Young Mothers - Challenges and Blessings

My 21 year-old recently returned missionary daughter, Ashley, was asked to watch three young neighbor children today for a few hours today. Their mother has been very ill and in need of some rest and healing. Ashley was going to take them to feed the ducks at the BYU-'duck' Pond, do some finger-painting, and take them to play in the park.

'Unschooling' and Why I Love and Recommend Homeschooling for LDS Families

These are my beliefs on the vital roles of mothers in the upbringing of their precious children. I spoke last year at the Agency-Based Education Conference in Provo, Utah on my assigned topic of 'unschooling' - which was sort of what we did over the past twenty years.

I have strong feelings/beliefs about the sanctity of the family, the importance of education, the vital need we have to heed prophetic counsel as we strive to bring up our children in light and truth.

This video is a compilation of my many years of research and study, prayer and pondering and how the Lord blessed our family as we sought His guidance each year of their 'education'.

They are all now grown (ages 22, 20, 19) and I feel even more strongly now that as we truly seek for the best learning environments for our families, homeschooling is a good option for many. I know that all can't, but, many can, and I hope and pray that this presentation may be of some benefit to you.

-Heidi Hendricks
(see also Mike-and-Heidi for our new daily adventures)  :)




Also, here's a local homeschooling site that I made a few years ago (but haven't been able to keep-up); it's accompanying Facebook group has over 1,200 local families who share ideas and cooperate in sharing curriculum and other ideas. There are many excellent resources available for families wanting an option to meet needs of their children. I truly do recommend homeschooling for LDS families as a beautiful option in the rearing of God-fearing, liberty-loving, youth of a noble birthright, to prepare them for the days ahead.

Strong in Broken Places

Just a thought to ponder today......

"The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places." 

 -Ernest Hemingway

We Are Daughter's of our Heavenly Father - Book Tour

I haven't read this book but am so happy to share it with you all.  Jen Brewer has taken each section of the Young Women Values and shared added insights and material to help all better understand the meanings.

In our world today these timeless truths are more precious than ever before.  As we seek to teach our children and youth about the importance of staying close to the Lord and heeding all of His commandments - we are blessed with added materials and experiences from others' - to help us in this most important of all quests.

We invite all to ponder these truths and purchase the book if they feel to do so.   Purchase Here.

Learn the importance of the words you repeat each week. 

This inspirational book helps you better understand the Young Women theme 

by breaking down each section and sharing the story of how and why the theme was created. 

Discover your divine potential and how important you are in God’s plan! 

Thought-provoking and uplifting, this book offers new insights for parents, leaders, 

and all young women.

About the author:

Jen Brewer received her degree in dietetics from BYU, married her husband, and spent the next 10 years traipsing around the country with him as he pursued a medical degree, while adding children to their ever-growing family.  They have now settled in Minnesota, where she works full time as a mother of 7, as well as pursues her passions of nutrition education, speaking to the youth, and writing.   She speaks often to various groups of all ages.  Her passion is reaching out to the youth and helping them see their true potential in the kingdom of God.  She is a popular speaker at education week youth track, as well as at stakes and wards all over the country.

Women and the Priesthood

Today we feature a guest blogger, Kaitlyn of "Plain and Simple Joy". You'll love her.  She's very sweet as well as grounded, positive, hard-working, hopeful and...focused on the good in the world.

A few weeks ago she wrote a beautiful piece about her coming to an understanding of the differing roles of men and women; and the gifts we each have as part of our mortal responsibility, work, and learning.  She entitled it "Thoughts on LDS Women and the Priesthood" and we link to it today in hopes that you'll read it and ponder on it's significance.

I'm sorry to say that it's taken me so long to get this posted but...I know that all things happen for a reason and...that timing makes a difference.  I've spent the past two weeks caring for my elderly mother in the hospital and now in a rehab center and...I just haven't been able to get online to post this before now.

I hope you'll all find it as 'food for thought'.  I am grateful that Katelyn was so prayerful in her journey to understanding.  That idea; of being thoughtful and prayerful as we all seek to learn truth, is a concept and blessing applicable to us all.


In her own words about her blog she writes:
I'm Kaitlyn. In a world so focused on the bad, there is so much good to be found. This blog documents my quest to find the joy in the plain and simple things that surround me. I recognize that all of my joy is a result of my faith in Jesus Christ.

You may also enjoy this powerful article she wrote about true beauty and some hard lessons she learned during her own search for understanding as a teenager.  It's worth the read and...the share!!! 
From Loathing to Loving

Thanks, Kaitlyn, for bringing a bit of that joy and your quest for it - to the rest of us!

Perfect Peace

I love my journal because at the bottom of each page is a scripture - which is often a timely message for me.  Today's was so powerful that I had to share.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: 
because he trusteth in thee."  Isaiah 26:3

These aren't just beautiful words; they are a promise that we can and must heed if we are to find that 'perfect peace' we seek.  Let us put our full trust in Him in all things; do what He'd have us do, and become what He knows we can become.  

Why I LOVE Southern People

My daughter, Amber, was interviewed last month by Alex of Prepare To Serve (he is doing SO much good in the world) about her mission to Virginia and North Carolina. 

This evening I've been watching the newly posted You Tube videos in gratitude of how the Lord makes of us something much more than we could ever make of ourselves.  All of us need that; to grow, progress, learn and overcome.

I share this by way of love for the goodness of the Southern People and my gratitude that the Lord allowed my daughter the opportunity to serve (miracles with that) and...that she came home better, stronger, more refined and the young woman whom she was meant to become.

Where ever our missionaries serve they grow to LOVE the people.  What a gift that is.

Here's a short clip that I hope will bless someone's life.  I share it by way of gratitude and...with an invitation for all who have missionaries preparing to view Prepare To Serve.  Alex has been inspired to do what's he's doing and...our support of him is also our support of his desire to help share these things with others.

Wisdom of a Missionary Son

Today we're heading out the door, into the snowy (beautiful) weather (I don't mind driving in the snow at all)...to do a little thrift-store shopping (we're good at that) for my girls.  My oldest, Amber, heads off to BYU-Idaho this week - where it's often much colder than here - and...she's needing some warm sweaters and pants.

From Grandma's Front Porch this Morning....  LOVE it!!!

My son, Andrew, will be writing home today from his mission in Idaho (a bit cold up that way, too).  He is able to email home each Monday - which is something I look forward to all week.

He's only been out for a month and spent his first Christmas in an unfamiliar area and yet with loving and kind people.  I couldn't feel more grateful for the kindnesses that have been shown him.

But, today, before we leave, I wanted to share a bit of Wisdom from a Missionary Son.  Truly, the Spirit of the Lord guides and directs these missionaries.  They are in His service and He blesses them.

So...enjoy!

First day in 'Mission"

From Elder Garvin:

"I hope that as you are celebrating (Christmas); you can remember the true, first and real gift of Christmas!  Jesus Christ and His Atonement are the only reasons we have a reason to Celebrate."

"Without those two things, we would not be able to be truly happy because this world would be all there is."

"It would be so scary and lonely to not have the comfort and peace that comes from God's love and plan for us."

"In the Bible Dictionary it says 'Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith.'  As we all make the effort to share our beliefs and testimony with others...we are blessed for being obedient for doing God's will of sharing the gospel with 'all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people".

"If you say what the Spirit tells you to, they (others') won't have any thoughts or feelings but those of peace, learning, and most importantly, the Spirit!"

"Write down the inspiration you receive."

 Well, gotta run now.  My daughter has an appointment in 35 minutes and we need to get out the door.

But, my wish for you all - is for a glorious and grand new year; filled with the Love of God and of all mankind!  It's a quest we all have and desire - since it's the one that will bring us the greatest peace.

Much love to you all,
Heidi
Mormon Moms

And the Contest WINNER is....

Congratulations to:
Jennifer Thomas of Rockmart, Georgia

WINNER of a 1-yr FREE Subscription to LDS Living Magazine

 

Congratulations, Jennifer, mother of three little ones and husband in nursing school.  We felt that you were the 'right' one to win this time and...hope that you enjoy the magazine as you raise your precious little ones.

We offer our support to all you hard-working mothers.  We know it's not easy and you're often tired and sometimes overwhelmed but that it's mixed with sweet joys, personal rewards and little arms hugging you around the neck.

There's nothing else you could be doing that matters more; to raise these children up in the 'admonition of the Lord' as you teach, nurture, and love.

Blessings to you all for the good that you are doing - even when it's thankless or you don't see the fruits of your labors.  They will come someday!

And....Thanks for ALL who entered our contest.  We LOVED reading through your wonderful and sincere messages and it was hard for us to only select one winner as all were worthy entries. It's not too late to get a discounted subscription for 2015 - ONLY $12.00 until the end of the year.  So, hurry and sign-up HERE now.  

Enter to WIN - FREE Subscription to LDS Living Magazine

We're hosting a contest this week to

 WIN a FREE year subscription to LDS Living Magazine.  

 ENTER NOW!  (see rules below)

Contest ends Dec. 2nd at Midnight  (MST)

Each publication is filled with stories about "Mormons" who are doing much good in the world.  They are people from all walks of life, all backgrounds, men and women of God who are seeking to fulfill their God-given responsibilities by using their gifts and talents to help make the world a better place. 

We invite you to enter the contest by telling us why you'd like to WIN a free subscription.  We'll select our favorite entry and post the Winner on December 2nd.  Send your entries to MormonMomsBlog@gmail.com.  Include your full name and full mailing address (in case you win.)  We'll keep your information private and not share with any outside sources.

Also, included right now is a promotion for everyone.  For only $12.00 you can get a whole year's subscription for 2015.  Go to this subscription page for more details.  You must sign-up for that by the end of this year.

The LDS Living website is also filled with wonderful information and articles about strengthening home and family, building a better marriage, fun crafts, delicious recipes, holiday ideas, home decor, LDS businesses etc.  You'll want to check them out if you haven't already.  

Enter to WIN a FREE year subscription!

CONTEST RULES:
Email us with your full name and full address to: mormonmomsblog@gmail.com
Tell us why you'd like to win a free subscription.  We'll select our favorite entry. 

Contest ends Dec. 2nd at midnight.  We'll select a winner and announce it on December 3rd.

Then, LDS Living Magazine will get you all set-up to receive your new magazine for all of 2015.

Good luck to all!   Free free to share this with your friends and family!

Missionary Son - Sacrifice - Our Family Photo

My only son, Andrew, entered the Provo Missionary Training Center this past week.  I'm still eagerly awaiting his first letter home.  I'm SO happy for him to be able to serve.  The blessings for us all are great.  Service to the Lord always brings greater blessings than the sacrifice required but, yes, the sacrifice is real and it is great.

Until I had a missionary of my own (Amber served two years ago and recently returned home) I didn't know, for myself, the tears that would be shed in departure.  It was much harder on me than I thought it was going to be.

And, it was hard again with Andrew.  He's my beloved and only son.  His tender heart, joy, hard work, example, personality and amazing computer skills will be greatly missed.  In short, it's a big sacrifice to send him out but...I wouldn't want it any other way.  I know he will grow, serve, love, learn, develop and come back a better man.  I am happy for him in a way that only other missionary moms know.  But, I'm still 'processing' through the emotions that are part of letting-go and giving a child to the service of the Lord.

I posted about him on our family blog if you want to read more.

On this site I just wanted to thank my sister for taking our family photo on a very cold and windy day last week - before Andrew left.  She was kind to do so and...it was very appreciated.

Much love to you all,
Heidi

From our home to yours:  Me (Heidi), Amber, Andrew, Ashley

I Don't Post Everyday:

I don't post everyday.  In the beginning, years ago, I did post a bit more often.  But, this particular site was started as a place where Mormon Moms could intermingle, share with one another, and read each others' blog posts (see right hand side of site - part way down.)  We have over 600 bloggers on here - and each time they post they are automatically updated to the top of the list.  This provides a way for all to be seen and for things they share to be read by others. 

I hope that this site has served that purpose; to help regular bloggers be read more often.  Sometimes bloggers wonder if anyone reads or even sees their posts.  Often, they don't as there are over 40 million blogs in cyberspace.  Well, this list provides that opportunity since we are a 'hub' site and have more activity than most 'single' sites.

That being said - I also know that I am not a writer.  Well, I'm not a writer in the sense of incredible writing abilities - but...all of us have something to say and...all of us have stories to share; things we've learned in life that have helped us and may boost someone else.  That's my desire and I hope I've done that in some way - through my several blogs and as a 'connector' as I think that's been my role on here. 

Thanks for all who read and have read and...for all who come to just drop by and see what we're doing.  Many don't leave comments but...they ARE looking as we have quite a large viewership and it continues to grow.

Heidi

No Greater Joy than to Hear that My Children Walk in Truth

In 3 John 1:4 we read:  "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

Any righteous parent could testify of the truth of this statement.  They could also tell you of the pain and sorrow and suffering when their children stray from the path.

But, today, mine is a message of gratitude and joy for the times when our children do choose right.  We are to feel and express our deepest thanks to the Lord when this is the case.

This morning I received a personal email from my daughter who is serving a mission in the Virginia, Chesapeake mission and currently in North Carolina.  I won't share that personal message but it was one of gratitude for home and family and for the sanctuary that mothers in the home can provide for their children.  We sacrificed MUCH for me to be able to be home with my children.  As a student and follower of Prophetic counsel I felt strongly that that was what I was to do and…I did so in faith.

It wasn't easy to do so as a single-parent, and we had to live without many of the basic things that most around us had.  There were plenty of tears and heartache for us all - and….maybe mostly for me as their mother who wasn't able to 'provide' all the things, opportunities, experiences, and even basics that I wished to.  But, our choice was to put God first, no matter what,  and then trust in Him to help us along the way. And, He did.

Now, as a beloved missionary daughter, and after many miracles that helped her to be able to serve, I can see that all the sacrifices were worth it and all that we had to do without - will or is being made up to us.

My testimony is that if we will always put the Lord first, He will provide the way.  He will give us guidance as to what we are to do personally and specifically in our unique situations.  If that requires sacrifices on our part to do so - we will be blessed.  After all, haven't we been told 'sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven."

What we may see as a sacrifice could indeed be our greatest blessing; to strengthen us and to help us to trust in Him and not in anything or anyone else.

Anyway, I'll share my daughter's sweet blog post of today for any who may want to read.  We can all do so much online to help one another.  These inspired technologies can be used for great good and….I encourage all to do so.  --  Sister Amber in Virginia

Heidi
Our little family blog

New Year's Resolutions and Goals

Here are a few of my thoughts about New Year Resolutions, Goals etc.  The main question to ask is:  Am I putting the Lord first in all that I do?  Then, if we can answer in the affirmative, we're on the right track back.  Best wishes to you all for a new year of Fresh Starts, New Beginnings, and Hopeful things in life.

Fresh Starts and Resolutions:  Lessons from Enos

Goals for 2014:  Will We Put the Lord First?

Goals of Light:  Sharing the Gospel Online

"...men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life." - Pres. Benson

How to Cut a Pomegranate

Yesterday we found these Fresh Pomegranate's at Macey's grocery store and....they looked just like what we needed to eat today.  Here's the best way to cut them. 

(Pomegranates stain easily so do this in a bowl in the sink.)

1.  Select nice pomegranate, wash.
2.  Cut in half, then into quarters.
3.  Soak in bowl of water for a few minutes - then....seeds will be loosened.
4.  Separate seeds from the off-white 'membranes'. Seeds will drop to the bottom of water bowl.
5.  Strain water out.
5.  Eat and Enjoy.

Pomegranates are delicious added to salads or just eaten plain with a spoon.  Yummm!

You're a 'Stay at Home Mom'? What do you Do All Day?

Have you ever been asked 'What do you do all day?"

Wow, what do people think?  Do they think we just sit on the couch - doing nothing?  What about laundry, dishes, meals, homework, friends, church callings, sports, lessons, helping children developing gifts and talents, teaching correct principles, family prayer and scripture study, family home evening, house-cleaning, chores, shopping, sewing, mending, broken hearts and 'owies', car maintenance and repairs, gardening, yard work, organizing, paying bills, doctor and dental visits, holidays, birthdays, parties, activities, vacations, reading, learning, progressing, growing, serving friends and neighbors, helping those in need, writing to missionaries, doing family history etc.

In my experienced opinion - stay-at-home Mom's often work longer and harder than most others'.  We really don't get time off or 'vacation days' per se.  There are always things to do and things needing to be done with few monetary rewards, kudos for a job well-done, raises, or 'advancements'.  Yet, most of us wouldn't trade it for anything else.  We do it because we love it, we love the Lord, we love the children He's entrusted to our care and...we KNOW - that 'no other success can compensate...".  We do it because it's needful and....part of our holy calling as women on earth.

It was gratifying for me to read an article my 80 yr. old mother sent to me recently.  It was nice to hear this from a young father who ....seems to know and appreciate what his wife does.  He's not LDS but...you'll probably love his article.  I did.   Matt Walsh - You're a Stay-at-home-Mom?

Yay for him!  (She's a lucky wife.)  And...yay for all those who are either stay-at-home moms or who support moms who want and feel to be home raising the next generation.  It's the most important job in the world - not just from my opinion but....from the Lord's teachings as well as the teachings of countless church leaders and Prophets.

There is Always Hope!!!

Best Books for Youth - Mom Recommended

Best Books for Youth:

For Younger Youth:
Little Britches - series by Ralph Moody
The Prince and the Pauper - Mark Twain
The Oz Books - L. Frank Baum
Anne of Green Gables series - L.M. Montgomery
Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis
The Princess and the Goblin (and Curdie Books)- George MacDonald
The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
Oh, the Places You'll Go! - Dr. Seuss





For Older Youth:
A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
The Screwtape Letters - C.S. Lewis
The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis
Till We Have Faces - C.S. Lewis  (Anything by C.S. Lewis)
The Pyrdain Chronicles - Lloyd Alexander
The Westmark Trilogy - Lloyd Alexander (Anything by Lloyd Alexander)
Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkein
Les Miserables - Victor Hugo
The Hiding Place - Corrie Ten Boom
Ivanhoe - Sir Walter Scott
Jane Austen Books - Pride and Prejudice etc.


-------------------------------------------------
*See Also "Mom Recommended":
Best Books for Children
Best Books for Parents

Best Classics for Children
Best Classics for Youth

Mormon 'Mommy' Blogs...

Larry Richman of LDSMediaTalk shared an insight today about blogging in the church and he tossed out the question as to whether 'Mommy' blogs are part of fulfillment of prophecy.

I would suggest that, yes, they very well might can be.  We have been blessed with technologies that allow all of us to share the things we've learned with people of all walks of life across the globe. And, we have been instructed to 'join the conversation' as well as to 'strengthen our own homes and families.'

Though some of us have passed the 'mommy' stage and don't really consider ourselves to be numbered amongst that group - we do know that the noble role of womanhood is an honorable and important one and we seek to continue to bless and strengthen our families as we also serve in the church and community, teach, lead, work, raise children and grandchildren, or strive for those blessings of home and family life.

Thanks to all of you for the good that you do.  You may be touching more lives than you know!

Heidi G.
Founder, MormonMoms

Mormon Moms Who Blog - Preparedness Blogs

All About Preparedness
A Matter of Preparedness
All About Food Storage
Everyday Food Storage
Everything Under the Sun
Food Storage Made Easy
Pantry Panel
Peace of Preparedness
Prepared LDS Family
Preparedness Geek
Preparedness Matters
Preparedness Mom
Preparedness Pro
Ready, Set, Plan
Running a Small Farm
Safely Gathered In
Self-Reliance Adventures
The Provident Woman
The Survival Mom
Totally Ready
Utah Preppers
You can "CAN"