Book Review - At the Pulpit, 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-day Saint Women

At the Pulpit is a refreshing collection of women’s voices from the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The book contains 54 speeches given by women from 1831 to current day and is an impressive collection that shows the strength of women in the church. After reading the words of these eloquent women, I felt empowered and grateful for their examples of courage, compassion, and faithfulness. 

Life can be very full and busy at times.  I worried that I wouldn't be able to find time to read and review this book at first.  But during quiet minutes, I found myself drawn to it to bring me peace. I loved the stories and I felt stronger and more motivated after reading it.  Sister Jacobs had it right in the infographic below.

In the first chapter, I was impressed with the leadership of Lucy Mack Smith (aka “Mother Smith,” mother of Joseph and Hyrum Smith). In 1831, Lucy Mack Smith was part of a group that was planning to travel to Kirtland, Ohio from Fayette, New York. Two prominent males in the group refused to lead the group during the journey and deferred to Mother Smith. She rallied the troops and handled the finances, food, lodging, and spiritual guidance. At one point, the group was stuck in Buffalo, waiting for the ice to break in the harbor. Another party there encouraged Smith and her group to hide their religious identity to avoid prejudice. Smith rejected the advice and instead “boldly proclaimed her Mormon beliefs” to the townspeople.

Eliza R. Snow’s speech to the Salt Lake City 17^th Ward Relief Society really struck a chord with me in regards to how church callings should work.  She said, “Each member of the society should study to know her place, and honor herself by filling it honorably , and all move forward like machinery that is perfect in all its parts. Let no one overstep her mark or in the least crowd against another… And if this principle shall be carried out in every department, the society will move like clockwork.”  Her beautifully chosen words and appropriate similes describe how callings should be handled not only in just olden days but now as well. Each person is to learn and magnify her calling and not hinder others from fulfilling their responsibilities by enabling them or doing things that are outside their realm of stewardship.

The Barf Song - "Let It Blow"

I know I have a strange sense of humor and this might prove it.  Two of my boys had the flu last week so I wrote this parody to describe my experience.

This should be sung to the tune of "Let It Go" from Frozen (click here to hear the original song)

Let It Blow (a flu inspired song)

The barf blows right in the toilet tonight
Not a wink of sleep is seen
A sickness of isolation,
And it’s smelling quite obscene.

Tummy is growling like this swirling storm inside
Couldn’t keep it in, heaven knows you tried

Don’t let them in, don’t let them see
Be the good mom I always have to be
Clean well, don’t smell, run to and fro
Oh this just blows

Let it go, let it go

You can’t hold it back anymore
Let it blow, let it blow
Hit the bowl and not the floor

I don’t care
I want my boy okay
Let the flu be gone,
Your barf never bothered me anyway

It’s funny how some sickness
Makes everything seem small

And the illness that controls you
Won’t last that long at all

It’s time to see what I can do
To get you better from this flu
No snacks, no drink, no food for thee
Empty!

Let it go, let it go
My poor baby’s up all night
Let it blow, let it blow
I just want you to feel all right

Here I stand
And here I'll stay
Let the flu be gone

Your vomit’s spewing from your mouth onto the ground
Your stomach’s spiraling in messy upchuck all around
And one thought originates like a barfy blast
We’re never going back,
This blast is in the past

Let it go, let it go
And we'll rise at the break of dawn
Let it blow, let it blow
Will this keep going on

Here I stand
In the light of day
Let the flu be gone,
Your barf never bothered me anyway

Time Out for Women - Holiness in Motherhood

Linda Eyre and her daughter, Shawni Eyre Potheir, shared some fabulous insights about motherhood.

They talked about moms and dads getting together (without kids) each month to evaluate the how the kids are doing physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.  I love that idea and plan on implementing it.

They also gave the following things for mothers to remember as they embark on the journey of having holiness in motherhood:
1) Remember who your children really are
2) Remember who you really are (take an alone day to re-evaluate yourself on occasion; involve yourself with other women; don't be COMICALLY OVER-COMMITTED! - yep that last part was for me!)
3) Remember who the Savior really is (let the Savior be involved in your day, invite Him to come with you)

Ask yourself these questions:
How can I invite the Savior to be part of my life?
How can I have more faith through my tribulations?

"When I Grow Up, I Want to Be a Mother..."

They sang this song at Time Out for Women and a flood of memories came into my mind.

I remember this great song from when I was a little girl.  On road trips, my little brothers and I would lay in the back of the station wagon (yep, I'm that old) and listen to the tape, "Songs for a Mormon Child."  I looked forward to the day that I could have my own children and give them cookies and milk and yellow balloons. I think that song, along with the example of my mom and other great women in my life, inspired me to develop a "Mother Heart."  I love my children more than life itself and I try to teach them, give them opportunities to grow and to develop their testimonies and talents.  My "Mother Heart" extends beyond my own immediate family - to my nieces and nephews, the students at school, Cub Scouts, Primary children, neighbors, friends, etc.  I think the world would be a wonderful place if we could strive to develop our "Mother Hearts" and care and love a little more.