I must admit- the past few months have been a little bit of a downward spiral for me. My kids are incredible- don't get me wrong- but I've really struggled on how to deal with their behavior. On top of being super friendly, sweet, loveable and talkative they can also be rambunctious and very spirited. Those can be great qualities most of the time- but not during church. And so church starts to be a burden. I would rather not go just to avoid the constant battles of trying to get them to behave. All my beliefs and feelings are still there but they are losing their "sparkle" and my desire to go to church and battle them the whole time really diminishes my desire to go. The past few weeks Adam and I have made a few changes. Because my calling is to do singing time in the nurseries the first hour, I bring Landen with me and he plays happily. Then my sweet husband takes Landen so I can enjoy the relief society lessons. EVERY week. It's been a blessing to me to actually listen to the messages instead of chasing after Landen in the RS room as he climbs on everything, gets into trash bins and plays the piano. (only a few more months until he is in Nursery- and he will do great there. He loves it!)
Anyway, my point really is that I've needed some spiritual nourishment. This time around I really took some time to think about what it was I wanted to get out of conference... a lot of it had to do with being a better mother and wife. It was so amazing then that almost every talk revolved around just that- things that I really really needed to hear. So I thought I would share my insights. I usually wouldn't do this on a public blog, but I would also like to hear insights from those of you who read this blog. It doesn't have to be in the comments, but if there is something you feel like sharing, please do!
-It IS possible to feel peace with screaming unruly children surrounding you- but NOT when you lose your temper with them.
-Personal revelation and guidance will not come unless we prepare ourselves through daily scripture study and prayer.
-Happiness is not the result of out circumstances but of our faith in Jesus Christ.
-Faith = work. When we have faith, we will do what is necessary to prove that faith.
-When we have faith, we will grow in confidence that despite all the trials around us everything will be alright.
-When we have true faith, it will have the power to melt away our depression and sadness.
-Children will emulate you - daughters will especially be influenced by their mothers.(reminded me of the song "daughters" by John Mayer) If you are short tempered and mean, they will become that way because you are their example. If you are kind to others, they will learn to be kind to others. IF you are good with money, they will learn to be good with money.
- Don't GOSSIP. Teach children to love everyone and don't judge others just because they are different.
- Parents and children must listen to and learn from EACH OTHER.
- Joselyn is the type of a girl who will have a lot of influence on others- she is a natural leader and friend maker. Remember to teach her well so that the influence she has over others will be a good influence.
- The home is the most important place on earth to teach our children. Make it a place where your children feel peace and safety.
- Keep the house tidy, play beautiful music and purge things you don't need.
- It is never TOO EARLY to start teaching your children. Strengthen them while they are young.
- It's a lot easier to exercise faith early on than to make many mistakes and have to go through the spiritual painful process of repentance.
- Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles can have a large influence on your children.
- Teach children early on the power of prayer.
- Have nightly talks with your children to talk about their day, build relationships and bear testimony.
-Teach children to learn by DOING- that it takes effort.
- We must prepare ourselves to answer spiritual questions that our children will have.
- Invite children to act and not be acted upon.
- Work a little harder at remembering the Savior throughout the day.
- True love equals ACTION.
- Have a compassionate heart
- Love is really the reason for all that we are- it is the grand motive.
- When we serve others we are healed and we are happier people.
- Help others feel of God's love for them and we will feel of His love more.
- Even if people don't show their love and compassion to you, still be that way towards them. That is what Christ did.
- Great joy AND great pain are just part of the plan. Expect both.
- How we handle our trials will be the basis to how we choose to lead the rest of our lives.
- Let the Lord share your burdens- you don't have to go through them on your own.
- Never let an earthly experience disable your spirituality.
- Read your old journals- your past experiences and learn from them.
- How we disagree with others shows who we really are. It's not as important to have an opinion or have our voice heard than it is to show love and be Christ like.
I am so glad that we have conference twice a year to help us know what we need to do be better people. I needed every bit of what I heard this weekend.
