One of my favorite things to do in December is ready short, heart warming Christmas stories. 20 years ago God gave me a true Christmas story of my own and for this Christmas I decided it was time to tell it.  We often think of the miracle of a child coming into the world but I learned that a child of God leaving this world can be just as miraculous. My brother passed unexpectedly on Christmas day 20 years ago and the mercies that accompanied that day are undeniable. Bring tissues and enjoy this story that will remind you of the greatest gift we enjoy because of Christmas.Follow me on all social media platforms 

@amberdawnpearce

Come with me on an Alaskan Cruise July 30- August 6th 2026!  I will be presenting twice a day on the days at sea. Book today at: https://bountifultravel.com/trips/family-get-away-alaska-cruise-2/

Kamana is a coffee alternative made with mesquite, a superfood that looks, makes and tastes remarkably similar to coffee. It’s caffeine and acid free, packed with health benefits and provides natural energy.

https://www.kamana.co/Amberdawn

Use coupon code: Amber20 for 20% off

I used to feel so frustrated when someone would tell me to "just give your burden to the Lord."  It sounded easy enough, but I had no idea how to do it. When I asked anyone to tell me how, I was never given a clear, actionable answer. Then the Holy Spirit answered my question. From that time I have been able to overcome the fear, worry, anxiety, depression that plagued me. In this episode I share what the Spirit taught me and I truly hope it helps others experience the relief of being able to give burdens to the Lord. 

Follow me on all social media platforms @amberdawnpearce

Come with me on an Alaskan Cruise July 30- August 6th 2026!  I will be presenting twice a day on the days at sea. Book today at: https://bountifultravel.com/trips/family-get-away-alaska-cruise-2/

Scriptures Referenced:
Proverbs 3:5, 23-25
3 Nephi 20:25
2 Nephi 2:20
Hebrews 11:8
Judges 6:13
1 Nephi 5:8
Alma 50:23
Mosiah 23:28
Joshua 23:14
Isaiah 55:3
Alma 32:22
Ether 6:12

Conference Talks Referenced:
Let God Prevail, Pres. Russell M. Nelson
Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains; President Russell M. Nelson
Trust in the Lord; By Elder Paul B. Pieper
The Gathering of Scattered Israel, Pres. Russell M. Nelson
The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom; By Elder M. Russell Ballard

I recently asked myself, "Do I really know how to access the power God makes available to covenant keepers?"  Pres. Nelson expressed the need for this knowledge but I don't think I ever let it sink in. 

Then I had an experience that left me so desperate for help and healing that my only option was to access God's promised power in my life. It is a bit vulnerable for me to share but the Spirit urged me on. I truly hope you will gain insights that will help you experience healing you never thought possible because that is exactly what happened to me. 

Follow me on all social media platforms @amberdawnpearce

Come with me on an Alaskan Cruise July 30- August 6th 2026!  I will be presenting twice a day on the days at sea. Book today at: https://bountifultravel.com/trips/family-get-away-alaska-cruise-2/

References:
"Overcome the world and find rest" Pres. Russell M Nelson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/47nelson?lang=eng

"A Plea to My Sisters" Pres. Russell M. Nelson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/10/a-plea-to-my-sisters?lang=eng

"Let God Prevail"  Pres. Russell M. Nelson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/46nelson?lang=eng

Ezra Taft Benson https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/ezra-taft-benson/jesus-christ-gifts-expectations/

Ephesians 2:10
2 Nephi 14 
2 Nephi 9:2
Alma 40:23
D&C 76:43
Jacob 4:9
1 Nephi 17:40
Moses 3:17
Abraham 2:7-8
Abraham 1:18
Helaman 12
Helaman 1:11
Helaman 5:12
Alma 53, 56, &57

Time stamps:
01:50 - President Nelson's instruction that became a personal spiritual call to action.

06:20 - Three unexpected, interconnected messages: the song "Shattered," the Japanese art of Kintsugi, and a scripture in Ephesians.

10:00 - Realizing the pain from the past that was "unknowingly dimming my light."

14:30 - The surprising question God prompted to start the healing process: "How did Satan convince one third of the host of heaven...?"

18:50 - Two core lies of Satan: You can't trust God as your Maker, and He doesn't have the power to redeem you.

21:15 - Alma 40:23 and the temple experience of restoration.

27:40 - Studying the word "workmanship" in Jacob 4:9 and realizing God's power to command us as easily as He commands the mountains.

34:50 - The powerful quote from President Ezra Taft Benson, explained through the lens of covenants.

40:55 - Why the phrase "less than the dust of the earth" (Helaman 12:7) makes sense.

46:50 - A personal declaration of faith and covenant power.

Episode Overview

What is it to keep our lamps "trimmed?"   In this episode, we explore the profound symbolism of trimming our lamps to shine the covenant light of Christ brightly. Drawing from scripture, prophetic counsel, and personal experiences, you'll be inspired to recognize your divine worth, overcome doubts, and embrace your unique role as a woman in Zion.

Come with me on an Alaskan Cruise summer 2026!  Go here for more info and reserve your spot before it sells out!

Questions to ponder:

Reflect on this question: What thoughts do I need to trim out of my life to be a brighter light and better influence? What virtuous thoughts can I add? Share your insights with the Hope Smiling Brightly community @amberdawnpearce. Let’s shine brighter together!

Scriptures Referenced:

Joel 2:28: God’s promise to pour out His Spirit on His daughters.

John 4:42: The woman at the well’s testimony leads others to Christ.

1 Nephi 17-18: God instructs us to share our gifts as He directs.

Alma 19:12-13: King Lamoni testifies of the blessedness of women.

D&C 84:88: The Lord’s promise to be with us as we act in His name.

Moses 6:33-34: God’s promise to fill our mouths and justify our words.

Talks & Articles:

Sheri L. Dew, Knowing Who You Are—and Who You Have Always Been

Emily Belle Freeman, Finding Your Worth through Jesus Christ, 2024 BYU Women’s Conference

M. Russell Ballard, Here Am I, Send Me

President Russell M. Nelson, April 2025 General Conference

Julie B. Beck, What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable

Welcome back, friends! I'm so excited to kick off Season 2 of Hope Smiling Brightly with the final part of this powerful series on what it really means to be a woman in Zion. In this episode, we’re diving into the the second word I found repeated over and over again in reference to women — how it’s woven into who we are as daughters of God, how it shows up in scripture, and why it’s so needed in the world right now.

We'll explore some beautiful symbolism from the parable of the ten virgins, talk about what it means to “trim your lamp,” and how to use your unique gifts, experiences, and covenants to truly shine with Christ’s light. Whether you're a mom, single, newly discovering your identity, or just needing some encouragement — this one’s for YOU.

🚢 Upcoming Event: Alaska Cruise 2026!

Guess what?! I’m going on a bucket list LDS Alaskan cruise and… I’d love for you to come too!

📅 When: July 30–August 6, 2026

🛳️ Where: Alaska, baby!

🎤 I’ll be speaking on sea days, joining optional private excursions at each port, and connecting with new friends in an uplifting, gospel-centered environment.

🔗 Reserve your spot now: https://bountifultravel.com/trips/family-get-away-alaska-cruise-2/

💰 It’s just $400 to lock in your spot!

Come alone or bring your besties or fam — either way, I can’t wait to hang out with you in Alaska. 🐋🌲

💛 Stay Connected with Me:

📸 Instagram: @amberdawnpearce

🎥 YouTube: Hope Smiling Brightly Podcast

🎵 TikTok: @amberdawnpearce

📘 Facebook: Amber Dawn Pearce

✨ Journal Prompts & Questions to Ask God:

How can I better understand and use the gifts God has given me?

Am I fueling my life with Christ — or with something else?

What would it look like for me to truly “trim my lamp” right now?

📚 References & Quotes:

• Elder M. Russell Ballard – “Let Our Voices Be Heard”

• President Spencer W. Kimball – “The Role of Righteous Women”

• President Russell M. Nelson – “A Plea to My Sisters” –

• President Russell M. Nelson – “Spiritual Treasures” –

• Sheri Dew – “Are We Not All Mothers?” –

• Bonnie H. Cordon – “Let Your Light Shine” –

• Elder D. Todd Christofferson – “The Moral Force of Women”

• Revelation 12

• Revelation 17

Revelation 19

• Isaiah 64:8

• Alma 5:27

• D&C; 33:17

This is part 2 in a series where we explore divine truths of what it is to be a woman in Zion. How do I discover my unique role as a woman in God’s plan? How do I explain to my daughter why she can’t hold the priesthood?  How do I overcome doubt of my value as a woman in the church?  I try to address these and other concerns in this episode as I focus on this important truth... We cannot see our unique role if we are focused on or comparing to the role of someone else, male or female.

Come with me on an Alaskan cruise! July 2026 https://bountifultravel.com/trips/family-get-away-alaska-cruise-2/

Book by Wendy Watson Nelson

Stay connected @amberdawnpearce on all media platforms 

My 2 favorite talks:

1. Awake, Arise, and Come Unto Christ- Sheri Dew

https://womensconference.byu.edu/sites/womensconference.ce2.byu.edu/files/sheridew2008.pdf

2. “Let Us Think Straight” M. RUSSELL BALLARD

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/m-russell-ballard/let-us-think-straight-2/

Other references:

Luke 1

D&C 101

D&C 81

Hebrews 11

Mark 10:43-44

What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable Julie Beck

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/10/what-latter-day-saint-women-do-best-stand-strong-and-immovable?lang=eng

For Time and All Eternity By Elder Boyd K. Packer

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1993/10/for-time-and-all-eternity?lang=eng

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:10 Episode Overview and Sponsor Message

01:44 Recap of Previous Episode

02:21 The Unique Role of Women in Zion

03:41 Embracing Your Divine Mission

04:05 Lessons from Enoch and Eve

05:03 Personal Stories and Overcoming Comparison

07:35 The Power of Belief and Revelation

15:01 Humility and Divine Roles

20:29 Inherent Gifts and Priesthood Power

31:33 Personal Reflections and Callings

47:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Powerful and Majestic Role of a Woman in Zion

To be able to see our role clearly as Women in Zion and step into that role fully is to bring the power of Jesus Christ into our lives. But with the influence of the world, our view can get muddied. In this episode I get a little vulnerable and share an experience where God corrected my view and and showed me something much more majestic. The Spirit taught me something about the role of women that no one has been able to explain to me in quite the same way. I hope I am able to convey it with the same power here because it has changed me.

Follow me @amberdawnpearce on all social media platforms

Come with me on an Alaskan cruise! July 2026 https://bountifultravel.com/trips/family-get-away-alaska-cruise-2/

Study resources:

Women and priesthood power.

Prophets Speak to Women

Real Meaning of the term Help Meet

References:

Sheri L. Dew

By Sheri L. Dew

Equality of Men and Women

Let us think straight. M. Russell Ballard 

Mother in Heaven

00:00 Introduction: Woman as God's Supreme Creation

00:34 Physical and Spiritual Preparedness

01:08 Welcome to the Hope Smiling Brightly Podcast

01:3

We are living in a day where the power of Jesus Christ is essential yet Satan is very clever in deceiving people into diminishing this power in their lives. In this episode we discuss profound insights on the power of Christ's name and how to bring it more abundantly into our lives. 

Follow me @amberdawnpearce

Come with me on an Alaskan cruise! July 2026 https://bountifultravel.com/trips/family-get-away-alaska-cruise-2/

References:

Spiritual Treasures Oct 2019 GC. Pres. Russell M Nelson

Accessing God’s Power Through Covenants, April 2023 GC, Elder Dale G. Renlund

Live Up to Your Privileges Oct 2024 GC, Pres. Emily Belle Freeman

Rejoice in the gift of Priesthood Keys April 2024 GC, Pres. Russell M Nelson

00:00 Understanding the Adversary's Tactics
00:37 Introduction and Overcoming Opposition
02:13 Life Without Electrical Power
08:36 The Power of Jesus Christ's Name
11:55 The Importance of Covenants and Temple Worship
21:06 The Role of Prophets and Spiritual Warfare
33:22 The Power of Positive Words and Temple Garments
37:22 Conclusion and Call to Action

Have you ever wondered what it may have been like when the Savior was born? Common sense would make you wonder if Mary had another woman there to assist her. As I imagined that woman, a story and beautiful lesson came to life. As women we have a noble calling to help bring the Savior into the world. In the process we will find healing in our own lives. In this episode I share my testimony of the power of righteous women as well as the moving story I wrote about the handmaid who assisted Mary.

Find me on all social media platforms @amberdawnpearce

Come with me on an Alaskan cruise! July 2026 https://bountifultravel.com/trips/family-get-away-alaska-cruise-2/

References:
"The Role of Righteous Women" By President Spencer W. Kimball
“And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit” By Julie B. Beck
"Turn On Your Light" By Sharon Eubank
Joel 2:28-19


00:00 The Noble Calling of Righteous Women
00:25 Introduction to the Podcast
00:30 A Life-Changing Scripture
01:00 Physical and Spiritual Preparedness
01:34 Episode Introduction: Bringing Christ into the World
01:51 The Desire to Follow Mary's Example
03:20 The Power of Joel's Prophecy
04:54 The Role of Women in God's Plan
06:00 The Unwritten Stories of Women in Scriptures
06:49 A Journey to Oberammergau
07:45 The Profound Nativity Discovery
10:04 The Handmaid's Story
12:59 The Handmaid's Divine Experience
19:54 The Savior's Birth
22:29 The Call to Women Today
23:20 Final Reflections and Testimonies

 In this episode, I reflect on President Russell M. Nelson's advice to choose to believe in Jesus Christ despite doubts or challenges. I share my personal experiences growing up in the gospel, the trials my faith has faced, and how I have strengthened my testimony. From overcoming doubts with the help of faithful sources to understanding Satan's tactics, I provide insights and strategies to help others fortify their faith. Tune in for a heartwarming discussion on maintaining a testimony through study, prayer, and choosing to follow Christ.

Links:
@amberdawnpearce

Come with me on an Alaskan cruise! July 2026 https://bountifultravel.com/trips/family-get-away-alaska-cruise-2/

Support the Hope Smiling Brightly Charity: https://amberdawnpearce.com/hope-shop/

References:
"Christ is risen; faith in Him will move mountains" Russell M Nelson

JS- Mattthew 1: 22 & 37

The Power of Spiritual Momentum By President Russell M. Nelson

2 Nephi 28
Moroni 7:19
Mormon 9
Jacob 7:4
1 Corinthians 2:14
James 1:8
3 Nephi 18:11-13
Psalms 1:1-3
Be One with Christ By Elder Quentin L. Cook

00:00 Introduction and Opening Message
00:43 Meet Your Host: Amber Pearce
02:08 Personal Testimony and Early Experiences
05:20 Facing Doubts and Strengthening Faith
09:50 The Importance of Genuine Doctrine
11:48 Recognizing and Resisting Satan's Tactics
15:47 Personal Encounters with Anti-Information
22:54 Seeking Truth and Spiritual Confirmation
28:12 The Power of Basic Gospel Principles
32:40 Final Thoughts and Encouragement