Invitations from a prophet: Deanna Ross

Deanna Ross

I have a deep love and testimony of our Savior. I had a stroke about five years ago and it took my short term memory. I serve in the Relief Society presidency at the Parkway Branch. I was overwhelmed with this calling. But, in the last seven months I have grown to love the sweet brothers and sisters we serve. I still can't remember their names. All I can do is love them unconditionally. I always have a prayer in my heart that I will make a difference to them, because they have for me. I feel like we were called to this calling, because I NEEDED THEM!! Everyday I am blessed by serving them. 

By Deanna Ross, Parkway Branch

Invitations from a prophet: Mary Bishop

Mary Bishop & her family

I try to work on my spiritual momentum in the morning before my day gets too busy. I try to start with some study time in Come Follow Me. I read scripture or listen to several podcasts throughout the week to get different perspectives on each week’s topic. I serve in the primary, so I don’t get to attend any classes on Sundays. I  enjoy the interaction and discussion that a podcast offers. I try to find ways to incorporate what I’m learning in my week. I also try to pray each day for inspiration on how I can help someone else. Sometimes that prayer is answered immediately by helping me think of a friend that is lonely and needs a friendly text or an invitation out to lunch. Sometimes I feel inspired to drop by and visit someone and once in awhile I get a random text just asking me for some advice and some encouragement. However that prayer gets answered I feel good knowing that I can be an instrument for the Lord and also keep my temple covenants by serving others.  I’m not perfect at any of this and I’m sure the spirit is trying to reach me some days when I’m too busy to listen, but when I take time to be Holy, the Lord will use me when I’m willing to slow down long enough to listen and follow through.

It’s a pleasure to be a member of Christ’s church and be His disciple.

by Mary Bishop, Pheasant Place Ward

Invitations from a prophet: Lindsay Wall

As I try my best to build “positive spiritual momentum” as asked by our prophet, I’ve really just stuck with the basics of the gospel. President Nelson said, 

“With frightening speed, a testimony that is not nourished daily “by the good word of God” can crumble. Thus, the antidote to Satan’s scheme is clear: we need daily experiences worshipping the Lord and studying His gospel. I plead with you to let God prevail in your life. Give Him a fair share of your time. As you do, notice what happens to your positive spiritual momentum.”

I’ve tried to keep on the covenant path by doing the small and simple things:

1- I’ve been trying to get in the habit of listening to the scriptures or a conference talk as I get ready for the day. I love getting my daily dose of the spirit. 

The Wall Family

2- My husband and I have been teaching my 4 young kids the Come Follow Me lessons each week, but honestly could do better- I find myself forgetting sometimes! I love when my kids ask spiritual questions and we have great talks about the gospel. Seeing their own testimonies grow fills me with so much joy! 

3- I try to direct my thoughts to spiritual things and when doubts or jealousy creeps in, I try to change my mindset and focus on the good and what really matters most. I’m all for positive self-talk, it really does work to change your thinking!

4- I try to spend my time serving others. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to serve two Ukrainian refugee families these past few weeks, and the experience has really opened my eyes to the joy of serving and focusing on others! 

5- I do my best to magnify my calling as Primary President. I’ve never been the president of an organization before and it can be very challenging sometimes! I try to rely on the spirit and on my awesome presidency to help me serve our sweet primary kids! Seeing them sing their hearts out on Sundays brings tears to my eyes and brings the spirit so strongly! 

Lindsay & her husband, Jacob

6- I try my best to keep my marriage strong! My husband and I have gotten in the habit of serving each other each day (my husband is better at it than I am, but I’m getting better!). We feel that it’s so important to make sure our eternal marriage comes first and we attend the temple somewhat regularly. We also try to make sure to spend quality time with each other and give each other grace. We want to keep our relationship loving and happy!

I truly believe that by doing the daily, small and simple things of the gospel, our spiritual momentum will increase and it will be easier to “get on the covenant path and stay there” like our sweet prophet has asked of us.  I’m so grateful to the gospel and for a modern prophet who leads and guides us through our crazy lives! 

By Lindsay Wall, Bridgecreek Ward

Invitations from a prophet: Heidi Stringham

Heidi & her husband, Scott

In the fall of 2020, I found myself for the first time in a long time questioning how I wanted to spend my time. Instead of life dictating how I would spend my time, I had come to a brief stage where life slowed down, and I now had the opportunity to choose how I would fill my days and spend my time.

The Stringham Family

I have always tried to be purposeful in the things I do and not be idle. Working hard has always brought me a lot of satisfaction, sense of accomplishment, and contentment. Taking care of my home and family has always been my joy.

Some of the things I chose to do, and have now continued doing are:

Serving in the temple as an ordinance worker and attending the temple as a patron (which has always been a focus and priority). 

I am learning Portuguese, so someday in the future, Scott and I can serve a mission (hopefully to Brazil). 

Heidi & Scott enjoying exercising together

Scott and I enjoy exercising together every morning to strengthen ourselves physically.

One of my goals this year has been reciting "The Living Christ" every day (after having memorized it a while back). It has brought me so much joy to think on these words wherever I may be and at any time (while driving, running in the morning, sitting in church or at the temple). I have also included in my daily recitings now- the Articles of Faith, the Sacrament prayers, and part of the Restoration Proclamation. My goal is to memorize all the proclamations.

Heidi finds joy watching her grandson

I have found so much joy being a new grandma and watching my grandson while my daughter works a couple times a week. 

During the slow season that I had, I compiled my mom's life story for my family. I also uploaded pictures and memories to Family Search. I then decided to write my own life story. I wrote a large and small plate version and uploaded the small plate version to my Family Search. 

I find joy in listening to church podcasts and uplifting music, journaling, and reading my scriptures and General Conference talks.

Heidi singing with Davis County Interfaith Choir

I joined the Davis County Interfaith choir and had the opportunity to sing in the Lamb of God at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. 

I also started teaching myself how to play the guitar (which I need to pick back up again now that the busy summer is over).

There are so many good things to do that can better and improve us, as well as help us feel the spirit. Although I feel I could do better in areas and this is an ongoing process, I am making effort to do what I can, when I can, and have felt strengthened. These things have also helped me build positive spiritual momentum as well as to hopefully share the power and peace of Jesus Christ to others. 

By Heidi Stringham, Bridgecreek Ward

Invitations from a prophet: Renee Woolf

How do I go about accessing the power of Jesus Christ? 

The first two thoughts that came to mind as I thought about this question were accessing Christ’s power through prayer and scripture study. I have also discovered that faith, trust, humility and a grateful heart is required to access His power and blessings. 

A few of my ward sisters already know, the dynamics of my life have changed quite drastically over the last three years due to unexpected health challenges. During this time I have received an abundance of priesthood blessings and I testify that I have spiritually and physically felt Christ’s power to heal my discomfort and emotional discouragement. I love how Christ is always there for me and loves me. I know He knows what my circumstances and wants to and will help me reach my potential. I testify that I know accessing Christ’s power is available to us constantly if we will only come to Him with a sincere and grateful heart. 

How do I find spiritual momentum? 

I have several ways that I find spiritual momentum, including all the tools my Heavenly Father has given me to guide me through a chaotic world. I find it especially helpful to receive spiritual momentum when I listen to the words of our modern day Prophet (Russell M Nelson)and the twelve Apostles that are leading our church today. Reading or listening to their wise counsel and inspirational words always gives me a spiritual boost and an exceptional source for spiritual momentum. l also feel spiritual momentum when I listen to inspirational music and scriptural podcasts that have enhanced my understanding of the scriptures 

Renee & her family

How do I spend my time?

When I was younger, I wasn’t happy unless I was busy doing anything and everything. However, I often felt like I was just spinning my wheels and not actually accomplishing anything. Today, I realize that my Heavenly Father does not expect me to be perfect, at least not in this life. However, I’m striving to do my best to focus on the things that matter most such as family, my ancestry and personal history, going to the temple, and by reaching out to my family and friends to celebrate our relationships and those special occasions that fill my heart with memories and joy. 

I will end by sharing a quick testimony of my faith in my Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation I’m grateful that Jesus Christ implemented our Fathers plan through His Sacrifice and Atonement.  I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for those who suffered and died in bringing forth the restoration of the gospel and the Book of Mormon. I’m grateful for the guidance of a modern day Prophet (Russell M. Nelson).  I  love his cute and comforting smile. Lastly, I know deep down in my heart that I’m continually being watched over throughout my story. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

By Renee Woolf, Green Briar Ward

Invitations from a Prophet: Jackie Ward

I admit, spiritual momentum is an elusive thing for me most of the time. I don't see the results of my efforts and often those efforts look like a crazy roller coaster with highs and lows, twists and turns and upside down loops. Somehow the train hasn't completely derailed yet, though it teeters on the edge.

Jackie's journal, marked copy of the Book of Mormon, pocket notebook & prayer journal

I admit, spiritual momentum is an elusive thing for me most of the time. I don't see the results of my efforts and often those efforts look like a crazy roller coaster with highs and lows, twists and turns and upside down loops. Somehow the train hasn't completely derailed yet, though it teeters on the edge.

I try hard to follow the counsel of our prophet to increase our spiritual momentum. I've worked on studying my scriptures in a deeper way. I have a journal where I write down attributes and names of Christ that I find while reading. I get a new copy of the Book of Mormon every time I finish it. I choose a topic or question or word to focus on while I re-read it. I mark it up, write in the margins, and record thoughts or favorite phrases on the top of the page. I have tried a prayer journal, and recently started taking a pocket notebook with me everywhere I go to try and write down thoughts, impressions or ideas that pop in my head. Each time I try something new it gives me a small push forward, even if I've slid back some. I have increased my temple attendance and my determination to read scriptures and pray with my family despite their resistance.  I'm desperately searching for ways God speaks to me as I'm in the midst of the hardest years of my life and need that momentum to keep going. It's hard to stay motivated when you can't see the fruits of your labors. I guess that's where faith and endurance come in. So I keep pushing forward and hoping that it's enough momentum to get me over the next steep hill. Because I don't want to stay at the bottom. I want to rise up.

By Jackie Ward, Bridgecreek Ward

Invitations from a Prophet: Chalee Atwater

Chalee & her family

In General Conference last April, we were asked by our sweet Prophet to ignite spiritual momentum.  He gently reminded us that we have never needed it more than we do now. Since studying the topic, I've had the image of a bonfire in my head.  You can build a fire as tall as you want. But if not fed every so often, it will die out.  Our spirituality is much the same.  To keep spiritually fit and testimonies strong, we need to be feeding our spirits every day.  A fire needs 3 things to keep burning; heat, fuel, and oxygen.

Keep our spiritual bonfire burning

A few things can help keep our spiritual fire burning as well; obedience, love, humility, service, and gratitude. During his address, the Prophet gave us 5 things we can do to ignite (and keep) spiritual momentum.

1.     Get on the covenant path and stay there.  Pretty straight forward.
2.     Daily repentance.
3.     Learn about God. Try to KNOW him.
4.     Seek and expect miracles. Our Heavenly Father is waiting in the wings to help us move mountains.
5.     End conflict in your personal life. Forgive and seek forgiveness.  In my very favorite part of the talk he says, "If we can forgive men for their tresspasses, God will forgive us." How powerful.

The days are long, there is a lot to be done. Trust me, I have 4 boys and our life seems so crazy right now. But if we just give a small part of our day to Heavenly Father, He will bless us in return. Feed your fire daily, and it will burn bright forever. 

 

By Chalee Atwater, Kennington Ward

Invitations from a Prophet: Maria Blamires

Maria & her family at the Temple

I feel blessed to live in a time when we have a prophet who is our watchman on the tower. Last April's General Conference, President Nelson gave us 3 invitations that have strengthened me spiritually. 

 

1. Share the power and peace of Jesus Christ. 

 

The world is growing in turmoil and chaos. More than ever God’s children need the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love missionary work and I know it is the most important work here on earth. 

Praying for inspiration to know how I can share the priceless message of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our times is a must. 

 

I have amazing friends of other faiths. One thing I love is that we all have great respect for each other and many of them have a great love for the Lord. We often share our feelings about spiritual things like prayer and we both are uplifted without being pressured or feeling rejected because we have differences.  I also like to invite them to church activities and family religious events like baby blessings, baptisms etc. To me a good way to bring peace to others through the gospel of Jesus Christ is to build upon what unites us. Approaching missionary work this way brings joy to all and makes real friendships. 

Another way I share the peace of the gospel of Jesus Christ is by sending family members and friends talks and scriptures that uplift and bring peace and hope to our hearts. I am grateful for technology that can quickly reach many people.  When I follow promptings of the Holy Ghost, many times I get feedback indicating that the message had a positive impact in their lives.

 

2. Build spiritual momentum

 

Connecting with her ancestors 

To me building spiritual momentum is building a strong foundation not just one time but over and over. Reading the scriptures and likening them to me just like Nephi teaches in the Book of Mormon empowers me with personal revelation which brings guidance to my life. 

Attending the Temple regularly has strengthened my foundation by bringing great spiritual power into my life. It has given me hope during trials by giving me an eternal perspective. Going to the temple is like going home and feeling the love of a caring father not only for me but also for those beyond the veil. It has helped me realize that I can be a strong link between the past and the future generations. 

Recognizing God’s hands in my life has also strengthened my foundation knowing that he is there each day, I’m never left alone. As I have made a conscious effort to record each tender mercy from the Lord I have become more aware of His hand in my life. 

Repenting daily and working on Christlike attributes by setting goals weekly as I take the sacrament helps me stay on the covenant path and have the help of the Holy Ghost in my life. 

 

3. Choose how you will spend your time. 

 

We live in a fast paced world of technology. We all seek to have strong connections on our phones and computers which helps us stay connected with others. I am learning that to survive spiritually in this world I need a strong connection with Heaven.  I have found places and ways that will help me have those strong connections as I choose to spend time doing those things. 

The temple is a place that I feel very connected with Heaven and I leave with peace and strength to go out in the world with a reassurance that I am a child of God and that he’s aware of me and he has a plan for me and my family. 

 

Going to church every week and taking the sacrament weekly connects me to my Savior who helps me in my repentance process as He extends great mercy to me. Through His infinite atonement I am able to have second chances and improve each week.

 

I know God lives! Jesus Christ is our Savior and that President Nelson is a prophet of God called to lead us in our time and as I heed his invitations I will be more prepared for the future. 

 

By Maria Blamires, Pheasant Place Ward

Invitations from a Prophet: Jessica Welsh

Jessica & her children at the Temple

This last year my children and I have been going to the temple more. My children are too young to go in and do work, but just being on the temple grounds has truly blessed them. They ask constantly which temple we will go to next, if we can go see the progress on the Layton or Syracuse temple, and if we can take a picnic to the temple this week. I have slacked during the summer heat, and I have seen the difference. They love the feeling of being at the temple. We talk about when they were sealed to our family. And how they each have their own temple. They love walking around the temple and looking at the beauty of each temple. We talk about the different feeling that is there.

Jessica & her children visiting the Tabernacle Replica

I have also made a point to go to the temple myself to do work for my ancestors, taking President Nelson up on his promises that we will receive if we go. My children and I have needed these blessings. As I have taken family names this last year I have been able to feel the spirit more strongly while I am there and I have also been able to have some amazing experiences feeling the spirits of those I am doing work for or their family members close by. I have also seen how that spirit has affected others in the room especially when doing sealings and initiatories!! Each time I have taken names to be sealed the sealer has made a comment about the spirit in the room. I have made a point to do all of the ordinances reminding myself of all the many blessings that are given to us throughout the temple. I have enjoyed making baptism appointments and going with nieces and nephews, brother, sister-in-law, cousins and other family members. And doing sealings with family members as well. Such a fun experience to be there with family and friends.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

I remember going during COVID with my friend for her first time and taking a family name. As I rounded the bend in the road and could see the temple I felt as though I was seeing it for the first time and from that person's eyes. I felt her sitting in the car with me. I felt her with me during the endowment session. Another time I felt family members thanking me as I sealed a daughter to her parents. She was a great great aunt and I felt my direct family members thanking me for connecting their sister and daughter to them! I have also felt the laughter from family members as their German names were not pronounced quite right by the sealer, but they were happy to have the work done! I remember the sealer asking me to apologize when I saw them in the next life and I could look at him right there and then and let him know they were grateful for what he was doing and that he was doing his best. Others in the room were crying with me as we all felt a strong spirit around us that day.

By Jessica Welsh, Greenbriar Ward

Invitations from a Prophet: Tiffany West

 

How do I share the power and peace of Jesus Christ?
How do I build positive spiritual momentum?
How do I choose how I will spend my time?

 

Hello! My name is Tiffany West. I feel the answers to these questions are intertwined, and like so much in the gospel of Jesus Christ, they build upon each other. The answer to all these questions starts with my desire and commitment to keeping my covenants, and the power of intent. 
 
Most days I begin with prayer and scripture study. I pray to do at least one thing for the Lord, and for the strength and ability to receive and recognize inspiration and revelation. I then go through my day paying attention to the people and situations around me, and look for ways to build people up, and create unity. I also specifically look for ways to bring our Savior, Jesus Christ into conversation. There is something about just saying His name in reverence that can change situations and conversations. I look for meaningful ways to share how He has helped me in real life situations, especially ones that I share in common with others. I find that my finding strength and peace in Him, and then sharing my experience(s) can help others to find and feel strength and peace in Him too. 
 
These experiences build spiritual momentum as I have joy in knowing the Lord trusts me to do His work and help His children. It drives me to study scriptures daily, to pray meaningfully, to seek His will, to serve in the temple, and to work for revelation. This in turn dictates how I choose to spend my time. I don't spend all day praying or reading scriptures or serving, but because my focus and intent is on my Savior, I find myself making time for those things in my day to ensure that I have His help to keep my covenants.
 
I also try to be flexible with my time when I receive inspiration. Sometimes inspiration is as easy as a quick compliment, smile, or simply noticing and greeting someone warmly. Sometimes it's a note or text or going to see someone perform (theatre, sports, recitals etc.). Other times I go to someone's home and end up talking for hours, or meet someone somewhere and take the time to really see them and listen to them. Sometimes it's inviting someone for a walk, or offering to watch their children. Each time I do any of those things, it is my intent to share the Savior's love with them. I believe this also shares the power and peace of Jesus Christ because I know that He is the only reason I am capable of doing any good. 
 
I suppose, for me it all boils down to agency (I CAN choose), faith, intent, commitment, flexibility, and perseverance. Just like anyone else, my progression isn't a straight line up. I have highs and lows, times when I am more capable of sharing and serving, and times when I battle depression, discouragement, and doubt. There are times when I feel like I know how to receive revelation, and times when I feel like I just can't seem to hit the mark. I've learned though, that even in my lowest times, when I don't feel like I'm heard, or don't feel like trying, or don't feel like doing anything altruistic at all, I CAN choose to remember my experiences with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I CAN choose to pray.  I CAN choose to share my love for Him. I CAN choose to build and repent. In these ways I maintain positive spiritual momentum, share the power and peace of Jesus Christ, and CHOOSE to spend my time both in times of spiritual abundance, and in times of spiritual winter. My favorite book is Jane Eyre, and I'll end with a quote from her that has helped me to stay true to my covenants, endure my trials and low points well, and come out the other side with greater faith, greater charity (ability to share the power and peace of Jesus Christ), and forward spiritual momentum. 
 
"I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself. I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad—as I am now. Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be. If at my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth? They have a worth—so I have always believed; and if I cannot believe it now, it is because I am insane—quite insane: with my veins running fire, and my heart beating faster than I can count its throbs. Preconceived opinions, foregone determinations, are all I have at this hour to stand by: there I plant my foot."
 
I share this with all my love, and in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

By Tiffany West, Angel Crossing Ward

Invitations from a Prophet: Paige Sommer

Sister Sommer & Her Son Cannon

 How I Share the Power and Peace of Jesus Christ.  

"We have the sacred responsibility to share the power and peace of Jesus Christ with all who will listen." President Nelson

Apartment Buzzing

Many years ago, I served as a missionary in Milan, Italy. Most people lived in apartment buildings in the areas where I served. In order to "knock doors" we would have to stand on the street and call people one by one through their apartment buzzers and ask if they would let us in to talk with them about Jesus Christ. As you can imagine, this was a very ineffective way to get people to listen. I remember only one occasion when we were let into an apartment by contacting this way and it was such a huge shock that my companion and I were almost laughing with delight the entire time we shared our message.

Street contacting in Italy

Since this apartment buzzing wasn't very effective, we often did street contacting instead, honestly, also not super effective, even with our three-sided display board featuring pictures of Christ and messages of eternal families. Most people would say they weren't interested or communicate "don't even ask" by giving us a little shake of the hand before we even asked them to stop. This kind of constant rejection wasn't easy to take but we kept trying, I kept trying, even though it sometimes took all my courage to ask someone to talk with me. Why keep trying? Because of our desire to share about the power and peace of Jesus Christ with everyone, the reason why we serve in the first place. The reason why all of us serve. We accept callings and minister because first, we love our Savior. 

Elder Cannon Blaser in Texas

Now my son is a missionary, currently serving in College Station, Texas. He's knocking on a lot of doors to a lot of apartments and not finding many people home. It's hotter and more humid than anything he's ever experienced before, but he happily puts on his missionary attire and he and his companion keep trying every day to share about the power and peace of Jesus Christ.

 

My desire to share about the power and peace of Jesus is still the reason I keep trying--why I keep trying to be a patient and kind mom and stepmom, why I keep trying to be a caring YW leader, why I keep trying to see others through God's eyes. A friend of mine recently said she sees Jesus in everyone she meets and knows. This perspective has helped me look at sharing Jesus differently because I try to see the light of Christ in everyone and wonder what they can teach me about being a better disciple, a better friend, a better Christian. Am I perfect at this? No. Will I keep trying? Yes. Why? "We love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19).

By Paige Sommer, Angel Crossing Ward

Invitations from a Prophet: Social Media Series

The Stake Relief Society is starting a new social media series called Invitations from a Prophet. Sisters from around the Stake will share how they are responding to President Russell M. Nelson’s invitations from the April 2022 General Conference as laid out in the May 2022 Liahona. Sisters were asked to pick one of the following invitations to respond to.

1. Share the Power and Peace of Jesus Christ

President Nelson reminded members of our “sacred responsibility to share the power and peace of Jesus Christ with all who will listen.” In these challenging times, “every person deserves to know where they can find the hope and peace that ‘[pass] all understanding’ [Philippians 4:7].”

• To read President Nelson’s call for every worthy, able young man to prepare for and serve a mission, click on  “Preaching the Gospel of Peace”.

2. Build Positive Spiritual Momentum

President Nelson taught, “We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying.”

• Find five specific invitations from President Nelson for increasing our spiritual momentum in “The Power of Spiritual Momentum”.

3. Choose How You Will Spend Your Time

President Nelson explained that there are some things outside of our control. “But there are some things we can control,” he said, “including how we spend our time.”

• Read President Nelson’s invitation to spend time focusing on the blessings of the temple in “Now Is the Time”.

We are looking forward to hearing from so many of our wonderful sisters and learning more of your special spiritual experiences. By sharing your experiences you touch the hearts of many and strengthen the bond we share as sisters in Zion. We are deeply grateful for each dear sister in our stake and thank all those willing to share their sacred thoughts and feelings. If you would like to participate, please email ichoosetobelieve2020@gmail.com.