SereniCare Funeral Home: Obituaries

SereniCare Funeral Home: Obituaries

Guest Book for Carol Converse – Online Guest Book by Post Register and Legacy.com.

Guest Book for Carol Converse – Online Guest Book by Post Register and Legacy.com.

Addiction Recovery: Healing One Step at a Time By Lia McClanahan Church Magazines

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In the Church’s addiction recovery program, those who suffer from addiction learn through the Atonement of Jesus Christ how to experience the miracle of living in recovery.

About a year ago, I woke up in a trailer someplace in Illinois, full of drugs and alcohol, and I didn’t remember anything I’d done. I remembered only that on my business trip, as soon as the plane landed, it took me all of about 10 minutes to ditch my colleague, go straight to the bar, and disappear for three days. The second day—the day I was supposed to fly home—was my daughter’s birthday. Just a year ago.

A year ago Mark (names have been changed) didn’t know how he would overcome his addiction to drugs and alcohol. He had already tried to quit. He had visited with his bishop, been to professional counselors, gone through rehabilitation centers, and exerted all the willpower he could, but nothing brought permanent change. Soon after that critical moment in Illinois, he found the Church’s 12-step addiction recovery program, sponsored by LDS Family Services. In the program, he found the principles and direction that would change his life.

The change occurred as he studied and applied the principles taught in the program workbook and weekly recovery meetings. The workbook guides readers toward recovery using 12 steps, each of which addresses an essential principle of recovery such as honesty, hope, or trust in God. At the weekly meetings, participants are able to gain strength from others and share their own experiences of applying the principles.

Mark learned that the journey from addiction to recovery is a difficult one, but knowing people who have already made that journey can give hope to those who struggle. At each meeting a facilitator—someone who has experienced recovery—encourages others by sharing insights based on his or her own recovery. Mark is now a facilitator. Each week he shares his experiences (included in this article in italics) to help others understand that they are not alone and that addiction can be overcome.

The Trap of Addiction

After each time I gave in, I would say, “This time is going to be different. Please, Lord, help me. I don’t want this to be a part of my life.” Yet it continued to be.

Mark was an active member of the Church. He never thought he could get trapped in an addiction. Living the standards of the Church, such as the Word of Wisdom, keeps members safe from many addictive behaviors, but in a world where harmful influences are increasingly pervasive, addiction is a growing problem, even among Latter-day Saints. Although Mark struggled with alcohol and drugs, addictions aren’t limited to substance abuse. They can include gambling, pornography, eating disorders, inappropriate sexual behavior, and overdependence on another person.

At any given recovery meeting, a variety of addictions may be represented. Steve, for example, was addicted to prescription drugs. He initially took medication for a back injury, but after his injury had healed, he lied and eventually stole in order to get more prescription drugs. Steve, who served as a counselor in a bishopric, ended up in jail wearing his suit one Sunday when he was supposed to be conducting sacrament meeting. It was at that point he knew he needed help.

In some locations, groups created specifically for pornography problems are available. Garrett, who regularly attends such a group, says at first he didn’t realize his habit was an addiction. “There’s no way I would have bought a pornographic magazine, but it was so easy to get on the Internet,” he says. He realized he had to change when his marriage was on the verge of falling apart.

Coming to the Program

My inability to reconcile my testimony with my behavior, along with my inability to forsake my addiction, put me in a place where the shame was unbearable. Finally I was willing to try something different.

An oft-repeated phrase among program participants is that an individual seeks recovery “when the pain of the problem becomes greater than the pain of the solution.” When Mark reached that point, he took a friend’s suggestion and came to a Latter-day Saint addiction-recovery meeting. Some people decide on their own to come. Others are encouraged to attend by friends or priesthood leaders. Some have been ordered by a court of law to attend 12-step recovery meetings.

Many are reluctant to attend a meeting because they feel ashamed of their struggle. In her work as a Church-service missionary, Suzanne marvels to see the change that comes over the participants. “When they first start coming to the meetings,” she says, “their heads are often down. They are embarrassed and filled with guilt and fear. After a few weeks their heads lift up with newfound hope. They realize they’re not alone in their struggle.”

Church-service missionaries are ready to welcome participants and offer them hope and encouragement. Participants focus on a different step from the workbook each week, and the facilitator shares his or her own experience with that step. Those who wish to share their thoughts on recovery introduce themselves by their first names only. A meeting always includes a reminder of the principles of anonymity and confidentiality, which are critical to fostering a safe atmosphere.

An important aspect of the meetings is that participants are in a setting where they can feel the Spirit again. They can say a prayer and bear testimony, even if their choices have led to their being disfellowshipped or excommunicated. This spiritual environment is a source of great strength to participants as they focus on the 12 steps.

Steps to Recovery

Working the steps of this program simplified the gospel in a way that I could apply the testimony I had always had.

As Mark discovered, the steps of the addiction recovery program are a systematic way of implementing gospel principles. The 12 steps are adapted from the original Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, but the Church’s program is unique because it puts the steps into “a framework of the doctrines and beliefs of the Church.” ¹ In the addiction recovery program, the 12 steps are actually steps to accessing the power of the Atonement.

The workbook, Addiction Recovery Program: A Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing (item no. 36764), outlines the 12 steps and the principles associated with them. Each step has a scripture study section with questions to ponder and space for writing. One participant says that the straightforward approach of the 12 steps gave him hope. By the time Clifford awoke from a coma caused by a drug overdose, his marriage and career had ended. He wondered how he could ever put his life back together. “To have the gospel in little bite-sized steps, 12 of them—I could do that,” he says.

Many say that steps four and five, which focus on personal inventory and confession, are the most challenging. But it depends on the individual. Paula, who struggled with compulsive eating and overdependence in her relationships, worked hardest on step eight—forgiving and restoring relationships—as she tried to forgive her abusive father. She says now, “I can’t tell you how grateful I am for this miracle in my life: to love and forgive.”

Hope in the Atonement

The change that has happened to me is I’m not miserable all the time. Sometimes it’s not easy. Perhaps the Lord doesn’t see fit to take it all from me right now, but He strengthens me so I can bear it patiently and cheerfully, and I can progress. He lightens it just enough that I learn the most that I can.

The gospel teaches that grace comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ (see Ether 12:27). Grace is an enabling power that makes recovery possible. It is “divine means of help or strength” that helps us do good works we wouldn’t be able to do or maintain by ourselves. ²

Suzanne, who went through the program herself before becoming a Church-service missionary, says, “I knew that God could tell me what to do, but I never knew He had the power to help me do it. Now I understand the grace that comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

Through grace, participants regain the hope they have lost. One participant, Edward, grew up in the Church, but his childhood insecurities left him feeling that he wasn’t as good as other people. He says, “I didn’t understand the Atonement, and I didn’t love myself, so nothing really mattered.” When he was in his 20s, he started drinking and using drugs in an attempt to dull his negative feelings—a pattern that continued for 20 years.

When he was arrested a second time for drunk driving, he was ordered to get treatment. In the Church’s program, he learned that receiving forgiveness and regaining a sense of self-worth were possible. He attended church every Sunday, studied the 12 steps, and applied these gospel principles and actions to his life. He became willing to turn his life over to Heavenly Father and, in the process, learned how to love himself and how to let the Atonement work in his life. “I couldn’t overcome all these things by myself,” he says. “The Savior can do for me what I can’t do for myself.”

Those who struggle with addiction aren’t the only ones who can experience a mighty change: loved ones find that as they apply the 12 steps to their own lives and attend recovery meetings, they can experience the blessings of the Atonement in regard to their own grief. In some areas the addiction recovery program provides support groups for family and friends, who discover that the Savior can heal them of the pain, anger, and guilt that loved ones sometimes feel.

When Deborah learned of her son’s drug addiction, she was plagued by feelings of guilt as she thought about how she could have been a better mother. Then she discovered that she could apply the steps to herself. She says, “What I learned in the program is that no matter how my son is doing, I can still be happy and have Heavenly Father in my life.” She adds, “On the outside I look the same, but my life has completely changed on the inside.”

Shannon, whose husband faced a pornography addiction, attended the support group for spouses. As she participated, she noticed a change in herself as well. At first she focused on the pain she felt over her husband’s addiction. But then, as she started learning and applying the steps, a miraculous change occurred. She says, “I began talking less and less about my husband and more about what I had learned from each step. I began to see how the Lord was working in my life.”

The End Goal

In the past I was able to abstain for periods of time. I’d get myself back in good standing with the Church and serve in callings, and everyone would tell me how great I was. But I didn’t feel great on the inside at all. And that’s why abstaining is just one part of it. True recovery is not doing it and not wanting to do it because our nature is changed.

Mark learned that through the Atonement, individuals can not only stop their addictive behaviors but also heal the underlying causes of their addiction. And with the help of their priesthood leaders, they can repent and bring the blessings of the gospel back into their lives. Doug LeCheminant of LDS Family Services clarifies the objective of the program: “Our end goal for those in the program is that they will be able to make and keep temple covenants—not just stay sober.” The sweetest fruits are activation, baptism or rebaptism, priesthood advancement, temple ordinances, and restoration of blessings.

Steve, who found himself in jail wearing his church suit, says, “Today I’m clean and sober because of my Heavenly Father and the 12 steps.” His activity in the Church is especially meaningful to him. “I am a father. I am a priests quorum adviser. I am also a facilitator because I want to give back to a program that gave so freely to me.”

Maintaining Recovery Day to Day

Every day I seek my Heavenly Father in prayer and through the scriptures. In the morning I read books about recovery, and I write my feelings and my impressions. I call a support person in the program to help clarify my thinking. I go to the meetings. I try to serve. And I have never relapsed on a day that I have done those things.

Those daily tasks keep Mark spiritually well. Others who have been through the program have discovered the same truth: maintaining spiritual strength requires continuous effort. No one is completely safe from relapse, but through daily gospel living, those who struggle with addiction come unto Christ and receive strength and hope.

“I’m learning bit by bit, precept upon precept,” says Mark. “My nature is changing, and it’s the first time since this started that I can say I have hope. I truly believe that I never have to relapse again.”

Receiving the Power to Change

Photograph by Busath Photography

“If we will turn to the Lord and believe on His name, we can change. He will give us the power to change our lives, the power to put away bad thoughts and feelings from our hearts. We can be taken from ‘the darkest abyss’ to ‘behold the marvelous light of God’ (Mosiah 27:29). We can be forgiven. We can find peace.”

President James E. Faust (1920–2007), Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “The Power to Change,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 123.

How to Find an Addiction Recovery Group

Go to www.ldsfamilyservices.org, and click on Addiction Recovery Support Groups. The workbook is available in Chinese, Danish, English, Finnish, German, Japanese, Mongolian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Ukrainian. Although using the workbook while attending group meetings is ideal, members in areas where a group has not been established will benefit from using the workbook while working with their priesthood leader or a professional therapist who is supportive of gospel principles and 12-step recovery.

If you are a priesthood leader interested in establishing the addiction recovery program in your area, contact your Area Presidency through ecclesiastical lines.

The 12 Steps of the Addiction Recovery Program

1. 1. Admit that you, of yourself, are powerless to overcome your addictions and that your life has become unmanageable.
   
2. 2. Come to believe that the power of God can restore you to complete spiritual health.
   
3. 3. Decide to turn your will and your life over to the care of God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
   
4. 4. Make a searching and fearless written moral inventory of yourself.
   
5. 5. Admit to yourself, to your Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, to proper priesthood authority, and to another person the exact nature of your wrongs.
   
6. 6. Become entirely ready to have God remove all your character weaknesses.
   
7. 7. Humbly ask Heavenly Father to remove your shortcomings.
   
8. 8. Make a written list of all persons you have harmed and become willing to make restitution to them.
   
9. 9. Wherever possible, make direct restitution to all persons you have harmed.
   
10. 10. Continue to take personal inventory, and when you are wrong, promptly admit it.
    
11. 11. Seek through prayer and meditation to know the Lord’s will and to have the power to carry it out.
    
12. 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, share this message with others and practice these principles in all you do.
    

The Ascent, by David Edward Linn, courtesy of Church History Museum

Grace, a power that comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, makes recovery possible. Through grace, participants in the recovery program regain the hope they have lost.

Christ in Gethsemane, by Heinrich Hofmann, courtesy of C. Harrison Conroy Co.

Photo illustrations by Craig Dimond and David Stoker, posed by models; right: Remember These, by David Edward Linn, courtesy of Avampato Museum of Art

A Longing for Peace Name Withheld

Could the Atonement really heal a heart broken by abuse and take away the bitterness I had felt for so long?

“What role has the Atonement played in all of this?” The question came as I sat waiting for my husband in the foyer of the stake offices. I was visiting with the second counselor in the stake presidency, and I shared with him some of the events that had taken place in my life. I grew up in an abusive atmosphere. Pornography was a common vice among the men in our home, and its effects were far-reaching. My father was involved in homosexual activities. He was also physically and emotionally abusive, particularly to my mother, while my brother was sexually abusive to my sisters and me. I lived in constant fear and turmoil during my childhood years. Although the situation changed dramatically with my parents’ divorce when I was 12 years old, I spent the bulk of my teenage years trying to deal with a haunting sense of worthlessness.

After leaving home and getting married, I found that my close relationships were being affected by the abuse I had suffered as a child. I sought help from many sources, but healing was slow in coming.

My sharing the experiences that I had gone through in my quest for peace prompted the second counselor’s question about the Atonement. But just as he posed it, we were interrupted, and our conversation was over. My husband and I returned home, but I couldn’t get the discussion out of my mind. The question was one that I had spent much time pondering. What role had the Atonement played in my life?

Feelings of Inadequacy

For many years I didn’t even want to discuss the Atonement. I was confused, bitter, and angry. I did not feel worthy to approach Heavenly Father about my feelings, and I suffered from a deep sense of inadequacy. I couldn’t imagine that Heavenly Father or the Savior would want to have anything to do with me.

Besides that, in my mind the abuse had somehow become my fault, and I didn’t know how to get rid of the guilt that was so prevalent in my life. My anger was not directed toward the Lord so much as it was toward the situation in which I found myself: through a series of events that I did not choose, I felt I had become unworthy of feeling close to Him.

Fortunately, I had enough experience with the Spirit that I knew the gospel was true and I couldn’t deny my testimony. Although I had many questions resulting from the things I had gone through, I never felt inclined to abandon the Church. Looking back, I know Heavenly Father sent some amazing people to be a part of my life, to help guide me on the difficult road I had to travel. I had a compassionate Beehive adviser, a wonderful seminary teacher, an institute director who took the time to answer many questions, a therapist who was willing to listen to my ranting and raving and then walk me step-by-step through the healing process, and a mother who never wavered in her testimony. Most important, I was blessed with an incredible husband who has supported me through some difficult times and helped me to heal from some very deep wounds. But the healing came only after some additional challenges.

Seeking Help

After years of struggling with my self-worth, I realized I needed help. I sought out a therapist who was also a member of the Church. In our first session together, he pulled out the scriptures, and I got a lesson on forgiveness. I left that session fuming! I didn’t want to hear about forgiveness—I wanted a way to bring peace back into my life! After a year of meeting with him, I quit going. I wasn’t making any progress, and I was tired of feeling guilty for not being able to forgive my father and my brother.

My husband and I had two children by that time. During that period, we were struggling with issues in our marriage directly related to the abuse I had experienced at the hands of my brother. I was suffering from severe depression, and our oldest child was experiencing significant medical problems. Life had become sheer drudgery, and I couldn’t see that it was ever going to get any better. I felt as if I were living in a black hole.

It took several years before my husband finally convinced me to go back to a counselor. The woman I worked with the second time took a more subtle approach to the counseling process. She was wonderful, but I still didn’t make a lot of progress because of my bitterness and anger, and I simply was not willing to talk about the Atonement. It was only when I went to a conference at Brigham Young University and attended a workshop about healing from abuse that I began to have a new understanding of what the Atonement really was.

Until then, my understanding of the Atonement was limited to repentance and forgiveness. I had been an active member of the Church all of my life—graduating from seminary, participating in institute, serving in a variety of callings, and raising my family to live by gospel standards—but I had never really understood the healing power of the Atonement. I had no idea how personal and penetrating it could be, no idea that it could heal my broken heart and take away the pain and hurt and anger and bitterness that I had been feeling for so many years.

Oh, how I wish I had understood that principle sooner! It wasn’t until I could give my pain and anguish to the Lord and let go of the wounds that had been festering within me that I could also begin to forgive my father and my brother. Then the real healing could start to take place.

Turning to the Savior

It took some time to work through the issues that I was dealing with, but I began to feel peace in my life. Through my understanding of the Atonement, I was able to move past the crippling image I had created of myself and develop relationships with my family.

It was at this point that I had the previously mentioned discussion with the counselor in the stake presidency. It left me wondering if I had taken full advantage of the Atonement. For many years I had blamed my youthful mistakes on the fact that I had been abused. There were some unresolved sins in my life that I knew I needed to repent of in order to be completely healed. Moreover, I felt that my own repentance process was hinging on whether or not I could finally and completely forgive my father and my brother.

After some intense prayer and scripture study, I came to understand what I had to do to be healed from the wounds that had been inflicted on me. I spent several weeks tracking down people from my past that I had wronged in some way and trying to make restitution as best I could. It was not easy, but I knew that I was moving in the right direction in correcting things in my life. Once I was able to own my sins and quit blaming them on those who had hurt me, I was able to really let them go, to turn them over to the Lord and fully repent. Once again, I was amazed at the power of the Atonement to heal my soul and give me the strength to come unto the Savior.

The Reach of the Atonement

Possibly the most amazing thing about this process has been watching the Lord work in my life. He has consistently placed me in situations that have led me to stretch myself and grow closer to Him. After talking to my stake priesthood leader and hearing his counsel, after visiting with my bishop and confessing my own sins, after contacting people I had not seen in 20 years and begging forgiveness from them, how could I not forgive those who had hurt me? The process of repenting reminded me that the power of the Atonement is not just for me but also for those who have committed sins against me. It is for the abused and the abuser alike.

No one heals from this type of abuse overnight. In fact, getting to the point in my life where I felt I could forgive those who had sinned against me took more than 20 years—20 years of actively trying to understand why these things had taken place and how I could get past them. It has been a long process to learn how to “come unto Christ,” but through that process, I have finally been able to allow Him to become, quite literally, my Savior and His grace was sufficient for me (see Moroni 10:30, 32).

I still have days when I struggle and wonder why I have had to deal with these things in my life. Even though I never would have chosen these experiences, I am grateful for my understanding of the Atonement and for the healing I have felt.

I know there are many people who are in the same situation that I was in for so many years. They are longing for something that will bring them peace but have no idea where to turn. The answer is simple and is talked about often in the Church, but for some reason, it never seemed to apply to my situation. Now, each time I hear a talk or a lesson about forgiveness or repentance, I want to add my testimony about another part of the Atonement: its healing power when we are the victims of someone else’s sinful actions. It is something very close to my heart.

I have thought often about the question the member of the stake presidency posed to me: “What role has the Atonement played in all of this?” As I have learned to apply the Atonement on a daily basis through prayer, scripture study, and increased temple attendance, I have found that I can be at peace with the things in my life over which I have no control. The atoning sacrifice of our Savior allows me to lay my burdens at His feet and be free from the effects of others’ sins. It has also made it possible for me to experience true joy and happiness.

I love the Savior and am so grateful for His life and His Atonement. It is amazing to me that He was not only willing but also able to take on all of our imperfections (see Alma 7:11–13). I can’t even begin to comprehend the suffering that He went through for each one of us. It is my testimony of Him that gives me hope each day and makes my life worth living.

LDS Family Services offers counseling and other resources to people who have been affected by abuse in any way. If you feel some of your actions toward family members have been questionable, help is also available for you. For more information, contact the LDS Family Services office in your area or visit www.ldsfamilyservices.org.

Control the Change for Good in Your Life

“The wicked choice of others cannot completely destroy your agency unless you permit it. Their acts may cause pain, anguish, even physical harm, but they cannot destroy your eternal possibilities in this brief but crucial life on earth. You must understand that you are free to determine to overcome the harmful results of abuse. Your attitude can control the change for good in your life. It allows you to have the help the Lord intends you to receive. No one can take away your ultimate opportunities when you understand and live eternal law. The laws of your Heavenly Father and the Atonement of the Lord have made it possible that you will not be robbed of the opportunities which come to the children of God.”

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Healing the Tragic Scars of Abuse,” Ensign, May 1992, 31–32.

I spent the bulk of my teenage years trying to deal with a haunting sense of worthlessness. I couldn’t imagine that Heavenly Father or the Savior would want anything to do with me.

I had been an active member of the Church all of my life—graduating from seminary, participating in institute, serving in a variety of callings, and raising my family to live by gospel standards—but I had never really understood the healing power of the Atonement.

It wasn’t until I could give my pain and anguish to the Lord and let go of the wounds that had been festering within me that I could also begin to forgive my father and my brother. Then the real healing could start to take place.

The atoning sacrifice of our Savior allows me to lay my burdens at His feet and be free from the effects of others’ sins.

Each time I hear a talk or a lesson about forgiveness or repentance, I want to add my testimony about another part of the Atonement: its healing power when we are the victims of someone else’s sinful actions.

Above right: photo illustration by J. Scott Knudsen. Photograph by Craig Dimond. Painting, Not My Will, But Thine, Be Done, by Harry Anderson

Above left: detail from Christus Statue, by Albert Bertel Thorvaldsen, photograph by Aldo Rebechi; above right: photo illustration by J. Scott Knudsen. Photograph by Craig Dimond. Painting, Not My Will, But Thine, Be Done, by Harry Anderson

My last days with my Mom

It has been so hard not having my mother around anymore. I miss her laughter, I miss talking with her, I just miss her as my friend.

July 12th I was told that my mother had brain tumors, so I flew out to see her on July 13th just before she had surgery to see what kind of tumor she had. She had a 3 inch tumor in the top of her head that was affecting her speech, right side of body, and a 1 inch tumor in the back of her head that was affecting her balance. She had surgery and they told us she had 3 months to live at the most. She had grade 3 tumors. Then a few days later they told us that she had a different kind of tumors that with treatment she could live for 2 to 5 years so of course we were hopeful that she would be with us much longer than we first were told.

I was with her in the hospital everyday for 8-12 hours a day everyday. My dad would come with me as well. We would just spend time with mom taking care of her the best we could. She regain so much of her speech, walking and talking and then after a couple of weeks we started her first treatment of chemo. I was with her that day. She was scared and held my hand all day and into the night. I just sat there with her as she slept. I was so thankful that I was with her and helping her by just holding her hand and bringing some comfort to her. She is a strong women. A fighter, she has been working really hard at getting better. A few weeks later we took her out of the hospital after a month and she went to a rehab center. I saw her try to get better and work hard but she was so tired by now she just couldn't do much. She didn't want to eat or drink anymore she just wanted to sleep. I saw here slowly slipping away and it was breaking my heart. I couldn't do anything to make her better all I could do was love her, be with her, laugh with her, cry with her and just enjoy the moments I had left with my dear sweet mother. I would take her outside to feel the sun on her body. I would push her in her wheel chair and sing gospel hymns to her. It would make her smile and relax. It was some tender moments that we shared together. We would have some personal and private conversations between mother and daughter. I enjoyed those moments so much. I would just sit with her in her room, feed her and take care of her the best I could. I had been with her almost 6 weeks and it was time for me to fly back home to my family. My heart was breaking as the day arrived that I was leaving her, I gave her a hug, we had a prayer together, and tears were coming so hard and fast I couldn't see, but I leaned over to my mother whispered in her ear "I love you, mom". And then the song "God be with you til we meet again" came into my head and I knew I wouldn't see my dear sweet mother alive again. It broke my heart.

I fly home and then arrange for hospice to come and take my mom home. She was home about a week and then passed away holding my dad's hand, her husband of 51 years. It was so hard to hear that my mom was no longer with us in this life, but I am truly thankful that we are a family that will be together again in the next life.

I truly am thankful for the many years that I had my mom in my life, she was the best mom and truly was my best friend. She will be greatly missed. I love her dearly.

Low Blood Pressure

Low Blood Pressure

CPR Statistics

CPR Statistics

Heart Attack Symptoms for Women

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

With more women dying of heart disease each year than men, and with more women dying of heart disease each year than all cancers combined, it is important to know just how different a woman's heart attack symptoms might be.

Significant symptoms prior to heart attack include:

• Unusual fatigue
• Sleep disturbance
• Shortness of breath
• Indigestion

· Anxiety, feelings of impending doom or unusual nervousness

Significant symptoms during heart attack include:

• Shortness of breath and/or inability to catch your breath when waking up
• Weakness
• Unusual fatigue
• Cold sweat, clammy sweat
• Dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Chest pain, could also include back pain and/or deep aching and throbbing in one or both arms
• Fluttering or rapid heartbeats, palpitations
• Feeling of heaviness, such as pressure-like chest pain between the breasts that may radiate to the left arm or shoulder

Recognizing Stroke/Stroke and Women

Recognizing Stroke
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of a stroke, time is critical. Call 911.
Use the F-A-S-T acronym to recognize a stroke:
Face: Try to smile. Is one side of the face drooping?
Arms: Try to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
Speech: Try to say or repeat a simple sentence. Are your words slurred? Can you speak correctly?
Time is critical: Call 911.

Stroke and Women

While less than half of stroke victims are women, more women than men die from stroke.
Stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer every year.
Studies have shown that women take 46 percent longer than men to get to the emergency room after stroke symptoms occur.
Women do not always experience classic symptoms.

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Healing through the Atonemant

Our great personal challenge in mortality is to become “a saint through the atonement of Christ.”

As a surgeon, I found that a significant portion of my professional time was taken up with the subject of pain. Of necessity I surgically inflicted it almost daily—and much of my effort was then spent trying to control and alleviate pain.

I have pondered about the purpose of pain. None of us is immune from experiencing pain. I have seen people cope with it very differently. Some turn away from God in anger, and others allow their suffering to bring them closer to God.

Like you, I have experienced pain myself. Pain is a gauge of the healing process. It often teaches us patience. Perhaps that is why we use the term patient in referring to the sick.

Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.” ¹

Similarly, Elder Robert D. Hales has said:

“Pain brings you to a humility that allows you to ponder. It is an experience I am grateful to have endured. …

“I learned that the physical pain and the healing of the body after major surgery are remarkably similar to the spiritual pain and the healing of the soul in the process of repentance.” ²

Much of our suffering is not necessarily our fault. Unexpected events, contradicting or disappointing circumstances, interrupting illness, and even death surround us and penetrate our mortal experience. Additionally, we may suffer afflictions because of the actions of others. ³ Lehi noted that Jacob had “suffered … much sorrow, because of the rudeness of [his] brethren.” ⁴ Opposition is part of Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. We all encounter enough to bring us to an awareness of our Father’s love and of our need for the Savior’s help.

The Savior is not a silent observer. He Himself knows personally and infinitely the pain we face.

“He suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children.” ⁵

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” ⁶

Sometimes in the depth of pain, we are tempted to ask, “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?” ⁷ I testify the answer is yes, there is a physician. The Atonement of Jesus Christ covers all these conditions and purposes of mortality.

There is another kind of pain for which we are responsible. Spiritual pain lies deep within our souls and can feel unquenchable, even as being racked with an“inexpressible horror,” as Alma described. ⁸ It comes from our sinful actions and lack of repentance. For this pain too there is a cure that is universal and absolute. It is from the Father, through the Son, and it is for each of us who is willing to do all that is necessary to repent. Christ said, “Will ye not now return unto me … and be converted, that I may heal you?” ⁹

Christ Himself taught:

“And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me. …

“Therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me.” ¹⁰

Perhaps His most significant work is in the ongoing labor with each of us individually to lift, to bless, to strengthen, to sustain, to guide, and to forgive us.

As Nephi saw in vision, much of Christ’s mortal ministry was devoted to blessing and healing the sick with all kinds of maladies—physical, emotional, and spiritual. “And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases. … And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God.” ¹¹

Alma also prophesied that “he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and … he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. …

“That his bowels may be filled with mercy, … that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” ¹²

Late one night lying in a hospital bed, this time as a patient and not as a physician, I read those verses over and over again. I pondered: “How is it done? For whom? What is required to qualify? Is it like forgiveness of sin? Do we have to earn His love and help?” As I pondered, I came to understand that during His mortal life Christ chose to experience pains and afflictions in order to understand us. Perhaps we also need to experience the depths of mortality in order to understand Him and our eternal purposes. ¹³

President Henry B. Eyring taught: “It will comfort us when we must wait in distress for the Savior’s promised relief that He knows, from experience, how to heal and help us. … And faith in that power will give us patience as we pray and work and wait for help. He could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience.” ¹⁴

I felt the encircling arms of His love that night. ¹⁵ Tears watered my pillow in gratitude. Later, as I was reading in Matthew about Christ’s mortal ministry, I made another discovery: “When the even was come, they brought unto him many … and he … healed all that were sick.” ¹⁶ He healed all that came to Him. None were turned away.

As Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught: “Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a ‘healing’ cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are ‘healed’ by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us.” ¹⁷ All that will come may be “clasped in the arms of Jesus.” ¹⁸ All souls can be healed by His power. All pain can be soothed. In Him, we can “find rest unto [our] souls.” ¹⁹ Our mortal circumstances may not immediately change, but our pain, worry, suffering, and fear can be swallowed up in His peace and healing balm.

I have noted that children are often more naturally accepting of pain and suffering. They quietly endure with humility and meekness. I have felt a beautiful, sweet spirit surrounding these little ones.

Thirteen-year-old Sherrie underwent a 14-hour operation for a tumor on her spinal cord. As she regained consciousness in the intensive care unit, she said: “Daddy, Aunt Cheryl is here, … and … Grandpa Norman … and Grandma Brown … are here. And Daddy, who is that standing beside you? … He looks like you, only taller. … He says he’s your brother, Jimmy.” Her uncle Jimmy had died at age 13 of cystic fibrosis.

“For nearly an hour, Sherrie … described her visitors, all deceased family members. Exhausted, she then fell asleep.”

Later she told her father, “Daddy, all of the children here in the intensive care unit have angels helping them.” ²⁰

To all of us the Savior said:

“Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

“Fear not, little children, for you are mine. …

“Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd.” ²¹

Our great personal challenge in mortality is to become “a saint through the atonement of Christ.” ²² The pain you and I experience may be where this process is most measured. In extremity, we can become as children in our hearts, humble ourselves, and “pray and work and wait” ²³ patiently for the healing of our bodies and our souls. As Job, after being refined through our trials, we “shall come forth as gold.” ²⁴

I bear testimony that He is our Redeemer, our Friend, our Advocate, the Great Physician, the Great Healer. In Him we can find peace and solace in and from our pain and our sins if we will but come unto Him with humble hearts. His “grace is sufficient.” ²⁵ In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

LDS.org - Support Materials Chapter - “What Is the Sign of Thy Coming?”

LDS.org - Support Materials Chapter - “What Is the Sign of Thy Coming?”

Healing through the Atonement

Healing through the Atonement

It is funny that I started a blog. I have just been hanging around thinking about what I could or should say and I guess I will just say whatever comes to me.

I truly want to continue doing the work I have done for almost 28 years now and that is just help and serve women who are in a difficult, life changing or a crisis situation in their life.

Listening and being a sounding board can sometimes truly just be all someone needs. Being a good listener and helping them see and understand the emotions they may be experiencing because of the situation they are in is totally normal. Helping them see beyond today into tomorrow and through the eyes of hope.

Really all that I do is share with them the gospel principles that I have tried to live and apply to my own life of healing.

The Atonement of the our Savior Jesus Christ holds all keys and powers to heal and bind up someones broken heart and broken life. The power of his love, kindness, understanding, compassion and forgiveness is what can truly change us forever. I know through my own journey of healing.

I truly am thankful for his love for me. I know if we just have faith he can help us all heal know matter how deep or difficult or wounds my seem to us as humans. He can heal us. We can heal and bind our wounds, heartache, pain and suffering if we just turn it over to the Lord and allow his healing power to touch our hearts, change our souls and heal our wounds. We are not alone.

CORINNA'S OUTREACH FOR WOMEN SPECIALIZING IN CHANGE

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About Corinna...

My name is Corinna C. Jones, I am an outreach worker for women specializing change.

Corinna started working with women in 1982 with the Displaced Homemakers Program of Idaho as a tutor in life skills, basic reading, writing, and arithmetic.

In 1985 Corinna worked with teenage girls as the Coordinator for the Teenage Runaway Program within the Vista Volunteer Program for the State of Idaho. While working with young women Corinna formed and facilitated her first support group "Teen Talk".

In 1989 after her second son Jordan died at birth Corinna became a volunteer for Hospice, as a grief counselor, "Griefbuster". Corinna started her support group "MOMS" which helped her deal with her own loss while helping other women through theirs.

In 1992 Corinna was working as the Executive Director for Children's Hour Preschool. Corinna worked with women and mothers that were single, living below poverty level and struggling to get by. Corinna felt that while her teachers were helping and teaching the children their mothers needed help as well. Corinna enlisted the help of local clubs and business owners to start and fund programs for these mothers in life skills, nutrition, parenting, basic budget, health and wellness, and a literacy program.

As women attended Corinna's support groups they began referring their friends, family, coworkers and neighbors to meet with Corinna one on one. Corinna would volunteer her time helping women make changes that would help them move forward in a positive way.

"Conversations with Corinna" was founded in 2004 based on Corinna's experience working with and advising women. Corinna helps women live their best life by empowering them with the tools for happiness and success in this life. Based on suggestions and recommendations from Corinna's own life experience, education and training.

Corinna is a wife, mother, and friend of women in her community trying to help other's by sharing her own story of change and growth.

It is Corinna's passion to help other women move forward in a positive way. As Corinna likes to say, "We should always be moving forward with change".

Corinna's degree is in Early Childhood Education and Business Management. Corinna also attended school to become a Certified Dental Assistant. Corinna has additional training and certificates in Suicide Prevention, Grief Counseling, Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, Red Cross Emergency Case Worker, Art Therapy, and Human Relations. Corinna and her husband are MAPP trained (model approach to partnership in parenting) and were foster parents for over 2 years. Corinna has taught many workshops and group discussions on many subjects pertaining to women. Corinna has started and facilitated several support groups through out the years. Teen Talk, MOMS, Change for Life, Gabbing with the Girls, and Conversations with Corinna.

Corinna and her husband Clark owned and operated Turning Point Solutions for many years. Corinna has been an Executive Director for Children's Hour Preschool, has done public speaking for United Way, and taught Preschool. Corinna created her own creative movement class for children called, "Moving to Music" and taught that for many years in the local Parks and Recreation Centers. Corinna loves working with children and adults making a difference where she can.

Corinna has been married to Clark T. Jones for 24 years 4 children, Joshua, Jordan(deceased),Dannielle and Hayden.

They love spending time together watching and attending sport events, movies, and doing anything that keeps them together as a family.

Development is the act of improving and a process for implementing change

http://conversationswithcorinna.com

Eating Gluten Free and Feeling Free

I finally figured out why I have been so bloated for so long. I would wake in the morning and my stomach would be flat. I would eat and it would just become bloated to the point where it would hurt, I had trouble breathing. I finally measured my stomach when bloated it would be 3 to 4 inches bigger than when I would wake in the morning. After I would eat a bowl of cereal and toast I would start to wheeze and cough, I felt awful because my stomach was so full and I hadn't eaten that much food. A small bowl of cereal and I slice of toast and boy did I bloat right up. It was so miserable not knowing what was going on with my body. I thought it was just my age and it was normal. But, nothing about it felt normal. So, I just started eliminating foods to see if that would help and I finally figured it out. I have been eating gluten free for only about a month but it has made a huge difference. I look and feel better. I still have a long ways to go to figure all this out and find food that works for me. Buying Gluten Free food is not cheap, however it is so worth it.

Here are some foods that I have found. Still looking for some really good bread. I guess I will just have to start making my own again.

Happy Mother's Day

My children are the most wonderful children in the world. I thank my Father in Heaven everyday for the wonderful kind and loving children I have. I thank my children for being good honest people and for not causing me hurt and heartache. They are the light of my world. I am so thankful to be there mother. I am thankful I have each of them in my life. They truly are wonderful examples of great human beings. I am truly thankful to be a mother and for my children allowing me to love them and mother them. Being a mother for me is a joy. I have loved every moment and every stage of their growth. I love spending time with them. They truly are my favorite people. We laugh and cry together. We share our life with one another. We truly are a wonderful loving family. I try everyday to be a better mother and I have my children to thank for that. They are such kind, loving, forgiving people. I make mistakes and they love me and help me do better. I truly am thankful for all of their love and kindness towards me. I am thankful that families are forever and that I have a forever family. I love you Joshua, Jordan, Dannielle, Hayden, Kelsey, and Rocky. Thanks for loving me. Your Momma





































First I want to say "Happy Mother's Day to my mother. She is the best mother in the world. My mother is a great example of what a loving, kind and generous mother is. She has always been there for me in times of need and in good times. We have shared many wonderful moments together and we have always supported and loved one another. She is a hard worker and has always worked hard at being a good mother. She has many talents. My mom has a big heart and loves to always help someone else. I honor and respect my mother. I love her. If you haven't told your mother you love her or how thankful you are of her today is a good day to start. Forgiveness and love go hand in hand. Thanks mom. I love you.

Good eats on less

I found this in the O magazine and thought I would pass it on. I am really going to try and save money buying groceries as we all know the price of food keeps going up. I have learned that if I am more organized I do much better when I hit the grocery store. When I just go in and shop and not really sure what I am looking for I buy all kinds of stuff I don't really need and I don't really want to eat because it is just junk food most likely.


















Trying to get back to the way my mother cooked. She was well prepared, planned menus and bought food on sale and food in season. She cooked from scratch. My mother Carol is a great cook and a great example to me. I am still trying to be like my mother. She has many talents and cooking and baking is at the top of the list.






















Be more prepared.

1. Make a menu for the week.
2. Make a list of food and ingredients you will need for the week.
3. Cut coupons for any of the items you need.
4. Look through the ads to see where the best sales might be.
5. Plan your route
6. Eat before you go shopping.
7. Stick to your list. Buy only the items you put on your list.
8. Have a budget and stick to you.

An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ

TV | Mormon Times

TV | Mormon Times
Music by Jenny Phillips

A link to hear her interview and sing.
Music for the youth and everyone who just enjoys good uplifting music.

Your Happily Ever After

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

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Heavenly Father offers to you the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and the opportunity and infinite blessing of your own “happily ever after.”

My dear young sisters all around the world, I am grateful and honored to be with you today. President Thomas S. Monson and all the leaders of the Church love you; we pray for you, and we rejoice in your faithfulness.

Over the years I have been exposed to many beautiful languages—each of them is fascinating and remarkable; each has its particular charm. But as different as these languages can be, they often have things in common. For example, in most languages there exists a phrase as magical and full of promise as perhaps any in the world. That phrase is “Once upon a time.”

Aren’t those wonderful words to begin a story? “Once upon a time” promises something: a story of adventure and romance, a story of princesses and princes. It may include tales of courage, hope, and everlasting love. In many of these stories, nice overcomes mean and good overcomes evil. But perhaps most of all, I love it when we turn to the last page and our eyes reach the final lines and we see the enchanting words “And they lived happily ever after.”

Isn’t that what we all desire: to be the heroes and heroines of our own stories; to triumph over adversity; to experience life in all its beauty; and, in the end, to live happily ever after?

Today I want to draw your attention to something very significant, very extraordinary. On the first page of your Young Women Personal Progress book, you will find these words: “You are a beloved daughter of Heavenly Father, prepared to come to the earth at this particular time for a sacred and glorious purpose.” ¹

Sisters, those words are true! They are not made up in a fairy tale! Isn’t it remarkable to know that our eternal Heavenly Father knows you, hears you, watches over you, and loves you with an infinite love? In fact, His love for you is so great that He has granted you this earthly life as a precious gift of “once upon a time,” complete with your own true story of adventure, trial, and opportunities for greatness, nobility, courage, and love. And, most glorious of all, He offers you a gift beyond price and comprehension. Heavenly Father offers to you the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and the opportunity and infinite blessing of your own “happily ever after.”

But such a blessing does not come without a price. It is not given simply because you desire it. It comes only through understanding who you are and what you must become in order to be worthy of such a gift.

Trial Is Part of the Journey

For a moment, think back about your favorite fairy tale. In that story the main character may be a princess or a peasant; she might be a mermaid or a milkmaid, a ruler or a servant. You will find one thing all have in common: they must overcome adversity.

Cinderella has to endure her wicked stepmother and evil stepsisters. She is compelled to suffer long hours of servitude and ridicule.

In “Beauty and the Beast,” Belle becomes a captive to a frightful-looking beast in order to save her father. She sacrifices her home and family, all she holds dear, to spend several months in the beast’s castle.

In the tale “Rumpelstiltskin,” a poor miller promises the king that his daughter can spin straw into gold. The king immediately sends for her and locks her in a room with a mound of straw and a spinning wheel. Later in the story she faces the danger of losing her firstborn child unless she can guess the name of the magical creature who helped her in this impossible task.

In each of these stories, Cinderella, Belle, and the miller’s daughter have to experience sadness and trial before they can reach their “happily ever after.” Think about it. Has there ever been a person who did not have to go through his or her own dark valley of temptation, trial, and sorrow?

Sandwiched between their “once upon a time” and “happily ever after,” they all had to experience great adversity. Why must all experience sadness and tragedy? Why could we not simply live in bliss and peace, each day filled with wonder, joy, and love?

The scriptures tell us there must be opposition in all things, for without it we could not discern the sweet from the bitter. ² Would the marathon runner feel the triumph of finishing the race had she not felt the pain of the hours of pushing against her limits? Would the pianist feel the joy of mastering an intricate sonata without the painstaking hours of practice?

In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy.

Let me share with you a personal experience I had as a teenager while our family was attending church in Frankfurt, Germany.

One Sunday the missionaries brought a new family to our meetings whom I hadn’t seen before. It was a mother with two beautiful daughters. I thought that these missionaries were doing a very, very good job.

I particularly took notice of the one daughter with gorgeous dark hair and large brown eyes. Her name was Harriet, and I think I fell in love with her from the first moment I saw her. Unfortunately, this beautiful young woman didn’t seem to feel the same about me. She had many young men who wanted to make her acquaintance, and I began to wonder if she would ever see me as anything but a friend. But I didn’t let that deter me. I figured out ways to be where she was. When I passed the sacrament, I made sure I was in the right position so that I would be the one to pass the sacrament to her.

When we had special activities at church, I rode my bike to Harriet’s house and rang the doorbell. Harriet’s mother usually answered. In fact, she opened the kitchen window of their apartment on the fourth floor and asked what I wanted. I would ask if Harriet would like a ride to church on my bicycle. Harriet’s mother would say, “No, she will be coming later, but I will be happy to ride with you to church.” This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but how could I decline?

And so we rode to church. I must admit I had a very impressive road bike. Harriet’s mother sat on the top tube bar just in front of me, and I tried to be the most elegant bicycle driver over roads of rough cobblestone.

Time passed. While beautiful Harriet was seeing many other young men, it seemed that I could not make any headway with her.

Was I disappointed? Yes.

Was I defeated? Absolutely not!

Actually, looking back I recognize that it doesn’t hurt at all to be on good terms with the mother of the girl of your dreams.

Years later, after I had finished my training as a fighter pilot in the air force, I experienced a modern miracle in Harriet’s response to my continued courting. One day she said, “Dieter, you have matured much over these past years.”

I moved quickly after that, and within a few months I was married to the woman I had loved ever since I first saw her. The process hadn’t been easy—there were moments of suffering and despair—but finally my happiness was full, and it still is, even more so.

My dear young sisters, you need to know that you will experience your own adversity. None is exempt. You will suffer, be tempted, and make mistakes. You will learn for yourself what every heroine has learned: through overcoming challenges come growth and strength.

It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop.

There are those among you who, although young, have already suffered a full measure of grief and sorrow. My heart is filled with compassion and love for you. How dear you are to the Church. How beloved you are of your Heavenly Father. Though it may seem that you are alone, angels attend you. Though you may feel that no one can understand the depth of your despair, our Savior, Jesus Christ, understands. He suffered more than we can possibly imagine, and He did it for us; He did it for you. You are not alone.

If you ever feel your burden is too great to bear, lift your heart to your Heavenly Father, and He will uphold and bless you. He says to you, as He said to Joseph Smith, “[Your] adversity and [your] afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if [you] endure it well, God shall exalt [you] on high.” ³

Enduring adversity is not the only thing you must do to experience a happy life. Let me repeat: how you react to adversity and temptation is a critical factor in whether or not you arrive at your own “happily ever after.”

Stay True to What You Know Is Right

Sisters, young sisters, beloved young sisters, stay true to what you know is right. Everywhere you look today, you will find promises of happiness. Ads in magazines promise total bliss if you will only buy a certain outfit, shampoo, or makeup. Certain media productions glamorize those who embrace evil or who give in to base instincts. Often these same people are portrayed as models of success and accomplishment.

In a world where evil is portrayed as good and good as evil, sometimes it is difficult to know the truth. In some ways it is almost like Little Red Riding Hood’s dilemma: when you are not quite sure what you are seeing, is it a beloved grandmother or is it a dangerous wolf?

I spent many years in the cockpit of an airplane. My task was to get a big jet safely from any part of the world to our desired destination. I knew with certainty that if I wanted to travel from New York to Rome, I needed to fly east. If some were to tell me that I should fly south, I knew there was no truth in their words. I would not trust them because I knew for myself. No amount of persuasion, no amount of flattery, bribery, or threats could convince me that flying south would get me to my destination because I knew.

We all search for happiness, and we all try to find our own “happily ever after.” The truth is, God knows how to get there! And He has created a map for you; He knows the way. He is your beloved Heavenly Father, who seeks your good, your happiness. He desires with all the love of a perfect and pure Father that you reach your supernal destination. The map is available to all. It gives explicit directions of what to do and where to go to everyone who is striving to come unto Christ and “stand as [a witness] of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.” ⁴ All you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father. Trust Him enough to follow His plan.

Nevertheless, not all will follow the map. They may look at it. They may think it is reasonable, perhaps even true. But they do not follow the divine directions. Many believe that any road will take them to a “happily ever after.” Some may even become angry when others who know the way try to help and tell them. They suppose that such advice is outdated, irrelevant, out of touch with modern life.

Sisters, they suppose wrong.

The Gospel Is the Way to Happily Ever After

I understand that, at times, some may wonder why they attend Church meetings or why it is so important to read the scriptures regularly or pray to our Heavenly Father daily. Here is my answer: You do these things because they are part of God’s path for you. And that path will take you to your “happily ever after” destination.

“Happily ever after” is not something found only in fairy tales. You can have it! It is available for you! But you must follow your Heavenly Father’s map.

Sisters, please embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ! Learn to love your Heavenly Father with all your heart, might, and mind. Fill your souls with virtue, and love goodness. Always strive to bring out the best in yourself and others.

Learn to accept and act upon the Young Women values. Live the standards in For the Strength of Youth. These standards guide and direct you to your “happily ever after.” Living these standards will prepare you to make sacred covenants in the temple and establish your own legacy of goodness in your individual circumstances. “Stand … in holy places, and be not moved,” ⁵ regardless of temptations or difficulties. I promise you that future generations will be grateful for you and praise your name for your courage and faithfulness during this crucial time of your life.

My dear young sisters—you who stand for truth and righteousness, you who seek goodness, you who have entered the waters of baptism and walk in the ways of the Lord—our Father in Heaven has promised that you will “mount up with wings as eagles; [you] shall run, and not be weary; and [you] shall walk, and not faint.” ⁶ You “shall not be deceived.” ⁷ God will bless and prosper you. ⁸ “The gates of hell shall not prevail against you; … and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.” ⁹

Sisters, we love you. We pray for you. Be strong and of good courage. You are truly royal spirit daughters of Almighty God. You are princesses, destined to become queens. Your own wondrous story has already begun. Your “once upon a time” is now.

As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I leave you my blessing and give you a promise that as you accept and live the values and principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, “[you] will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.” ¹⁰ And the day will come when you turn the final pages of your own glorious story; there you will read and experience the fulfillment of those blessed and wonderful words: “And they lived happily ever after.” Of this I testify in the holy name of Jesus Christ, amen.