Inspiration from Sheri L. Dew

On Thursday, February 19th, we had our Stake Women's Conference. The theme was "The Power to Become" and was taken from Sheri Dew's book "God Wants a Powerful People". We were so blessed to have Sister Dew speak to us! She is one of my favorite people, and she is such an inspirational speaker. Here are the notes that I took.

Just as Sister Dew and most of us use our cell phones, email, and other forms of modern-day communication to stay instantly connected with the world around us, it is critical for women to be continually connected to our Father in Heaven.

Revelation 12:7 says "And the dragon [Satan] was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Sister Dew said that we can take this scripture literally. Women are pivotal to the family and building up the Kingdom of God. Satan is running out of time, and he is wroth with righteous women for their influence.

Satan uses disruptive business practices. He distracts and disconnects us by 1) confusing us about who we really are, 2) keeping us from understanding what the Savior did for us through the Atonement and what He will do to help us now, and 3) stopping us from knowing how to receive personal revelation.

#1 We must understand who we are and what it means to be children of God. When we know we have a purpose/mission, everything changes. You will be happier than ever before. The great scriptural prophecies all talk about two things, Christ and the Last Days. We are the the "noble and great ones" (D&C 138, Abraham 3; Sister Dew recommended that we read and pray about these scriptures and ask if they apply to us). The Lord would not have saved us for the Last Days if He did not think we were strong enough.

#2 We must gain "unshakeable faith in Jesus Christ" and know that he will heal us of all things. He will heal our broken hearts, heal our wounded souls, make our weaknesses into strengths. Our difficult, heart-breaking experiences help teach us to trust in the Lord and to know that He will help us through everything. Sister Dew suggested we study Alma 7, Ether 12, Hebrews 11, Luke 4:18.

#3 Nothing is more important than to learn to recognize the Spirit and personal revelation. It takes practice with scripture study and prayer. Ask Heavenly Father to teach you how you receive personal revelation. Feeling the Spirit is different than receiving revelation.

Jesus Christ prophesied that in the last days "men's hearts [will fail] them for fear" (Luke 21:26). None of the "scary" things that are happening in the world today are a surprise to the Lord. We do not need to fear. He knew that we would be strong. He wants us here when the world falls apart. The Kingdom of God will not fail in our day as it has in other dispensations, and women have profound influence. We owe Adam, Eve, ** Abraham, Esther, Isaiah, Nephi, Moroni, Joseph, Emma, Eliza, Brigham, and * all of our predecessors our conviction!