What to Bring for Labor

In just a few weeks, I should be holding my second baby boy in my arms. As such, the whole idea that I'm actually giving birth again has officially sunk in and likes to freak me out. To manage the concept of being a mother to two boys under the age of two, I've been making lists and over-preparing and in general, making my husband worry more than me.

I've been thinking of my last labor, delivery, and recovery hospital visit and came up with a more in depth list as to what I need to bring and why. Hopefully, this will be helpful to some of you.

Camera. Make sure you bring one and make sure it's charged before you go. Bring the charger too as you'll probably take so many photos of your new little one, the battery life will be short. Doesn't matter much in my opinion if it's a phone camera or a more professional one, just make sure you bring one.

My Baby Boy and I

Comfy Bedding for Husband. We own a memory foam mattress topper for a twin bed. It's hardly ever used at the moment, but we brought it with us to the hospital along with sheets, cover, and pillow, and my sweet husband was able to comfortably sleep on the chair beds the hospital provided. Granted, he only slept when I was asleep, but he was able to actually get sleep. Mom's need husbands who have had a good night's rest.

Toiletries. Shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, hair ties, makeup, face wash, body wash, razor, etc. You will be able to take a shower after giving birth. Having these toiletries makes you feel human again after going through an incredible feat. Plus, you can then look nice for pictures and feel nicer even when you are sore everywhere.

Adult Disposable Underwear/Diapers. Sounds weird. I know. But they save you. You just had the most insane period ever. You will be recovering for a while. The hospital usually will provide huge giant pads, but this way you don't have to worry about leaking so much. Plus, they can better hold cooling pads. Better to heal with especially if you had stitches. Just bring some.

Comfy Clothing. You are not required to wear the hospital gown while recovering. Bring a couple of comfy shirts you can nurse in (button-up PJ shirt or nursing shirt) and loose, comfy bottoms that you could have worn in your 2nd trimester. You won't go back to your former size immediately after giving birth, so don't pack skinny jeans. You could also bring a robe to wear. Bring some slippers or sandals too, you might be more swollen after giving birth than before due to pushing a child out of you, so walking the halls to a nice, wonderful jacuzzi tub would be easier in sandals.

Nursing Supplies. For women who plan to nurse, bring nursing bras, nursing breast pads, and your nursing pillow. Nursing can be kinda hard to get a handle on. It helps to have everything you need to make it easier. Took my first child and me about 3 weeks to figure it all out, so I'd also recommend bringing an electric breast pump and bottles. They aren't necessary, but when you're really struggling with the latching and feeding, you can at least pump to encourage milk supply and feed your child the 'liquid gold' that's only there at the beginning of your child's life. I'd really invest in an electric pump, not a hand pump. My hands about fell off with how much hand pumping I needed to do. Bring lanolin cream for your breasts as well, they'll be sore.

Baby Hand Mittens
BedBath&Beyond.com

For Baby. Of course, bring the cute outfit for going home in, but bring them in a couple of different sizes: pre-term, newborn, 0-3 month. My son was born 9 lbs, so he only fit in the newborn size for about 2 weeks before he outgrow them. You're never sure how big he'll be until he's arrived. Bring some baby blankets too. I'd also highly recommend to bring baby hand mittens and baby fingernail clippers. Your child will be born with fingernails. They will accidentally scratch themselves unless their hands are swaddled in blankets. It also will help prevent your baby getting sick from people playing with his hands and then having your child put that hand into his mouth. Bring your child's baby book! You can ask the nurses to help get the baby's hand and foot prints. Make sure you bring the infant carseat. You will not be allowed to take your child home unless you have one.

Entertainment. Bring your laptop, a book, card game, or something. You'll be recovering for a couple of days and have some downtime.

Snacks. I was always hungry in the middle of the night. While the hospital food was amazing (seriously), the cafeteria isn't open in the middle of the night. I wasn't allowed to eat during labor (which lasted at least 12 hours), and right after you don't always feel like eating a lot either. I was starving by the time my first breakfast arrived. Your husband will probably be hungry too. Our hospital had a snack bar in the hallway stocked full of yummy snacks. However, sometimes the snacks were all gone because all the other couples grabbed some too. Make sure you bring snacks.

Other Advice. You don't need to bring diapers and wipes for your little one, as they usually provide those while you are in the hospital. Our hospital will leave the child with the parents unless otherwise requested, then they'll bring the child in for feedings. While some mothers want to be near their newborn 24/7, I personally recommend you request for the nurses to take your child at night. Not during the day, just at night. They will still wake you up and bring your child in to eat every 2 hours. But you're in the hospital to recover as much as you possibly can, in my opinion, that means actual sleep rather than being woken up from a restless baby who doesn't actually need to be feed yet, but you aren't sure. The more you're able to recover, the more you will be able to be there for your child when you are the only one there. You can trust the nurses, they know how to take care of newborns; it is their job, so you can rest easy. Check your hospital's website for any other advice they have on to what to bring or not bring to make your stay comfortable for all of you.

Dear Mothers of Angels

I have a healthy 14 month old boy. I'm 27 weeks pregnant with another healthy little boy. Most of my life revolves around these two. I'm one of those mothers who is always posting pictures and videos of my son so that our distant family can follow along with their grandson's or nephew's life.

The Child Who Was Never Born
LifeSiteNews.com

But, dear mothers of angels, I am always thinking of you every time I look at my little boy or feel my younger son kicking. I'll go on a walk watching my son play with rocks, bugs and puddles and think of you and how you're doing. Going through the trials of a first trimester and then the waking in the middle of the night because your child is a wanna-be acrobat, I think of you and your child.

I have learned from you. I have learned how to better express my love toward my children. I have learned you can't compare or fully understand another's suffering, but you can mourn together. I have learned you can still be joyful with others even while you are experiencing trials. I have learned to take more joy from my children, even when sleep is deprived and energy lacking. I am still learning from you.

I just want you to know that you really are a mother of an angel. Eve was named mother of all living before she ever had children or gave birth (Genesis 3:20; Moses 4:26). I don't have answers as to why some of us struggle to have children and others don't seem to. In this last General Conference, I heard Sister Linda S. Reeves speak and thought of us all who suffer and struggle in one way or another:

Understandably, many have expressed that our Father’s promised blessings are just “way too far away,” particularly when our lives are overflowing with challenges. But Amulek taught that “this life is the time … to prepare to meet God.” It is not the time to receive all of our blessings. President Packer explained, “‘And they all lived happily ever after’ is never written into the second act. That line belongs in the third act, when the mysteries are solved and everything is put right.”

I love you. I care for you. I'm not perfect. Sometimes I'm awkward in trying to mourn with you and comfort those who need it while at the same time taking joy in my sons. I'm working on it. You are filled with so much love for those around you. You are a great example to me as you play with my son when he'd be near the same age as your's, or helping me through the difficulties of pregnancy. I desire to be more like you. I thank you for being joyful with me about my children. Thank you for being a mother to your own angel child as well as every child that comes your way.

I simply want you to know you aren't alone. I'm awkward in expressing how much I love you and do mourn with you, but please know there is hardly a day that goes by that I don't think of you and send up a prayer.

Your Sister, Your Friend,
Another Mother.


P.S. A couple of years ago I studied the topic of "The Doctrine of the Salvation of Little Children" and wrote a blog post of some of the things I had learned. It has been a comfort to me when I worry about my own and other's children. I hope that it could bring some comfort to you as well.

Mormon Women: Women's Divine Gifts

I love being a woman. I love knowing I am a daughter of God. I love being a wife to a wonderful husband. I love knowing I will be a mother to our son. I love knowing that my husband and I compliment each other with our strengths and weaknesses, but they we help each other become even better.

I've briefly mentioned how priesthood authority works in the home; how men and women are to be different but equal partners. Spencer W. Kimball has said:

In his wisdom and mercy, our Father made men and women dependent on each other for the full flowering of their potential. Because their natures are somewhat different, they can complement each other; because they are in many ways alike, they can understand each other. Let neither envy the other for their differences; let both discern what is superficial and what is beautifully basic in those differences, and act accordingly.
We had full equality as his spirit children. We have equality as recipients of God’s perfected love for each of us. …
Within those great assurances, however, our roles and assignments differ. These are eternal differences—with women being given many tremendous responsibilities of motherhood and sisterhood and men being given the tremendous responsibilities of fatherhood and the priesthood.

I like seeing the progress that women have made in the work force to be considered equal as men if they can meet the same standards. However, I have a great dislike for women who demand equality but then through their own actions become less feminine and more masculine. They are losing a sense of who they inherently are. "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" states, "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." Men and women have been given divine gifts. I love what Ezra Taft Benson said:

You [women] were not created to be the same as men. Your natural attributes, affections, and personalities are entirely different from a man’s. They consist of faithfulness, benevolence, kindness, and charity. They give you the personality of a woman. They also balance the more aggressive and competitive nature of a man.
The business world is competitive and sometimes ruthless. We do not doubt that women have both the brainpower and skills—and in some instances superior abilities—to compete with men. But by competing they must, of necessity, become aggressive and competitive. Thus their godly attributes are diminished and they acquire a quality of sameness with man.

Women have been given the responsibilities of motherhood and sisterhood. We have natural gifts of faithfulness, benevolence, kindness, and charity. We are natural nurturers. Elder D. Todd Christofferson said, "Women bring with them into the world a certain virtue, a divine gift that makes them adept at instilling such qualities as faith, courage, empathy, and refinement in relationships and in cultures." Is it any wonder we can be so influential in the lives around us?

Source: Hometown Pasadena

The most significant influence is felt in the home. Elder Christofferson also said, "A woman’s moral influence is nowhere more powerfully felt or more beneficially employed than in the home. ... In all events, a mother can exert an influence unequaled by any other person in any other relationship." Family is the building block of society and governments. Family is where lessons are taught of how to be a citizen, what values are important, how to work with others, and many other lessons both purposefully and accidentally taught. Elder Neal A. Maxwell stated:

When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses?

I know my own mother has been a great influence on me. Greater than anything happening in government. Greater than any peer or school influence. The values she has instilled in me in turn cause me to be a citizen, friend, and student she'd approve of. As David O. McKay said, “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” If mothers (and fathers) fail to use their influence at home to teach their children morals, good values, and how to prioritize, the rising generation is left without them as they become join the work force and begin to run the country. Then things start to fall apart.

David O. McKay also taught:

The home is the first and most effective place for children to learn the lessons of life: truth, honor, virtue, self-control; the value of education, honest work, and the purpose and privilege of life. Nothing can take the place of home in rearing and teaching children, and no other success can compensate for failure in the home.

Women have a tremendous influence. President Boyd K. Packer said: “The tender hand of the sister gives a gentle touch of healing and encouragement which the hand of a man, however well intentioned, can never quite duplicate.” We are blessed with divine gifts that only we as women naturally have. Men can work and develop such a talent, but for women it is part of who we are.

We frequently here how we women need to support and encourage our husbands, fathers, brothers, sons to fulfill their priesthood responsibilities. We hear how we need to support them as they work to provide for their families. It's all true. However, I heard a story that changed my perspective:

One evening, a man and his wife go to a business dinner of his. At this dinner, people asked the companions what they did. This wife said she was a stay-at-home mother and supported her husband in his job. After saying such a statement, people would lose interest and move on in the conversation. She felt ashamed. She felt like she should say she was college graduate and was working at some prestigious company; then she felt ashamed that she was ashamed of simply being a stay-at-home mother. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and recognize how important such a job is. But she was self-conscious of simply stating that. On the way home from the dinner, her husband was thinking of how his wife does support him in his career and how much she does for him. Then he had an epiphany. Yes, she supports him, but the reason he goes to work every day was so that he could support her in her most important calling of nurturing and raising their children. He supports her so that she could stay home with the children; so that she could be there for them.

Women are just as important as men. Families and societies are greatly blessed to have both men and women. We compliment and complete each other. We are greatly blessed to have the masculine natures of men and the feminine natures of women. As Elder Richard G. Scott said:

In the Lord’s plan, it takes two—a man and a woman—to form a whole. Indeed, a husband and wife are not two identical halves, but a wondrous, divinely determined combination of complementary capacities and characteristics.

Marriage allows these different characteristics to come together in oneness—in unity—to bless a husband and wife, their children and grandchildren. For the greatest happiness and productivity in life, both husband and wife are needed. Their efforts interlock and are complementary. Each has individual traits that best fit the role the Lord has defined for happiness as a man or woman. When used as the Lord intends, those capacities allow a married couple to think, act, and rejoice as one—to face challenges together and overcome them as one, to grow in love and understanding, and through temple ordinances to be bound together as one whole, eternally. That is the plan.

I am so grateful for the knowledge that I am a daughter of God who loves me. I am grateful to be sealed for time and eternity to a wonderful worthy priesthood holder who can bless our children and help them reach for and obtain saving ordinances that will help them become the best individuals they can be. I'm grateful to know that I am just as important and influential in the lives of my children and helping them learn to develop admirable qualities and attributes for the beneficial of themselves, their future family, friends, and society.

Other Resources:

Ballard, M. Russell. "Mothers and Daughters."

Beck, Julie B. “The Vision of Prophets regarding Relief Society: Faith, Family, Relief.”

Benson, Ezra Taft. "Strengthening the Family."

Cardon, Craig A. “A Man of God, A Woman of God.”

Christofferson, D. Todd. "The Moral Force of Women."

Dew, Sheri. "Are We Not All Mothers?"

"Differences Inherent Between Men and Women."

Eyring, Henry B. “Daughters in the Covenant.”

"The Family: A Proclamation to the World."

Holland, Jeffrey R. “Because She is a Mother.”

Howard, F. Burton. "Eternal Marriage."

Hudson, Valerie M. and Richard B. Miller. “Equal Partnership in Marriage.”

“Love Your Wife.”

Maxwell, Neal A. "The Women of God."

Nadauld, Margaret D. "The Joy of Womanhood."

Oaks, Dallin H. “The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood.”

Oscarson, Bonnie L. “Sisterhood: Oh, How We Need Each Other.”

Packer, Boyd K. "For Time and All Eternity."

Shumway, W. Douglas. "Marriage and Family: Our Sacred Responsibility."

Thackeray, Rosemary. “Celebrate Nurturing.”

Watson, Faith S. “Faith and Fortitude: Women of the Old Testament.”

"Women’s Divine Roles and Responsibilities."

Mormon Women Series:
Introduction
Ask Questions
The Administration and Membership of the Church
What is the Priesthood?
Priesthood and Women
Women's Divine Gifts

Mormon Women: Priesthood and Women

I hope in the last few posts, you've been able to recognize how women and the priesthood interact. In this particular post, I hoped to be able to go into greater detail. However, for you to really gain a knowledge of this interaction, I've put together a few activities for you to do by yourself or with others. They're adapted from the Young Women Sunday lesson for June 2014: Priesthood and Priesthood Keys.

If you really wish to understand more about how the priesthood and women interact you should study through these activities and seek for understanding and inspiration. There is just so much that can be learned through your own studies when you seek sincerely as I mentioned in "Ask Questions." I wish for you to be able to really appreciate and comprehend how important the Priesthood is and how the priesthood is beneficial to men and women. Women are not insignificant or lesser because they are not ordained the priesthood.

In fact, the First Presidency has recently released a statement saying:

In God’s plan for the happiness and eternal progression of his children, the blessings of his priesthood are equally available to men and women. Only men are ordained to serve in priesthood offices. All service in the church has equal merit in the eyes of God. We express profound gratitude for the millions of Latter-day Saint women and men who willingly and effectively serve God and his children. Because of their faith and service, they have discovered that the church is a place of spiritual nourishment and growth. 

We understand from time to time church members will have questions about church doctrine, history or practice. Members are always free to ask such questions and earnestly seek greater understanding. We feel special concern, however, for members who distance themselves from church doctrine or practice and, by advocacy, encourage others to follow them. 

Simply asking questions has never constituted apostasy. Apostasy is repeatedly acting in clear, open and deliberate public opposition to the church or its faithful leaders, or persisting, after receiving counsel, in teaching false doctrine.

Take the time to study. Take the time to search. Be faithful and understand God loves His sons and His daughters and the blessings of the priesthood are equally available to all.

Activity #1: Focus on Priesthood Keys and Blessings.
Read the first three paragraphs and the story about visiting a church in Denmark from President Boyd K. Packer's talk "The Twelve." Teach each other what you've learned about priesthood keys from these talks. What blessings have come to you through the service of those who hold priesthood keys? What are some of the blessings we receive from the priesthood? Can also read: Daughters in My Kingdom Chapter 8 from the introduction up through "Temple Blessings."

Activity #2: Focus on Priesthood Quorums and Relief Society (and other auxiliaries) and their similarities and differences.
Read the section titled "Priesthood Quorums" of True to the Faith. What are the similarities between how Priesthood quorums and auxiliaries are organized? What are the differences? Help the women see that the women of the Church are organized after the pattern of the priesthood (see Daughters in My Kingdom Chapter 8 "Serving in the Church" and Chapter 2 from the introduction through "Early Excitement about Relief Society.")

Activity #3: Focus on the similarities and differences of the duties and responsibilities of priesthood holders and Relief Society sisters.
Write on a piece of paper, "What are the duties of priesthood holders?" on one side and, "What are the duties of Relief Society sisters?" on the other. List as many duties as you can think of an then add to your list the duties you find in D&C 20:46-60, True to the Faith "Relief Society," and "Relief Society: A Restoration of an Ancient Pattern" Chapter 1 and "'Hand in Hand with the Priesthood': Inspired Counsel from Latter-day Prophets" in Chapter 8 from Daughters in My Kingdom. Consider which of these responsibilities you share with men. How have and do the women of ancient times and today participate in the work of the priesthood? How do you see yourselves in the work of the priesthood?

Activity #4: Focus on Priesthood Power and personal righteousness.
List ways in which people in the world gain power (money, education, popularity, good looks, and so on). Read together D&C 121:36-46 and list the principles upon which priesthood power is based. Contrast the world's way of obtaining power and the Lord's way. How does knowing about these principles affect the way you view the priesthood? In what ways can we be righteous to access this power ourselves? Can also read: Daughters in My Kingdom Chapter 2 "Increase Faith and Personal Righteousness" and Chapter 3 the introduction through "Exodus: Sustained by Covenants."

Other great resources:

• D&C 13, 20, 81, 84, 107, 121. Alma 13.
• Daughters in My Kingdom Ch. 2 and 8.
• Elder Oaks, "The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood."
• Elder Ballard, "'Let Us Think Straight.'"
• President Packer, "Priesthood Power in the Home."
• Sister Burton, "Priesthood: 'A Sacred Trust to Be Used for the Benefit of Men, Women, and Children.'"
• Elder Oaks, "Priesthood Authority in the Family and the Church."
• Sister Dew, Women and the Priesthood: What One Mormon Woman Believes.

Mormon Women Series:
Introduction
Ask Questions
The Administration and Membership of the Church
What is the Priesthood?
Priesthood and Women
Women's Divine Gifts

Mormon Women: What is the Priesthood?

The Priesthood really is a wonderful gift we have. I don't fully understand it. I'm still learning. But what I do know and have learned has really strengthened my faith and testimony and relationship with God. I mentioned in the "Ask Questions" post of this series that I wasn't ever that concerned about learning more about the Priesthood. I just accepted that God was perfect; He loves us perfectly; He guides, directs, and organized this Church. That was good enough for me.

Or so I thought.

About a month ago, I was asked to teach a Relief Society lesson based off of Elder Dallin H. Oak's April 2014 General Conference address entitled "The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood." I really struggled trying to learn from God what it was He wanted me to teach to my fellow Relief Society sisters; the majority of whom are college students, young, newlywed, new mothers, and/or expecting. I felt strongly that the goals of this lesson should be:

1. The sisters learn something new about the Priesthood.
2. The sisters understand more of how the Priesthood applies to them.
3. The sisters gain a desire to learn more themselves.
4. The sisters feel and are inspired by the Spirit.
5. The sisters are involved in their own learning.

You may recognized that these goals are similar to the ones I have for this Mormon Women blogpost series. In this particular post, I hope to focus on the first goal: learn something new about the priesthood. Or even be reminded about things you already knew.

What is the Priesthood?

Priesthood is the power and authority of God. The priesthood is also the power and authority that God gives to man to act in all things necessary for the salvation of God’s children ("Priesthood"). Elder Oaks said:

President Joseph F. Smith described the priesthood as “the power of God delegated to man by which man can act in the earth for the salvation of the human family.” Other leaders have taught us that the priesthood “is the consummate power on this earth. It is the power by which the earth was created.” The scriptures teach that “this same Priesthood, which was in the beginning, shall be in the end of the world also” (Moses 6:7). Thus, the priesthood is the power by which we will be resurrected and proceed to eternal life ("The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood").

It's the power that created the world, the galaxy, and us. It's the power by which we are healed and given ordinances whether living or dead to gain eternal life. It's the power and authority o God. It is amazing.

Priesthood Keys
Keys are the rights of presidency, or the power given to man by God to direct, control, and govern God’s priesthood on earth ("Keys of the Priesthood").

One of the girls explained what keys are in a great analogy. You probably have a set of keys: a key to the car, a key to your home, a key to the mailbox. You can't use a key to your home to unlock anyone else's home nor to open your mailbox. A key to your home only unlocks and allows you to open your home. It doesn't unlock office doors, or file cabinets, or cars. It unlocks your home. Now you are probably careful with your set of keys. You don't just let anyone have a copy of the key to your home. You give them to certain individuals you trust and have proven worthy like a close friend or family member. You trust this friend not to make more copies of your house key without your permission and handing them out. They would need your permission to make copies and permission of who to give the copies too.

This is the same way priesthood keys work. They each have a different job. They each 'unlock' something to allow individuals to choose whether they will open the door or not. The May 2012 New Era states:

Priesthood keys are the right to preside over and direct the Church within a jurisdiction. Keys usually apply to a geographic area, like a ward, stake, or mission. They also usually include authority over specific ordinances and activities (for instance, baptism, the sacrament, missionary work, and temple work).

All the priesthood keys come from Heavenly Father through His son, Jesus Christ. The keys belong to them. To give someone a certain priesthood key, they must obtain permission from God Himself. Our modern day prophet, Thomas S. Monson, currently holds and can exercise all the priesthood keys for this dispensation. Others who hold specific keys are Stake Presidents, Temple Presidents, Mission Presidents, Patriarchs, Elder's Quorum Presidents, Bishops, Teacher's Quorum President, and Deacon's Quorum Presidents.

Priesthood Authority
This is where individuals who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and those who are not can become confused. The reason for this is because the priesthood authority functions differently in the home and the Church. One very worthwhile talk to read on this matter is another address by Elder Dallin H. Oaks entitled "Priesthood Authority in the Family and in the Church."

In the Church
You receive authority from those who hold priesthood keys. You can be a man or a woman to receive this authority, but not all men or women have it. When you are extended and receive a call, and are set apart, you are given priesthood authority for that calling. For example, I was extended a call to be a Relief Society Teacher. I accepted the call. I was sustained in Sacrament meeting by the ward. I was then set apart in my calling as a Relief Society Teacher. As such, I have priesthood authority to teach Relief Society and as such I will be blessed and inspired for that calling. When I am released, I will no longer have that authority to be a Relief Society Teacher. Same goes for Relief Society Presidents, Primary Presidents, Quorum Presidents, and all other callings. President Boyd K. Packer said,

The Relief Society works under the direction of the Melchizedek Priesthood, for "all other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood." It was organized "after the pattern of the priesthood" (Daughters in My Kingdom).

This is where the world gets so confused! Even our own members! While sisters are not ordained the priesthood, we enjoy all the blessings and powers of the priesthood and even the authority of the priesthood in our callings! Just like the men! The world thinks that in order for women to have a say and participate in a church, you have to be part of the "clergy" or be ordained the priesthood. Other churches have done so. But in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we do not have a paid clergy. I've talked more about this in my "Administration and Membership of the Church" post.

This is how it has always been since Relief Society was formed under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood on 17 March 1842. How do women think themselves as less? How could they think that God or the Prophet feels thusly? We sisters are more involved in our Church than the world realizes. As I was telling this to my husband, he said, "The world knows just enough about the matter to know nothing at all." I agree. They only realize we women aren't ordained the priesthood. But we still can be given its authority, and receive its power and blessings.

In the Home

"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" ("Priesthood Authority in the Family and in the Church").

A man and a women are sealed in the temple. This is when the husband receives the things mentioned in D&C 131. He can enter into the highest degree in the celestial kingdom. Same to the wife. Elder Oaks also said,

The greatest power God has given to His sons cannot be exercised without the companionship of one of His daughters, because only to His daughters has God given the power 'to be a creator of bodies ... so that God's design and the Great Plan might meet fruition ("The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood").

Men and women are meant to be together. Before I married my husband I really did not feel complete. Yes, I made my life full, but it wasn't complete. Then we married. and it just felt right. It was just good. Remember Moses 3:24? It reads, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh" (emphasis added). I loved what Elder Ballard said,

Men and women have different gifts, different strengths, and different points of view and inclinations. That is one of the fundamental reasons why we need each other. It takes a man and a woman to create a family, and it takes men and women to carry out the work of the Lord in the Church. A husband and wife righteously working together complete each other ("'Let Us Think Straight'").

A man and a woman complete each other when they are righteously working together. That's how I feel with my husband. I don't feel lesser. President Spencer W. Kimball once said,

When we speak of marriage as a partnership, let us speak of marriage as a full partnership. We do not want our LDS women to be silent partners or limited partners in that eternal assignment! Please be a contributing and full partner ("Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters").

Now what does this have to do with priesthood authority in the home? Well, realize that when a couple is married we have certain responsibilities.
The Family: A Proclamation to the World states many responsibilities of a couple in regards to their family. In addition it says,

By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners (emphasis added).

The father who is sealed in the temple is a Melchizedek priesthood holder. As such, he holds priesthood authority in the home to be a husband and father and preside in righteousness, provide and protect his family. The wife, through the sealing, is given priesthood authority to be a wife and mother to nurture children. Elder Oaks states, "This family authority includes directing of the activities of the family, family meetings like family home evenings, family prayer, teaching the gospel, and counseling and disciplining family members. It also includes ordained fathers giving priesthood blessings" ("Priesthood Authority in the Family and in the Church").

The following is an example of how priesthood authority works in the home when the father is not present. Elder Oaks told this story:

My father died when I was seven. I was the oldest of three small children our widowed mother struggled to raise. When I was ordained a deacon, she said how pleased she was to have a priesthood holder in the home. But Mother continued to direct the family, including calling on which one of us would pray when we knelt together each morning. ...When my father died, my mother presided over our family. She had no priesthood office, but as the surviving parent in her marriage she had become the governing officer in her family. At the same time, she was always totally respectful of the priesthood authority of our bishop and other Church leaders. She presided over her family, but they presided over the Church. ...The faithful widowed mother who raised us had no confusion about the eternal nature of the family. She always honored the position of our deceased father. She made him a presence in our home. She spoke of the eternal duration of their temple marriage. She often reminded us of what our father would like us to do so we could realize the Savior's promise that we could be a family forever (Daughters in My Kingdom).

Do you see? A husband and wife have primary responsibilities. Yet we are obligated to help each other as equal partners. We are together. We are complete. We are "one flesh." As long as we are working righteously together. This is how the priesthood authority works in the home.

Priesthood Power and Blessings
Sister Elaine L. Jack said in Daughters in My Kingdom, "When we receive the blessings of the priesthood, we are drawing on the power and grace of God." We already have mentioned how priesthood literally is the power of God. Through this power, which is accessible by everyone, we can receive ordinances, make covenants, receive priesthood blessings (healing, comfort and counsel, baby blessing, father's blessings). But there are even more blessings we receive from the priesthood that aren't technically called priesthood blessings via laying on of hands. For example, all the blessings we receive because of covenants and ordinances we made are priesthood blessings. Sister Sheri Dew said,

"We may all receive the Holy Ghost, obtain personal revelation, and be endowed in the temple, from which we emerge 'armed' with power. The power of the priesthood heals, protects, and inoculates all of the righteous against the powers of darkness. Most significantly, the fulness of the priesthood contained in the highest ordinances of the house of the Lord can be received only by a man and woman together" (Daughters in My Kingdom).

The blessings also include the many gifts of the Spirit (Daughters in My Kingdom). It pretty much is every blessing we receive from God, I think. We must all try to be worthy of this power by doing what we read in D&C 121:36-46. We must all be righteous.


Mormon Women Series:
Introduction
Ask Questions
The Administration and Membership of the Church
What is the Priesthood?
Priesthood and Women
Women's Divine Gifts

Mormon Women: The Administration and Membership of the Church

I felt so sorrowful for Kate Kelly and her recent excommunication. Some might wonder what the big deal is about excommunication? To understand the significance, you need to understand how wonderful being a member is in the first place.

First off, you become a member where you automatically belong to a local congregation where you are fellowshipped, serve together, support each other, teach and learn from each other, and gain strong friendships. No matter where you move in the world, there is a congregation that will welcome you. You are never without that support.

Secondly, while the members in your local congregation (ward or branch) probably vary greatly in political beliefs, economic status, job and career choices, hobbies and talents, family situations, and personal experiences, all the members are working toward a common goal: eternal life. We believe that there is only one path to eternal life as Matthew 7:14 reads, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." We all help each other find that path and continue on it by making and keeping covenants, the first of which was baptism.

Third, service was a part of the covenant of baptism. Members of the Church are always serving. Being a member of the Church isn't just something you sign up for and then do nothing. Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints becomes part of your identity, becomes a part of who you are and what you strive to be. I live the gospel. The Church is a part of my every day life. It's a part of my lifestyle. It's a part of who I am. Having that being taken away would be really difficult. I honestly don't want to imagine what my life would be like without the Church in it.

Some people might ask me why I'd want to be a member of a church that makes women second class or forces them into traditional roles of wives and mothers. The thing is, I'm not a member of a church that does that. In our Church, women and men do not need to be ordained the priesthood to participate in the running of the Church organization. In others, you must be a part of the clergy, which generally means being ordained the priesthood. In other churches being a clergy member goes hand in hand with being ordained the priesthood.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines clergy as "people (such as priests) who are the leaders of a religion and who perform religious services." In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this defines every single active member. I'm not sure how many of you know this, but the Church does not have a paid clergy. It's all volunteer. Regular, ordinary people who members are asked to hold certain positions in the Church for a period of time. They then fulfill this responsibility alongside their families, their jobs, and their other life obligations. (Read more about "Why don’t Mormons have paid clergy?" here).

Members of the Church do not need the priesthood to be a part of the clergy. Elder M. Russell Ballard said,

Women are integral to the governance and work of the Church through service as leaders in Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary; through their service as teachers, full-time missionaries, and temple ordinance workers; and in the home, where the most important teaching in the Church occurs. Let us not forget that approximately one-half of all the teaching that takes place in the Church is done by sisters. Much of the leadership provided is from our sisters. Many service opportunities and activities are planned and directed by women. The counsel and other participation of women in ward and stake councils and in general councils at Church headquarters provide needed insight, wisdom, and balance ("'Let Us Think Straight'").

I grew up in the Church and have been given many opportunities to participate in its administration, even though I am still young. I have given talks (or speeches) in church meetings since I was 5 years old. Granted, my talks when I was that little were extremely short and simple, but I gave them. When I was 12 and 13, I was a Beehive President. I was responsible for all the young women in my congregation for the 12-13 age group. I was responsible for planning and executing activities for us to do. I learned how to teach. I learned how to run a meeting and how to take minutes. I learned how to take advantage of my counselors (also of my age group). I learned how to execute assignments given and report back to the bishop or Young Women president in councils. I learned how to listen for what God would have me do for the girls I was responsible for. I again had the same opportunities when I was a Mia-Maid (14-15 yrs) and a Laurel (16-17 yrs). Then when I turned 18 and graduated high school, I became a part of Relief Society. Literally weeks after I become a Relief Society sister, I was called to be a Relief Society teacher. I was the youngest woman in my congregation by several years, yet I was asked to teach a gospel lesson once a month to these sisters. I went off to college in Rexburg, ID and since being here I have been called to be a Relief Society secretary, a Visiting Teaching coordinator, a Family Home Evening group leader, and Relief Society teacher twice. This isn't counting the talks, or speeches, I've given nor is it counting visiting teaching other sisters in my wards (congregation).

How can I say that I am not involved in the Church's administration? I have had that opportunity my whole life as an active member.

Now I'm not trying to dismiss the concern some women feel about not being ordained the priesthood. But I'm attempting to communicate that women do not need the priesthood to be participants in how the Church runs. God really has organized this Church. This is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's called such for a reason. It is His Church. (Read "The Importance of a Name").

So to become excommunicated from this Church really is a big deal and so heartbreaking. In the letter the Ordain Women provided, it states to Kate Kelly:

[Excommunication] means that you may not wear temple garments or contribute tithes and offerings. You may not take the sacrament, hold a Church calling, give a talk in Church, offer a public prayer in behalf of the class or congregation in a Church meeting, or vote in the sustaining of Church officers.

She has lost the privilege and blessings that come from being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has lost the opportunity to partake of the sacrament to renew baptismal covenants. She's lost the blessing of being able to pay tithes and offerings. She can't hold a calling. She is no longer involved in the Church's administration at all as she is no longer a member. That is why I am so sorry for her and her choices.

As mentioned in a pervious post, it wasn't bad that she searched for answers about the relationship between the priesthood and women. It was bad when obedience and faith become conditional upon a certain answer and her actions for seeking answers undermined others progression towards eternal life.

Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been a blessing to me. It has helped me develop valuable qualities such as patience, charity, love, knowledge, humility, diligence and obedience. From talented individuals, I have learned skills I treasure such as scrapbooking, camping, food storage, cooking and baking, sewing, artistry, acting, gardening, and others. I've learned how to give public speeches. I've learned how to prepare and teach lessons. I've learned how to run a meeting. I've learned how to give service. I've learned not to let fear stop you. I've learned how to be a good citizen and community member. I've learned how to be a good person, daughter, sister, wife, and soon-to-be mother. I've learned a great many things through being an active member. I will continue to learn every day.

Mormon Women Series:
Introduction
Ask Questions
The Administration and Membership of the Church
What is the Priesthood?
Priesthood and Women
Women's Divine Gifts

If you want to know more about becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church), click here.

Mormon Women: Ask Questions

We are privileged to live in a time when questions about the priesthood are being asked. Privileged! 

Linda K. Burton, the Relief Society General President, said:

We rejoice that we are privileged to live in this season of the history of the Church when questions are being asked about the priesthood. There is a great interest and desire to know and understand more about the authority, power, and blessings associated with the priesthood of God. ... I testify that the Lord is hastening His work, and it is imperative for us to understand how the Lord accomplishes His work so that we may receive the power that comes from being aligned with His plan and purposes. ... Sisters, we cannot stand up and teach those things we do not understand and know for ourselves ("Priesthood: 'A Sacred Trust to Be Used for the Benefit of Men, Women, and Children'").

Honestly, understanding more about the priesthood was never a great concern of mine. I thought it was enough to know that the Church is true, that it is organized by God Himself, and to have faith that He knows what He's doing in reference to women and the priesthood. But I read this quote and realized I should be asking questions. I should be striving to understand more about the priesthood and my own role with it. Especially as a wife to a wonderful priesthood holder. Especially as a soon-to-be mother of a little boy. Especially as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In order to further the work of God, we need to know and understand. Yet, we need to be full of faith and obedient while we continue to grow. It's important to follow the example of Sister Marjorie Hinckley who said, "First I obey, then I understand." It's important to remember the lesson Adam teaches us in Moses 5:5-7 when he's asked to sacrifice the firstlings of their flocks to the Lord and he was obedient. It was only have "many days" of being obedient that he learned the why from an angel.

Answers and understanding can take awhile. Though we begin to understand by doing, we must have faith that we will totally understand at some point. Just like Adam. It is not bad to ask questions. It's not bad to seek for understanding. It is bad when you decide your testimony and dedication to the gospel is dependent on an answer contrary to the one you desired or an answer that you don't receive for an indefinite period of time. It's bad when you decide your testimony and obedience is conditional. They should not be.

How should we seek for answers or, in other words, revelation?

• Pray for guidance
• Be reverent
• Be humble
• Keep the commandments
• Partake of the sacrament worthily
• Study the scriptures every day
• Take time to ponder ("Revelation").

We need to do. We need to take action. We need to show faith and be obedient. We need to be humble. We need to be trying to do what is right. Moroni 10:4-5 of The Book of Mormon challenges us to ask:

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

In addition to the previous list, we need to ask sincerely and with real intent. Linda K. Burton also gave a specific list of how we can learn the doctrine of the priesthood for ourselves:

First, seek to be worthy of the Holy Ghost.
Second, the Holy Temple.
Third, the scriptures.
Fourth, words of living prophets.

We should be asking questions. We should seek to learn more. We should seek for understanding. We should have the desire to. I honestly had no desire to seek for answers on this topic myself because it has brought heated emotions and contention over the internet. It wasn't until I recently gave a lesson in Relief Society that I sincerely and earnestly studied the topic of the priesthood and women so I could strengthen testimonies and hopefully relieve doubts and increase faith and obedience. I searched more earnestly knowing that this topic is a passionate one and will probably continue to be for awhile yet. Now, I am so glad I searched for answers. The answers have only strengthened me. It has only made me feel closer to God and helped me feel more of the love He has for me, His daughter. We really are privileged to live in a time when questions are being asking about the priesthood.

Please, take the time to learn for yourself about the priesthood and women. Don't seek for answers through a spirit of contention. Seek to truly understand from God Himself. Read through the scriptures. Read the words of latter-day prophets. Pray. Ponder. Seek. Listen to the Holy Ghost for answers. Be careful to not let your testimony, faith, or obedience be conditional.

Mormon Women Series:
Introduction
Ask Questions
The Administration and Membership of the Church
What is the Priesthood?
Priesthood and Women
Women's Divine Gifts

Mormon Women: Introduction

I am a sister, daughter, wife, and soon-to-be mother. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. and I believe that men and women are equal, but different.

There have been news articles for several years mentioning women's groups or individuals desiring through petitions, protests, and legal means to be ordained the priesthood and become ministers in their churches. Recently, there has been a focus on a group called Ordain Women founded by Kate Kelly who are attempting to change The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' policy and have women be ordained the priesthood. The founder of the group was excommunicated just a few days ago for activities that have put at jeopardy others' testimonies and eternal salvation (Deseret News article here). I feel so sorry for her.

I have tried to avoid this topic of discussion because so many individuals become so aggressively passionate about it, and I really try to avoid contention. There are so many other blog posts and news articles and Twitter or Facebook posts, that it can be overwhelming. But I wanted to add my simple little voice to all the others out there.

I want to share with my friends and family my beliefs. How, as a woman of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I do not feel unappreciated or insignificant because I am not ordained the priesthood. I want to express my personal understanding of what the priesthood is. I want to share my knowledge that women and men are equally great and wonderful, just in different ways. I want to share how this Church actually encourages women to become all that they can be and reach their full potential. I want to share how I know this Church is true. That it's directed by God Himself through a prophet, just like in times of old.

I don't know everything. I'm not in any position to declare doctrine. But I can share with you what I do know and what I am learning. To avoid writing one huge post, I plan to write a little series of them. When they are finished, they will be linked to each other at the end of each post.

Mormon Women Series:
Introduction
Ask Questions
The Administration and Membership of the Church
What is the Priesthood?
Priesthood and Women
Women's Divine Gifts