Any LDS women with BC?

Amen, Debbie! Thanks for your inspiring post

Going Home

No more tears you have to cry, and know more

pain for this is why. God taketh your hand, to

help you stand , As He lead you home, He understands.

(And loves You sooooooooooooooooo much!)

This weekend was quite a spiritual feast for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some major changes, too, which I'm very happy to report: Our 3 hour block of Sunday meeting time has been changed to 2 hours, allowing more time for gospel study and practice at home and serving others in need (ministering) as we do our best to keep the Sabbath Day holy. This means our Relief Society (women's meeting) and Priesthood (men over 18 yrs. meeting) during the 3rd hour will now alternate with Sunday School. We will have the normal Sacrament meeting where all attend for an hour (includes time for passing to the next class), then go to Sunday School one week, then Relief Society or Priesthood meetings the next week. The teens will alternate with their meetings, too, but the children will continue to have both meetings each week, just shortened to 30 minutes of singing/sharing time and 30 minutes of class instruction. This new 2 hour block schedule may be easier on families with babies and young children, new converts and members with disabilities. I love meeting every Sunday with fellow members, but I also love having the extra hour to choose my Sabbath Day activities. My husband and I are empty nesters, meaning we have no children at home to teach, so we'll study together and do more family history work. Lots of things to do and people to serve

12 new temple locations were announced--wow!

Mendoza, Argentina
Salvador, Brazil
Yuba City, California
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Praia, Cape Verde
Yigo, Guam
Puebla, Mexico
Auckland, New Zealand
Lagos, Nigeria
Davao, Philippines
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Washington County, Utah

President Nelson also has championed a new practice that he felt inspired of the Lord to implement: Using the FULL name of the church, and taking out "Mormon" as our nickname for websites and how we address ourselves as members. He said he felt impressed that the Lord wants us to use the name of the church and not exclude the Savior's name--it is HIS church and therefore, we shouldn't call ourselves "Mormons" (a nickname given us by the world because of the Book of Mormon) or "LDS." The church choir is now called, "The Tabernacle Choir" and websites belonging to the church will have the name of the church. It will take time for this transition, but it's an important one. Our church name is a mouthful alright, but I agree that we truly need to use the name of Christ when acknowledging our membership in his church, etc. The Book of Mormon will keep it's name since it was compiled by the prophet Mormon, but it also has the wording, "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" on every book, as it should, since it's about the people inhabiting the Ancient Americas, looking toward the birth of and visitation from Jesus Christ. Did you know that Jesus Christ is mentioned 3,925 times in the Book of Mormon? I love the Bible and am studying the Old Testament each week in my scripture group of ladies from my ward (unit of worship, denoting one's local congregation), but I also study the Book of Mormon, daily, and find that I draw even closer to God through these scriptures.

So many of the talks this weekend by our General Authorities/church leaders were about ministering in love, feeding the Lord's sheep, and dealing with keeping strong in our faith, especially through trials, allowing them to refine us and to learn what the Lord desires of us. I also enjoyed Elder Renlund's talk, dealing with how God wants his children to grow, spiritually, and eventually being part of "the family business," not trained puppioes who don't chew on the Lord's slippers anymore We are of worth with so much potential to do the Lord's will and have the joy He wants for us, continuing his work in the next life.

Wishing all who read this loooong post a very good week and the peace and answers you seek.

--Joanne

I love these quotes, thank you for giving me a giggle. I like the one underneath as well about the staircase.

(Read the fine print

Had a wonderful visit from my youngest daughter, Anna, this weekend. She flew home from Utah at her own expense to see her best friend who just returned from serving a 1 1/2 year church mission in the Philippines. What a joy to see these 2 reconnect and celebrate together! Her friend now speaks fluent Tagalag and radiates with the warm and loving spirit of the Lord. Anna's friend's mother is also my dearest friend, so our families feel doubly blessed this weekend!

Welcome, Dyannah, to "the club no one wants to join," but I'm glad you found this thread. You sound like a sweetie and I'm looking forward to getting to know you. Best to you in your treatment plan, and please keep posting

I just love the story of Esther from the Old Testament! There are those who believe it isn't a true account due to no evidence--it was not among the scrolls found in qumran--but my heart tells me it's true. I've been drawn to the story of Esther since I was young girl. "Who knoweth whether thou art come (to the kingdom) for such a time as this?" This question resonates in me and challenges me to have courage and continue in faith through trials. I hope you enjoy this short video, combining Esther with modern day women and their courageous stories.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-03-00...

The way I've been feeling the last 2 days, absolutely heart-broken and falling apart, but then there is this to bring me true peace and true loving kindness....