W. L. M. S.: I'm a Mom. :)

Carpet install is happening today. Woo HOO! They called this morning and just happened to have a slot for today. I am now awaiting their arrival. Bentley is sleeping, he is such a good boy. I have a greater appreciation for everyone in my life that has had children. It makes going somewhere longer, going to bed harder, eating more difficult and deprives you of needed beauty sleep. How did my mother ever do it?

Today's topic is a more personal matter. I have been studying the Eternal Marriage Student Manual for the past few days about marriage and motherhood and children. I feel as though I understand motherhood a little better now. I used to think that I wasn't doing everything in my power to help my husband take care of our family. I am watching Bentley, sure, but the position of the world is that women have to have an occupation and are better suited to work outside the home; I guess I had been a little swayed. I always thought that if I could just get a job and clean the house and take care of Bent, then I would be doing all I could and it would be enough.

"It is well-nigh impossible to be a full-time homemaker and a full-time employee" -President Gordon B Hinckley

I took comfort in this quote and I realized that being a mother IS a full time job. The Eternal Marriage manual is really an amazing manual if anyone is looking for uplifting thoughts or talks to strengthen their testimony or just some good reading that will inspire you to be so in love with your role as a woman (or man, i suppose) read the Eternal Marriage Manual! It will work wonders for you.

"No career approaches in importance that of a wife, homemaker, mother--cooking meals, washing dishes, making beds for one's precious husband and children"- President Spencer W. Kimball

I love knowing that just being a mom which is so natural and so beautiful is my God-given calling. Just being home and being there for my family I can be a strength and a blessing to them. I also realize that being a 'homemaker' is a lot more than just creating bodies for the spirits who are coming to our family. It requires prayer and study, pondering, temple attendance and self motivation. It requires patience and love as you teach your children to do things. It means doing everything the hard way so your child can understand how to clean. It means helping your children think and grow and learn. It means teaching them the gospel of Jesus Christ and how to gain a testimony. What more beautiful role could a woman have? Truly?

"Sisters, guard your children. They live in a world of evil. The forces are all about them. I am proud of so many of your sons and daughters who are living good lives. But I am deeply concerned about many others who are gradually taking on the ways of the world. Nothing is more precious to you as mothers, Absolutely nothing. Your children are the most valuable thing you will have in time or all eternity. You will be fortunate indeed if, as you grow old and look at those you brought into the world, you find in them uprightness of life, virtue in living and integrity in their behavior." President Howard W. Hunter

Of course there are some mothers who must work outside the home but the position of the Lord is clear that if at all possible we need to be home. It is a full time job! I want to be a mother who knows! I want to be a mother like that of the Stripling Warriors! I want my children to KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that Heavenly Father is their Father, Jesus is their brother and their Lord and Redeemer and that the gospel has been restored upon the earth. I have a testimony of Motherhood and I will strive with all my might to raise Bentley and his future siblings to the best of my ability and then some
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