My Faith Brings Me Peace and Answers

Faith is why I choose to believe. In Ether 12:6 it reads, “And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for you receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.”

Trials come to all of us in this lifetime. Some may seem more serious than others. Some may affect us and try us more than others, but we will all have trials. Through the trials in my life I have learned great lessons. One of the lessons learned is, “how strong is my testimony?” Is my testimony strong enough so that I can gain a witness of the truthfulness of the things I claim to believe in?

Believing came easy for me most of my life and I feel blessed for that. I was blessed with goodly parents who were not active in the church most of my life, but were very supportive of the decisions that my siblings and I made to be active. I was blessed with a wonderful eternal companion with whom I have gone through trials, from infertility, adoptions, job loss, loss of parents, etc.

On June 10, 2016 was a day that we will never forget. We had all been in Idaho to a family party and our youngest daughter needed to come back to Utah for work the next day. On her way back to Utah she was involved in a one car rollover that took her life.

Through the weeks that followed I felt the love of my Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ in my life unlike any other time. But as time stretched on, I started to struggle. As hard as I tried to push back the “why” had this happened, it started to creep in. I remember one day in particular I had to stop and find a quiet place and have a talk with myself. Did I truly believe what I thought I did? Through weeks of soul searching, reading, praying and wrestling with my spirit, the doubts started to lift and a sweetness returned to my soul and I knew that what I had believed all my life was right. It was the way back to live with my Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ again. It was the means by which we would see our daughter and my parents again and have the chance to be with them and others for eternity.

I choose to believe because my faith brings me peace and brings me answers and I am forever grateful for that.

~Trudy M.

Combating Satan's Tactics Day by Day

In the October 2019 Conference, Elder Peter M. Johnson of the Seventy gave some incredible counsel that I am just now beginning to fully appreciate.

In his talk, he discussed how we can find peace, remember who we are, and overcome the three Ds of the adversary. Those three Ds were Deception, Distraction, and Discouragement.

If ever there was a time when we are seeing these tactics of Satan’s being used in full force, it is today.

I choose to believe my Savior and my Father in Heaven. I choose to believe the promises They have made. I know that if we read our scriptures, pray, partake of the sacrament, repent, attend our church meetings, go to the Temple (when we can!), and remember that we are daughters of God; we will be just fine. It doesn’t matter what goes on in this world.

I know this is easier said than done. So, one of my most favorite ways to remember these principles, to truly feel peace, and to fight back against the deception, distraction, and discouragement is to be out in this amazing world our Father has created for us. So, my dear Sisters; if you are struggling to believe or to feel peace during this time and haven’t found your own way yet, please use mine.

~Mona Andrus

Introduction of Theme: I Choose to Believe

Women's Conference Talk by Tiffany McMinn

Last November, our family was in St. George spending the Thanksgiving holiday with some extended family. The day before Thanksgiving, I went out on a morning jog on a familiar road close to my mom’s home. I had done this route many times in past visits to town.

I had hit my halfway point and was on my way back when I came to the only stoplight on my jog. The light was red, and I stopped. I pushed the crosswalk button and waited on the corner to cross. I looked over and saw a work truck in the left turn lane, waiting to turn onto the road I was getting ready to cross. He hadn’t moved out into the intersection, and the light had turned yellow.

I looked at him again (sure that he could see me as well), and made sure he wasn’t going to turn onto the road. He wasn’t moving, and the light turned red. The crosswalk sign then flashed green for me to walk, and so I began to cross the road in the painted crosswalk area.

All of a sudden, I see the front bumper of the truck slam into the side of my body, moving me up off the ground. The next thing I remember was being on the ground and trying to get up. After slowly pulling myself up, the driver (who had pulled over to the side of the road) came running over to me (I think I was in shock; I kept asking, "Are my teeth okay?").

Video 2: I Choose to Believe

Sisters in our stake explain why they choose to believe as they go through challenges and trials of life. Video 2 of 2.

I've Had a Witness of the Truth

"Even when others don't believe, I choose to believe. I choose to believe because I have felt a witness of the truth from the Holy Ghost that Jesus is my Savior." -Angie O.

Doubting Your Doubts

This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.
by Ashley Simmons

I am honored to speak today. The topic I was given was doubting your doubts, taken from Elder Uchtdorf's General Conference address Come, Join with Us. I hope that my words will in some way lift the burden that doubt can place on hearts and shoulders.

One of the most powerful ways we can doubt our doubts is by changing the way we react to them. Specifically, we need to have less fear and shame about doubt. For example, a few years ago I read a moving history about a Jewish family in England and the struggles they faced during WWII. One day a teenage son came to his father, who was the rabbi of the community, with a confession that burdened his heart: "Dad," he said, "I don’t know if I believe there is a God!"

His father's reaction was extreme, as if he were Luke Skywalker and had just been told Darth Vader was really his father. The rabbi screamed with great passion, "NOOOO!!!" and wept and wailed at his son’s confession. The son was so freaked out by his father’s reaction that he actually ran away and joined an atheistic Communist party.

This father's fearful and shaming reactions to his sons doubt gave doubt so much power that it literally turned his son into an atheist. But what if he could have looked at doubt differently and feared it and shamed it less?

What if instead of screaming "No!" to his son saying "Dad, I don’t know if I believe there is a God," the father had said, "Son, I am glad you are pondering the existence of God. God has placed that question of His existence in every one of His son’s and daughter's hearts to make us wrestle, to make us ponder, to make us diligently search for Him! Son, I can promise you that if you will take your natural questions and search for Him, you will find Him!’’

As We Keep Our Covenants, Christ Builds Us Up

This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.
By Emma Nelson, a Laurel

I love the theme of "Rejoicing on the Covenant Path" because it is so important and applicable throughout our lives. Heavenly Father has asked us to do our best to keep our covenants, and through them comes joy. It is not always easy to find joy, especially during trials or hard times, but we need to trust our Heavenly Father and do what he has asked of us.

President Nelson said, “The highest compliment is to be called a covenant keeper.” This should be something we strive for, not because it is a compliment of the highest, but by keeping our covenants we show God how important our relationship with Him is to us.

Not too long ago I wasn’t sure if the Church was true. Every Sunday I would grudgingly go to church to renew my baptismal covenants and try to learn of Christ, not even knowing if He was there for me. After months of struggling, I was writing my frustration and feeling in my journal but got an overwhelming feeling of peace and love. I knew my Savior because I was renewing my baptismal covenants as I was trying to learn of Him. He has such a deep love for all of us that He will NEVER leave us on our own.

I’ve come to learn through trials that Christ lets us doubt to build us up stronger than we were before. Think about building muscles. As you work out your muscles, they are torn before they rebuild stronger. I feel we are like this as well. Sometimes we doubt, are torn, or broken, but by us always keeping our covenants, Christ helps to rebuild us stronger than ever.

He Rejoices When We Return

by Jenny Barlow 

I am grateful for the time I have had over the last couple of months to think about my testimony of covenants. I have come to realize that although I have a knowledge of the covenants I have made and a testimony of their importance, it is a testimony and knowledge that could use much strengthening and studying.

I have read others' testimonies, read talks on these topics, and have spent time pondering what I have experienced in my own life and what I believe. I'm grateful for this gentle nudge from a loving Heavenly Father to work to build upon what I currently have as a testimony to make it into a stronger foundation that I can always rely on.

I know that God blesses us for our desires and for our efforts. He rejoices when we make efforts to return whenever we stray from the covenant path.

I know He loves us with a love that we can't even comprehend. He has given us His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us the way and to provide the way that we can fully partake of that love and return to Him.

Feeling Joy, Peace, and Love on the Covenant Path

The publicity committee for the Women's conference has been asked to share how they are "Rejoicing on the Covenant Path."

by Debbie Allred 
We really can find joy, peace, and love when we strive to be on the covenant path. There have been times in my life that it has not been such an easy path, but I know in those hard times, if I am striving to do the best I can in keeping my covenants, that God and my Savior are there to make up the difference where I lack. They strengthen me as well as bear me up.

In my life, I have witnessed that sometimes my timing is not the same as theirs, so that is where having faith, trusting in them, and continuing to stay on the covenant path comes in.

That can be very hard at times. There have been many times I have had to continue to work through and strive to endure my trials because I understand that they are for my growth. I know that my trials always strengthen me as well as my relationship with God and my Savior. I am so grateful for a loving and all-knowing God who knows what I need before I do and allows me to learn and grow, even when it may be hard.

Covenants Are an Expression of God's Love

The chairs of the upcoming women's conference share their testimonies of what it means to them to "Rejoice on the Covenant Path."

by Emily Wensel 

When I think of rejoicing on the covenant path, I’m reminded of a walk I took a few months ago. I was on a back road by myself. I had some things on my mind and was praying out loud.

As I prayed, I began to look at this road as a path that led me back to my Heavenly Father. I started to think of all the times in my life when I felt closest to my Savior. As I began to recall these instances in my life, there was one consistent theme that kept me tied to Him, and that was my covenants.

The covenants and promises I've made with Him has allowed me the opportunity to strengthen my relationship with the Savior.

Image from LDS.org; used with permission

I have recently come to know and appreciate one of the first covenants I made at eight years old as a newly baptized member of His church, and that is the covenant to always remember Him. This seems like a simple promise to make, and perhaps one that I have easily overlooked.

I have recently realized how much this simple covenant of always remembering Him throughout my day has blessed me and given me joy.

I have come to Him through words in the scriptures, through thoughts and feelings, and through conversations with friends and family. I have come to Him while at the grocery store, helping my kids with homework, taking a walk with a friend, doing the dishes, or talking with my husband.

I have spent the last several weeks relying on Him and His grace, more than I have in a long time. In turn He has blessed me with His spirit. I have also come to know and love the covenants and promises I make in the temple.

With all those beautiful covenants and promises I’ve made and continue to make on this path, I realize how simple they are. I am promising to him to do all that I can to come closer to my Heavenly Father through His Son. I am promising to give up things in my life so that I can more fully commit myself to Him. I do that by keeping my covenants.

Covenants: Giving Us Understanding, Hope, and Perspective

“Covenants with God help us to know who we really are.” 

Jean A. Stevens, “Covenant Daughters of God,” Nov. 2014

As we prepare for the women’s conference and our thoughts have been more focused on "Rejoicing on the Covenant Path," the stake Relief Society presidency wanted to share our testimony of our covenants and what they mean to us.

Tiffany McMinn

One day, many years ago, while I was serving as a missionary in the town of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, my companion and I were needing to get to the home of a sister and her son we were teaching (which was several miles from our apartment). The problem was that we were out of driving miles for the remainder of the month.

We had bikes to ride, but the only road to this sister's house was off the old highway. There were no back roads or side streets—she lived on a private dirt road that came right off this somewhat busy highway.

Feeling brave (and a little invincible as missionaries) we decided to ride our bikes to this appointment. There was no sidewalk to ride on—just a white painted line with cars zooming by on the road just to our left, and ditches, drop offs, and gravel just off to our right.

Image by Alan Levine (public domain, Flickr)

I remember focusing on keeping my front bike tire right on that straight white line as I rode. If I did that, I was fine.

But, if I took my eyes off that white line (even for a second) I would get wobbly and begin to veer off, putting myself at risk to get struck by a car or crash my bike into a ditch.

I have thought many times about that thrilling bike ride that got us to where we needed to go. I’ve thought about how that white line was the safest and really the only path to our destination.

I believe my covenants are like markers (or that white line) on a path that guides me on my journey home to my Heavenly Father. They direct me and give me power and strength as I put my focus on them. They give me understanding, hope, and perspective of where I am headed. They keep me safe and protect me from the evil distractions in the world.

Though I still have a long ride ahead of me, my covenants are helping me change, and, through Jesus Christ, become who my Heavenly Father intended me to be.

Strengthened for a Heavy Burden

by Marisa Sharpe 

On a recent family reunion, the last morning was spent riding motorcycles. There were many people and only four motorcycles, so we were taking turns. When it was my turn, I rode off in the direction of an old railroad line. Similar to the Rails to Trails trail, the rails had been removed, and there was a gentle slope on either side of the long, straight track. On the top, there was some fine-grade gravel. 

After I had ridden about 2.5 miles, I decided my turn was probably over and I should head back. However, there was no real place for me to turn around, and the track was narrow. I would have to go down the slope to have enough space to turn around and then get back up on top of the track.

After I turned around and as I was getting back on top of the track, my front wheel caught in the gravel, and I tipped the motorcycle over. Fortunately, the bike didn't land on me, and I thought it would be as simple as lifting the bike up and getting back on. I bent down and grabbed the motorcycle and pulled. It. was. so. heavy. I took a deep breath and thought strong thoughts and pulled again. It was so heavy! I couldn't even move it a centimeter.

I began to consider my options. I could wait for someone to realize I had been gone for a long time and come looking for me, but no one knew which direction I had gone. I could walk back and get help, but that would take a long time, and I knew others were waiting for a turn.

I was completely alone in a remote part of Idaho. I felt I had no choice but to try again and somehow dig in my heels more. The third time I attempted to lift the motorcycle, I actually felt the motorcycle become lighter! It was still very heavy and I still had to pull with all my strength, but it was possible! I did it. I got back on, started the engine, and rode back to my family.

I know this is how the Atonement of Jesus Christ works in our lives. Our burdens are heavy to bear, and sometimes we can't lift them on our own. Some burdens come from choices we have made, and we have to suffer the consequences. Some burdens are from choices others have made, and we are affected by their behavior and choices.

If we work with all our might, the Lord can make the burden lighter. It may still be heavy, but we will be able to bear it. Maybe we will get stronger, or maybe the burden will become lighter, but through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we will be able to do it!

I'm grateful to have experienced this miracle, and I love my Savior and need His help so much to lift the motorcycles in my life. I'm grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and what it means to me.

What Does Christ Offer Me?

Several women in our stake share their testimonies of what Jesus Christ means to them. (This video was shown at the 2018 stake women's conference.)

Women's Conference 2015: My Journey to the Temple, by Olivia Moore

by Olivia Moore
I hope you can understand me as I get emotional--I always do. I have been struggling these past couple of weeks to know what it is that I am supposed to say.

I want to let you know, first of all, that I know the importance of the temple, and I know that it is always important to go, and I am so grateful for the privilege we have to go, and for the many temples around us. But despite this knowledge, I often struggle to get myself to the temple, and I struggle with having a desire, or eagerness, to go. That’s why I was surprised when Sister Packer asked me to speak today. I had no idea what I would share.

Earlier this week I was praying to my Heavenly Father and just telling Him this, and expressing my concerns to Him, and just telling Him that I needed something to share. After my prayer, I got into bed and started reading a conference talk--it was actually from priesthood session, it was President Monson’s talk “Guide us Safely Home.” It wasn’t even focused on temples, but President Monson said, “Ours is the responsibility to be worthy of all the glorious blessings our Father in Heaven has in store for us.”

Women's Conference 2015: The Temple Changed Us Forever, by Cathi Maki

by Cathi Maki
This is an overwhelming experience, but as we all know, Renee has a way of talking you into things. When asked if I could tell you about our family's journey to the temple, I knew it wouldn't be an easy task as I tend to get a little emotional, so bear with me. But before I get ahead of myself, I will try to tell you our family story in a nutshell.

Dave and I both grew up in California with both our families attending a Lutheran church. Little did he know I told my parents in third grade that I was going to marry Dave Maki someday! Well, a lady gets what she wants, and here we are, thirty-seven years later. We did the best we could in raising three beautiful daughters with morals and values they could be proud of. We also raised them Lutheran because that’s all we knew.

But we soon found that there was more than being a Sunday Christian. It was about nineteen years ago when two of our daughters were in high school and one was in junior high when our lives began to change. Many of our daughter’s friends were LDS, and they enjoyed the friendships and we approved of the family values they held so high. Our middle daughter, Jileen, attended many church activities with her best friend who was LDS. Her father, who happened to be bishop, always managed to sit by me at football games and talk about church and how he thought our family would love to hear the gospel message. Jileen often asked if the missionaries could come over, but we never really made a commitment to listen.

When I Entered the Temple, I Felt Like I Was Home

Photo of Mesa, Arizona temple from LDS.org. Used with permission.

by Erin Feik
As a young single adult after graduating from college I was looking for a job, and I knew I wanted to go where there would be a strong LDS singles group, and where there would be a temple. Eventually through prayer and seeking I took a teaching job in Phoenix, Arizona. I moved there by myself and at first I felt so alone. A few days later I drove to the temple in Mesa. Upon entering the temple a sweet peaceful feeling came over me and I knew that I was home. I was blessed many times with peace, comfort, and revelation in the Mesa Temple, and it still hold a special place in my heart because of the powerful witnesses I received in that particular temple.

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by Sara Barnard
I know the gospel is true. I am so grateful for the temple in my life. I don’t go there as often as I should, but I am very grateful to be sealed to my family. I have a friend and her husband who have been trying to have a baby for three years and couldn’t. They have been trying to adopt for two years and they finally became parents to a beautiful baby girl through adoption, and they were sealed yesterday in the temple. It has made me become very humble and grateful for all of the temples close to me and the opportunity to go and renew covenants and feel the Spirit. My New Year’s resolution is to attend the temple more often.

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I frequently struggle with depression and anxiety. When my life just gets too crazy I know it’s time to worship in the temple. Whenever I go my depression eases, my anxiety decreases, and I am filled with peace and power. I truly feel like my spirit is overcoming the struggles of my physical body. It is such a blessing to go to the temple and feel that peace pervade into all area of my life.

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by Heather Wykstra
I have never really done family history in the past. When my mom passed away suddenly four years ago I knew it was important to teach my children about her and how the temple has made us able to be with her again and forever. My mom had a great passion for family history which has made me want to dive in and learn more about my ancestors so I can in turn learn more about my incredible mother.

Are We Not All Beggars?

Image from LDS.org, used with permission

In Relief Society recently, we studied Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk "Are We Not All Beggars?" from October 2014 General Conference. It was a wonderful lesson. Our instructor asked us to think of a time in our lives when we have needed something, whether that was spiritual, temporal, emotional, or physical, and how our needs were met, and then write it down on some cards she provided.

The response was overwhelming, and only a few could be shared in class. Following are twenty-one different responses to that question. They are amazing and show not only how we all are in need, but also how much our Heavenly Father loves us and meets our needs Himself or through those around us. They also show that we hold great power to affect others' lives for good if we will but reach out!

"Are we not all beggars? Don't we all cry out for help and hope and answers to prayers? Don't we all beg for forgiveness for mistakes we have made and troubles we have caused? don't we all implore that grace will compensate for our weaknesses, that mercy will triumph over justice at lease in our case?" --Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

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My family is not close by (we are in four states). Many times I have needed my mom, but I feel terrible asking her to spend the money and time to come help. She has never said no and is always willing to hop on a plane or drive the eleven or twelve hours to be here.

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I appreciate a faithful man who is my son's home teaching companion. He not only ministers to his home teaching families, but he is also the hands of Christ reaching out to rescue a young man who is struggling. He has continued to make the effort to be a friend to my son for many years. My greatest desires for my children are met through the kindness and service of this wonderful man and other caring people in the ward.

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I was slowly growing more ill day by day when I was only two years married. I was substituting at the time at a junior high school, limping into the school each morning. Eventually I couldn't walk, not even get myself to the bathroom. I could only lay on the couch in pain. My mother-in-law came and sat by my side for a couple of days to be there for me and help me.

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When I was about 19 I had made some poor decisions. I knew they weren't the best decisions, and one bad decision led into another. I felt like a horrible person. I started to withdraw from my family and people I loved the most because I felt ashamed and unworthy. My good friend asked me one day how things were going, and I eventually spilled the beans. She reminded me that just because I had made a few bad decisions and mistakes that all was not lost. I was still a good person. Knowing that she believed in me and loved me helped me to love myself again and see that all was not lost.

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Finding Joy and Peace at the Temple

by Debbie Allred
I am truly grateful for the joy and peace I have found in my journey by attending the temple. Life can be hard and at times may even seem unbearable because of the trials that can come our way. I have a firm testimony that attending the temple as often as I can helps me to find the strength, peace, and joy to overcome and calm the storms that may be raging in my life. When I am in the temple I am better able to be still and hear what the Spirit is trying to tell me.

Because I was in the temple “out of the world,” I was more in tune and was able to have uplifting spiritual experiences that strengthened my testimony. This, in turn, allowed me to strengthen my family and friends. The more I go to the temple the greater my desire to be closer to my Savior, God, and to my family, and I have a stronger desire to do what is right.

Young Women Testify of the Temple

by Rachel
I have had a great love of the temple since I was a little girl. I remember watching my mom prepare to go by ironing her clothes. I remember my grandpa getting up at 4:00 in the morning to go work in the Salt Lake and Bountiful temples. He had a deep love for the temples, and it rubbed off on me. I love the peace that I feel as I enter the temple. I love the quiet and clean atmosphere that invites the Spirit. I know that I can go to the temple and feel my Heavenly Father’s love. This year I have attended the San Diego, Bountiful, Salt Lake, Ogden, Jordan River, and Washington D.C. temples. The Spirit is the same in all these temples. I am grateful for this love that I have for the House of the Lord.

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photo of Bountiful Temple from LDS.org
used with permission

by Ariadne
My experience going to the Ogden Temple was beautiful. I think that the temples, all the temples, are places where you can really feel the Holy Ghost. The temple is a place that is pure and sacred.

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by Kirsten
I love attending a temple open house because it gives me the rare chance to see parts of the temple I would normally not be able to. Being able to go through and see the other rooms gets me excited for my future, and I have high hopes for the rest of my life.

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by Elizabeth
I love the temple SO much! At the Ogden Temple open house I had a great time. When I walked into the sealing room it was like a wave came over me--a wave of the Spirit. It was awesome.

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by Jessica Gray
I have done a lot of family history work in the last year. I have a lot of ancestors whose names I have found and been able to perform baptisms for them. I have a strong testimony of family history. Lately I have been doing a lot of research with my dad for my great-great-grandmother Rosie May Smith. We have found most of her kids but not her parents yet.

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by Hannah
I went to the Ogden Temple open house with my cousin. She is my age and was baptized when she was eleven, but she was inactive and her stepparents were very unsupportive. Fortunately the week she was with her real dad (my mom’s brother) she was able to come with me to the Ogden Temple. I watched her light up going from room to room. After we had walked though the celestial room she told me that she was going to go back to that room someday.

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by Emma
I remember sitting in the visitors' center next to the temple. I was there with my whole family, which was something that happened a lot due to the sports in my family. I was sitting next to my older brother when the topic of the Second Coming came up. We began talking to him about the general conferences that would happen when Christ came. The thoughts came of who was going to be there with us. I’m grateful I am sealed to my family for eternity through temples. I’m grateful that we have temples all around us.

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by Aumberlee
The first time I went to the temple was to do baptisms for the dead was for ancestors of mine. When my family was in the car driving home I felt this warmth in my heart that I had never felt before. It felt as if my ancestors were thanking me for the work I done for them. It was a feeling I want to have with me forever. I can’t wait until I can go the temple again.

My Spirit Was Strengthened

by Marisa Sharpe

Several years ago, I listened to a talk on CD titled “The Blessings of the Temple” by Herschel Pedersen.  He is a former member of the Mount Timpanogas temple presidency.  His main point was there is untapped power in the temple, and if we will consecrate our time and attend the temple regularly, either as a worker or as a patron, marvelous things will happen in our lives.

The rest of the CD was spent telling amazing stories of miraculous blessings which came as a result of people consecrating their time to the Lord and attending the temple in faith frequently and regularly.   I highly recommend the CD for everyone.

At the time I first heard it, I was seeking a specific blessing for my life and the lives of my family.  I decided I would do it!  I would attend the temple weekly for three months as a demonstration of faith that the Lord would hear my cry.  I would usually go early on Saturday morning before my husband and daughter were up.  After several weeks, my heart would start to yearn for the temple on about Thursday or Friday.  I would think to myself, “I have got to get back to the temple, when am I going next?  Oh, it’s almost Saturday.  Good, it will be soon.”