Rocks

Hey, Shy here. Bethany mentioned, in the first post on this sweet little blog, that we were in this together. It's true we are. So where have I been? Well, mostly taking care of babies, helping with homework, doing the dishes, folding piles of laundry, the list goes on. It's true that taking care of 5 children and all the responsibility that comes with it, is a busy, 24 hour business. Is it possible that sometimes I use those responsibilities as excuses or reasons why I don't do things such as blog, exercise, eat right, read my scriptures more, etc.? Probably. I'm convinced that it's possible to take care of all the balls in my court, but I'm also sure it is not possible to juggle ALL those balls at the same time. I learned a powerful lesson recently. In Matthew 6:33 it says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." After a conversation with my husband, I decided to conduct an experiment, of sorts. You know the object lesson where you put rocks in a jar, followed by small pebbles, then sand, and finally water. In that order, everything fits in the jar. Well, I made a conscience decision to really put the Lord first. I was more specific in my prayers. I took Facebook and all games off my phone. That way, when I was nursing the baby, instead of being tempted to catch up on FB or play a game I could read my scriptures or a conference talk. This focus elevated my thoughts. I really began to find strength in the Lord. Not only was my spirit being nurtured, but I was finding the will to make better choices...it was easier to get up early and go to bed early, I found it easier to turn down the cookies and eat healthier. You get the idea. The piles of laundry and stacks of dishes didn't magically disappear, but my heart, will, and power had changed. I have come to realize what a blessing it is to put the Lord first. He cares! My Father in Heaven wants those triumphs for me. The righteous desires of my heart are available to me. And, when I put Him first, that journey is made much easier.