Walk with us: My Sister's Example of Faith.

Madeline started a blog long before I did.

In fact, Maddie did a whole lot before I did, and not just because she was older. She went first and that allowed me the confidence to try.

Developing a personal testimony, keeping a journal, making faith in Christ a priority, using simple stories to teach lessons, inviting and loving and serving. Now we both teach in classrooms with carpeted walls and I wouldn't change a thing.

It can be argued that Maddie said many of my words first and probably better - so we'll just use her's today.

Is She Kind?

After tenderly sharing the emphasis our parents placed on our kindness developed in our younger years, Madeline shared this sweet thought:

"I don’t know exactly what judgement day will be like.

But I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a lot like that parent teacher conference.

I’m sure we’ll be excited to show Him things-

maybe talents, accomplishments, education, a marriage, a great career, a beautiful home or family.

Our Heavenly Father will ooh and aah at all the right times.

But at the end I think He’ll ask,

“But were you kind?”

I hope with all of my heart that in that moment my answer will be,

“Yes.”

Now, as I see my sweet sister teach her little guy to be kind, I smile.

She was kind, she is kind. She demonstrates that because of Jesus Christ, we can all learn to be kind and repent when we forget to be.

Enjoy the Sunflowers

I've always teased Maddie a little for how much she worries. But watching her become a mom was a necessity for me - I came to see a bit better who Madeline Marie is and what she is capable of.

Her trust in the Lord comes in the form of enjoying the sunflowers. She shares:

"Then the spirit whispers,

“You can. Just enjoy."

What a promise made possible through the One who truly remembers and truly enjoys.

Life is not easy. Things do not always go as planned.

The moments fly by and the sunflowers do not stay as long as we hope.

But what a tender promise full of hope and love.

The Savior says, “Part of my plan is that you enjoy. If you do, you’ll remember.”

Here’s to more enjoying and to more remembering."

Maybe we should try to enjoy it all a little more.

She knows Him.

Not just a talented writer or an effective teacher. Not just a brilliant mom and loving wife. To me, Madeline is the means whereby many come to hear the voice of the Lord because, by her example, they'd come to know Him.

A powerful piece of writing - and testimony documented - supports my claim.

"Discipleship is a little like orchestra. We hold rehearsals each day.

From church meetings, to seminary and institute, to personal scripture study, we practice truths with the door closed.

This is necessary to master the piece, but eventually, the door is opened and we play for the hall.

We act on the promptings we’ve received, and the witnesses we have gained.

We share the beauty of what we’ve been practicing with all those in the hall that day, in hopes that lives will be better because of the the beauty they see and hear.

As we leave the solitude of classroom study discipleship, we play for the hall.

Sometimes we have tough rehearsals.

Sometimes we may not feel confident in our own abilities to play or perform our given piece.

What gives me hope is our Conductor.

The Savior holds the baton with a perfect view of our potential. Even after rocky rehearsals He sees us as capable instruments.

With flawless skill, confidence, and experience He directs the work and we sit privy to miracles..."

"Every time we rehearse I think about Jesus Christ. I know He loves when we sing for Him. I know He listens when we play for the hall." - Maddie T.

The most impressive thing about Madeline has always been her relationship with the Savior.

She has been playing for the hall for as long as I can remember.

We'd do well to live her words.