By Kathryn Skaggs

Media Room: Trent Toone, Kathryn Skaggs

Saturday’s sessions of the April 2013 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), had me thoroughly engaged — every second, during each of the day’s meetings.

Perhaps I was unknowingly spiritually dehydrated? And one could easily blame it on the times we are living in, causing us all to feel as though the winds and the waves are literally refusing to obey — clearly heaving beyond their bounds. Also, I will confess, it could very well be that I was trying with all my might, mind and strength, to perform my social media duties with as much precision as humanly possible — no pressure!

Nevertheless, whatever the reason for my state of mind — even if all of the above — the words of living prophets and inspired leaders, when they began to come forth, for this famished soul, were like manna from heaven — and I did lap them up, not caring if I had to fall to the ground to consume every… last… word.

But wait. Let’s back things up a bit… because, at least for me (and I’m sure many of you will agree) that unusually, and not officially mind you, but this General Conference, actually began on Friday. That’s right. In case you missed it, on Friday, the Mormon Newsroom released back-to-back, two significant items of interest. And both, directly affecting the women of the Church.

The first, a 15 minute video discussion, featuring the three general President’s of each of the women’s auxiliaries, discussing equality and priesthood. And second, a press release, announcing a new Mission Leadership Council, which will utilize sister missionaries in the mission field, giving them much more responsibility for teaching and training sisters in the field, and counseling with priesthood leaders.

Continue reading →

This is a guest post by Kathryn Skaggs.

The Mormon Newsroom just posted a video discussion of the three top women leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who just happen to be talking about the very same controversial issues —  that in times past would have almost seemed taboo for women of such stature to be doing —  which have been floating around the likes of blogs (guilty), Facebook walls and media outlets over the last few months — nearly nonstop. I loved listening to these great women of faith, speaking with such candor and understanding, on topics that needed to be addressed — and by our female leaders. I support these sisters and the positions they take on these matters.

The general presidents of the Relief Society, Young Women and Primary organizations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently participated in a conversation covering a number of topics relating to women in the Church. In the video, Sister Linda K. Burton, Sister Elaine S. Dalton and Sister Rosemary M. Wixom provide insights into their roles in Church leadership, describe the power of the priesthood in people’s lives and provide answers to questions of interest.

And if that wasn’t enough, as I was writing this post, the  Mormon Newsroom posted this exciting news release, giving more responsibility to women!


Church Adjusts Mission Organization to Implement “Mission Leadership Council”

SALT LAKE CITY —

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is making adjustments to the way its 405 missions are organized, to better utilize the skills and abilities of all missionaries in training and leadership. The change is due in part to the influx of thousands of young missionaries who are responding to the lowering of age requirements for mission service, announced by President Thomas S. Monson last October. 

Each mission in the Church will organize a Mission Leadership Council that will include both elder (males) and sister (females) missionary leaders. The new mission leadership council will consist of the mission president and his wife, assistants to the president, zone leaders, and sister training leaders. 

“We are very excited about the new Mission Leadership Council and this role for sister missionaries,” said Elder David F. Evans executive director of the Missionary Department. “It will be a blessing to both missions and missionaries throughout the world, and better employ the remarkable faith, talents and abilities of all missionaries.” 

The role of sister training leader has been created as more female missionaries serve in missions around the world. Continue reading →

Introduction

I’ve decided to digest what I learned from General Conference that I believe is applicable to the ongoing conversations about same-sex marriage, same-sex activity, and the Church’s role in valuing and defending traditional marriage and family. It is hard (if not impossible) to argue that the leaders of the Church were silent on the matter this past weekend, or that their words are irrelevant to how we should feel and act concerning the matter.

I’m far from perfect at this, but I generally agree that we abuse the teachings of prophets when we use them as weapons to alienate those with whom we disagree. When teaching and sharing Gospel truth, it should never be done with a warring heart, and using the teachings of prophets and apostles as weapons is certainly the outgrowth of a heart at war. So that’s not what I intend to do in this post. If it comes across otherwise, at least know what my intent is. Remember that I don’t mean it that way.

So instead of sharing what others should have learned, I’ll share the important truths that I learned, and I sincerely hope that others will consider these truths as well. I’m going to try my very best to confine my entire analysis to specific quotes from this conference (with three deviations/exceptions only)—because I hope that by doing so, I can sidestep any criticisms that the messages I’m sharing are out-of-date (as if prophetic teachings have a built-in shelf life). Continue reading →

Title: The Book of Jer3miah: Premonition

Authors: Luisa Perkins and Jared Adair
Publisher: Desert Book

Genre:  Fiction/Thriller
Year: 2013 Continue reading →