Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
To be a Woman of God
Thinking of the great women who became successful with their careers oftentimes makes me feel being left out. For I know, I can do better than what I am doing right now. Being a stay at home mom drags your energy everyday, loosing self-esteem and self-confidence. I know I am a good worker, I can excel in every career path I choose. Why am I just sitting around at home picking up messes instead of sitting at the office with my nice suit on? I am not ambitious I just wanted to be more productive in my own way.
Until a friend of mine shared this message "The Women of God", by Elder Neal A. Maxwell(Ensign, May 1978). It says:
"In our modern kingdom, it is no accident that women were, through the Relief Society, assigned compassionate service. So often the service of women seems instinctive, while that of some men seems more labored. It is precisely because the daughters of Zion are so uncommon that the adversary will not leave them alone.
"We salute you, sisters, for the joy that is yours as you rejoice in a baby’s first smile and as you listen with eager ear to a child’s first day at school which bespeaks a special selflessness. Women, more quickly than others, will understand the possible dangers when the word self is militantly placed before other words like fulfillment. You rock a sobbing child without wondering if today’s world is passing you by, because you know you hold tomorrow tightly in your arms.
"So often our sisters comfort others when their own needs are greater than those being comforted. That quality is like the generosity of Jesus on the cross. Empathy during agony is a portion of divinity!
"No wonder the men of God support and sustain you sisters in your unique roles, for the act of deserting home in order to shape society is like thoughtlessly removing crucial fingers from an imperiled dike in order to teach people to swim.
"We men love you for meeting inconsiderateness with consideration and selfishness with selflessness. We are touched by the eloquence of your example. We are deeply grateful for your enduring us as men when we are not at our best because—like God—you love us not only for what we are, but for what we have the power to become."
Now I know that I am on the right career path, that I am fulfilling my divine role as a mom, as a wife,a sister and as a friend. I don't dream to be successful in anyway that will jeopardize the spiritual growth of my kids and divide my time and struggle in choosing which one I should prioritize. I don't dream to be rich, all I need is to have enough for our needs. Yet, God is so kind and He blessed me more than I dreamed of.
Until a friend of mine shared this message "The Women of God", by Elder Neal A. Maxwell(Ensign, May 1978). It says:
"In our modern kingdom, it is no accident that women were, through the Relief Society, assigned compassionate service. So often the service of women seems instinctive, while that of some men seems more labored. It is precisely because the daughters of Zion are so uncommon that the adversary will not leave them alone.
"We salute you, sisters, for the joy that is yours as you rejoice in a baby’s first smile and as you listen with eager ear to a child’s first day at school which bespeaks a special selflessness. Women, more quickly than others, will understand the possible dangers when the word self is militantly placed before other words like fulfillment. You rock a sobbing child without wondering if today’s world is passing you by, because you know you hold tomorrow tightly in your arms.
"So often our sisters comfort others when their own needs are greater than those being comforted. That quality is like the generosity of Jesus on the cross. Empathy during agony is a portion of divinity!
"No wonder the men of God support and sustain you sisters in your unique roles, for the act of deserting home in order to shape society is like thoughtlessly removing crucial fingers from an imperiled dike in order to teach people to swim.
"We men love you for meeting inconsiderateness with consideration and selfishness with selflessness. We are touched by the eloquence of your example. We are deeply grateful for your enduring us as men when we are not at our best because—like God—you love us not only for what we are, but for what we have the power to become."
Now I know that I am on the right career path, that I am fulfilling my divine role as a mom, as a wife,a sister and as a friend. I don't dream to be successful in anyway that will jeopardize the spiritual growth of my kids and divide my time and struggle in choosing which one I should prioritize. I don't dream to be rich, all I need is to have enough for our needs. Yet, God is so kind and He blessed me more than I dreamed of.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A Letter to the Editor - a good rebuttal
In a local newspaper in Provo , Utah , there had been an ongoing series of articles written by individuals who wanted to persuade LDS Church members to leave the Church. In response to the highly critical and spirited remarks, a local member wrote this rebuttal:
Editor:
I have been thinking of quitting the Mormon Church. Yes, if I can, I am going to get even with that church. As soon as I can find another church that teaches about the Gathering of the House of Israel; the return of the Ten Tribes and their mission; the return of the Jews to Palestine and why, and how they are going to build the temple; the building of temples and what to do with them; the mission of Elias, the prophet, as predicted by Malachi; the method for the salvation of the people that died at the time of Noah in the flood; the origin of the American Indian; the complete explanation of why Jesus of Nazareth had to have a mortal other but not a mortal father; the explanation of the three degrees of glory
(three heavens) as mentioned by Paul; the complete explanation of why Elias and Moses did not die but had to be translated (since they both lived before the resurrection was introduced by Christ); the restoration of the gospel by modern revelation as promised by Peter and Paul and Jesus himself; the belief in eternal marriage and the family, and the knowledge and the place to seal for eternity; that teaches abstinence from all harmful drugs and foods ; and that sells the best fire insurance policy on earth, for the last days, for only a 10th of my income.
Yes sir, as soon as I can find another church that teaches all that,or even half as much, I will say good-bye to this Mormon Church. The church that I am looking for must also be able to motivate 50,000+ youth,and adults, for the first, second or third time, to leave their homes for two years at their own expense and go to far-away places to teach and preach without salary. It must be able to call, on a frosty day, some 5 or 6 thousand professors, students, lawyers, doctors, judges, policemen, businessmen, housewives and children to go and pick apples at 6 a.m. It must be able to call meetings and get the attention for two hours of more than 150,000 men. Yes, it must also teach and show why salvation is assured for children who die before eight years of age.
Mr. Editor, could you help me find a church that teaches all that and more than hundreds of other doctrines and principles, which I have no room to mention here, and which brings solace and comfort to the soul;peace, hope, and salvation to mankind, and above all, that answers the key questions that all the great philosophers have asked; questions and answers that explain the meaning of life, the purpose of death, suffering and plan conceived and executed by Jesus Christ the Savior? Yes, as soon as I find another church that teaches that, and also that has the organization and the powers to make that teaching effective, I am going to quit the Mormon Church. For I should not tolerate that "they" should change a few words in the Book of Mormon-even if those changes simply improve the grammar and the syntax of the verses-for, after all, don't you think the Divine Church should employ angels as bookmakers, and clerks, to do all the chores on earth? Don't you think, Mr. Editor, that the Divine Church should also have prophets that don't get sick and don't get old and die, and certainly, that don't make a goof here and there. No, sir! A Divine Church should be so divine that only perfect people should belong to it, and only perfect people should run it. As a matter of fact, the Church should be so perfect that it should not even be here on earth!
So, I repeat, if any one of the kind readers of this imperfect letter knows about another church that teaches and does as much for mankind as the Mormon Church,please let me know. And please do it soon, because my turn to go to the cannery is coming up. Also, "they" want my last son (the fifth one) to go away for two years and again, I have to pay for all that. And I also know that they expect me to go to the farm to prune trees, and I have heard that our ward is going to be divided again,and it is our side that must build the new chapel. And also, someone the other day had the gall of suggesting that my wife and I get ready to go on a second mission, and when you come back, they said, you can volunteer as a temple worker.
Boy, these Mormons don't leave you alone for a minute. And what do I get for all that, I asked? "Well," they said, "for one, you can look forward to a funeral service at no charge!"... Do you think you can help me to find another Church? -
Thomas D. Clark
Editor:
I have been thinking of quitting the Mormon Church. Yes, if I can, I am going to get even with that church. As soon as I can find another church that teaches about the Gathering of the House of Israel; the return of the Ten Tribes and their mission; the return of the Jews to Palestine and why, and how they are going to build the temple; the building of temples and what to do with them; the mission of Elias, the prophet, as predicted by Malachi; the method for the salvation of the people that died at the time of Noah in the flood; the origin of the American Indian; the complete explanation of why Jesus of Nazareth had to have a mortal other but not a mortal father; the explanation of the three degrees of glory
(three heavens) as mentioned by Paul; the complete explanation of why Elias and Moses did not die but had to be translated (since they both lived before the resurrection was introduced by Christ); the restoration of the gospel by modern revelation as promised by Peter and Paul and Jesus himself; the belief in eternal marriage and the family, and the knowledge and the place to seal for eternity; that teaches abstinence from all harmful drugs and foods ; and that sells the best fire insurance policy on earth, for the last days, for only a 10th of my income.
Yes sir, as soon as I can find another church that teaches all that,or even half as much, I will say good-bye to this Mormon Church. The church that I am looking for must also be able to motivate 50,000+ youth,and adults, for the first, second or third time, to leave their homes for two years at their own expense and go to far-away places to teach and preach without salary. It must be able to call, on a frosty day, some 5 or 6 thousand professors, students, lawyers, doctors, judges, policemen, businessmen, housewives and children to go and pick apples at 6 a.m. It must be able to call meetings and get the attention for two hours of more than 150,000 men. Yes, it must also teach and show why salvation is assured for children who die before eight years of age.
Mr. Editor, could you help me find a church that teaches all that and more than hundreds of other doctrines and principles, which I have no room to mention here, and which brings solace and comfort to the soul;peace, hope, and salvation to mankind, and above all, that answers the key questions that all the great philosophers have asked; questions and answers that explain the meaning of life, the purpose of death, suffering and plan conceived and executed by Jesus Christ the Savior? Yes, as soon as I find another church that teaches that, and also that has the organization and the powers to make that teaching effective, I am going to quit the Mormon Church. For I should not tolerate that "they" should change a few words in the Book of Mormon-even if those changes simply improve the grammar and the syntax of the verses-for, after all, don't you think the Divine Church should employ angels as bookmakers, and clerks, to do all the chores on earth? Don't you think, Mr. Editor, that the Divine Church should also have prophets that don't get sick and don't get old and die, and certainly, that don't make a goof here and there. No, sir! A Divine Church should be so divine that only perfect people should belong to it, and only perfect people should run it. As a matter of fact, the Church should be so perfect that it should not even be here on earth!
So, I repeat, if any one of the kind readers of this imperfect letter knows about another church that teaches and does as much for mankind as the Mormon Church,please let me know. And please do it soon, because my turn to go to the cannery is coming up. Also, "they" want my last son (the fifth one) to go away for two years and again, I have to pay for all that. And I also know that they expect me to go to the farm to prune trees, and I have heard that our ward is going to be divided again,and it is our side that must build the new chapel. And also, someone the other day had the gall of suggesting that my wife and I get ready to go on a second mission, and when you come back, they said, you can volunteer as a temple worker.
Boy, these Mormons don't leave you alone for a minute. And what do I get for all that, I asked? "Well," they said, "for one, you can look forward to a funeral service at no charge!"... Do you think you can help me to find another Church? -
Thomas D. Clark
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Nation
Originally delivered by Joe Wright who offered it in front of the Kansas State House in 1996. THIS MAN SURE HAS A GOOD VIEW OF WHAT'S HAPPENING TO
OUR COUNTRY!
'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and
to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those
who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our
spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor
and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists
and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and
called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We
have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom
of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers
and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today;
cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'
With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation
and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One
nation under God.'
OUR COUNTRY!
'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and
to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those
who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our
spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor
and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists
and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and
called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We
have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom
of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers
and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today;
cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'
With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation
and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One
nation under God.'
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Gems for Thought
"God's plan of salvation is the wrong thing to be wrong about! No error could be more enormous or more everlasting in its consequences!"—Neal A. Maxwell
Friday, May 30, 2008
The Spoken Word
Nurturing the Treasure of Friendship
Lloyd D. Newell
24 Oct 1999
True friendship maybe the highest expression of what it means to be human. Learning to rely on others and to care about them requires us to live outside ourselves and to suppress the selfish impulses that so often govern our lives. True friendship is a gift two people keep giving each other. Friendship expresses love in many ways, including listening, sharing, trusting and serving.
Learning to love our friends and to care about their needs and problem changes and enriches our lives. Part of friendship's miracle is the way it changes as it grows. There's nothing more commonplace then friendship, and yet there's nothing more remarkable.
The true friendship divided life's sorrow and make sweeter all life's joys. It's been said that to share with a friend is to see beauty twice, however, such precious relationship come at a price. Those who would experience the joys of friendship must sow the seeds of kindness, pull the weeds of selfishness, irrigate with the water of love and supply the shade of forgiveness.
The childhood playground adage that "he that would have a friend must be a friend" applies equally well to adult neighborhood and corporate office buildings.
Often our most neglected friends reside in our own homes. How important it is to cultivate our friendship with those who are closest to us? The best marriages are between spouses who are also best friends. And children who grow up with friends around the dinner table will have their hearts knit together in love with their parents and siblings. The same bonds of love and trust that make friendship possible also build successful families.
Over time, we learn to measure our friendship not by what they give to us but by what we give to them. True friends who love and serve each other, are yet another expression of God's perfect love for all of His children. It's beautiful to consider that men and women who learn all they can about friendship here may continue those heartfelt association hereafter. One day, one act and one moment at a time, we can nurture the kind of relationship that time can't diminish by treasuring our friends as reflections of God's limitless love.
Lloyd D. Newell
24 Oct 1999
True friendship maybe the highest expression of what it means to be human. Learning to rely on others and to care about them requires us to live outside ourselves and to suppress the selfish impulses that so often govern our lives. True friendship is a gift two people keep giving each other. Friendship expresses love in many ways, including listening, sharing, trusting and serving.
Learning to love our friends and to care about their needs and problem changes and enriches our lives. Part of friendship's miracle is the way it changes as it grows. There's nothing more commonplace then friendship, and yet there's nothing more remarkable.
The true friendship divided life's sorrow and make sweeter all life's joys. It's been said that to share with a friend is to see beauty twice, however, such precious relationship come at a price. Those who would experience the joys of friendship must sow the seeds of kindness, pull the weeds of selfishness, irrigate with the water of love and supply the shade of forgiveness.
The childhood playground adage that "he that would have a friend must be a friend" applies equally well to adult neighborhood and corporate office buildings.
Often our most neglected friends reside in our own homes. How important it is to cultivate our friendship with those who are closest to us? The best marriages are between spouses who are also best friends. And children who grow up with friends around the dinner table will have their hearts knit together in love with their parents and siblings. The same bonds of love and trust that make friendship possible also build successful families.
Over time, we learn to measure our friendship not by what they give to us but by what we give to them. True friends who love and serve each other, are yet another expression of God's perfect love for all of His children. It's beautiful to consider that men and women who learn all they can about friendship here may continue those heartfelt association hereafter. One day, one act and one moment at a time, we can nurture the kind of relationship that time can't diminish by treasuring our friends as reflections of God's limitless love.
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