripture stories out of Legos and, for the most part, listened and allowed my husband and me to listen. I was so encouraged when they shared their questions and the answers they had heard during Conference. One child was even listening for the answer to the other child's question. We had great conversations about many of the truths we heard.

 My husband and I agree this was our most positive experience to date with General Conference and our children. I was impressed at how much my lesson seemed to work! Then I was comforted by the Spirit as He taught me the Lord accepts our meager efforts and will enlarge them if we just do our part.

Elder Bednar has taught us about the importance of being consistent. President Eyring taught us in a recent Conference, "When you do your part, the Lord adds His power to your efforts." I cried tears of gratitude as I felt hope and reassurance that even my frequently perceived failures in motherhood are accepted by the Lord and, if I just make an effort, no matter how small, He will magnify it for the benefit of my children.

So we can take heart that if we just do our best and are consistent, the Lord will help us as mothers in Zion.

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