It isn’t chaos because they don’t see the spilled milk, the unwashed dishes, the clothes that have not been folded for days, and the clutter all around the house. All they see is a superhero who comes to their rescue when they hurt themselves, an artist who helps them with art projects, a friend who listens to them when they feel down or feeling under the weather, a die-hard fan during school plays, soccer practices, and ballet performances, an amazing cook who ensures their tummies are full, someone who tries their best to be kind, forgiving, and patient—a mother who means everything to them.

They see you teaching them good values and showing them how to make the right choices. They see you as their safe space. They know that they can explore the world around them, make mistakes, learn, grow, and be loved all the same.

So when they say that you are the best mom in the whole world, soak it up and let it linger for a little while because they mean every single word. For them, you are enough.

It can be hard sometimes to look at the brighter side of things when you’re exhausted, and your patience is dangling by a thread but know that you are not alone in this journey of raising such valiant spirits. The Lord sees your efforts, even the ones that you think aren’t good enough, He hears your silent plea for help when you feel that all your energy has been depleted, He rejoices with you on every little milestone you have with your kids, and perhaps His hands are involved too when you finally get to spend a little time on your own to recuperate.

For Him, you are cut out to be a mother. For Him, giving your best is enough. For Him, you are enough.

There will be disappointments, frustrations, feelings of inadequacy, and heartaches along the way, but there will also be resilience, patience, strength, bravery, compassion, joy, and lots of little moments day after day, reminding you that you’ve done a good job, and that it is worth it. Don’t wish that feeling away. Pat yourself in the back because pulling it together even when it’s hard, makes you enough.

There’s no perfect recipe for motherhood. Please know that grilled sandwich or frozen pizza for dinner is okay, that late drop-offs to school sometimes happen, that it’s okay to be vulnerable with people you trust. You don’t have to have it all together all the time. It’s okay to need help, and seeking help doesn’t mean you’re incompetent, rather it shows that you’re aware that you need a support system. Know that you may not be a perfect mom, but you are enough.

If you look hard enough, you’ll realize that as your kids grow, you also grow. You’ll recognize that this journey, with its highs and lows, is a refining one, full of lessons that only motherhood can teach. You’ll recognize that the hardships of motherhood have prompted defining moments in your faith and trust in the Lord, and that rearing your kids is part of the Lord’s work “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of [His children]”. And perhaps the most important part of it is getting a glimpse of Heavenly Father’s love for us.

So breathe. Take it one day at a time. You are doing remarkable things. You are enough!

The post To All The Mothers Who Feel Inadequate: You Are Enough appeared first on morefaith.ph.

You ask yourself, “Why am I feeling this way? What am I doing this for?” Sometimes you might feel like you’re stuck in a loop of exhaustion, restlessness, and not having enough time for all the things you need to do, or for yourself.

That is normal and almost all mothers feel the same way. It can be exhausting.

However, He chose YOU to nurture the world and His children here on earth. He gave you this divine role and duty to build His Kingdom.

As an expecting mom or a mom of younger babies, you can get tired of all the sleepless nights and exhausting days doing childcare and household chores, among other things. But that exhaustion just bursts into thin air when you see your baby taking his first step, or hearing him say his first word, or just seeing him smile at you. Oh, that overwhelming joy in a new mom’s heart!

As a mom of older kids, you can get exhausted from chores and making sure that they are growing into responsible people and doing good things in their life. You worry if you’ve disciplined them enough or loved them enough, or just simply if you’ve done enough. But when they hand you that ‘I love you’ note out of nowhere, or kiss and hug you, or you see them do well at school, at work, or in life, no amount of hard work or tears can tarnish the happiness that you feel. Every tear will make sense, and even your worries can turn into joy.

You are the one with the power to make the home! You probably make the delicious meals your family enjoys every day. You bear the children that add happiness to the family. You might organize the family’s schedule so everyone and everything is in order. You are the reason why that child jumps up and down with joy upon seeing you. You are the reason why they try their best to make you proud and happy. You are the reason why that child is brave enough to face their fears and be brave because you taught them to do so. You are the reason why your kids leave the house presentable, tidy, and healthy. And believe it or not, you are the reason they always want to come home!

That’s how motherhood is! This divine role from God surely involves a lot of work, pain, and countless sacrifices, but the joy and numerous lessons it brings make everything worth it.

The role of a mother can’t be defined by how many chores she can finish in a day, or how well she can cook, or whether she works or stays at home, but by how willingly she cares for her family, and how she loves them so dearly. No mother is perfect, but you don’t have to be. Christ will lead and guide you in this most important calling, and He can make up the difference for the imperfections and mistakes that we all have.

The leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have taught about the importance Heavenly Father places on mothers, and the trust that He has in you, “Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.”

When you understand the divinity of this role, the difficult responsibilities become lighter as you ask God for guidance and help for each child. You will understand that more than the tasks you need to finish, you are shaping God’s child into what He wants him to be. You are building God’s Kingdom and preparing His children for their divine roles in this life.

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I have been a mother for 12 years now. And as my children increased in number, my excitement for Conference somehow diminished. I asked myself, “Am I going inactive?” “Have I gone so far from the straight and narrow path?” These questions may sound dire but although I’m probably just overthinking, deep in my heart, I fear positive answers to them. During General Conference Broadcast, I am faced with a myriad of challenges and I am pretty sure, in one way or another, we can all relate.

Do I Listen to the Speakers or to My Child?

My children cannot keep quiet for long. They always have something to say and questions to ask. They ask pretty good questions but there are times when they are plain silly. “Mum, why is President Nelson’s head so shiny?” How can I then keep a straight face and keep quiet dignity when faced with questions like that? I needed to remind myself that I am a mother to my children first, before I am a member listening in the congregation. My children first learn from me before they learn from General Authorities speaking in Conference. So I brace myself and answer their questions the best way I can.

Do I Take Notes or Do I Carry my Sleeping Child in My Arms?

Taking down notes for impressions I get and words that inspire me has been one of the highlights of my General Conference experiences, and it is important to me that I keep a notebook for that specific reason. Another perk for taking down notes is that it keeps me awake throughout the 2-hour sessions. But now, in my years of motherhood, my children doze off during Conference and I have needed to carry them. Maybe it is because of the Tabernacle Choir’s music or the perfect chapel temperature and lighting — they doze off almost altogether and obviously, taking down notes sometimes becomes impossible. Their sleeping spell is even contagious. I sometimes find myself dozing in the middle of a talk. Feelings of frustration can be overwhelming at times like this but then I ask myself, “Would you rather have other people carry your children and smell their head and feel their heartbeat?”

Do I Attend General Conference Broadcast or Do I Stay at Home?

Despite all the craziness, I’d still choose to gather with the Saints in chapels for General Conference Broadcast. I understand that I can’t “perfectly” prepare for General Conference, but I want to “intentionally” prepare to do so. Even if I cannot listen well, I think it’s okay. I gather with the Saints and bring my children with me. I know that if I do this, my children will eventually see the importance of gathering for Conference where possible. They may not learn from the speakers but they will surely learn from us. They will be able to see the reverence we give to this sacred event.

There are times when situations do not allow us to watch General Conference with the Saints as a congregation. But I strongly feel that if we can, and if circumstances allow, it’s good to go to Stake Centers or Chapels and bring our children with us. I really feel that when the Saints gather, the heavens smile and miracles happen. Things will get better. It will not always be chaotic. Our children will grow up and we will miss all the mess they create. So for now, while we still can, we should experience General Conference with them. These will be moments we can remember for the rest of our lives.

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Let’s look at a few instances from before, during and after the Savior’s advent. From these events, we can just imagine how Mary handled every daunting situation that would have unnerved any ordinary woman.

The Announcement from the Angel Gabriel

Being engaged to marry Joseph, Mary could have been excited, even a bit jittery, that her wedding was drawing near. I can just imagine her being occupied with what to wear, what to prepare, the guest list, etc. All of these must have been overwhelming for a young woman about to be wed.

Then came the heavenly announcement.

“And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women…

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.”

I imagine how this must have shattered all of her plans of what she thought her life would be like.

The scandal of conceiving a child before marriage!

Not just that! It was to be no ordinary offspring.

“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

Any woman, would be surprised and even frightened at such a pronouncement, maybe even faint. But no, not Mary! Despite her apprehensions, she gracefully accepted.

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

What great faith! Her trust in God made her will subject to the divine plan of Heavenly Father. At a young age, she already trusted in the grandeur of the Plan of Salvation. She knew what she had to do and faithfully obeyed her Father.

Travels During Her Pregnancy

I would like to think that Mary was like any other pregnant woman. I think she also experienced morning sickness and the whole nine yards. But when she traveled to see her cousin, Elizabeth, in her 1st trimester, she willingly traveled the 90-mile stretch of mountainous terrain.

“And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah;

And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth…

And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.”

This was not an easy feat! Although it is not written what Mary felt at the time, the rigors of the journey to and from the house of Zechariah had to have been demanding for a pregnant woman.

Then came the last trimester when she was about to deliver her baby.

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”

Geographically speaking, Galilee to Bethlehem is 70 miles, more or less. But that distance is true if you pass through Samaria. Historically, this posed an impossibility since there was enmity between the Jews and the Samaritans. It is safe to assume then, that they took the long road to Judaea circumnavigating the whole area. See the picture?

Now insert Mary being heavy with child on a donkey. It makes the whole situation unbearable for a nesting mother. I have been through the 3rd trimester five times and, I think I have the authority to say this, it is not a stroll in the park. I know one pregnant woman differs from another, but still. Elephant feet, cramps, the constant peeing… and it does not end there. The baby’s kicks become painful, the back almost giving in to the extra weight, not to mention contractions and shortness of breath.

The physical demands of the journey could have worn down the spirit of the young mother, but she persisted. Her strength, based on the things she went through as she traveled during her pregnancy, was simply extraordinary.

The Night She Delivered Her Baby

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;”

No nurses, no doctors. Just Joseph and some farm animals. When Mary delivered the baby Jesus, I am sure she also felt the pains of giving birth. I can only imagine how she could have borne the stress of the ordeal. She might have worried how she would be able to go through the whole process without proper care. I think she probably also wanted her mother to be with her, giving her tips on how to properly breathe when contractions occurred. But there was no one but her husband, novice to the whole birthing process, to help her. There would have been dirt, animals, bugs in the hay… overall not a sanitary environment and not nearly enough supplies for giving birth to a baby.

What was going through her mind when she held her baby for the first time? I can try to imagine… But I am pretty sure the little boy was worth all the pain. Mary was no ordinary woman. She is a paragon of strength and obedience – a blueprint for true motherhood. Her faith was stalwart and it saw her through the doubts and the difficulties that led to that first Christmas. In her mind, she understood the Plan. In her heart she knew that someday, this baby would deliver her in return. Being the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ delivers us all.

The post How Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Showed that She is One Tough Momma appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Time Flies so Fast

All the sleepless nights spent feeding, changing diapers, and putting children to sleep felt like forever. Not to mention the meals that needed to be prepared, dishes to be washed, laundry to be done – all these things made me ask, “When will all this stop? Because the truth is, these things are breaking my back and I am so tired.” However, when I looked at my eldest daughter and realized she is going to be a teenager soon, I got confused. Wasn’t it just a while ago that she was still my little girl? Then I felt in my heart a sharp pang of regret. I should have held her more often. I should have kissed her endlessly. The nights are long when you have children. It’s true. But the years are short and if we miss any chance to be there in their lives and having them in ours – we are missing a lot!

Hold Close What is Important

I used to feel very frustrated when nothing seemed done at the end of the day because all I did was carry my baby. That feeling that you need to fold the clothes or finish something up in the kitchen, but you have your hands cuffed by a six-month-old – it is really discouraging! I even complained to my Father that I did not get anything done around the house. His wise answer was, “You are already doing the most important task you have.” Holding a child in my arms made me realize that this is why babies need to be carried and held close. It is because they are more important that any other thing that we need to do. So hold your little ones. Carry them close to your heart and smell their breath and savor the sweet smell of their head.

If You Want to Feel Loved and Needed, Care for a Child

Remember how it feels when a child looks at you with puppy eyes? Or when they scream and kick to get what they want from you? A lot of people in the world today struggle with their self-worth. But if you are taking care of children, you will always feel needed and loved. You will know you need to get up in the morning because someone is depending on you. When babies cry, you can’t help but cater to their needs. You somehow forget yourself and rise to the challenge of unselfish service. Then when their cries turn to smiles and giggles, we get the best compensation there is – we feel loved. Children have that magic in them, and it always works.

You Hold the Future in Your Hands

No matter how fragile they may look now, they are the leaders of the future. We may not leave a grand legacy when we die, but in them we can plant the seeds of a better tomorrow. The little hands that cling to our hair and knock down glasses and bowls will soon build families and communities. The little mouths that scream and drool will sing future songs and proclaim truth and justice. Their small and delicate bodies will soon grow to the mold that is their spirit and in no time, they will shape the world that we will be living in. “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world” so they say. Carrying a child in my arms made me feel optimistic about the future. It gave me a greater purpose and motivation to do better and be better as a mother.

I used to wonder why Heavenly Father made us go through birth and childhood when, in all His power, He could send us to Earth as full-grown human beings. The answers became clearer with each child I held. Through the process we learn, line upon line and grow and develop not just physically but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The experience is a total learning syllabus. These little ones have no idea that, in the process, they are teaching valuable life lessons to unsuspecting parents. So with all my heart, learn from your little ones. Carry a child in your arms and feel the presence of a loving Father in Heaven who trusts us enough to let us take care of His spirit children. It is such a humbling yet rewarding experience!

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What concerns me most is not if they learn little in school but if they learn nothing from me. For me, school is but a complimentary program when it comes to a child’s learning. I know I play a big role in the secular well-being of my children but with all the chores and taking care of a baby, I feared I may not be up for the task. I asked the Lord for help to condition my heart and my mind for what is coming. As I looked back to the last school year – things I did alright, things that I needed to improve on and things that I need to stop doing – I realized that there are a few things that I need to stop saying as well.

“Google it!”

The internet is a big help when searching for information. Regardless, I strongly feel I am not really helping them learn if I keep on passing them off to Google whenever they have a question. One reason for this is that as good of a research tool as the internet is, it is also an avenue for distraction. There are things that we can do to minimize kids’ dependence on the internet. We can answer their questions directly if we know the answers to their inquiry. We can also refer them to books. Encyclopedias, dictionaries and other print references are a good way to increase their interest in reading. This way, they will know how to navigate their way through information. They will know the way we did before there ever was the Cloud.

“Were you not listening?”

After school is really taxing. Not only for the children but also for a mother who needs to prepare meals to feed a family of 7. There have been times when my children have asked me questions about their homework and I asked them in return, “Were you not listening?” It’s not that I intentionally wanted to dismiss them. I was just curious how they did not understand when they were the ones sitting in the classroom with a teacher presenting their lesson. Yet the question, from their perspectives, can sound belittling.

We must understand that when kids come to us for help with their homework, it does not always mean they do not know how to do it. It sometimes means they want affirmation from us or they need attention. One of my daughters asks me questions I know she already knows the answer to. Once, after I answered her, she smiled and said, “Are you proud of me, Mum?” Of course I said “Yes… All the time!”

“Go ask your Dad!”

Fathers who are hands-on with their children’s school activities are such a blessing. Yet, children have the tendency to ask Mother for help when it comes to homework and school projects. No matter how smart their father is, I am the one bombarded with, “Why is the sky blue?” and “How do I get the greatest common factor for these fractions?” and “Who is the first person in the Philippines?” When I get overwhelmed with all the fuss, I sometimes turn their curious attention to their father.

There is nothing wrong with that, I guess. Nevertheless, I do not like how I feel after they all go to their father because I haven’t tried helping them at all. It is important that we try our hardest to teach our children before we ask other people to do so. We can also tandem teach with our spouses. This way they can learn from both parents.

“You’ll know when you get older…”

One of the biggest questions in life is, “How are babies made?” Have you ever thought of how you would teach this topic to a 4-year-old? I have… But nothing can prepare you for the actual moment when your toddler pops that million-dollar question. Fearing that I may not be able to deliver the lecture properly, I thought it would be so much easier to tell my daughter, “You’ll know when you get older…” But there is danger to this strategy.

What if they get the information from somewhere else? Can we be assured that they will be taught the sanctity of the procreation process? Or will the information be presented in a malicious way? Sometimes we underestimate the capacity of our children to process information. Because of that, we limit their capacity to learn. Whenever a child asks questions, make it an opportunity to teach them. They will always find an answer. It is assuring to know that we, their parents, are the ones who gave it to them.

In Doctrine and Covenants 93:42, it states “You have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction.” One of the purposes of coming to this life is to learn. As parents, we hold a sacred trust to teach our children. Consequences for obeying or disobeying this mandate are very apparent and far reaching. The adversary is ever-diligent in his desire to misinform and mislead our little ones, and we must not let him. We need to learn ourselves and then teach our children light and truth, so they will not be deceived by the snares of Satan. We cannot hand this over to school or to Google or to other people. It is our sacred duty.

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The Call For Mothers To Nurture In The Home

The leaders of the Church constantly encourage women to become the best that they can be. This includes getting a good education and gaining skills that can help them become amazing mothers, wives, and contributors to society. However, this encouragement is not meant to lead women to choose a career over marriage and motherhood. In the Family: A Proclamation To The World, Church leaders clearly remind women of their divine calling at home.

“By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and the protection of their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.”

Leaders invite mothers to choose home. The world may already be ridiculing this “mommy career,” but there is no denying it is the one of greatest importance. Although we are not required to become stay-at-home Mormon moms, the Lord, through His leaders, has revealed where a mother’s first priority should really be. Consider the words of Pres. Ezra Taft Benson:

“It is mother’s influence during the crucial formative years that forms a child’s basic character.

Home is the place where a child learns faith, feels love, and thereby learns from mother’s loving example to choose righteousness.

How vital are mother’s influence and teaching in the home—and how apparent when neglected!”

The Noble Sacrifices Of Working Mormon Mothers

Even though the leaders of the Church strongly encourage mothers to choose their roles as nurturers and providers, there is no denying that there are circumstances that could prevent a mom from being able to stay at home. Here are words from Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley:

“I recognize … that there are some women (it has become very many, in fact) who have to work to provide for the needs of their families. To you I say, do the very best you can. I hope that if you are employed full-time you are doing it to ensure that basic needs are met and not simply to indulge a taste for an elaborate home, fancy cars, and other luxuries.”

The Family: A Proclamation to the World also states “Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation”

The encouragement to women to make home the first priority does not make working Mormon moms of lesser value. It is awesome to think that these women, who contribute a great deal to society, still take their time to become dedicated and wonderful mothers to their children. I, myself, am a daughter of a working mom and I have seen firsthand the noble sacrifices she made and continues to make for us, her children. She is amazing.

Working Mormon moms who strive to make both ends meet are wonderful. Their sacrifices to leave their children at home, no matter how difficult it is, should not be overlooked. Their ability to still mother, despite their exhaustion, just to provide for the needs of their children should be acknowledged. These working Mormon women should not be judged just because they are away from home.

Stay-at-Home Mormon Moms: The Challenges and Blessings

Being a stay-at-home LDS mom comes with challenges and blessings. Taking care of the family is one exhausting job. There are moments, perhaps, when you cannot help but compare your life to other women who are already so established in their chosen career. However, mothers do find fulfillment in being at home. Jessica, an at-home parent, says “Just seeing my son smiling at me is enough to wipe away all the challenges.“ Elder Neal A. Maxwell said on the topic of motherhood:

“When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses?”

Mormon women are not required to stay at home. But they know that their role is an important one, established by the Lord since the beginning of time, and that is best fulfilled from inside the home.

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There’s a quote for new parents that I love the most:

“Yours is the work of salvation, and therefore you will be magnified, compensated, made more than you are, and better than you have ever been…”

Those words from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland were playing in the background as I prepared my baby son’s morning bath. The moment was special because for the first month, my mother had been there to assist, and this was the first time I was doing things all on my own. Everything seemed to be going smoothly when all of a sudden, I heard a loud splash, and saw that the basin that held Eli’s bathing water had fallen to the floor. I grunted out a sigh, more of frustration than of shock, because another task had been added to my list and I had no one to ask for help. With a crying baby to clean, a flooded kitchen to mop, and work that needed attention, I suddenly felt too overwhelmed. For a moment, a thought came to me that I don’t have anyone to help me. Elder Holland said I would be made more than I am, but why do I feel so inadequate and helpless?

I guess every new parent asks themself, the question, “Can I really do this?” Nothing can truly prepare a man and a woman for the role of being new parents. Inside the heart of a new mama and papa is a mixture of happiness, anxiety, helplessness, excitement and worry.

When my son first came home, I spent the entire night awake. He was making weird sounds that were unfamiliar to me. A million thoughts came to mind, and every single grunt, every little squirm and little complaint drove me into new mom paranoia. At his first pediatric check up, I was already beside myself with anxiety and paranoia. My mother and husband were both very supportive, but nothing could ever take away the awful worries that consumed my heart.

In an inspired moment, my husband spoke to me about the Plan of Salvation. When he asked me about what I felt about the Lord’s plan, I said I was grateful to know that I am Heavenly Father’s daughter. Immediately, my inspired mom asked me the question “So, what does it mean for you to know that your son, Eli, is also a son of God?”

At that moment, I could feel my resolve not to cry falter. I, inadvertently, was slowly becoming a faithless mother. I’d become too easily fearful with even the slightest of problems. I’d forgotten that, like me, Eli is also a beloved son of the Lord, worthy of all the merits of His blessings and protection.

That realization has helped me counter the fear that often came to my heart. Every time I looked into my son’s eyes, I realized how special he is and how privileged I am to take care of him. In this journey with my newborn child, I can testify that I am indeed in partnership with the Lord.

Being a first-time mom to a month-old little darling can be challenging in all aspects. There are moments when his crying is matched by my own. This stage has revealed my deepest feelings of inadequacy. However, knowing that the Lord has entrusted this child to me brings so much comfort. Like what my parents always say, I am not alone in the rearing up of this child. Oh, how many times have I been encircled in His arms and reminded that my sobs don’t fall on deaf ears.

To my fellow struggling new parents, let’s put more faith in our Father in Heaven who has a plan for our little ones. To quote Elder Holland, “The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you.” He will uphold us, and He will bring us the tender mercies that we need in the exact time that we need them. Day by day, we are given the opportunity to see miracles through our children. May we always cherish this new role given to us because it is noble and essential to His plan. When the nights are long and the exhaustion and discouragement are strong, may we remember that we have the Lord who knows everything. Let us rely on Him.

When we hold our children in our arms, let us be thankful for them, our little teachers that help us have a Master’s degree in Christ-like attributes. This fresh journey of ours will be a wonderful one, despite the tears, the fears, and the inadequacies, as long as we have faith.

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Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “If you try to be the best parent you can be, you will have done all that a human being can do and all that God expects you to do.”

Motherhood may be the most challenging job you can offer to a person but it is the most rewarding experience I have had in this mortal existence. I am now 26 years old and have two kids. Every single day is a journey. The duties and responsibilities are sometimes overwhelming but it teaches me great lessons each time I struggle. For the two years I have been a full-time mom, I’ve learned how to look outward so much more than inward.

From the moment they wake up until the very time that they close their eyes to sleep, mothers think about their children and their family. I think that this helps me to be much more caring to others as well. My role as a mother teaches me how to be more loving, patient, forgiving, kind and understanding. It also teaches me not to judge but to serve and be grateful, to give more than I receive.

Just recently my dad and my sister-in-law got sick and there was no one to take care of my nephew. After hearing the situation I was worried about how my nephew and my nieces were doing. So I called around to find anyone that I could talk to about the situation. Finally, I got the chance to talk to my sister and found out that the kids were alright. The words automatically came out of my mouth, “Faye, I am grateful for your help and that you are there for them. I don’t know what [would have] happened without you. I know we don’t say how much we appreciate you but I want you to know that I am very grateful for your presence.” After that conversation, I realized that my experience being with my children has changed my outlook. It helps me to be much more sensitive to the feelings of others. It is indeed true that motherhood is an eternal partnership with God. Mothers will do everything within their power to take care of His children that have been entrusted to them and He promises His continual help in return.

I love what Elder Holland stated in his tribute to mothers, “Mothers, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones. Yours is the work of salvation, and therefore you will be magnified, compensated, made more than you are, better than you are, and better than you have ever been”.

I believe that being a mother is not a vocation but it is a noble calling from above. I am not even close to being perfect yet, but I’ve seen how it changes my whole life. I love being a mother and I know that I accepted this calling even before I was born. I am and will be forever grateful for the Lord’s trust in me.

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What is a mother’s greatest hope and aspiration for her kids?

Although hospitals are places we can have our health checked, they’re also the perfect place to look at doctors passing by and question your life choices. “What if I had chosen to be a doctor? My life would have been totally different.”

I was in my 20th week of pregnancy when I developed such a fascination with the medical profession. Every time I had my prenatal check up, I would often rub my belly and say “Baby, I hope you become a doctor someday.” It was a mother’s hope.

But doctors have other tipping points, too. So, I would rub my belly again and tell my hyperactive little man “Baby, I hope that more than anything else, you will be patient and kind.” Yes, more than having a degree and a title, there was something much bigger that I wanted him to be: I just wanted him to become a person who is amiable, kind, caring, and honest. Yes, he can be who he wants to be, but I hope that he will never forget the important values.

I often wonder “Am I the only one who feels this way? I wonder, too, about other mothers’ desires for their children. Yes, Moms are our greatest fans and they want us to succeed in life. But, are there deepest yearnings and hopes for us that go beyond degrees and worldly success?

I asked 4 wonderful ladies to share their own “mother’s hopes,” and I was surprised, and inspired, by their answers. “My greatest hope is that my child will stand steadfast on higher ground than the world surrounding him now. I know I will always be there for him but I can’t be right next to him all the time. So I hope he finds confidence in “I am a Child of God”, comfort in “I know that My Redeemer Lives” and strength in “How Firm a Foundation.”

As much as I would want him to follow our footsteps or do better than what we have done, I want him to follow the Savior. [Then] I can be sure that he will be happy and safe all throughout his earthly life and come home to us in the next, no matter where his dreams may take him.” – Aira, mom-to-be, New Zealand

“It is a given that every parent wants their children be good in all aspects of their life, be it academic, sports or even personal life. But as a first-time mom, it is my sincere hope that my children will grow with courage to stand as a witness of God, to live by their beliefs and standards, and to never forget their identity with Heavenly Father that they are beautifully and wonderfully made. And lastly, that no matter how cliché it may seem, when the pain and hurts of this world may come, not to let one painful experience blur the reality that life is beautiful; that they are precious and loved by us and loved by Him.” – Ritzel, mom-to-be, Pasig

“’What’s my greatest hope for my children?’ It’s just simple. My greatest hope for my child (and soon to be children) is for them to be HAPPY. For someone who has lived a generation older than them, we are much wiser. Our experiences in this mortal life have taught us that happiness can’t be found in our bank accounts, earthly possessions, physical appearance and status but it is something that we can attain when we learn to think less of ourselves, as we serve others and as we strive to live the principles of the gospel, which will protect us from the strife and chaos in this world and which is also a guideline to a happy and abundant life. Most of all, I want them to develop that deep love for our Heavenly Father, and Savior Jesus Christ.  I want them to be happy because I love them so much and knowing that they’ve found themselves guided by the Spirit of the Lord, I know that it will help them to attain the greatest gift of all, eternal life which will give us eternal happiness.” – Christine Airi, mom to Jacob Connor, Bacolod

“My husband and I have striven since their birth, so that our children would always feel loved and know in their hearts who they really are- children of God. That they may radiate the same love to everyone because if they do, they will never be alone.” – Tess, mother to Cara, Isaiah, and John, Tarlac

“I hope to see them and their respective families safely anchored in the promises of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I want with all of my heart a multi-generational, value-oriented family, willingly serving the Lord and His people. It is my hope that my children will be guardians of virtue, will always stand for truth and righteousness, thus will they ‘fill the measure of their creation’ and be happy.” – Ping, mother of Giulia, Chini, Liam, and Louie, Negros Occidental

Truly, a mother’s heart, a mother’s love, and a mother’s greatest hopes are so special that we can’t help but be grateful for them. Their days are filled with both worry and hope. They always see what’s best in us and they believe we can always reach that. Yes, they will be pleased if we achieve the world’s applause, but their desires for us run deeper than that.

A mother’s love is a reflection of how the Lord sees us. I am grateful to know that even though the world may look at my success as mediocre, as long as I have reached my mother’s greatest hope for me, I have not failed her or the Lord. That’s all that matters.

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