Seek ye First the Kingdom of God . . .

Hello! Before I start, I'd like to express my gratitude for the privilege of becoming a part of this wonderful team. I look forward to sharing my experiences, thoughts and trials as a way to serve everyone here who comes our way!

My name is Elizabeth Mueller and I enjoy the opportunity to stay at home with my four beautiful, energetic children who are anxious for school to start. I love to write, draw, sing, sew, dance and read.

I started writing since elementary school and have fallen in love with the art. I love creating worlds of people. I love to see them interacting with each other, and the satisfaction of finishing the stories.

Being a mother, I feel it is just as important to follow Christ’s footsteps—especially with my writing. Though I only have a high school journal published and a few poems, I have written several novels and have submitted one of them already! There have been a few times while I write that my kids are up and about. They come visit me in my bedroom, ask for small favors and then go away. I always feel guilty when I say, “I’m writing, I’ll help you when I am done.” It is only until after I am left to myself that I stop and look at them, thinking what an awful mother I am for not being there for them when they needed me. Mother first, Writer last, right? It can be so hard because I find writing so addicting. I can’t stand the consuming guilt I have for pushing my kids off for those few precious hours. I actually feel that I am stealing time away from them.

It is my calling to be their mother. To teach them right from wrong. To teach them the Gospel Principles. To teach them what a mother of Zion should be like. I take all those matters to heart. I have decided long ago to write at my own expense. Writing when they are in bed after I have tucked them in. They understand my passion for writing and how protective I am of that precious window of time. So I have talked with them about it and asked them to help me with my "me" time by allowing me to write after they are tucked away for the night.

Well, they still come up out of bed but I try to stick to my plan of bed-time writing. Now, I will not write during the day unless they are enjoying their quiet time. Quiet time is a wonderful opportunity for my kids to indulge in a book or two, art, quiet playing in their bedrooms . . . Anything, so long as they don’t burn their rooms to the ground. I thrive in my quiet times. It is hard, I must admit, to hold it everyday because our days are so filled with lots of things already.

I make it a point to seek spiritual edification first before I pamper my hobby. I will study a chapter of scriptures and pray before I crack open my laptop. I have found that my mind is clearer and I hear and see my characters so much better.

I know that I can’t do this alone, my writing. I need the Lord’s help. During the times when I feel that I have reached an impasse, I turn to my husband after much praying and reading of the scriptures. He willingly gives me a Priesthood blessing. In those special blessings, prayer is always mentioned. Then fasting. Wow. Will the Lord listen to me with such trivialities?

YES!

One day, while particularly troubled with a spot on my latest novel (mind you, it was already completed at the time, I was just revising certain parts to create more tension!), I got on my knees and prayed. Do you know what the answer was?

Take a bath.

What? Take a bath? I was frustrated as I gazed longingly at my sad laptop. I shrugged and thought that I should obey the Spirit. Well, in the middle of my bath as I was dozing off to Never Land, it hit me! In the haze of waking slumber, inspiration flooded me. I smiled and thanked Heavenly Father for the wonderful insight. Just as it is to shower after a routine of vigorous exercise, it is reading scriptures, praying and turning to the Lord for guidance before I write.

I am truly humbled that my Father in Heaven supports my love for writing. My talent. He knows just how important it is to me. It is my main source of sanity while in the midst of four screaming children, a husband whom I hardly see, several church callings and a very messy house!

I have no doubt that He will bless me for my spiritual efforts as it states in JST Matthew 6: 38:

“Seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

I know it isn't always easy to find time to find your window and I feel that whatever works for you is what you should do. I think it is wonderful for the kids to see Mom exercise her talents and interests other than with the kids! I am grateful to be a part of His gospel and all the blessings He has bestowed upon me and my family. I am especially grateful for His loving support with my love of writing and know that if you pray and read your scriptures and actively seek His counsel, He will do the same for you!