Motivating Mothers – Julie Clarke

In the bible dictionary it says, “Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith.”

I am excited to present a new feature to this blog…MOTIVATING MOTHERS, where REAL moms share REAL experiences. We will have the opportunity to hear from different women from all around the world, each having different stories, experiences, opinions and ideas. I truly believe as we hear from other women, we will all be motivated and learn how to become better mothers, wives and friends.

Our first “Motivating Mother” is very special to me, as she is my own mom. She is the lady I look up to most and has inspired me to become the person I am. I hope you enjoy this Motivating Mothers Moment and feel inspired today!

This is what she has written for all of us:

“The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender.

There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind.

There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined.

There are enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith”

Margaret D. Nadauld

I became a mother 32 years ago at the age of 22.  I have eight wonderful children (including four in-laws) and eight perfect grandchildren.  Being a mother for the first time was both scary and wonderful.  My life was forever changed as I became responsible for the physical and emotional needs of another person.  I smile at the many self-help and advice books that are available today, and of course everyone has a different opinion.

I had a wonderful father and mother growing up, who became the role models that I patterned my home after.  Poor Katrina, you could probably call her my little guinea pig.  She had an inexperienced, brand new mother who did not do things perfectly, but no one does.  I made mistakes, learning and growing as we moved along, and always trying to do better.

Being a mother is definitely the hardest job there is.  In the beginning I thought all I needed was a lot of love and loads of patience, but being a good mom is so much more.  I was totally exhausted the first 12 years of marriage.  My babies did not sleep through the night and they hated Sunday nursery, but soon after loved pre-school and I loved their newly found independence.  It seems like yesterday I was their room mother, taxi driver, nurse, chef and yes, even referee.  I learned early on that they could not be forced to do something they did not want to do.  They were not clay for me to mold, for Heavenly Father was to be their sculptor.

Always remember to save the relationship, especially during those trying teenage years.  I hear of mothers wanting to be their child’s “best friend”.  I always wanted to be my child’s friend and I wanted them to come to me with every problem, but I saved the best friend part for after they were grown.  I didn’t want to be like all their other friends who they might argue or disagree with.  I wanted the role of mother to be respected and meaningful as they were growing up.

I would encourage young struggling mothers to hang in there.  Life does get better.  Turn to good books, friends and family for help.  And being a grandmother is my favorite calling.  It is true, mothers do all the hard work and grandmas have all the fun.

I have had people ask me, “How did your children turn out so good?”  I immediately respond, “They came to me that way.  They are so much better than I ever was.”  The only thing I can think of, that my husband and I tried to do, was to have a Christ centered home.  The gospel always came first, extra loves, tons of laughter and a lot of forgiveness were what we strived for.

I know that there is no greater calling than that of mother (and father) and I enjoy watching my children set such good examples for their small families.  Let me leave you with words my children have heard often, “Now go out and make a memory!”