Be Careful what you pray for...

for this I know, God DOES have a sense of humor!

I have dreaded writing this post, but I must do it. As all of my avid readers know, my word for the year is FEARLESS. Wanting to push myself to do the things I know I'm capable of, not shrink from for fear of failure or fear of what others will think or just plain laziness! Well, the other thing that has really stuck with me, and I find my self drawn to, is Sister Beck's talk from the General Relief Society meeting last fall. It was titled "What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Stong and Immovable". She said "we must stand stong and immovable in faith, stong and immovable in family and strong and immovable in relief". She gave lists of the essentials under each catagory and #1 under family was: "Understand and defend the diving roles of women", and #8 was "know, live, and defend the doctrine of the family"

Well, a couple of weeks ago a friend called, and started her conversation by saying; "would you like to sit down". To make a long story short, she asked me if I would accept the nomination to be the Kentucky Mother of Young Children for the year 2008 for American Mothers. I was shocked, but I told her I would think about it. My first response was to think of all the women I know who are without a doubt better mothers that I. I spent the weekend pondering this and talking with family to help me decide what do make of this. Part of me couldn't get past the notion of getting an "award" for mothering (and what others would say about that), but over time, my thoughts kept turning more and more to Sister Beck's talk and my word. Although, this sounds like an individual award or recognition, it is done to recognize all mother's and families. Part of accepting the nomination is to committ to working in your community to strengthen and defend the roles of mothers, fathers and families. Although, I wanted to say no, I knew in my heart that I had to say yes. I couldn't deny that my heart had been being prepared starting back with Sister Beck's talk and then with my word. What could be more fearless than this -- from where I am sitting, nothing!

So, here I am. I've spent the last two weeks preparing my portfolio, which includes: a biography, personal essay, and 10 individual essay responses to questions on home, family, church and community service, my marriage, and ideas on how to strengthen home and family. I had to get a photograph taken (thanks so much Kathryn!), get letters of recommendation from Reed and our Bishop (both were beautiful and I really feel undeserving)

American Mothers, Inc is a wonderful organization and dates back to the 1930's. They are the original sponser of the bills and legislation that made Mother's Day a holiday and work hard to help teach and support families. Here are some comments from the web site:

AMI Purpose
To strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the family and the home.

I Pledge
To ask God's help as a parent in today's world...
To encourage honesty, integrity, patriotism, and the application of moral values in every area of American life beginning in my own home...
To enhance the spiritual foundation of my home by precept and example...
To love, nurture, and educate my children remembering the power and influence of a joyful home...
To seek opportunities to strengthen my family by working, playing, serving and praying together...
To foster personal responsibility and respect in my home and community...
To serve my family and community through personal development as an individual, parent, and citizen...
To support and promote positive programs for children and families...
To wage a vigorous campaign against abuse and violence in all its forms..
To remember that with God, all things are possible.

Mission Statement:

We are an interfaith, non-profit, non-political organization working as a dedicated force to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of the family and the home.

So, yesterday I went to the Kentucky American Mother's meeting and was announced as the Kentucky Mother of Young Children fror 2008. It was a small group, but just extraordinary ladies. (when I get photos of yesterday I will post those as well) As the Kentucky Young Mother, I will attend the national convention in April and begin looking for ways to make a difference and "stand strong and immovable" for motherhood in Louisville. I'm not sure which direction I will take with this, but right now I'm considering something in response to the push to allow more gambeling here.

So--this is the hardest part--telling people I know. I really feel weird about it, but know this is something that I need to do. And, I am honored and truly grateful for the opportunity. I do love being a mother and I do have strong convictions and testimony that what all mother's do it the greatest calling on earth. I don't know exactly what this path will hold for me personally, but I'm sure it will come with lots of growth. But I also know, this recognition isn't about me as a person, it is about all mothers and I hope that I can make a difference somehow!