Spiritually Minded Mom Podcast

Episode Links Schedule a free coaching call with me to learn more about how to use the doctrine of Christ to partner with God and co-create the life you desire.Scriptures 2 Nephi 31-32 3 Nephi 27:13-21 Mosiah 1-6 Mosiah 3:17 Matthew 17:20 Alma 32 Alma 32:26-27 Mark 9:23-24 Mosiah 3:20-21 2 Nephi 31:10 Mosiah 4:9 Talks, Articles and Books Spiritual Treasures – President Russell M. Nelson, October 2019 general conference Jesus Christ–Gifts and Expectations – President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, December 1988 The Doctrine of Christ – Brian K. Ashton, October 2016 general conference Are You Still Willing? – Elder Kevin W. Pearson, October 2022 general conference Overcome the World and Find Rest – President Russell M. Nelson, October 2022 general conference Do Not Fear – Elder Boyd K. Packer, April 2004 general conference Divine Patterns: Seeking the Blessings of Heaven, by Roger Connors

In early 2020, Lynnette Sheppard was called to be a Relief Society president. She was already feeling inadequate and then the pandemic hit along with many personal trials including family challenges and business struggles. By January 2021, Lynnette felt she was drowning but received a clear message from God, “Lynnette, it's not about what you do.” In this interview, Lynnette shares what the prompting meant to her and how it led her to start helping other women of faith. Overall, Lynnette discusses how she came to know that God carries the weight of His work and it doesn't have to feel heavy to us. Journal Questions How can you say “yes” to God? Lynnette shared she has learned she can do more when she involves God in the things she is doing. How have you seen your reliance on your Heavenly Parents increase your capacity to do something you didn't think you could do? Record how that experience helped you.I've noticed a pattern in my life. The pattern is this: when I feel overwhelmed by anything, it is usually because I am relying on myself instead of God. I have learned to be aware of this and to course correct when overwhelm creeps in. Where are you feeling overwhelmed in your life? How can you look up and allow Him to carry the burden?What do you need when you feel yourself in a downward spiral? Lynnette shared the practical things she does to help her regain momentum. Her list included taking things one day at a time, writing in her journal, moving her body, sleeping, opening a window and sharing with a friend. What are the things that help you when you feel low? Write your own list of things to do for yourself when you need to remember to look up.Episode Links Follow Lynnette on Instagram: @lynnettesheppard Visit Lynnette's website: lynnettesheppard.com Listen to Lynnette's podcast: Stand with Lynnette Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list and get access to my FREE resource library:  spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website: spirituallymindedwomen.com

Ceri Payne was very content raising three teen daughters and working from home as a special education teacher, but everything changed when she and her husband were asked to facilitate a self-reliance class. During the class, Ceri realized she had desires for her life she had never uncovered before. In this interview, Ceri shares how a series of promptings helped her make major shifts in her career and learn how paying attention to her desires was a way to co-create with God and see blessings for things she wasn't even aware she needed.Journal QuestionsWhat do you desire? As Ceri shared, all you have to do is desire. You don't need to know the outcome. What is the next step in pursuing something you desire? Write your next step down.President Dallin H. Oaks has said, “Revelation to the children of God comes when they are on the move.” What can you do to take action on the next step of your desire? Remember, you don't have to know everything, you just have to know the next step and then listen for the personal revelation for the step after that.Ceri pointed out that when we listen to our desires and move forward we will not only help ourselves but others. Write down all the people you could potentially help if you pay attention to and act on your desires and develop your talents.Episode Links Follow Ceri on Instagram: @ceripaynecoachin Visit Ceri's website: organized life.coach Listen to the past episode Darla mentioned with Susan W. Madsen: Why Doing What God Tells You To Do Will Help You Lead Out Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list and get access to my FREE resource library:  spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel

In 2020, Katie Mitchell found herself dealing with personal trials in addition to the pandemic. She knew she needed hope and something to lift her spirits and felt a prompting to start sharing poetry with friends and family on Instagram. In the interview, Katie talks about how sharing her gifts through poetry and seeking to help others opened her own heart to Jesus Christ's healing love.Journal QuestionsIn Alma 36:20, the prophet Alma shares these words about the result of his repentance: "My soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!"  Katie shared that during a dark time she read Alma's words and knew she needed her joy to be as great as her sorrow, so she prayed for that blessing. Do you need to feel the joy Alma experienced? Take some time to be still and then pray to know how you can have joy that matches your pain.Katie shared that your efforts to figure out how you hear Jesus are enough, even if they don't look like someone else's.  How can you set your intention to learn more fully learn how you uniquely hear Him?What experiences have you had where the Savior helped you do things you never could have done on your own? Reflect on what you learned during those times and record the feelings so you can recall them when you need them in the future.Episode LinksPurchase Katie's poetry book: Made For This: Poems to Help You Heal, Raise Up, Be Bold and Have Faith.Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list and get access to my FREE resource library:  spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomenWatch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel

Several years ago Brittany Staker visited the eye doctor for a routine exam and learned she had a rare eye disease that would cause her to lose her vision. She lost her night vision and peripheral vision and then woke up from a nap one day with all vision in one eye gone. In this interview, Brittany shares how she slowly learned that she didn't have to just endure to the end and wait for the next life to regain her vision. She discusses how she came to know that she could “enjoy to the end” and find joy no matter her circumstances when she focused on her spiritual vision and her relationship with Jesus Christ.Journal QuestionsBrittany said changing her prayers to have more gratitude made  huge difference in learning to enjoy instead of just endure. How has expressing gratitude in prayer helped you? Record your thoughts.Hearing someone else's story, even if it is not the same as your own, can give you nuggets of wisdom you need for your own life. What is something that inspired you while hearing Brittany's story? Write down how this impression could help you in your life and then act on it.I loved Brittany's story about meeting President Hinckley in the parking garage. What faith-filling moments have you had in your life? How have these moments helped you to “see” God in your life? Share your thoughts with someone close to you.Episode LinksListen to Brittany's podcast: Eyes to See podcastFollow Brittany on Instagram: @eyestoseepodcastFollow Brittany on Facebook: Eyes to SeeJoin the Spiritually Minded Women email list and get access to my FREE resource library:  spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomenWatch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channelVisit the website: spirituallymindedwomen.com

Listen to hear what I've been learning since deciding to take a break from social media over 6 weeks ago. I'm also sharing a new direction I am taking with podcast which includes a new season focused on the doctrine of Christ and more ways for YOU to be involved with the podcast.   Episode Links Submit a question about the doctrine of Christ Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list and get access to my FREE resource library:  spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website: spirituallymindedwomen.com

Christi Hibbert, a psychologist, author, wife and mother, describes her two and a half year battle with breast cancer as a roller coaster she couldn't get off of. Christi discusses in this interview how cancer and other grief-filled experiences in her past have brought her closer to the Savior and helped her experience miracles. She shares her testimony that the Lord can take our hard things and through His enabling power, we can heal and learn to flourish.   Journal Questions Christi shared how the words to the hymn Abide With Me ‘Tis Eventide have had significance for her. Do you have a hymn, song or musical piece that has spiritual significance to you or helps you feel closer to God? Listen to the music that inspires you and write the thoughts you have while you listen. “You're not alone.” Christi said these words are some of the most powerful things we can say to someone experiencing something difficult. Who in your life needs to hear these words? Think about how you can help someone else feel like they are not alone and then act on the promptings you receive. Christi referenced a portion of 2 Nephi 25:23 which says, “..for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” She shared her thought that the “we” in that verse is referring to what an individual and the Savior can do together. What are your thoughts about this verse? Journal what Christ's grace means to you.   Episode Links Listen to Christi's podcast: Like a Watered Garden Visit Christi's websites: drchristinahibbert.com likeawateredgarden.com Follow Christi on Instagram:  @likeawatered.garden @drchristinahibbert Follow Christi on Facebook: Dr. Christina Hibbert  Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list and get access to my FREE resource library:  spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website: spirituallymindedwomen.com

In this interview, Taylor Ricks tells about a 24 hour period when she found out she was pregnant and the newborn she and her husband were fostering and hoping to adopt had down syndrome and might not be adoptable. She was also facing having four children under four, two with disabilities, and a husband leaving soon for military service. Taylor shares how in her overwhelmed state she prayed one night for someone to bring her dinner but instead received a spiritual experience that has sustained her much longer than a casserole would have. Taylor shares how dropping the expectations of how God should show up has taken her from overwhelming fear to overwhelming peace.   Journal Questions Have you ever had an experience similar to Taylor's praying for a casserole that didn't come? What did you learn from this time? How did you see the Savior show up in ways you were expecting? Record your thoughts. Taylor shared the thought that when love is present you can overcome anything. How have you seen love from God, for yourself or someone else help you through challenging times?  What are the things in your life that are important to you and that you love to do? How can you use these things to find joy and bring praise to God?   Episode Links Follow Taylor on Instagram: @tocheerandtobless Follow Taylor on Facebook: To Cheer and to Bless Read Taylor's book: Everyday Disciples: Lessons Learned from Unnamed Scripture Heroes Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list and get access to my FREE resource library:  spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website: spirituallmindedwomen.com

Listen to hear the perspectives of 14 different women on what it means to live inside their temple covenants. Each of these women has varied experiences, seasons of life and a unique journey on the covenant path but all testify in their own way of the power of making and striving to keep covenants and the way they have been brought closer to Jesus Christ.   A special thank you to the women who shared their testimonies on this episode: Shannon Brown Sandy Johnson Katrina Seamons Amber Pearce Graciela Moore Cheryl Cardall Erin Nielson Chelsea Bretzke Denita Bremer Bonnie Wiscombe Haley Freeman Alli Trendler Lauren Madsen Lisa Bass   Episode Links Below you will find links to books, talks and scriptures mentioned by guests in this episode. I hope you find the resources helpful.   Books by Anthony Sweat: The Holy Covenants and The Holy Invitation  Talk by Elder D. Todd Christofferson: Why the Covenant Path Podcast interview with Sister Wendy Nelson: The Church News Podcast January 25, 2022 Episode  Talk by President Russell M. Nelson: The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:31 Scripture: 3 Nephi 29 YouTube video by Darla Trendler: Gospel Library Resources to Learn More About Temple Covenants

Melissa Bunkers realized her dream and goal of becoming a nurse practitioner and then felt God pointing her in a new direction with functional medicine. In this interview, Melissa discusses the ways she felt the Savior guide her by putting the right people in her path and helping her recognize new opportunities. She shares how her own struggles helped her to grow and be prepared for a new journey that gave her a way to help others.   Journal Questions What signs from God are you receiving that are letting you know the direction He wants you to go? Take some time to be still and ponder and then write the impressions you receive. How have the hard things you have experienced in the past helped you to grow? How has Christ been beside you through challenges?  How can you use your own struggles to help someone else? Journal your answers. Melissa shared how journaling helped her get through the challenges she faced while trying to change her direction to the way she knew God wanted her to go. One of the things Melissa did was write out the words that described the negative feelings such as anxiety, fear, and doubt, and then replacing them by writing the opposite words like courage, strength and trust. What words describe the feelings inside of you that are holding you back? Write them out and then replace those words with positive words that inspire you to continue on your path.   Episode Links Follow Melissa on Instagram: @revivefunctionalmed Visit Melissa's website: revivefunctionalmed.com Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list and get access to my FREE resource library:  spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website: SpirituallyMindedWomen.com

Episode Links Come to the live group episode recording about covenants: Sign up here Parenting in Real Life podcast episode: 3 Tips for Navigating the Teenage Years Pebbles of Light podcast episode: Helping Others Recognize Their Divine Potential President Nelson's talk: Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives Five-part series: Five Ways to Become More Spiritually Minded Spiritually Minded Women podcast episode: Acting on the Prophet's Invitations at a Hinge Point in Church History Spiritually Minded Women podcast episode: Blessings of the Prophet's Invitations || Listener Call-in Show Spiritually Minded Women podcast Episode: Join a Group Podcast Episode + How We Hear Him Replay Find all the episode show notes HERE President Nelson's talk: The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation Spiritually Minded Women podcast episode: Why Understanding Christ's Covenant Promises Gives You a Framework for Resilient Faith Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list and get access to my FREE resource library:  spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel

This episode is an invitation to join a group podcast recording. Then, you'll hear a replay of an episode that originally aired on May 6, 2020. That episode came as a result of a very strong and distinct impression to gather a group of women together over Zoom to discuss a question President Nelson had posed–How do you hear Him?  The reason I'm replaying this episode is because I'm getting ready to record a similar group episode and I want you to join me. Something that's been on my mind for months is covenants.  I've spent a lot of time studying about covenants in the scriptures and in talks. One of the talks I've been studying is The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation given by President Russell M. Nelson in the October 2021 general conference. In that talk, President Nelson compared the foundation of the Salt Lake Temple to our spiritual foundation. He said, “Whenever any kind of upheaval occurs in your life, the safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants.”   What does it mean to live inside your temple covenants?    I think it will be powerful to come together as a group of Latter-day Saint women to discuss this question and share with each other.   The recording will be on Tuesday, February 15th at 7:00 PM MT on Zoom. Anyone who wants to come is welcome, and you'll have an opportunity to share what living inside your temple covenants means to you. I will record the discussion and then share it as a podcast episode.   If you would like to be part of the group podcast episode about covenants, go to THIS LINK to register.  There is a limit on how many people I can have on the Zoom call, so don't wait. I am so looking forward to recording this episode and sharing it on the podcast. I hope you will come if it works for you. Enjoy the replay of How We Hear Him.   Episode Links Register to attend the group podcast episode recording about covenants: Click here to register

When Becky Mackintosh's son came out to her as gay, the first thing she did was pray and in this interview she shares that the clear answer she received that night and many times since was simple--love him. In this interview, Becky shares what learning to love her son in a Christ-like way has looked like for her. She candidly talks about the mistakes she's made and the struggles she's had but also shows that when life doesn't go as you planned it, you can always trust God and lean into the Savior to know how to love. Journal Questions Whether you have had a child come out as gay or not, there are instances in all of our lives when love is the answer to mend a difficult relationship. What parts of Becky's story stood out to you? What did you learn from Becky about love that you can apply to your own relationships? Write down your thoughts and impressions.  One of the things Becky shared that helped her was to read about families in the scriptures. She realized there were no perfect families. Research a family from the scriptures you feel you could learn from. Read their story and then record what you learned about your own family relationships in your journal.  Becky shared throughout the interview that she learned to create a safe space in her home for her children. What do you feel prompted to do to make your home a "safe space" for anyone who enters? Pray and act on the promptings you receive. Episode Links Follow Becky on Instagram: @beckymack22 Read Becky's Book: Love Boldly: Embracing Your LGBTQ Loved Ones and Your Faith Visit Becky's Website: beckymackintosh.com Watch the video Becky referenced: The Mackintosh's Story Book Becky referenced: In Quiet Desperation: Understanding the Challenge of Same-Gender Attraction by Ty Mansfield, Fred Matis, Marilyn Matis Book Becky referenced: No More Goodbyes: Circling the Wagons Around Our Gay Loved Ones by Carol Lynn Pearson Scripture I referenced from Becky's book: 2 Chronicles 20:12 Scripture Becky shared: D&C 84:88 Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list and get access to my FREE resource library:  spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website for more resources: spirituallymindedwomen.com  

0 Teniesha Williams received strong spiritually promptings to marry her husband, a childhood friend, who had been sober from addiction for four years. Teniesha felt doubt and questioned the promptings when shortly after their marriage and her pregnancy her husband started using again. She describes her journey, which includes her husband's death three years after their marriage, as a “fairytale that got crushed.” But despite the messiness she felt, Teniesha kept the lines of communication with God open and learned the Savior would meet her in the middle of her messiness. In the interview, Tenisha shares her witness that Christ is always there when we come to Him boldly, even on our imperfect covenant path.   Journal Questions What does coming boldly to the Savior mean to you? Take a few minutes to pray and ponder and then write the thoughts and impressions you feel. How do you keep the lines of communication open with the divine when things feel so imperfect around you? Take a few minutes to ponder on specific things you have done in the past and then write down the ways you can stay connected to Them even when it feels everything else is falling apart. Read Elder Renlund's talk from the April 2021 general conference called Infuriating Unfairness. Highlight the passages that stand out for you. Read scriptures referenced in the footnotes and record what is significant for you in this talk.     Episode Links Follow Teniesha on Instagram: @dropsofginger Visit Teniesha's website: tenieshawilliams.com Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list and get access to my FREE resource library:  spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website: SpirituallyMindedWomen.com

As a young mom, Jessica Brite Peterson realized the light within her was on dim. In this interview, Jessica shares how she got the light back in her life and how you can do the same thing by figuring out what your gifts are, praying, and then simply starting. Jessica shares her testimony that every person has light to share and you will be full of the Spirit when you share your light.   Journal Questions Jessica shared this quote from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “Our loving Heavenly Father has not given us every answer. He expects us to figure out many things for ourselves. He expects us to believe even when it's difficult. He expects us to straighten our shoulders and develop a little resolve, a little backbone and take another step forward. That is the way we learn and grow. Would you honestly want everything spelled out in detail? Would you honestly want every question answered, every destination mapped out? I believe most of us would tire very quickly of this sort of heavenly micromanagement. We learn the most important lessons of life through experience.” What are you holding back on in your journey because you're afraid of making a mistake? How can you trust yourself and your Heavenly Parents and move forward in faith? What are your spiritual gifts? If you aren't sure, do what Jessica suggested. Get out a piece of paper and start writing out your gifts. What are the things you do without anyone reminding you? What are you good at? You can also ask the people closest to you what they think your gifts are and add their suggestions to your list. Read D&C 46 and your patriarchal blessing for more inspiration. Keep a running list of your own spiritual gifts. One of the things Jessica shared that I absolutely loved was this: “Breakdown brings the breakthrough.” Jessica shared that Heavenly Father wants to hear the hard stuff. We don't have to sugar coat our prayers to Him. We can go to Him with anything. Take some time to think about and maybe even journal the hard stuff in your life that's breaking you down. Then, go to Heavenly Father in prayer about it. Remember, it's OK for your prayer to feel messy or like a huge breakdown. After, write about the breakthroughs you feel as you pray, read scripture and ponder on your hard things.   Episode Links Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jessicabritepeterson Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list and get access to my FREE resource library:  spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website: spirituallymindedwomen.com

EmyLee McIntyre shares how her personal struggle with depression led her to help other women understand that suffering caused by trials is optional and joy can be found in any circumstance. We also dive into why just being on earth means you are living your purpose, how to show up knowing everything will work out and how connecting with others and constantly repenting will allow for more joy in the journey. Journal Questions EmyLee shared that you can think anything you want about anything in your life. What is something hard you face in your journey? How do your thoughts shift about the hard thing when you think about EmyLee's statement, "I'm supposed to struggle 50% of the time." Think and ponder and write your down your impressions. What if you didn't need to create your purpose because you are already living it? Ponder on EmyLee's insights that you are already living in your purpose because you came to earth and you have a body. How does it make you feel to hear you are already living in your purpose and you already have worth? How does this thought change the way you see the things you are doing in your life? Journal your thoughts.  What keeps you up at night? What do you worry about  most?  If you knew everything was going to work out, what would you do differently right now?"  EmyLee expressed her belief that you can have this assurance because our Heavenly Parents already know it will work out. What can you do in your life to rely on Them, connect with those around you and repent to show up in a way you know everything will work out? Episode Links Follow EmyLee on Instagram: @limitlessfemale Visit EmyLee's website: limitelessfemalecoaching.com Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list: spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website for more resources: spirituallymindedwomen.com

In this interview McArthur Krishna shares about her experience following personal revelation to marry her husband, who is not a member of the church, and what she learned about growth on the covenant path. McArthur also discusses why Heavenly Mother is essential in our journey and is a gospel doctrine for both men and women. If you've ever thought you weren't allowed to talk about Heavenly Mother or connect with her, you will be happy to hear McArthur share that no prophet or apostle has said we shouldn't mention Her.  McArthur declares in a faith-filled way, backed by words of church leaders, why talking of and connecting with our Heavenly Mother is our sacred obligation and divine destiny.   Journal Questions McArthur shared her thoughts about Christ and the woman at well. She discussed how this story tells us who is of “worth” in Jesus' eyes. The woman at the well was a poor, foreign woman and He asked her to be his mouthpiece. How does this insight impact the way you see  and treat others? President Hinckley has cautioned that we don't pray to Heavenly Mother, but McArthur pointed out that we don't pray to Jesus either, but we know we can have a relationship with Him. The same is true for Heavenly Mother. We don't pray to her, but we can still connect with her. Think about the things you do to feel close to the Savior. How could those things also connect you to Heavenly Mother?  Write down your thoughts about how you can build or grow your relationship with Her. How has your life been blessed by your knowledge of and connection to Heavenly Mother? Who in your life could benefit from your talking to them about Heavenly Mother? Write down the names of people you feel impressed to share the doctrine of Heavenly Mother with. Write how you will share to bless their lives and act on it.   Episode Links Follow McArthur on Instagram: mcarthurkrishna_creates Purchase McArthur's books at Deseret Book or Amazon Read about what church leaders have taught about Heavenly Mother: BYU Studies Article Read the Gospel Topics Essay: Mother in Heaven Read McArthur's Article for the LDS Women Project: Loving the Other Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list: spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel

Crystal Haitsma struggled as a young mom to be the parent she wanted to be. In this interview, Crystal shares how she turned to God for help and realized that deepening her relationship with Jesus Christ was the way to help bridge the gap in her relationships with her children. Crystal discusses many truths that apply to all relationships to help you love yourself and those around you.   Journal Questions How do you think about yourself? One of the things Crystal said she does with her clients who are struggling in a situation is to ask themselves this question: How would the Savior feel about me in this situation? Think about a situation in your own life that you have negative thoughts about. Ask yourself the question: How would the Savior feel about me in this situation? Journal what you feel His response would be. Crystal shared how weekly temple attendance and daily scripture study helped her to build a stronger relationship with the Savior. Pray to know what you can do in your life to be closer with Jesus. Record the impressions you receive and then act on them. Do you have a morning routine that connects you to your Heavenly Parents throughout the day? Crystal talked about how waking up in the morning to study, journal and meditate has helped her to feel God's love throughout her day and build the muscle of personal revelation. What practices are you already doing in your life that help you to feel Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother's love? What practices do you feel prompted to add? Pray and ponder and then write out the things you feel prompted to do everyday to be close to them.   Episode Links Follow Crystal on Instagram: @the.parenting.coach Visit Crystal's website: www.coachcrystal.ca Listen to Crystal's podcast: The Freedom Moms Podcast Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list: spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the Website: spirituallymindedwomen.com

Growing up, Susan R. Madsen didn't look at her future beyond getting married and having a family, but after she started having children, Susan realized she was being called by God to get more education. She earned a masters degree and then obtained a doctorate and now works as a professor at Utah State University. Susan is also the founder and director of the Utah Women and Leadership Project and is a global thought leader on women and leadership. In this interview, Susan warmly opens up with insights from her own life, including how she learned to follow personal revelation, despite going against cultural norms. She also discusses her new book, A Future Only God Can See for You: A Guide for Teen and Young Adult Women on Preparing to Lead and how the book can help Latter-day Saint women of all ages lead out by doing what God prompts them to do.   which is focused on helping young adult and teen Latter-day Saint has done extension work when she didn't feel full-time motherhood was the perfect fit her, she followed promptings to pursue her education, eventually earning a doctorate. Professor at Utah State University. Utah Women and Leadership Project director. 4 adult kids. raised in the church. Daughter of seminary teacher. A Future Only God Can See for You. Does a lot of writing mostly scholarly Does firesides but wanted to write something for women of the church. Started writing in March and it just came, even in a busy season. Wrote in 7 1/2 weeks. Felt very natural. Not sure how she did it. It wasn't just her. HF helped her. January - workbook coming out for reflection and journal. "the path that I've taken, it's absolutely from God." Education up to a doctoral work. Didn't know why but knew that it was preparation for the work God had for her to do. Upbringing - Father dominant, strict family. Loved her upbringing. Only daughter. Background has a ton to do with leadership skills. Took a lot responsibility. Distinct gender roles but also participated in sports. Adults let her lead at church and school. Taught piano lessons. Taught violin and filled in directing junior high orchestra. I didn't look at what my life would be after marriage. Did not plan on working. Stayed home and it was rough and got into depression. Started masters and loved it. Juggled. What type of personal revelation did you receive? How did you fight against the culture. Woman in Minnesota. Why are you getting education to raise children? "Because God told me to." Feels called. Privileged that education was mentioned in her patriarchal blessing. Knew because of the promptings she was doing what she was supposed to do. Head, heart and hands Intellectual, listen and feel,  Your callings - you can be called to mother and other things at the same time. "And we have this culture often where women just if people tell them, " You did great on this," they're like shoving it aside. "Oh, not a big deal," or give all credit to somebody else. That's how we're socialized to do it. We do that sometimes because we're supposed to be humble, but humility is not being small. It's being teachable .And we can be confident. And we can use our voice and we can understand our strengths and we can be teachable at the same time." Have hope and courage. It's not either or. Focus of book is 15 and up. Women of any age will benefit. Used by parents, YW leaders, book club. Do exercises and activities. Sections - first on leadership. God needs you. quotes from church leaders. Why is it beneficial to have women leaders out there. prepare to lead overcome challenges Act on what you read What is the next step? Personal revelation. We all are different. Last chapter is the road less traveled. Tried to get who she was to fit in a box. Hard on self. Prayed for years and asked why she was made wrong. "And I prayed for years and asked Heavenly Father, 'Why did you make me wrong?' Until I realized that He made me right. He just made me different. He needs me with my unique, busy brain, with my passion for being the voice for people that need me to be a voice... to accept that I have His work and I need to do what He needs me to do, not what the culture [wants me to do], not what people are telling me. But what God and my relationship to God and my ability and work to hear His voice has been the thing that has guided me, especially as I've moved forward in my choices to do the advocacy work, the research work to move forward."    How have you seen the Savior? So many points where you make decisions. I feel it almost every day. It feels right. I am connected. Learning to feel the Spirit and understand my strengths and myself, all of those things have helped me to trust myself. I trust that because I know He knows me and I know He needs me to do the work that only I can do. I trust that He needs me to do is more important than anything else.    Amazon Cedar Fort Publishing Susan R. Madsen Google search   Journal Questions Susan shared how another women once asked her why she was furthering her education while she had young children. Susan's simple response was, "Because God told me." What has God told you to do? Write about what you have personally learned by following what Heavenly Father has asked you to do, even when others' have judged your choices. During the interview, Susan pushed back on a question I asked and brought up how we sometimes have a mentality in the church that women's choices have to be "either or." How has this thinking affected your choices? What do you think you can do to change the "either or" culture around women's choices? By following the Spirit, understanding her strengths and figuring out how her brain works, Susan shared she has learned to trust herself and know God needs her and her unique strengths to do the work that only she can do. What is the Holy Ghost prompting you to do to learn to trust yourself and know that God knows you? What part of God's work is He saving just for you?  Take some time to ponder and write your thoughts and feelings. Episode Links Read Susan's book: A Future Only God Can See for You Visit Susan's website susanrmadsen.com Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list: spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website for more resources: spirituallymindedwomen.com

How do I recognize the Holy Ghost when it comes? If you've ever asked yourself this question, you'll want to listen to this episode.   This episode originally aired over two years ago when the name of this podcast was Spiritually Minded Mom. The episode is a solo episode where I share some things I learned about feeling the Holy Ghost.   A lot of what you'll hear is a recap of what I learned from a Missionary Training Center (MTC) devotional that was given by Elder Bednar in August 2019. You'll hear me reference that you can find a link to the MTC devotional in the show notes, but this is no longer the case.   I honestly have no idea how I was even able to download and access this talk because MTC devotionals are usually not accessible. I think it was just something that I was meant to see. The talk had a huge impact on me personally.   You won't be able to watch the exact talk that I'm sharing about in this episode. However, I did find a YouTube video that is a discussion with Elder Bednar.  In the video he shares many of the same points he shared in the MTC devotional that I viewed and talked about in this episode.  The link is below.   I hope this episode will be a small way for the Holy Ghost to teach you what you need to know.    Episode Links Watch a YouTube video where Elder David A. Bednar shares a similar message: An Evening with a General Authority—Elder David A. Bednar Discussion Learn more about my course: 5 Ways to Become More Spiritually Minded Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list: spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website for more resources: spirituallymindedwomen.com

Jen Mabray is a student of Jewish Studies and Hebrew who is currently pursuing a PhD. In addition to her academic pursuits, Jen is also a wife, mother, author and seminary teacher. In this interview Jen shares about the book she co-authored, God Comes to Women. Jen discusses the strength and connection we, as women, receive when we hear other women's stories and share our own. Jen also shares her belief that women's stories are written in our hearts so we can connect heart to heart and experience companionship with Jesus and other women along the covenant path. She testifies the Savior is there for all the ups and downs of the journey.   Journal Questions During the interview I read this quote from President Nelson that Jen shared in her book, God Comes to Women. “To help each other reach our celestial potential is part of the divine mission of women. In partnership with God, her divine mission is to help spirits live and souls be lifted. This is the measure of her creation. It is ennobling, edifying, and exalting.” When has another woman helped you to live and be lifted? How did her work in your life make you feel? What talents, gifts and abilities were you created with that allow you to help others live and be lifted? Record your experiences and thoughts in your journal. Jen shared this about stories, “I do think that stories have a fingerprint. They have many fingerprints and they help us to see, as fingerprints do, the nature of the individual and who they are.” Think about the story of a woman you've heard on this podcast or in your own life. What did you learn from that woman by hearing her story? How did you see her divine nature? How did hearing her story help you see the divine nature in yourself?   Do you ever feel you are ordinary and there's nothing special about your story?  During the interview Jen shared that we sometimes have blinders on that don't allow us to see our stories in the midst of our mundane, every day life. How can you take the blinders off and see your story that, as Jen said, is right there in your home and in your heart? One way to begin to see your own story is to pray. Ask Heavenly Father how you can share your story. Write down the thoughts and impressions you receive.   Episode Links Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenmabray Get Jen's Book, God Comes to Women: Amazon, Deseret Book Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list: spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website for more resources: spirituallymindedwomen.com

Ashlee Ayre is a 20 year old woman who loves acting and playing the piano. She comes from a large family and also became addicted to pornography at age 11 starting with looking up pictures and words in a dictionary she found in her home. In the interview, Ashlee discusses her experiences with quitting pornography several times in her teen years but never really experiencing healing until she turned to the Savior. She shares how we can change the discussion about pornography in the church from shame to emphasizing the beauty of repentance through Christ's atonement instead. Ashlee acknowledges that the single greatest thing that has helped has been knowing her divine worth as an “amazing daughter of God.” Journal Questions The Life Help section of the church's Gospel Library app is a great resource when you need guidance and help with challenges. The section for pornography provides ways you can help yourself, your spouse, your child or others. Open up the Gospel Library app on your phone and click on the Life Help button. Explore the topics you feel guided to to help yourself and those around you.   Ashlee shared that a major shift happened in her healing when she started to understand her worth. President Nelson was once asked how to help those struggling with pornography and his response was “Teach them their identity and their purpose.” President Nelson's counsel can apply to any personal challenge. How can you learn more about your identity and purpose? How can you help those you serve such as your children or youth you know understand their worth and purpose?   Satan wants us to feel shame and keep the things we are struggling with to ourselves. But as Ashlee shared, when we are humble and open up, we can get the help we need. Sharing also helps us get out of darkness and shame and step into the light and love of Jesus Christ and the repentance His atonement offers. Is there something you are keeping inside that feels dark and shameful? Who could you share it with to let the Savior's light in to your journey? Pray for guidance to know how to share your struggle. Episode Links Follow Ashlee on Instagram (She is open to questions via DM): @ashleeayre Find the quote I referenced from President Nelson in Elder Tad R. Callister's BYU Devotional, Our Identity and Our Destiny Visit the Life Help section on the Gospel Library App Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list: spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website for more resources: spirituallymindedwomen.com

Chanelle Neilson believes most of her growth on the covenant path has not come from huge trials but from choosing daily to follow Jesus and live in her purpose. In this episode, Chanelle shares the practical things she does to increase her faith every day and how she has learned to use personal revelation for both spiritual and temporal aspects of her life. Chanelle expresses how acting on promptings has helped her to trust God and know that He wants more for her than she wants for herself.    Journal Questions The Helen Keller quote Chanelle shared was this, “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.”  What small task in your life could you view as great and noble? Write your thoughts on how doing this task daily will increase your faith in Jesus.   Chanelle expressed her belief that God already sees her business as “done” even though she is in the beginning stage. What are you feeling called to do in your life? Is it a business, something with your family or church calling or something else? How can you increase your faith to see this thing as already “done” in the Lord's eyes. Here's some ideas to embrace how God sees your calling as done. Ask in prayer for him to bless you with this gift. Visualize or meditate on what you are feeling called to do as “done.” Journal as if you have already accomplished what God has asked you to do.   In Chanelle's journey, she has learned to live in personal revelation every day. But she wasn't born fluent in the language of the Spirit. Chanelle has developed this ability over time by choosing daily to follow Christ and live in her purpose. Ponder how you have seen your spiritual fluency grow throughout your life. Record in your journal the growth you have seen in your own journey to know God's will for you.   Episode Links Scripture Chanelle referenced: 1 Nephi 5:5 Follow Chanelle on Instagram: @chanelleneilsoncoaching Follow Chanelle on Facebook: Chanelle Neilson Coaching Follow Chanelle on YouTube: Chanelle Neilson Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list: spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website: spirituallymindedwomen.com

After 20 years as an election lawyer, Audrey Perry Martin has definitely seen the negative sides of politics. But despite her own cynicism from the things she has seen in her career, Audrey is sharing in this interview why she is encouraging Latter-day Saint women to jump into the political scene and run for office. She discusses why she created Project Elect, a non-partisan organization to educate, encourage and support Latter-day Saint women to get involved in public service. Audrey also shares how women members of the church are uniquely qualified to bring a different perspective to politics by using Christ-like leadership and love.   Journal Questions Think about the leadership skills you have gained through church or community service. How can you use these skills to bless your community? Write down your thoughts of ways you could serve in your neighborhood, school or community. Audrey shared how following the prompting to start Project Elect wasn't easy but a support system of other women helped her to move forward through the obstacles. How can you support the women around you who are trying to following promptings? Pray for guidance to know who around you needs support. Write the promptings you receive. And this isn't really a journal question but you know I don't want you to just listen; I want you to act on what you hear on the podcast. So, are you feeling the nudge to be more involved in local government?  Act by going to the Project Elect website at projectelectwomen.org and learn how you can get involved.   Episode Links Visit Project Elect's website: projectelectwomen.org Follow Project Elect on Instagram: @projectelectwomen Follow Project Elect on Facebook: Project Elect: Women in Public Service Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list: spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website for more resources: spirituallymindedwomen.com

Listen to Laura Cragun, a wife and mom of 3 young kids share about her personal challenges with mental health including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and suicidal ideation. Laura discusses how she has sought help through therapy and medication as well as through daily spiritual practices that help her feel connected to God. Laura also talks about how each of us has a hole in our heart and gives her witness of how Christ has been the missing piece to fill the hole in her own heart.    Journal Questions Laura described beautiful imagery of how God made each of us with a hole in our heart. She shared how she realized that Christ was the One who could fill the hole in her heart. What part of your life feels like a hole or something is missing? How can you invite the Savior in to be the missing piece to fill your hole?   What are the daily practices you have in your life that help you feel connected to your Heavenly Parents and Jesus? Laura calls the time she spends in the morning in meditation, pondering, prayer and journaling her “holy time.” How can you create your own holy time and space for the divine each day?   Laura expressed that she knows the Savior understands what she is going through. Jesus knows you and He knows how you feel, no matter what struggles you face. I was recently visiting my daughter's ward and her bishop said something I had to write down. He said, “He knows what it feels like for you to be you.”  Ponder on this truth. Jesus knows what it feels like for you to be you. Record the thoughts that come to your mind.   Episode Links Follow Laura on Instagram:   @lauracragun Visit Laura's website: lauracragun.com Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list: spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel Visit the website for more resources: spirituallymindedwomen.com

How do you teach your child to stay on the covenant path and make and keep covenants? That was a question mother and youth leader, Sharla Goettl, heard a lot. Writing a book with help for these questions was never on Sharla's radar but after repeatedly being compelled by the Spirit, Sharla jumped in and wrote Spiritual Resilience: Leading Our Youth to Go and Do, to add her perspective for parents who want to help their children be spiritually resilient. In this interview, Sharla shares how she was guided to write about Nephi's example of building spiritual resilience and what we can learn from him about how to teach our children. She shares how the covenants we make in the temple and the accompanying promises we receive from Christ give parents a framework to teach youth how to have more resilient faith. Sharla also talks about how Nephi knew Christ had an individual path for him that was leading him to a better place and how each of us can have our own personal assurance of this as well. To wrap up, Sharla concludes that “All the credit goes to Him.”  Her commitment to the Lord and desire to help parents understand covenants and spiritual resilience and in turn teach their children is remarkable. Sharla's thoughts in this interview are extremely helpful to anyone who wants to understand covenants more fully.   Journal Questions One of the questions Sharla frequently heard from parents was this: Can I trust Christ with the personal details of my life and of my teen's life? What areas of your life could use a little more trust from Christ? How can you turn these personal details over to Him? What are the ways you have seen God fulfill his promises to you through your covenants? How can you share how you've seen God fulfill promises with your children or others? Act on the ways you feel prompted to share.  Sharla discussed reimagining “symbols of righteousness” such as the iron rod, straight and narrow path, and taking the sacrament. She shared that we can each seek for our own interpretation of what symbols mean. What do you think of when you think of “symbols of righteousness.” When you read scriptures, ponder and journal about these symbols, what do you feel the Spirit telling you they mean? Write your thoughts.   Episode Links Read Sharla's book, Spiritual Resilience: Leading Our Youth to Go and Do Watch the trailer for Sharla's book Visit Sharla's website and get a free goalmaker printable: sharlagoettl.com Follow Sharla on Instagram: @authorsharlagoettl Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list: spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Visit the website for more resources: spirituallymindedwomen.com Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel

Graciela Moore was raised in the Catholic church in her native Puerto Rico but stopped going to church after high school. In this interview, you will hear how Grace felt God guiding her throughout her life to find the gospel and be baptized in 2020. Of her journey on the covenant path, Grace shares, “Waiting for things to happen and to come–that's my story.” Grace also says her journey wasn't conventional but she knows everything she experienced had a purpose in God's mind which she describes as “incredible.” Overall, Grace's journey is about waiting with hope in Christ and clinging to covenants. Journal Questions Grace shared that a common theme in her journey has been waiting. Is there a part of your life where you feel like you are being asked by God to wait? If so, how can you put your trust in Him and wait with hope? Record your thoughts. I asked Grace this question: How has the covenant of baptism changed your life? What would your answer to this question be? In the interview, Grace described hope as the “fuel” and the “propeller” that kept her going throughout her journey. In the April 2021 general conference President M. Russell Ballard said this, “When we have hope in Christ, we come to know that as we need to make and keep sacred covenants, our fondest desires and dreams can be fulfilled through Him.”  What has having hope in Christ looked like for you in your life? How can you use your hope in Christ to fulfill your desires and dreams? Episode Links Follow Grace on Instagram: @songofmyself.ig Visit Grace's website: somcoaching.com Join the Spiritually Minded Women email list: spirituallymindedwomen.com/prayerjournal/ Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch the podcast on YouTube: Spiritually Minded Women channel 

Surprise! I'm thrilled to be back to podcasting. This is a solo episode where I tell you how I learned that walking the covenant path with a checklist in one hand and a pen to check off “all the things” in the other hand was not going to get me where God wanted me to be. Episode Links Go HERE to sign up for my email list, learn the details about the Beyond the Checklist community and get my free video about prayer journaling.

Natalie Reeve gained a testimony of the gospel at a young age but also experienced a time in her life that left her feeling shattered by abuse, lack of trust and an eating disorder. Natalie describes this period of her life as falling into a hole very quickly and climbing out very slowly.   In the interview you will hear how Natalie relied on the Spirit to rebuild her life by turning to God to not only feel His love but also to see the divine nature within herself.    She shares the miracle she saw in her life of God helping her to recover and forgive. Natalie also discusses how God strengthened her through her covenants, which she realized were still in tact even though her first marriage ended.    Natalie shares her witness that no matter how difficult the trials you face are, all things will work together for your good if you love God and put Him first.   Journal Questions Many guests this season have shared how asking God how He feels about them has helped them feel His love. If you haven't asked God how He feels about you lately, ask Him and then record the answers you feel in the coming weeks and months.   Natalie shared how she asked Heavenly Father how He felt about her but then she took it one step further by using daily meditation and looking at herself in the mirror to see for herself what God sees in her.  Who is this person that Heavenly Father sees? Try doing what Natalie did. Look in the mirror. Look at yourself in the eye. Don't judge yourself and allow negativity to creep in. See the beauty that is not tangible. See yourself as your Heavenly Parents see you.    Natalie shared a scripture found in Romans 8:28: “…all things work together for good to them that love God…” What does loving God mean to you? How have you seen Him take the messes in your life and make them into beautiful things? Record your thoughts in your journal.   Episode Links Follow Natalie on Instagram: @simplifiedhomeschooling Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

After being married for three months, Alexis Tanner felt a prompting that she and her husband should start their family. Alexis followed the prompting but was disappointed when the pregnancy ended in miscarriage.   In this interview, Alexis, who is now  mom to 5 kids ages 10 to 3, shares how she developed the faith to follow the promptings she felt from God about having children. She talks about how she kept her faith in the middle of challenges and turned to God to guide her.   Alexis also shares how frequent visits to the temple strengthened her as a young mother, helped her remain close to the Spirit and showed her how to find peace through her covenants.   No matter what God is calling you to do, Alexis' story will remind you that when you exercise faith and surround yourself with spiritual things, you will know the next step to take.   Journal Questions Think of the faith-building experiences you have had that have helped you to embrace your own journey on the covenant path. Write those experiences down so you can go back and draw on them when you need to remind yourself of your spiritual experiences.   Alexis shared how the temple has been a blessing in her life by helping her be close to the Spirit and her ancestors. What blessings has the temple brought into your life? Ponder your answer and record it.   What do you feel God calling you to do in your life? What do you need to do to have the faith to follow Him?   Episode Links Follow Alexis on Instagram: @alexistannerlane Visit Alexis's website: alexistannerlane.com Listen to Alexis and her husband on their podcast: Parenting in Real Life Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

Niki Olsen, a mental health therapist, coach wife and mother of two, grew up with no spiritual guidance or knowledge in her life. At the age of 19, Niki converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but says she was mostly just going through the motions for many years after her baptism.   Several years ago, Niki decided she wanted to have a closer relationship with her Heavenly Parents, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost, so she started to dive in deeper in her study of the gospel.   Along the way, Niki developed an outline to help her pray with more intention. In this interview, Niki shares her personal pattern for prayer and how it has helped her gain the relationships with the Godhead she was seeking.   Niki's journey shows how anyone, no matter where they start, can deepen their relationship with the divine and use Christ's enabling power everyday in their life. Journal Questions Niki's advice for someone who feels they are just “going through motions” but longs for a more connected relationship with our Heavenly Parents is simple–action. She said this during the interview, “Our Heavenly Parents cannot guide us without us acting. The spirit cannot continue to prompt us and build knowledge and reveal the mysteries of the gospel without us moving.” How are you feeling prompted to act? What can you do right now to take action in your spiritual life?   Have you ever considered writing out a prayer? If not, give it a try. You could write in a notebook or on your computer or just make notes on your phone. Notice if writing your prayer helps you feel more connected to God.   We hear all the time about creating balance in our life. Niki shared the thought that balance is doing the Lord's will. Where are you feeling out of balance in your life? How could submitting your will to God help you feel more in balance? Episode Links Go to Niki's website: nikiolsencoaching.com Follow Niki on Instagram: @nikiolsencoaching Follow Niki on Facebook: Niki Olsen Coaching Listen to Niki's podcast: Meaningful Minutes with Niki Olsen Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

Abbie Twingstrom's journey on the covenant path has included both darkness and light. As a young adult missionary and newlywed, Abbie felt troubled by the lack of answers she received and struggled to continue to choose to stay in the church . In this interview Abbie shares how she navigated that difficult time and ultimately came to learn how the Savior can be found in the darkness and in the light as well as in all the phases in between.   Overall, Abbie expresses her faith that no matter where you are on the path, there is peace in Jesus Christ and He is there for all of it. Journal Questions Abbie shared that she has discovered 5 different phases of light in her own life. Those phases are: recognize, seek, absorb, reflect and create. Abbie emphasized that these five phases are not steps and that the Savior can be found in all of them. You don't arrive at one and then move on to the next. You are probably going in out of phases, even in a single day. Take a moment to ponder where you are at right now with feeling light in your life. How can you see the Savior in your current phase?   In the interview, Abbie and I discussed how taking care of yourself physically and emotionally will help you spiritually because they are all tied together. How are you taking care of yourself physically? How are you taking care of yourself emotionally? What do you feel you can do physically or emotionally that will help you spiritually?   Abbie's testimony is that there is peace in Christ even when you are in darkness. When have you felt His peace in the past? How can you turn to Him now?  Episode Links Find the quote by Elder David A. Bednar in the talk The Spirit of Revelation Read Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk Fourth Floor, Last Door Look up the scripture Darla reference D&C 19:23 Follow Abbie on Instagram: @scattersofsunshine Follow Abbie on Facebook: Scatters of Sunshine Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

Elisabeth Robinson's father died when she was a baby and she often found herself feeling like a “nobody” in the church because she would never be the bishop's daughter. She is also half Japanese and half Brazillian and Elisabeth often felt she didn't fit the “cookie cutter” mold of a Latter-day Saint.   Fortunately, Elisabeth grew up with a strong and faithful mother as well as church leaders who helped her to see that God had a placed for her and her covenants were what made her belong in the church.   In this interview, Elisabeth shares how she learned to ask Heavenly Father how he felt about her and took that infinite worth she felt to “change her story” and truly feel she has a place in the gospel of Jesus Christ.   Journal Questions Even if you've asked before, take some time to be still and asked Heavenly Father how He feels about you. The answer may be something you feel quickly or may come over time. Either way, record your answer in your journal.   Elisabeth shared how other people such as seminary teachers and bishops helped her feel included and not alone. Think of someone you know who may feel different from others. How can you help this person feel cared for and loved? Pray and ponder about ways you can help show her or him they are not alone.   One of the main messages that Elisabeth's story illustrates is that when you know who you are and you take things one day at a time, you can change your story. What comes to your mind when you think about “changing your story?”  How can you let God guide you?   Episode Links Follow Elisabeth on Instagram: @robinsonelisabeth Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

Have you ever thought that you don't have any talents or wondered how your quirky gifts could possibly help someone else? If so, you'll totally relate to my guest, Sally Dupaix.   Sally grew up cooking and baking with her mom and developed a love for food. She also learned how to make friends easily with frequent moves in her childhood.   But Sally never thought of these two things she loved and was good at–food and friendship–as something she could use to build God's kingdom until a few years ago.   Listen to Sally's interview to hear how she learned food and friendship were gifts that she could use as a part of her own spiritual journey.   Sally also shares her testimony that everyone has gifts that matter and are important in God's work. She believes when we all use our gifts, it's like a “patchwork quilt that covers the whole earth, as we each just bring our square. And when all of our work is combined, it's enough.”   Journal Questions Sally shared how a friend helped her to see that food and friendship were her gifts by asking her questions. If you aren't sure what your gifts are, think about and write your answers to these questions. What has been a theme for my whole life? What have I been taught through my experiences? What has God been teaching me throughout my life?   Another way to use your gifts to help build the kingdom is to go to the source, the person who gave you those gifts in the first place. Take some time to ponder or meditate and ask God how you can use your gifts to be a part of His work.   Sally shared the thought that we are not meant to be unseen. What you have to offer matters. Think of one way you can use your gifts and talents to bless someone else. Write that idea down and then go and do it. After, write your thoughts about how sharing your gift made you feel.   Episode Links Follow Sally on Instagram: @kinship.table Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

Nicole Utley is someone who has taken gathering others and self-improvement to a whole new level. She believes gathering is a Christ-like act when you have a purpose and you plan with the needs of those attending the event in mind. She also embraces passion projects, something she does just for pure joy, as a way to improve herself and also focus on others. In the interview, you'll hear unique and creative ways Nicole has brought other people together as well as the simple passion projects she has worked on. I promise she will totally inspire you with all the things she has done. Ultimately, Nicole's journey is an incredible example of leaning into your gifts and following the Spirit to be a light to those around you. Journal Questions Nicole talked about how we spend a lot of our lives gathering but leave so much about gathering up to chance. Think about a gathering you may plan in the future. What is the purpose of the gathering? What are the needs of the people who will attend? How can you use the gathering to meet those needs? How can you focus on those attending instead of worrying how the event will make you look? What are your unique gifts? List some of the gifts you have been blessed with in your journal. How can your gifts bless someone else? Write out ways you can use the gifts God created you with to help someone else. Are you waiting for permission to do something for the sole purpose of giving yourself joy? What is something you could make into your very own passion project? Write down one thing you've always wanted to do and then act and go do it. Record in your journal how you felt after you did it. Episode Links President Hinckley story found in the book Worth the Wrestle chapter 1 by Sheri Dew Book: The Art of Gathering Book: The Art of Making Memories Book: The Power of Moments Podcast Nicole mentioned: Light the Fight Podcast Follow Nicole on Instagram: @theradicalrendezvous Listen to Nicole's podcast: The Radical Rendezvous Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

When Alisse Coil was 16 years old, she visited the Sacred Grove in New York. Alisse was sure this visit would be the defining moment of her testimony. So, she was a little taken aback when the only answer she received that day from God was, “You already know.” In this interview, Alisse shares how that experience over 30 years ago helped her to realize that God doesn't usually answer her prayers with periods. He answers with commas. Alisse explains how the answers with commas have given her the next step to take, helped her gain strength from past answers and shown her how to see the Savior in her life. Journal Questions While visiting the Sacred Grove, Alisse received the answer, “You already know,” when she asked about her testimony of the gospel. Alisse shared that after this answer she dug a little deeper and asked herself, “What do I already know?” What are the things you already know? Record the things you know in a place you can go back to often. Alisse shared this quote from Elder David A. Bednar, “Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion.” How are you being consistently true to your testimony?  What do you need to stop doing to be truly converted?  What do you need to start doing in your life to be converted? Have you ever experienced a time where you just wanted to see the end? You wanted to know how things were going to turn out. Maybe you're experiencing this right now. How can you embrace the words of the hymn, Lead Kindly Light? Lead, kindly Light, amid th'encircling gloom; Lead thou me on! The night is dark, and I am far from home; Lead thou me on! Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene—one step enough for me. How can you put your trust in Jesus and say to Him, “One step is enough for me?” Episode Links Talk and quote Alisse referenced by Elder David A. Bednar: Converted Unto the Lord Hymn Alisse mentioned: I Know That My Redeemer Lives Hymn Alisse mentioned: Lead Kindly Light Book Alisse mentioned: We Were Not Alone by Karola Hilbert Reece and Patricia Reece Roper Scripture Alisse referenced: D&C 6:22-23 Follow Alisse on Instagram: @we_.rise and @hometown_abundance Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

Anne Maxson grew up in Minnesota going to the Lutheran church. While attending graduate school in Chicago, Anne reached out to friend she had known through a church camp growing up and that friend introduced Anne to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   In the interview, you’ll hear Anne’s conversion story as well as the struggles and blessings she has experienced being the only member of the church in her family.   Anne talks about how she gained confidence to move forward with her decision to be baptized and soon after serve a mission. She shares how she handled the shifts in relationships with family and friends.   Anne reminds all of us that you don’t have to be experienced in the gospel to follow the Spirit. She said she often thinks of the words to the hymn, Lead Kindly Light, “One step enough for me” as she moves forward with confidence in the Lord.   Journal Questions Anne talked about how she felt comfort from her grandfather beyond the veil about her decision to be baptized. She also felt strength in the temple from other family members who had passed on. How have you felt an ancestor helping you in your journey? How have they strengthened you and your desire to confidently follow your Heavenly Parents and Jesus? Record the experiences that come to your mind in your journal.   Whether you are a lifelong member of the church, a convert or someone who is considering joining the church, Anne shared her advice during the interview that you don’t have to be experienced in the gospel in order to be guided by the Spirit. If you’ve been in the church for a long time, ponder on the traditions or expectations you can let go of to help you receive more personal revelation. And if you’re new to the church, think about how you can embrace promptings with confidence to know what your Heavenly Parents want to have happen in your unique journey.   Where are you lacking in confidence to move forward in your life? Think about one step you can take right now toward moving forward in that area.  Take the step and write about how you are trusting God. How are you seeing God lead you to the next step?   Episode Links Read the words to the hymn Anne mentioned: Lead Kindly Light Listen to Anne’s Podcast: Pebbles of Light Follow Anne on Instagram: @pebblesoflight Follow Anne on Facebook: @pebbles.of.light Visit Anne’s website: www.annemaxson.com Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram – @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

I have been feeling really weighed down by many things in my life for several months. Recently, I realized the reason I feel weighed down is because I am relying on myself instead of giving my burdens to Jesus. This week, as I have been working through some of the burdens I feel, I remembered a solo episode I did two years on the podcast called My Yoke is Easy and My Burden is Light where I shared an experience I had learning to give my burdens to the Savior. Fast forward two years and here I am again trying to do it on my own. Apparently, I need this reminder often. Maybe you are in the same boat feeling weighed down and needing to remember that you can give your burdens to Jesus. I decided to re-air this episode from two years ago as a reminder to me (and you if you need it!) that with Him, the burden is light. I hope this episode brings you hope. Please share it with anyone you feel it might help.

Laura LaBerteaux has struggled with postpartum depression several times in her motherhood. She especially felt the darkness of depression after her third child was born when she was also facing her husband being called as a bishop, a house fire and her husband’s cancer diagnosis. In this interview, Laura shares how Jesus Christ was there for her during the darkness in both small, everyday ways as well as in big, miraculous ways. Laura discusses how she used personal revelation to know the path that was right for her as well as a very specific experience where she learned how to give her heart to Jesus and let Him heal her. Overall, Laura’s message is about not giving up, even when you feel the darkness is insurmountable. She testifies that we are not alone and there is light and rest in Christ.  Journal Questions During the interview, Laura shared her perspective that God loves to surprise us and show us that He can do anything? How has God surprised you in the past? How have you seen His power in your life? Take some time to record your experiences, thoughts and impressions. Laura talked about  a guided meditation at a Relief Society meeting that helped her to give her heart to the Savior to heal her from depression. Take some time to think about the struggles you are facing. What do you need the Savior’s healing touch for in your life? How can you hand your heart over to Jesus and allow Him to hand it back transformed and strong? In the interview, Laura and I discussed how letting others in on our struggles can let light in and illuminate our darkness. How can you open up and let others bring light to the dark places inside of you?  Episode Links Links to previous episodes with Melinda Peterson that Laura mentioned helped her: Spiritually Minded Mom episode 47: Finding Beauty in the Hard of Motherhood  Spiritually Minded Women episode 3: Silence Follow Laura on Instagram: @lauralaberteaux Learn more about Laura’s photography business: lauralaberteaux.com Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram – @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

Heidi Dunkley grew up in the same town her whole life. But that all changed on her 19th birthday when, as a freshly married couple, she and her husband moved to New York. Heidi shares about the experiences she had as she was thrust into a new life that was very different from the way she grew up. In this interview, Heidi talks about how only having her husband in a new place forced her to be with herself and open up to the Spirit. Although the move to New York from Utah was meant to be just one year, Heidi, her husband and their growing family ended up staying for 10 years. She shares the lessons she learned about seeing the hand of God in her life and learning how to love others unconditionally. Overall, Heidi gives her witness that Jesus Christ is accessible to each of us. As she shared during the interview. “The more I’ve been willing to feel, the more I’m able to see.” Journal Questions Heidi talked about how being away from everything she was familiar with helped her to see God more fully in her life. One of the things she said that helped her was to remember past times when God had given her a witness. She mentioned Oliver Cowdrey’s experience with the Lord in D&C 6:22-23. Read and ponder this scripture. Think about times when God has spoken peace to you. Write your thoughts in your journal so you’ll be able to read them when you need them in the future. Much of Heidi’s experience revolved around learning to love others. How can you get out of your own circle to learn from others? How can you take the time to hear others’ stories and share your own? Heidi talked about how accessible Christ has been to her when she opened up to feel Him. She shared, “The more I’ve been willing to feel, the more I’m able to see.” What do you feel prompted to feel more deeply? What is the Savior trying to help you see? Episode Links Scripture Heidi mentioned –D&C 6:22-23 Scripture Darla mentioned – Moroni 6:5 Book Heidi mentioned – Divine Signatures: The Confirming Hand of God by Gerald Lund Join Darla’s FREE Course Heidi mentioned – 5 Ways to Reimagine Prayer Find out more about what Heidi shares – heididunkley.com Follow Heidi on Instagram – @heidi.dunkley.coaching.moms Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram – @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

Although Trish Braunersrither has been a wife and mother for many years, she says her full-time job for most of her life has been trying to shrink her body. In this interview, Trish shares how disordered eating affected every area of her life for over 30 years. She talks about how she always felt broken in her own body and how she turned to dieting to help her feel whole. Trish discusses how she was finally able to break the cycle of dieting and turn to God for help. She shares how focusing on the Word of Wisdom, turning to the Savior to understand her infinite worth and expressing gratitude helped her love herself and her body. Journal Questions Trish shared how understanding her infinite worth was the first step to helping her let go of dieting and learn to truly love her body. How do you view your worth in relation to the size of your body? How can you truly embrace that your worth is infinite and does not change with the size of your body? Your body is amazing. Trish talked about the power of gratitude. How can you show gratitude for your body? Think about what your body allows you to do in your journey. Write down the things you are grateful for. Trish discussed that when she feels pulled toward Satan’s path of loathing her body, she visualizes herself changing paths and pointing herself towards the Savior. How can you rely on Jesus to help you love your body? Episode Links Learn more about what Trish shares – wisdomwithtrish.com Follow Trish on Instagram – @wisdomwithtrish Join Trish’s free Facebook group – Wisdom with Trish Listen to Trish’s podcast – Wisdom with Trish Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram – @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

As a child, Denita Bremer attended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her grandparents. She had undeniable experiences where she learned that God wanted to communicate with her. But Denita’s home life with her parents was anything but picture perfect with drug and alcohol abuse and poverty. As a teenager, Denita stepped a way from the church. In the interview she shares how this part of her journey and other experiences have shown her what she didn’t want and helped her wholeheartedly embrace her unique journey and her relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. Denita’s journey gives hope that no matter what your choices have been, the Savior can meet you wherever you are and can help you get back on the path. Journal Questions Denita talked about an experience she had at 7 years old helping her Grandma find something by praying. She said this was an undeniable experience for her that God communicated with her. What experiences have you had that helped you to know God was there and aware of you? Write down the thoughts and memories that come to your mind. You may not know what your journey will look like going forward, but you can embrace where you’ve been and where you are at now. Think about your own past and present experiences in your journey on the covenant path. How have those experiences, good or bad, shaped you? How can you embrace what you’ve already experienced on the path? How can you look forward with faith to your future journey? Episode Links Follow Denita on Instagram – @denitabremercoaching Check out Denita’s website Listen to Denita’s podcast – Shame Proof Your Life Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram – @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

Karen Krammer is someone who has experienced great trials and tragedy in her life including what she calls “the four Ds”–disease, death, divorce, debt.  In this interview, Karen shares how her 25 year marriage ended in divorce after her husband sexually abused their daughters. In the process, two of her sons tragically passed away. Karen was bankrupt and left to pick up the pieces. Karen discusses how she learned to forgive and look past the chains others have placed on themselves through sin in this earth life by seeking to see them as God sees them. Through all of Karen’s trials, she has seen the Savior walking with her and bares a beautiful testimony of His unconditional love no matter what we experience in our journey. Journal Questions When I asked Karen the question I ask every guest at the end, “How have you seen and felt the Savior in your journey on the covenant path?” she replied by saying, “He’s ahead of me forging the path. He’s beside me holding my hand. He’s behind me catching me when I fall. Whenever I need Him, He’s either ahead of me, beside me or behind me.” Think about Karen’s words describing her experience. How has the Savior been there for you? Think about and journal your responses to these questions: When has Jesus been ahead of you, forging the path? When has Jesus been beside you, holding your hand? When has Jesus been behind you, catching your fall? Episode Links Find out more about Karen’s Facebook group for women who have experienced the loss of a loved one – Resilient Warriors Follow Karen on Facebook – Karen Payne Krammer Book Karen mentioned – Codependent No More Talk Karen mentioned – Family Crucibles: Finding Peace in Trying Times by Jeffrey R. Hill Book Karen mentioned – The Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram – @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

In this interview, you’ll hear Natalie Bogle say the same phrase many times, “Heavenly Father said to do this.”  Whether it’s adopting, homeschooling, moving, starting a business or anything else, Natalie Bogle always finds herself saying “Yes” to God. In the interview, Natalie shares how she has learned to recognize God’s voice in her life and be intentional about following Him even when she doesn’t understand the why behind the prompting. She shares some of the practical things she does to hear and follow promptings such as acting and writing impressions down.  The result for Natalie has been an intentional relationship with God that has helped her to know her purpose and continue to progress to become who He wants her to be. Quote “I’ve learned that if I can just say yes it will never be easy [because] adoption was hard and continues to be hard and homeschooling was hard… and running a business is hard, but the growth that I’ve learned from all of those things has made me me and has brought me closer to who God created me to be.” – Natalie Bogle Journal Questions Natalie shared how she learned to hear God’s voice in her life by writing. Is writing a way you connect with God? If you’re not sure, try it out. Open up a notebook and start writing what comes to your mind. Share your thoughts, feelings and questions with God by writing them out. Notice if writing helps you connect more. If it does, keep doing it. Maybe writing is a way you connect and maybe it isn’t, but you’ll never know until you try. Natalie said her closet has become her “sanctuary” as a place she connects with God. Where is your sanctuary? When can you carve out time to build your relationship with your Heavenly Parents? What has God asked you to do that you haven’t said yes to yet? How can you take the first step and act on what you feel He is prompting you to do? Episode Links Learn more about Natalie’s business – anchorplanner.com Follow Natalie on Instagram – @anchorplanner Sign up for the Become Anchored Virtual Summit hosted by Natalie on April 23, 2021. I will be speaking with Natalie, Sarah Allred, Becky Squire, Brooke Romney and others about how we can anchor our lives to be who God created us to be. Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram – @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

After growing up in the church, attending BYU and marrying in the temple, Audra Elkington found herself with serious questions about her membership in the church. At the age of 32, she walked away with the intention of never coming back. But after five years, through a series of events Audra describes as miraculous, she found herself walking back through the chapel doors. In this interview, Audra discusses her journey of coming back to the church. She shares how she stays close to the Spirit, navigates her spiritual life with a husband who is not part of the church, and  trusts Jesus even when her journey feels messy. Audra also talks about how she came to realize that she can’t expect her husband’s path to be the same as hers. She gives insights on how she learned to focus on her personal relationship with the Savior and also let Christ do His work in the lives of those around her. Journal Questions Audra shared what the Nephite’s experience with Jesus recorded in 3 Nephi 17:9 means to her about the healing power the Savior has in her life. She discussed how we are all afflicted in some way and the Savior has the power to heal each of us. How have you been “afflicted” in your journey? How have you seen the Savior heal you? One of the things Audra has recognized in her journey is that her experiences can help her connect with and help others in similar situations. She shared some questions you can ask yourself as you reflect on your experiences. Here are the questions Audra invited you to ponder. Who does the Lord need me to help? How is He using this experience to help me understand more about His plan? How does this experience help me be a better person. A huge lesson for Audra was realizing that she couldn’t make her husband’s path look like her own. She said she has come to understand that all she can do is work on her own relationship with Jesus. What do you need to do in your life to put more focus on your personal relationship with the Savior? How can you let the Savior do His work in the lives of those you love? Episode Links Follow Audra on Instagram Hear Audra’s interview on Spiritually Minded Mom: How to Be in Tune with the Spirit to Help Children with Mental Health Challenges Read 3 Nephi 17:3, 9 Read Isaiah 52:12 Read more of Audra’s insights in the book You Are Distinct & Different

Have you ever questioned your conversion because you haven’t had a huge, miraculous spiritual experience? If so, then you’ll totally relate to my guest, Courtney Lee. Courtney shares how she has always had a natural trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. She talks about how she doesn’t feel like she’s had huge moments where she has seen and felt Them. Instead Courtney says she has seen them in small tender mercies with experiences such as miscarriages and moving. You’ll also hear how Courtney uses the gifts God gave her to express her love to the Savior. She shares about her artwork and reads a beautiful poem she wrote after her second miscarriage about how God shows up in her life.   Journal Questions Spiritual experiences are not always big, miraculous events. How have you seen and felt the Jesus in your journey in small and simple ways? Courtney shared how reaching out to her relief society sisters helped her through a miscarriage. Is there a struggle you are experiencing that you are keeping from others?  Is there someone you could share with who could help you bring light to your challenges? Courtney shared how she uses art to express her love to Jesus. What are the gifts you were created with? How can you use your unique gifts and talents to express your love to the Savior? Episode Links Follow Courtney on Instagram Checkout Courtney’s art in her Etsy shop Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

Three days before Jessica Frew married Steve, he confided in her about his pornography addiction. Jessica prayed and fasted and felt peace and guidance that she should marry Steve. Even though she was sure of the answer she had received, Jessica still had trials and challenges. Eventually, Steve confided in her that he was gay and their marriage ended after infidelity. In this interview, Jessica shares how she trusted in the answers she had already received from God and moved forward boldly with love for God, Steve, their daughter and now in her new marriage with her husband, Matt. Jessica’s journey illustrates so well that although we may not always know how our journey will turn out, we can embrace the answer we receive and feel love and peace. Journal Questions Jessica shared how she felt peace about marrying Steve and she clung to that guidance she had felt previously as she dealt with challenges of Steve’s pornography addiction, infidelity and coming out as gay. She said, “That really took me through a lot of our marriage of knowing that I was in the right place. I was doing the right thing, no matter what happened in my marriage, I was put here for a reason.” When have you felt totally certain that God was guiding you? Record the experiences that come to your mind so you’ll have a place to come back to as a reminder of what you already know. Things may not work out exactly how you think they should, but as Jessica shared, you can trust God and rely on the guidance He has given you.   Jessica said when she was in the middle of divorcing Steve she asked herself, “What is my fear right now? What is my fear that I’m feeling? And how can I change the story around it and, and have more faith?” What are you feeling fear about in your life? How can you change your own journey and move from fear to faith?   Jessica’s main message is to be bold about following the promptings you feel. She said one of the thoughts she has had recently is this, “God, isn’t looking for perfect people to do his work because none of us are. He’s looking for people who are willing to take action when he needs it.” What is God asking you to take action on in your life?  How can you be bold and act on what He is prompting you to do? Episode Links Follow Jessica on Instagram Listen to Jessica’s podcast Husband-in-Law Learn more about Jessica’s Facebook group Bold Action Takers Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube

In this interview, you’ll hear from Noelle McBride. Noelle shares part of her journey on the covenant path which involves divorce and learning how keeping her covenants helps her truly belong to Jesus. Journal Questions Noelle shared this quote from Elder Gong, during the episode: “When we covenant all we are, we can become more than we are.” What do Elder Gong’s words mean to you? How have your covenants helped you become more? How have you seen and felt Jesus Christ knitting your heart back together, as Noelle shared? Write your thoughts and feelings about what that experience  meant to you.   Episode Links Learn more about Noelle’s Book: Beauty for Ashes: Divorce and the Latter-day Saint Woman Read Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s talk – Covenant Belonging Follow Noelle on Instagram Follow Noelle on Facebook Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram Watch podcast episodes on YouTube

In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about priesthood power. One of the biggest things I’ve personally learned is that understanding priesthood power is about more than studying scriptures, reading conference talks, and attending the temple. For me, understanding priesthood power has been about asking questions and seeking personal revelation to find answers to those questions.  Each of us can know in a very individual way what our Heavenly Parents want us to know about priesthood power. Why? Because God is a personal God. He can give you personal revelation to the questions you seek answers for about priesthood power. I hope listening to this episode will spark your own questions and your own journey to understand priesthood power. Journal Questions What does priesthood power mean to me as a woman? How am I drawing upon this power in ways I didn’t realize before? What am I doing with my endowment of priesthood power? How does my priesthood power affect my calling? What does my priesthood power mean for my most important relationships? How might I use my priesthood power to help someone else?   Episode Links Previous episode on power: Why I am Focusing on Power in 2020 More about the book: You Are Distinct & Different President Russell M. Nelson’s talk: Spiritual Treasures Elder Kelly R. Johnson’s talk: Enduring Power Scripture: D&C 9:7 Barbara Morgan Gardner Book: The Priesthood Power of Women Barbara Morgan Gardner Article: Connecting Daughters of God with His Priesthood Power Scripture: D&C 25 Scripture: D&C 84 Scripture: D&C 107 Kate Holbrook’s talk from 2020 BYU Women’s Conference: The Continuing Restoration and Gathering of Israel My Free email course: 5 Ways to Reimagine Prayer Church News Article: Why Women in the Church Should Be Following President Nelson’s Invitation to Study about the Priesthood President Russell M. Nelson’s talk: A Plea to My Sisters President Russell M. Nelson’s talk: Ministering With Power and Authority of God President Jean B. Bingham’s talk: United in Accomplishing God’s Work Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram Watch podcast episodes on YouTube

Welcome to season 5 of the Spiritually Minded Women Podcast. I am so happy to be back behind the mic! Listen to this short episode to hear what you can expect in the new season including: Interviews with women from many different backgrounds sharing how they have journeyed on the covenant path. Journal questions at the end of each episode to help you apply what you are hearing and learning on the podcast. An easy way you can share your own journey on the covenant path. Journal Questions How have you seen and felt the Savior in your journey on the covenant path?   Episode Links Talk by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf – Your Great Adventure Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram Watch podcast episodes on YouTube

One of my favorite talks from the April 2020 general conference was by Sister Joy Jones. She shared about the roles of covenant-keeping women in the Restoration. Sister Jones said, “In the final analysis of women’s continuing roles in the Restoration, and for us all, what role is preeminent? I testify that it is to hear Him, to follow Him, to trust Him, and to become an extension of His love.”This season on the podcast we have talked about each of these four roles that Sister Jones called “preeminent.” In episode 10, the final episode in this series, I’m focusing on the last role “to become an extension of His love.” You’ll hear what happened when I found a teenaged girl wandering on the side of the road in deep snow, what the story of the Nephites and the Anti-Nephi-Lehis in the Book of Mormon teaches us about Christ-like love, and thoughts on how keeping our covenants can help us show up for others with love instead of judgement, gossip and pride. Thank you so much for joining me this season on the Spiritually Minded Women podcast. I hope by listening to these episodes you have come closer to the Savior. I hope you have come to know more fully that your own journey has value and that the things your journey allows you to contribute are unique and important. You can embrace your journey on the covenant path with checkpoints instead of checklists. I’m cheering you on!!! Links Be a Guest on the Podcast! – I’m taking a break from the podcast but will be back in the new year with more episodes about embracing your journey on the covenant path with checkpoints instead of checklists. Next season, I will be sharing interviews again. If you would like to share part of your journey on the path as a guest on the show, please go HERE to apply. Get my FREE Course – Get access to my new course, 5 Ways to Reimagine Prayer. Get the Book – Get the new book I am a part of, You Are Distinct & Different