Motherhood Track at BYU Idaho!

All right, Moms out there! The Motherhood Track for BYU Idaho's Education Week has been officially approved, and I hope to see you there!

Registration won't begin until March 2nd, but that means you have some time to figure out if you'll be able to get to Rexburg, Idaho by July 29-31. Please say yes! Please say yes!

The reason I am so excited is because this is the very first conference (in a long, long while...at least that I know of) that focuses on motherhood AND the gospel. There are lots of "general" women's gatherings, (which are great!), but this is an opportunity for mothers to gather together, participate in meaningful classes, and focus on their spirits at the same time. It will be wonderful!

I'll post more details as I get them, but here are a few that I do know:

-The way a Motherhood Track works is similar to how the Youth Track works. Motherhood classes are arranged throughout the entire day, in addition to all the other conference classes, so there is always a class geared specifically for you, if you'd like to attend. Then in the evening, all the mothers will get together for an extra activity where they can talk, relax, and have a good time.

-For more information, and to register at the appropriate time, visit this link.

-Three definite speakers include Allyson Reynolds, Saren Eyre Loosli, and myself (all board members at www.powerofmoms.com--check out the website to find out more about us, if you'd like). You can also look at our fledgling Power of Moms blog at www.powerofmoms.blogspot.com.

-One series that Saren and I will be co-teaching is called "Taking Care of the Person Inside the Mom." Here are the details, if you're interested.

There is a mountain of great advice available to mothers, but most of it centers on the children. This series is designed to focus on the woman behind the title "Mom." In our efforts to establish great family traditions, help our children excel in school, and taxi our family members around our communities, it's easy to forget that you can't draw water from an empty well. Fortunately, the Lord has prepared wise counsel for His daughters through the scriptures and the words of His prophets to remind us that we can feast on the scriptures, we can care for our physical bodies, and we can pursue our specific purposes here on the earth.

Lecture One: Spiritual Care: How to Feast on the Scriptures When You Barely Have Time for a Shower

Mothers' lives are incredibly demanding, yet we all know that we need to spend quality time in the scriptures each day. When errands, meal preparation, housework, and tantrums crowd our spare time, it's easy to feel guilty that we can't "do it all." This class will help mothers take a step back and find specific ways to bring scripture study into their lives...no matter how hectic the day. We will look at how the scriptures speak specifically to mothers, how the Lord will magnify our study as we put Him first, and how we can bring His power into our lives by turning our hearts to His words.

Lecture Two: Physical Care: Exercise, Nutrition, and Rest Can be More Than Wishful Thinking

Out of shape. Frumpy. Worn out. Stressed out. It's not the way you want to describe yourself, but realistically, this is how many mothers feel. Clearly, this time of our lives is going to require some sacrifices of our personal comfort, but mothers' lives can be dramatically improved as we make the time to care for our physical bodies. This class will review how our bodies are temples, how the Lord wants us to run and not be weary, and how, through Him, we can have rest. In addition, we will provide some practical ways to manage our homes and families so that we can realistically care for ourselves without sacrificing the needs of our families.

Lecture Three: Mental Care: Pursuing Your Talents and Purpose Without Short-Changing Your Family

Each mother has been given specific gifts, talents and interests that can be used to bless others (both in her family and beyond), but when we're focusing our attention on our homes and families, it's easy to wonder if our own dreams matter. This class will show you how to examine the righteous desires of your heart and find ways to manage your time and tasks so that you can pursue goals according to the Lord's plan for you. You'll find fulfillment as you use your talents to pursue the variety of purposes that are divinely yours.

So that's all for now, but PLEASE spread the word! I would love to have this conference full of mothers who can contribute to the classes, enjoy this time to get away, and have a fabulous time becoming the women they're meant to be.