Traditions

At the end of Daniel’s graduation, I was a little envious of the Polynesian culture that was adorning their graduate with leis. I was envious of the traditions and strong sense of family that they had.

I have been thinking over the past several months what are my traditions and my heritage and what legacy will I leave behind?

And one day it hit me.  I was reading Alma 9:8 …have ye forgotten the traditions of your fathers;” What traditions had I forgotten, what legacy was I missing; then I remembered.

Family “traditions” come and go. Think of the ones that we have or had, 21^st party, Halloween donuts, Valentine’s Day dinner, Fun Friday nights, pizza Friday. But there is one tradition that has never changed and it has been carried down through many generations even before the church was around.  The tradition that we have that has been passed down from generation to generation, and I will pass on as my legacy to all of you is love for God love for family and love for our fellow men. 

As we love and serve each other and those around us we will learn gratitude. We will positive and supportive of each other as we share eternal experiences. Bring a little light into the world.

I hope that this motto is written on your hearts.  This is our family tradition; this is who the Little’s are.

Sister Bateman shared this quote in class a couple of months ago

“Be true to who you are and the family name you bare”.

As you all grow up and move out will you carry on the tradition; will you love and serve, will you be positive and supportive to each other as you share eternal experiences, will you bring a little light into the world?

Love mom

Friends

Sorry that I have not shared a mom moment in quite some time, but I needed to take some time.

I have been trying to think of something that would pertain to all of you since each one of you are on a different journey and struggling with different things.

Thru out our lives we come into contact with a lot of people and we make friends with a lot of people.  Looking back on my life I have been blessed with friends that have helped me become the person I am today.  I have friends that have showed me how to have courage, to be a leader, to show kindness, how to show support to others.  I have had friends that have encouraged me, strengthen me, helped my faith grow, and supported me in difficult times.

We need to be aware of the people we surround ourselves with. Do those that you associate with help you achieve the person you want to be, will they help you achieve your potential. Will they help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself, will their friendship make you a better person in the end, when you leave their presence do you feel buoyed up and strengthened.

Take some time and reflect on these questions and answer them truthfully to yourself, if the answer is no or not really may I suggest that you find some additional friends.  Notice I said additional we don’t need to leave our current friends unless they are have a negative effect on our lives, but we should have some friends that we can say yes to all of these questions. 

Friends play an important role in our lives and help feel in the gaps where family cannot.  I urge to find good friends and good associations that will bless your life for the better and help you become a better person.

If you are a quote person here are some quotes about friends:

Many people walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart-Eleanor  Roosevelt

Good friends help you find the important things when you have lost them… your smile, your hope and your courage

True friend are those rare people who come find you in dark places and lead you back to the light.

If you are song person here is a great song on friends- Gift of a Friend https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwjssbLtq-zUAhXp6YMKHQYuBbMQyCkIKTAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D8Xevi6KRvGc&usg=AFQjCNHfR-Sqde09zxewnSzRf05yVGRWdw

I hope that you all know that dad and I are happy and willing to be your friend. We will help you with your dreams, be there for your highs and your lows, when you are feeling alone, you’re not alone for we are here for you.

Know that we care and love each of you.

Love mom