Happy Mother's Day to mothers everywhere; you are loved

I was asked by Bishop to talk today. You’ll have to bear with me as this is my first time speaking in Sacrament meeting. When I was first asked, Bishop calmly exclaimed I was to talk for 20 minutes… I wasn’t so calm about it. Lucky for me, I have friends filling in for me today.

Many different people affect our lives. There’s a song sung by Lonestar that has a lyric that says “Everyone is somebody’s someone”. What a simple yet powerful statement. As we look around, every single person is a friend, a cousin, a co-worker, a neighbor, a daughter, a grandfather, to someone else. Every single one of us is important. In our hearts and our minds we know how important these people are to us. Now today is a very special day. While this day really should be recognized every day, we pay special attention to one family member to give gratitude and praise to those incredible women that affect our lives in almost every way possible. Make sure you tell that special mom in your life Happy Mother’s Day. So you guessed it, I’m talking on mothers.

A little over a week ago, my own mother was baptized into our ward and our church. What joy it brought me as I have prayed for that day for months, nearly every day and definitely praying and hoping in my heart for the spirit to witness unto her the truth and joy that is here.  So fortunately for me, she’s finally here in this congregation to hear what I have to say about her.

Ever since I could remember, my mom has been my influence and example. Everything she did I analyzed and mimicked for my own life. Little habits here and there, and advice and actions she did day to day. I never had to question if mom would be there for me. I never had to question if there was going to be dinner that night or the security of her spirit before bed; she was always there. Looking back, I now know I didn’t always treat her the way mothers are supposed to be treated. I had no idea I was supposed to honor her and actually respect her when she tells me to do something. So, believe it or not, I was quite the little brat when I was younger. Despite my ignorance, she was constant through the last 20 years, never leaving me guessing at who she truly is.

I’m going to turn to myself for a moment now. Before I was baptized into this church, I met a friend that really started to get me thinking. I’m sure most of you can guess who I’m about to describe. He brought me home a couple summers ago to introduce me to his family, and for some reason or another they haven’t kicked me out of their house yet. As I spent days and days within those walls, I learned of a spirit and joy that I was missing in my own life. Through this friend’s example and the influence of the Holy Ghost, I could feel this was right. I remember very distinctly sitting on their sofa one day as DJ walked over to his mother after saying some snarky remark to her. Instead of walking away in anger and pride, he leaned in, kissed her cheek, and said, “I love you”. I can’t lie, I couldn’t really digest what had just happened. A teenager respecting his parents’ wishes? That was just unheard of. As that summer continued I learned of the commandment to honor thy mother and thy father. It finally started to make sense. We have been commanded to do so. It’s the right thing to do. Along with discovering his parents were his best friends, I then knew I had a lot of work to do to make things right.

As I joined the church and continued my journey into becoming an adult, I saw time and time again the respect my new friends would give their mothers, and how highly they spoke of them. Out at school, I had one friend that would call her mom everyday and would become very tense if she didn’t get a chance to talk to her on a single day. I had another friend whose mom called him every day and would worry that something was wrong if he didn’t hear from her. I think it goes without saying that my testimony grew from the experiences and feelings I saw.

Attending BYU-Idaho gives me a lot of chances and choices in boys. Boys lead to dating, dating leads to marriage, and marriage leads to families which entails becoming a mother. I, personally, am very excited for this blessing when it comes into my own life. Younger children playing on tricycles or holding the finger of their beloved parent as I walk to another college class always warms my heart, because in my mind I will have that one day, and I can receive the responsibility to care and nurture one of Heavenly Father’s children myself, just the way my mother did for me. In a way, I sort of psyche myself out when I see babies crying in the baking aisle or a little girl yelling “I hate you” in that same store. I just keep telling myself those events don’t matter. And I know that to be true, because the blessings and joy of motherhood is the greatest calling in the world.

In a conference talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard titled “Daughters of God”, he shares advice concerning the importance of mothers. He also addresses the emotional needs of mothers. As I’m sure a majority of the women in this room can relate to, emotional stress is one of those most difficult things to overcome, and it doesn’t just come from motherhood. Elder Ballard gives us simple advice for us to use, exercise, and discover for ourselves in order to make our families the most enjoyable in that time in our lives. First, what can we do as mothers and future mothers do to reduce pressure and enjoy family more? Live in the moment, not what must be done in the future. Don’t over schedule yourselves or your families. Find time for one or two things you love to do. And teach the gospel to your children as you pray and search for answers from the scriptures. Second, what can a husband do to support his wife? This is important fathers; you’re worth more than just that fabulous priesthood you hold. Show appreciation, like saying thank you often.  Have regular time to talk to your wife about your children and their needs. Give your wife a “day away” every so often where you take over the responsibilities of the household. You’ll learn to appreciate her more. When coming home from work, don’t put friends, work, or sports above your wife and children. Third, what can children do for their mothers, even young children? They can pick up toys when they are done playing, or say thank you after finishing a meal or being read a book. Mom always appreciates the recognition and gratitude. Fourth, what can the church do for mothers in need? Quoting Elder Ballard here, take this to heart mothers: “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. Let us remember that “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”). The scriptures and the teachings of the prophets and apostles help all family members to prepare together now to be together through all eternity. 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.”

As stated in a Relief Society lesson, “The love of a true mother comes near to being like the love of God. No love in all the world can equal the love of a true mother.”

Because of this and the teachings of the prophets, I need to prepare myself now to become the best mother and wife I can be. For a while now, I’ve had a mindset that everything I want to do will be for my future family: my educational major, my friends, my choices in finances. It’s no secret, we are all living in perilous times where good things are called bad and bad things are called good. I’m amazed at how I turned out because I can’t lie, three years ago I did not see myself here now. If I view my environment challenging my morals on a daily basis, what is it going to be like for the next generation? We have been told to get an education. We can’t teach if we don’t know. We as mothers are the protection between our children and the rest of the world. They look up to us and depend on us. What are we going to do for them?

So for now, I learn from my surroundings. I learn from the role models that I see every day. I learn from the scriptures and our living prophets. I learn from Christ. I have a great example available to me and I know she’s successful. Use it or lose it. And what I now realize is that I can prepare myself as best I can through the gospel and my peers. The thing is I have no idea what it’ll truly be like until I’m there. The phrase “Come what may and love it” from President Monson comes to mind. I think back to so many different examples within my life where I thought I had everything figured out until I actually got there; I was humbled that day. So there’s a life lesson for you; be open minded and open hearted to everything that comes your way because if I’ve learned anything in my short life, things are easier if you are understanding.

I want to bear you my testimony that I know this church is real and true. It has filled a hole within me I never knew I even had and has brought me more joy than I ever saw possible. Friends and family continue to amaze me and I am eternally grateful for them all. I love you all. I know Jesus Christ lives and that he died so that we can live now. I witness to you that prayer does work. You are always heard and you are never alone. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.