Arise with Christ

The Family Proclamation states, "Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally."  Our guest for this episode, Michelle Hansen, is a humble, gentle, and kind disciple. Her son Drew was 13 years old when he unexpectedly passed away in July 2023. Michelle understands the ache of having a child on the other side of the veil. We marvel at her ability to deliver a pure testimony of our Savior's plan of happiness and her capacity to keep an eternal perspective. Michelle also shares powerful stories about her family joining the church in Japan and miracles from missionary work. Michelle's husband once gave her a shirt that says, "Having a weird mom builds character." She wears it with pride! Michelle Hansen is a mother of six children. She grew up in Orem, Utah, and graduated from Orem High School. She served an LDS mission in São Paulo, Brazil. Michelle later earned a degree in Music Education and a Master's in Clarinet Performance from Brigham Young University before marrying Bruce Hansen and raising her family. She has worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines and currently teaches piano, clarinet, and early music concepts to young children. Michelle has played the clarinet for the Orchestra at Temple Square since 2007. She also enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and serving in her local community.

The Family Proclamation teaches, "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." Our guests for this episode are our dear friends, Josh and Monique Pratt. They work to build their family on the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Together, they find joy in creating an eternal marriage following the complex challenges of divorce. Their fun personalities bring optimism and wisdom to this conversation. Josh was born in Logan, Utah, and had lived in five different states by the time he was five years old. He then grew up in Layton, Utah. Just before his senior year of high school, he moved to Beaverton, Oregon, where he met Monique for the first time. Josh served a mission in Rome, Italy. He graduated from BYU and has worked in business consulting, technology, and trading securities. He loves his children, treasures time with Monique, finds joy serving in the church, and enjoys being outdoors. Josh is an avid reader and loves learning. Monique grew up in Beaverton, Oregon, the third of seven children to Bob and Nan French. She graduated from BYU and enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom until her 18-year marriage ended. She became a teacher at a level six secure residential treatment center for girls, where she currently works. Monique loves staying active outdoors with her husband and children. Josh and Monique have been married for almost 11 years, and together they have nine children. They consider themselves experts at making mistakes, learning from them, and repenting!

President Russell M. Nelson said, "The gospel net is the largest net in the world. God has invited all to come unto Him, 'black and white, bond and free, male and female.' There is room for everyone. However, there is no room for prejudice, condemnation, or contention of any kind...My dear brothers and sisters, the best is yet to come for those who spend their lives building up others. Today I invite you to examine your discipleship within the context of the way you treat others. I bless you to make any adjustments that may be needed so that your behavior is ennobling, respectful, and representative of a true follower of Jesus Christ." President Nelson taught us to be peacemakers and to reach out to others who are different from us. He taught us to be inclusive and build bridges of understanding.  Our guest for this episode is Jennifer Jensen, who strives to build bridges of understanding in her life. Jennifer is actively engaged in her community. In this episode, we learn from Jennifer the importance of inclusivity. It is fascinating to learn about Jennifer's upbringing as a daughter in New York within an immigrant community in this conversation. Jennifer Jensen earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Issues from Brigham Young University. Over the past 25 years, she has applied her knowledge of group behavior and analytical skills in her employment, volunteer work, church callings, and in her role as a family member. Jennifer is married to Dr. Brian Jensen. They are the parents of five children. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures. She is always planning new places to visit.               

We are so blessed to have Michelle Craig as our guest for this episode! In her general conference talk, Divine Discontent, Sister Michelle Craig encourages us by saying, "You and I can give what we have to Christ, and He will multiply our efforts. What you have to offer is more than enough—even with your human frailties and weaknesses—if you rely on the grace of God." Michelle attributes her ability to serve to the Lord's help, which she has found is always available when she accepts opportunities with faith and trust. She has a "heart to do," and in this conversation, she shows us how we can develop one too. Michelle D. Craig finds great joy in her roles as wife, mother, and nana to 13 grandchildren.  She and her husband, Boyd, are currently serving as Ecclesiastical Leaders at the Missionary Training Center in Provo.  She served as First Counselor in the Young Women's General Presidency from 2018 to 2023.  Michelle believes that the Lord can do extraordinary things with ordinary men and women who are striving to be disciples of Christ.  She has confidence in the rising generation and their ability to make a difference in the world. We love that she loves a good book, popcorn, sunshine, and Jesus Christ.

Bishops- Shepherds over the Lord's Flock is the title of a conference talk by Elder Quentin L. Cook in which he said, "I testify today that supporting the rising generation in a time of unusual challenges and temptations is an essential responsibility given to parents and bishoprics by Heavenly Father." Elder Cook goes on to share the following counsel with youth: "…you are at the threshold of the most important decisions you will make in your lives. Please counsel with both your parents and your bishop about important choices that are ahead of you. Allow the bishop to be your friend and counselor…We all need to repent daily, as President Nelson has taught. Please talk to your bishop about any matter in which a common judge can assist you in getting your life in order with the Lord in preparation for the "great work" He has for you in this final dispensation." In this episode we talk a lot about the calling of a bishop as we visit with our guest, Rich Doxey. Rich served as the bishop of our ward until recently. We love Bishop Doxey and have a great love and appreciation for all bishops and the good that they do to serve Heavenly Father's children. Rich Doxey centers his life on his family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He seeks daily connection with Jesus Christ through study and worship. He has a passion for Church service, running, and woodworking. These bring him joy as he strives to improve a little each day. Rich cherishes time with his family, which includes his wife Heidi and their five children. He enjoys practicing law and loves to help others succeed and find happiness.

Jenae Nelson, Ph.D, is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University. She also collaborates with MIT Sloan School of Management to evaluate and study programs aimed at cultivating socioemotional skills in future leaders. Jenae has worked as a remote researcher for Baylor University and Harvard University. Jenae studies the science of character strengths and spirituality to build resilience and well-being in teens and adults. Her research provides insight into practical tips and practices for individuals and families to become more grateful and generous. Jenae pioneered research on indebtedness (to God and humans) and how it leads to more profound conversion and religious commitment, more charitable giving, and well-being. In addition to her professional research, Jenae shares with us how her biological father found her when she was a teenager and how that connection led to a divine connection with her Heavenly Father. Jenae teaches about the power of transcendent indebtedness toward God and how gospel living is a means for overcoming obstacles, including challenges with mental health. Jenae's work has been featured in Christianity Today, BYU Magazine, Music & the Spoken Word, Meridian Magazine, and the Church News.   Show Notes More of Janae's work and research can be found here: https://jenaemnelson.wixsite.com/jenaemnelson/blank-5 Happify: https://www.happify.com/ App for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/happify-for-stress-worry/id730601963 App for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happify.happifyinc&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1  "My Peace I Give Unto You" by Deiter F. Uchtdorf: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2023/03/04-my-peace-i-give-unto-you?lang=eng Scriptural References: Mosiah 2:10-27 Matthew 11:28-30

Our guest for this enlivening episode is Cari Mitchell. Primary chorister and full-time missionary are Cari's two favorite callings. She served as a young missionary in Ukraine and later served with her husband as mission leaders in the Chile Santiago West Mission.  Cari studied both Marriage and Family Therapy and Music. She ran a private practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for many years. As a therapist, she learned that if people lived by the principles outlined in the Family Proclamation, many of their problems would be eliminated. Cari met her husband, Jason, on an inspired blind date. Together, they are the parents of Lizzy, Jase, Emma, and Maryanne. We're confident that Cari's enthusiasm will give you a spiritual boost as you listen to this episode!  

This episode is a rebroadcast of a beloved conversation with Daniel Ranson, dedicated to his daughter, Ella Marie Ranson. Ella lived for 20 short months with her parents and three older siblings. She brought joy, laughter, excitement, and optimism into their lives. In this episode, Daniel shares his feelings about Ella's passing and the hope that the gospel provides. Ella passed away from pneumonia on February 10, 2016.  Daniel grew up in Riverside, California, where he was first introduced to missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a CODA, or child of deaf adults, and his first language was American Sign Language. After joining the church at the age of 12, he moved in with a family from his branch who welcomed him as one of their own. He served a mission in the Idaho Pocatello Mission and was introduced to the campus of Ricks College, now BYU-Idaho. While on campus, Daniel felt eager to attend the university, which he did after his mission. On his first day as a student, he met Sarah. Seven months later, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Daniel and Sarah are proud parents of eight wonderful children. Besides his work in accounting, Daniel shares family responsibilities with Sarah, including their kids' music lessons, sporting events, campouts, and regularly shooting hoops in the driveway. Listen to hear Daniel's remarkable journey to find God and family. Finding Personal Peace, Henry B. Eyring

In John 6:35, we read, "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."    Jesus is the Bread of Life and the Living Water. Bread and water are simple. Christ uses these symbols to teach us every week at the Sacrament.  As the Bread of Life, Jesus provides the essential nourishment that we all need. What a gift! Feeding and gathering are Christlike characteristics, exemplified by Jesus, who miraculously fed and gathered people.  We, too, can gather and feed God's children. Our guest in this episode, Rhonda Steed, delights in being a disciple by nurturing and feeding those around her in both body and spirit. In Rhonda's words, "I'm a wife, mom, baker, photographer, collector of recipes, chocolate lover, and small town girl… and I love gatherings." Rhonda Steed is married to Regan Steed and is a mother to 5 great kids: Alden, Lucy, Eli, Oliver, and Norah. They live in Raymond, Alberta, Canada.  She loves collecting Jesus art, baking, cooking, and feeding people. She is also often found hanging out with her husband or reading a cheesy novel. Rhonda is a professional photographer and loves capturing the beauty of other humans. She enjoys serving in her ward and stake and is currently a temple worker and a primary teacher. Rhonda also teaches "mom seminary" in her stake, which is a class she helped create. We are excited for you to hear more about how Rhonda nourishes others in this episode!

In a Worldwide Devotional to Young Adults, President Camille N. Johnson said, "God has prepared a way for healthy living for everyone on this planet, if we are willing to employ our gifts and talents for this good, remain worthy to receive revelation, and prudently use the earth's abundant resources to care for one another." We can be confident that God will help us know how to care for one another. In that same message, President Johnson taught that we have stewardship for one another. She mentioned the parable of the talents from Matthew chapter 25 as a reminder of how we can use our gifts to help and serve others.  Our guest for this episode is an excellent example of applying those principles. Carrie Kirk has sought to serve and stretch to help others through humanitarian work. As you listen to this episode, we hope you recognize how you use your gifts and talents to bless others. Carrie Kirk is a devoted wife and mother of five children. Carrie holds a Master's degree in Instructional Technology from Utah State University. Carrie served a Russian-speaking mission in the Baltics, which sparked her lifelong dedication to helping others. She and her family have volunteered annually in Guatemala and Uganda for the past eight years, showing their desire to help underserved communities and their commitment to humanitarian work. Professionally, Carrie currently works as a part-time coordinator for humanitarian trips to Africa through an organization called Family Humanitarian. An adventurer at heart, Carrie loves travel, making new friends, and striving to make the world a better place. You can learn more about Family Humanitarian at FamilyHumanitarian.org.  

Our guest for this episode is Mike Madsen. Mike works in the Priesthood and Family Department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of his responsibilities is working as part of a team to create the Come, Follow Me curriculum.    In this episode, Mike shares how, as a young missionary, he received the Light of Jesus Christ and how, throughout his life, he has sought to share that Light. After graduating from BYU, Mike Madsen dedicated 13 years to teaching Seminary and Institute for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Mike's work for the Church extended to creating various print and web products, including Come, Follow Me and other curriculum initiatives, videos, websites, and mobile applications. He led the effort in creating worldwide broadcasts, such as "Face to Face" and "Friend to Friend," and developed programs focused on new convert retention and member missionary work.  Mike has established the Doctrina Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on providing literacy education to children in West Africa and Papua New Guinea.  Mike is known for his love of challenges, particularly those requiring creative solutions. His personal motto is, "I will either find a way or make one." His greatest accomplishment, however, is maintaining a loving relationship with his wife and six children. He also enjoys public speaking, cultivating close friendships, hiking mountains with his dog Piper, and almost any outdoor sport.  Please note that while Mike is an employee of the Church, he does not speak for the Church in this interview.  

In his talk "A Plea to My Sisters, President Russell M. Nelson" said, "We need women who know how to access the power that God makes available to covenant keepers and who express their beliefs with confidence and charity. We need women who have the courage and vision of our Mother Eve." Our guest for this episode is Brenda Webb. When we asked Brenda to be on the podcast, we discovered that we share an affinity for the word "arise." Brenda uses ARISE as an acronym for her thoughts on overcoming fear through Jesus Christ. In this conversation, she shares some insights from her experiences in this effort. Brenda grew up on the beautiful East Coast and later attended Rick's College in Idaho. After serving on a mission in Brazil, she graduated from BYU with a bachelor's degree in Portuguese and Communications. There, she met her husband, and together, they have four children, two daughters-in-law, and one grandchild whom they all adore and cherish. Brenda enjoys hiking and being outdoors. She also possesses a creative spirit that includes cooking and sewing. She has cultivated her creativity through writing and sharing new ideas. Brenda treasures her time in the temple as a patron and an ordinance worker. The gospel of Jesus Christ brings her immense joy.  

President Russell M. Nelson said, "Please listen to this promise of Jesus Christ to you: "I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." There is no limit to the Savior's capacity to help you. His incomprehensible suffering in Gethsemane and on Calvary was for you! His infinite Atonement is for you! I urge you to devote time each week—for the rest of your life—to increase your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ." (The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again, 2024) Our guest for today's episode is Tom Moore. Tom shares experiences that led him to understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Savior's capacity to help him in powerful, specific ways. As a young man, Tom served in the army, where he learned to rely on God and value church and family.  In our conversation, Tom explains how the Lord taught him that we are never alone.  Tom enjoys personal growth by challenging himself through hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering. Some of his adventures include multiple summits of Mount Rainier and Mount Whitney, many traversals of the Grand Canyon and the John Muir Trail, and frequent hikes in the foothills near his home. In addition to being an avid backpacker, Tom is a gardener and nature lover. Tom is a lecturer at Utah Valley University. He holds a BS in Technology Education and an MS in Technology.  Beyond his outdoor adventures, Tom's greatest adventure and highest priority is his family. He and his wife Angie love being parents to their six children and find immense joy in their 12 grandchildren. 

Linda Etherington is our guest for this interview. She creates beauty in her art, home, and family. Regarding creating, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come...trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you." A brief sketch of Linda: "I love love love love love to paint. I love color. And, blessedly, color is everywhere!! I love shape!! And—thank the heavens—everything's a shape: organic and geometric and all in between. I love space—positive space, negative space, and, mercy me, it's everywhere I look! How can I be so blessed to have eyes to see color, shapes, and space and live in a time when women are encouraged to paint? It is a feast—every day. Born in Washington state, I am the fourth of seven children. I grew up on a small 10 acre farm where my dad worked during the day as an engineer but spent his early mornings and late evenings teaching us how to change water lines, milk the cow, feed the sheep, throw bales of alfalfa hay, and tend the chickens. Mom taught us how to keep the house, bake the bread, and get our homework done. My mom also taught me to paint. After years of watercolors, drawing pencils, oil pastels, and crayons, I received my first oil painting set when I was 12. It was beautiful, like shiny candy. But I was so confused what to do. So, we painted. She showed me how to draw with my brush. It made sense to me. I am forever grateful to my mother. My mom and dad were my biggest fans. I took classes at the college with my mom when I was in high school. Then I was off to Brigham Young University (BYU) where I studied painting with an art scholarship and graduated with a BFA in Painting. Over the next 14 years, my husband and I were blessed with seven daughters and almost as many moves with my husband's job. Our little girls filled my life with new color, new shapes, new spaces, and new brain challenges. All through it, I worked hard at being a mom, and I worked hard when our neighbor came twice a week so I could sneak away and paint for 3 hours. Sometimes a little one would need me and I would rock them on my hip while I painted. It felt good holding onto my love of painting and my love of mothering. Now, my family is still growing. I have married daughters and grandchildren. I still love love love love love love to paint. Shapes and colors still call out to me; I sing back to them, and I paint." To see Linda's art, visit @lindalovestopaint on Instagram or at lindaetherington.com.

In his talk, Embrace the Future with Faith, President Russell M. Nelson teaches, "...as turmoil rages around us, we need to create places where we are safe, both physically and spiritually. When your home becomes a personal sanctuary of faith—where the Spirit resides—your home becomes the first line of defense….I invite you, my dear sisters, to create a home that is a place of security. And I renew my invitation for you to increase your understanding of priesthood power and of temple covenants and blessings. Having places of security to which you can retreat will help you embrace the future with faith."  Our guest, JoAnne Workman Roberts, has taken this prophetic counsel to heart. In addition to serving as missionaries at the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple construction site, JoAnne and her husband, Greg, intentionally create space for their family to gather safely in their home. In JoAnne's words,  "As long as I can remember, I was taught of Christ and have loved growing up with the knowledge that I was a beloved child of God. I believe that simple knowledge has made all the difference in the trajectory of my life. I am delighted to share our Temple mission experience as part of my covenant path journey and how it has sharpened our focus further to develop a relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Greg and I are also parents of seven children. They and their families are the delights of our lives."    

Anton Bowden grew up in a home filled with music in North Ogden, Utah. He served a mission in Santa Rosa, California, speaking Spanish. Following his mission, Anton pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Utah State University. While there, he met Jennifer, who would later become his wife. They have been married for 30 years.  Anton is the first member of his family to earn a college degree. He has since earned a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Utah. He and Jennifer moved to the Philadelphia area for his first job with an engineering consulting firm. They lived in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where he served for three years as a bishop. In 2007, Anton accepted a job in the BYU Mechanical Engineering department and moved back to Utah. He and Jennifer have four children and two grandchildren.

Nicole Carter was raised in the mountains of Utah. After high school, she served a mission in Nauvoo, Illinois. Upon returning, she attended nursing school, earned her BSN, and now works as a Registered Nurse. Nicole loves nursing and is passionate about connecting with people and God. She enjoys being outdoors with her dog, Brumby, and often takes him on mountain biking and other outdoor adventures. Nicole also enjoys playing volleyball, is learning to ski, and recently went skydiving for the first time. Nicole adores her nieces and nephews and values genuine and authentic relationships. She is passionate about helping people feel safe and supported in life! Nicole loves Jesus Christ and believes His power, combined with our agency, can lead us to freedom within our souls even when our circumstances don't seem to change.   

John J. Wadsworth was born and raised in Panaca, Nevada, a small farming community 82 miles west of Ceder City, Utah. He is the ninth of eleven children.  After serving a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California Anaheim Mission, he continued his schooling on an athletic scholarship at Rick's College. It is here that he met his eternal companion, Patricia Mecham Wadsworth. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 10, 1979, and then continued their education at BYU.  They are grateful for their wonderful life together, serving the Church in countless callings, including as Mission Leaders in the Nevada Las Vegas Mission. They are the parents of 11 beautiful children and, at last count, the grandparents of 54 grandchildren.

Lee and Suzanna Livingston recently returned from serving a mission together in Samoa.  They are the parents of 6 children.   Suzy grew up in Alabama and is the oldest child of convert parents: they were formerly Baptist and Church of Christ members.  Lee is from Wyoming and California, from generations of members of the LDS faith. Lee served a mission as a young man in Texas Fort Worth. Lee and Suzy met while attending school at BYU. Lee has degrees in chemistry and physics and works in finance and commercial real estate. Suzy graduated in Nursing.  They just welcomed their first grandbaby, Jack!  Their favorite thing to do is spend time with family, preferably in the great outdoors.      

Rdean and Sheryl Clark met and fell in love as college students. Eventually, he asked her if he could linger longer. She said yes, and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved from Utah to Portland, Oregon, where Rdean attended dental school at the University of Oregon Dental School. He later completed orthodontic training following two years as an army dentist. Sheryl taught English at a junior high school until she chose to be a full-time mom. They welcomed Cristen, Candice, Caralee, Carlton, Clifton, and Caprice into their family. Rdean and Sheryl's lives focus on the Savior and His service. They have lived to realize President Nelson's promises: "Spending more time in the temple builds faith. And your service and worship in the temple will help you think celestial. The temple is a place of revelation…There you are drawn closer to the Savior and given greater access to His power. There you are guided in solving the problems in your life, even your most perplexing problems." Clifton, or Clif as he is known, was born with Down syndrome and a severe heart defect that required open-heart surgery when he was just 4 ½ months old. His surgery was made possible by the heart-lung machine President Russell M. Nelson helped develop when he was a young doctor. Clif's life has been full of loving family members, friends, teachers, and church leaders. He has served as a missionary, temple worker, greeter, and self-appointed hugger.