Memorable Monday Moments

At our last stake conference one of the speakers mentioned dedicating our homes as a way to help our families feel the Spirit more, so I've been thinking about that lately. When we bought our first house, we had a family night where Wayne did this and I think it did make a difference. Although daily family prayers are essential, the formality of a dedication is another great tool for inviting the Spirit into our daily lives. Also at that family home evening we had a lesson on the “rules” for our new home. Wayne and I wanted them to be simple and easy to remember, yet able to cover everything that our active children’s imaginations could conceive! After some discussion, we finally decided on one encompassing rule – SHOW RESPECT to people, places and things. This covered not being sassy or disobedient, not hitting little brothers, making beds and picking up toys, helping with dishes or washing cars – in short, everything! (Years later, I’m still amazed at our brilliance. I guess it shows that we had some divine direction that evening.)
(#1 - South Weber UT, #2 - Antioch CA, #3 - Pembroke Pines FL, #4 - Brandon FL)

When we dedicated our current house, we started the evening by singing “Bless this House.” What a beautiful message it has. And whenever we need a reminder, we can just turn on the cd again. I love the feeling in our home.

"Bless This House"

Bless this house, O Lord, we pray,
Make it safe by night and day;
Bless these walls so firm and stout;
Keeping want and trouble out;
Bless the roof and chimney tall,
Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door that it may prove
Ever open to joy and love.

Bless these windows shining bright,
Letting in God's heavenly light;
Bless the hearth a-blazing there;
With smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within;
Keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be,
Fit, O Lord, to dwell with Thee.
-Helen Taylor