The Zoo and Spending Time with Kids

The Negative:

There is SO much stuff around my house that needs attention, but I feel like I either don't have the time or the energy to ever take care of things. It's really frustrating because I just feel like I always have this weight on my shoulders of all the responsibilities and tasks that are waiting for me. And I just can't seem to find the right balance...

The Fun:

The kids and I went to the zoo today. We had way too much fun there and really wore ourselves out. They spent the majority of the time playing on the splash pad they have at the zoo. We did look at a few animals, though. I'd post some pictures now, but it's late and I haven't gone through them yet.

The Lesson:

This morning I read a blog post that a wonderful friend shared on Facebook. And it really got me thinking about things. The point of it was that spending time with the kids is an accomplishment. It is important. And it's a very good way to spend the day. So I tried to keep that in mind today. It's hard because I have that weight of stuff to do on my shoulders, but if I keep trying to find a good balance, The Lord will help me.

Hardest Part of the Day

I have such a hard time with evenings. By the time I'm finished cooking dinner, I just can't take anymore. Cleaning up from dinner and putting the kids to bed seem like the most difficult jobs in the world. Sometimes, if I had an easy morning or a really long, relaxing afternoon, it's no big deal; however, that almost never happens. Why can't I just make it through one whole day taking care of my responsibilities without crashing or having a meltdown? 

I have a pork roast to put away and lots of dishes to do, some of the hand dishes have been sitting for like a week-and-half. My kids are running around like demons right now, jumping off furniture and wrestling each other. The thought of bathing, dressing, reading, and singing them to sleep, and then cleaning up from dinner is bringing me nearly to tears.

So, what are some ideas? How can I make evenings more tolerable or even, dare I say, pleasant?

Spiritual Duty as a Mother

Something that I've been seeing a lot of lately is the discussion about the role of the Priesthood, and how it affects women. It's been on my mind a lot as I read the opinions and feelings of many different people with many different views.  

I've been reading and studying the Doctrine and Covenants lesson on Priesthood lately, and I feel like it addresses this issue so well. It answers my questions and confirms my testimony.

Over and over again, I've read and understood that I am able to have all the blessings of the Priesthood through my diligent study of the scriptures and participation in the ordinances of the gospel. One passage that I have studied multiple times, and that has helped lead me to this understanding, is in Section 84. I feel like these verses describe my duty as a mother.

19 And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. 

20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. 

21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;

22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.

23 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God.

As I have studied and prayed about these verses, I've been lead to know that they are my goal as a mother, to prepare my children, and self, through the power of the priesthood to be worthy to behold the face of God. Through my study, I have learned that, in order to do this, I must teach my children to keep the commandments, to study the scriptures diligently, and to participate in gospel ordinances regularly. Through personal righteousness and regular participation in temple ordinances, every member of my family will the able to access the mysteries of the kingdom, the knowledge of God, and the power of godliness; they will be worthy to behold the face of God.

This is a life-long goal, so my prayer is that I will be able to keep it in the forefront of my mind throughout daily life so that I can help my family progress.