Comments on: “Experiment Upon My Words”

By: Kay

Kay — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:40:42 +0000

Thank you for this. It is nice to know that I am not the only mother in the world that is struggling, although it feels like it most of the time. Why oh why does everyone else have to look so perfect at church?

By: Justine

Justine — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:50:35 +0000

Darn it, you guys, I just love you all. That poem was really just so lovely. And the quotes, and the words of wisdom from everyone. So beautiful.

There is just something so calming about a community of sharing together. Thanks for that. Honestly, you just don’t know how much these shared experiences really really mean to me.

By: Maralise

Maralise — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:36:02 +0000

I read this to my hubby and we both cried. We have a child that fits this description. Given a ‘my way or the highway’ choice, he chooses the highway. Every time. And I think this course of action sounds like something that we should try. Thanks so much Justine.

By: Kristin

Kristin — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 04:37:33 +0000

That was so beautifully written, and I am so happy for your daughter (and you) to have finally found some peace! My river daughter (age 6) is such a source of endless wonder…and worry.

Your entry reminded me of one of my favorite quotes of Elder Packer:

True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. (May 2004 Liahona)

I have felt impressed lately that I need to better take this challenge for myself. Thanks for another witness on how well this works.

By: Real Mom, Real Life

Real Mom, Real Life — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 02:32:04 +0000

Beautifully said! The part about your daughter sobbing that she needed peace, really touched me. Thank you for sharing!

By: Blue

Blue — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 23:49:31 +0000

justine this was a perfect post today. i’ve made tremendous strides in reading the scriptures with my children, and saying prayers with them every evening and many mornings, but personal prayer and study is still an elusive thing for us. i have one child for whom your answer may just be the missing link as well. now i just need to figure out a way to help them decide to do this for themselves…new habits are so hard to make. thanks for sharing your experience! ♥

By: m&m

m&m — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 22:27:58 +0000

I love this, and appreciate your willingness to share it. I only have one thing I would change in your post:

Yep, I am just that daft.

No, you are just that human.

I love you, girl.

By: jendoop

jendoop — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:22:32 +0000

It constantly astounds me how much of parenting is experimentation. Shouldn’t I have to prove my knowledge and worthiness before attempting to lead a child of God through life? It is another witness of the atonement. God knows that all can be healed through the sacrifice of his son and he depends on it as parents, the blind, lead our children, also blind, through life.

Leslie, love the poem.

By: Michelle L.

Michelle L. — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:17:40 +0000

you know Justine, I was making eggs this morning and thought, “Oh good! It’s Saturday and I’ll get to read Justine’s words today!” And you surely didn’t disappoint.

Your obvious/not so obvious solution would have also come as a revelation to me. Parenting is such an emotional river that it’s easy to lose our oars. The old Sunday School answers are where truth lies– pray, read your scriptures, practice charity. Thank you for the reminder of those powerful and simple habits.

By: Julie P

Julie P — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:01:27 +0000

Beautiful. What a blessing. And reminder to myself.