This is quite a story. Five siblings — the Faylor quintuplets — received their “mission calls” (assignments to serve as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) at the same time.

Young people who choose to serve a mission fill out paperwork, get a doctor’s okay to serve, and wait to find out where they will spend the next 18-24 months of their lives. Missionary service can range from local service opportunities in one’s home community to assignments around the world. In this case, the siblings are serving in different places around the United States.

This appears to be the first time in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that five siblings have received mission calls on the same day. But then again, it’s not every day that quintuplets are born!

1 day, 1 family, 5 mission calls: The Faylor quintuplets prepare for missionary service

You can see a video of the Faylor siblings talking about their baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints below.

And for fun, here’s a video of triplets opening their mission calls a few years ago. According to the article linked above, “Three sets of quadruplets have served missions concurrently, while 57 sets of triplets have served simultaneously, according to the Church’s Missionary Department.”

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Some people who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints share some of their thoughts in response to this question.

This video from Latter-day Saints in Canada includes several people’s thoughts, including youth and children.

What brings you peace? Missionaries in Australia share some of their thoughts and invite people to do the same.

“Before I decided to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I had faith, but it wasn’t very strong. My life was not as happy. I had happy moments, but didn’t have that lasting peace that faith in Jesus Christ brings. I remember the day that I decided I was going to start growing that faith.I was going through a rough time in my life, and wanted a change. I started by praying every day. It was difficult at first, remembering to pray in the morning, but I found that as I continued to pray my faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ, was strengthened. I then wanted more so I started reading the scriptures, both the Bible and the Book of Mormon….I am [a] different person than I was five years ago, and I would never go back to who I was. I know that it’s all because of my faith in Jesus Christ.” Sister C

Krista shares how a reminder about trusting in God when struggling when family members have made hurtful decisions has allowed her to show more love to her family, and brings her peace regardless of the choices others make. “Putting trust in God, that’s having faith….I’m so thankful to know about Jesus Christ, about God. I’m so thankful for my faith, because that’s what makes life beautiful.” [Krista’s thoughts start at about 2:30 in the video]

A family from Canada shares this: “The gospel [of Jesus Christ] has brought direction and guidance to our family during these difficult times. The song, “there is peace in Christ” is one that our children really enjoy singing. The gospel and our Savior have brought peace to our family. In our everyday, we often face little challenges and family prayer has helped us spiritually and brought peace into our home. We are especially grateful for the plan of salvation which allows all families to be together forever.”

Other young missionaries share experiences that have strengthened their faith here.

A family from Australia shares this: “When the world is full of discontent and strife. I am grateful for my little family, and our home where the cares of the world disappear and we can enjoy our times together. We find peace reading from the holy scriptures each day and and discussing our eternal natures. We especially love watching the Tv series, The Chosen together. The life of Jesus is brought to life with his teachings and miracles put into real life scenarios. One of the greatest teachings that gives us peace and hope for the future is knowing that we can live together eternally. The Son of God conquered death and offers eternal life to his true disciples. If I can teach my children anything I hope they can learn that they have a Father in heaven who they can rely on. And that by following the Lord Jesus Christ and his teachings they can find true joy in living this life and eternal life in the world to come.”

The post How has faith in Jesus Christ helped you? appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

~by Rachel

I sketched this picture a few years ago while on the phone with a friend. I had this image pop into my mind as we discussed what it means to have the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives.

This is what it means to me. It means I am not alone. It means I’m supported.

It means I am filled with Peace. I know that I have the companionship of the Holy Spirit with me, that Heavenly Father is simply a prayer away, and that Jesus Christ’s name is written on my heart.

I wish everyone could taste of this. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted something more.

I will be listening to the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints today and tomorrow, and I invite all who feel lost, disconnected, sorrowful, or broken to listen too. I’ve been feeling those things pretty poignantly lately, but I can testify that God’s power and the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ are real, and the hope I feel because of them is life changing.

The post Jesus Christ walks with me 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.

If you are interested to see what members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have to say about the Book of Mormon, about faith in Jesus Christ, about how the gospel has helped them, take a look at this Book of Mormon Facebook page.

A recent question caught our attention. The responses were very touching. Worth a few minutes of time.

What is the hardest thing you’ve had to do for the Lord?

“And now my brethren, if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it, that ye might walk uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur because of the truth, and say: Thou speakest hard things against us.” – 1 Nephi 16:3

The post Book of Mormon Facebook page: Doing hard things for the Lord appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Also, if you are a wife facing the challenge of having a husband with an addiction, you can join a private forum to connect with other wives who are working to find hope and healing.

Healing from Pornography Addiction: Hope for Addicts, Spouses – includes inspirational art that has helped a couple face the journey of healing from pornography addiction

Forward with Faith: Healing when a spouse has a porn addiction – Steven and Rhyll Croshaw share their story about healing from the effects of pornography addiction (video)

Forward with Faith: “When Pornography Hits Home” by Bethany

Two Mormon Women’s Stories about Overcoming Pornography Addiction – women also struggle against pornography addiction; read two women who share their stories

More stories from Mormon women who have dealt with sexual addictions

Rachelle Call: “God raised me and my family from the dead” (includes inspirational song about staying strong when a loved one has an addiction)

Forward with Faith: Finding Strength and Healing in Christ — by Sara

“[Pornography’s] destructive influence is not greater than God” – by Diony George

Hope and Help for Sex Addicts – A Personal Story (+resources)

Recovering from my LDS husband’s addiction to pornography

Is recovery from pornography addiction possible? – An addict in recovery shares his story and how the LDS Addiction Recovery Program helped him get sober and stay sober. Now he’s helping other men share their stories of how the 12 steps have helped them find healing at pasgworks.com

Sex/Pornography Addiction Recovery Support for Spouses – “You Don’t Have to Do it Alone” — a Mormon woman shares how LDS pornography addiction recovery support groups (and a 12-step recovery manual) for spouses helped her in her journey to find healing . She says, “We involved in this program pray for you; we pray you will find these support groups, if you need them.  Know you are not alone.  Since we can’t hold up signs saying, “My husband is a porn addict, and I need help,” be gutsy and come to a meeting.  You may like what you find.”

Video: Recovery from Pornography Addiction is Possible (a spouse’s story of recovery)

This Old House: Personal story of an ex-wife of a man who struggled with addiction

Five stories from spouses of men addicted to pornography (the outcomes vary in these stories…including women who ended up staying in their marriages and women who felt impressed to separate/divorce — found at Combating Pornography)

Out in the Light — documentary that includes personal stories from Mormons and those of other faiths (some are featured on our site as well):

http://www.outinthelight.com/news/1308/impact-of-pornography-educate
http://www.outinthelight.com/news/1347/impact-of-pornography-connect
http://www.outinthelight.com/news/1367/impact-of-pornography-recovery
http://www.outinthelight.com/news/1374/impact-of-pornography-hope

Things I’ve learned the hard way (some insights from a wife of a pornography addict)

Latter-day Bondage and Freedom – a story of a wife’s pain and healing

Healing the Broken-Hearted — stories of LDS men and women who have walked the journey of recovery

“An Insider’s View” – a Mormon woman shares a little about her experience as a wife of a man addicted to pornography

Renewing Ruined Cities – a devout Christian woman shares her journey of being married to a pornography addict.

There is Hope! — from a Christian website, Journey to Healing and Joy

From the Ensign:

Pierced with Deep Wounds

“Lessons from a Milk Jug” – wife’s story of facing her husband’s addiction

“My husband’s [pornography] addiction”

See also a discussion on this topic at the link below:

How can I deal with my spouse’s pornography addiction?

More stories of hope and healing (from various addictions) on the new LDS Addiction Recovery website

And stories from loved ones of addicts, also on the LDS Addiction Recovery website

The post Pornography Addiction — Personal Stories Index appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

The author of this essay is Michelle F, the mother of two young boys.  Before she married, she served an LDS mission in Bulgaria.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

I remember visiting my “well to do” grandparents in California when I was about 14 years old. My Grandmother had been raised in an LDS home, but had gone inactive under pressure from her first husband. Her second husband was a self-proclaimed atheist who believed in his own two hands, hard work and common sense. I think he felt that believing God would be like believing in a “free lunch.” He was also the most lively, generous, motivating force in my life second only to my own mother. My grandparents had flown me to California for four days where they took me out to dinner, shopping, to the movies, and sight seeing. Coming from a family of six children all haggling for our parents’ attention; I was in heaven.
One evening as we were sitting in front of a crackling fire, and their dalmatian, Abby, had finally stopped thump, thumping the arm chair with his happy tail, and had lain his head on his paws to sleep, they asked me a question. The conversation went something like this:

Grandma Dorothy: What is it that you really believe in, Michelle? I mean, why do you go to church every week?

14 year old me: Um, well,…I believe in a loving Heavenly Father who sent us down to earth in families so we could get a body and have experiences.

Grandma Dorothy: But your church believes so strongly in raising families when there are too many people on the earth right now; many of them starving! Isn’t it irresponsible to have more children when the planet already can’t feed what it has? And what if a woman wants to have a career instead of raise a family?

14 year old me: . Well, um…I know that the church encourages everyone to get a good education so that they can provide for their families. I know I plan on going to college.

Grandma Dorothy: (She waves away my answer and moves on.) But what about all the crimes, murders, atrocities, and wars that all have their roots in religion? Religion really seems to incite more problems than solutions, wouldn’t you say?

14 year old me: Um, I guess I’ve never really thought about those questions. But, I do know that God lives.

Grandma Dorothy: But how could you know that?

14 year old me: Well, I know I feel good when I talk about Him, or pray or read the scriptures. And I have felt peace when I was afraid or needed help.

Grandma Dorothy: But couldn’t that all just be in your mind? Like your own confidence kicking in?

14 year old me: I don’t know… But I feel like the church has helped me make good decisions and kept me away from things that could have hurt me like drugs or immorality.

Grandpa Norm: That’s probably true. In any case, I think you should probably marry a Mormon if it’s that important to you.

He then gave Grandma Dorothy a look that meant “That’s enough,” and the conversation drifted on to something else and soon we all said goodnight. I plodded down the hall to the guest room and it’s black comforter and carpet. I had failed. I knelt down by the bed and cried and prayed. I felt the weight of a lost opportunity on my shoulders. I had no answers for my grandparents. I had no idea what to tell them. My belief in God had seemed childish and immature, and for the first time I really wondered what it was that I believed in.

Help me, I prayed. Please. Help me.

And then I felt something as I prayed. I felt a tiny warm, calming sensation in my stomach that grew and spread until it reached every part of me; like a blanket had been pulled from inside me and was then wrapped around me; filling me with a living, energizing peace. And I knew with absolute clarity three things; 1) God was real 2) God loved me and 3) He was pleased with my sincere effort to explain my faith.

And now, as a returned missionary, a college graduate, a wife, and a mother, I’ve wondered how I would answer all those questions. I would be lying if I said that I ‘d never experienced suffering, unfulfilled longing, pain, or loneliness. But I would also be lying if I didn’t tell of how in the moment I most needed something, or someone—He was there. When we moved to a new country every three to four years for my Dad’s assignments in the Foreign Service—He was there. When I was too scared to fall asleep at night when my parents were traveling—He was there.  When I opened the envelope with the rejection letter from graduate school—He was there. When my son’s breathing was so labored that I lay awake watching every breath—He was there. When I fiercely hungered for another baby and cried every month—He was there. I have felt God’s loving warmth, His peace. And though I can’t pin it to a smell, a color, texture or flavor on it, I know He’s real. And every time I am able to feel peace during a crisis I know–I have my evidence.

——-

To read more Sharing Our Voices posts, including First Person essays, see here. To submit an essay, poem, video, song, or other content, email us at gmail, with the username mormonwoman.

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