We are family :)

You know, I've never been one of those people who has grand spiritual experiences. The kind that shake you up and make you say, "Hallelujah!" I guess things happen to me on a smaller scale. The Lord knows I am not always teachable, and has to take His time with me.

Last time I posted, I was in search of how to handle the situation with Tim. It was a very long weekend for me. I don't think I have ever really, REALLY fasted and prayed for an answer like this. I've prayed before. I've fasted before. But never quite this intensely.

I was sitting in Sunday School, still hoping for an answer, when all of the sudden ideas came flooding into my head. They were coming so rapidly I almost became short of breath. I started writing and writing and writing as fast as I could, trying to keep up with my racing thoughts. When I was finshed, I read what I had written and was amazed at the simplicity of what my words said. Basically it said, pull together as a family. Do this as a team. Make things right as a whole.

I came home from church and told Granty about what happened. I told him we need to start reading the scriptures as a family, saying family prayer, having FHE, spending LOTS of time together as a family--we had to become a united front because Satan was pulling us apart.

Granty just smiled at me and said, "Let's do it."

I asked him if he wanted to pray about it and he said no. He said he knew I had gotten an answer before I even told him and he was certain what I was saying was right.

It seems so simple--scriptures, prayer, fhe. We've always tried to do those things, but we've never been very dedicated. Granty wasn't interested and the kids didn't want to, so it easily got pushed aside. Not anymore. Our whole family is completely immersed in this and everyone WANTS to do it. No objections. No arguments.

It has made a difference.

There is a new spirit in our home. Things feel different. Sure the kids still argue. Of course we still disagree. But something has changed.

Yes, things are still tough with Tim, but what I have learned is this: we are strengthening our family bond. We are linking together and holding onto one another so that nobody will be left behind. That day in Sunday School, I had this vision of a sinking ship. I was watching as Tim was drowing and all of us, ALL OF US, were pulling him aboard the life boat. We were doing it together. Nobody was willing to let him go.

Nothing miraculous has happened in my home. Nothing earth shattering has occurred. The only thing that has changed is that were are truly including our Heavenly Father in keeping our family strong. Yes, bad things will happen. Yes, one of my children may let go for a time, but we will not give up in our rescue. We are a family, and for the first time, I think I know exactly WHY families are forever.

I love you Sutton family. We're in this forever!