Let's Get Edified!

What happens when we exercise our faith, but the mountain isn't moved? Does this mean we lack faith, or that our faith isn't strong enough? These are just two of the questions discussed in this week's episode of Let's Get Edified.

I'm so pleased to welcome back Niki Olsen, of Niki Olsen Coaching. Niki is one of my favorite guests, and she always brings us some practical tools we can implement right away. And this week is no exception! Niki will be sharing her insights from President Russell M. Nelson's talk, "Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains."

Faith is a topic we hear about often. It's a simple principle -- but there is nothing "simple" about its power! Faith often begins with hope, but hope alone does not build faith. Building faith requires action on our part -- consistent, daily acts that demonstrate our trust in the Lord and His plan for us.

"By small and simple things, great things are come to pass."

Simple, Daily Acts

1. Daily prayer
2. Daily repentance
3. Practicing Humility

Do ONE Thing

Choose one of the simple, daily acts Niki mentioned in this episode that you would like to cultivate. Record your progress as you strive to live the associated principle more fully.

Resources

Visit Niki's website:  www.nikiolsencoaching.com
Follow Niki on Instagram:  @nikiolsencoaching
"Christ is Risen: Faith in Him Will Move Mountains" -- President Russell M. Nelson
"Evening With a General Authority," -- David A. Bednar

Connect with me on Instagram @melinda.r.morgan
And be sure to check out my brand new website:  www.melindarmorgan.com

This week, I am pleased and honored to welcome as my guest Dr. David T. Morgan. David is a licensed psychologist and has been in private practice for about 30 years. He received his BS, MS, and Ph.D. from Brigham Young University.  He's a sought-after speaker and recently presented at BYU Women's Conference. An avid writer, David is a regular contributor to LDS Living Magazine and has published four books, with his latest work scheduled to release in January 2022. 

In this episode, David shares his thoughts on Elder Renlund's conference talk, "Infuriating Unfairness."

Key Segments

1.  "If there truly is a loving God, why does He allow bad things to happen to good people?" 

Isn’t this the granddaddy of all questions? It's the question that, no matter how thoughtful our answer, it just doesn't satisfy.

2.  Quote:  “Mortal life is inherently unfair.”

How can we explain the frustration of dealing with what appears to be unjust unfairness?

3.  Quote:  “I declare with all my aching heart that Jesus Christ both understands unfairness and has the power to provide a remedy.”

“...yet will I not forget thee….Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” (1 NE 21:15-16) -- One of my favorite scriptures. 😊

4.  Quote:  “Because of Him, we can have peace in this world and be of good cheer. If we let Him, Jesus Christ will consecrate the unfairness for our gain. He will not just console us and restore what was lost; He will use the unfairness for our benefit.”

David describes a time when the Lord consecrated unfairness for his gain. 

5.  How do we move beyond the concept of unfairness and on to compassion for others, regardless of their situation?

6.  On “stone catching,” how is catching stones “fair”? What are some ways we can “catch the stones” thrown by others? 

7.  Tell us more about mercy and compassion --- Are there times when we feel “justified” in NOT extending mercy or compassion to others? 

If ever there was someone who would have been justified in this, it was the Savior. Of his own crucifiers, he pled with the Father to forgive them. He showed compassion to the soldier who came to arrest him. When Peter cut off the man's ear, Jesus rebuked Peter and healed the man's ear. 

8.  Where did this compassion come from? What did Christ understand about this mortal experience that many of us either don’t understand or forget when faced with “infuriating unfairness?”

9.  This is a kind of a pet subject of mine right now …. Learning how to think as Jesus thinks. How might learning to think as Jesus thinks help us extend more compassion and mercy to others?

10.  Does showing mercy and compassion mean removing the consequences of our actions?

11.  Talk to us about spiritual resilience. I did a whole series on my blog and then later on my podcast on Gospel GRIT, Powered By GRACE. This idea of resilience is an important part of how I define GRIT. You recently wrote a book on this subject. Without giving away any trade secrets, would you share some of your ideas about spiritual resilience?

12.  What edifies you?

DO ONE THING

Get to know someone better this week--Someone who annoys you or rubs you the wrong way. Knowing them better will help us develop compassion for them.

Resources

"Infuriating Unfairness," Dale G Renlund
"The Character of Christ," David A Bednar
Connect with Dr. Morgan on IG: @ldspsychologist
Visit Dr. Morgan's website:  www.ldspsychologist.com

I'm probably not the first person to raise an eyebrow when Elder S Gifford Nielsen suggested loving ourselves is the "implied" 3rd great commandment.

Why is this principle of loving ourselves so important right now? I mean, this is the age of selfies and "me" time. Do we really need to love ourselves more? Aren't we supposed to forget ourselves and go to work serving and loving others?

What about the claim that if we don't love ourselves, then we cannot truly love God?

Elder Gifford said this:
Our Heavenly Father wants us to love ourselves -- not to become prideful or self-centered, but to see ourselves as He sees us--we are His cherished children. When this truth sinks deep into our hearts, our love for God grows.

This week my special guest is Brennen Eisenhut. Brennen works in the field of performance psychology, which is something I always associated with professional sports, but the principles apply in almost all areas of life. Brennen coaches individuals, groups, and company employees to help them learn, achieve, and grow in almost any aspect of their lives.

In this episode, Brennen talks about the importance of loving ourselves and practicing self-compassion. Such an important concept! He also discusses the inevitable challenge of achieving that perfect balance between self-compassion and self-indulgence.

Brennen also shares his thoughts on something so many of us have experienced--The "shame trap," and how we can get ourselves "unstuck" when we fall into a pattern of shame, as opposed to experiencing godly guilt that brings us closer to the Lord.

Finally, Brennen will leave us with three pieces of advice to help us become better at practicing self-compassion. We can all use a little more of that, can't we!

Do ONE Thing
This week, the Do ONE Thing invitation is to practice one of Brennen's tips on becoming better at practicing self-compassion:

1. View mistakes like both a scientist and a loving mother.
2.  The "Friend or Family Member" exercise
3.  Focusing forward

Resources

"This is Our Time" -- S. Gifford Nielsen, April 2021
"God Among Us" -- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2021

Follow Brennen on Instagram:  @Brennen_Eisenhut
Follow me on Instagram: @melinda.r.morgan

Visit my website:  www.melindarmorgan.com

This week I am pleased to welcome back Becky Squire. Becky was a guest during Season One and taught us three things women have been called to do. In this episode, she shares insights from Joy D. Jones's talk, "Essential Conversations."

Becky has a passion for helping others build the confidence and knowledge to positively influence the world online. She has been published in a variety of media including The Today Show and is a contributing author to the newly released book, You Are Distinct and Different. Becky is also the founding editor of Latter-day Woman Magazine.

Above all, Becky enjoys studying the gospel and discussing it with others. 

Inside This Episode

00:04 Welcome Back Becky Squire
03:51 Why Becky Chose Joy D. Jones' Talk
05:23 Becky Shares Key Points from Sister Jones' Talk
09:08 We Cannot Wait for Conversion to "Just Happen"
12:47 How Do You Teach Our Children to Recognize the Spirit
15:10 Three Things We Need to Teach Our Children
20:00 Comfort the Afflicted & Afflict the Comfortable
26:50 Our Children's Shield of Faith
30:48 The Greatest Challenge Facing Our Youth Right Now
33:43 Dinner As a Family
36:53 What Are We Being Asked to Do Better?
39:13 Connect With Becky

Do ONE Thing

Consider what essential conversations you should be having with your children--whether they are toddlers, teenagers, young adults, or adults with children of their own. Let the Holy Ghost guide your thoughts and write them down.

Resources

"Essential Conversations" - Joy D. Jones

Follow Becky on Instagram @beckysquire
and @latterdaywoman
Visit beckysquire.com
Visit LatterDayWomanMagazine.com

Click here for the full transcript of this episode.

Mother Remembered

Recently, I've been thinking about all the ways that my mom demonstrated and taught me about God's love. She was not a spiritual person, yet she believed in God. She never uttered an oral prayer, yet she prayed constantly for her children. Her house adorned no photos of Christ or religious symbols, yet she had unwavering faith in God's plan and in God's timing. The unconditional love she consistently demonstrated for me gave me hope in the possibility that maybe even God could love me unconditionally too.

It wasn't until I became a mother myself that I began to understand the depth and power of my mother's love for me.

One morning, during a morning walk, I pictured my mom and dad in their indescribable grief mourning the death of their first two babies. In particular, I pictured my mom lying in her hospital bed overcome by such profound feelings of loss. In my mind's eye, I pictured my four children and me (in our premortal state) kneeling around her, crying with her, and whispering words of encouragement and hope. I imagine us telling her to hold on, to not lose faith. And we reassured her that she would have the family she longed for someday.

God's Perfect Timing

My mom always held to the hope that God had a plan for her. She would say, "God wouldn't take my two babies unless He had a plan for us." 

And that He did. Sixteen years after the loss of their second baby, my parents adopted my brother, Morgan. 18 months later, they adopted me. A few months after that, my mom found out she was pregnant with my little brother, Wes. After 20 years of marriage, in three quick years, my parents had three children. And their life was full. 

On December 26, 2017, my daughter, Raechel, and her husband, Devon, knelt across the altar of the temple as proxies for my mom and dad. Moments later, I knelt at the same altar and became Mom and Dad's "real" daughter for all eternity. 

The last time I saw my mom, I hugged her and told her I loved her. While I was gathering my things to walk out the door, I heard her call my name. When I turned around, she was walking toward me clutching her walker. “What?” I said.  She smiled and said, “I love you.” 

I thought it was strange because we had said, “I love you,” just a moment earlier. But I walked over to her, gave her a hug, and kissed her cheek. “I love you too, Mom,” I said. 

Those were our last words to each other. And still, it didn’t feel like it was enough.

Do ONE Thing

This week, let us not only honor our mothers for giving us the gift of life but for those of you for whom it is not too late to do so, please tell your mom how much you love her. And make sure you tell her WHY you love her! She needs to know what part of being a mom she managed to get right. 

And then? Remember to say it to her often. Not just every 2nd Sunday in May. 

Happy Mother’s Day to you--whether you’re a mom, a grandma, an aunt, a sister, a friend, or someone who will become a mother someday, either in this life or the next. 

And Mom, happy Mother’s Day to you in Heaven. I miss you every day, and love you!

Resources

"Behold Thy Mother" Thomas S. Monson, Oct. 1973

Follow me on Instagram @melinda.r.morgan
Follow me on Facebook @Let's Get Edified

Winning the battle of the spirit over the flesh is not easy. Some of us struggle with this our entire lives, especially those who battle addictions. The adversary knows if he can ensnare us with addiction, it will make it so much harder for us to let God prevail in our lives.

In this episode, I share a very personal story about my struggle to battle addiction and the birth of what I refer to as a "Second Brain." This is the brain that shows up and encourages us to submit to the will of the natural man at the same time that our "Rational Brain" is trying to convince us to walk away from temptation and submit to the will of God.

Through an incredible recent experience, I learned first-hand how fasting can help us "armor up" in the face of temptation.

This episode is personal, raw, and real. No outline. No script. Just me speaking from the heart about a personal challenge I struggled with for many years, and the miracle I experienced recently that taught me I am never alone when I cry out to the Lord for help.

Understanding the "Natural Man"

What is the "natural man?"
"A person who chooses to be influenced by the passions, desires, appetites, and senses of the flesh rather than by the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Such a person can comprehend physical things but not spiritual things. All people are carnal, or mortal, because of the Fall of Adam and Eve. Each person must be born again through the Atonement of Jesus Christ to cease being a natural man." -- LDS Guide to the Scriptures

Carl B Cook "Putting of the Natural Man and Becoming Saints"
"The natural man or woman is the mortal part of us that allows the physical, the temporal, or our own desires to overrule our inherent spiritual goodness and our desires to become like our Heavenly Parents (see Spencer W. Kimball, “Ocean Currents and Family Influences,” Ensign, November 1974). Of course, the fight will not be won immediately. It is a daily battle for each of us, and we are dependent upon God and Jesus Christ to help us change our nature."

For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. [Mosiah 3:19]

Segments:
6:00 -- When my "Second Brain" showed up the first time
8:15 -- Telling Ron about "Second Brain"
10:42 -- The night I "went away sorrowing" and stopped judging the "Rich Young Ruler" from the New Testament
13:12 -- "Second Brain" started showing up a couple of weeks early
15:30 -- My decision to fast for help and how that decision gave me spiritual strength
17:20 -- The "Y" in the path -- A vision of what was to come if I went left at the "Y"
20:41 -- Telling my non-member friend about my experience in the San Diego Temple
24:12 -- Prayer of gratitude and the Lord saying, "I've got your back!"
25:28 -- Fasting can help us draw on the powers of Heaven.
28:00 -- The power of God is stronger.

Connect with me on Instagram @melinda.r.morgan

Welcome to Edified!

Is our mindset about repentance keeping us from increasing our ability to recognize and receive personal revelation?

Do our beliefs about the principle of repentance limit our ability to access the power of God?
 
In this bonus episode, I share four common myths about repentance and how these myths might be creating roadblocks that keep us from allowing God to more fully prevail in our lives. And I suggest three mindset shifts that will enable us to view repentance as a proactive principle with powerful promises designed to deepen and strengthen our connection to each member of the Godhead.

Four Common Myths About Repentance:

1. Repentance is only for “sinners.” (ie., I only need to repent when I sin.)
2. I cannot repent more than once for the same sin.
3. I must not be forgiven, because I keep remembering my past mistakes.
4. When I repent, God doesn’t “forget” my sins, He just chooses not to hold them against me.

Three Mindset Shifts:

1. Repentance is for everyone, every day.
2. Sincere daily repentance is like hitting our spiritual “reset” button.
3. Daily repentance binds us to God and helps us allow our will to be “swallowed up in the will of God.”

DO ONE THING -- Call to Action:

Write Yourself a Letter from Jesus.
What does Jesus love about me?
What is one thing Jesus wants me to do better?
What is one thing Jesus wants me to stop doing?
What words of encouragement would Jesus say to me right now?

Repentance is a principle of joy with powerfully profound promises.

Resources:
Kyle S. McKay, "There Must Needs Be a Christ"
Stephen W. Owen, "Repentance is Always Positive"
Jeffrey R. Holland, "Remember Lot's Wife"
Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Best is Yet to Be"

Follow me on IG: @melinda.r.morgan
Follow me on FB: @Edified: Insights for LDS Women

Watch this episode on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/T9gkyMRpT8o

Edified: Insights for LDS Women
Episode 46, "Learning to Trust God" with Featured Guest, Dawn Heath
Season Two Finale
Airdate:  28 MAR 2021

The day I was baptized, Brother Lambert, the man who baptized me, had to repeat the ordinance three times, because I had a very stubborn knee that would not yield to submersion in the water! Little did I know that my stubborn knee foreshadowed three decades of stubbornness and a wrestle with the Spirit that did not cease until I finally learned to trust God’s love for me. To trust His plan for me, and to trust in the saving and enabling powers of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. To truly trust that God’s way is so much better than mine. 

This episode spotlights the principles and promises taught in President Russell M. Nelson’s talk, “Let God Prevail.” 

I am so excited to introduce this week’s featured guest, Dawn Heath. Like me, Dawn is a convert to the church; but unlike me, Dawn learned early on how to trust God and let Him prevail in her life. Dawn is married to Dr. Terence Heath, and together they have four children and six grandchildren. Shortly after her baptism, Dawn was called to serve a mission in the Wellington, New Zealand mission. She has served in leadership positions in pretty much every auxiliary. She taught seminary for three years, taught Sunday School, has served as Relief Society President, and multiple times as Young Women’s president. Currently, Dawn is serving as our Stake Young Women’s president. And let me tell you, she is a tremendous blessing to the families of our stake. 

Spend one afternoon with Dawn, and you will walk away knowing three things:  She loves the Lord. She loves the temple. And she loves the youth!

I met Dawn when Ron and I moved to Cedar City, and the instant I met her, I knew she and I were going to become great friends! Today, I consider her to be one of my closest and dearest friends of all time--and my sister forever. 

Key Segments (Time Stamped):

(7:25) -- What thoughts come to mind when you think about the phrase, "willing to let God prevail?"

(15:14) -- What is our role in the work of gathering Scattered Israel?

(20:40) -- How does being myopic interfere with our ability to let God prevail in our lives?

(31:15) -- Six questions President Nelson asked us to consider:

1. Are you willing to let God prevail in your life?
2. Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life?
3. Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day?
4. Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other?
5. Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition?
6. Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?

(43:20) -- What are some of the blessings President Nelson promised us if we are willing to let God prevail in our lives?

(48:35) -- What edifies you?

(50:20) -- Do One Thing:

This week, as we prepare for General Conference, let's do everything we can to remove as many distractions as possible so we can better focus on the messages delivered by our leaders.

The first episode of Season Three will air on Sunday, May 2, 2021, but following General Conference weekend, there will be a couple bonus episodes of the podcast that you for sure will not want to miss! These are messages that come straight from my heart to yours.

Resources:

"Let God Prevail" Russell M. Nelson

Follow me on Instagram @melinda.r.morgan

Have a great week everyone! 
Until next time . . .

Edified: Insights for LDS Women
Episode 45 "3 Ways to Prepare for the Second Coming"
Season 2
Air Date:  21 MAR 2020

Welcome to this week's episode of Edified: Insights for LDS Women. This week we take a walk through President Russell M. Nelson's message to the sisters, "Embrace the Future With Faith," from the General Women's session of General Conference, October, 2020.

"My dear sisters, ...you have not only the numbers but the spiritual power to change the world. .... You have all been absolutely heroic! ... You have shown that in difficult circumstances, you bravely carry on...Once again you have proven that you are literally the hope of Israel."  (Russell M. Nelson)

Key Points

"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear." (D&C 38:30)

To teach us how we can be prepared temporally and spiritually, President Nelson used the principles Captain Moroni employed for preparing his people in the book of Alma in the Book of Mormon.

1.  Create Places of Security

• Home -- first line of defense
• Stakes of Zion -- "a refuge from the storm"
• Temple -- a place of security unlike any other
• Anywhere you can feel the presence of the Holy Ghost and be guided by Him

2.  Prepare Your Mind to Be Faithful to God

• Our spiritual foundation must be solid
• Our faith increases every time we exercise our faith in God
• Regular immersion in the Book of Mormon -- "The Book of Mormon is our latter-day survival guide."
• Yoke ourselves to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ!

3.  Never Stop Preparing

• Even when not under attack, Captain Moroni never stopped preparing his people. He never became complacent.
• The adversary never stops attacking, so we can never stop preparing.
• The more self-reliant we are--temporally, emotionally, and spiritually--the more prepared we are to thwart Satan's relentless assaults.

"Turbulent times are opportunities for us to thrive spiritually. They are times when our influence can be much more penetrating than in calmer times." (Nelson)

DO ONE THING Invitation

Answer President Nelson's question, "What have you learned this year?" Take a moment to sit and reflect on the past year since the quarantine began last March. Write down the lessons you have learned and how your relationship to the members of the Godhead have changed throughout the year. Your answers may surprise you.

Resources

"Embrace the Future With Faith" -- President Russell M. Nelson

Follow me on Instagram @melinda.r.morgan
Follow Edified on Facebook: @Edified: Insights for LDS Women
Visit my website:  www.melindarmorgan.com

Edified: Insights for LDS Women
Episode 44 "Where Do I Stand With the Lord?"
Season Two
Airdate 14 MAR 2021

Click here to view the complete transcript of this episode.

If we were to die today, could we say with assurance that we are worthy to enter the Lord’s presence?

“I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day:  Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your words have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth? … I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands?” (Alma 5:16, 19)

I don’t know about you, but every time I read the 5th chapter of Alma, I kind of cringe a little. And I wonder,  “am I prepared for that day?” And there’s a part of me that believes it would be wrong and prideful to answer that question by saying, “Yes, I’m prepared right now to enter God’s presence with clean hands and a pure heart.” 

Why the doubt?  What can we do right now that would increase our confidence in this area? 

In today’s episode, we will look at three minor adjustments that could make a major difference in helping us become more confident in knowing we are recommended to the Lord. 

Key Segments:

1. View your Temple Recommend in a higher and holier way.

2. Justification and sanctification

3. Create a sacred space in your home.

4. Redouble your efforts

DO ONE THING Invitation:

Implement one of the three adjustments discussed in this episode. A minor adjustment that could make a major difference.

Remember, the deeper we dive, the higher we rise!

Resources:

"Recommended to the Lord" Elder Ronald A. Rasband
"Justification and Sanctification" Elder D. Todd Christofferson
"The Doctrines of Justification and Sanctification" Bruce Satterfield, Department of Religious Education, Brigham Young University

Follow me on Instagram @melinda.r.morgan
Follow on Facebook @Edified: Insights for LDS Women