Tribe of Testimonies

It's time!

Woohoo! We made it to 200 episodes! I couldn't be happier with all the support and love shown over the past four years. In this episode, I have invited four of my former guests to share hang out with me and talk about the Book of Mormon. We talk about how we first got our testimony of the Book of Mormon, some special experiences we've had, some questions we've had answered, and what we want our children to know about the Book of Mormon. This time together was beautiful and precious. We are happy to share this time with you and those you love. My guests are Charity Fleming, Kwani Winder, Anthony Rivera, Franklin Keel, and Tom Pittman. We hope you feel like you are visiting with us as you might answer these questions in your own head or with your loved ones. And, perhaps you might even share your thoughts with us. 

Dee was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was eight years old. Ever since then, she has looked for and found purpose in maintaining that membership. She has been so grateful to missionaries from her youth and missionaries she has served alongside as an adult. She reminds us of the story of the "dirty little Irish kid" and how she relates to that story so much--she's so grateful she was found. I think what I draw from Dee's story is tenacity, which she recognizes as strength from her own family tree. Dee is a wonderful example of being a believer.

We talked multiple times about how each of us walk with Jesus Christ *individually*. Our life stories are all different. But they should all draw us closer to our Savior Jesus Christ and to our Heavenly Father. Shon shares about how he has drawn so close to his ancestors and has had his own testimony strengthened by their lives. That, to me, is why family history is so power. It gives us strength and it also makes life more meaningful. Shon has a beautiful story and you will feel uplifted by it.

It was such a privilege to have Jenae Nelson come to my home. Jenae is a professor of psychology, so our conversation was definitely unique. Some of the best parts included her analogy of trying to expand our vision and see things like bees' eyes do. Are we looking through a tunnel, or are we looking with compound vision? There is always room to expand our vision. Another thing that really struck home was that she mentions how her relationship with Heavenly Father hasn't always been "good." In fact, there were many years when she didn't even believe that He could be real because of all the hard things she has gone through. But, now she says that she realizes she had to go through things so that He could help shape her character. There are truly so many good things to glean from Jenae in this episode!

Creativity is a gift of the Spirit. Teaching is another gift of the Spirit. Being able to make connections between concepts is a gift of the Spirit. Michele has been blessed with these gifts and a myriad of others. She uses these gifts in all aspects of her life--especially in parenting and serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Michele begins this conversation with sharing about how Hózhǫ́ means so much to her--and then she just ties that in through her thoughts as we talk about a variety of subjects. She is a beautiful mother in this part of the Lord's vineyard and sees that gift as one of the highest honors. It was really amazing to get to know Michele a little better, I'm so grateful for her example.

I think artists look more carefully at the world around them. They see the beauty in landscapes, people, and experiences more clearly. Or with more reverence and appreciation for them. Leo Platero is awesome like that. He chose to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Just like an artist purposely chooses colors to get a desired result, Leo has made decisions that have made his life beautiful and helped his family to make their lives beautiful. I even feel like the way Leo shared stories and testimony that he was choosing carefully how to paint the picture we are now privileged to listen to.

In this episode, Shiloh talks about all the blessings he has found by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He sums up how his life has changed and how he is implementing the Gospel in his daily and weekly routines. He bears testimony again and again of the goodness of the Savior Jesus Christ. I hope if you haven't yet listened to the first two episodes, that you will now go back and listen to them. This is a testimony that will probably stay with you for the rest of your life.

In this episode, Shiloh shares about how out of hand his addictions become. It spills into his family life big time. He shares, too, about how he didn't want to be there in the situation. He realizes how addiction has become an actual problem for not only himself but those around him. And then he shares about being ALONE. More empty and alone than he had ever, ever been. And then LIGHT happens. The best light and the best fulness. 

In this episode, Shiloh talks about how he fondly first encountered The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He doesn't talk about a firm testimony of the Gospel, however, because he was only in it superficially. He talks about how his first wife was so kind to him, as was her family. He saw how a family who lives the Gospel looks and acts. But eventually, he ended up back on the outside of the Church. That, to me, is a good takeaway: that an easy in will often lead to an easy out. Because this episode sets up the next two episodes, you'll not want to miss this.

Way back when I was an undergraduate student, Kristina and I danced together in a performing group. I admired her then. She's become an even more wonderful woman in the years since then. Her heart is with her Savior, her husband, her family, and those she serves in her community. She is a mother of five children, and a teacher to many. But she's humble enough to learn from everyone around her. One of her children has just left to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his siblings are examples to Kristina of how to live a Christ-like life--and she cherishes that blessing. Probably my favorite part of the whole conversation, though, is the end when she talks about "belonging." It sums up all the tidbits we touch on throughout our time together. I hope you know that you "belong" too!

As a recent convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jon has found so many things that align between our teachings and practices and that of his Makah heritage. Especially the Potlatch. As he learns more about both, he wishes that his people could see that value in each. He feels like the traditional potlatch is going away--and wishes that he knew how to revive it. But he also sees that by learning the Gospel, he really is living a potlatch-life. He wishes he could share the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone so everyone can live a potlatch-life!

When Sonny returned from his mission, he wooed and married a good, strong woman. Sonny tried taking care of his body through exercise and weights--but that ended up in disaster. Of course, taking care of your body is good and healthy. But when Sonny got hurt lifting weights one day, the physician who should have been watching out and caring for Sonny gave bad advice and an addictive prescription. Sonny became an addict. This addiction went on to cause havoc in his and his family's lives. Add to that alcohol. Years of their lives have been marred by drugs, alcohol, and the lifestyle that accompanied. And then other poor life choices. Sonny is working on returning to the temple. He has achieved the restoration of his priesthood. But he is mending things that have been broken--and these will still take time. Thankfully, the Savior has all the time and all the grace and mercy needed.

Sonny LaFontaine was loved as a child. He was raised by two loving parents and extended family. He had a particular affinity towards his maternal grandmother (Navajo). He learned through her passing, that Heavenly Father was aware of him and that the Plan we so often talk about as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Sonny is also a natural-born leader. This is a blessing and a curse, he has found. As a missionary, he used this gift in a negative manner--resulting in hard lessons. But those lessons also helped him grow up.This interview was so long that I broke it into two parts. The second half will be posted next week.

Life is not easy. It's not supposed to be. And some of the challenges we bring upon ourselves. Valerie has had challenges in her life that were from other people's decision. And she has also taken challenges, like major hikes. She is planning on hiking Mount Everest someday soon. How amazing will that be!?! She loves to volunteer. It adds to her simple life. She volunteers her talents, like photography and videography. And she just loves to be involved. Those kinds of challenges are fulfilling and sometimes exciting. She has learned to be grateful about all things in life, a quality worth emulating.

There is a part in this conversation when Maribeth talks about her time in the temple. She said that the temple became more precious to her through the following steps: (1) Just going. Just being there. Giving it time. (2) Listening to the ordinances. She said that it didn't make sense to her at first. But she listened anyway. (3) Then she started memorizing the ordinances. They became something she looked forward to reciting in her mind as she attended. (4) This is where she really began learning. She put the effort into learning more about what she was participating in. (5) Understanding the meaning. She says that she doesn't understand everything--but what she does understand has blessed her and has given her light and knowledge. I love this process she talks about. And she gives so many more tidbits of advice.

Heavenly Father prepares us for different things. Harriet Whitmer was prepared for her educational career here and there. And then she was blessed by being willing to step into the Indian Education program in her community. She loved learning the children. She loved learning the people. She loved learning the history. She loved learning how things connected in her life. She was blessed by temple and family history opportunities as well. Harriet has learned so much about her family's history and the way it has made her who she is--though most importantly she is a child of God. 

Recently we read and talked about the Stripling Warriors in the war chapters in the book of Alma. We talked about the parents, actually, more than the youth. Why? Because the parents were the ones that we are more like right now. We have the youth--but we're the parents. Bartley Harris talked about his sacred roles of husband and father and how those are so precious to him because his family is so precious to him. He loves them so dearly. We talk about some of his career moves--but always he saw how those opportunities and locations could teach, strengthen, and provide for his family. It was a wonderful conversation.

It is definitely interesting how some people come to the careers that they do. I read a book by one of my MPA professors who described that process--it isn't a straight line. Gordon Limb's career has not followed a "straight line." But he has been led to do what he does now. During our conversation, he talks about how he's so grateful for the matriarchs in his line who have gone through so many hard things to bring him into this world and put him where he is now. I can feel that same emotion. He talks about how he has seen probably generational trauma manifest itself in his line and how he is working to combat the ill effects of that. It's pretty interesting. But, most importantly, he's trying to help people recognize their divine heritage of which we all share.

The honesty and pure testimony that Gayle shares in this episode is real and powerful. She just talks about her relationships with family and how God has always been a part of those relationships. She talks about how she has used prayer for personal strength and to bless the lives of those she loves and served. Gayle talks matter-of-factly about how having the Holy Ghost in your life with strengthen you and me in these latter-days, just as our prophet has told us. There are just so many good things that Gayle shares; both she and I hope that many people will be able to listen and receive their own witness of the love of our Savior Jesus Christ through these words.

Some people have incredibly fascinating stories. Tolani's story is fascinating. She started life without a birth certificate. She's ending life with multiple graduate degrees. There's a moment when she talks about how she's not always made the most perfect decisions--but has used the Atonement of Jesus Christ and second chances to refocus and redirect. I love that. I love that she is vulnerable enough to talk about how that blessing has affected her life. I also love how she talks with affection about some of the simple acts of service toward her: a clean cup of water for sacrament, a word of inclusion in a ward that didn't originally feel inclusive. I just sat back in awe at Tolani.

Oh. My. Goodness! Nancy Bear Cloud is beaming! I'm the luckiest because I got to watch her face and eyes as she described her life and testified of Jesus Christ and the blessings found in the temple. She tells here about her life, about how it wasn't always rosy. She talks about trials of faith and of learning how to let go of past hurts and look for the lessons. She tells of praying over food at work (for work). It's kind of a funny story--but it's always a perfect description of how prayer and faith work to bring about miracles. Nancy is sitting outside while we visit and it's like I was there with her. It's like we're old friends now.

In so many ways, DaNae feels like a sister to me. We both grew up so loved by both sides of our families, but yet there was a cultural disconnect. Not an intentional or harmful disconnect, but more situational. At BYU, DaNae started looking more into who she was as a whole person, and that included spending time with relatives she had really only just spent holiday time with. Now she embraces more than ever who she is as a whole person. She loves her life and wants to share her identity as a child of God through her church life, work life, and social life. She wants to share her identity because she wants others to know they, too, are children of God and belong as they are. Don't forget--you are a child of God!

A while back, my great aunt sent me the names of two people she thought would be amazing guests. Well, finally, someone else convinced Brother Macdonald that he needed to share his testimony more often and more boldly. Doug said things during this conversation that had me really thinking--like about the last days before Christ returns to the land. Like about the purposes of the Indian Placement Program. Like how we can receive gifts of the Spirit that will change our lives and make us different people. I loved his soft-spoken demeanor and thoughtfulness. I loved that he considers meeting his wife a tender mercy of the Lord. I really felt connected with Brother Macdonald as he described things I have experienced in my own life.

As I'm always keeping an eye out for possible guests, I was shocked to find out we had a gubernatorial candidate who fits this podcast! Sylvia was so kind and interesting to visit with. She's smart and quick. She's well-spoken and thoughtful. It was nice to bask in the truths she was sharing about people, the Gospel, and common sense. It was fun to listen to her describe her Tabernacle Choir experiences. I wish I had asked her to play the piano for us. Her story sounds like a movie. But what I learned best, perhaps, was how she talked about how listening to or ignoring promptings from the Holy Ghost changed her life for the better or worse. It's something I'm working on every day. Sylvia has so much to share and I'm grateful for her and her life.

There are some controversial topics surrounding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of them is the Indian Placement Program. I happen to be particularly thankful for the Program. And so is Priscilla Pearson. I interviewed her during my first year of Tribe of Testimonies. But she has mentioned to me a few times how much gratitude she has for the Program and asked if she could tell her Placement Program story. Yes! Priscilla talks about the faith of her Navajo family to send her on the Program. She talks about the transition from Rez life to white-suburbia life. She talks about the differences in the three families she lived with. She talks about relationships that were forged as deeply as her blood relationships. And she talks about the blessing of learning to have a testimony of her own. I love this story time and I hope you do too.

Lance Morris has done much good in Indian Country. He has helped honor veterans. He has stood for rights to worship and live. But he says that the most important things to him are much closer. He says that the living the tenants of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are the most important--because he wants to live with those he loves for forever. He says being worthy of holding and using the Priesthood is incredibly important to him as he serves family, church family, and society. I loved when he said about his wife and her conversion: "So we can walk together." He talked about how some Native veterans made a decision to not stand separately from other veterans--and how this touched him. He didn't say it, but I think it made an impact on the way he sees and understands more than just veterans. There's really so much to say about Lance. I'm so grateful to now call him friend.

We didn't exactly follow the normal episode pattern. But that's okay. Bob taught us about how the history of his people has brought him where he is and makes him who he is. His ancestors and their stories really matter. And maybe we don't have a direct "link" with the stories in The Book of Mormon, those stories really matter and bring us as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where we are and who we are. I also loved his description of all the different ways songs have come to him and his family. Each song has its own story and influence. I think the analogy there is wonderful for each of us--that our "stories" can be influenced and completed through different means. It was wonderful to talk with Bob. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6bYhZpIX3WwOT74fx3f9dN?si=NrEWTcCFS-aYODnnCRKJqw Here is his band's Spotify link.

This episode was recorded two weeks before Blaine was baptized and now uploaded after his baptism! I'm so happy for him!!! I wish I could have been there to witness his special day and to hug him! (Gee whiz, I'm using a lot of exclamation marks!) Things I particularly loved about this conversation include his honesty about how things are with his family--especially his mother. I love that he cares about her feelings, but also recognizes the vast importance of the baptism covenant. I love that he has studied it out in his mind and in his heart. I love that he is so excited about finding answers to questions, feelings, and promptings he has had. I just love that he was so excited to share his excitement with all of us. 

There's a part in this conversation when JJ talks about feeling despair. I think that's why I needed to interview him. When have you felt despair? How did you respond to that? What caused it? What did you do to get out of it? I think it's important that we seek to move out of it ourselves first. Easier said than done, I know. But we have to have hope. We have to seek our Father and Savior. We have to have faith that They will respond. Because They will! I'm so grateful for JJ's life lessons. Now he seeks to share his testimony with his family and those who are willing to listen. I'm ever so grateful.

This episode doesn't "sound" right because I managed to turn my microphone off when I was adjusting the stand. But this episode sounds awesome in all wonderful things Kaika taught us. He loves his heritage because it brings him closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. He finds joy in the simple pleasures and teachings of his heritage. And he finds joy in sharing that with others through dance, service, and friendship. I was so impressed with the way Kaika has been thoughtful about how he wants to share his talents with others. At one point, Kaika said, "There's a reason for everything." If I'm correct, he tries to use that perspective in his life to see Christ and the Plan laid out for him. I'm so grateful to call Kaika a friend now.

Send us a Text Message.When she was a young lady, Lucille found the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She has been on fire with that testimony ever since! Even when she was called to serve a full-time proselyting mission right in her backyard! Her description of how she became and has remained a translator for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is so fun. I'm so glad that she gave us a little peek into the workings of the Church. I'm so glad that she shares her fire with us and I'm sure you'll be warmed through and through.

Send us a Text Message.I really didn't know much about Samantha before we started visiting. But I'm so glad that we had this time to chat. She really sees the hand of God in her life--and I love that! She and her husband are a team in the goals that they have for their life. And she also recognizes that sometimes the plan you lay can change. Her love of her family and those relationships is a beautiful part of her life. I loved, too, the way she talks about the temple. Samantha has a deep love for her Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ.

Send us a Text Message.Dhanielle Declay reached out to me because her testimony is burning brightly. There are so many analogies with fire during this conversation. And there is the topic of a real-life fire that about took Dhanielle's life. She is a burn survivor. As she talked about the pain I could only imagine. She talks about angels who were with her on this side of the veil and those she's sure were helping on the other side of the veil. She talks about how specific experiences forged her into the tool she is in the Lord's Hands today. She talks about how that fire burns to get to the temple and to help family on the other side of the veil. She talks about how education is a fire that she continues to fan every day through her studies. Fire moves her, cleanses her, and lights her way. 

Ah...where to begin with this one. Geoff and Akasha came to my house. And they didn't use a tissue once. You might need one though. This is a tough, tough story. They lost their son out of the blue. Their son just didn't wake up one day. The baby of their family. And I'm so sorry for their loss. I asked them after we recorded how they felt this loss compared to suddenly losing someone in a car accident or some other freak accident. The loss would be as sudden, but they pointed out that this loss doesn't leave them any one to blame--which is a burden they are glad to not have. Throughout this conversation, you will hear how they are seeking many ways to heal. But their best healing comes through seeking our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. They know that the covenants they have made in the temple are a strength to them and their other children. They know that one day they will have answers. And they also know the pain will always be with them. Their testimonies are amazing. I am so grateful for their time and their story. https://littlewisebear.org

One of a kind. Literally. Jacob is Navajo and Nigerian. No siblings. He's one of a kind. But something else that I love about Jacob is that he has dedicated his life to sharing his love of Jesus Christ. He wants people to see Jesus through his actions, speech, and works. It's interesting how sometimes I some of my guests surprise me with how deep their testimonies really are. Jacob is that way for me. He sees Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in such a way that I simply want to know Them more. I'm grateful for the time that we could spend together--you will probably feel the same as I do.

One of the first people that has sent me multiple emails is LaRue. She often sends me a note to tell me how much something someone said on Tribe of Testimonies has affected her. It's taken me a couple years to get her to agree to be a guest. I'm glad she finally accepted my invitation. She has a strong testimony. During the interview, she mentions that she hasn't always had a perfectly strong testimony. And then she talks about how she's continued to work on it. You could say that she's worked on her testimony "muscles" for years--strength training it. She's a good example of learning and relearning the basics of the Gospel. Like President Oaks just taught us at General Conference this past weekend: the basic doctrine of the Church is simple and can be tested. LaRue is a testament of the doctrine.

The longer we talked, the more I appreciated the things Josh had to say about life and family. We talked a lot off the recording as well. There is just so much that I could appreciate about his experiences. Josh shares about some of his family's trials of mental and physical health--and the toll those have on his mental health. I can commiserate! Having to deal with others' mental health problems is a weight! But I love the ways that Josh and his wife work together to find a balance. I love the way they love their children as much as possible. I love the way Josh has found an outlet (running) that is soothing his soul and teaching him so much about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the earth, ancestors, and so much more. (I said he almost has me convince to start running.) This is a very vulnerable and amazing conversation. I'm so grateful for Joshua Freeman.

In a few days from the posting of this episode, a full eclipse will pass over much of the United States. In this conversation, Ira explains a Seneca story about making promises of peace during an eclipse. He is planning on doing a similar pledge with his family and friends during the eclipse. I think that's beautiful! (I wish I could be there!) But Ira is seeking ways to mend hearts, to establish love and connection with people. It seems to be a life mission at the moment. Ira also talks about tithing--one of the commandments we have that has a promise attached. He can witness the law of tithing is a blessing. In fact, it helped him return to full activity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'd say THAT is a blessing!

I remember when I was a student at BYU, I saw this sweet little girl dancing at the Harold A. Cedartree powwow. She was there pretty much every year that I was. Her name is Tamera Wheeler. So, I've seen her around for a long time. She told me that she remembers me coming to her house with my friend, Sommer, to get help making regalia. Tamera has grown up now. She's lovely. And she has experienced, firsthand, the blessings of our Savior in her life. There was a time when she stopped practicing the precepts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When she decided to come back, she saw how it really did bless her life. Now she weaves all parts of her life together in hopes of pleasing our Father in Heaven and our Savior. She sees how They love her unconditionally and want her to be with Them. Her testimony is pretty powerful.

About a year ago I reached out to Brighten to ask her to be a guest. It didn't work out, so I just left if. But recently I was scrolling through old messages and saw our open conversation and I reached out to her again. This time was the right time. A year ago it wasn't. This time Brighten was not only willing to share her story and testimony, but it's even stronger and brighter than it was a year ago. She has learned so much about her divine identity through family and making family (hunka). She has learned how to deal with depression. And she has learned how to witness, experience, and identify the Atonement of Jesus Christ in her life and in others' lives. Her testimony and story are so moving and bright! Just like she is. I'm so thankful that this was the time--I think you'll feel that as well.

It feels like Kalista and I have a lot in common. We both grew up in eastern Utah. We both spent time in Washington, DC. We both have sought reconnection with our heritage. But there are a lot of things we don't have in common. I have not lived as many places as she. We are obviously from different tribes. The biggest common denominator, however, is that we both love Jesus, His Gospel, and know our divine heritage. It was fun to listen to Kalista talk about callings in different wards. It was motivating to listen to her passion to serve others. And it was humbling to learn of circumstances that I have been spared experiencing. There's a lot to learn from Kalista. I'm glad she is my friend.

Holy cow! This young lady is amazing. AH-MAZE-ING. I am so impressed with her testimony and her sweetness. She has lost a great many people in her life. She could choose to be bitter or hard. But instead she is sweet and soft. She is seeking our Savior Jesus Christ actively. She seeks to surround herself with people that live high standards and she seeks to love those who don't. Jada loves to connect with Heavenly Father through prayer and service. Her reservation branch doesn't have many active young people close to her age, but instead of griping about it, she listens to those older than her. There are so many good things about Jada. I only wish and pray the best for her.

Brother Mose was a cowboy. A bull rider, to be exact. Was. Until he got hurt. Since that injury, he's moved on with life. He doesn't do all the things that he once did. Now he does other things to improve his life and the life of those around him. He serves others. He has served as a branch president. He has served with the Boy Scouts. And he serves many, many people with the gift of family history work. It is definitely a gift of the Spirit for him. He feels drawn to it even when it isn't his assignment. His joyful demeanor was wonderful to be around. Someday I'll meet him and we can hug--because that's how I feel about him.

Some of the most powerful things that Marilyn Reed taught me were: meet people where they are (children or adults); when teaching, allow imperfection and give them the right tools and instructions; grow hope; and make connections with people, Mother Earth, and especially the Godhead. Marilyn has worked hard in all her pursuits. She has received a bachelor's and two master's degrees. And she has served in the communities in which she lives. But she also knows the power and influence of motherhood. She now serves in the Stake Relief Society and in her branch's Young Women. She is using those opportunities to love, testify, and strengthen those around her. Marilyn is doing good in this world and I want to be like that.

As I listened to Anne, I was struck with how much she LOVES family. She's a single woman. But she clings to family, including those by close blood relations, those of her Nation, those who love Jesus Christ, and those who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She started really regularly going to the temple because of the Catholic Pope. Seriously. She sees how The Book of Mormon can heal hearts, minds, and souls. She loves attending church and powwow--because both bring people together to worship our Creator. And she continues to strengthen her faith by practicing the formula we've been taught: ask a question, search for answers, and do the thing that she wonders about. It was a total joy to visit with Anne. 

The spirit of Elijah is strong with Cheryl McManus. She has felt pulled to her ancestors--sometimes literally. She talks about experiences she has had with them and how their influence has been felt and blessed her life. Cheryl also talks about how, in some regards, she has felt lost because of how her mother was unable to live and cherish her own culture. That might be a lesson for all of us to learn: that where we come from and experiences we have really do matter for our own sake as well as our posterity. On the other hand, Cheryl praises her mother for her determination to move forward and to be strong. Strength is something Cheryl is proud to come from. I also love that Cheryl has a good sense of humor. A good chuckle is always worth it. 

As I was listening to Sister Enas, I just kept thinking that she's doing a lot more good than she realizes. She's humble. She's kind. She's a good person to be around. I love her stories about how she came back to church and has slowly been immersing herself fully into the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She sees how the church helps us become better people and she's allowing that to happen to her. And now that she's feeling that, she is inviting other people to join her in her happiness. She has challenged us to read The Book of Mormon. AND she has challenged us to share a copy of The Book of Mormon with other people. I think I'll take that challenge!

Talking with a surfer dude was kind of fun. But he was also pretty inspiring. Mondo Hand really talked a lot about the Holy Ghost. He talked about how the Holy Ghost can help us in relationships. And he especially talked about how the Holy Ghost can help protect us. I loved that Mondo emphasized that we who have been baptized and confirmed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been blessed with that constant Companion--it's up to us to listen to Him and heed Him. Mondo talked about how as mortals, we're bound to make mistakes. That's just part of this life. But we also have the Holy Ghost to help touch our hearts and help us repent and return to our Savior and Heavenly Father. I'm really grateful for this reminder today.

I've often talked about how, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Native Americans, we have a different view than others. I have a different view than those who were raised "traditionally." And also, every tribe's "traditionally" is different. But as Carlos Reed and I talked about these things, it was very clear to me. We have been asked to leave cultural and traditional things "behind," but not those that add to the Gospel and not those that bring us closer to Jesus Christ. Carlos experienced those things personally and has witnessed those things with family and friends. His testimony is strong. And he seeks to bring others to Christ. Because of these experiences, he's seen how to be a good missionary and become a good missionary. 

I think I'm going to tell the missionaries I'm no longer interested.... Well, that's didn't happen. The Holy Ghost told Sister Pam to go to church with those young missionary sisters. I'm glad she did go to church with them. Pam's spirit is so sweet and beautiful. I love at the end when she talks about what she feels as a member of the Tribe of Israel: that she's a daughter of God, that it helps her know that she can be with those she loves who have left this earth life, and that she gets to go Home one day and have all her questions answered. Maybe you have questions too. That's okay! Pam has learned that it's okay to have questions but to press forward with faith, trusting that Heavenly Father, our Savior, and the Holy Ghost are always there for her. I could just hug her!