Jacob 7

I'm starting this reading in a bad state of mind. I'm upset about the constant messes in my house, that I seem to be always following behind and cleaning up. My toddler just gave my newly cleaned baby an open cup of applesauce, so she's not so newly cleaned any more. The bread was opened and left on the table, made into "Butter Balls" which is my son's newest snack invention--a ball of butter wrapped in store bought bread. I tried to explain that I don't feel so loved when these things happen. My brain falls apart...but I was just given "the look" and then told "we do love you, we just enjoy this." Is there really a way to make it through parenting ? Without losing sanity? If there are any moms out there reading this and laughing, please offer some advice on how I, too, can laugh again. I just don't feel like it lately.

But, onto the scriptures, because they are supposed to help with the state of mind, keeping things in perspective and such. Either that, or they are just a good escape while the kids are snacking at the table near me.

12 And this is not all—it has been made manifest unto me, for I have heard and seen; and it also has been made manifest unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, I know if there should be no atonement made all mankind must be lost.
13 And it came to pass that he said unto me: Show me a sign by this power of the Holy Ghost, in the which ye know so much.
(Book of Mormon | Jacob 7:12 - 13)

Ha, as I read this, I thought of my son. Not that he is of the devil, no, that's not what I mean (he's a great kid, really), but that when it comes to me trying to help him understand something, he acts like I am some idiot who knows nothing at all. And I want to homeschool? Sometimes I think, "WHAT AM I THINKING?" Funny, I read an article about homeschool burnout the other day...it's supposed to occur AFTER you've started. Ha ha ha. Honestly, I'd rather sleep all day and let them watch Dora...that's educational, right?

15 And it came to pass that when I, Jacob, had spoken these words, the power of the Lord came upon him, insomuch that he fell to the earth. And it came to pass that he was nourished for the space of many days.

(Book of Mormon | Jacob 7:15)

Why don't my kids over fall over when I speak? Maybe I'm not teaching with the spirit. The way I feel lately, it's very well the case.

16 And it came to pass that he said unto the people: Gather together on the morrow, for I shall die; wherefore, I desire to speak unto the people before I shall die.
(Book of Mormon | Jacob 7:16)

Well, that's a little dramatic, don't you think?

27 And I, Jacob, saw that I must soon go down to my grave; wherefore, I said unto my son Enos: Take these plates. And I told him the things which my brother Nephi had commanded me, and he promised obedience unto the commands. And I make an end of my writing upon these plates, which writing has been small; and to the reader I bid farewell, hoping that many of my brethren may read my words. Brethren, adieu.

(Book of Mormon | Jacob 7:27)

What a sweet ending. I hope that someday I can look at my children and say, "Here's what I've been working on, take it, move forward and do the work." I realize that at this point in time they are young, and someday, I'll look back and wonder how it all happened, how they grew up so quickly, and how they became who they are. I hope, that if the results are good, that they will give me a little credit. Of course, as is the case, I know that if there are any results that are not so good, I will definitely get the blame. Such is the life of Mom.