Tag: inspirational talk

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4 Talks to Help You Navigate A Faith Crisis

Navigating a faith crisis can be a challenging and deeply personal journey. It involves questioning, reevaluating, and potentially shifting perspectives.
 
Whether it’s your own personal one or the journey of a loved one, everyone’s faith journey is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
 
We’ve gathered 8 powerful fireside talks that we think will help you support yourself and your loved ones through the faith crisis they’re on. 

About the Speakers

▶ To watch or listen to these episodes, just click on the pictures below and it’ll open the episode in the Our Turtle House App.

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©2024 copyrighted under Our Turtle House and Jumping Turtle, LLC

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7 Fun Talks About the Book of Mormon by Hank Smith

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Audiences around the world are mesmerized with author/podcaster/professor Hank Smith.  His happiness, hilarious humor, and motivating insights, making him one of the most sought-after speakers in the industry!

Meet Hank

Hank Smith is the bestselling author of many books including, Be Happy: Simply Secrets to a Happier Life, Unconquerable, Living the Parables, and Look Unto Him and has quickly become a household name in Come, Follow Me curriculum with the  FollowHim Podcast (with John Bytheway).

A favorite speaker for Especially for Youth, FSY, BYU Education Week, and corporate presentations, Hank enjoys golfing, running marathons, and eating lots of ice cream (which is why he runs marathons). More than anything else, he loves being at home with his family.

Talks for the Whole Family

Because we’re studying the Book of Mormon in Come, Follow Me this year, we thought it would be fun to spotlight some of Hank’s fun Book of Mormon talks from the Our Turtle House App. These talks will keep your family entertained and inspired! Click on the picture below to open each episode directly in your Our Turtle House App.

▶ To watch or listen to these episodes, just click on the pictures below and it’ll open the episode in the Our Turtle House App.

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©2024 copyrighted under Our Turtle House and Jumping Turtle, LLC

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4 Talks to Help You Navigate Through Grief

Navigating grief is a deeply personal and challenging journey that everyone experiences differently. It’s important to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but engaging in open and supportive conversations can be helpful.

Whether you’re trying to support someone through grief or trying to understand a grief of your own, here are a few talks that will help you to approach the topic:

About the Speakers

▶ To watch or listen to these episodes, just click on the pictures below and it’ll open the episode in the Our Turtle House App.

Don’t have the Our Turtle House App? No Problem! Get your free 7-day trial here. (Cancel anyttime.)

©2024 copyrighted under Our Turtle House and Jumping Turtle, LLC

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8+ Episodes to Help Improve Your Relationships

In the fast-paced world we live in, where communication is often reduced to quick messages and emojis, the art of fostering deep, meaningful connections can be overlooked. One avenue for enriching and transforming relationships is through engaging with insightful talks that focus on relationship dynamics. Whether it’s a podcast, talk, or a series, the power of listening to discussions on relationships cannot be overstated.

That’s why we’ve made it easy for you. We’ve selected some of our most powerful episodes that will help you build stronger, healthier, more resilient relationships.

About the Speakers

▶ To watch or listen to these episodes, just click on the pictures below and it’ll open the episode in the Our Turtle House App.

Don’t have the Our Turtle House App? No Problem! Get your free 7-day trial here. (Cancel anyttime.)

©2024 copyrighted under Our Turtle House and Jumping Turtle, LLC

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5 Talks to Help Your Teen Know They Are Valued

It might seem impossible but…letting teens know they’re valued is a fundamental aspect of supporting their emotional, social, and cognitive development.

It lays the groundwork for a positive and resilient mindset, encouraging healthy relationships and constructive behavior.

So where do you even start!?!

Let these few talks open the doors of communication as we tell your teens they are more valued than they can ever imagine.

About the Speakers

▶ To watch or listen to these episodes, just click on the pictures below and it’ll open the episode in the Our Turtle House App.

Don’t have the Our Turtle House App? No Problem! Get your free 7-day trial here. (Cancel anyttime.)

©2024 copyrighted under Our Turtle House and Jumping Turtle, LLC

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Understanding Priesthood Power, Authority, & Godhood for Women

Misunderstandings can arise when people equate priesthood ordination with the priesthood power and authority of God.
Yet “the priesthood” is the literal power of God, and is much more multifaceted than we realize.

Wendy Bird-Reese shares four priesthood truths that will help you understand that “the heavens are just as open to women who are endowed with God’s power…as they are to men who bear the same priesthood”. As she shares the difference between “patriarchy” and “hierarchy” and “ordination vs authority and power”, you’ll see how she came to know Heavenly Father grants the priesthood to His sons AND daughters as they strive to fulfill their missions on the earth.

The following is an excerpt taken from her latest full-length talk, “Divine: Understanding Priesthood Power, Authority, & Godhood for Women“. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.

Misunderstandings can arise when people equate priesthood ordination with the priesthood power and authority of God.
Yet “the priesthood” is the literal power of God, and is much more multifaceted than we realize.

Wendy Bird-Reese shares four priesthood truths that will help you understand that “the heavens are just as open to women who are endowed with God’s power…as they are to men who bear the same priesthood”. As she shares the difference between “patriarchy” and “hierarchy” and “ordination vs authority and power”, you’ll see how she came to know Heavenly Father grants the priesthood to His sons AND daughters as they strive to fulfill their missions on the earth.

The following is an excerpt taken from her latest full-length talk, “Divine: Understanding Priesthood Power, Authority, & Godhood for Women“. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.

Wendy Bird-Reese

Last year I spoke at an FSY (For the Strength of Youth) Event. After I gave a presentation, about a half dozen beautiful girls came up to me afterwards and said what about men and the priesthood? Some had tears in their eyes and you could tell that they were really feeling a lot of deep emotion, feeling a little less valued simply because they are female. Because I only had ten minutes between when that presentation that ended and the next presentation, there wasn’t enough time to teach them much about women in the priesthood. But it did start me on a journey.

After speaking with these girls, the Spirit touched my heart and said, “You need to learn more about this, and you need to teach this better.” In doing so, I was led to discover some things that I could share. Former President Jean H. Bingham once said, “The power of God is much more than just a single entity known as the priesthood. It is the literal power of God, and as such, it is multifaceted.“

That about sums it up.

There is much more to the priesthood than we even know. However, I would like to share with you four truths that I’ve learned about the priesthood that might help these young women learn more about the priesthood and help them to see the topic with a different perspective.

In preparation for this talk, I wanted to take the pulse of some people and find out more about what people understood about priesthood. So I gave them a test. (We called it a survey, but really it was a test.) And on this test, I asked what their understanding was of the priesthood. It was given to about 400 people, mostly members of the church, evenly split between men and women, and teens and old people. Their answers were enlightening, to say the least. It highlighted a lot of areas where we can do better. in teaching and understanding the principles of the priesthood. 

However, I would like to share with you four truths that I’ve learned about the priesthood that might help these young women learn more about the priesthood and help them to see the topic with a different perspective.

Wendy Bird-Reese

Last year I spoke at an FSY (For the Strength of Youth) Event. After I gave a presentation, about a half dozen beautiful girls came up to me afterwards and said what about men and the priesthood? Some had tears in their eyes and you could tell that they were really feeling a lot of deep emotion, feeling a little less valued simply because they are female. Because I only had ten minutes between when that presentation that ended and the next presentation, there wasn’t enough time to teach them much about women in the priesthood. But it did start me on a journey.

After speaking with these girls, the Spirit touched my heart and said, “You need to learn more about this, and you need to teach this better.” In doing so, I was led to discover some things that I could share. Former President Jean H. Bingham once said, “The power of God is much more than just a single entity known as the priesthood. It is the literal power of God, and as such, it is multifaceted.“

That about sums it up.

There is much more to the priesthood than we even know. However, I would like to share with you four truths that I’ve learned about the priesthood that might help these young women learn more about the priesthood and help them to see the topic with a different perspective.

In preparation for this talk, I wanted to take the pulse of some people and find out more about what people understood about priesthood. So I gave them a test. (We called it a survey, but really it was a test.) And on this test, I asked what their understanding was of the priesthood. It was given to about 400 people, mostly members of the church, evenly split between men and women, and teens and old people. Their answers were enlightening, to say the least. It highlighted a lot of areas where we can do better. in teaching and understanding the principles of the priesthood. 

However, I would like to share with you four truths that I’ve learned about the priesthood that might help these young women learn more about the priesthood and help them to see the topic with a different perspective.

Priesthood Truth #1

There are two different priesthood governing frameworks. One is eternal, one is temporary. I’m not talking about two different priesthood offices (like the Melchizedek and the Aaronic Priesthood). I’m talking about two different governmental frameworks. One is called the “patriarchal” or the familial priesthood, and the other one is called the “hierarchal”, sometimes called administrative or ecclesiastical priesthood.

 In a 2005 General Conference talk, President Dallin H. Oaks once said, “A most important difference in the functioning of priesthood authority in the family and in the Church results from the fact that the government of the family is patriarchal, whereas the government of the Church is hierarchical. The concept of partnership functions differently in the family than in the Church.“

One is eternal. One is temporary.

I live in Provo and I work in Orem. I’ve been watching the Orem Utah temple go up and, for many months, there were scaffolding structures all over the temple. The scaffolding is a steel structure on the outside of a building. It often contains plywood, allowing workers to stand on the structure and reach different places as they build. The purpose of the scaffolding is to make it a safe, secure way for a structure to be built. However, something that’s really important about scaffolding is that once the building is built, the scaffolding goes away. It’s temporary. 

What does scaffolding have to do with the two different types of priesthood? 

Just as scaffolding is eventually taken down and put away to reveal the final completed building, so, too, will the mortal administrative functions of the church eventually fade as the eternal family comes fully into view.

Elder L. Tom Perry once said, “The church is the scaffolding for individuals and families as they engage in the most important building projects of their lives. I look to the church, the scaffold, with which I build an eternal family.“

Have you ever thought of it that way? That the priesthood is the scaffolding that helps us to build the eternal family.

In his 2015 Women’s Conference talk, Elder M. Russell Ballard stated, “Although the Church plays a pivotal role in proclaiming, announcing, and administering the necessary ordinances of salvation and exaltation, all of that, as important as it is, is really just the scaffolding being used in an infinite and eternal construction project to build, support, and strengthen the family. And just as scaffolding is eventually taken down and put away to reveal the final completed building, so too will the mortal, administrative functions of the Church eventually fade as the eternal family comes fully into view.“

That was a life changing message for me. I hope that you are capturing the vision of what that means. We are a family-centered, church-supported structure, and so is the priesthood structure as well. Eventually this scaffolding will reveal the eternal destiny of our families.

Priesthood Truth #1

There are two different priesthood governing frameworks. One is eternal, one is temporary. I’m not talking about two different priesthood offices (like the Melchizedek and the Aaronic Priesthood). I’m talking about two different governmental frameworks. One is called the “patriarchal” or the familial priesthood, and the other one is called the “hierarchal”, sometimes called administrative or ecclesiastical priesthood.

 In a 2005 General Conference talk, President Dallin H. Oaks once said, “A most important difference in the functioning of priesthood authority in the family and in the Church results from the fact that the government of the family is patriarchal, whereas the government of the Church is hierarchical. The concept of partnership functions differently in the family than in the Church.“

One is eternal. One is temporary.

I live in Provo and I work in Orem. I’ve been watching the Orem Utah temple go up and, for many months, there were scaffolding structures all over the temple. The scaffolding is a steel structure on the outside of a building. It often contains plywood, allowing workers to stand on the structure and reach different places as they build. The purpose of the scaffolding is to make it a safe, secure way for a structure to be built. However, something that’s really important about scaffolding is that once the building is built, the scaffolding goes away. It’s temporary. 

What does scaffolding have to do with the two different types of priesthood? 

Just as scaffolding is eventually taken down and put away to reveal the final completed building, so, too, will the mortal administrative functions of the church eventually fade as the eternal family comes fully into view.

Elder L. Tom Perry once said, “The church is the scaffolding for individuals and families as they engage in the most important building projects of their lives. I look to the church, the scaffold, with which I build an eternal family.“

Have you ever thought of it that way? That the priesthood is the scaffolding that helps us to build the eternal family.

In his 2015 Women’s Conference talk, Elder M. Russell Ballard stated, “Although the Church plays a pivotal role in proclaiming, announcing, and administering the necessary ordinances of salvation and exaltation, all of that, as important as it is, is really just the scaffolding being used in an infinite and eternal construction project to build, support, and strengthen the family. And just as scaffolding is eventually taken down and put away to reveal the final completed building, so too will the mortal, administrative functions of the Church eventually fade as the eternal family comes fully into view.“

That was a life changing message for me. I hope that you are capturing the vision of what that means. We are a family-centered, church-supported structure, and so is the priesthood structure as well. Eventually this scaffolding will reveal the eternal destiny of our families.

Priesthood Truth #2

Men are not the priesthood. Have you ever heard someone say, “We would like to thank the priesthood for passing the sacrament.” or  “The  priesthood will set up chairs for our activity.” These phrases are wrong. Here the word priesthood is being equated with males, right? Well, men are not the priesthood. The priesthood is God’s power. Traditionally and culturally we’ve had that in our minds and so now we get to correct that. Men are not the priesthood. Priesthood is not a gender. It’s a power.

Let’s read “Priesthood Principles” in the Church Handbook. This was really eye opening for me. It says, “The priesthood is the authority and power of God. Through the priesthood, Heavenly Father accomplishes His work “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).” Here is the powerful part, “God grants authority and power to His sons and daughters on earth to help carry out this work.“

Wait, what? Did I just read that correctly? God grants authority and power to his sons and daughters?

Yes. Maybe we need to pull this church handbook out more often. It also says, “God’s priesthood power flows to all members of the Church—female and male—as they keep the covenants they have made with Him. Members make these covenants as they receive priesthood ordinances.“

Ooh, this is getting good. 

Priesthood Truth #2

Men are not the priesthood. Have you ever heard someone say, “We would like to thank the priesthood for passing the sacrament.” or  “The  priesthood will set up chairs for our activity.” These phrases are wrong. Here the word priesthood is being equated with males, right? Well, men are not the priesthood. The priesthood is God’s power. Traditionally and culturally we’ve had that in our minds and so now we get to correct that. Men are not the priesthood. Priesthood is not a gender. It’s a power.

Let’s read “Priesthood Principles” in the Church Handbook. This was really eye opening for me. It says, “The priesthood is the authority and power of God. Through the priesthood, Heavenly Father accomplishes His work “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).” Here is the powerful part, “God grants authority and power to His sons and daughters on earth to help carry out this work.“

Wait, what? Did I just read that correctly? God grants authority and power to his sons and daughters?

Yes. Maybe we need to pull this church handbook out more often. It also says, “God’s priesthood power flows to all members of the Church—female and male—as they keep the covenants they have made with Him. Members make these covenants as they receive priesthood ordinances.“

Ooh, this is getting good. 

Priesthood Truth #3

Men and women are both endowed with the same priesthood power when they make sacred covenants with God. Elder Ballard said this, “When men and women go to the temple, they are both endowed with the same power, which by definition is priesthood power. The endowment is literally a gift of power. All who enter the house of the Lord officiate in the ordinances of the priesthood.” 

When I went through the temple, I realized I was getting an endowment and that it was a gift, but it was never explained to me, “Wendy, when you go to the temple, you’re going to receive an endowment of priesthood power; a gift of priesthood power.” I never understood that. But it’s very clear when you look into it.

President Julie B. Beck said, “The priesthood is God’s power. It is His power to create, to bless, to lead, to serve as He does…Don’t confuse the power with the keys and the offices of the priesthood. God’s power is limitless and it is shared with those who make and keep covenants.“

Priesthood Truth #3

Men and women are both endowed with the same priesthood power when they make sacred covenants with God. Elder Ballard said this, “When men and women go to the temple, they are both endowed with the same power, which by definition is priesthood power. The endowment is literally a gift of power. All who enter the house of the Lord officiate in the ordinances of the priesthood.” 

When I went through the temple, I realized I was getting an endowment and that it was a gift, but it was never explained to me, “Wendy, when you go to the temple, you’re going to receive an endowment of priesthood power; a gift of priesthood power.” I never understood that. But it’s very clear when you look into it.

President Julie B. Beck said, “The priesthood is God’s power. It is His power to create, to bless, to lead, to serve as He does…Don’t confuse the power with the keys and the offices of the priesthood. God’s power is limitless and it is shared with those who make and keep covenants.“

I want to pause here for just a minute because I want to acknowledge the real pain that a lot of our sisters are experiencing because of the hierarchical structure of our church. I acknowledge that pain and that difficulty is to turn a blind eye and to close the door to a revelation that can help us as we try and work together, especially as we look for ways to help women feel more valued and their voices heard. We can make some appropriate cultural and traditional changes. In a real way, we see some of those changes already happening. I love those changes that are happening and I anticipate that we’ll see even more. Still there are lots of ways to help women feel more valued, if we’re looking for them.

I want to pause here for just a minute because I want to acknowledge the real pain that a lot of our sisters are experiencing because of the hierarchical structure of our church. I acknowledge that pain and that difficulty is to turn a blind eye and to close the door to a revelation that can help us as we try and work together, especially as we look for ways to help women feel more valued and their voices heard. We can make some appropriate cultural and traditional changes. In a real way, we see some of those changes already happening. I love those changes that are happening and I anticipate that we’ll see even more. Still there are lots of ways to help women feel more valued, if we’re looking for them.

Let’s go back and remember what Elder Ballard said, “women and men who go to the temple are both endowed with the same [priesthood] power“.

I’d like to share with you about how I felt priesthood power in my life as a sister. I teach at a very small school, and one time I had a student come up to me, and she was in an emotional crisis. That’s the best way to describe it. She was a mess. And all I could think of was that she needed a priesthood blessing and she needed it right then. And my heart sank because I was the only person in the building, the only teacher in the building, and I knew that I could not give her a priesthood blessing but there wasn’t anyone else around. And I thought, “She really needs a blessing, what do I do?” And the thought that came to me was, “You cannot lay your hands on her head and give her a priesthood blessing as one ordained to a priesthood office, but you can bless her.” The thought came to me to take her into my office where we knelt down on the floor and I prayed. And the words came to my mind that I needed to say. I started to tell her what I felt the Spirit witnessed to me that Heaven wanted her to hear and it was powerful. And it surprised me. I wasn’t expecting it. But I knew in that moment that I was using priesthood power to bless this young woman. It was an experience that I’ll never forget.

Since that time, I’ve had many experiences like that where I felt revelation and priesthood power that heaven has shared with me so that I could bless and comfort God’s children.

I testify of President Russell M. Nelson words as he says, “The heavens are just as open to women who are endowed with God’s power flowing from their priesthood covenants as they are to men who bear the priesthood.” I have felt that. I know that is true.

Women have priesthood authority. President Dallin H. Oaks said, “While we are not accustomed to speaking of women having the authority of the priesthood in their callings, what other authority can it be? Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in her or his assigned duties.“

We can do better in understanding and teaching this principle. Remember, “just as scaffolding is eventually taken down and put away to reveal the final completed building, so, too, will the mortal administrative function of the church eventually fade as the eternal family comes fully into view.“

Let’s go back and remember what Elder Ballard said, “women and men who go to the temple are both endowed with the same [priesthood] power“.

I’d like to share with you about how I felt priesthood power in my life as a sister. I teach at a very small school, and one time I had a student come up to me, and she was in an emotional crisis. That’s the best way to describe it. She was a mess. And all I could think of was that she needed a priesthood blessing and she needed it right then. And my heart sank because I was the only person in the building, the only teacher in the building, and I knew that I could not give her a priesthood blessing but there wasn’t anyone else around. And I thought, “She really needs a blessing, what do I do?” And the thought that came to me was, “You cannot lay your hands on her head and give her a priesthood blessing as one ordained to a priesthood office, but you can bless her.” The thought came to me to take her into my office where we knelt down on the floor and I prayed. And the words came to my mind that I needed to say. I started to tell her what I felt the Spirit witnessed to me that Heaven wanted her to hear and it was powerful. And it surprised me. I wasn’t expecting it. But I knew in that moment that I was using priesthood power to bless this young woman. It was an experience that I’ll never forget.

Since that time, I’ve had many experiences like that where I felt revelation and priesthood power that heaven has shared with me so that I could bless and comfort God’s children.

I testify of President Russell M. Nelson words as he says, “The heavens are just as open to women who are endowed with God’s power flowing from their priesthood covenants as they are to men who bear the priesthood.” I have felt that. I know that is true.

Women have priesthood authority. President Dallin H. Oaks said, “While we are not accustomed to speaking of women having the authority of the priesthood in their callings, what other authority can it be? Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in her or his assigned duties.“

We can do better in understanding and teaching this principle. Remember, “just as scaffolding is eventually taken down and put away to reveal the final completed building, so, too, will the mortal administrative function of the church eventually fade as the eternal family comes fully into view.“

Priesthood Truth #4

“God” is an office in the priesthood and is a partnership between a man and a woman. How do I know this? Open your Gospel Library App. Search “God and Godhead” in Guide to the Scriptures. This tells us that the title of God is used to describe God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost. So therefore, God is a title, or an office in the priesthood, not a person’s name. Think of how we use the title bishop. He’s a person, right? But we refer to the bishop as his title. Same thing with God. We’re talking about a person, but it’s not his name. It’s actually a title.

In the Family Proclamation, it says, “all human beings, male and female, are created in the image of God.” So if God is a title and a partnership, that means there’s a male and female component to it. Where do we get that?

Genesis 1:26-27.  “And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness…So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.“

Bruce R. McConkie once said, “In the true Patriarchal Order, man cannot attain a fulness of joy here, or of eternal reward hereafter alone…Godhood is not for men only. It is for men and women together.” It’s a partnership: Mr. God cannot be a god without Mrs. God. Men and women cannot be exalted without each other.

In the survey I took, many of the comments I received were that men have the priesthood and women have the babies. Elder Ballard teaches us a better way of seeing that. He says, “In the eternal perspective, both the procreative power and the priesthood power are shared by husband and wife.”

Do women have a part in procreation? Yes, and so do men.
Do women have a part in the priesthood? Yes, along with men.

We both work together in procreation and in priesthood power, but we do it differently. The counterpart to motherhood is fatherhood. It is fatherhood, not priesthood. We are part of a divine plan designed by Heavenly Parents.

Want a fun challenge?

Priesthood Truth #4

“God” is an office in the priesthood and is a partnership between a man and a woman. How do I know this? Open your Gospel Library App. Search “God and Godhead” in Guide to the Scriptures. This tells us that the title of God is used to describe God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost. So therefore, God is a title, or an office in the priesthood, not a person’s name. Think of how we use the title bishop. He’s a person, right? But we refer to the bishop as his title. Same thing with God. We’re talking about a person, but it’s not his name. It’s actually a title.

In the Family Proclamation, it says, “all human beings, male and female, are created in the image of God.” So if God is a title and a partnership, that means there’s a male and female component to it. Where do we get that?

Genesis 1:26-27.  “And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness…So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.“

Bruce R. McConkie once said, “In the true Patriarchal Order, man cannot attain a fulness of joy here, or of eternal reward hereafter alone…Godhood is not for men only. It is for men and women together.” It’s a partnership: Mr. God cannot be a god without Mrs. God. Men and women cannot be exalted without each other.

In the survey I took, many of the comments I received were that men have the priesthood and women have the babies. Elder Ballard teaches us a better way of seeing that. He says, “In the eternal perspective, both the procreative power and the priesthood power are shared by husband and wife.”

Do women have a part in procreation? Yes, and so do men.
Do women have a part in the priesthood? Yes, along with men.

We both work together in procreation and in priesthood power, but we do it differently. The counterpart to motherhood is fatherhood. It is fatherhood, not priesthood. We are part of a divine plan designed by Heavenly Parents.

Want a fun challenge?

Heavenly Mother

Our Young Woman theme states “I am a beloved daughter of heavenly parents, with a divine nature and eternal destiny.” Where else do we see that we have heavenly parents? The Family Proclamation teaches that “each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents with a divine nature and destiny.” Because we know we have heavenly parents, we know have both a Heavenly Father and a Heavenly Mother. Still there’s a lot we don’t know about Heavenly Mother. We want to fill in the blanks because we so desperately want to know more about her. This leads to a lot of speculation and, unfortunately, some of this speculation is just wrong.

I hear a lot in the classroom of kids saying we don’t know a lot about her because she’s too sacred to talk about. That is a false notion. No where does it say that she should be held in this sacred silence.

I believe that we understand our Heavenly Parents as we study the life of Jesus Christ. How does Jesus teach us about Heavenly Father? We actually don’t know a whole lot about Heavenly Father; there are very few times when we are actually told specifics. And yet, Jesus teaches us concepts of Heavenly Father as he says, “If you know me, you know my Father.” 

That being said, could it also be true that in knowing Jesus more, we learn more about our Heavenly Mother? After all, He is the product of two parents. Look at how Jesus treats women. It’s fascinating and it’s beautiful.

So what do we absolutely know about Heavenly Mother? Here are three truths.

  • She’s the divine prototype for all women.
  • As we study about her, we see the eternal role in the priesthood for all women.
  • She worked in partnership with our Father to design the great plan of salvation.

(I can just imagine seeing your faces right now.)

The title God can also refer a woman.  How do I know this? There’s this really cool article, “A Mother There: A Survey of Historical Teachings about Mother in Heaven.” These are the terms that were used by some of our past leaders in describing our Heavenly Mother:

  • Eternal Mother
  • God their Eternal Mother
  • Mother God
  • Mother
  • God the Mother

Our Heavenly Father sent his Son, but Heavenly Mother also sent her Son. That’s powerful to me. What I have learned about Mother in Heaven and about her role in the salvation of mankind leads me to also trust that she would never do anything that wasn’t in the best interest of her daughters and sons. Sometimes it’s frustrating to feel unseen, unheard or undervalued as a woman, but because I know that my Heavenly Mother was involved in the plan of salvation, I know that it is the best plan for me. 

When the angel asked Nephi, “Knowest thou the condescension of God?” Nephi answered honestly. “I know that he loveth his children, nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.” Is it possible since we just learned that God is a partnership between male and female, and that we do have a Heavenly Mother, that we could also say, “I know that they loveth their children, nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things, but I’m willing to trust.“

Heavenly Mother

Our Young Woman theme states “I am a beloved daughter of heavenly parents, with a divine nature and eternal destiny.” Where else do we see that we have heavenly parents? The Family Proclamation teaches that “each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents with a divine nature and destiny.” Because we know we have heavenly parents, we know have both a Heavenly Father and a Heavenly Mother. Still there’s a lot we don’t know about Heavenly Mother. We want to fill in the blanks because we so desperately want to know more about her. This leads to a lot of speculation and, unfortunately, some of this speculation is just wrong.

I hear a lot in the classroom of kids saying we don’t know a lot about her because she’s too sacred to talk about. That is a false notion. No where does it say that she should be held in this sacred silence.

I believe that we understand our Heavenly Parents as we study the life of Jesus Christ. How does Jesus teach us about Heavenly Father? We actually don’t know a whole lot about Heavenly Father; there are very few times when we are actually told specifics. And yet, Jesus teaches us concepts of Heavenly Father as he says, “If you know me, you know my Father.” 

That being said, could it also be true that in knowing Jesus more, we learn more about our Heavenly Mother? After all, He is the product of two parents. Look at how Jesus treats women. It’s fascinating and it’s beautiful.

So what do we absolutely know about Heavenly Mother? Here are three truths.

  • She’s the divine prototype for all women.
  • As we study about her, we see the eternal role in the priesthood for all women.
  • She worked in partnership with our Father to design the great plan of salvation.

(I can just imagine seeing your faces right now.)

The title God can also refer a woman.  How do I know this? There’s this really cool article, “A Mother There: A Survey of Historical Teachings about Mother in Heaven.” These are the terms that were used by some of our past leaders in describing our Heavenly Mother:

  • Eternal Mother
  • God their Eternal Mother
  • Mother God
  • Mother
  • God the Mother

Our Heavenly Father sent his Son, but Heavenly Mother also sent her Son. That’s powerful to me. What I have learned about Mother in Heaven and about her role in the salvation of mankind leads me to also trust that she would never do anything that wasn’t in the best interest of her daughters and sons. Sometimes it’s frustrating to feel unseen, unheard or undervalued as a woman, but because I know that my Heavenly Mother was involved in the plan of salvation, I know that it is the best plan for me. 

When the angel asked Nephi, “Knowest thou the condescension of God?” Nephi answered honestly. “I know that he loveth his children, nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.” Is it possible since we just learned that God is a partnership between male and female, and that we do have a Heavenly Mother, that we could also say, “I know that they loveth their children, nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things, but I’m willing to trust.“

My Testimony

Ironically, when I was asked the questions about women and the priesthood, the theme for FSY was Trust in the Lord.

Can I trust? Can I trust in the Lord with all of my heart, leaning not into my own understanding, but acknowledging Him, and believing that I have a part in the priesthood power and authority that He has given to mankind on earth?  Absolutely, with all of my heart. Someday all the scaffolding will come down. Someday we’ll have a better picture of the purpose of why we were here on Earth and we’ll see things so much more clearly. I testify, until that day comes, we can trust in the Lord. We can trust that He loves His daughters and His sons equally and that we all have a part in priesthood power and authority in helping the children of God attain their highest potential. I testify of that.

My Testimony

Ironically, when I was asked the questions about women and the priesthood, the theme for FSY was Trust in the Lord.

Can I trust? Can I trust in the Lord with all of my heart, leaning not into my own understanding, but acknowledging Him, and believing that I have a part in the priesthood power and authority that He has given to mankind on earth?  Absolutely, with all of my heart. Someday all the scaffolding will come down. Someday we’ll have a better picture of the purpose of why we were here on Earth and we’ll see things so much more clearly. I testify, until that day comes, we can trust in the Lord. We can trust that He loves His daughters and His sons equally and that we all have a part in priesthood power and authority in helping the children of God attain their highest potential. I testify of that.

▶ To watch or listen to this (and dozens of other full-length talks from your favorite speakers), log in on the Our Turtle House App. Don’t have the Our Turtle House App? No Problem! Get your free 7-day trial here.

©2023 copyrighted under Our Turtle House and Jumping Turtle, LLC

▶ To watch or listen to this (and dozens of other full-length talks from your favorite speakers), log in on the Our Turtle House App. Don’t have the Our Turtle House App? No Problem! Get your free 7-day trial here.

©2023 copyrighted under Our Turtle House and Jumping Turtle, LLC

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8 Talks That Will Inspire Change, Growth, & Self-Discovery

As the leaves change their hues and the air turns crisp, fall ushers in a season of transformation and introspection. It’s the perfect time to seek inspiration and motivation to embrace change and embark on new journeys. What better way to do so than by tuning into some uplifting and insightful talks?

We’ve linked up eight of our favorite inspirational talks from the Our Turtle House App that are sure to ignite your autumn spirit and help you make the most of this beautiful season. These inspirational talks offer valuable insights to help you navigate our own journeys of change, growth, and self-discovery. Whether it’s letting go of the past, cultivating happiness, embracing the unknown, fostering resilience, or finding beauty in imperfection, these talks will remind you that autumn is not just a season; it’s a state of mind. 

So, take a few moments to listen, reflect, and be inspired to make the most of this enchanting time of year.

(Hint: If you don’t have the app, download a free 7-day trial here to listen.)

1. Don’t Limit Your Limitless God
by Al Carraway

Who is God to you? Is He a “good God” only when He gives you what you want? What about those times when you pray for something and it feels like your words fall on deaf ears?

In this inspiring talk, Al Carraway shares how to transform your view of a limiting God into a view of a limitless God. She shares her vision of a loving God who is waiting and eager to walk with you through endless spiritual discovery. You’ll come to see Him, His mission, and His love for you in a new light. Your understanding of who He is will never be the same!

Listen here.

2. Building God-fidence: Face Your Fears. Trust in Heaven.
by Eric Richards

There are plenty of things to be afraid of in this life – spiders, heights, public speaking – maybe even just raising your hand in class! So how do you build the type of confidence that not only helps you face your fears but also helps you feel more confident and sure of yourself?

Join Eric D. Richards as he talks about how to build a different type of strength that helps you see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you and gives you the spiritual strength to take on any challenge!

Listen here.

3. How Can I Help You See Your Value?
by Hank Smith

If you’re going to make an important life decision, it’s statistically made between the ages of 14-24 years old. Today Hank Smith’s purpose is to help youth recognize that:
1. They need our help.
2. They have our help.
3. They are so much more valued than they could ever imagine.

Listen here.

4. Enabled By All Means
by Meg Johnson

Whether it’s a big thing or a small thing, if that “thing” is important to us, it is important to our Heavenly Father.

Quadriplegic Meg Johnson helps us recognize all of the ways God enables us on a day-to-day basis. Though He may not always give us exactly what we ask for, we can be assured that He is always listening and He will always give us the means to accomplish what He knows is best for us.

Listen here.

5. The Main Thing: Keeping Your Eyes Focused on Christ
by John Bytheway

When Peter saw Christ walking on water, he wanted to walk on water too – and he actually did! He didn’t start to sink until he stopped focusing on the Savior. Join John Bytheway as he shares how keeping your focus on Christ will not only strengthen your faith, but will also help you weather any storm you have to face.

Listen here.

6. Joy is the Serious Business of Heaven
by Mary Ellen Edmunds

What makes you happy? Even if life feels overwhelming or out of control, there is a way to turn your frown upside down, even if your circumstances haven’t changed yet! Let Mary Ellen Edmunds help enable you to choose a little bit of happiness, each and every day.

Listen here.

7. The Promise of Encouragement
by Jason Hewlett

Did you know you have the power to change someone’s life with just a few words? There’s a catch though! Laugh and learn with comedian Jason Hewlett as he shows how you can put the COURAGE in enCOURAGE and start transforming others’ lives for the better.

Listen here.

8. Is God Disappointed in Me?
by Kurt Francom

You’ve made a mistake. Now what? As humans, we often resign ourselves to living in guilt or shame because we assume that God is disappointed in us. How different would our lives be if we were to shift our thoughts to recognize that God already knows we are imperfect humans doing exactly what His plan was designed for: learning.

Let Kurt Francom help you realize that God has never been disappointed in you. He has always been cheering you on, like any loving father does.

Listen here.

▶ To watch or listen to the talks, log in on the Our Turtle House App.

Don’t have the Our Turtle House App? No Problem! Get your free 7-day trial here.

©2023 copyrighted under Our Turtle House and Jumping Turtle, LLC

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Top 10 Motivational Talks by John Bytheway

For over 25 years, John Bytheway has been one of the most popular motivational speakers in the LDS inspirational industry. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from around the world have laughed and cried and been inspired by his dozens of bestselling books, audio talks, and DVDs from across the decades, including How to Be an Extraordinary Teen; Life Rocks; and his first children’s picture book, The Sacrament. 

John’s uncanny humor and fun personality has connected him with Our Turtle House audiences across the globe, making John one of the most requested speakers on the app. Today, he has released a new full-length talk “The Object of the Game“, a talk centered on discovering what God’s mission for us is and learning how to “play the game of life” in order to achieve it!

We’ve found some of John’s most popular Turtle Talks  from the Our Turtle House App that will keep your family entertained and inspired! Click on the picture below to open each episode directly in your Our Turtle House App.

Don’t have the app? Download a FREE 7-day trial here!

NEW RELEASE!!! God has a work for you to do! But how do you figure out what contribution that is? And even more importantly, how do you make Heavenly Father a part of your mission? Join John Bytheway as he talks about how when we understand God’s mission for us, we can become better players of the game of life. 

God speaks through patterns in the scriptures, and one of the biggest patterns is with numbers! Join John Bytheway for a brand new Turtle Talk where he breaks down the numeric symbols in the scriptures and what we can learn from them. (Becoming One: Number Symbols in the Scriptures, John Bytheway, Turtle Talks)
How can you deal with all the uncertainty of life when it feels like there’s so little you can actually hold on to? Filled with scriptures and stories, this full-length talk will uplift you as you navigate the uncertainties of life without feeling a need to fear. (A Pandemic Without Panic!, John Bytheway, Turtle Talk)
We often talk about Adam and Eve, but who really was Eve? In this brand new Turtle Talk, John Bytheway shares why Our Glorious Mother Eve (and her many daughters on the earth) are among the “great and mighty ones” who have made it possible for us all to be here today. (Our Glorious Mother Eve, John Bytheway, Turtle Talks)
Learn how to chase the worry away! (No Worries, John Bytheway, Turtle Talks)
You have a work to do! Join John Bytheway in this new talk based on the Youth theme for 2021. "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind." (Be Not Weary in Well-Doing!, John Bytheway, Turtle Talks)