Memories and Mom

Mom (Ellen Jackson) this is for you. Learning to be a mom was simple because of your example.

As I toss in my sleep morning thoughts rush to my mind. For months I have tried to find my own words to share with my mother how I love her. We all have a special place in our heart of the woman who has dedicated all her love and energy to raise us. How do you put that into words? She has been there to meet all my needs, and teach me through example how to live in our Savior's footsteps. Now, I am always seeking direction from her on how to raise my own children. My mother has a musical gift, and she used her gift to get through the daily routines of life. I found my childhood memories in Children's Songbook and would like to share some of them with you.

Monday night FHE (Family Home Evening) always included: "This is the night we've waited for; Always a treat we have in store! We love each other more and more With every family night! Stories and games for everyone; Learning the gospel can be fun! Father and Mother, daughter, son, Together on family night!" (195) So many principles of love and true in that one song that is has been permanently a part of my testimony of what the church and family. "Where Love is There God is Also;"(138) "Let us gather in a circle and kneel for family prayer To thank our Heavenly Father For the blessings we all share." (189)
Even at times when everyone is grumpy " If you chance to meet a frown, Do not let it stay quickly turn it upside down And smile that frown away." (267) After a long day of activities a song sends bad thoughts away and fills us with peace: "Sing your way home at the close of the day, Sing your way home drive the shadows away, Smile every mile, for wherever you roam It will brighten your road, it will lighten your load If you sing your way home." (193)
Getting the work done around the house is an endless job for mom (especially when you have 11 children), I asked mom how she did it. She was shocked that I didn't realize we all were responsible for helping. Songs took the work out of the chores. "When we're helping we're happy, and we sing as we go; and we like to help mother For we all love her so." (198) "When my mother calls me, quickly I'll obey. I want to do just what is best Each and every day." (197) Oh and you can't forget the Saturday song: "Saturday is a special day. It's the day we get ready for Sunday." (196) I am sure many others come to your mind. So all you mothers and fathers out there, next time you don't know where to turn, find a song to help move things along.

The real reason for this post is I wanted to really know what made my family special. I found it truths in hymns and uplifting songs from my childhood.
Each phrase has a memory that bring my to tears. I hope my siblings can find and remember them too. The Family (194)
"When the family gets together,
After evening work is done.
Then we learn to know each other,
Popping corn and having fun.
Then our father tells a story,
Mother leads us in a song,
And it seems that nothing in this world could possibly go wrong."

May we never forget and always share, the love that our family has so dear.
For mothers and fathers who bind us near, to the teachings of Jesus' love is here!
-Heather Jackson Shutt