Quote

I read this book of quotes a while back and as I was reading I thought "a lot of my friends need to be reminded of this" as encouragement not as criticism of course. The book is One Bright and Shining Hope Messages for Women from Gordon B. Hinckley. I thought since I have a blog and most of my good friends read maybe it will remind them how special they are to Heavenly Father. Sometimes life seems overwhelming and we, as women, feel like we are sinking in stead of swimming merrily along. Here is the opening quote on page 1:

It is so tremendously important that the women of the Church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord. They must begin in their homes. They can teach it in their classes. They can voice it in their communities. They must be the teachers and guardians of their daughters. When you save a girl, you save generations. I see this as the one bright and shining hope in a world that is marching toward moral self-destruction.

Although this is geared towards mothers, I know a few remarkable and outstanding women who work with the youth in our church. They are amazing and you can tell how much they care for these girls and want them to gain a strong and immovable testimony of the gospel. So I think this applies to all women. Even women of sons. As women we get to wear different hats. Some get to be full time mothers, others need to work outside the home, we all get to be teachers whether it is at home, church or as a career. What opportunities we have to teach by example! I know that I have a small group of friends who I talk to regularly and we get to inspire each other. I don't know that I spend too much time talking and inspiring those outside my comfortable little circle. Another thing to add to my ever growing list of things to do...consistently.

Back to the point, I am so lucky to be blessed with 4 wonderful daughters. The part that touched me the most in this quote was the end when he says "When you save a girl, you save generations." Wow is that pressure. I know at times being "just" a stay-at-home mom it is difficult to feel that you are doing your part. According to President Hinckley our part is to nurture and raise our children, in this particular quote our daughters. Someday it will be their job to "save" ot teach the next generation. They will be the teachers in their homes while, hopefully, their husbands work and support their family. Will I have done a good enough job? Will I have been strong enough and immovable that my daughters will be the same way?

As women we are so important in Heavenly Father's plan, we can't belittle our divine destiny just because we are women. Jane Clayson Johnson has a book that is called "I AM a Mother!" It is a statement not a description. This woman gave up a successful career because she was strong and immovable and knew what she needed to do. The world called her crazy, but she did it. She has no regrets. What a wonderful role model.

So I am off to save generations by being "one bright and shining hope" one daughter at a time...

Out of the mouth of babes

not original, I know, but such is what it is!

Today we were watching The Fox and the Hound. Sorry there may be a spoiler here! Todd, the fox, gets abandoned for his own safety, he was a house pet so doesn't understand the "real world". As it is raining he is trying to find safety and a friendly animal comes and invites Todd to stay with him. I asked Logan what kind of animal it was and he said "the pine cone one" I thought it was cute. Then I asked if it was because he had pine cones on him and Logan gave me the a-firm. Then I burst his 5 year old bubble by smiling and informing him it was a Porcupine.

Then as I was unloading...my children, Haylie asked me when do you get baptized. I was proud of the question, even though it was random. I informed her when you are 8. She then responded "Is Daddy going to be baptized?" I am assuming she didn't think he was eight but children are sometimes brutally honest!

So there you have it another installment of "Out of the mouths of babes!"

Adults say dumb things too!

OK, I often share the funny things kids say, but as parents we sometimes have a lip of the tongue too, or a thoughtless moment. I had one I would like to share.

We have this really good friend. Jeremy and I were talking as he was reading their blog. I was commenting on how sad it was that his mom passed away when he was young and his dad is on his last leg. He himself is still young so to loose both parents before you are thirty is sad. Jeremy turned around and said that was a mean thing to say. I was confused, because his dad is an older man and health wise is not doing so well, they didn't expect him to live much passed Christmas. Then Jeremy kindly reminded me that his dad just had his leg amputated two or so weeks ago. He is literally on his last leg. Health wise he is doing good, my blunder was insensitive but it wasn't intentional. So I felt like a little kid speaking without thinking. Although it is a sad situation he married into a great family and has wonderful in-laws.