Interesting Anaolgy

this is 4 month old Charlie when he has had a good night's rest!

It's interesting that i am getting more sleep at night but my days are getting tougher with Charlie. What i am saying is that he is struggling with nap time. As I keep trying to do what's right for my baby boy and his sleep, I still don't feel satisfied. I read books, search online, and talk to people. I get different advice from everyone! What's even worse is that the advice I get from different sources contradict each other. The experts all have different ideas of how to get your baby to sleep. They say to let him "cry it out", others say that you will lose the trust of you baby by letting him cry so hold him, others say he has to learn to soothe himself, others say he will have more security and confidence if you help him fall asleep, others say it doesn't matter what technique you use as long as you're consistent. So needless to say i am confused with what to do...does this sound like a familiar story? It's odd that i found this silly connection but in church on Sunday it hit me.

The lesson was on personal revelation. I was inspired by it knowing that God cares about what we care about and wants to help us. He doesn't want us to feel lost in the dark. My thoughts immediately went to Charlie and what to do to help him sleep better. I know God cares so i need to ask him for help and he will guide me. As i was thinking about this dilemma during the lesson i suddenly thought, "i feel like Joseph Smith!". If you aren't familiar with his story, i would love to tell you about it. It is so similar to my baby sleep drama but definitively has much more importance and significance.

Joseph Smith grew up in a home that had a strong belief in God. He read the Bible and became very concerned about his soul. He started to attend different churches in search for God's church, the one that held His truth and fullness. But just like me becoming confused with what all the experts are saying about the right way to get a baby to sleep, Joesph became confused with what the different pastor's were teaching. They were contradicting each other and often times the Bible as well. Joseph knew he needed to be baptized but in what church? As he continued to search the scriptures he read a verse in James chapter 1 verse 5. The scripture says, "if any of you lack wisdom lest him ask of God". Joseph knew God would answer his question if he asked. So after preparation he sought a spot in a quiet grove of trees and knelt in prayer to ask God what church to join. Joseph received an answer that day. In his own words this was his experience.

"I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God... I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join."

Isn't that incredible! God personally answered Joseph's inquiry and told him not to join any of the churches. They didn't have the authority of God to perform saving ordinances. This was only the beginning of the great work God had in store! This is often difficult for people to believe. But there is a scripture that says "by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:20). That's how i know that Joseph Smith saw what he did. That's how i know that God called him to be a Prophet, just like Moses or Abraham. And you can know too! It's through prayer that we can know the mysteries of God! So search it out... Press on this link to learn more. I love sharing this great message with people. If you have any questions i'd love to talk more about it!

To finish off what i started earlier, no matter how big or small our question may be, God answers. He will help me figure out how to help Charlie sleep. He will bring peace to my mind. He will direct my path. I just have to have faith and patience, and I will keep trying to do my best!