{motherhood}

Yesterday I was asked to speak in church about Motherhood. It was good for me because it was a reminder of how nurturing and taking care of our children takes priority over all other things. I just wanted to share a few things that I learned...

But first of all, I just have to say how thankful I am for my mom. As a mother of a sweet 2 year old daughter, I’m learning a glimpse at a time how much MY mother truly loves me, and WHY she is always concerned about me. Why she sacrifices so much for me, she is willing to do anything for not only me for ALL of her children and grandchildren. I know why Mother’s are willing to give up everything for the happiness of their children. And I’ve always known that through my mom. She is amazing. I can never, ever thank her enough for all she does for me. She is the best example to me of unselfishness and love. I don’t know if any of you know a country song entitled “Mama Knows”. But it’s just a cute little song and I just love the lyrics cause it’s about how his Mom always seemed to know when something was wrong or how he was feeling. Mom’s just seem to have a window to our souls. My mom is just like that. She just always seems to know, and is always there when I need her. So, thank you mom.

I’ve loved being a young women’s leader, and I’m so thankful to be there with them because even though I may try to teach them, they are the one’s that truly teach me, they don’t even know how much of a great example they are to me and those around them.

As a mother of a daughter, I look at her and I see hope. And when I look at her and then see and observe the young women and they’re shining example’s, how pure they are, how much they love the gospel and serving others, it just gives me even more hope and faith in knowing that even in this increasingly dark world they can and will stand as a light to those around them. You can do amazing things. And they are learning who they are and who they can become. There truly is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood. And the Lord is preparing those young women for Motherhood, even though they might not see it right now. I love watching them learn and grow and ask questions. I just get a small sense of how much they’re Mother’s must truly love them and want the best for them.

This last General Conference I loved how the topic of Motherhood was brought out a lot. And I just want to share with you some of the things that really stuck out to me.

Elder M. Russell Ballard stated: “Young women, your mothers adore you. They see in you the promise of future generations. Everything you accomplish, every challenge you overcome brings them pure joy. And likewise your worries and heartaches are their worries and heartaches.” He goes on to say…

“With all my heart I urge you not to look to contemporary culture for your role models and mentors. Please look to your faithful mothers for a pattern to follow. Model yourselves after them, not after celebrities whose standards are not the Lord’s standards and whose values may not reflect an eternal perspective. Look to your mother. Learn from her strengths, her courage, and her faithfulness. Listen to her. She may not be a whiz at texting; she may not even have a Facebook page. But when it comes to matters of the heart and the things of the Lord, she has a wealth of knowledge. As you approach the time for marriage and young motherhood, she will be your greatest source of wisdom. No other person on earth loves you in the same way or is willing to sacrifice as much to encourage you and help you find happiness—in this life and forever.”

“Love your mother, my young sisters. Respect her. Listen to her. Trust her. She has your best interests at heart. She cares about your eternal safety and happiness. So be kind to her. Be patient with her imperfections, for she has them. We all do.”

I know without a doubt that there is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman or mother.

I can’t remember where I found this quote but it said: “Let me assure you that even when you think your daughter is not listening to a thing you say, she is still learning from you as she watches you to see if your actions match your words.” And another one said this…
“What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say” I just think that is so true! That our actions speak louder than words.

L. Tom Perry said: “Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family.”
-And of course we know that “the most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes.”

I just know that if we do the best we can, everything will work out, Heavenly Father will take care of the rest. I like to think that the vision of my family and my future family, is the vision of my purpose in life and in the life to come.

I know through my own experience in life and the things I have gone through, that I have the power to know God’s will for me and my family. To me the power to receive revelation is the greatest gift I have.
Through the spirit and inspiration I’ve learned that Motherhood is the greatest role that Heavenly Father has given me to be. I have a strong testimony that he direct’s and guide’s me in my given role as a mother.

“There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.

“I know something of a mother’s emotions that accompany her commitment to be at home with young children. There are moments of great joy and incredible fulfillment, but there are also moments of a sense of inadequacy, and frustration. Mothers may feel they receive little or no appreciation for the choice they have made.”
--- This makes me realize how important it is to take time to thank our mother’s for all that the do and sacrifice for us.

I know we all need to prioritize so that we’re focusing on what’s most important. But keep in mind that we don’t always see the outcome of our efforts, and that’s okay, because we know we are doing our best (not someone else’s best) and that’s what matters.

I think that this is also important that we: “Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.”
I know this to be true! I love that it comes in moments, because sometimes we have to live moment by moment.

Elder Bradley D. Foster said: “Perhaps the reason we respond so universally to our mothers’ love is because it typifies the love of our Savior. As President Joseph F. Smith said, “The love of a true mother comes nearer [to] being like the love of God than any other kind of love”
"My mother assured me that if I stayed on the road of truth, even when it seemed hot and dusty, even when there were distractions, the end would be better than the beginning. I will be eternally grateful that Mother told me."

I hope and pray that we can all remember our Mother’s and all they have done for us and taught us. And I know that Mother’s Day is a time to honor our Mother’s, but I feel that this should be done daily, not just on Mother’s Day. Mother’s love to hear I love you along with an unexpected hug, and I think they need to get a thank you every once and a while along with it.