Eternal Truth

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In the most recent general conference (Oct. 2023), Elder John C. Pingree gave a talk called “Eternal Truth.” While the focus was on the revelatory patterns our Heavenly Father uses to make truth available to His children, Elder Pingree also outlined the important role that prophets play in making truth known.

Key Points

  • Because understanding truth is important to our eternal progress, we can consider these questions: What is truth, and why is it important? How do we find truth? When we find truth, how can we share it?
  • Truth is revealed through relationships between Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, prophets, and us.
  • Prophets receive and share truth from God.
  • Our responsibility is to seek and act upon truth and grow in our relationship with God and Christ.
  • In this process, we must be responsive to the Holy Ghost and align ourselves with prophets.
  • Questions that help us discern eternal truths: Is the concept taught consistently in the scriptures and by living prophets? Is the concept confirmed by the witness of the Holy Ghost?
  • Doctrines are fixed and eternal; policies can change. “The Lord works through His prophets to uphold His doctrine and to modify Church policies according to the needs of His children.”
  • When truths we long for have not yet been revealed, we should patiently wait on the Lord and not complain.

Reflection Questions

How can I know if teachings from prophets and apostles are true? What sources can witness of their truth?

How can I show patience and faith while waiting for truths to be revealed?

If revelation comes through relationships between Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, prophets, and me , how can I strengthen those relationships?


This is part of a series sharing talks and resources related to the role of living prophets in our personal lives and in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I attempt to share reliable sources and accurately represent what the Lord and His authorized servants have taught, but my insights are my own and I am not an official Church representative.

Sustaining the Prophets

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In October 2014, before Russell M. Nelson was the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or even President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he gave a talk called “Sustaining the Prophets.” He clarified how authority in the Church differs from authority in the world and what it really means to sustain prophets, seers, and revelators.

Key Points

  • When he performed heart surgery on Elder Spencer Kimball, Russell Nelson felt the spirit testify that he (Kimball) would be the prophet. He knew the Lord was preserving and preparing him.
  • We don’t cast votes to choose church leaders; we agree to sustain them.
  • Common consent means we acknowledge that Jesus Christ’s authority is in the Church.
  • Sustaining is binding upon us to uphold and defend prophetic priorities.
  • Unanimously seeking the Lord’s will among 15 authorized servants protects the membership of the Church.
  • The organization of the Church allows for the Lord’s direction and proper use of priesthood keys under any circumstance, even when a prophet is ill or disabled.

Reflection Questions

How does the church leadership differ from leadership in the world? In whom do I put my trust, and why?

What does my sustaining vote really mean? Do my words and actions show evidence that I sustain the prophet and apostles?

This is part of a series where I plan to share talks and resources related to the role of living prophets in our personal lives and in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I intend to share reliable sources and accurately represent what the Lord and His authorized servants have taught, but my insights are my own and I am not an official Church representative.

Prophets Can See Around Corners

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This week I want to share with you a BYU-Hawaii Devotional given by Sheri Dew on November 2, 2022 called “Prophets Can See Around Corners.” She since gave a follow-up message at BYU Women’s conference in 2023, and I believe wrote a book about it as well. She shares a lot of personal experiences about her interactions with prophets and apostles in her work and callings, and testifies of their divine calling and the blessings that can come into our lives as we trust their teachings. I really enjoy her perspective and have personally found a great deal of confidence by turning to prophets and apostles for direction.

Sister Sheri Dew, BYU-H Devotional, Nov 2022

Key Points

  • Prophets are seers, and can therefore “help us see dangers we cannot yet see and opportunities we can’t even imagine.”
  • Prophets have been historically rejected and cast out, often because they cry repentance, and today is no different.
  • Prophets and apostles are not infallible; they are mortals with human weakness, but they are special witnesses with unique spiritual privileges.
  • The Lord has organized His church with safeguards in place so that it cannot be led astray and its members are protected. He, Jesus Christ, is the head of the church.
  • Following the prophet is showing trust in Jesus Christ.
  • She addresses four questions:
    • Who exactly are prophets, seers, and revelators?
    • Is there anyone you trust to give you more inspired advice unaffected by personal agenda than the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?
    • Do you know fifteen smarter men who care about you more and who have purer motives?
    • Are there any other leaders of whom the Holy Ghost unfailingly bears witness?

Reflection Questions

How can a seer help my limited vision?

What voices do I turn to the most for counsel and direction? How can I prioritize prophetic counsel?

How comforting is it to know that Jesus Christ leads His church?

This is part of a series where I plan to share talks and resources related to the role of living prophets in our personal lives and in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I intend to share reliable sources and accurately represent what the Lord and His authorized servants have taught, but my insights are my own and I am not an official Church representative.

The Blessing of Continuing Revelation to Prophets and Personal Revelation to Guide Our Lives

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This is the first of a series where I plan to share talks and resources related to the role of living prophets in our personal lives and in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I intend to share reliable sources and accurately represent what the Lord and His authorized servants have taught, but my insights are my own and I am not an official Church representative.

First up is an April 2020 general conference talk by Elder Quentin L. Cook called “The Blessing of Continuing Revelation to Prophets and Personal Revelation to Guide Our Lives.”

Elder Quentin L. Cook, April 2020 General Conference

Key Points

  • The Lord knows how to prepare his prophets and apostles for their service in His kingdom.
  • In fulfillment of ancient prophecy, the heavens are open today, and we have access to continuing revelation from God.
  • Some of the revelation that comes through the prophet is monumental, while other is procedural or seemingly small. In either case, the Lord guides His Church according to its current needs.
  • Personal revelation is as important as prophetic revelation when we prayerfully seek guidance in our lives.
  • The Holy Ghost can communicate God’s will to us in simple but powerful ways. Its influence is enhanced when we regularly study the truths found in scripture and taught by prophets.

Reflection Questions

What teachings from prophets have “enhance[d your] understanding of essential divine truths and provide[d] guidance”?

In what ways has the Holy Ghost helped you receive revelation as you’ve studied prophetic teachings?

How has your life been blessed because there is continuing revelation on the earth?

New Come Follow Me Show

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I will be co-hosting a new show at Book of Mormon Central’s YouTube channel with Marianna Richardson. “Come Follow Me: Act in Doctrine” will release every Wednesday, starting on December 23, 2020. Marianna and I will discuss the scripture block for each week by sharing our favorite takeaways, hearing from guests, and challenging one another to apply the the things we’ve learned.

Join us by subscribing to the channel or the playlist for the show. You can also visit this page for updated links to individual episodes. Here’s a peek at our welcome video:

Meet the hosts of “Come Follow Me: Act in Doctrine”

Thoughts on Blurred Vision and First Vision

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The First Vision
What Causes Blurred Vision | iCare Vision Center

Yesterday I felt an anxious load, so Matt drove me up the canyon and we went on a walk. I tried to talk it out so I could identify what was making me feel overwhelmed. My kids’ schools are in flux because of varying levels of COVID status. I had just dropped one off at an activity that had felt safe when I signed him up, but now I felt less sure. I read a Facebook post by the school district and started feeling sick when I saw all the angry fighting in the comments. My fears turned to our collective ability to get along and support one another rather than cling to ideologies at the cost of relationships and civility and a little bit of humility.

We walked in the mountains and tried to make sense of it. I told Matt that I rewatched a news clip recently where Elder Christofferson participated in a discussion about ethics in the media, and a moderator pointed out that 78% of Americans, when they disagree on issues, don’t just disagree on the policies, they disagree on the very facts. I mentioned how that makes it feel impossible to come to an understanding of the truth. I’m sure I don’t have to explain this to anyone reading; we’ve all been dumbfounded by people sharing and embracing contrary “facts.” I feel this pressing responsibility to protect my family and make wise choices, and President Nelson once said that “Good information leads to good inspiration,” so I know I need to be informed, but when the information is so overwhelming and changing and confusing . . . ? Anyway, we had a good conversation about remembering what I can and cannot control, focusing on what I can reasonably do, and trying to move forward in faith. The exercise, the air, the talking all helped me to feel a little better, and back down the mountain we went to reenter real life.

Then this morning I read the talk “Shall We Not Go On in So Great a Cause” by Elder M. Russell Ballard. I was just trying to do my goal of reviewing all the talks before October conference and didn’t expect to get a lot of insight from a message about the Restoration, but something jumped out at me. It’s an obvious message that comes from the Joseph Smith story, one that I’ve taught myself many times, but today I saw it in a new light because of current events.

Joseph recorded: “During this time of great [religious] excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit.

So here’s me thinking through this: great excitement, yes–not about religion, but masks, race, riots, politics, elections, social distancing, etc… Serious reflection and great uneasiness? Check. I feel the pull to be aloof too. I don’t want to be caught up in all the fervor, but I am trying to read and study and understand different points of view…

… [Yet] so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong.”3

It is impossible to know what information is totally accurate; I have sources I trust, but I still don’t know what information is missing, not being considered, etc …

Joseph turned to the Bible to find answers to his questions and read James 1:5: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”4

And it struck me that I need to trust God more. Those familiar with Joseph’s story know that his prayer led to a revelatory experience with God and His Son and opened up a new era of restoration of His gospel. I don’t think God needs me to open up any new eras of anything, but he can help me filter mass confusion into some peace and certainty… even if it’s just for me and my family. (It’s ok that different people feel and act differently. So frustrating, but ok.) I don’t think I have enough information to get complete inspiration (It’s likely I won’t be blessed with a corona-cure or the secret to unlocking the social injustice for all mankind), but I can get the information I need to take next steps. Elder Ballard pointed out that this did not make everything easy for Joseph and his family (Spoiler alert: he was killed.), but I crave the peace of knowing I’m doing the right thing despite the noise around me, and Joseph stated that when he had his answers, he was “filled with love, and … could rejoice with great joy.” Plus I loved Elder Ballard’s reminder that “Because the family was united, they survived these challenges,” and that “it may be that they came to know God through their suffering in ways that could not have happened without it.”

So that’s my wish right now. To get to know God better (without wishing suffering on myself or anyone else) and let Him walk me through this, to stay a little more aloof of all the fervor and a little more plugged in to what He wants me to do. Maybe you find fault with this strategy; heaven knows we’re all coping the best way we know how, but today, this was a message that gave me some personal hope.

You’re invited to a Latter-day Saint Publishing and Media Conference

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This is an invitation to anyone who is involved (or WANTS to be involved) in Publishing or Media: writing, editing, music, filmmaking, marketing, podcasting, fiction, nonfiction, you name it. The Latter-day Saint Publishing and Media Association has an annual conference, and I have worked a LOT behind the scenes to help them transition to a VIRTUAL CONFERENCE this year. (I think I have an honorary degree in Zoom now.) So you can attend from anywhere!
There are keynote presentations by Brandon Mull, Bruce and Marie Hafen, The Bonner Family, and Hilary Weeks (aren’t they cool?!), PLUS a whole lot of great workshops and breakout sessions by smart and wonderful people.
Go to their website: ldspma.org to check out all their offerings, and if you register quickly, you can use the code on this handy-dandy badge they made me (with a picture that tricks you into thinking I’m 8 years younger) to get a 50% DISCOUNT.

Agency and other things that make me angry

Thinking, Venting, View all 7 comments

Today I walked past my living room and saw this scene.

IMG_3548 copy

I feel like it is a metaphor for parenting. See that orange towel on the left? I found an old towel, cut it in half, and sewed it together to create a mat where the cat can rest and not shed on the furniture. I laid it out on the chair where she usually sleeps. So what happens? She chooses the other chair, and it makes me crazy. I can pick her up and put her on the towel, but when I walk away she’ll move back.

This whole quarantine, I have tried to do the work to create some productive and meaningful options for my kids. I made charts and lists of ideas. I’ve tried to build in purposeful pursuits and avoid mindless activities that just waste time. I’ve invited and adjusted and renegotiated and tried again. But I have three teenagers, and my kids are like my cat: No thanks, I’ll just do what I want instead. Even though it is dumb. Even though there’s a perfectly good option sitting right there on the chair. It is maddening, not only because it feels like constant rejection and disappointment, but because it happens to be pretty much the only kind of human interaction I’ve experienced for almost 70 days. Add on top of that the energy it takes to just stay safe and healthy and navigate all the varying opinions and politics and ambiguous information, and it has felt a little bit relentless.

I don’t have a cute lesson to tie this up with a bow. I’m just saying that for me, parenting in lockdown is hard and frustrating. I feel powerless to bring about the kinds of results that are in line with my own priorities and values. Maybe it’s only me. I’ve seen a lot of posts about people and families doing amazing things while they’re in lockdown–being resourceful and united and determined. It’s the first time I’ve experienced the feeling less that is supposedly one of the big dangers of social media. Because, metaphorically, I can’t get the stupid cat to sleep on the orange towel I made. It makes me wonder how frustrating it is for Heavenly Father when He presents us with so many opportunities for growth and service and learning, and we say, “No thanks, I’m good,” and we choose stuff that really is not as good for us. And yet, He is patient. He keeps extending invitations and forgives us our mistakes. I’m not there yet. Not even close. I imagine He’s more worried about my anger than He is about how much time my kids are on Playstation. So I’m working on it, but it’s a struggle. And that’s what I’ve been thinking about lately. #leastinspirationalpostever

General Conference Book Club

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Screen Shot 2020-04-19 at 8.25.03 PM

Back when I blogged at Diapers and Divinity, I used to do a regular feature called General Conference Book Club, but it’s been years. Recently, I was trying to figure out how I could do some good during this period of quarantine/”stay-at-home,” and I thought maybe I could resurrect it. The “book club” is an opportunity to review the most recent general conference talks, be uplifted by their messages, and experience a sense of community as we share our thoughts with each other.

Here’s how it works: Each Wednesday I post a video on my Facebook Author page announcing the talk for the upcoming week. I share some information about the speaker, the topic, some doctrinal points, or some suggested study methods to get the most out of the talk. You can then read or watch or listen to that talk on your own schedule throughout the week and then return to the video post to share your thoughts in the comments. I think we can learn a lot from each other’s insights and ideas for application.

You can find all the general conference book club videos/posts here. (<– Just click that link.) Please join us. Jump in at any time!

You can also watch the videos on Instagram @stephaniedibbsorensen, but I’ve noticed there’s not quite as much discussion there.

Fun in the time of coronavirus

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Coronavirus: Zoom is in everyone's living room - how safe is it ...I did some research and found some fun ways that we can connect with extended family and friend groups over Zoom or other videoconference apps. Here’s a list of games/activities you could do to stay in touch, reach out to people, and enjoy people’s company.

Pictionary (with Zoom whiteboard feature), can also use a random word generator for ideas of what to draw https://randomwordgenerator.com/pictionary.php

Yahtzee—all participants print out a score sheet and take turns rolling dice.

Bingo—use these sites to print out boards https://myfreebingocards.com/

and draw numbers. https://letsplaybingo.io/

Boggle—share this site on a screen and everyone writes down words against the timer. https://www.puzzle-words.com/boggle-4×4/

Jackbox Drawful— Through April 11, 2020, Jackbox Games is offering Drawful 2 is free if you download it with the Steam code here. The game is similar to Pictionary, except you and your friends will be challenged with ridiculous drawing prompts such as “cotton candy hair” or a “creepy tiger.” https://shop.jackboxgames.com/collections/steam-codes/products/drawful-2

Homemade Trivia— A fun, interactive idea is to use an application such as TriviaMaker.com to create your own trivia games.

Or Random Trivia— http://www.randomtriviagenerator.com/

Risk—multiplayer game (don’t need Zoom, but need a Steam account). https://store.steampowered.com/app/1128810/RISK_Global_Domination/

Variety of online card games— https://www.cardzmania.com/games/

Pandemic—just in case real life isn’t entertaining enough.  https://www.asmodee-digital.com/en/pandemic/

Heads Up—just need the app on your phone so you can show clues to each other. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/heads-up/id623592465

Scattergories—Here are the lists http://scattergorieslists18.blogspot.com/ Just pick a letter and set the timer.

Scribbi.io—like a virtual Pictionary https://skribbl.io/

Read My Lips–To play Read My Lips, have the person who is “it” turn off their microphone. They will then say a series of words in a given amount of time while everyone else reads their lips and writes down what they think they’re saying. The person with the most correct guesses is the obvious winner.

Last Letter–If you’d like to keep your brain sharp during this time of social distancing, play Last Letter with your friends. All you need to do is choose a category — ’90s movies, flowers, states, colors, etc. — and say a word within that category. The next person will say a word that starts with the last letter of your word, and on and on you’ll go until someone comes up blank. That person will then sit out the next round. Keep playing until only one player is left standing.

Charades—self-explanatory

Raid your cupboard— Some of your board/party games might adapt, especially if both parties have it and can use parts on their end: Look through them and be creative.