After returning from Stake conference feeling rather stressed and quite unspiritual I turned to the general conference address in the Ensign magazine. Some parents will understand the stress of stake conference...trying to get two lively kids to be quiet for two hours is a task-an-a-half. So much time is spent handing out snacks, books and toys and managing toilet trips, that very little of what is said can actually be listened to. In the same way that 'it's the thought that counts', I sincerely hope that it's the attendance that counts and not the listening! The kids had bickered all the way to Gillingham and I seriously considered turning turning round and going home...however I stuck with it. I was quite comforted to see that Naomi showed signs of feeling the exact same way.
On getting home, what I felt I needed was time away from the kids....however after reading the conference talk by Elder Neil L Anderson - Tell me the Stories of Jesus - I was prompted that I should be actually be spending more quality time with them, teaching them of Jesus.
After lunch we took a walk from Bishopstone to Reculver towers...this was the perfect opportunity to spend time with the children, talking to them about the wonderful creations that Jesus has made for us. We had a really lovely time with no bickering, whinging or moaning. Again I am grateful for the wise counsel from the leaders of the Church.
Not quite ready to get rid of them just yet!
It's quite a walk from Bishopstone to Reculver...but very beautiful
Hang on kids you're going the wrong way - the towers are behind you!
Oooh a beach! quick let's strip down to our pants so we can paddle!
3 comments:
I love the fact that you admit that you wanted some time away, pretended you decided instead to go for a quality time walk, when in fact you took them to, and I quote, "unstable cliffs".
This is nice, beautiful pictures. Had to laugh at the first one!
Haven't checked your blog for awhile, enjoyed reading this, we all feel the same way! Whining kids at Church is bad enough- I am starting to dread conferences!! Thanks for inspiring me! Although, I do agree with the other two comments about the first picture! lol!
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