Reading Detour...oh, and 2 Nephi 17

I have been studying. But, not what I set out to study. No, I've been studying how to better put our finances in order. Not that there's much to juggle with right now, but that is the point. I'd been reading that God gives us little amounts of things to see how we do with it, then if we are wise and do well, he may give us more (trials, resources, blessings, whatever), and I was reading the parable of the talents. I decided that I really hadn't mastered living with what I already had. I suppose some people say that the only way for things to work out is to get more, but I'm beginning to disagree. As I have been studying on how to be a wise steward, and putting ideas to use, despite the lack of increase in means, I feel we have been much more balanced and have done quite well. Not only do I refer to monetary means, but time as well. How to be a steward over the time that God has given me on this earth. We all pretty much get the same 24 hours in a day. We really do choose what to do with it. I used to think that my day was so filled with hours of child rearing that I didn't have time to do other things (clean, exercise, etc.), but then I realized that first, even if that was the case I couldn't whine because I am the one who decided to invite those children to take of my time, and second, they are really well behaved children, who, if I asked them to read quietly while I used the treadmill--would. They would also welcome a jaunt to the park, or even the chance to help mommy clean up a bit. So, my excuses were null & void the moment they left my lips. Especially given how great my kids are.

I'm reading a few things that have been really beneficial to me, and I must recommend:
Take Back Your Time
The Richest Man In Babylon
It's All TOO MUCH!

I must say, it's been an adventure. So, now, on to my scripture study.

And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 17:2)

How poetic! I love the words of Isaiah even if they are hard to understand sometimes. But, how could you not love this line?

And he said: Hear ye now, O house of David; is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 17:13)

I read this after a particularly long day with the children...weary? Yes, I suppose I was. Didn't mean I loved them any less. Lines like this make me wonder how people can think that God does not have human traits...
I believe whole heartedly that he really does have a body of flesh & bone, that he is literally my first father, that he loves me, and wants me to progress until I know all that he knows. I believe he gets tired, I believe that sometimes, he lets us have our way even when it is not good for us, just like I give in to my children when they beg for a treat at the end of a long day. I take the scriptures very literally when they say that the Lord was wearied by his children. How could he not be? Look at us! Watch the news...wouldn't you be thrashed if your kids were at war? I believe he hates it when we fight in the name of religion, mainly because it's all semantics. The Golden Rule, The Ten commandments, karma...they all boil down to the same thing. Allah, God, Yaweh, Heavenly Father...it's still him. We're fighting these religious fights over words. We're killing over words. It'd be like me killing you for saying azure instead of blue. Nuts!

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil and to choose the good.
(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 17:14 - 15)

Heh, don't show my kids this scripture, they will say it's a testament against turnips. I almost think my husband would agree...
No, but really, on the side of raising children, this scripture reminds me of a quote by a religious guy I enjoy reading:
"Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people live in a hostile world. But it's the same world. How come?" Dr. Wayne Dyer