Magnify

As a Magnify community, we read "Personal Ministry: Sacred and Precious" by Bonnie D. Parkin, former Relief Society General President. In it she challenges each of us to identify our personal ministry and live each day finding opportunities to care for others as the Savior would. In this conversation, three women at very different stages of life, a widow and empty-nester, a mom of five kids ages 10 and under, and a young single adult, get personal and share what's in their hearts after reading Sister Parkin's address, and what it looks like for them to be on the Lord's divine errands and develop a deeper sense of personal ministry with the Lord. Sister Parkin said, "Most ministering opportunities are spontaneous, not planned in advance." The little things we do to share the light of Christ each day add up to make this world a better place and our daily efforts to care for each other the way Jesus would make a difference. Show Notes: Personal Ministry: Sacred and Precious by Sister Bonnie D. Parkin Join us on Instagram! @magnifycommunity Learn more about Magnify! magnifythegood.com

As Magnify women, through life's many and varied adventures, we hold tight to the Lord's promise in D&C 122:7 "that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." We've learned that one of the ways we reap from this goodness is in how we can turn around and share what we've learned with others and help them along their path. Our lives become a collection of opportunities and testimony of moments that we can pull from later to be of service to each other. Maria Eckersley, is here to share how three women in scripture show us how the Lord constantly prepares us to be part of His great work, giving us opportunities to care for each other as our Savior would. Even if we can't tell in the moment, we can trust that He has equipped us to step forward in His strength. Maria is a multi-hyphenate gatherer of goodness from being a devoted fun mom to mega party planning to gospel teaching tips in the home. She is a mom to six amazing kids and grandma to three darling grandsons. Notes: Hear more from Maria on the Magnify podcast: 5 Questions to Illuminate Women in the Scriptures

Trusting that our loving Heavenly Father made us for a divine purpose helps us realize that our God-given gifts aren't competitive, they're complimentary! When we come together as women, we have the chance to praise each other, reminding one another of our worth and divine potential. When we embrace our unique talents and gifts, it helps us become our best selves and enables us to lift others along our way. Today's guest, Natalie Hill Jensen, is a former Broadway performer who has learned through many life experiences that her talents and personality are God-given and when she is exactly herself, she's better able to lift others and share God's love. She delights in complimenting other women so they see their strengths and feel amazing. Links and notes: Parley P. Pratt quote Natalie shared: "[The Holy Ghost] quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being." Parley P. Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology Patrica Holland quote that inspired this episode: "Somewhere somehow the Lord blipped the message onto my screen that my personality was created to fit precisely the mission and talents he gave me. For example, the quieter, calmer talent of playing the piano reveals much about the real Pat Holland. I would never have learned to play the piano if I hadn't enjoyed the long hours of solitude required for its development. This same principle applies to my love of writing, reading, meditation, and especially teaching and talking with my children. Miraculously, I have found that I have untold abundant sources of energy to be myself, but the moment that I indulge in imitation of my neighbor, I feel fractured and fatigued and find myself forever swimming upstream. When we frustrate God's plan for us, we deprive this world and God's kingdom of our unique contributions, and a serious schism settles in our soul. God never gave us any task beyond our ability to accomplish it. We just have to be willing to do it in our own way. We will always have enough resources for being who we are and what we can become."

Sister Elaine Dalton joined us for this very special episode of the podcast, recorded live at Magnify's Lift Up Your Heart event in Salt Lake City! Sister Dalton shares how we are the women spoken of by President Kimball and later by President Nelson, women who will change the world in distinct and happy ways through our testimonies and covenant conviction to the gospel of Jesus Christ. With warmth and love, she reminds us that we're not meant to sit on the sidelines—we each have a divine mission and part in the Lord's great work. "The impact that you will have in these latter days is just phenomenal!" —Sister Elaine Dalton Sister Elaine Dalton served as Young Women General President from 2008 through 2013, and since then she has continued her mission of reminding women of their divine identity and unique capacity to lift, strengthen, and change the world around them for good. Notes: Join us on Instagram! @magnifycommunity Learn more about Magnify! magnifythegood.com Read more from Sister Dalton: A Return to Virtue

BYU-Pathway helps people around the world get a higher education, develop their talents, and provide opportunities to serve. We had the privilege to learn more about the scope of this incredible program and how we can get involved. As we seek to develop our God-given gifts, and support others to do the same, we increase in our ability to serve and lift those around us as we go about our divine errands. Today's guest, Melinda Ashton, is the wife to BYU-Pathway President Brian Ashton. They are the parents of seven children and grandparents to a new grand baby. Melinda is a BYU graduate and attended Northwestern Medical School in Chicago. Melinda and Brian give frequent online devotionals to the 85,000 BYU-Pathway students around the world. Links: Pathway to Hope documentary with Jane Clayson Johnson on BYUtv BYU-Pathway Worldwide Ways to get involved and support BYU-Pathway

We're thrilled to welcome President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President, to the Magnify podcast. From President Johnson's powerful testimony and example of Christlike discipleship we learn ways to let the light of our personal conversion shine above the darkness in the world. President Johnson shares the daily acts of devotion that strengthen her testimony, practices we can emulate to put Christ at the center of our lives. From her unique perspective as the president of a worldwide organization, we learn more about the power we have as covenant-keeping women to individually make a tremendous difference for good as we minister one-by-one. President Johnson was sustained as the 18th Relief Society General President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 2, 2022. She also served as the Primary General President. She and her husband, Douglas R. Johnson, served as a mission leaders in Arequipa, Peru. They are the parents of three children and eight grandchildren. President Johnson graduated from the University of Utah in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in English followed by a law degree from the University of Utah in 1989. She practiced law for nearly 30 years. Links: Read or watch President Johnson's devotional address: Righteous Stewards—Disciples of Jesus Christ

Rosemary Wixom, a former Salt Lake Temple matron and Primary General President, shares her profound insights on the blessings of temple service. She discusses how regular attendance can invite tailored miracles and emphasizes the importance of preparing the younger generation to serve with compassion. Rosemary also touches on practical blessings like health and spiritual peace, recounts personal stories of transformation in families, and highlights the temple as a haven of mercy. Her heartfelt reflections inspire listeners to deepen their commitment to worship.

Kaylen Nelson, a former church education teacher with 13 years of experience, shares her insights on embracing divine errands. She highlights the impactful stories of women in scripture, like Rebecca and Ruth, who stepped outside their comfort zones to fulfill God's plans. Kaylen emphasizes that our willingness to act, despite feeling like outsiders or grappling with shortcomings, is what empowers us. She offers practical tips for recognizing divine promptings and moving forward with courage, reminding us that every act of service is significant.

Shannon Foster, co-founder of The Red-Headed Hostess and former seminary instructor, shares her insights on teaching children the gospel. She emphasizes the importance of personal conversion and slowing down scripture study for deeper insights. Shannon discusses using a coaching mindset to encourage resilience in learning and suggests creative methods like writing and drawing to enhance understanding. She advocates for tailoring teaching methods to different age levels and starting personal scripture study to foster effective teaching.

Camille Fronk Olson, a professor emeritus at BYU and author of "But If Not," shares her journey of faith and finding purpose amid life’s unexpected detours. She discusses how spiritual guidance and recognizing God's hand can lead to fulfillment despite challenges. Camille explores the connection between faith and risk, and how embracing opportunities allows personal growth. With insights on accepting hard paths, she encourages listeners to trust God's plan, look back with gratitude, and find light even in difficult times.