178th Semi-Annual LDS Conference -

It's no secret that I look forward to spending the Sabbath in my pajamas once in April and once in October while we receive instruction from our church leaders through television. Today was no exception. The talks today were great as usual, but may I say that M. Russell Ballard is my new hero. I LOVE the special interest that he took regarding young mothers. For those of you who missed it, here are my favorite highlights spoken from an experienced father of seven children and a loving grandfather.





"There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood. There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. If a child lives with parents for 18 or 19 years, that span is only one fourth of a parent's life and the most formative time of all of the child's life representing only one tenth of their normal life. It is crucial to focus on the children for the short time that we have them with us and to seek, with the help of the Lord, to teach them all that we can before they leave our homes.

What can you do as a young mother to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?

1. Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times but amid the challenges there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.

2. Don't over schedule yourselves or your children. Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh and to play together.

3. Mothers, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well. If you're not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children.

4. Pray, study and teach the Gospel. Pray deeply about your children and about your role as a mother. Parents can offer a unique and wonderful kind of prayer because they are praying to the eternal parent of us all.

What more can a husband do to support his wife and the mother of his children?

1. Show extra appreciation and give more validation for what your wife does every day. Notice things and say thank-you often. Schedule some evenings together just the two of you.

2. Have a regular time to talk with your wife about each child's needs and what you can do to help.

3. Give your wife a day away now and then. Just take over the household and give your wife a break from her daily responsibilities. Taking over for awhile will greatly enhance your appreciation of what your wife does.

4. Come home from work and take an active role with your families.

What can children (even young children) do?

1. Pick up your toys when you're finished playing with them. As you get a little older you can make your bed, help with the dishes and do other chores without being asked. Say thank-you more often when you finish a nice meal and when a story has been given to you at bedtime or when clean clothes have been put in your drawers. Most of all, you can put your arms around your mother often and tell her that you love her.

What can the church do?

There are many things the church offers to mothers and families. But for my purpose today, may I suggest that the Bishopric and the ward council members be especially watchful and considerate of the time and resource demands on young mothers and their families. Know them and be wise in what you ask them to do at this time in their lives.

Alma 37:6 - Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.

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."

AMEN!