lds Archives - Women in The Church of Jesus Christ

“Be Partakers” – a watercolor painting about oil in our lamps, the light of Christ, the tree of life, and more

Women Seeking Christ — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 02:24:00 +0000

Many thanks to Pauline Colton for sharing this beautiful watercolor painting with us. Below, she shares some of her thoughts about the painting, and a few of the many scriptures that came to mind as she was working on this piece. We first shared this in 2009 but the image was not accessible. We figured it was a great opportunity to re-share. Please note the image is copyrighted, and shared with permission. More information below.

“Be Partakers”

Alma 37:6 “Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.”

The greatest of all the gifts of God is His Son. Christ willingly and lovingly makes the blessings, the healing and the power of the atonement available to each of us. Only by small and simple means can I be in a position to partake of the atonement.

As I worked on the drawing and design of this piece, I had many scriptures come to mind. By taking note of each scripture as I recalled it, I ended up with six pages of scriptures. I categorized the scriptures by elements in the painting. Here, I include only one reference for each category:

1. Being partakers – Alma 5:62

2. Fruit – 1 Nephi 8:10-12

3. Tree – Revelation 2:7

4. Oil – D&C 33:16-17

5. Support for the lamp – Isaiah 41:10

6. Drop by drop – Deut 32:2

7. Light of the World – John 8:12

8. Light of Christ given to man – D&C 84:45-46

9. Clay lamp – Isaiah 64:8

10. Being invited – Revelation 3:20

Copyright Pauline Colton. Picture may be reproduced and used for for personal, non-profit use.

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I’m a member of the Restored Church of Jesus Christ

Women Seeking Christ — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 07:38:50 +0000

When I was a missionary back in the 1990s, about halfway through my mission, we had a change in leadership. The “area president” (overseeing and training leaders in multiple missions) came and spoke to our mission and told us that we were not teaching correctly. He essentially said, “You spend all of your time trying to make appointments with people rather than teaching them.”

He was right.

He challenged us to use every contact opportunity to teach who we are and what we believe. We went from teaching about four times a week to teaching 20, 30, and even 40 times a week…because we would share truth in each contact rather than waiting for formal appointments to teach.

Even if that counsel and that charge had not made any difference to what happened in the mission (although it did!), the invitation to action changed me, my mission and my life. From that time forward as a missionary, I was committed in a new way to sharing the core of my faith with others, and letting them have the opportunity to learn more about what the Restored Church of Jesus Christ is all about. And because truth was on my mind and on my lips more frequently, it entered into my heart with more force and power. The more I spoke truth to others, the more God spoke truth to me.

I feel a similar kind of energy and excitement about President Russell M. Nelson’s recent call to action around how we talk about ourselves and the name of our church — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As he explained, this isn’t just some marketing ploy, and it doesn’t seem to me to be something only for the media or for the Church’s public affairs department. It feels to me like an invitation to all members of the Church.. a call to action… an opportunity to share more about what the Church really is. As President Nelson talks about it, it feels to me to be a chance to join in an effort to be responsive to the Lord Himself. Note President Nelson’s use of the word we.

The Lord has impressed upon my mind the importance of the name He has revealed for His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have work before us to bring ourselves in harmony with His will.

In a devotional in Montréal, Canada this week, President Nelson shared a few more thoughts about the call to action.

“We know that it’s going to be a challenge to undo tradition of more than 100 years. And we don’t have all the answers. All we know is the Lord has said, ‘Thus shall my church be called …. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,’ ” he said, repeating Doctrine and Covenants 115:4. “That’s enough for me.”

Those of us who have been in the world of online social media sharing about the Church of Jesus Christ have seen efforts over the years to both acknowledge the full name of the Church and to recognize that many outside of our faith tend toward using the label of “Mormon Church” and “Mormons” to describe us. Thus, many devoted people (like those at the More Good Foundation, who sponsor this site) have created social media spaces to be able to have an opportunity in search engines to match the chatter and to share more with others about who we are, what we believe, and how we live as Latter-day Saints. So it can leave a lot of questions and can feel like a big change to go from the pithy nickname and shortened ways to refer to our faith (“Mormon Church” or “LDS Church”) to using longer names and labels as requested in the updated style guide.

But I’m excited for the challenge and opportunity to respond to President Nelson’s invitation. I have a feeling at least for me it’s going to invite more of that change inside of me that I felt as a missionary.

We as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may not be able to change how others may call us, but I do feel like the prophet is calling us to call the Church by the name that the Savior Himself gave it. There is recognition that this won’t be easy. In fact, President Nelson acknowledged that some in the media simply say it

“‘can’t be done.’ President Nelson repeated the difficulty with a clarification: “I know it can’t — but it’s going to be, because the Lord wants it that way.” (See “‘We’re correcting a name,’ President Russell M. Nelson tells Latter-day Saints in Canada.” Deseret News, August 18, 2018.)

As noted in the statement above, already, “various Church leaders and departments” have started to make changes. Elder Neil L. Andersen noted (as quoted in the Deseret News article referenced above) that such changes will entail “an extended, multi-year effort — but this will not be something that will be attempted and then pulled back from.”

As I was pondering the invitation this week, I happened to open up to Bishop Gérald Caussé’s talk from the April 2018 General Conference. I was struck by this simple paragraph that seems to sum up the heart of what President Nelson is inviting us to see.

Isn’t it wonderful that the name given by revelation to the restored Church binds together the two most important elements in each gospel covenant? First is the name Jesus Christ. This Church belongs to Him, and His sanctifying Atonement and covenants are the only pathway to salvation and exaltation. The second name refers to us: the Saints, or in other words, His witnesses and His disciples. [We are Latter-day

As I pondered more, I thought about how in some religious traditions, a saint is someone who has received extra-human status, perhaps even someone who is worshipped. In the Restored (latter-day) Church of Jesus Christ, Saints are messy mortals, all in need of Christ’s saving grace, trying to follow Him the best we can, and committing ourselves to Him through ordinances and covenants of baptism, confirmation, and so on. So to me, even calling ourselves Latter-day Saints can testify of our focus on Christ!

To me, this invitation from President Nelson is beyond just how we reference the Church, although clearly that is important — something he feels needs to be changed so we can be more in line with God’s will. I see it as part of President Nelson’s overall vision of the role and responsibility of the Church to help prepare the earth for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Perhaps the world needs to hear more of His name, more about the reality of a restoration, more about the power of covenant-making and covenant-keeping. Perhaps we who are members of the Church can embrace more gratefully what it is that we really believe and belong to. The term “Mormon” may inform some people about the Book of Mormon, but even that is designed to be Another Testament of Jesus Christ! But how many people really know that the Savior is the focus of our faith?

Of course, there are a lot of practical things to be figured out. And of course, there are lots of questions about what that will mean. Still, I’m excited to jump on board the best way I know how, and I’ll be watching with great curiosity and anticipation to see what kinds of changes will ripple out from this charge. Seeing what President Nelson has done over such a short amount of time, I think we are in for a wonderful ride. “Keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times! Hold on tight and have fun!”

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Memoir of a Missionary Momma, Day One+

Michelle — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:51:57 +0000

“I’ve got four minutes to get emotionally prepared,” my youngest said. The reality of what was happening was finally hitting her. And not a moment too soon.

My parents had just buckled themselves into the back of the minivan. We’d gone to lunch together, but decided to park their car by the temple to make the things the drop-off easier at the MTC (Missionary Training Center).

We were so goodbyed out from the events of the previous days (his own farewell [speaking in church before departing on a mission], others’ farewells, a family party, family and friends stopping by, his setting apart [a laying-on-of-hands blessing — like what we believe the Savior did — to officially designate him as a missionary]). My son and I jointly decided that we didn’t want to do the traditional photos in front of the temple. (Besides, seeing other people say their goodbyes to their missionaries was almost worse than saying goodbye ourselves. Yup. Nope. Much to my dad’s chagrin (he’s called Papa-razzi in our family), we weren’t doing that today.)

And so, from 12:56 to 1:00 p.m., we drove laps around the temple (counting down the minutes in jest for my daughter, to try to lighten the mood a little) and then drove directly west, through the light, to the MTC gate entrance.

– – – – –

Spring 2017

“How did your orthodontist appointment go? Is everything set?”

Something about my son’s answer to my question left me feeling unsettled. He was two days away from turning in his mission papers; I wanted to be sure we had a firm date for when his braces would come off. From all that we had heard from his orthodontist, a mission availability date of August 15 was playing it safe, but still, I wanted to be sure.

Nothing could have prepared me for the orthodontist assistant’s response to my inquiry to confirm his his braces-off date.

“He’s not scheduled to have his braces off until February or March 2018.”

Once my brain reconnected with my vocal chords, I tried to be as calm as I could be, but I’m sure my voice belied the fact that everything inside of me was swirling and churning. “Can…I…please…speak to Dr.________ ? He called me back within a few minutes. I could tell he felt pretty awful about this unbelievable miscommunication.

My son had had his braces taken off for an MRI that confirmed a bizarre diagnosis of jaw arthritis. (Apparently it’s not bizarre for our family; her sister was diagnosed with the same condition in December 2017.) The braces had been put back on earlier in the year after treatments for the arthritis, and everything that we had heard was that the braces would come off in August.

During that phone call, the orthodontist assured me that they could be off by Thanksgiving, and that was the end of that call.

But how would I break this news to my son?

It was hard news for him, but I watched in gratitude and not a little wonder as he immediately started scrambling to un-defer his acceptance to college, register for classes, and find housing. I admired his willingness to adapt to a hard, unexpected situation.

In August of last year, instead of starting a mission, he launched headlong into a semester of his freshman year of college.

– – – – –

I took a deep breath as we filed behind the line of cars slowly descending into the underground MTC parking garage. This is definitely different from when I was a missionary, I thought.

Not that I was complaining. Drop-off day back in my day was a dramatic, traumatic experience for both family and missionary alike. This is how it went. There was a presentation about who-knows-what (I doubt any missionary or family remembers what it was, probably an orientation to the MTC or to missionary work in general). And then, abruptly, the person at the microphone in front of the sea of missionaries and their families said, “Okay! Missionaries go through that door, and families go that way!” I don’t remember being warned about how abrupt that moment would be, although we probably were. Warning or no warning, it was awful.

To this day, I can’t really tell you whether I regret looking back for one last wave, but the can’t-describe-it-in-any-other-way-except-to-call-it-pathetic look on my mom’s face is seared in my memory. It tore at my heartstrings. Fortunately, as a missionary, the spirit of the MTC swept me away the minute I turned the corner from that bitter goodbye.

But now I was the momma.

I wasn’t sure I was emotionally prepared for this, either.

– – – –

October 1, 2017

“You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints….”

My son read his call to anxious and excited friends and family members crammed into the space in front of the stairs of our home. (Not all missionaries read their mission calls in front of others, and actually my son had opened it in the mountains before reading it to the rest of us. But he wanted to also share the joyful news with those he loves, all the more so because of the wait.)

“You should report to the Missionary Training Center on January 10, 2018.”

His call had finally come!

– – – – –

As our car started the gentle incline toward the underground parking garage, my son blurted out, “There’s ________!” He rolled down his window and yelled out to his friend who was sitting outside with her companion. Right before we went under, she yelled out, “Welcome to the MTC, Elder!”

There really is no place in the world like the MTC, and here he was being welcomed into its electric spiritual energy field by someone he knew. What a tender mercy for us all! He was giddy as he rolled the window back up as we turned the corner into the dark parking garage.

– – – – –

December 12, 2017

Dr. Jaw Specialist saw my boy for what we thought was the final check-up before his mission. We found out his arthritis relapsed; he needs some kind of new treatment to stabilize his jaw, and that will take another 5-6 months. To say this was devastating news is an understatement. We all had to process it in our own way.

But my dad’s impression closely mirrored my own: There must be something about the timing here. God is at work. My heart was broken for my son, but I did feel an underlying (if not perplexed) peace.

When I dropped my son off back at school, we had a long talk in the car. There were a lot of things we discussed, but one of the things I will never forget was this:

“Mom, I realized that I had two choices. I could either turn away from God, or I can turn towards Him. I choose towards.”

He had already made phone calls. Once again, he was hustling to reapply to school, find a vacant space in housing (he ended up in his same hall!), and sign up for classes. He also found work quickly, as his budget had only allowed for one semester of school. The rest was tucked away in his mission fund.

He was in for another amazing semester, with so many blessings, opportunities, and friendships that enriched his life. We never would have planned it this way, but I’m sure that over time, he and we will come to appreciate all the more what goodness God was up to.

– – – – –

“You have three minutes,” the elderly MTC volunteer said, without much of a smile. (That must not be a fun job. Not fun at all.)

Fortunately, we were ready for the abruptness of this goodbye. Had we had a stopwatch pointed on us, I would dare say that we came very close to our time limit. It almost felt like a challenge, a game. UnpackTheBags, SnapThePhotos, and then, (breathe) DoTheHugs. In three minutes, flat?! Bring it on!

His missionary host was right there to help with the bags, my dad did what he does best with the photos. My son gave me a short hug and a sweet kiss on the cheek, and then I watched as he quickly hugged his tearful sisters and his grandparents.

– – – –

June 20, 2018

It didn’t quite register in my tired brain when I woke up to the news. “Mom, the blood test came back positive.” What? He’d had no symptoms of which he was aware; the only reason he got the test is because his sister had been diagnosed. It is customary to get immediate family members tested, so after he and his youngest sister were out of school, I took them to get the obligatory blood draw. But none of us expected anything like this to come of it.

Celiac disease is not an uncommon problem (nor an unmanageable one), but with the combination of everything with his arthritis, we just weren’t sure where things would stand with this news. He made a couple of phone calls to people in the missionary system, and everything looked good, but given everything we’d gone through, we still had that nagging fear: What if things were delayed, again?

My son took a very long walk that night. I didn’t talk to him afterwards (I just wanted to give him space). But I’m pretty sure I know at least part of what was going on during that walk.

“I realized that I had two choices. I could either turn away from God, or I can turn towards Him. I choose towards.”

I could have used a long walk that night! But it just so happens that I was in Mosiah 28 in my personal Book of Mormon reading. (Truth be told, I was behind where I should have been in my reading. But as is not uncommon, I was actually right where I needed to be in my reading. God is so, so good.)

Now it came to pass that after the sons of Mosiah had done all these things, they took a small number with them and returned to their father…and desired of him that he would grant unto them that they might…go up to the land of Nephi that they might preach the things which they had heard, and that they might impart the word of God….

And it came to pass that they did plead with their father many days that they might go up to the land of Nephi. (Mosiah 28:1, 5, emphasis added)

I’d never noticed this “many days” thing before, probably because I had never been a parent facing the fears that can come with sending a child off into missionary service. I felt a kinship with Mosiah. I felt his human side in this moment, not just the fearless prophet or king we usually focus on. I felt like God was saying it was okay to have fears. It was normal. It was okay to wrestle with these questions when you just aren’t sure what should happen. It’s okay to feel protective of your children. Of course, Mosiah also felt a deep love for the gospel, as do I. That was a given for me. But there were just too many feelings to sort through, too much at stake.

I wanted to be willing to do whatever was right. If he needed to stay home longer, then we would do that. But oh, how I didn’t want him to have to go through that, again. Watching him head out on his late-night walk, shoulders and head down, hurt my heart so much. But my own shoulders were feeling heavy with the weight of anxiety in the face of uncertainty.

I felt like God answered the questions deep in my momma heart.

And king Mosiah went and inquired of the Lord if he should let his sons go up among the Lamanites to preach the word.

And the Lord said unto Mosiah: Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life; and I will deliver thy sons…. [Mosiah 28:7-8, emphasis added]

Two days later, I was in the hospital with my son while he got an endoscopy to confirm what the blood test had already revealed. He now had an official diagnosis to carry with him…into the mission field. Those assigned to support him on the other side of goodbye were ready to help him forward. It was time for me to let him go. The night he was set apart, he noted that that scripture in Mosiah 28 had also been on his mind — from the perspective of the sons. God shows up in such unexpected, beautiful ways.

– – – –

I confess. In that short three minutes in the MTC parking garage, as we hustled to get him on his way (you’ve been warned, future missionary parents: three minutes!**), I sneaked in another hug (a mother’s prerogative, I think). Then I stood off to the side as I watched him turn and walk alongside his host missionary, away from us.

He didn’t look back.

**The people in front of us took, er, longer than three minutes. (This is not easy, folks, so go easy on them). But let me warn you future missionary parents once more: While we waited to leave the parking garage (and yes, we were anxious to leave that dark place), it looked like the somberish, yellow-jacketed, elderly volunteer was about to be upstaged by a uniformed security/police officer. The three-minute business is serious. Just sayin.’

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Postscript:

This post doesn’t capture all the details of the ins and outs and ups and downs of our pre-MTC journey, including his sister’s diagnosis of jaw arthritis in December that actually unlocked the knowledge about the right treatment for this condition (how we didn’t get that information before December is yet another puzzle, that only “God’s timing” as an answer can solve to our satisfaction).

Also not mentioned above was his dad’s international business trip that he had to schedule before we had a new date for our son’s mission departure. I asked my parents to be there with me since my husband could not be. (Note to missionary moms — don’t be alone on dropoff day. My parents’ company made all the difference in the world for me, especially after I came home to an empty house, as my daughters had places to go.)

It’s all been such a roller coaster. But honestly, I was a bit surprised to wake up the next day and realize I’m so happy to be on this side of the waiting and wondering. I miss my son; his absence is palpable, and to be sure, there is an ache in my momma heart. Love and loss cannot be separated. And believe you me, I can’t wait for his first Monday letter [today]!

But he has looked forward to this day since he was a very young boy. He is where he wants to be, where we want him to be, and where God wants him to be. So the ache is buffered by the joy and gratitude of a dream finally coming to fruition.

Some may think members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are crazy to let their children go off for 18-24 months like this. The reason we do it is because the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ means that much to us. Not unlike Hannah of old, we choose to give our children back to God so they can teach others about Him — and experience what it means to consecrate themselves to Him. When we give ourselves to God, as a previous prophet, Ezra Taft Benson said, “He can make a lot more out of our lives than we can.”

I also wanted to share a little of what it’s like for missionaries in a Missionary Training Center, for those who aren’t familiar with it (or for Mormon youth or parents wondering what training for a mission looks and feels like). Take a look at the following video exploring the new Provo MTC, or read more about Missionary Training Centers all over the world (some current details may differ slightly from the time of printing of the article).

I have to say that the new additions to the Provo MTC are incredible. I was able to help with and take a tour last year before it was dedicated and put into operation. I’m excited for my son that he gets to experience this new MTC.

Several times since Wednesday, I have tried to picture what my boy might be doing during the day. I breathe and try to remember a little of what I felt that day I started my journey as a missionary nearly 25 years ago.

Godspeed, my dear son. I love you so very much.

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New Book of Mormon videos in the works

Women Seeking Christ — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 10:41:06 +0000

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Book of Mormon is a central part of our faith. It is another testament of the Savior, Jesus Christ — just as the Old Testament and New Testaments teach of Him (as Jehovah in the Old Testament and Christ, the Messiah in the New Testament).

The Church is creating new live-action videos to represent stories and doctrines from the Book of Mormon. Sharing this marvelous book with the world is one of the things that is central to the Church’s mission. Why?

First of all, the Book of Mormon teaches even more about Jesus Christ. It talks of God’s dealings with people who lived on the American continent, witnessing that even anciently (long before the interconnected world we now live in) God was engaging with and speaking to prophets and others in parallel to what He was doing in Biblical, Old World settings. The Book of Mormon is written for Jews and for Christians, for any and all who want to understand more about the Bible, about the purposes of the law of Moses, about God’s grand vision for His children and their eternal well-being.

The pinnacle of the book records Jesus Christ’s interactions with the people on the American continent, after His resurrection and ascension into heaven. It’s an amazing account that spans several chapters, and includes various visits of Christ — to a multitude of people, to 12 disciples He chose to teach truth, and a particularly poignant account of His interactions with the children who lived around this area.

The Book of Mormon is also a book that simply — yet profoundly — impacts the lives of individuals. As Elder Robert D. Hales once said (paraphrasing), God so often speaks to us individually as we study and ponder scriptural texts. This is true of the Bible, and it is true of the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon also is the vehicle for people to experiment with what Mormons believe about latter-day prophets, the restoration of priesthood authority, and the reality of life after death.

You can request a free copy of the Book of Mormon. If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and would like to share how the Book of Mormon has influenced your life, please comment below.

Learn more about the Book of Mormon videos below.

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2018 BYU Women’s Conference Transcripts and Videos

Women Seeking Christ — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 09:42:13 +0000

There are various transcripts and videos available from the 2018 BYU Women’s Conference. (For a link to the full program, see here.)

Transcripts:

President Kevin J. Worthen: Strengthen One Another in the Lord

Susan L. Gong: Our Savior’s Love

Gerrit W. Gong

Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt: As I Loved You, Love One Another

Joyce Andrus: The Needs Before Us

Highlights from messages from Sharon Eubank and Reyna Aburto of the Relief Society General Presidency at LDS.org: “Doing better doesn’t mean doing more”

Videos:

Messages from the new Young Women General Presidency: Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Sister Michelle D. Craig, Sister Becky Craven: “Strengthening Young Women: Believe in Your Divine Identity”

(Link to the video “Daughters of God: I am a Mormon Woman” shown in their presentation)

Friday closing message by Elder Gerrit W. Gong and Sister Susan L. Gong

“Strengthen One Another in the Lord” by President Kevin J. Worthen

“Understanding the Doctrine of Christ” by Sister Laurel McConkie

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“Good Friday” — an original poem

Women Seeking Christ — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 03:43:31 +0000

Many thanks to Khwima Gondwe for being willing to share this poem that she wrote for Good Friday. It helped me prepare my mind and spirit for Easter.

Good Friday

They called it Good Friday
Even though there was a lot of injustice
Betrayal, false accusations, emotional and physical abuse
Rejection and abandonment by loved ones
Loneliness in His greatest hour of need
Mockery, bullying, humiliation and finally
Crucifixion
Yet it was called ‘Good Friday’

I spent this week reflecting: Why was it ‘Good’?
Because in the midst of all that was bad
In the midst of the pain and heartache
And broken judicial system, broken promises, broken flesh, and broken people;
God was there!
He would not stop the pain or prevent the death
Yet He provided an angel to help strengthen His son as He drank that bitter cup
In the midst of all that was bad,
God was creating His greatest miracle of all!

The flesh that was torn, the blood that was shed
Would cleanse the earth of sin, it would cleanse all mankind: dead, living, and yet to be born!
Yes, that blood would cleanse them all – friend and foe, sinner and saint
Whether created before or after this ‘Good Day’
The blood would purify them all
And make them worthy again
To face their God, and their Savior and King.
And Him who they crucified
Would rise again in His full glory
And so it was appropriate that they deemed it: ‘Good Friday’

And so as I face my own Gethsemane
I will look to God to provide me with an angel or two
To strengthen me as I drink the bitter cups prepared for me
For I cannot drink them on my own
And I am grateful that my God in His wisdom
Provided a Savior for me to save me from sin
And from everlasting misery
Even though I’m broken, bruised and torn by my trials
Still, I will call each season of trial ‘good’
Because God is in it and will see me through it all
The price was paid in Calvary
And God blessed that day and called it: ‘Good’!
His Son would rise again on the third day
And because of it, my trials will also come to pass
And I will rise again and praise His name forevermore!

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General Conference weekend! #ldsconf

Women Seeking Christ — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:30:25 +0000

It’s a special weekend for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Every six months (the first weekend of April and October), Mormons gather virtually and in person to listen to our prophet and apostles and other general leaders of the Church in General Conference. General Conference consists of four two-hour general sessions (two on Saturday and two on Sunday) and an evening session on Saturday night (one for boys and men 12 and older in April and one for girls and women 8 and older in October).

For those who aren’t members of the Church, General Conference can give you an idea of basic beliefs and standards that matter to us as Mormons.

For those who are members of the Church, this is a time to reflect on our beliefs and renew our commitment to our standards. It’s also a time where we seek personal guidance for our individual lives.

How can a few talks over a couple of days have such a personal impact on millions of people? We believe in personal revelation, meaning that we can get personalized answers for our lives directly from God. It’s always interesting to me to see what kinds of things will stick out to people as they listen and consider the counsel and teachings shared in General Conference.

I love this quote from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, one of the twelve apostles.

We who are General Authorities and general officers are called to teach His general rules. You and we then lead specific lives and must seek the Lord’s guidance regarding specific circumstances. But there would be mass confusion and loss of gospel promises if no general ideal and no doctrinal standard were established and, in our case today, repeated.

You can expect to hear a lot about general concepts and commandments and principles in General Conference. We at Mormon Women also encourage listeners to seek God’s help for specific circumstances, both during Conference sessions and also in weeks and months to come as you ponder the messages given. (How many times have I heard a talk and not necessarily connected with it in the moment but then found deep personal insight as I studied the talk later?)

Here’s another quote that celebrates this opportunity for us to get personal guidance about our lives. The quote is from Elder Richard G. Scott who was an apostle for many years before his death in 2015.

Throughout the ages, many have obtained guidance helpful to resolve challenges in their lives by following the example of respected individuals who resolved similar problems. Today, world conditions change so rapidly that such a course of action is often not available to us.

Personally, I rejoice in that reality because it creates a condition where we, of necessity, are more dependent upon the Spirit to guide us through the vicissitudes of life. Therefore, we are led to seek personal inspiration in life’s important decisions.

I am grateful to know that we worship a God who both cares about guiding us collectively and who also knows us individually and will guide us in very personal ways.

God bless us all this weekend and beyond as we ponder the words of the prophets. We welcome any who are not of our faith to join us to learn more about our faith.

This General Conference will also be special because we will have what is called a solemn assembly to sustain our new prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. Two new apostles will also be called to replace those who have passed away.

Find out the many ways to connect with LDS General Conference.

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#BecauseofHim #MormonYouth share their faith #sharegoodness

Women Seeking Christ — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 07:38:53 +0000

The youth in my ward did an activity where they were all able to share some thoughts and feelings about the Savior, using the hashtag #BecauseofHim. They also shared thoughts about prayer using the hashtag #DidYouThinktoPray (post forthcoming).

I loved this activity because in a relatively short amount of time, the youth were all able to share something. Individually, each one of them got to reflect on their testimonies and share in a way that was non-threatening. Collectively, they got to create a visual representation of their faith. It is also fun to see the patterns — and the variations — in their thoughts.

We had a lesson in our combined Young Women class today about joining voices together online (using Elder Bednar’s CES talk, “To Sweep the Earth as a Flood.” It gave me the motivation to finish recording what the youth had shared. It’s inspiring to me to read what they had to say.

Add your thoughts in the comments below, via Twitter, on Facebook, or in other ways. What do you feel grateful to the Savior for?

#BecauseofHim
I can shine!
I can face my fears.
I can start over.
I can live a good life every day.
I can eat food.
I know I will be able to make it through life.
I have amazing people in my life. 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 [smileys in original!]
When I screw up I can try again.
I have a family.
I can testify.
I have a body.
We live!
I feel safe when I’m alone.
I have an eternal family.
I can be positive!
I can live again.
I can feel joy.
I am HAPPY.
I’m a better person.
I can see the blue sky.
When I fall down I can get back up.
I can love everybody.
I can walk the earth.
I always have at least one friend.
I can share my talents.
I am strong.
I can live again.
I can be alone on this earth while knowing He’s standing right beside me.
I can repent.
I have strength.
I can be saved.
I have empathy.
Positive thoughts.
I don’t have to feel alone.
I am healthy.
I can eat yummy food.
I feel peace.
I am who I am today.

#BecauseofHim

I can be forgiven
I am free to choose and decide right and wrong
I can be with my family forever!
I know my worth!
I love everyone!
I find joy in the little things!
I can know the truth.
My family is forever.
I can feel the Spirit all the time.
I can feel peace and love.
My burdens are lifted.
I am never alone.
I know where I’m going.
I won’t ever be alone!
There is hope!
We can change the world!
I am free.
I can share His love.
I try to love everybody.
There are small and simple things.
I love others.
Blessings are real.
I can preach on Twitter.
I can be so so so HAPPY. 🙂
I can try again and again!
I have a family
I’m writing this right now.
I know what’s right.
I can live with my family forever
We can all go back to Him.
I am happy.
I can repent.
My family is eternal.
I can live with my fam forever.
I’m never lost.
I’m happy about life.
There is a light in the world!
I get a second chance.
#real talk
I feel safe and secure
I’m sitting here right now.
I know who I am.
We can lift each other up.
I am fierce!
The atonement is real.

#BecauseofHim
I can have good food.
I can have a family.
I get to be a good person.
I’m not afraid to be who I am.
I’m alive.
I have choices!!
I can pray.
I work hard.
I have an AMAZING family 🙂
We can be forgiven.
I can repent.
I have hope.
I pray.
I can be with my family forever.
I know God lives.
I love more.
I live a better life.

#BecauseofHim
I can be saved.
I can repent.
I can be forgiven.
I can be clean from sin.
I can return to Him.
I will live again!
I can have hope.
We have the gospel.
I can go home.
I am blessed.
I can be spiritual.
I can be saved.

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2013 General Young Women Meeting

Women Seeking Christ — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 09:10:28 +0000

The General Young Women meeting was broadcast last night from the Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Audio archives are already available for dozens of languages, and video archives are available for some languages.

The English video is embedded below. All available languages can be found here (or have been linked below for your convenience.)

American Sign Language (ASL)

Avañe’ẽ (Guarani)

Aymar Aru (Aymara)

Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)

Cebuano (Cebuano)

Diné bizaad (Navajo)

Eesti (Estonian)

English (English)

Español (Spanish)

Faka-Tonga (Tongan)

Fosun Chuuk (Chuukese)

Français (French)

Gagana Samoa (Samoan)

Hindi, Fiji (Hindi)

Hmoob (Hmong)

Hrvatski (Croatian)

Kahs Kosrae (Kosraean)

Kajin Majōl (Marshallese)

Kiswahili (Swahili)

Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)

Lingála (Lingala)

Mahsen en Pohnpei (Pohnpeian)

Malagasy (Malagasy)

Nederlands (Dutch)

Paluan (Palauan)

Papiamento (Papiamento)

Português (Portuguese)

Portuguese (Portugal)

Reo Tahiti (Tahitian)

Română (Romanian)

Slovenčina (Slovak)

Slovenščina (Slovenian)

Tagalog (Tagalog)

Thin Nu Wa’ab (Yapese)

Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

Vosa vakaviti (Fijian)

Български (Bulgarian)

Монгол (Mongolian)

Русский (Russian)

Српски (Serbian)

Українська (Ukrainian)

Հայերեն (Armenian)

العربية (Arabic)

አማርኛ (Amharic)

தமிழ் (Tamil)

සිංහල (Sinhala)

ภาษาไทย (Thai)

ພາສາລາວ (Laotian)

ភាសាខ្មែរ (Cambodian)

한국어 (Korean)

國語 (Mandarin)

廣東話 (Cantonese)

日本語 (Japanese)

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What do Senior Mormon Missionaries do?

Women Seeking Christ — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:12:47 +0000

~by Michelle

What do you think of when you think of retired couples and RVs?

You probably don’t think of Mormon missionaries!

Yesterday we posted an infographic about young adult missionaries. And while we’ve posted on this topic before, a recent blog post by the wife of a mission president left me wanting to write again about the amazing (and sometimes unexpected or surprising) kinds of service senior missionary couples extend in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

People often think of Mormon missionaries as walking or biking and only teaching people not of our faith about the gospel. While some senior missionary couples do proselyte, there are many more who serve in quiet ways that make a significant difference for people. That blog post above (hat tip to Emily Jensen at the Deseret News) is an example.

Another example of senior couple missionary service is something I was recently educated about, something that impressed and moved me. We’ve already written about Church history sites where missionaries serve, but did you know that some missionaries serve all of their time to facilitate camping experiences for youth and families? I was blown away to hear how many couples serve and what kinds of things they do.

For example, nearly 70 couples donate six months of their time (working full-time) to help serve tens of thousands people every year who use a church-owned camp. This camp was commissioned by a prophet of God (President Hinckley) specifically and primarily with the purpose to serve LDS young women and give them a dedicated place to hold their annual young women camp. In this particular camp, over 20,000 young women are benefited each year from the selfless service of these missionaries. During off-seasons (winter months), others are also able to enjoy the camp.

What do these missionaries do? They live full-time on-site in their own recreational vehicle or trailer, or some live in the limited space in on-site cabins. They work six days a week greeting campers and their leaders, orienting them to the amazing and varied facilities, answering endless questions that arise while people are there, hauling garbage on ATVs, doing some occasional cleaning and light fix-it jobs, receiving training for first-aid emergencies, and more. Some also train local youth leaders about the camp.

The time they put in is likely equivalent to millions of dollars of payroll that would be spent on a camp of comparable size with comparable facilities. But rather than get paid, these missionaries pay money to serve, and they do so willingly.

Why do they do this? Because they love the Lord. And they are dedicated to helping make the time young women spend at their camp a safe and spiritual experience.

For more examples of the many quiet, unheralded jobs senior couple missionaries do, you can peruse this Senior Missionary Opportunities document.

I’m so grateful to the missionaries like these all around the world who serve, who often give up the comforts of home (and definitely give up the “comforts” that retirement might bring to use their time, energy, means, and talents (or willingness to learn new things!) dedicated to the Lord and serving others.

– –

There is no sabbatical or retirement program from [covenant] responsibilities—regardless of age or physical capacity. While the phrase “been there, done that” may work as an excuse to avoid skateboarding, decline the invitation for a motorbike ride, or bypass the spicy curry at the buffet, it is not an acceptable excuse for avoiding covenant responsibilities to consecrate our time, talents, and resources in the work of the kingdom of God.

There may be those who, after many years of Church service, believe they are entitled to a period of rest while others pull the weight. To put it bluntly…this sort of thinking is unworthy of a disciple of Christ. A great part of our work on this earth is to endure joyfully to the end—every day of our life.

-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

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