Witnessing the Love of the Lord for Me and My Ancestors

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

What a blessing it has been for me to take part in the preparation for this conference. I was challenged to take part in the 21-day challenge at the beginning of January, and it has been amazing for me to witness the love that our Father in Heaven has for us and our ancestors that came before us.

Sister Wensel and Sister Adams came and visited me and asked me to take part and be ready to share my findings. They also gave me a talk to read from a BYU women’s conference about this 21-day challenge. The challenge is about a sacrifice of time to the Lord. The action that I choose to take for this challenge was indexing and going to the temple once a week with my sister.

When I first received the challenge, I was admittedly really worried that I would not only be unable to find something I could consistently do, but that I would not be able to share the importance of it with you. I will also admit that before this challenge, I had never really learned how to use the FamilySearch software. But I felt very strongly that indexing was something that I would be able to do every day and that it was an important part in this work.

Visiting Teaching: I Feel God's Love for Me

Some women in the stake were asked: How has your life been touched by visiting teaching or a visiting teacher? This is the final installment in the series of posts.

I have a visiting teacher that found out I was sick when my husband was out of town. She came over and shoveled the snow from my driveway and sidewalks and then brought me dinner that night. It meant so much to know that someone cared about me and wanted to help me.
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Photo from LDS.org, used with permission

When I moved into the ward, my visiting teachers were my first friends in the area. They made me feel welcomed and loved. When I had my baby, my visiting teachers were so great, and I knew I could call them if I needed anything.
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I was a young mother with no family near. My visiting teacher took me under her wing and taught me lots about being a mom.
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Visiting teaching blesses me by letting me feel of God’s love for me. It strengthens my testimony of the gospel and helps me see my purpose.
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My visiting teacher gives me friendship. I appreciated her cleaning my house!

Visiting Teaching: Creating Friendships

Some women in the stake were asked: How has your life been touched by visiting teaching or a visiting teacher? Over the next few weeks we'll feature their responses.

Photo from LDS.org, used with permission

I have had visiting teachers who came faithfully each month and also visiting teachers who don’t come or call as frequently. Either way I have always felt of their love and concern for me.
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My visiting teachers have touched my life by the love they show.
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I once was given a unique opportunity to visit teach someone that I did not get along with. She had done something once when we’d served together that offended me, and it was hard to be humble and put those feelings aside when I was assigned to be her visiting teacher. Being in her home and having the chance to serve her helped me see her in a different light. It was a blessing for me to be humbled and to forgive as I let go of past offenses and saw the good in this sister.
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Through visiting teaching I have made some really great friends. Some of them are people I probably wouldn’t have gotten to know if I wasn’t assigned to visit them. But I am so grateful I got the opportunity. I truly cherish and love the sisters I visit teach. I am so grateful I got the opportunity to get to know them and serve them.

Visiting Teaching: Touching Lives

Some women in the stake were asked: How has your life been touched by visiting teaching or a visiting teacher? Over the next few weeks we'll feature their responses.

Photo from LDS.org, used with permission

This may not be typical, but by being a visiting teacher, I met one of my very best friends. I remember sitting in this woman’s home (I was new in the ward and didn’t know her). As I presented the lesson she nodded, and I thought at that moment—she gets me! It was a moment I (hopefully) won’t forget. She continues to be a great friend, and I’m so grateful for this blessing of visiting teaching.
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I like how visiting teaching helps you get to know people you probably wouldn’t have gotten to know. I don’t think we realize how we have the power to touch others’ lives.
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Through visiting teaching, I have truly felt the love my Father in Heaven has for me. My prayers have been answered through visiting teaching.
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My first visiting teacher was my first friend in the ward. She made me feel so loved, and we had a wonderful friendship because of her love and care. Years later, and in a different ward, she became my visiting teacher again! I was so excited! She’s the only visiting teacher I’ve had that I feel really loved me.

Visiting Teaching: It's Nice to Know Someone Is Thinking of Me

Some women in the stake were asked: How has your life been touched by visiting teaching or a visiting teacher? Over the next few weeks we'll feature their responses.

I have been blessed with wonderful visiting teachers. When I have been going thru trials they text, email, or just stop by to see how I am doing. It’s so nice to know someone is thinking of me.
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The little (and big) acts of service have meant the most, including:

- helping me fold laundry while we visited
- helping with my children & laundry when I was sick
- using their talents to bless me
- bringing yummy treats for me and my family
- a visiting teaching partner (with an inactive husband) called me from the hospital needing a ride home, not knowing who to call, but knew I loved her and would help.

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My life has been touched because many of the women I have visited have opened my eyes to so many things, whether it is a new perspective or a new understanding. It may be that she has a hobby or talents I am unfamiliar with and I learn more about it. Maybe they are in a different stage of life that gets me to think of another, besides myself.
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I was matched up to be companions with a young mom who had just moved into the ward. Through visiting teaching and my interaction with her, I found a best friend and great example. She was so selfless and was always looking for things to do both with our visiting teachers and with others. She truly taught me of someone who is Christlike and pulled me into the ward as I didn’t have kids and didn’t fit in. She is still one of my best friends to this day, and she taught me what visiting teaching is really about.

Women Standing Tall Video

Women of Faith Photos

The women of faith in our stake are amazing! We took photos as well as videos of women throughout our stake and have included just a small sampling below. Click here to see all of the photos and videos.

Mothers Can Draw on the Power of God

by Marisa Sharpe
The Monday before General Conference, our FHE went like this. My 30-second preparation was to share a story I had seen in The Friend magazine about watching Conference with a question in mind and then listening for it to be answered. My husband was working late, as usual, so he wasn't even part of FHE. I hadn't planned ahead enough to have a treat. The kids were being silly and I didn't feel they were hearing what I was trying to portray. My "lesson" lasted less than five minutes, and I was sure between their cracking jokes and giggling that nothing had sunk in. I quickly gave in and just sent them off to get in pajamas. No song, no prayer, the end. I was tired and discouraged and just done for the day.

Conference came around that Saturday, and we actually had a pleasant time watching and listening.
They built scripture stories out of Legos and, for the most part, listened and allowed my husband and me to listen. I was so encouraged when they shared their questions and the answers they had heard during Conference. One child was even listening for the answer to the other child's question. We had great conversations about many of the truths we heard.

 My husband and I agree this was our most positive experience to date with General Conference and our children. I was impressed at how much my lesson seemed to work! Then I was comforted by the Spirit as He taught me the Lord accepts our meager efforts and will enlarge them if we just do our part.

Elder Bednar has taught us about the importance of being consistent. President Eyring taught us in a recent Conference, "When you do your part, the Lord adds His power to your efforts." I cried tears of gratitude as I felt hope and reassurance that even my frequently perceived failures in motherhood are accepted by the Lord and, if I just make an effort, no matter how small, He will magnify it for the benefit of my children.

So we can take heart that if we just do our best and are consistent, the Lord will help us as mothers in Zion.

The Errand of Angels Is Given to Women

Sheri Dew said in a conference talk in 2001, "Every one of us can mother someone--beginning, of course, with the children in our own families but extending far beyond. Every one of us can show by word and by deed that the work of women in the Lord's kingdom is magnificent and holy. I repeat: We are all mothers in Israel, and our calling is to love and help lead the rising generation through the dangerous streets of mortality."

Images from LDS.org. Used with permission

You may never know the far-reaching effects of your positive example and influence in the lives of those you touch, but reach out and serve and mother those around you anyway. Lives will be blessed, yours included.

The Amazing Influence of a Woman

From LDS.org, used with permission

During May, we can't help but think about mothers, so it is a great time to think about our divine gifts as women that enable us to nurture those around us, whether our own children or otherwise. One Sunday this month during our Relief Society, everyone was asked to think of a woman in their lives that wasn't their own mother that had influenced them or had made an impression on them and tell about them. We are all capable of influencing those around us and may never know the effect we may bring about even in the generations to come.

We will post all of the responses over the next few weeks. Read and be uplifted!


My mom’s best friend has always been like a second mom to me. She has always been so loving and  accepting of me. Now that my mom is gone I’m glad I can still feel her love for me through her best friend. My mom lives on in her.

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Recently a good friend of mine lost her husband. It was an untimely death and came as a shock to her, her family, and others around her. She had the task of breaking the news to her 12-year-old son. He responded as expected. He was very upset and crying. She put her hand on his knee and told him it was going to be okay, that they could do hard things, and that they would make it through this. He calmed down immediately. He could feel her strength and her words gave him security. I watched her as she continued to comfort the people around her and the ones that came to pay their respects at the viewing. She reassured them that all would be okay and that they would see her husband again someday. Her testimony and strength meant a lot to me in my own life. It showed me that with the help of the Lord I can do and get through whatever comes my way.

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I had a music teacher for many years who became a dear friend and mentor. I still remember when I was in college, and my boyfriend I thought I was going to marry broke up with me and I was absolutely devastated. She comforted me and helped me know that I was strong enough to make it through. She has the heart of a Mother. Unable to have biological children, she and her husband adopted several children, some with special needs. She gladly also served in the special needs Mutual for many years. She loved and nurtured all who came in contact with her. She has one of the most Christlike hearts of anyone I know.

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My sister has never married or had kids but has been a great influence on my family and also on lots of young women and Primary girls who she’s been a leader over for many years. She has a kind and generous heart and blesses those around her. I’m so grateful for her in my life.

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I admire the single moms in my life who do it all. They keep house and home together, work, go to soccer games, pay the bills, do a zillion other things, and love their kids fiercely. Instead of dwelling on their problems, they just forget themselves and get to work. I am in awe of their determination, faith, and strength.

Thoughts on "What Would a Holy Woman Do?"

by Channel Y. Baker-Horne

from www.InGodsImage.com

What would a holy woman do? A holy woman would follow 1 Corinthians 13. She would live, breathe, and extend charity.

She would listen to her husband and meet or exceed his needs by understanding and accepting him, including his faults. She would say think you for all of the things he does, and that will motivate and prompt peace and oneness in the home.

She would be kind and loving to her children, friends, and family.

Women's Expo: Finding Balance Through the Lord

by Renee Packer
This powerful message explains how you can find balance as you navigate the spiritual, physical and mental well-being of your life.

The presentation includes the video "The Empty Pickle Jar, Relief Society Style," and a link to the two videos of "More Holiness Give Me."

Finding Balance Through the Lord from Renee Packer

Video: "Daughters in His Kingdom"

Original images set to original music by Tami Creamer, "Daughters in His Kingdom" (minus track instrumentals only). See below for the story behind the song and to listen to or download the mp3 files or sheet music. 

The Story Behind The Song "Daughters in His Kingdom"

by Tami J. Creamer and Renée W. Packer
Every song has a story of its inspiration and purpose. Most of us may never know the stories behind the beautiful songs of our church, but when we do, or are a part of that story, it needs to be shared. "Daughters in His Kingdom" is such a song!

In September 2011, Renée Packer, Stake Relief Society President in the Layton Utah South Stake, was visiting with her ward Relief Society President Raegene Weston, who voiced her concern that some of the young women entering into adulthood had a challenging time accepting that they were now going to be a Relief Society sister. Sister Weston said that lessons and songs were taught in Primary to help boys prepare for the priesthood, but she couldn't think of any songs or lessons that would help the girls look forward to Relief Society.

Renée, who also volunteers in the Relief Society Building resource room in Salt Lake City, discussed this issue with Sister Denise Doxey of the General Relief Society board, and proposed the idea of asking someone to write a song that would help the sisters of the church, from Primary age on up, to have a greater understanding of their purpose and potential as faithful women and daughters of God. Sister Doxey told Renée to go ahead with the idea and suggested the title as it stands today.

In October 2011, after much prayer, Renée felt impressed to call her friend Tami Creamer, who composed “I Know That My Savior Loves Me,” to ask her to write a new song joining the voices of Primary girls, Young Women, and Relief Society sisters. Tami had long ago envisioned composing a song with the same purpose. They both knew that they must go forward with faith.

Music: "Daughters in His Kingdom"

This song was written to help women of all ages understand their purpose in becoming and honoring their roles as Relief Society sisters.  It is for a Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society choir. Tami J. Creamer was asked by our stake to write this piece for a special all-ages women's fireside held to help women of every age understand their roles they look forward to becoming faithful and devoted guardians of the hearth and valiant daughters of God.

We hope you enjoy the music of "Daughters in His Kingdom," which may be used for non-commercial, incidental home, or church use.

Click here to listen to/download the music or to view/print the sheet music.

Click "Read more" to read the words to this beautiful song.

Trust the Lord Enough to Follow His Plan for You

by President Alex Jensen
When Sister Packer asked me to speak to you this evening, I said no. I said, “I don't want to give a talk, but I would be delighted to share the impressions that will come into my heart as I listen and look out into the faces of the beautiful sisters in the stake, young and old.” I'm delighted to be able to do that for just a few brief moments.

From LDS.org

First, I want to make sure you understand that this fireside this evening has come by revelation from the Lord. It was done as I counseled together with the stake Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary presidents. I want to testify that this is of the Lord.

I hope that you have listened carefully tonight. As I looked out at your faces, I wish I had the power to communicate to you how your Father in Heaven sees you. You are a powerful force for good that literally has the ability to change the world. One of my greatest sadnesses is that oftentimes I am convinced that sisters of the Church don't recognize that in themselves, but I want you to know that it is true.

As I sat here this evening, into my mind came a quote from President Uchtdorf, remarks that he made in 2010 at the General Women's Conference: “We all search for happiness, and we all try to find our own 'happily ever after.' The truth is, God knows how to get there! And He has created a map for you; He knows the way. He is your beloved Heavenly Father, who seeks your good, your happiness. He desires with all the love of a perfect and pure Father that you reach your supernal destination. The map is available to all. It gives explicit directions of what to do and where to go to everyone who is striving to come unto Christ and 'stand as [a witness] of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.' All you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father. Trust Him enough to follow His plan.”

Building Our Eternal Homes

by Sally Zlotnik
(A talk given at the stake fireside, "We Are Daughters in His Kingdom," for all women 8-110 years of age, May 2012)

The Young Women’s theme starts off by saying, “We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us, and we love Him.” As members of the Young Women’s organization, we get to recite this awesome line every Sunday.

I love the imagery of being called His daughters. The word daughter is always used in a positive light. I would imagine that none of us have been disciplined by our parents saying, “Daughter, stop that.” Or “Daughter, get over here right now.” That is just not how we use this sacred word.

The word daughter is more commonly used in positive phrases such as, “I would like you to meet my daughter,” or “My daughter is really good at....” And you can fill in the blanks. Being a daughter is a privilege.

Recently, as I was thinking of these three organizations--Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society--I thought about the building of a home. When we first build a home we have to dig a huge hole and prepare the ground to pour the foundation.

The years we spend in Primary can be like digging that hole. We learn to pray, we learn the basics of the gospel and the scriptures. We prepare ourselves to get a foundation.

Our years in Young Women can be compared to pouring the foundation of a home. When anyone is building a home, it is so exciting to see the foundation being laid. This is because then you can see the home starting to take shape. Young Women helps young women start to take shape and become the women that they will someday be. Our years in Young Women are filled with so much excitement.

Your Secret Beauty

by Ange Nelson

Photo of Oakland temple
from http://www.mormontemples.com

(A talk given at the stake fireside, "We Are Daughters in His Kingdom," for all women 8-110 years of age, May 2012)
When our youngest daughter was 4, she loved to sing the song “I Love to See the Temple.” However, instead of singing, "This is my sacred duty," her ending sounded like this: “This is my secret beauty.”

You young girls, young women, and women DO have much of a secret beauty!

You radiate because of who you are. You shine because of the choices you make. There is a light that shines from your eyes as you strive to make good choices and truly become like Jesus.

So WHO are you?

Testimony: I Have a Renewed Trust in Heavenly Father

from www.mormonwoman.org

Name Withheld
For most of the first 20 years that we were married, I was involved with Young Women. More than once over those years I was approached by a young girl who was concerned about her worth as a woman. One even openly lamented that she had not been born a man, because of the blessings and privileges that were so obviously theirs. 

Each time, I would talk with this precious girl about our very special role and share that if I were given the choice of whether to be a man or a woman,  I would choose to be a woman, with all of the responsibilities and gifts that come with it. The joy of my part in Heavenly Father’s plan filled me.

However, I must admit that, as the years passed, and I studied more and observed more, with shock I realized that somehow a worry and concern about my eternal role in Heavenly Father’s eyes had slipped in, almost unnoticed, until it one day I realized that I was very shaky as to how Heavenly Father viewed his daughters.

 

Now Is the Season to Be Home with My Family

by Tanya Hovey
I am the wife to Chet Hovey and the mother to Atalie, Austin, and Annalise. I am also the owner of a photography studio. I started my business 12 years ago from scratch. I never had a teacher or I never interned with any photographers. Everything I learned was from studying books and going to seminars. I worked hard to make my business successful. I soon found a niche specializing in newborn portraits.

from www.anxiety.org

After several years I began to get busy. I raised my prices and hired employees. After a few bad experiences with employees, I decided to go back to running the entire studio myself. This was about three years ago.

This is not my story. My story is... about one year ago I started experiences anxiety attacks. Running the entire studio myself was catching up with me. I was always so overwhelmed and stressed out. My body was trying to communicate to me that I needed to slow down. 

I tried to go to the doctor to pop a pill for the anxiety. Sadly, it didn't work. I tried multiple different anxiety medications. None of them helped. All the anxiety medication gave me worse side effects then benefits. My doctor called my side effects a grimace facial tic or twitch. It was not the prettiest thing. I wouldn’t even know I was doing it. My jaw would start to ache, and that’s how I knew I was having the tick. And of course my husband would always say, “You’re doing that thing with your mouth again.”