Consecrating Your Life

Mom, Shane, and I have an impromptu talk about dating. Shane is 31 years old and I am 27; both basically elderly single people. Shane is such a playa playa, haha! Lots of laughs in this episode!!

Shane Gunnerson served his mission in Denver, Colorado, and went through a major faith crisis while serving. Mom and I had a great time laughing with and listening to my friend Shane!

Mom and I talk about one of our favorite films, Inside Out.

Mom and I invite our listeners to consider some of the things we say. We sometimes unintentionally hurt others with our choice of words. Let's be more inclusive and Christlike by paying close attention to what we say. This includes: - Avoiding words that may accidentally hurt early-returned missionaries. - Being sensitive to those who don't have the same blessings that we do. - Making young single adults feel valued regardless of their relationship status. 

Mom interviews me in this episode so you can all get to know me better! My blog about mental health:  iwillhealthee.blogspot.com

She's my mom, best friend, and former second counselor of the Relief Society General Presidency!  On this episode we talk about how the Lord placed her into this calling, what she's learned, and how we have been blessed. We are so excited to start hosting this podcast together!!

Are single people aware that it's OK to desire sex? While we know about the law of chastity and the dangers of pornography, we don't always talk about the beautiful side of our sexuality.  My friend Janiece and I talk about sex in a positive way. We hope to open the discussion about sex to be more optimistic, and that you will seek more information about your own sexual appetites and on how to teach the rising generation about sex. Some resources we referenced: Fostering a Positive Perspective of Sexuality (from the Liahona, August 2020) https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2020/08/young-adults/fostering-a-positive-perspective-of-sexuality?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fliahona%2F2020%2F08%2Fyoung-adults%2Ffostering-a-positive-perspective-of-sexuality%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D251562DDADAC5569-073B32CFBBF2B892%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1647997785 How, When, and Why: Talking to Your Children about Sexuality (from the Liahona, August 2020) https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2020/08/how-when-and-why-talking-to-your-children-about-sexuality?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fliahona%2F2020%2F08%2Fhow-when-and-why-talking-to-your-children-about-sexuality%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D6487E7EA2C50B0CB-082071A1457B714C%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1647997618 Jeffrey R. Holland Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jeffrey-r-holland/souls-symbols-sacraments/ David A. Bednar We Believe in Being Chaste https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/04/we-believe-in-being-chaste?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2013%2F04%2Fwe-believe-in-being-chaste%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D312242A86D800ADC-19C5FB570C8E43DE%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1647997913 Dr. John Van Epp's RAM (Relationship Attachment Model) from his book How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk

Brady was brave enough talk openly about his pornography problem. He tells his story about how it started, how he told the people that he trusts about it, how he's learned that it's his emotions that triggers the problem, and what he's learned through the repentance process.  Brady is from Utah, served his mission in Idaho, and currently studies mechanical engineering at UVU. If you or someone you know struggles with pornography, the following are some resources to help: Addiction Recovery Programs: Search on this site to find a program near you: addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org The Church's Addiction Recovery 12-Step Program Manual: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/addiction-recovery-program-a-guide-to-addiction-recovery-and-healing/the-12-steps?lang=eng Podcasts: The Leading Saints podcast episode titled "Addressing Female Pornography Use in Relief Society: An Interview with a Former YSA Relief Society Presidency." https://leadingsaints.org/addressing-female-pornography-use-in-relief-society-an-interview-with-a-former-ysa-relief-society-presidency/ Sara Brewer's Overcome Pornography for Good podcast: https://www.sarabrewer.com/blog/ Any podcast episode with therapist Bo Buchi as the guest. Porn addiction is one of his specialties. 

Mariana's little brother, Aaron, has down syndrome. Because of the lack of accommodation for students with special needs in Bolivia, Mariana's family eventually moved to the United States. Mariana talks about how she and her family have been blessed by Aaron. Lots of giggling in this episode that I was not willing to edit out!

My friend Esteban happens to be gay. He tells me about the things he learned while serving as a missionary, how he has come to know the Savior, and how he helps others feel like they belong.

Tia is a rockstar! She tells me how she became a drummer, empowering the rising generation, and about her parents' recent divorce. She is a spiritual powerhouse!!

Jim and Matt have the most unlikely friendship. Brother Jim Olson used to work for the FBI. He had arrested a man named Matt who spent nearly 20 years in prison. While in prison, Matt went through a complete change of heart and has been striving to live a more selfless and Christlike life ever since. 

In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, I share a story of mine when my depression was so bad that I no longer wanted to live. Some links that I mentioned are listed below. My blog about mental health: iwillhealthee.blogspot.com My article about anxiety on the Church's blog: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/the-antidote-to-anxiety?lang=eng Mom and I were on the Latter-day Saint Women Podcast: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/latter-day-saint-women-podcast/040-reyna-aburto-and-elena-aburto?lang=eng Mom's book "Reaching for the Savior" https://deseretbook.com/p/reaching-for-the-savior Mom's conference talk "Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me" https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/31aburto?lang=eng

You might have OCD if you have experienced the following: Had repetitive thoughts about being sinful  Excessive fear about perfection Irrational thoughts about how you might die today My delightful and gorgeous friend Jonnae came on to talk about her husband Noah's OCD and about physical health. She has the cutest laugh, she's one of the most Christlike people I know, and she's just the best!! 

My beautiful friend Larkin came on to share her AMAZING conversion story!! Larkin grew up in Utah as a member of the Church. As a teenager, she went through a dark period and left the Church. Eventually, she moved to Bali and Thailand to look for freedom. There, she finally found healing through the Savior Jesus Christ.  Larkin also shares the meaning behind her tattoos, and a story of when the Lord reminded her that He does not judge people by their outward appearance.  At just 23 years old, her story is only beginning. She has such a pure spirit about her and I'm sure you'll love her story!

Stockton came on to talk about his experience in film, working on the set of Book of Mormon videos, his humanitarian trip to Africa, and more.  If you'd like to learn more about Humanitarian Experiences for Youth (HEFY) visit the website below: https://www.hefy.org/

Things don't always work out the way we think they should. Sister Bennett tells me about a time when the Lord was taking care of her without her knowing it, how God answers our individual prayers in unique ways, and how Heavenly Father has a plan for us.

Take a shot (of orange juice) every time I say the word "counsel" in this episode! There is so much I have learned by being a leader, especially as a Relief Society President/Counselor/Secretary/Teacher in my young life. No matter what kind of calling you have, my thoughts may apply to you!  What I would do differently next time I have a calling like those is the following: 1) Counseling with the members of the congregation instead of only counseling about them. 2) Prioritize visiting people with mental health issues. 3) As a Presidency member, I would counsel with the Relief Society teachers.  4) Use the Church Handbook in multiple ways. Read it and counsel about it with the presidency and the members.  5) Don't stress so much about things that go wrong. The Lord's work will continue no matter what.  6) Constantly encourage informal get-togethers/activities.  7) Give myself credit for what I'm doing right.  8) Pray with all the energy of heart for love and charity. *********************************** References: Julie B. Beck, BYU Women's Conference 2011 https://womensconference.byu.edu/sites/womensconference.ce.byu.edu/files/julieb_openings.pdf The Church's General Handbook section 9.2.1.2 says that Relief Societies can counsel together, and section 8.2.1.2. says the same thing about Elder’s Quorum. Moroni 7:48 "pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love,"

My brother Xavier (Xavi) and his wife Staci talk about how they met, their difficult first year of marriage, and how they have chosen to raise their three young boys by living righteous principles. 

Discussing agency helps us understand why God allows bad things to happen to good people. Brady tells me about some of the life lessons he's learned about choosing obedience to God over our own desires, choosing a spouse, and more!