I saw this on my friends blog (thanks Mel) and had to copy and paste it to mine. It's exactly what I needed right now.
"Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power." Julie Beck
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-775-27,00.html
I remember feeling such peace after hearing Julie Beck say this during the Oct. 2007 conference. There are so many days when I feel so inadequate as a mother. I feel guilty that they don't have the most trendy clothes, the coolest toys, or the nicest vehicle to drive around town in. In fact, 99% of my kids possessions are hand me downs. I often feel pressure to be more domestic, crafty, to have a cleaner and more organized house or to always look my best. Why?? That stuff is so trivial. Truthfully, I have no desire to be crafty, to wear the latest fashions, or to spend all day everyday keeping my house perfectly clean. What matters to me the most is that my kids know that I love them more than words can describe. I want them to know this through the uninterrupted moments I spend with them daily before they're grown and gone. I need to do better. With each child I have, it seems more and more challenging to spend quality time with each of them. So, as my friend Melissa so eloquently said in response to this quote, "If I say "no" to something you ask me to do, please don't take offense - I am busy preparing a rising generation... "
I couldn't agree more. Thanks Melissa for the great reminder!
7 comments:
I need this advice! I need this advice! I need this advice! And did I mention that I really needed to read this advice? Thanks!
great posts! i've haven't been to your blog in awhile. love the hubby post, so cute! and i'm love'n your dark hair, very cute! and congrats on the baby's blessing, how wonderful!
take care!!!
miss ya!!!
(your dad still reminds me of Pres. Uchtdorf (((with all due respect)))
Wow...Thanks for the post! I am going to link to the article and read the whole thing!:-)
That was a great reminder! That perspective is very timely with the holiday season and the economy the way it is. I have been keeping up to date with you from Allyson's blog. I have thought of you and your sister often. Our blog just went private so email me at elmtreephotography at gmail dot com. I would love to stay in touch. Have a great day!
I love that quote because I hate a lot of extra/busy things going on, and I feel a little justified in a world that tries to make you feel like a loser if you lead a simple, quiet life.
Thank you so much for posting that! What a refreshing reminder!
I loved her talk too - it really hit home with me. Thanks for bringing it up again - it's truly worth hearing over again! Hope you're hanging in there with the kids! You are such a cute mom.
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