The Noble Roles of Women

This site will be taking a new direction. I feel to share things I've learned through study and ponder about the noble roles of women on this earth.

Mormon Mom Planners

Hello all!  Are you trying to get organized?  Are you wanting help in finding ways to best focus your time and energies so as to be most effective?

Here is one great (and very cute) way to get yourself in order.

We love the title of their planners "Mormon Mom Planners" as it goes right along with our mission here! We're happy to be connected with them and to offer you this special link where you can see all their new products and decide which one will work best for you.

We're big into 'simplification' and have found that truly 'less is more'.  As we write things down, and follow the Spirit, we'll be guided as to what to include on our lists of 'things to do' and what can be removed.  That's the beauty of having that special guidance; we realize we're not alone in this.  He is there to help us and to guide us into all paths of righteousness.

Best wishes to you as you plan, prepare and perform; that you may choose the most important experiences and ideals (remember Good, Better and Best) and leave the others alone.

For us, at the daily top of our page are three mandatory items; sincere prayer and meditation, personal scripture study, and daily 'walk w/God' (usually outside and around the park.)  We've found that these basics help everything else function and flow more smoothly as we're more in-tune with what matters most.

Blessings to you all!

Quotes for Mother's Day

Quotes for Mother's Day:

We know there is no greater calling than motherhood and womanhood.  We thank the Lord for allowing us the privilege and pray we may be equal to the tasks - as they are great.  But, in the strength of the Lord, we can do all things.  - Phillipians 4:13

Importance of Womanhood and Motherhood:
(These are the ideals to which we strive)

"Women who make a house a home make a far greater contribution to society than those who command large armies or stand at the head of impressive corporations.  Who can put a price tag on the influence a mother has on her children, a grandmother on her posterity, or aunts and sisters on their extended family."  - President Gordon B. Hinckley, 'Standing for Something'

"May I suggest that the mothers of today have no greater opportunity and no more serious challenge than to do all they can to strengthen the (home)." -President Gordon B. Hinckley, 'Standing for Something'

Motherhood “the highest, holiest service … assumed by mankind.” ¹

"You... (mothers) have been “called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of … exceeding faith and good works, … having chosen good.” Therefore you are “called with a holy calling.” (Alma 13:3.)   - Mary F. Foulger

"To mothers raising children alone, remember that you and the Lord constitute a majority. As your arms encircle your little ones, his arms are there, too. Feel secure, for his arms are lengthened out toward us all the day long."  - Mary F. Foulger

"For those who have not yet borne a child—exercise motherhood. Let your arms be an extension of the Savior’s in providing love and security for all his children."  - Mary F. Foulger

Motherhood “the highest, holiest service … assumed by mankind.” ¹

"...Satan has declared war on motherhood. He knows that those who rock the cradle can rock his earthly empire. And he knows that without righteous mothers loving and leading the next generation, the kingdom of God will fail."  - Sheri Dew 

"As daughters of our Heavenly Father, and as daughters of Eve, we are all mothers and we have always been mothers. And we each have the responsibility to love and help lead the rising generation. How will our young women learn to live as women of God unless they see what women of God look like, meaning what we wear, watch, and read; how we fill our time and our minds; how we face temptation and uncertainty; where we find true joy; and why modesty and femininity are hallmarks of righteous women? How will our young men learn to value women of God if we don’t show them the virtue of our virtues?"  - Sheri Dew

"...And if the day comes when we are the only women on earth who find nobility and divinity in motherhood, so be it. For mother is the word that will define a righteous woman made perfect in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, a woman who has qualified for eternal increase in posterity, wisdom, joy, and influence."  - Sheri Dew

"A woman with a mother heart has a testimony of the restored gospel, and she teaches the principles of the gospel without equivocation. She is keeping sacred covenants made in holy temples. Her talents and skills are shared unselfishly. She gains as much education as her circumstances will allow, improving her mind and spirit with the desire to teach what she learns to the generations who follow her."  - Julie B. Beck

"Female roles did not begin on earth, and they do not end here. A woman who treasures motherhood on earth will treasure motherhood in the world to come, and “where [her] treasure is, there will [her] heart be also” (Matt. 6:21)." - Julie B. Beck

The Lord has trusted women with the divine mission of motherhood.

"Mothers who know desire to bear children. ...in the culture of the gospel we still believe in having children. Prophets, seers, and revelators who were sustained at this conference have declared that “God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.  President Ezra Taft Benson taught that young couples should not postpone having children and that “in the eternal perspective, children—not possessions, not position, not prestige—are our greatest jewels.” - Mothers Who Know

Happy Mother's Day to 'Women Who Know'!

 

Children are NOT a Distraction.....

C.S. Lewis says it beautifully:

"Children are not a distraction from more important work.  They are the most important work."  - C.S. Lewis

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!

Mother's Influence

"It's a mother's influence during the crucial formative years that forms a child's basic character.  Home is the place where a child learns faith, feels love, and thereby learns from mother's loving example to choose righteousness."  - Benson

"...there is no greater good in all the world than motherhood. The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation." - James E. Faust

"When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children." - Julie B. Beck

No Greater Good in ALL THE WORLD.....

 

For Mothers Who Want to Be Home but Must Work

Most of us desire the ideal; a loving home with supportive husband.  We're instructed in such so that we may strive for it.  But sometimes, due to death or divorce or other circumstances, the mother is required to work outside of the home for a time.  This is the exception, not the rule, and the Lord has promised His added blessings for those who are in this situation. 

Here is comfort and instruction for those who must work outside the home.  Hopefully, it will bring peace to those who struggle and added strength to endure particular trials.  Yet, for those who are able, please continue to seek to be at home for your children, where you are needed MOST!

I am aware that many of you often find yourselves in circumstances that are not always ideal. I know this because I have talked with many of you who, because of necessity, must work and leave your children with others—even though your heart is in your home. To you go my love and sympathy for your present, and I hope temporary, situation and my prayers that you will be blessed by our Heavenly Father to compensate for a situation that is less than you may desire.

I recognize that some sisters are widowed or divorced. My heart is drawn to you who are in these circumstances. The Brethren pray for you, and we feel a great obligation to see that your needs are met. Trust in the Lord. Be assured He loves you and we love you. Resist bitterness and cynicism.

I also recognize that not all women in the Church will have an opportunity for marriage and motherhood in mortality. But if you in this situation are worthy and endure faithfully, you can be assured of all blessings from a kind and loving Heavenly Father—and I emphasize all blessings.

Solutions for you who are in a minority are not the same as for the majority of women in the Church who can and should be fulfilling their roles as wives and mothers.  - Benson

My precious son at age 3

"A child needs a mother more than all the things money can buy".  -Benson

Importance of Mothers in the Home

For a long time I've sought to share my firm and deep belief in the importance of heeding Prophetic counsel.  Many, even in the church, have perhaps not studied or understood the vital role of mothers in the home.

Mothers teach and nurture

In that regard that I post the following teachings.  For those who have perhaps sinned in ignorance - I invite you to study and heed.  And, for those who have known better but who have chosen other paths - may I invite you back with the reassurance of this:

"I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." 
 D&C 82:10

We all need the Lord's help in raising our children.  He has promised to give it if we obey His counsel.

President Spencer W. Kimball said:

“Relief Society leaders and teachers should ask, how can we help the wife and mother understand the dignity and worth of her role in the divine process of motherhood? How can we help her make her home a place of love and learning, a place of refuge and refinement?” 

And Pres. Benson taught:

We must ever keep in mind that it is the design of Satan to thwart the plan of our Eternal Father. The plan of the adversary is to destroy the youth of the Church—the “rising generation,” as the Book of Mormon calls them (see Alma 5:49)—and to destroy the family unit.

Adam and Eve....labored together; they had children together; they prayed together; and they taught their children the gospel together. This is the pattern God would have all righteous men and women imitate.

Since the beginning, a woman’s first and most important role has been ushering into mortality spirit sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven..... her role has been to teach her children eternal gospel principles. She is to provide for her children a haven of security and love—regardless of how modest her circumstances might be.

Mothers love and listen

In the beginning, Adam was instructed to earn the bread by the sweat of his brow—not Eve. Contrary to conventional wisdom, a mother’s place is in the home!

I recognize there are voices in our midst which would attempt to convince you that these truths are not applicable to our present-day conditions. If you listen and heed, you will be lured away from your principal obligations.

Mothers instruct and enjoy their children

Beguiling voices in the world cry out for “alternative life-styles” for women. They maintain that some women are better suited for careers than for marriage and motherhood.

These individuals spread their discontent by the propaganda that there are more exciting and self-fulfilling roles for women than homemaking. Some even have been bold to suggest that the Church move away from the “Mormon woman stereotype” of homemaking and rearing children. They also say it is wise to limit your family so you can have more time for personal goals and self-fulfillment.

For those who must work here's comfort:  Mothers Who Must Work

Motherhood is Near Divinity and Angels

This is one of the most beautiful messages of all time.  Blessings to all of you who take this sacred responsibility seriously.  We wish you the best in all your endeavors.  And, to those who are still learning about the importance of this holy calling and highest service - we pray you may be touched by the truth of this message and learn more about how you can better serve in this capacity.

"Motherhood is near to Divinity.  It is the HIGHEST and Holiest Service to be assumed by mankind.  It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the Angels. 

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.  

Solutions for Unforseen Circumstances

The Lord will help us if we seek Him in Prayer

Prophets of God have taught correct principles.  We would do well to heed their counsel.  Sometimes, through unforeseen circumstances, we need to adapt their counsel with the guidance of the Lord.  It is my witness that as we are humble and prayerful the Spirit will guide us to know what to do and how to do it.

"I am aware that many of you often find yourselves in circumstances that are not always ideal. I know this because I have talked with many of you who, because of necessity, must work and leave your children with others—even though your heart is in your home. To you go my love and sympathy for your present, and I hope temporary, situation and my prayers that you will be blessed by our Heavenly Father to compensate for a situation that is less than you may desire.

"I recognize that some sisters are widowed or divorced. My heart is drawn to you who are in these circumstances. The Brethren pray for you, and we feel a great obligation to see that your needs are met. Trust in the Lord. Be assured He loves you and we love you. Resist bitterness and cynicism.

"I also recognize that not all women in the Church will have an opportunity for marriage and motherhood in mortality. But if you in this situation are worthy and endure faithfully, you can be assured of all blessings from a kind and loving Heavenly Father—and I emphasize all blessings.

Solutions for you who are in a minority are not the same as for the majority of women in the Church who can and should be fulfilling their roles as wives and mothers."  President Ezra Taft Benson

Motherhood Cannot be Successfully Delegated....

President Ezra Taft Benson was a Prophet of God for our time.  His words certainly were Prophetic as we have seen that the lack of heeding on the part of some church members has contributed to the disintegration of their own families.  If any have done so - you can repent and change.  

Truly we are blessed with Prophets who lead and guide us to know the right way to go.  As we are obedient to their counsel we are blessed and, with that added reassurance from the Lord, we can then call upon the powers of Heaven for further guidance.  

If we don't heed and obey - we have no such promise.

"It is a fundamental truth that the responsibilities of motherhood cannot be successfully delegated. No, not to day-care centers, not to schools, not to nurseries, not to babysitters.

"We become enamored with men’s theories such as the idea of preschool training outside the home for young children. Not only does this put added pressure on the budget, but it places young children in an environment away from mother’s influence.

"Too often the pressure for popularity, on children and teens, places an economic burden on the income of the father, so mother feels she must go to work to satisfy her children’s needs. That decision can be most shortsighted."

The Family is Central to the Creator's Plan for the Eternal Destiny of His Children

Motherhood and Priesthood

Elder John A. Widtsoe said: “Motherhood may be exercised as universally and vicariously as Priesthood” (Priesthood and Church Government, rev. ed., Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1954, p. 85).

Light and Truth Into our Homes

Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home. - L. Tom Perry

The Blessed Role of 'Nurturer"

Mothers are nurturers

I take great delight in my role as a nurturer, which allows me to express my deepest identity as a woman. I never fail to be struck by the way that women, young women, and even little girls seem to have an instinctive interest and ability in nurturing. It is not only a mother’s primary responsibility but also part of our “individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose”. To nurture is to teach, to foster development, to promote growth, to feed, and to nourish. Who would not shout for joy at being given such a blessed role?   Susan W. Tanner

Women of God, Daughters of God

“No greater recognition can come to you in this world than to be known as a woman of God. No greater status can be conferred upon you than being a daughter of God who experiences true sisterhood, wifehood, and motherhood, or other tasks which influence lives for good” - Spencer W. Kimball, “The Role of Righteous Women” 

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.

The Power of a Faithful Mother

I found this deeply moving story in the Aaronic Priesthood Manual and felt to share it.  Any tender mother will understand why this is so powerful.  It brought me tears.  

Elder Frank Croft was a missionary in the state of Alabama. Because he persisted in his legal rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States in preaching righteousness unto the people, he was forcefully taken to a secluded spot of the backwoods for the purpose of receiving lashings across his bare back at the hands of armed and vicious men. Having arrived at the place where they had concluded to administer the torture, Elder Croft was commanded to remove his coat and shirt and bare his back. He was then tied to a tree to prevent his moving while he received his lashing until the blood would flow.

Rejoice and Fill the Earth with Kindness and Gentleness!

Each Mother is Special and Unique

Mary Ellen W. Smoot, former Relief Society general president taught: 

“Each of us has a vital role, even a sacred mission to perform as a daughter in Zion. … It is our destiny to rejoice as we fill the earth with greater kindness and gentleness, greater love and compassion, greater sympathy and empathy than have ever been known before. It is time to give ourselves to the Master and allow Him to lead us into fruitful fields where we can enrich a world filled with darkness and misery” - Rejoice, Daughters of Zion

Importance of Nurturing Children

Teach Children to Pray

What have prophets taught concerning nurturing children?

Deuteronomy 6:7 [Deut. 6:7]: “Thou shalt teach [the words of the Lord] diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Mosiah 4:15 : “Ye will teach [children] to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.”

3 Nephi 22:13 [3 Ne. 22:13]: “All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”

President David O. McKay (1873–1970): “[The] ability and willingness properly to rear children, the gift to love, and eagerness … to express it in soul development, make motherhood the noblest office or calling in the world. She who can paint a masterpiece or write a book that will influence millions deserves the admiration and the plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters, whose influence will be felt through generations to come, … deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God” (Gospel Ideals [1954], 453–54).