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12 July 2020
Edified: Insights for LDS Women
Ep 13: Mind-Body Bridging -- A Conversation with Niki Olsen
For this week's episode of Edified, I interviewed Niki Olsen from nikiolsencoaching.com. Niki is a licensed clinical mental health counselor who teaches Mind-Body Bridging, a process that helps LDS women enrich their connection to themselves and to the members of the Godhead. My conversation with Niki was so packed with great tools and advice that I've divided it into two podcast episodes. Besides Niki's expertise with Mind-Body Bridging, in this episode, Niki also discusses themes such as opposite duality, the comparison trap, building resilience in kids, seeking personal revelation, and more.
KEY POINTS:
Mind-Body Bridging
The Comparison Trap
The comparison trap refers to the "shoulds" of life.
Do One Thing
This week's "DOT" invitation is to visit Niki's website, NikiOlsenCoaching.com, and scroll down to where you see the question, "What is Mind-Body Bridging?" Then click on the "Try it for free" button. After you give it a try, leave a comment on my DOT post on Instagram. That post will come out on Monday, July 13th. I am super interested in hearing about your experience with Mind-Body Bridging.
Before you go . . .
If you are enjoying these episodes---
Have a great week, everyone :-)
Until next time . . .
Edified: Insights for LDS Women
Episode 12, Introducing S.W.I.M. -- A Reading Model for Gospel Scholars
In this episode, I introduce S.W.I.M., a reading model designed to help us as we strive to become gospel scholars. This model makes us more aware of which thinking strategies we are using when we read and study the scriptures and conference talks. President Nelson has invited the women of the church to become gospel scholars. This implies more than simply reading our scriptures every day --- although that is definitely part of the process.
Becoming gospel scholars requires us to become more intentional about how we read and how we engage our minds in the thinking process.
S.W.I.M. is a super simple model used to gauge our reading styles based on what we hope to get out of our gospel study on any given day.
Since swimming is a water sport, I have likened the S.W.I.M. Model to some popular water sports.
“S” stands for SKIMMING THE SURFACE, so we can relate SKIMMING to the sport of WATER SKIING.
“W” stands for WONDER ABOUT THE WORDS, so we can relate it to the sport of SNORKELING.
“I” stands for INQUIRY & INVESTIGATION, so we can relate it to the sport of SNUBA DIVING.
“M” stands for MEDITATION & MYSTERIES, which means we are digging for hidden or buried treasures. We can relate this to the sport of SCUBA DIVING.
Water ski readers spend their time on the surface, focused on speed, and covering broader areas of study.
Snorkel readers recognize certain triggers that cause them to wonder about their reading, so they pause and take a look below the surface. Their purpose is to determine if there might be a reason to dive deeper. Snorkel readers can explain the meaning of what they're reading to others.
SNUBA readers inquire by asking questions as they read. Their intent is to find answers to specific questions. They spend time in investigation mode, unpacking passages, and making connections, and they engage the Holy Ghost by inviting him to teach them as they seek their answers. SNUBA readers can explain what they're reading and expound scripture.
SCUBA readers read with the express intent to dive deeper into specific gospel topics. They engage the Holy Ghost as a partner throughout the process of exploring specific doctrines. They consult with experts by bringing in multiple sources from which to gain a deeper understanding of what they're reading. SCUBA readers are comfortable and at home expounding scripture.
Most of us move fluidly through all four of these styles of reading and studying the gospel. But being cognitively aware of them can actually enhance our overall experience. There is no “right or wrong” way to study the gospel, but there are good, better, and best ways.
It’s important that we learn to recognize what I call “PAUSE AND PONDER PROMPTINGS.” These are like signposts that signal when we need to pause and put our face in the water, and when we need to dive deeper.
DOT Invitation:
Take the S.W.I.M. challenge by asking yourself which type of reading you do the most and how much of that time is spent skimming wondering, inquiring and investigating, and meditating.
Set a goal this week to dedicate at least one 1-hr block of time where you can practice some deep-sea diving.
If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please share it with your friends and family on social media and consider leaving me a review on iTunes.
Follow me on Instagram: @melinda.r.morgan
Follow me on FB @ Edified: Insights for LDS women.
Visit my website: www.melindarmorgan.com
Music in this podcast, "Keys of Moon, Be Inspired" Free music download.
Have a great week, everyone :-)
24 June 2020
Edified: Insights for LDS Women
Ep. 11, “GRIT Powered By GRACE” -- Conclusion
This episode is the second half of GRIT Powered By GRACE.
Angela Duckworth, author of GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
In order for us to survive the gales and storms we will encounter during our mortal adventure, we too must have "GOSPEL GRIT."
But GRIT alone isn’t enough. No amount of effort on our part will save us from the effects of sin and the weaknesses of mortality. We need help. We need the enabling and ennobling power of GRACE.
The “G” in Gospel GRIT stands for Growth. It’s about developing a spiritual mindset that recognizes opportunities for growth through adversity and trials.
One way to ensure our spiritual growth is to make sure we are spiritually fed. That we understand the difference between “grazing” and "feasting" on the words of Christ.
Water ski readers are pretty good at seeing the what, who, when, and where. Snorkel readers take time to stop and look for the “why,” “how,” and “what else?”
We rarely find buried treasures floating near the surface.
Digging Higher in the scriptures requires that we scuba dive. That is true feasting on the words of Christ. That is nourishing our souls!
The “R” in Gospel “GRIT” stands for “Resilience.”
Spiritual resilience is defined as our ability to bounce back from adversity and challenges without losing hope or faith. One way we can do this is by maintaining an eternal perspective during times of struggle or loss.
The power to bounce back from adversity comes through the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
The “I” in Gospel "GRIT” stands for inspiration and an increased ability to recognize and receive personal revelation. It focuses on our enlarged capacity to know and understand the language of the Holy Ghost.
We have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost to serve as our spiritual GPS--Gospel Positioning System.
DO ONE THING Invitation:
As you read your scriptures, look for an opportunity to pause and put your face in the water. Do some snorkeling. Invite the Holy Ghost to teach you a personal application of the passage.
Please:
1. Follow me on Instagram: @melinda.r.morgan
2. Follow on FB @ Edified: Insights for LDS women.
3. Post a review in iTunes/Apple Podcast.
More Resources:
"Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Life" - Russell M Nelson
"Evening With a General Authority" - David A Bednar
Click here to access Elder Owen's talk.
Music used in this podcast, "Keys of Moon, Be Inspired" Free music download.
21 JUN 2020
Edified: Insights for LDS Women
Episode 10, GRIT POWERED BY GRACE -- Beginning with the end in mind.
Welcome to Edified: Insights for LDS Women. I’m your host, Melinda Morgan. This podcast is for busy LDS women who are looking for ways to draw closer to the spirit and deepen their connection to Christ. In a word? This podcast is about connection--our connection to each other, and our connection to God.
In this episode, I talk about Gospel GRIT, or GRIT that is powered by GRACE.
When I design instruction, I begin with the end in mind. I thought I would use a similar strategy here. Before I talk about the G, R, and I of GRIT, I'll begin with the “T.”
The "T" in Gospel GRIT stands for "Teamwork." Perfect unity and love cannot exist without it. “Exaltation is a team sport.”
Teamwork requires us to make sincere, authentic connections with others. That means no masks. And no barriers.
Satan wants us to feel out of place in the community of God’s eternal family. Why? Because HE is totally disconnected from the Father, from Jesus Christ, and from the Holy Ghost. This connection with the three members of the Godhead is so important!
"Effort" is "Gospel GRIT" in action.
God is our supernal teammate and our supreme team captain. Our "GRIT" combined with God's GRACE is perhaps what Nephi meant when he said, "...for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." (2 NE 25:23)
(13:19) Brad Wilcox gave a fireside where he unpacked the phrase “AFTER ALL WE CAN DO.” His insights into this phrase is a game changer!
He said, “Grace is not fuel for our engine once we run out of steam. Rather it is a constant, continual energy source. We can receive GRACE before, during and after we expend our efforts. We don’t have to wait for Grace. The light isn’t just at the end of the tunnel, it is all around it.”
When he got to the word, “We,” he literally blew my mind. He said, “It’s not “we” meaning you and me; but “we” meaning us and Jesus. God with us--Emmanuel. It’s not two parts coming together, but two hearts united as one.”
When we're thirsty during our journey, Jesus doesn’t say, “The water’s over there, go get it.” He brings the water to us. We still have to make the journey, but Christ provides the water along the way.
Team #1: The Godhead -- Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.
(17:19) Team #2: Our Family -- We are often reminded that salvation is an individual matter, but Exaltation is a family matter. Our ultimate goal in this life is to create eternal bonds so we may live according to the pattern of Heaven in the next life.
(29:08) Team #3: Our neighbor -- Jesus taught in the New Testament that everyone is our neighbor. As members of the Church, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. Moreover, as children of Heavenly parents, all of us are spiritual brothers and sisters in the family of God.
(29:39). African oral tradition, "Ubuntu," I am because we are. How can one be happy when others are sad?
(37:37) DO ONE THING
Perform an act of kindness to a member of your family, a neighbor, or a co-worker. Write a note. Drop off a box of cookies. Deliver a rose to someone who needs to feel the Savior’s love.
Before you go . . .
IG: @melinda.r.morgan
FB @ Edified: Insights for LDS women.
Music: "Keys of Moon, Be Inspired"
12 JUN 2020
Edified: Insights for LDS Women
Ep 09 -- 5 Aha! Moments I've Had About Personal Revelation
(2:30) Introduction: Story of the man stuck on a ledge.
Key Points
1. The Spirit has a distinct language that we need to become familiar with so we can recognize when the Spirit is guiding, prompting, teaching, or warning us.
2. Personal revelation is received through multiple senses:
3. Personal revelation may come through many mediums:
There are so many ways that we can receive personal revelation, and in every situation, or at least in most of them, the Holy Ghost plays a vital role.
(9:15) Story #1: I Want To Be a Pumpkin
Truth #1 -- There is no matter too small or insignificant. If it's important to us, it's important to the Lord, because we are important to the Lord.
(15:00) Story #2: Miracle of the Lost Keys
Truth #2 -- Sometimes we receive revelation as the answer to someone else's prayer.
Truth #3 -- Visions are not limited to prophets, seers, and revelators of the Lord’s church.
(18:17) Story #3: The Nasty Little Epistle
Truth #4 -- Reading the Book of Mormon daily creates within us a greater capacity to hear the promptings of the Holy Ghost because the Book of Mormon teaches us to recognize the language of the Spirit.
(24:36) Story #4: Because You're Mine
Truth #5 -- We can receive personal revelation during the process of journaling.
Each and every experience affirms that:
The Holy Ghost will serve as our spiritual GPS (Gospel Positioning System), but we have to activate the Gift.
(37:32) DO ONE THING INVITATION
Pray. Listen. Record. Respond. Repeat.
Please don’t skip the “record” part!!! I promise you will be amazed at the difference it can make!
If you’re enjoying these episodes:
Follow on Instagram: @melinda.r.morgan
Follow on FB @ Edified: Insights for LDS women.
Visit website: www.melindarmorgan.com
Resources
"Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Life" -- Russell M Nelson
"Evening With a General Authority" -- David A Bednar
Music in this podcast, "Keys of Moon, Be Inspired" Free music download.
Have a great week, everyone :-)
28 May 2020
Edified: Insights for LDS Women with host, Melinda Morgan
Ep 08: "One Man's 20-Year Road to Redemption"
In this episode, I asked my husband, Ron, to talk about his conversion to the Church. It took him over 20 years before he finally opened his heart and received the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ron's story gives hope to everyone who is currently in a part-member family or who has loved ones who have strayed away from the covenant path. Ron's road to redemption was neither smooth nor easy, but it was miraculous.
Ron's advice:
Remember this: Ron said, “No,” many times, but it only took one "Yes!"
My advice:
Miracles really do happen. Prayers really are answered. And hearts really can change.
DO ONE THING
This week’s small and simple DO ONE THING Invitation is to look for opportunities to have a “Come and See” or a “Come and Help” conversation with someone.
One way we can do this is to look around and see if there is a need in your neighborhood. Ask your non-member family member or friend to help you fill that need. In my area, there is an urgent need for masks, so sisters are picking up kits and making them at home. This is a perfect opportunity to ask your neighbor to come and help.
If you are enjoying these episodes, please share them with your friends and family. And please consider leaving a review in iTunes. Your shares and reviews are the best way to keep this podcast going and to get the link out there so others can find it. You would be doing me a huge favor.
Visit my website: www.melindarmorgan.com
Follow me on Instagram: @melinda.r.morgan
Follow this podcast on Facebook: Edified Podcast
Also on Instagram: @givingvirtueavoice
Also on Facebook: Giving Virtue a Voice
Music used in this podcast, "Keys of Moon, Be Inspired" Free music download.
Edified: Insights for LDS Women
Ep. 07: Are We Predestined to Succeed or Fail? (Don't Buy the Lie)
Welcome to Edified, the podcast for busy LDS women who are looking for ways to draw closer to the Spirit and deepen their connection to Christ. In a word? This podcast is about connection. Our connection to each other, and our connection to Christ.
Today’s episode is about redefining success by the Lord’s standards, rather than the world’s. It’s not always easy, but great things seldom are right?
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
The idea that we are predestined to be successful is another big fat lie that the adversary wants us to believe. He wants us to feel isolated and disconnected from each other and from God. Why? Because HE is isolated and disconnected from God. And he knows he will be for eternity. And he wants us to be miserable like he is.
Our obstacles don’t need to define us and they don’t need to stop us.
If you take nothing else from this message, I hope you will take away the assurance that you are called to share. And by doing so, you will help to light the world and make it a little lovelier and a little brighter.
DO ONE THING
Think about the obstacles that keep you from moving forward in doing the thing you feel called to do. Then ask yourself:
(1) What is the work that is required to overcome my obstacles? You may want to make a list defining exactly what the work entails.
(2) Am I willing to do it? Is what you feel called to do, worth the effort that’s required?
By doing this, you’ll be better able to know what is the best next step for you to take in order to move forward.
I am putting together a summer listening list to share with all of you. Here are three podcasts I really enjoy listening to:
If you are enjoying these episodes, please share them with your friends and family. And please consider leaving a review in iTunes. Your shares and reviews are the best way to keep this podcast going and to get the link out there so others can find it. You would be doing me a huge favor.
Visit my website: www.melindarmorgan.com
Follow me on Instagram: @melinda.r.morgan
Follow me on Facebook: Giving.Virtue.A.Voice
Music used in this podcast, "Keys of Moon, Be Inspired" Free music download.
Edified is for busy LDS women who are looking for ways to draw closer to the spirit and deepen their connection to Christ.
In this episode, I talk about the difference between being "called," and being "chosen."
When women share with me that they feel called to do something, I ask them three questions:
Are you willing to go the distance? To go around, crawl under, climb over, or power through whatever obstacles come your way? You KNOW the obstacles are going to come! You know this because what you feel called to do is something that is GOOD for people. And the adversary will have none of that! He will try to wear you down, break you down, or push you down every chance he gets. And if he succeeds in stopping you --- or paralyzing you --- then he wins.
This is the lesson I finally learned. I was suffering from “Call Paralysis.” I see it so clearly in myself and in so many of the women I talk to. They feel the call, but they have allowed their fear of failure or making a mistake, the vastness of their learning curve, or debilitating comparisons to others to stop their forward motion.
So to all those women out there who have felt the call to do something--to start an online business, create an online course, write a book, start a blog, create a podcast, or tell their story through video media, I say, “Just do it! Come what may!” If you impact one person’s life, if you lift one tired hand or feeble knee, then you have served God and you have been an instrument in His hands.
“What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. Don’t let the fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you--whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.” -- Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Do One Thing
Make a list of everything you feel called to do. Ask the Lord which of your many "hats" does the Lord want you to wear right now? Ask Him, and then apply the “wait time” principle we focused on last week. If you don’t feel like you’re getting an answer, it may be that the Lord is leaving the choice to you. The invitation is that you make forward progress in one area. And remember and apply the words of Christ, “If you have a desire to serve the Lord, you are called to the work.”
Resources
Visit my website: www.melindarmorgan.com
Follow me on Instagram: @melinda.r.morgan
Follow this podcast on Facebook: Edified Podcast
Also on Instagram: @givingvirtueavoice
Also on Facebook: Giving Virtue a Voice
If you're enjoying these episodes, please share them with your friends or on Instagram. And please leave a review in iTunes. Shares and reviews are the best way to spread the word and keep this podcast going. Until next time.
"Keys of Moon--Be Inspired" free music download
May 2020
Edified: Insights for LDS Women
Ep. 05: Growing Up as a Child of Divorce, With Raechel Duplain, Co-Founder of Bright Zebra Marketing
Welcome to Edified! The podcast for busy LDS women who are looking for ways to draw closer to the Spirit and deepen their connection to Christ.
I am so excited to bring this episode to you. This week I had the opportunity to interview a truly special guest. Raechel Duplain is 32 years old, a dedicated wife, mother to an amazing 18-month-old boy, and a successful career woman. She graduated from Brigham Young University in 2009 with a degree in English Literature and is an award-winning marketer who leads a product marketing team in a fast-growing tech company. She is also a co-founder of Bright Zebra Marketing, a company that teaches mom entrepreneurs marketing strategies that help them grow their businesses and do what they’ve felt called to do. Prior to starting her coaching business, she was a commissioned pen-and-ink artist.
Raechel is also my daughter and the oldest of my four children.
I invited Raechel to be a guest on Edified because of the challenges she experienced and had to overcome as a child of divorce and then living in a part member home with a mom who was not active in the church.
There are so many of us women whose lives have been impacted or influenced in some way or on some level by divorce--either in our own personal backgrounds or through that of others who are close to us. Raechel has agreed to speak candidly about her experiences both as a child and as an adult.
I believe so strongly that there are many women who would benefit from Raechel’s story and from the advice she offers to both adult children of divorce and to parents who are going through or have gone through a divorce themselves. She also has some encouraging words for those of you living in a part member home or who have a loved one who may be experiencing a crisis of faith right now.
Key Points
Do One Thing (DOT) Invitation
This week's invitation is to focus on increasing the "wait time" in our personal prayers this week. When saying your prayers, take a little more time to pause and just be still. Then listen. This small and simple adjustment will make our prayers more meaningful and will help us feel closer to the Lord.
I would love for you to share your experience by leaving a comment on this week's Instagram post titled, "Wait Time" (See link below).
If you’re enjoying these podcast episodes, please consider leaving me a review through iTunes and share this podcast with your friends on Facebook or on Instagram. Reviews and your sharing are the best ways for this podcast to grow and keep going. You would be helping me out a lot. Thank you.
Visit: www.melindarmorgan.com
Follow on Instagram: @melinda.r.morgan
Follow on Facebook: Giving.Virtue.A.Voice
Music used in this podcast, "Keys of Moon--Be Inspired" free music download
11 MAY 2020
Edified: Insights for LDS Women
Ep. 04: "Sacred Grove Moments”
Welcome to Edified! Weekly devotionals designed for busy LDS women who are looking for ways to draw closer to the Spirit and deepen their connection to Christ. Today’s episode is about recognizing our Sacred Grove Moments, and the power they have to strengthen us and lift those around us. I’ll also be sharing some tips for safeguarding our testimonies.
“Sacred Grove Moments” have four things in common:
Our Sacred Grove moments won’t lead to a world-wide restoration of the gospel, but they can lead to the restoration of our souls. They keep us tethered to Christ.
Testimonies are both dynamic and fragile. If they’re not growing, they’re at risk. They require consistent monitoring and maintenance. If we neglect them, we can lose them. Regardless of how strong our testimony, there is never a bad time for a spiritual upgrade.
Ten Core Truths
Recognizing a weakness or a “hole” in our testimony is not a bad thing, but it does warrant our attention.
"DOT" Invitation
Resources for this Episode
If you’re enjoying these podcast episodes, please leave me a review through iTunes and share this podcast with your friends or on Instagram. Reviews and your sharing are the best ways for this podcast to grow and keep going. It would mean the world to me.
Visit: www.melindarmorgan.com
Follow on Instagram: @melinda.r.morgan
Follow on Facebook: Giving.Virtue.A.Voice
Music used in this podcast, "Keys
From the publisher's feed