Cherishing Your Children

I just have a quick thought to share with you today.

If you're like me, you need reminders often.  I think it's just part of human nature, but we tend to forget, or not quite appreciate what we really should at times.  This busy world of ours can keep us so busy, we sometimes forget what's important.

I've been posting about my sweet little nephew, Ben here and there over the last several months.  He was diagnosed with leukemia in November, was undergoing chemo, needed a bone marrow transplant, and then his heart began to fail.  His cancer went into remission, he was able to go home, (while being on constant heart medication) and Make A Wish sent him and his family to Disney World.  They had such a wonderful time together as a family.

Well, a few weeks ago, his cancer returned (which was expected since he hadn't had his bone marrow transplant).  Despite his chemo treatments over the past week, or so, his cancer is spreading.  Doctors told his parents the chemo is of no use any more, and he has anywhere from 2-8 weeks left on this earth.  But, we never give up hope!  Miracles can happen!

So, with that I just want to leave you with the reminder to cherish your children!!  They're work, a lot of work.  They require our constant care, our patience, our love, really everything we have to offer.  But they're worth it!  They deserve the best we have to give, they deserve our uninterrupted time, undivided attention, unconditional love, and everything else we have to give.  Cherish each and every day with them.  Play with them.  Listen to them.  Support them.  Teach them.  Love them.  Cherish them!

I hope this reminder will encourage you to take the time to cherish each and everyone of your children a little bit more today, and always.  We never know what life will bring, and for me, I never want a single regret when it comes to my boys!

WE LOVE YOU, BEN!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

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Love Takes Time {Thoughts on Love}

My good friend, Mariel @ Or So She Says had a post last week that was focused on stories of love (click here to see it).  It was such an inspiring post, and it made me smile because I had something very similar lined up for today's post here at Blissful Roots.  Great minds think alike, I guess!

Anyway, I have a link (click here for it) to share today that I'm hoping you'll take the time to visit.  It's a link from lds.org.  I searched the word love there, and it pulled up quotes, stories, talks, songs, and scriptures on love.  Each night this past week I've been taking minute to read through some of the wonderful thoughts on love. 

One of my favorites comes from Marvin J. Ashton's talk, "Love Takes Time".  He tells a story of a father telling his young son he loves him. The young son tells the father he doesn't want him to love him, he wants him to play football with him.  He goes on to say that if we're not careful we can use the phrase "I love you" as our excuse for showing love.  When in reality, saying it is not showing it.  Not to say we should say, "I love you" as often as we can, but we can't use that as our only expression of love.  We have to take the time to show that love.  He states,

Love demands action if it is to be continuing.
Love is a process.
Love is not a declaration.
Love is not an announcement.
Love is not a passing fancy.
Love is not an expediency.  
Love is not a convenience.

I'm sure we all can agree with these statements, but often times it's hard to remember.  Love is amazingly wonderful, but also extremely demanding.  I know I can do a much better job of showing love in all my relationships, not just saying it.  I hope you take the time to read all of Elder Ashton's talk. I gained a lot of insights on love.  Insights that I needed to be reminded of.

I also love this scripture that I found in the link.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear…
(1 John 4:18)

There are so, so many other wonderful thoughts on love.  Definitions of love, working on love at home, loving all, love in marriage, and loving friends (just to name a few). 

I'm so grateful for inspired words!  I have to say I now have a new appreciation for this holiday of love.  I really, really love all of the commercial hoopla, decorations, candy, and fun associated with Valentine's Day (just look at my sidebar), but I'm really going to be more genuine and meaningful with my expressions of love this Valentine's Day, and throughout the coming year.  

I also just want to give a big thank you to my wonderful parents for letting feel what its like to be loved.  They are the most selfless, loving, doing-anything-for-you people I know.  I talk to my mom on the phone frequently, (we don't get to see each too often) and she always tells me she loves me, which is always nice to hear, but I know she loves me because of what she does.  Her actions speak volumes!  I'm the person I am today because of their love, and I'm trying to emulate their example with my boys.  So, not only am  I grateful for inspired words, but very grateful for acts of love in my behalf, and tremendous examples. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

Linking up to these parties & Savvy Southern Style.