What a lovely night I just had. Saturday night sessions of Stake Conference are pretty much the best. It might have something to do with the fact that we actually get to listen to the speakers! On Sundays we often spend our time taking turns holding Tilson, keeping kids from poking each other, trying to get children to stop putting their feet on the pew in front of us, trying to get Ada to stop making faces at the people behind us, breaking up the tug-of-war that often erupts over who's turn it is to hold Tilson . . . etc. etc. Don't get me wrong . . . it's a party, but sometimes it's nice to actually be able to SIT by Lamon at church and hold his hand! Most of the time it's a child parent child parent child seating arrangement to keep the children from torturing each other. But getting to sit by Lamon is not the only reason I love Saturday sessions of conference. The spirit is always so strong.
Tonight was a lovely meeting focused on the Family. The Stake President stressed the importance of Family Prayer, Family Scripture Study, Regular Temple Attendance, Family Home Evenings, and Living Providently. It's amazing how basic these things are, and yet there is a reason why our leaders keep reminding us of their importance. What a difference they make.
Sometimes I joke about wishing there was a fool proof parenting manual. I mean wouldn't it be great . . . "Okay . . . here it is on page 62 . . . 'When a child sneaks a beyblade to school and lies about it . . . you should first take the beyblade away for exactly 6 days and then . . .'" But unfortunately or I should say "fortunately" we aren't told exactly what to do. I think it is so wonderful that we have to rely on faith and follow the promptings of the spirit. We've been reading about Nephi in our Family Scripture Study (It's taken us 6 1/2 months to get to 1 Nephi 22) It's amazing the life lessons to be learned in those chapters. When Nephi recounts his experience of getting the plates from Laban he says, "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." I love that. He didn't know what to do, but he was guided by the spirit and trusted in God to show him the way. I know that that is exactly what I need to do as a parent. If I am praying, having scripture study, attending the temple, and having family home evenings then I will have the spirit with me and I can feel confident knowing that God will show me the way . . .And I can receive answers from Him on how to help these little munchkins!! Because let's be honest . . . it is no simple task taking care of these kids! But I know being a mother is sooooo important, and I also know that Heavenly Father has and will help me do it!
I love the scripture passage in 1 Nephi 17: 50& 51 Nephi had never built a boat before . . . and his brothers didn't think he could do it. I love his response, "If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done. And now, If the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?" Nephi knew that God would show him how to build a ship. His inadequacy did not worry him. He knew that with God anything is possible.
Just like Nephi was not a boat builder by trade . . . I admit that I don't know the answers to all parenting questions. I didn't major in Home and Family Life at BYU. I haven't read every parenting manual printed. And for those who aren't privileged to be in our ward I will just tell you now . . . My family isn't the family sitting perfectly still with their arms folded all through sacrament meeting. Shocking I know. But no matter how inadequate I may feel . . . I know Heavenly Father loves me and He loves these little kids of mine . . . and "If God had commanded me to do all things . . . I could do them." What a comforting and empowering thought. I know that Family Prayer, Family Scripture Study, Temple Attendance, Family Home Evening and Provident Living are the HOW. We didn't come to Earth with all of the answers. As parents we have to be like Nephi sometimes "led by the spirit not knowing beforehand" the things we should do. But if we are doing the things just mentioned, the spirit can lead us and we can receive answers to our prayers just like Nephi. I love the scriptures. We just read with the kids about what it means to "Liken the scriptures" unto us. The scriptures really are the best parenting manual! What great talks tonight. It was a great date! And now for the family "party" tomorrow in church. Can't wait :)
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