Happy Celebration of Womanhood Day!

On this special mother's day I would like to thank all of the wonderful women who have been a part of my life. You may not be my mother (and maybe you may), but each and every one of you regardless of how close we are have had some kind of influence on my life and I am thankful for all that I learn from EACH and EVERY one of you. I could go on and list all those things, but it would be too long and too wordy. Just know that I love you all and I appreciate you all for the qualities that you contribute to my life.

I would like, as my gift to you, to leave you with some of the words from Elder Ballard's talk from our most recent conference.
*"After observing and empathizing with three generations of mothers and thinking of my own dear mother, I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood."
*"As a Church, we have enormous respect and gratitude to you mothers of young children. We want you to be happy and successful in your families and to have the validation and support you need and deserve."


*"What can you do, as a young mother, to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?"
*"First, 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."
*"Second, don’t overschedule yourselves or your children. Families need unstructured time
when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh,
and to play together."
*"Third, even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself
to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do
that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well,
and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and
less to give to others, even to your children."
*"Fourth, pray, study, and teach the gospel. Pray deeply about your children and about your
role as a mother. Parents can offer a unique and wonderful kind of prayer because they are
praying to the Eternal Parent of us all. There is great power in a prayer that essentially says,
“We are steward-parents over Thy children, Father; please help us to raise them as Thou
wouldst want them raised.”
*"I hope all of you dear sisters, married or single, never wonder if you have worth in the sight of the Lord and to the leaders of the Church. We love you. We respect you and appreciate your influence in preserving the family and assisting with the growth and the spiritual vitality of the Church. I pray that God will continually bless the women of the Church to find joy and happiness in their sacred roles as daughters of God."