Mother's Day

***This post was meant to get published on Sunday but my computer is being old and therefore stubborn***

The Book of Mormon tells of an army of 2,000 valiant, courageous, and strong young men who had been taught by their mothers "to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him" (Alma 53:21).

My own mother had no sons, but she taught her daughters as these mothers of old taught their sons.  She loved her Father in Heaven and her Savior and wanted her daughters to as well. 

As I mentioned in a previous post, my mother was diagnosed with ALS.  Two months ago her battle came to an end.  She left this mortal life in a body that no longer worked.  Over the past couple years it had slowly shut down, limb-by-limb, but her mind was alert and knowing.

In the fall of 2012 she lost her voice.  This gave her much time spent in her own thoughts.  Instead of becoming angry at God and the trial of a failing body, she spent much time in prayer and scripture study.  My mother left this life knowing her Savior; not just believing in him, but knowing him.

(if this video doesn't show up it can be found here)

This Mother's Day my heart is sad that I cannot be with my mother to hug and kiss her.  But I am extremely grateful for the time I spent with her and the memories I have.  I feel strongly that it was her time to return to her Savior.  She taught us well and loved us dearly.  She is in a place now where opportunities to serve are not limited by her failing physical body.  She can do more now in the service of our Father then she could have these last couple of years on the earth.

I know my Father loves me.  I know He sent His son, our Savior, to die for each of us that we may become cleansed from our sins.  That through faith and obedience we can return to live with Him and our families when we pass from this mortal life into eternal life.

I am grateful to have had the association with such a wonderful woman who I was able to call Mom. 

"Diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world."  Dieter F. Uchtdorf