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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: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch 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 Questions Brittany 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 Links Listen to Brittany’s podcast: Eyes to See podcast Follow Brittany on Instagram: @eyestoseepodcast Follow Brittany on Facebook: Eyes to See 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 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  

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: @teniesha_williams_hopeinchrist 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. 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