Latter Day Struggles

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In the next two episodes Valerie and Nathan thoroughly examine the recent General Conference address THINK CELESTIAL by Russell M. Nelson.Their conversation delves into the psychological, relational, and theological implications of Nelson's talk, highlighting potential harmful ideas and the importance of maintaining healthy perspectives within religious discourse. Key topics addressed in Monday's episode include: -A challenge of the premise of a hierarchical heaven -A conversation about religion being a place to find certainty -A conversation about fear tactics oriented around threats of changed bodies, isolation, and geographic reward and punishment as a means to motivate right behaviorKey topics addressed in Friday's episode (available to subscribers) include:   -A conversation about the concept of a God who gets offended at the suffering of their children -A reframe around the concept of addiction and how love (not judgment) is the means of healing -A conversation about extreme damage done in encouraging individuals to choose an institution  over family and loved ones who want and deserve dialogue about challenging topics related to spirituality.

Referenced in this series: 

-Think Celestial: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/51nelson?lang=eng

-Tabernacles of Clay: https://a.co/d/brtXohK

-Women and Authority edited by Maxine Hanks: https://a.co/d/dp960xU

-About Cults: https://drsteveeichel.com/about-cultsInfo on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below.  See you there!————————————————————————————————————— SUBSCRIBE: All Friday episodes of Latter Day Struggles can be accessed through ⁠⁠⁠a paid subscription ($9.99/month)⁠. Thank you for supporting Valerie’s professional commitment to your LDS Faith expansion journey!

**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**

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Series Title: Faith Expanding Parenting through “Uplift Kids” Program [Part II of II]

Faith expanding parents in and around the LDS church, are you in desperate need of some direction in how to guide your children towards healthy spiritual literacy? Today's Latter Day Struggles episode is for YOU. 

In the second half of their conversation, Valerie invites Jon Ogden to walk us through how parents can use this brilliant and expansive program to integrate the most current psychology, science, and the great world religions into a holistic and integrated spiritual experience for kids of all ages. 

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Series Title: Faith Expanding Parenting through “Uplift Kids” Program [Part I of II]

In this first episode of a two-parts series, Valerie and guest Jon Ogden delve into the topic of raising spiritually literate children within and beyond the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jon's online program UPLIFT KIDS focuses on providing options and resources for families to incorporate ritual and tradition into their lives, creating a safe space for children to learn and grow while respecting different belief systems.

Monday's episode 167 offers a general overview of Jon's vision for this program.

Friday's episode walks us through how parents can use the Uplift Kids program to integrate the most current psychology, science, and the great world religions into a holistic and integrated spiritual experience for kids of all ages.

Parents, you don't want to miss this week's episodes!

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In this thought-provoking episode of Latter Day Struggles, Valerie dons her mental-health worker hat and delves into the topic of authoritarian parenting within and around the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, Valerie explores the long-lasting effects of this parenting style on children and offers valuable recommendations for self-reflection and growth.   

She discusses how fear, guilt, shame, and anger are often the emotional byproducts of living in an authoritarian home; why this is the case, and how to heal if you were either a child in this kind of home or are the parent currently in struggle.

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In this episode of Latter Day Struggles, Valerie visits with Aimee, a Canadian seminary teacher, to discuss her experiences as a progressive thinker in the Latter Day Saint space. 

Aimee shares her journey of personal growth and how this translates into her approach to seminary teaching-prioritizing inquiry over dogma and allowing her students to become creators of their own spiritual learning experience. 

Valerie and Aimee explore the challenges of teaching with a church-correlated curriculum that may not align with the instructor's personal beliefs and values. 

Through their conversation, they emphasize the importance of love, creating a safe space for students, and helping them grow closer to God.Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below.  See you there!

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In this episode Valerie and Nathan discuss the challenges of parenting in a progressive Latter-day Saints context. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the potential blinds pots inherent to families situated in an authoritarian and patriarchal structure. 

Both share their insecurities, parenting mistakes, and also their parenting growth and victories. They also touch on their evolving views on topics such as parenting around modesty, clothing choices, validating children's experiences, and helping their children develop their own personal value systems.

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If the LDS faith expansion journey is messy, just add parenting to the mix and you've got more complexity than many parents feel they can tolerate!  That is why we produced this episode!  We get it! 

In this episode, Valerie is joined by Julie Hanks to discuss some of the challenges faced by parents of adolescents in and around the LDS church. 

They answer a handful of questions submitted by listeners to both of their podcasts including thoughts about making boundaries with well-intended but overstepping leaders, avoiding black and white thinking, healthy ways to talk about the temple and the garment, and how to address LGBTQ+ issues in church settings. 

Overall, this episode offers valuable insights and guidance for parents as they strive to support their children's growth and well-being.

Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below.  See you there!

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Series Title: Guiding & Trusting LDS Young Adults as They Navigate their Faith [Part II of II]

Welcome to the second half of this miniseries between Valerie and Patrick Mason. 

In this episode Val and Patrick share thoughts and feelings about what they notice is needed for the LDS church to become a place where truly all generations and all members from the "top" to the "bottom" feel that they belong and are welcome to learn from one another. 

They believe that as we learn how to love and listen better, we will come closer to our potential as a vibrant body of Christ.

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Join me for an hour learning about the body's response to painful words. This will happen THIS Monday October 9th, 2023 10:30a Central Time for a FREE virtual webinar. This gathering is especially for those wanting to know if a trauma, processing, growth, and support group through the Latter Day Struggles Platform is right for you. Those in my current or former groups of course welcome to jump in as well! Enroll HERE!https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrdu2gqjwsHd1NdcdewxlyebWmhfxQDaow

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Series Title: Guiding & Trusting LDS Young Adults as They Navigate their Faith [Part I of II]

Welcome to a beautiful two-part conversation between Valerie and Patrick Mason, who talk about the often-unaddressed issue of conflict in religious congregations and how tough conversations can be turned around to propel spiritual growth. 

Patrick has a unique perspective in this issue as a university professor who has recently begun holding gatherings in his home, helping young adults in and around the LDS church feel safe in their honest enquiries around spirituality in general and the LDS faith in specific. 

Valerie and Patrick traverse complex terrain, discussing the fear of constructive conflict within the Latter-day Saint community that often stifles genuine spiritual ministering and growth. Patrick examines this cultural practice, arguing that conflict can and should be seen as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat to unity and peace.

Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below.  See you there!

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