MOTHERHOOD GOD'S HIGHEST, HOLIEST CALLING - HIC #015 - 3rd30
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is a C h o i c e
HIC #015
MOTHERHOOD
GOD’S HIGHEST, HOLIEST CALLING
How Faith Increases Happiness
By Dug Barnett on May 12, 2019
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Go to Podcast #015
Hi everybody! I hope you are having a wonderful Mother’s Day.
This is Dug Barnett and welcome to Episode #015 of my
Happiness is a Choice podcast: God, Religion, and Me, Why I
believe: Motherhood – God’s Highest, Holiest Calling. How FAITH
increases happiness and enables us to have the best years of our
life.
THANKS FOR JOINING ME TODAY
Happy Mother’s Day
As you know from my 3RD30 PODCAST, of the many things that
make me happy, being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints© is at the top of the list.
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In this episode, you will learn:
Motherhood: God’s highest, holiest calling
Mothers in the scriptures
Living Prophets teach about mothers
The power and blessings of motherhood.
Quotes about mothers
Recommended Activity
As you listen to this episode, continue writing in your Study
Journal as described in episodes #008 and #009.
Motherhood
I want to begin by expressing my love and
appreciation for my mother. Fond memories of her
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comfort me often. She loved me, taught me about
Jesus Christ, and the importance of being a good
person.
She sacrificed her time to help me with school and
scouting. She taught me how to play the piano, sew,
and knit. Because of my health problems, she cooked
separate, special meals and birthday cakes for me.
Although I fell short of her expectations, I am still
trying to do better and be better. Thank you, Mom.
I love 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.”
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—First Presidency, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
“If you try your best 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.” —Jeffrey R. Holland
Life--every life, every heartbeat--began with a mom who
willingly accepted a divine role. A thankless job. A sticky,
sleepless, soul-stretching career. For 9 months, 90 months, 90
years. She taught us right from wrong, left from right, baking
soda from baking powder. She slept little and worried much. She
laughed, lathered, rinsed, and repeated--and repeated. – by
Kaitlyn
Mothers in the Scriptures 1
1
‘3 Bible Stories On Strong Mother Figures In 5 Minutes’ [accessed 8 May 2019].
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Ruth: An Example of Loyalty
After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to continue living
with her mother-in-law, Naomi. This decision meant she would
not be returning to live with her biological family in Moab, an
area that revered traditions that did not align with the truths of
the God of Israel.
Naomi encouraged Ruth to return to her own mother, but Ruth
demonstrated great faith, hope, and love for Naomi when she
said:
“. . . whither thou goest, I will go;
and where thou lodgest, I will lodge:
thy people shall be my people,
and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
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Ruth chose to forsake family, friends and other familiarities to
stay with Naomi so she could continue to live in
righteousness. Ruth was willing to sacrifice much to do what was
right and exercised great faith to embrace truth. Ruth was
blessed; she eventually married again, and through her lineage,
the Savior was born.
Hannah: An Example of Integrity
Hannah is another woman in the Bible who demonstrates
sacrifice and faith. Hannah was unable to have children, leaving
her in bitterness of soul. In faith, Hannah turned to the Lord in
prayer and “poured out [her] soul before” Him (1 Sam. 1:15).
Hannah vowed that if the Lord would grant to her a child, she
would give him to the Lord, or raise him to follow the teachings
of the Lord all the days of his life. Hannah’s prayers were
answered and her son, Samuel, was born.
Hannah kept her promise and sent Samuel to be raised in the
Temple of the Lord. Samuel later became a great prophet.
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Hannah’s love for the Lord, her faith and her sacrifice are great
examples to us of how to pattern our own lives.
Eve: An Example of Righteousness
Eve was a great mother. She was the first of all women and a
great example of how to live and raise children in righteousness.
In “Lessons from Eve,” a talk given by Russell M. Nelson, a
Prophet, he highlights five things Eve accomplished during her
life which we can also emulate:
1. She labored beside her companion (see Moses 5:1).
2. She and Adam bore the responsibilities of parenthood (see
Moses 5:2).
3. She and her partner worshipped the Lord in prayer (see
Moses 5:4).
4. She and Adam heeded divine commandments of obedience
and sacrifice (see Moses 5:5, 6).
5. She and her husband taught the gospel to their children (see
Moses 5:12).
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Mary: The Mother of Jesus: A Perfect Example
She didn’t have all the answers to the unknown before her, but
she trusted that God did. Sometimes, when we face seemingly
impossible trials or responsibilities, our natural instinct might be
to doubt the Lord’s purposes or our own abilities. But following
Mary’s example, we too can respond in faith, going forward and
trusting in God’s plan.2
MEEKNESS IS NOT WEAKNESS
Said Mary, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me
according to thy word” (Luke 1:38).
The Mothers of the Sons of Helaman: An Example of
Powerful Testimonies
Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they
did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did
2
‘Mary, The Mother of Jesus—an Example of True Discipleship’ [accessed 8 May 2019].
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upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that
if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.
And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying:
We do not doubt our mothers knew it. (see Alma 56:47-48).
Living Prophets Teach about Mothers
Mothers can have a powerful influence for good on their
children.
One of the greatest needs in the world today is intelligent,
conscientious motherhood. …
Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or
ill in human life. The mother’s image is the first that stamps itself
on the unwritten page of the young child’s mind. It is her caress
that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss the first realization
of affection; her sympathy and tenderness the first assurance that
there is love in the world.13
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The noblest calling in the world
is motherhood.
True motherhood is the most beautiful of all arts, the greatest of
all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece, or who can
write a book that will influence millions, deserves the admiration
and plaudits of [humankind];
But she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons
and daughters, whose immortal souls will exert an influence
throughout the ages long after paintings shall have faded, and
books and statues shall have decayed or have been destroyed,
deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest
blessings of God.14
Mothers sow the seeds in childhood that determine to a great
extent life’s harvests in adulthood. A mother who instills into the
souls of her children respect for one another and love for
motherhood and fatherhood, renders a great service to the
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Church and to humanity in general.
Children from such homes
go out into the world as good citizens
Motherhood is the one thing in all the world which most truly
exemplifies the God-given virtues of creating and sacrificing.
Though it carries the woman close to the brink of death,
motherhood also leads her into the very realm of the fountains of
life, and makes her co-partner with the Creator in bestowing
upon eternal spirits mortal life.
All through the years of babyhood, childhood, and youth, yes,
even after her girls themselves become mothers and her sons
become fathers, the mother tenderly, lovingly sacrifices for them
her time, her comfort, her pleasures, her needed rest and
recreation, and, if necessary, health and life itself.
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No language can express
the power and beauty and heroism
of a mother’s love.
… Among my most precious soul-treasures is the memory of
Mother’s prayers by the bedside, of her affectionate touch as she
tucked the bed clothes around my brother and me and gave each
a loving, goodnight kiss. We were too young and roguish then to
appreciate fully such devotion, but not too young to know that
Mother loved us.
It was this realization of Mother’s love, with a loyalty to the
precepts of an exemplary father, which more than once during
fiery youth turned my steps from the precipice of temptation.15
No nobler work in this world can be performed by any mother
than to rear and love the children with whom God has blessed
her. That is her duty.16 (see “Chapter 16: The Noble Calling of
Parents,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O.
McKay (2011), 152–61)
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No love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love
of Jesus Christ than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her
child.
No one can do what a righteous woman can do. No one can
duplicate the influence of a mother. 3
As daughters of God, their potential is divine. Without them,
eternal life would be impossible. Our high regard for them should
spring from our love of God and from an awareness of their lofty
purpose in His great eternal plan.
Let nothing in life take priority over your wife—neither work,
recreation, nor hobby.4
“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the
foundation of a great work. And out of small things
proceedeth that which is great.
3
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, ‘Behold Thy Mother - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’ [accessed 8 May 2019].
4
Elder Russell M. Nelson, ‘Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women - Elder Russell M. Nelson’
[accessed 8 May
2019].
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(Doctrine & Covenants 64:33)
The Power and Blessings of Motherhood
“I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood
emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation.”
(L. Tom Perry, an Apostle, General Conference, October 2012)
Many of us have heard the African proverb “It takes a village to
raise a child.” It is true that many people influence the
development of a child as they grow to adulthood: family
members, friends, teachers, and others. Many of us would also
agree that certain key individuals take center stage in a child’s
life at crucial times of development, helping them become
ethical, able, resilient, and moral human beings.
One of these critical influencers
goes by the revered name of “Mother.”
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Teaching children in the home is critical, especially given the
moral environment we find ourselves in today. Parents must
resolve that teaching in the home is a primary responsibility, and
should try their best to raise well-adjusted, confident, and happy
children.
While other social institutions, such as church and school, can
assist parents to “train up a child in the way he should go”
(Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents.
According to God’s plan of happiness, it is parents God entrusts
to care for and help develop His children.
As the evils found in society become more prevalent, the
presence and influence of a loving mother teaching correct
principles to her children within the home adds another layer of
insulation to protect children from harmful and destructive
worldly influences.
Below are three ideas that can help create an environment of
positive, uplifting teaching in your home, where parents and
children can spend quality time together.
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1. Family night. Reserve one night a week that is dedicated to
your family. Spend quality time together. Laugh, play, read
scriptures, and discuss items that matter to one another. Use
this time to bond and create lasting memories.
2. Eat meals together. Studies show that sharing a family
meal together strengthens family bonds, creates well-
adjusted children, and reduces obesity. Use these times
together to find out more about each others’ daily activities,
and show support and encouragement for one another.
3. Pray together as a family. Each evening, gather your
children and pray to God. Express your gratitude for His
blessings to you individually and as a family, and ask Him
for the things you need.5
“No matter what circumstances we are in—if we are married,
widowed, divorced, or single; if we struggle with infertility or
have had miscarriages; if our children have wandered; if our
5
‘Role Of Mothers – Nurturing, Teaching and Fostering Goodness’ [accessed 8 May 2019].
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children have special needs—if we are keeping our covenants, we
have a great cause to rejoice.
“When we keep our covenants
it allows the Lord to make up the difference
in the weaknesses we see in ourselves.”
When we use whatever gifts and talents the Lord has blessed us
with to strengthen and influence families for good, we can find
peace, joy, and rejoicing in our divine identity as daughters of our
Heavenly Father.
Every woman can be
a “woman of influence,”
a “woman of covenant,”
a “guardian of the hearth” 6
6
‘Want to Be Happy on Mother’s Day? Keep an Eternal Perspective, Leaders Say - Church News and Events’
[accessed 8 May 2019].
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Quotes about Mothers 7
“There are few things more powerful than the faithful prayers of
a righteous mother.” —Boyd K. Packer
“The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work. Please
know that it is worth it then, now, and forever.” —Jeffrey R.
Holland“
“To mothers who are raising their children without a father in the
home, I promise you that as you speak of Jesus Christ, you will
feel the power of heaven blessing you.” —Neil L. Andersen
My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I
owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral,
intellectual, and physical education I received from her.” —
George Washington
“What a mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the
coffin.” —Henry Ward Beecher
7
‘100 Inspiring Quotes about Being a Mother’ [accessed 8 May 2019].
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“‘I have no need for children
for it is happiness I am in search of,’
and all the while she spoke, I smiled
while happiness tugged at my skirt.”
—Unknown
“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not
the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done
virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and
beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be
praised.” —Proverbs 31:27–30
“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” —
Abraham Lincoln
“There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that
of motherhood.” —M. Russell Ballard
“The ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children
and our posterity.” —Dallin H. Oaks
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“The highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother.” —
Russell M. Nelson
“I know of no better answer to [the] foul practices that confront
our young people than the teachings of a mother, given in love
with an unmistakable warning.” —Gordon B. Hinckley
“The joy of motherhood comes in moments. Take time to listen,
to laugh, and to play together.” —M. Russell Ballard
“You have nothing in this world more precious than your
children. Do not trade your birthright as a mother for some
bauble of passing value.” —Gordon B. Hinckley
“If a child is not listening, don’t despair. Time and truth are on
your side. At the right moment, your words will return as if from
heaven itself. Your testimony will never leave your children.” —
Neil L. Andersen
Who taught us to love God? To love others? To love ourselves?
Who prayed with us, and prayed for us? Who read to us and
taught us what the words meant? It was Mom.
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Who was the champion, the cheerleader, the chief inspiring
officer? Who was the queen of bedtime, dinnertime, holidays,
holy days, early mornings, late nights, music lessons, life lessons,
and everything we cling to with all our hearts? It was, it is, and
forever will be Mom.
A POEM
There is
no greater calling
no greater purpose
no greater achievement
no greater contribution
no greater example
no greater satisfaction
no greater joy
no greater reward
no greater teacher
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no greater builder of self-worth
no greater fountain of youth
no greater service to God and humankind
no greater way to feel the pure love of Christ
than by being a faithful mother in the eyes of God.
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Summary
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I learned a lot preparing for this episode. I hope you
did too.
To all the women of the world, I hope this Mother’s
Day is your best ever.
To all the men of the world, I hope you have done
all you can to make this Mother’s Day the best ever
for all the women in your life.
I testify to you, that your Heavenly Father will
answer your prayers. He will help you learn the
truth, give you the strength to obey his
commandments, and bless your life with those
promises, now and throughout eternity. (D&C 82:10).
If you would like to attend church this Sunday, I will
be happy to find missionaries in your area that will
help you find the location nearest you, introduce you
to the members, and answer questions you may have.
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I believe these things with all my heart. I testify they
are true and will bring happiness into your lives just
as they have mine.
Today, we learned:
Motherhood: God’s highest, holiest calling
Mothers in the scriptures
Living Prophets teach about mothers
The power and blessings of motherhood.
Quotes about mothers
Thanks for Listening!
In the episode notes, which you can download free, be sure to click
the hyperlinks for more detail.
I invite you to comment and share your thoughts.
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Go to my Ask Dug page and submit your question(s).
If you enjoyed this episode or know anyone who can
benefit from it, please share it on Facebook, Twitter,
or Pinterest.
Leave an honest review for this podcast on iTunes.
SUBSCRIBE NOW To get started with my help and to join the
3rd30 Community (It’s FREE).
My wish is that you will feel God’s love and peace
every day and that you will recognize the answer
to your prayers.
Happy Mother’s Day and God bless you until we
meet again.
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