My voice

Today in Sunday school we were talking about Christ's visit to the Nephites. We read a scripture that introduced God's voice to the people and the effect it had on them.

'...they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and nothwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center....it did pierce them to the very soul and did cause their hearts to burn.'

I have been contemplating disciplining my children lately. Andrew is testing his boundaries, trying to balance what happens with the other kids at school and what is appropriate. And Jacob is very demanding of my attention at home now that his big brother and playmate is gone during the day.
They are both being very rough, with each other and Michael. My patience is stretched pretty close to breaking most days. And I don't like how I feel when they don't listen or obey. And I am afraid I have been yelling too much. And the yelling isn't effective anyway. So, I am am left frustrated and still no results.
After reading this scripture for the second time today, I realized I want to strive to have the voice described in it. I know that this is not the way I think about this scripture very often. But, I was struck how I could apply it to my own life. I don't want to have to yell. I want them to know I love them. But, what I want most is the effect it has on these people.
I want to have a voice that is not harsh or loud, but one that pierces them to the very center.
So, I have found one more attribute of our Heavenly Father I would like to emulate. I have a new goal.

The world according to JACOB

On taking a drink:

It feels like a waterfall in my mouth. And it is hot.

Michael had his MRI today. We will get the results in about a week. And tomorrow someone comes to evaluate him for therapy. Hooray, things are happening. I am hoping for more knowledge, more tools to help Michael become who he was sent here to be. I know Heavenly Father created him and that He will help us know how to help him.
Today was a little surreal for me. An MRI isn't really a major event, but when you have to put your baby on anesthesia, it kinda becomes one. It was scary for me. But, he did great. Especially considering he was ready for a nap and really hungry. (they can't have anything but clear liquids six to eight hours before and nothing after 6am) After he woke up and really came to, he snuggled into me. I never wanted to let him go. The paper I had to sign about the small risk of death and other side effects really occupied my mind during the hour and twenty minutes he was away from me. I am grateful to be his mother.
On a very different note - I am curious about everyone's thoughts about Sarah Palin. I have mixed feelings. Let me know what you think.