One thing I have been working on to help with my depression is looking for and recognizing the tender mercies in my life. As I watched my oldest (Kloee) run across the field with a huge smile on her face at the primary activity I had an overwhelming feeling of peace wave over me. Even though I have an imbalance in my body and I snap and yell or melt down, I am still a good mom as long as I am trying and progressing I am on the path I should be. I am so blessed in my life and it is amazing to slow down and see and feel those blessings. Unless you watch for them they easily slip on by.

I read this amazing talk again today by Sheri Dew (Are we not all Mothers?) and the words comforted my soul. From recent conversations with numerous people I have felt inadequate that "just being a mom" was a cop out and that I should take on more. They ask me, well what do you do all day. Especially when they look around my house and see dirty dishes in the sink and clean laundry piled high on the couch. My heart crushes when I hear these words and my confidence shatters. The thought "Am I not doing what I should?" The sad thing is I hear it from my fellow mothers as well, things like "Being a mother isn't enough for me I need more." I had an incredible spiritual experience yesterday that spoke loud and clear....LOVE your Children, and those you come in contact with. Being a MOTHER is ENOUGH and is THE most important thing you can do with your time. These words from Sheri Dew only reinforced what spoke to me yesterday....Seeking for the joy in motherhood one day at a time and looking for the blessing daily makes a world of difference, at least in my life.

“Recent horrifying events in the United States have underscored the fact that we live in a world of uncertainty. Never has there been a greater need for righteous mothers—mothers who bless their children with a sense of safety, security and confidence about the future, mothers who teach their children where to find peace and truth and that the power of Jesus Christ is always stronger than the power of the adversary. Every time we build the faith or reinforce the nobility of a young woman or man, every time we love or lead anyone even one small step along the path, we are true to our endowment and calling as mothers and in the process we build the kingdom of God. No woman who understands the gospel would ever think that any other work is more important or would ever say, ‘I am just a mother,’ for mothers heal the souls of men.”