For the Mothers

I recently read an article for class about stay at home moms. It argued that even though moms have the stereotypical role of doing house work, there are also many opportunities in which they are able to do other tasks which enhance their learning. For years moms have been stereotyped as women who clean the kitchen, make dinner, do the laundry, iron clothes, pick up the kids, and clean up after everyone. This is what most mothers do but it doesn't mean that they don't have any other important roles.

Mothers have the role of teaching their children. As moms teach they can learn. As the kids grow older they will come home from school with more challenging questions. This gives moms the chance to research the question and learn about the topic themselves before teaching.

In most communities there are additional opportunities for mothers to continue in learning. For example, volunteer work, online classes, book clubs, etc. No only can you learn so much from these things but they are fun too! In addition, I'm sure there are many resources for moms to find a good book to read or watch an intelligent t.v. show or movie. Stay at home moms may spend a lot of time at home but that doesn't mean that all they are doing is house work.

So, here's to my mom, the most intelligent woman I know. She taught me everything I know now and for that I will always be grateful.

My mom. :)

The Brethren

Last class period we discussed how the general authorities meet and the process in which they do so. Here are some details about it:
They...
1. Meet on Thursdays in the Temple
2. Start with a prayer
3. Have an agenda.
4. Open and honest
5. Express love and concern.
6. Close with a prayer.
7. Have a dessert.
Each of these details may seem meaningless but they do each have a purpose and they bring a sense of unity among the Brethren.  By choosing a specific time of day to meet they express that it is a sacred time. Also, by meeting in the temple they demonstrate the importance of their meeting. Prayer invites the Spirit into the meeting and gives them a chance to express gratitude. By having an agenda matters are more organized and they are prepared which signifies their desire to accomplish many things. The dessert is kind of silly but it can help form bonds between the Brethren.

One thought that I particular enjoyed from this lesson was this, "He (God) is more eager to give you inspiration than you are in receiving the inspiration." I know that this is completely true. I know that there is so much to learn if only I would be more determined then I could understand more of what God has in store for me and others. I know that the Brethren are inspired of God and through their meetings they become closer together and closer to God.

Crisis

This week we discussed many crisis and how they affect the lives of individuals. The part about crisis that I like is the different coping mechanisms that are suggested in the book.
They are:

• Take responsibility
• Affirm worth
• Balance self concern with other concern
• Re-framing (re-define the meaning of something)
• Find and use available resources

All of these mechanisms I will definitely remember as I start my own family. These cannot only be used for crisis but for those small problems that may occur in our lives. I think affirming our worth is one of the bigger mechanisms that can help. So often in times of trial our self worth can be easily forgotten. It is sad, but I know it is true because I see it in the lives of others. I know that if we remember that God loves each and everyone one of us then we will be able to overcome the crisis that occur in our lives. He loves us!