Mothering with Spiritual Power

I bought a book titled: "Mothering With Spiritual Power" by Debra Woods. I haven't finished it but enjoyed what I have read so far. What the author did was basically take a few scriptures and show how they fit into her life as a mother, and how they helped her be a better mother. I really liked the idea but thought to myself: "I could do this, too." I decided to find my own scriptures and my own life applications. I started reading the Book of Mormon from the beginning again, thinking now of my role as a parent. It has been amazing how many insights I have gained just through the first few chapters. You could do the same thing with the Bible, too, if that is what you are reading right now.

I don't have time to write up all my findings right now, plus it is more valuable to everyone to have their own experience doing this anyway. But I did want to mention a couple of thoughts. I love the opening verse of the Book of Mormon:

"I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days."

Until now I had always read this first as if I were Nephi, the one with goodly parents. But this time I was reading it with my role as mother in mind. Suddenly it struck me that it is my turn to be the "goodly parent" now. If that is how the Book of Mormon begins, what better way than to look to it for guidance on how to be a parent.

And how? "I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father."

My job is to TEACH my children. I love that that is one of my main jobs. I teach them about life, the world, God, how to take care of themselves and others, how to serve, how to be a friend, how to feel the Savior's love. I TEACH them these things and more.

I also love that Nephi says how he had seen "many afflictions in the course of [his] days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in ALL [his] days."

Nephi knew that he was favored of the Lord even despite his afflictions. Maybe even because his afflictions. Afflictions are not a sign that we are not loved. Afflictions are part of life. Part of learning, growing, becoming.

I love the strength that I receive through my relationship with God. I value and appreciate the spirituality of my friends, even those of other friends. I appreciate that a friend sent me an email the other day about motherhood and spirituality, even though we belong to different faiths. We can all find strength in each other and help each other along our path.

I am excited to continue to find more insights about parenting as I read the scriptures this year. If you have any you have discovered that you want to share with me, I'd love to hear about it.