You have probably heard the phrase, ‘Your body is a temple.’ Many faiths have temples, special places of worship and of great beauty, in which believers seek closeness with the Divine. Those who visit the temple would never disrespect or defile it in any way. Similarly, we should feel the same way about our body, treating it with respect by avoiding harmful substances and behaviors. The Apostle Paul said, “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”¹ We can do this by following the Word of Wisdom.

The Word of Wisdom

One way that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints show their respect for the body and mind given to them by Heavenly Father is to follow the Word of Wisdom (WOW). We know that praying and attending church can help us form a relationship with the Lord, however, how we treat our bodies and minds is also important in strengthening this relationship and helping us to be worthy to receive the Holy Spirit.

The Word of Wisdom refers to a revelation had by the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1833 about the physical well-being of the Saints. It was formally accepted by the Church in 1851. Doctrine and Covenants 89 provides that the Saints should not use tobacco, wine, strong drinks, or hot drinks (interpreted by the prophets to mean coffee and black tea) and should eat meat sparingly. It encourages the use of herbs, grains, fruits, and vegetables, but does not require a vegetarian diet.²

Over the years, the importance of the WOW has been shown in ways that could not have been imagined during the early days of the Church. We know now how damaging tobacco products can be. How many of the almost 140,000 people a year in the United States who die from lung cancer or those who suffer for years with impaired breathing from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) would give anything if they could start over and not take up smoking?³ How many people wish they had not prioritized alcohol over family, work, or driving safely?

The Word of Wisdom and Today’s Generation

Though the Word of Wisdom was given to us over a hundred years ago, it is still relevant to us today. In 1949, David O. McKay, then President of the Church, discussed how views on harmful behaviors can change. In the early 20^th Century, it was unusual for women to smoke, and even considered not very ladylike. Over a short span of time, however, in large part due to advertising aimed at women, women’s smoking went from being hidden to openly shown in films. What had been unacceptable only a few years prior, had become accepted and fashionable.⁴   Classic movie fans might remember the iconic scene between a cool Bette Davis and a suave Paul Henreid as they share a cigarette in ‘Now Voyager.’ Who wouldn’t want to start smoking after seeing the beautiful Ms. Davis in that scene?

The same can be said for many of today’s habits, that is, advertising and popular culture make questionable behaviors appear typical and accepted. For example, many young people decide not to smoke tobacco and turn to vaping, or e-cigarettes, as an alternative. In vaping, the user inhales flavored oils using what is often a stylishly designed device. While it may seem like a good substitute for smoking, vaping is not harmless. According to the US Surgeon General, e-cigarettes contain particles that can be inhaled, chemicals that cause lung disease, and even heavy metals such as lead. ⁵ Most people would not knowingly put these things in their bodies, but since vaping is portrayed in popular culture as hip and trendy, and with little information about the health hazards, they don’t question the habit. In addition to lung problems, people have been seriously injured after the vape pen exploded in their face. And like many habits, vaping wastes money that could be better spent.

Another popular habit is stopping at the coffee shop. You already know that drinking coffee is against the WOW. It’s best to avoid coffee shops, but it is also understandable that you may want to socialize with friends who frequent them. If you do go in, take care when choosing a drink.  Even drinks that don’t have ‘coffee’ in the name, may contain it. Mochas, macchiatos, and lattes are coffee drinks. If you do order a drink, don’t be shy about asking if there is coffee in it. Green tea is also popular, but green tea is simply unfermented black tea and drinking it is against the Word of Wisdom.⁶

While the Doctrine and Covenants does not specifically refer to opioids, ecstasy, or other illegal and legal substances in common use today, we can know they are against the Word of Wisdom. As President Joseph Fielding Smith said, “The Word of Wisdom is a basic law. It points the way and gives us ample instruction in regard to both food and drink, good for the body and also detrimental. If we sincerely follow what is written with the aid of the Spirit of the Lord, we need no further counsel.” And “we will know what is good and what is bad for the body, without the Lord presenting us with a detailed list separating the good things from the bad that we may be protected. We will learn by this faithful observance that the promises of the Lord are fulfilled.”⁷  A good rule of thumb if you aren’t sure a substance is prohibited by the WOW, is to consider whether it may be addictive or otherwise impair your mental or physical health. Also, if you continue to buy this item or engage in a behavior such as gambling, will it mean that you won’t have enough money for obligations and essentials? If the answer is ‘yes,’ it is probably best to leave it alone.

Making Changes

Living in harmony with the Word of Wisdom may seem daunting at first. Perhaps you aren’t sure if you can do it. Maybe you’ve smoked since you were a teen. Maybe you can’t imagine giving up Friday nights at the bar with the gang. But change is possible. I was never a big coffee drinker, but I did drink tea. I had tea with meals, tea at work, tea when I was sick, tea all the time. Nothing fancy, in fact, regular supermarket tea was fine with me. As my son got older, we had many happy evenings together sharing a pot of tea. So, it was especially difficult for me to give it up. When I started to investigate the Church, I substituted cocoa for tea, but over time, I found I didn’t even need to do that. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with hot water with lemon. What worked for me in making the change was thinking of the Word of Wisdom as a whole. All the components work together for a healthier life and one more connected to the Spirit. Following the Word of Wisdom is also important because it is one of the ways we show our worthiness to enter the temple. Having experienced the blessings of the temple, I do not want to lose them because I can’t say ‘no’ to a cup of tea.

As you begin following the Word of Wisdom, you can turn to the missionaries. They can help you find a smoking cessation program. They can guide you to Scripture that will encourage you to make other choices when you are tempted to engage in behaviors that are against the WOW. There are fun, drug and alcohol-free, social events at church for all ages. If you feel unsure of yourself, attend church functions so that you won’t be surrounded by temptation. Find outlets such as exercise, being of service, crafts, reading Scripture, or listening to uplifting music to occupy your mind. Even if you are not yet a member of the Church, the missionaries would be happy to give you a blessing to help you with your struggle. The Lord has promised that if you go to Him “with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.”⁸  Know that you can change. Trust in the Lord and do not doubt yourself. You can do this!

The Blessings of the Word of Wisdom

We are all mortal and subject to human frailties. Following the Word of Wisdom does not mean we will never get sick. But it may be much easier to avoid or recover from illnesses if we start from a good base, one that is free from the use of harmful substances such as addictive drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and that is nourished by a variety of healthy foods. Following the WOW can help us have a clear mind, making it easier to make good choices for ourselves and our families.

We can be at peace, knowing that our behaviors are less likely to be the cause of marital strife, poor job performance, a car accident, or misspent finances. Adhering to the Word of Wisdom allows us to be ready to receive spiritual promptings so that we can be guided by the Holy Spirit. The Word of Wisdom is a great source of strength that helps us, as the scripture says, “to run and not be weary and walk and not faint.”⁹

Resources:

1. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20.
2. Doctrine and Covenants 89.
3. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/update-on-cancer-deaths/index.htm
4. Conference Report, Oct. 1949, pp. 185–86.
5. https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/
6. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2019/08/vaping-coffee-tea-and-marijuana?lang=eng
7. Improvement Era, Feb. 1956, pp. 78–79.
8. Mosiah 7:33.
9. Doctrine and Covenants 89:20.

The post Sanctifying the Body, Elevating the Spirit: Benefits and Blessings of the Word of Wisdom appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

These are tumultuous times in many ways. It’s a gift and blessing to be able to gather (even if virtually) to hear words of inspiration, comfort, invitation, and hope from prophets, apostles, and other authorized leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ.

We invite you to watch or listen to these messages live, or to listen to or watch recordings during the coming days and weeks.

Live watching and listening options:

ChurchofJesusChrist.org
Church of Jesus Christ YouTube
Latter-day Saints Channel Mobile App
Latter-day Saints Channel Roku
Latter-day Saints Channel Apple TV
Latter-day Saints Channel Fire TV
Latter-day Saints Channel Android TV
Latter-day Saints Channel Website
BYUtv
KSL TV

Latter-day Saints Channel Mobile App
Latter-day Saints Channel Roku
Latter-day Saints Channel Apple TV
Latter-day Saints Channel Fire TV
Latter-day Saints Channel Android TV
Latter-day Saints Channel Website
Latter-day Saints Channel Radio
BYU Radio
KSL Newsradio
Gospel Voice (Beta) on Amazon Alexa
Gospel Voice (Beta) on Google Assistant

The post General Conference: Messages of peace and hope appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

-President Russell M. Nelson, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in a talk entitled “Hear Him!”

It’s been six months since the president and prophet of our church issued this invitation to more deliberately find ways to hear the voice of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world have responded to this invitation both privately and publicly (although if you search the hashtag #HearHim on social media, you will get a mix of responses).

I wanted to share a few ways I #HearHim.

I #HearHim through inspirational music. Such as this song I listened to over and over again a few weeks ago. Listening to this was like a prayer for me that includes both the aching I feel for all that is going on, and people I care about…and the wonder I feel for all that God is doing, for all that He is.

(Other music from this celebration was also amazing.)

I #HearHim through patterns that show up in my life (through so many ways and means) and as I practice listening below the surface of the waves (think boogie boarding/body surfing) and connect with others seeking to do the same. His voice is different, so different, from the chaos of the noise around me (social or other media, cultural chatter, etc.) or the clutter of anxiety that often can hijack my mind.

I #HearHim when I have the blessing of talking with my children about their scriptural insights and gratitude for the gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives.

I #HearHim when I read the scriptures. Sometimes the messages I hear or feel are connected to the text, and sometimes they come in completely unexpected thoughts or feelings that come simply because I’m in the text.

How do you hear Him?

p.s. We invite you to join us this weekend to hear leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints share messages of hope and inspiration and testimony of Jesus Christ in our semi-annual General Conference. This will be a virtual conference for all members and friends, and there are many ways to listen or watch. See graphic below.

The post Some ways I #HearHim appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

I reached up not only to God within my heart; I reflected on the faith of those who have gone before, a faith that strengthens my own.

Sometimes I will look at the photos of noble ancestors on my wall in times like this. But on this night, there were no faces in mind, just the whole of all the pioneer stories wrapped together. In remembering them, I felt could keep moving, keep walking, keep keeping the faith.

I have realized as I reflect on the lives and sacrifices of the Mormon pioneers that the specifics of our journeys don’t really matter — not because the details of our personal pain and triumphs are insignificant, but simply because we all have our trails to blaze, we all have our trials to face. Our stories may differ, but the principles that can help us all are the same.

I so often find myself hoping I can be as firm in my faith and as willing to endure well life’s difficulties as the early Mormon pioneers were. I feel a connection with them because their testimony in God is my testimony. Their knowledge of God’s plan, the foundation that kept them going, is what keeps me going. Their trust in the Savior’s Atonement, the source of their hope, is also why I fight the despair that sometimes seeps into my heart in hard times.

Even as the Mormon pioneers have long since passed on, their examples shine bright to me and help me keep moving forward in faith — faith in my Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ.

– – – – – – –

This week, we will be celebrating the upcoming Mormon Pioneer Day (July 24) by reflecting on both early and modern-day people who have left (or are leaving!) a legacy of faith for others to follow.

The post Faith of Our Fathers, Faith in Our Father appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

My name is Catania (it rhymes with lasagne). I am 31 years old, and learning to come to terms with it. 😉 I have been married for 2 and a half years, and I have three girls – an 8-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a 7-month old.

I am a happy person.

I’m not any happier now than I was 15 years ago. In 1994 I was in tenth grade. I had just moved from Houston to PA. My parents had been divorced for five years. We were always traveling between Texas and Pennsylvania. Finally, we made the move to the Northeast.

Although I was sad to leave my friends, one thing that made me happiest at that time was Early Morning Seminary. I’d like to say it was because of the scriptures. However, it was because of Sister Gardner. Her house was warm and inviting. I felt so much love in her home. She would joke and tease us. And even though I couldn’t really verbalize it then, I now know that the reason I loved seminary is because I felt the Spirit there. It was in Seminary that I learned that there was a relationship between Happiness and the Spirit.

I wasn’t a perfect teenager. I had some other issues going on. But I felt happy. I learned ways to incorporate the same happiness I felt in Sister Gardner’s home into my own life. Usually, it was through creative endeavors – sometimes from playing the piano; other times, I’d get lost in a book. I remember spending many nights in my room, happily listening to music, and making art. I found that being creative also brought the Spirit into my life. And it made me happy.

Essentially, I’m also not any happier now than I was ten years ago. I had been married for about a year – a difficult year. Not only had I gotten married, but I moved to Utah from another state. It was a difficult adjustment.

However, through the struggles, the Lord strengthened me. I attended Institute, went to college, worked at an airline, and served in the Young Women organization. Through gospel study, pursuing an education, expressing myself creatively, making money, and serving the Lord, the Spirit was infused in my life. Amidst change, I was happy.

Essentially, I’m not any happier now than I was five years ago. I had been divorced only five months prior. It was the shock of my life. I found myself a single, working-mom. I was tired and trying to navigate the unexpected turbulence of life. My kids were only 3 and 2. And I was alone.

But I was happy. It was strange – in a way Everything went wrong. But I was still happy.

I was happy because the Spirit was still in my life. I felt the Spirit as I attended the temple – even if it was all alone. I felt the Spirit when I picked my kids up for a hug – even if it was after a long day of work, and with the knowledge that there was another long day ahead. I felt the Spirit when I created artwork – even if it was sloppily done on my bed at an hour when I should have been sleeping. I felt the Spirit when I was running – even if it was still dark outside, and I was freezing. I felt the Spirit when I would create a good spreadsheet – even if my other colleagues swore all day, and I was kind of wishing I could be with my kids.

And, I’m happy now. The Lord has blessed me greatly. I’m not sure why. There are so many women, so many people who deserve blessings. Many of them deserve these blessings WAY more than I do. It almost seems unfair – how some of us are blessed in a more timely manner than others. I’m not sure why that is. However, what I know is: the blessing, itself is not what brings happiness. Happiness comes when I decide to put my will on the altar of God. When I do that, I feel the Spirit. He teaches me, personally, how I can be happy and blesses me with the necessary peace to overcome trials.

I believe when we find His Spirit, we find happiness.

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~by Jenny

At first Melissa may seem like a typical Mormon, raised in Utah as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. While she has been a member of the Church her whole life, her parents haven’t actively participated in church services. During her teenage years she remembers going to all of the activities and Sunday services, with her parents blessing, but they never attended with her. Melissa’s parents and siblings still choose not to participate in activities with the Church, but support her in her desires to serve and take part in the Church.

Another aspect of Melissa’s life that is not typical is her role as a rancher’s wife. She lives with her husband and two children on a large ranch in Northern Utah where she supports her husband’s extended family through great service. Her husband’s elderly grandparents live just steps away and Melissa often provides meals and help to them. They say that they could not make it without the help they receive from Melissa. It is no surprise that her favorite assignment in the church was as compassionate service leader (a special assignment in the women’s organization (Relief Society) that involves caring for those with urgent or intense needs). Her charity is plentiful.

Melissa is also a schoolteacher. You may think that being a teacher isn’t unique, but the type of school she teaches in is unique. It is a school that teaches Kindergarten through 10th grade in just four classrooms. Melissa teaches the 4th through 6th grades in a room next to her mother-in-law, who teaches Kindergarten. While she enjoys tackling a challenge, life on the ranch can be isolating. Melissa is grateful to share her talents through teaching. Many Mormon women worry about working outside of the home when they have children, and Melissa is no different. She is grateful to have found a wonderful family who shares their lives with her children. She feels like they have an even bigger loving family with the childcare help she receives from them.

Melissa’s faith is interwoven through her days. With her husband out on the ranch (often with no cell phone service) and working with the volunteer fire department, her heart is continually asking Heavenly Father for his protection and safe return. Prayers are frequent during the winter, as they go about their duties in blowing and drifting snow.

As you can imagine, being pregnant is an especially trying time to be so far from the city. When expecting her second child Melissa went into labor with the hospital an hour and a half away. She prayed continually while her husband drove (at breakneck speed) to the hospital. Their son was delivered safely and Melissa’s reassurance of the Lord’s love for her and her family grew. She is grateful to Father in Heaven for the many prayers He has answered. Because of Melissa’s unique life she has a wonderful opportunity to trust in God and to feel his love and guiding hand in her life.

—-

For more Portraits of Mormon Women, please click here.

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We’re creating a new section on Christ.org–one of our More Good Foundation websites–that will include a composite of personal stories regarding the ways in which the Savior has intervened in our daily lives, and helped us to overcome, realize His hand, submit to His will, live on, receive understanding, see purpose, or find joy in the journey.

We’d like to extend an invitation to you to write and submit your own account of any way in which you have felt the personal impact of the Savior’s atoning love, grace, and influence in your life as you’ve moved forward in your journey of life, or as you’ve faced a particular life challenge. It doesn’t matter if the story revolves around a small moment, one event, or a long struggle. Selected accounts will be published on Christ.org.

If you’re interested, please fill out this form with your story. Stories should be approximately 350-1200 words. While we can post some stories anonymously, we’d also like to receive those from guests who would like to include a photo and first name, with their post, to keep the site inviting, real, and personal for our visitors.

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