Mother's Day can bring mixed feelings to many of us. There are all types of different kinds of mothers. In fact, I believe that because we are women we are mothers whether we have a child or not. A loving Heavenly Father has blessed us as part of our heavenly genetic make-up a nurturing heart. Here we have opportunities to let that grow within us as we have, teach, work with and enjoy moments with children. Here is a link to an article you might enjoy entitled: "Five Types of Mother." Here is a list of the 5 types of Mothers as found in this article: The Imperfect Mother, The Childless Mother, The Mother Battling Infertility, The Mother Who Placed Her Child For Adoption, and The Mother Who is Waiting To Reunite With Her Children In Heaven. Always remember that you are enough. Here is a video by "The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints entitled: "You Are Enough."
I want to wish you all a very Happy Mother's Day no matter what your circumstances might be. You are a beloved daughter of our Heavenly Parents, and you have s loving brother, Jesus Christ. You are never alone because they are always near. Reach for them in those moments of mothering doubts. I have been blessed with an angle Mother who taught me well what a good Mother is supposed to be. She has passed on into the Spirit World, and I miss her more than words can express. I would give anything to dial the phone and hear her precious voice. I still need her wisdom and guidance. There are times when I do feel her near. My dear Mother in law is also on my mind frequently. She too is in the heavenly realm. I have sincere gratitude for her son, my husband who has blessed me beyond measure and I know she had a significant influence on him becoming the magnificent husband and father he is today. Then I have three beautiful daughters, and lovely three daughters-in-law and two granddaughters in-laws that I think are terrific mothers. I loved to watch them as they nurture their children. Then many friends show me how much they love their families and are dedicated to caring tenderly for them. Many women have no children, but as they interrelate with children, you can see their nurturing side. I would call them mothers. Motherhood is the greatest calling that we can have on this earth. We can fulfill that divine desire of our Heavenly Father to lovingly care for his children as they come into this world. Have a spectacular Mother's Day Celebration all you marvelous women out there. With Great love to you all!
The following document was written and signed by our First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in April of 2000.
The Living Christ
The Testimony of the Apostles
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Cor. 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Eph. 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun, and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him, the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isa. 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords and every knee shall bend, and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
This past month in celebrating Easter, I thought about the great message that came from this critical document that was published by our Prophet and Apostles in of April of 2000. This last Sabbath Day our Stake Presented a spectacular Choir production entitled: "The Living Christ." The music and narration were powerful, and my testimony was strengthened. I have a deep faith in our Living Christ. I know that He suffered for all of our sins and died on Calvery and three days later, He broke the bands of death and lives again. Because of Him, we can all live again. As I have had my own family pass into the Spirit World; I know that I will see them again. This brings great comfort to my soul. Enjoy this beautiful rendition of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives."
