Sally Olsen Speaking at The 2011 American Mothers National Convention
Sally Olsen, Mother
Sally is a Mother, Grandmother, and Utah Mother of the Year 2011
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Inspiring Personal Experiences
The power of work
When my husband was in a medical residency program and I was a busy mother expecting my fourth child and the oldest was 5, I became very ill for a couple of days. I remember laying on the bed, little children played around me, and I wanted to badly to get up and change a diaper. Not only to change a diaper but I wanted to get up and hold my children, help them and attend to their needs. I am grateful it was only a couple of days that I was so ill, but when I had the strength to get out of bed, I realized so strongly what a blessing it is to have the strength to attend to my children and love and serve them. Sometimes we get tired, another dirty diaper, another mess, and we feel so taxed and life is so hard, or this is too much. And we get feeling sorry for ourselves, we throw a little pity party. But this experience changed my perspective and made me think of a great statement by President David O. Mckay
Powerful Statements & Quotes and my comments
"The ultimate career"
Every home ought to be a mini-school of the prophets since so much learning can occur there. – Neal A. Maxwell
Our homes truly are the "school room of the Lord". What we make happen there is vital. Do not be deceived by the voices of the world (Satan) that would downplay or belittle our time at home. I am reminded of a quote by C.S. Lewis.
"The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only - and that is to support the ultimate career." — C.S. Lewis
Be encouraged and rejoice each day that you have the opportunity to be in your home to teach and love and serve. This is where true joy is found!
Gordon B. Hinckley
“In this age when more and more women are turning to daily work, how tremendous it is, once in a while, to stop and recognize that the greatest service that any woman will ever perform will be in nurturing, teaching, lifting, encouraging, and rearing her children in righteousness and truth. There is no other thing that will compare with that regardless of what she does. I hope that the women of the Church will not slight their greatest responsibility in favor of a lesser responsibility. To the mothers of this church, every mother who is here this day, I want to say that, as the years pass, you will become increasingly grateful for that which you did in molding the lives of your children in the direction of righteousness and goodness and integrity and faith. I think I can share this with you. As I sat in the Tabernacle at the last conference and was sustained by the people of this church, there came before me in my mind’s eye, the picture of my mother when I was a little boy. And I’m sure she must have thought then that I wouldn’t amount to much because I was not an easy little boy to deal with. I am grateful that I have the opportunity in my old age to bring honor to her name. …It’s been the mothers who have been the great carriers and purveyors of faith throughout the history of this church. I believe that with all my heart” – President Gordon B. Hinckley (Heber City/Springville, Utah, regional conference, 14 May 1995).
The Greatest Service
Joseph F. Smith said: “There can be no genuine happiness separate and apart from the home, and every effort made to sanctify and preserve its influence is uplifting to those who toil and sacrifice for its establishment. Men and women often seek to substitute some other life for that of the home; they would make themselves believe that the home means restraint; that the highest liberty is the fullest opportunity to move about at will. There is no happiness without service, and there is no service greater than that which converts the home into a divine institution, and which promotes and preserves family life” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 382).
I know this is absolutely true! The world teaches that the home means restraint, that the highest liberty is the fullest opportunity to move about at will. But this is a lie. It may seem true, but it is not. The great things that we do in our homes are not published in the headlines. We are not given awards and medals and many days there is no recognition for great deeds and accomplishments that are taking place. But that is why it is so essential to have the burning knowledge inside of you that the work you are doing as parents is vital and of the utmost importance.
This knowledge and faith that this work is true will get you through the hard days. There are hard days, but they are really only as hard as we let them be through our mind and through our faith. Faith empowers us and soon we find that because of our faith we are blessed and empowered through the Lord to be able to handle things. We are given additional strength to endure, to do, and to love. When we start to love, it is because the Lord blesses us with His love, then life becomes a success and is so fulfilling and joyful!
We must have faith in the Lord and what he has told us through the prophets and through the witness of the Spirit. This is the way we can carry on! Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ brings miracles.
Jaroldeen Edwards
Jaroldeen Edwards, a mother of twelve children, had just published a novel and was being interviewed in her home by two sophisticated female reporters. Although she tried to maintain a professional appearance, her children embarrassed her by continually seeking her attention. As the reporters were leaving, one went to use the telephone, leaving Jaroldeen alone with the senior reporter. Jaroldeen recounts,
“There's something I want to tell you,” [the reporter] said intensely…“I just want you to know that we were sold a lie.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, totally puzzled.
“I mean, when I went to college they lied to us…We were told not to throw our lives away on husbands and children, but to go out into the world and to succeed. We were told that only through a professional career could we ‘find ourselves' or live a worthwhile life. I just want you to know that this morning I have realized it was all a lie...I would trade all my so-called worldly success for one day of living your life.”
Jaroldeen Edwards. “Following Christ in Service to Others.” Church News, March 10, 1990, 8.
President Gordon B. Hinckley
“In this age when more and more women are turning to daily work, how tremendous it is, once in a while, to stop and recognize that the greatest service that any woman will ever perform will be in nurturing, teaching, lifting, encouraging, and rearing her children in righteousness and truth. There is no other thing that will compare with that regardless of what she does. I hope that the women of the Church will not slight their greatest responsibility in favor of a lesser responsibility. To the mothers of this church, every mother who is here this day, I want to say that, as the years pass, you will become increasingly grateful for that which you did in molding the lives of your children in the direction of righteousness and goodness and integrity and faith. I think I can share this with you. As I sat in the Tabernacle at the last conference and was sustained by the people of this church, there came before me in my mind’s eye, the picture of my mother when I was a little boy. And I’m sure she must have thought then that I wouldn’t amount to much because I was not an easy little boy to deal with. I am grateful that I have the opportunity in my old age to bring honor to her name. …It’s been the mothers who have been the great carriers and purveyors of faith throughout the history of this church. I believe that with all my heart” – President Gordon B. Hinckley (Heber City/Springville, Utah, regional conference, 14 May 1995).
Russell M. Nelson
“Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.” – Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, May 1999, 38
Joseph F. Smith
Joseph F. Smith said: “There can be no genuine happiness separate and apart from the home, and every effort made to sanctify and preserve its influence is uplifting to those who toil and sacrifice for its establishment. Men and women often seek to substitute some other life for that of the home; they would make themselves believe that the home means restraint; that the highest liberty is the fullest opportunity to move about at will. There is no happiness without service, and there is no service greater than that which converts the home into a divine institution, and which promotes and preserves family life” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 382).
Elder Eyring
A wise parent would never miss a chance to gather children together to learn of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Such moments are so rare in comparison with the efforts of the enemy. For every hour the power of doctrine is introduced into a child’s life, there may be hundreds of hours of messages and images denying or ignoring the saving truths. The question should not be whether we are too tired to prepare to teach doctrine or whether it wouldn’t be better to draw a child closer by just having fun or whether the child isn’t beginning to think that we preach too much. The question must be, “With so little time and so few opportunities, what words of doctrine from me will fortify them against the attacks on their faith which are sure to come?” The words you speak today may be the ones they remember. And today will soon be gone. – Elder Eyring, General Conference, April 1999
President Marion G. Romney
“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” – President Marion G. Romney (in Conference Report, Ensign, May 1980, 67).
Russell M. Nelson
An ideal marriage is a true partnership between two imperfect people each striving to complement the other, keep the commandments and to do the will of the Lord. – Russell M. Nelson, May 1999
Elder Holland
Mothers we acknowledge and esteem your faith in every footstep. Please know that it is worth it then, now and forever. – Elder Holland, May 1991
Elder Faust
Being a father or a mother is not only a great challenge, it is a divine calling, it is an effort requiring consecration. – Elder Faust, November, 1990
President Monson
So frequently we mistakenly believe that our children need more things, when in reality their silent pleadings are simply for more of our time. – President Monson, May 1994
Elder Scott
As a parent, one of the greatest gifts you can give a son or daughter is to consistently nurture a growing testimony of truth. – Elder Scott, November 2003
Elder M. Russell Ballard
The most important work we can do is to help God’s children come to a full understanding of restored the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. – Elder M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, Nov. 2000, 77
Boyd K. Packer
No teaching is equal, more spiritually rewarding or more exalting than that of a mother teaching her children. – Boyd K. Packer, November 2000
Elder Wirthlin
Building our homes as fortresses of righteousness for protection from the world takes constant labor and diligence. – Elder Wirthlin, May 1993
President Monson
The home is the laboratory of our lives and what we learn there largely determines what we do when we leave there. – President Monson, 1988
President Hinckley
Teach your children when they are young and small and never quit. As long as they are in your home let them be your primary interest. – President Hinckley, 2000
Elder Faust
Parents must have knowledge of the standard works to teach them to their children. A child who has been taught from the scriptures has a priceless legacy. – Elder Faust, May 1983
President Packer
I bear witness of the Lord Jesus Christ, He lives, He is our Redeemer and our Savior. He presides over this church, He is no stranger to His servants here. – President Packer, April 1998.
President Ezra Taft Benson
“To the Mothers in Zion” President Ezra Taft Benson Address given at a Fireside for Parents, 22 Feburary 1987 (Produced as a pamphlet and given to Church members)
Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and James E. Faust
We call upon parents to devote their best efforts to the teaching and rearing of their children in gospel principles which will keep them close to the Church. The home is the basis of a righteous life, and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfill its essential functions in carrying forward this God-given responsibility. We counsel parents and children to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities.” (First Presidency letter, 11 February 1999 – Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and James E. Faust)
President Spencer W. Kimball
Many in the world miss the joy and see children only as an inconvenience. It is true that parenting is physically exhausting, emotionally draining, and mentally demanding. No one will give you good grades or blue ribbons for what you do as a mother. Sometimes you might wonder, “Did I do this right? Is it all worth it?”
It is worth it! All latter-day prophets have borne witness to the sacred role of motherhood. President Spencer W. Kimball said, “It is important for you Latter-day Saint women to understand that the Lord holds motherhood and mothers sacred and in the highest esteem” (“Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters,” Ensign, Nov. 1978, 105).
Susan W. Tanner
The Spirit testifies to my soul that this is true. – Susan W. Tanner, Young Women General President (Liahona, May 2003, 73–75)
Contrast that with the mother who vowed to give her children not just quality time but quantity time. She recognized that a loving relationship requires constant and ongoing talking, playing, laughing, and working moments. I, too, believe that parents and children need to participate in each other’s everyday, ordinary experiences. So I know about your upcoming test; you know about my lesson preparation. I attend your games; you join me in the kitchen for dinner preparation. We are major players in each other’s lives, absorbing love through daily experiences.
So to my daughter, and to all young people in the Church, as you make the transition to this new phase in your life, I tell you these things. I testify that in the eternal scheme of things, the most crucial and fulfilling thing you will do is to build a holy home and rear a strong family in love. This family unit will bless society and endure through eternity. I so testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. – Susan W. Tanner, Young Women General President (Liahona, May 2003, 73–75)
Spencer W. Kimball
“No matter what you read or hear, no matter what the differences of circumstances you observe in the lives of women about you, it is important for you Latter-day Saint women to understand that the Lord holds motherhood and mothers sacred and in the highest esteem. He has entrusted to his daughters the great responsibility of bearing and nurturing children.” – Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Nov. 1978.
N. Eldon Tanner
“A mother has far greater influence on her children than anyone else, and she must realize that every word she speaks, every act, every response, her attitude, even her appearance and manner of dress affect the lives of her children and the whole family. It is while the child is in the home that he gains from his mother the attitudes, hopes, and beliefs that will determine the kind of life he will live and the contribution he will make to society.” - N. Eldon Tanner “No Greater Honor: The Woman’s Role” New Era, Jan. 1977
M. Russell Ballard
“There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.”
---“Daughters of God” M. Russell Ballard (April 2008 Conference)