A Mother

I love the difference between the pamphlets for fathers and mothers. The one to the men is essentially a list and very to the point. Whereas the one to the women is very touchy feely. It explains more of why the things listed are important and include a lot of praise for the women. It is made very clear that a mothers calling is the greatest of all. The following are from Ezra Taft Benson.

A mothers responsibilities are (with a few reasons why) :
--first and most, mothers are to conceive, to bear, to nourish, to love, and to train children. "to multiply and replenish the earth"
--eagerly and prayerfully invite children into her home
--to not postpone having children
--have children, and have them early. mothers who enjoy good health, be sure not to curtail the number of your children for personal or selfish reasons. to have those sweet spirits come into the home is worth practically any sacrifice. (did you get that......practically ANY sacrifice. that's huge.)
--spend her full time in the home in rearing and caring for her children
--take care of the family
--be an assistant to her husband, to work with him, but not to earn the living except in unusual circumstances
--make home a heaven for her family
--spend time with her children
--take time to be at the crossroads when her children are coming or going, when they leave and return from school, when they leave and return from dates, and when they bring friends home
--be a real friend to her children
--listen to her children, really listen
--talk with her children, laugh and joke with them, sing with them, play with them, cry with them
--hug and honestly praise her children
--take time to pray with her children. have children feel her faith as she calls down the blessings of heaven upon them
--take time to have meaningful weekly home evening. make sure to have her children actively involved in this
--teach children correct principles
--take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible. work at sharing the days plans and activities. have special teaching moments at mean time
--take time to do things together as a family. make family outings and picnics and birthday celebrations and trips special times and memory builders
--attend events as a family where one of the family members is involved
--attend church meetings together and sit together as a family when you can

"The ability and willingness properly to rear children, the gift to love, and eagerness, yes, longing to express it in soul development, make motherhood the noblest office or calling in the world. She who can paint a masterpiece or write a book that will influence millions deserves the admiration and the plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughter, whose influence will be felt through generations to come, ...deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God." David O. McKay

"I promise you the blessings of heaven and 'all that the Father hath' as you magnify the noblest calling of all-- a mother in Zion."

I'm so grateful to have such a wonderful mom. She has taught me so much.  I hope as I learn and grow and continue to develop myself now that I can prepare to be the a good mom, just like her.