Mothers in the scriptures

Through reading and studying the lives of various mothers in the scriptures, I find strength to face the daily challenges of rearing a family in the gospel. I find much happiness in being a mother when I maintain an eternal perspective, realizing my responsibility is to teach my children the values necessary to make right choices so they will be able to inherit the celestial kingdom. — Tammy Stout, Las Vegas, Nev.

Strengthened her devotion

During my 35 years as a mother of four, I have "suffered much grief" because of my children. (1 Ne. 18:17-20.) During my years as a young mother, I experienced much joy with my infants, toddlers and pre-teens. When they became teens, however, a couple of them struggled so painfully with life's challenges that they did not produce joy for themselves or their mother.

Surprisingly, the many years of suffering with only limited periods of joy have actually strengthened my devotion to my born-in-the-covenant children. And, they are gradually progressing and producing more joy. Gradually, my joy in motherhood is becoming more full! — Fran Cearley, Slidell, La.

Organize, simplify

• Organize your home and simply your life. Eliminate those things that don't contribute to your or your family's spiritual, physical or emotional well-being. One of the best examples of this is turning off the TV. Plan housework, errands, etc., so they can be done quickly and efficiently.

• Enjoy today. Even the best-laid plans don't mean that we will always accomplish everything, every day. My mother often reminds me that it's OK to leave the dishes in the sink once in awhile and just play with your kids. The dishes will still be there, but children grow up so fast. Every moment is precious.

• Pray to find joy. Parenting is a very demanding task. Asking Heavenly Father to help me find the joy in motherhood has helped me increase my patience and appreciate everything about my son — even dirty fingerprints on clean walls, etc.

— Ann Rumble, Boise, Idaho

Involve yourself

Our family life is just a bit unusual. Our three children, ages 12, 10 and 9, are all taller than I am. I am a dwarf who stands 4 feet 2 inches tall. (My husband is 5 feet 11 inches.) I grew up with all the rude comments and finger-pointing from strangers due to my small stature.

Knowing how hurting these can be, I wanted to put shields around my own children as they started getting comments from others due to the size of their mother. Then I took the old phrase, "If you can't beat them, join them." I found the joy in motherhood by getting totally involved in their lives and our community from their first day of life and in school.

I am there when they come home from school and involve myself in their schoolwork. I became a motivational speaker in parenting classes with the "Drug Awareness Resistance Education" (DARE) program in our school district. I serve in their school committees on their schools and at the district level. I also serve in the Scouting program through our ward and stake. — Maria Elizondo Nelson, San Antonio, Texas

Piece by piece

It doesn't just come. You have to first desire to want joy from motherhood. Second, pray for it, if you don't have the desire. Third, recognize the joy. Many people are so quick to pass up the small little joys in motherhood. Joy doesn't come in one big huge feeling. It comes piece by piece, feeling by feeling, moment by moment. I have joy, for instance, when my son does his homework or passes the sacrament (with a clean, ironed shirt). I have joy when I can trust my children to help out when I am sick. I find joy in a plant which comes up every year because the children gave it to me. If you are looking or waiting for that feeling of joy, you will always be looking. Start finding it! — Barbara Holman, Orem, Utah

Highest calling

My joy is great as I have come full circle observing my children teaching their children true principles and witnessing fruition of years of innumerable, fervent prayers. I am ever mindful that, unlike other Church callings that come with an eventual release, motherhood comes without a release, for it's an eternal calling. I regard this divine privilege, so poignantly felt, as the highest calling that comes to womankind. Treating it sacredly and prayerfully brings blessings of eternal joy. — Carolyn Joyner Freebairn, Salt Lake City, Utah

Catch a glimpse

Since my 1-year-old son has been born, I've learned that it's important to take breaks from my everyday routine. Nobody in the work place is expected to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Mothers deserve a break, too. Taking an occasional afternoon to pursue a hobby while my husband watches my son does wonders for my attitude.

Most important, we need to live near the Spirit by doing the things our prophet has asked us to do, such as studying the scriptures and having daily personal prayer. It is only then that we can truly catch a glimpse of the important work we are doing in rearing the little ones that Heavenly Father has so lovingly entrusted to our watchful care. — Andrea Bach Anderson, Anoka, Minn.