It's Sunday night--almost 11--and the whole family is sound asleep, leaving me to think about my goals, read friends' blogs, and evaluate what I'm doing with my life. Here's what's going on:
#1: I'm seriously enjoying my family. My children are "children," and life is busy and messy, and someone gets sent to their room to "calm down" at least twice a day, but I don't think I've ever adored my husband and children as much as I do right now. The kids and I make posters for school projects, go to the library, bake homemade bread, rewind a lot of Barney for Spencer, clean the house, do laundry, and talk a LOT about all the issues they're facing as they grow up. Eric and I stay up late talking every night about his church calling, all my projects, and what we want the next five years of our life to be like (and we like to snuggle). As a family, we're trying to focus on what really matters: family scripture study at the kitchen table every morning before school, Family Night every Monday night, and "bull" every evening before bed--where Eric growls and pretends he's a bull and chases the children and tickles them until they beg for mercy. And all of this is the closest thing to heaven I can imagine...but it's a whole lot of work.
#2: I'm nurturing the roots for The Power of Moms. This is the part that's hardest for me to even write about because I start getting choked up. When I started the website, I thought it would be a nice little place to write about motherhood and help other moms to enjoy their families. But ever since Saren joined on with me, it's started growing beyond what I ever expected. She has this amazing ability to casually say, "Hey, why don't we do _________?" And I just nod my head and say, "Okay." And then the next thing I know, we're putting on a retreat and starting new programs and getting a huge board all set up, and writing books. And then I end up flying off to a conference and making tons of great new friends, and all of a sudden, Saren and I are running a full-fledged organization. I'm not saying that Saren's making me do anything I don't already want to do, but I never would have had the confidence to try if she weren't walking me through this step by step. Thank you, Saren.
The part that gets me choked up, however, is the power I feel guiding this. I know I have a bunch of stuff to learn, and I know I'm far from perfect when it comes to writing, photography, managing the organization, etc., but I feel the Lord helping us through each step, and I am trusting that He will make up for where I lack. I think about the moms of the world every day, and I wonder how they're doing, and I brainstorm with Saren and Eric about what we can do to make things better for all the dedicated women who are discouraged, depressed, tired, stressed out, lonely, or looking for more purpose in their lives. It's a lot to think about, but fortunately we've got lots of moms helping us out. That's mainly why I'm neglecting this blog...all my writing and time on the computer is going there.
#3: I'm studying the gospel and trying to teach it well. One of the best parts of my day is my personal scripture study. I try to study early in the morning, and my goal each day is to make a connection with the Lord. He knows how much time I have available, and He is always willing to give me the counsel I need within that time frame. I have a whole schedule of things I study, but each day I ask the Lord a specific question about my life, and then I ponder that question as I read His words. I record most of the things I learn, but sometimes there are words that come into my mind that I simply can't record because of their sacred nature, so I just try to think of them over and over again. If any of you haven't tried this process, please do--and then let me know how it goes, if you'd like. Studying the scriptures regularly has been one of the greatest decisions I've ever made because no matter how weak or tired I feel, the Lord is able to convince me that I'm strong.
Over the next few months, I'll be speaking at several conferences and retreats, and it's been a neat experience to see these opportunities open up where I can share all the things I'm learning. I love being able to teach true principles from the scriptures.
Sometimes I get tired of all the work it takes to live my life, but last night Eric and I decided that this has got to be the hardest part (or at least we want to think so). It's mainly because we're laying the foundation for so many things: our family, our businesses, and our lifelong habits.
So that's what's going on with me. I have no idea when I'll post something next, so if you happened upon this blog and want to keep in touch, please visit www.powerofmoms.com, okay?
Have a wonderful day!
