A Woman of Virtues

For my mother, on her birthday.

 

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies….

Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.”
Proverbs 31:10

Woman Learning

“…Yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, 

even by study and also by faith.”
Doctrine & Covenants 88:110

 During my high school years, I could depend on seeing my mom

with her scriptures open every afternoon, for hours it seemed. She

had the calling of Gospel Doctrine teacher, and she really knew her stuff.

She also sought the best learning in any challenges she had to tackle, from

raising children to organizing the clutter that raising children entails. Her 

study ethics passed on to the next generation of learners in her care.

 

Compassionate Woman

“She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”
Proverbs 31:20

I know my parents gave to the poor, even when they were poor themselves.

But my mother also had compassion for the poor in spirit, and she sometimes invited 

people into our lives whom she met at the bus stop. Not an overly social person, she 

must have been moved by compassion and a missionary spirit to reach out 

and befriend others.

 Joyful Moment

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord…”
Psalm 127:3

My mom lives an abundant life, finding joy in such simple things as sunset walks, 

canoeing, and blackberries. She taught her children to do the same. We were fortunate

to enjoy camping trips, family bike rides, and many purely joyful moments.

 Preparing Her Son

“My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother.”
Proverbs 6:20
 

 My mother raised three amazing sons, and prepared them for a life of service

and dedication in their own parenting roles. 

Teaching With Love

“…Seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given.”
Doctrine & Covenants 46:8

My mother taught us so much because she knew how to do it lovingly. She knew that 

it would take chocolate chips rather than chiding to get us to practice piano. Her best 

parenting advice has been "catch them doing something right." 

In Her Mother's Footsteps

“Train up a child in the way she should go: and when he is old she will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6

My sister and I were blessed to watch our mom mother a baby. We were six and

eight when our little brother was born, so we got lots of experience changing diapers,

babysitting, and entertaining him. Our mom taught us those skills with

patience, and my sister and I both grew to embrace motherhood.

 Woman and Her Talents

“…If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, 

we seek after these things.”
Thirteen Article of Faith

Anyone wanting to describe my mom would go immediately to her talents. She is artistic

and creative. When I was in primary she was the music leader, and I still remember the 

poster she made to teach us the song "Whenever I hear the song of a bird..." I thought she

was an amazing artist! Let alone the musical ability and entertainer skills required in that calling.

There is so much more, though. She quilts, plays the organ, does calligraphy, square dances, 

line dances, makes amazing photo projects, sews, creates anything computer-oriented, cooks everything from muffins to meatloaf. And she is always willing to share those talents, whipping 

up cute costumes for plays, teaching any young willing piano or organ students and serving 

in any needed way. This accomplished and talented woman is ever a humble servant.

Fulfillment

“Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. "

 Proverbs 31:28

Not only is she talented, but my mom is fulfilled. Her accomplishments make 

her a happy and interesting person, so it's easy to honor her for all she does.

 In the Family Circle

“And they shall also teach their children to pray, and walk uprightly before the Lord.”
Doctrine & Covenants 68:28

I remember Family Council meetings, scripture study, family prayer, and Family Home 

Evenings. There were fun treats, like baked bananas and fun activities, like family soccer

at the elementary school. We were entertained, instructed and edified. One of the most

helpful life skills we learned in our family circle was to say 

"I feel __ when __ because __." I think of mom every time I share

that communication strategy with my own children.

Woman in Prayer

“Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good.”
Alma 17:37

 

Perhaps the most comforting image from childhood was the frequent

scene from my parents' bedroom door, of them kneeling side by side.

I knew they were praying together in an effort to discern the right actions to

take as parents and as people. I knew they prayed for each one of us in our

trials. I knew they loved each other and ended every day in that act of

unity. I admired their devotion to each other and the Lord. 

Happy Birthday, to a woman more precious than rubies!