Evening of Excellence

In the Mormon church, we celebrate girls and women for who they are, 
and what they are accomplishing in their lives.
The young women (ages 12-18) are recognized for the

 good things they are doing in an event called "Young Women in Excellence."

The girls display to those in attendance like;
family members, friends, other church members, and leaders

what she is working on or completed that year.
Often times girls will perform a skill or talent to the group.

Claire brought some of her amazing artwork and paintings to display
and then spoke about how she has been preparing for her future by taking school
seriously, serving others (like me!!),
and how she's learning that making wise choices
will someday bless her life as a woman, mother, and wife.

Jane brought a recipe book that she's been working on.
She has been collecting and gathering all different
yummy recipes for her future family.
She also displayed gardening tools, her scriptures,
 and a journal (one out of the 30 she has)
to show her dedication to writing her life history.

Women are disciples of Jesus Christ and every woman in the
 Church is responsible for knowing and defending women's divine roles. 
These include wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. 
They stand firm and immovable in faith, family, and relief to others.
Women participate in councils that oversee
congregational activities throughout the world. 
By divine nature, they are responsible 
  for nurturing their children and family in their homes.

(Women in the Church)

Other posts about women in the Church:
My duties
Career Day with Claire
Jane is TWELVE 
Faith in a Field
Faithful Mothers

Jane's Progress

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon),

 girls at twelve enter into the Young Women program (YW).

The purpose of YW's is for girls to develop a relationship with 

Jesus Christ, prepare for her future roles and keep her covenants with God.

Another great thing about YW's is a program called Personal Progress

, which gives her opportunities to develop her skills, 

grow, stretch, and learn to become a leader. 

Young Women who enter the program are challenged physically, 

mentally and spiritually to find ways to understand who Christ is, 

and how they can rely on Him and His example. 

They learn more about themselves as daughters of a loving and almighty God.  

They make goals for themselves, their futures, and their families.

The Young Women program is for girls ages 12-18, which means

they have six years to complete the program.

Some girls finish right away, and some take all six years to complete (like me).

I told Claire and Jane (Lottie, too!) that Christian and

 I expect them to achieve this honor by the time they are 16.  

Claire finished her Personal Progress last October,

and tonight we honored Jane, who completed hers.

(She turns 16 in February). 

She will also be recognized in church on Sunday.

Jane has kept a very concise and beautiful journal full of entries

 that record her feelings and her goals and how she accomplished them.

She complied and collected the names of her ancestors to know more about who she is,

where she came from and can connect with

 them and complete temple ordinances.

I am so proud of my Jane Bug!

 I wanted the girls to have something nice from me and Christian 

once they have completed the program. 

We decided to commission my brother-in-law Andrew to make "name necklaces."

These beautiful necklaces are solid gold and sit on a dainty chain.

When my girls wear their necklaces and see their names, 

  I hope they remember what they have accomplished to always remember His name.

You can learn more about the Personal Progress Program HERE

 (BTW: you don't have to be a member of 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 

to participate!).

-Mormon.org HERE

-Andrew Beesley Studio HERE

The Desire Of Her Heart

 January 26th, 2024, might go down in Nielson history as being
one of the best!

Christian and I took Lottie to the temple for her 

first time as a patron this morning. 

Despite the chilly and damp weather, we were overwhelmed by the warmth, 

friendliness, and love with which the temple workers received us inside.

We approached the entrance of the temple, and a temple worker greeted 

us by opening the doors even before we got to them and welcoming us

 with open arms, especially Lottie, with joy and excitement. 

"Oh, hello, Charlotte, we've been expecting you!"

(I'm crying as I type this).

"We are so thrilled you are here today for your first time!".

It was so comforting to Lod since she was so nervous

for about a week leading up to the day.

 Really, I'll never forget how kind and warm everyone was;

they treated her like she was the only one in the temple that morning.

Christian and I walked Lottie around the baptismal font area 

where she would be serving, and we quietly observed the artwork

on the walls depicting works of Christ healing, loving, and ministering

but my favorite painting is actually one giant scene cut up into

 two paintings on either side of the font.

The prophet, Alma, is baptizing Nephite people in the waters of Mormon 

surrounded by strong men defending the waters and protecting 

those choosing to be baptized from persecutors.

A young woman is lovingly being welcomed out of the water 

after being baptized by what I like to assume is her mother.

(Me and Lod)

Those paintings make me cry every time I look at them because I

think about the glorious blessing of baptism, covenants, and promises

we make with the Savior, the blessing and protection we receive

by following Him.

I think about my missionaries, Jane and Ollie,

and I think about Christian and his dedication to the Lord,

our family, and the Priesthood of God he honors and holds.

As Lottie and I waited for her turn,

 we watched two beautiful young women assisting another 

older feeble woman in the font.

 I realized the young women helping her were sister missionaries

accompanying this new member for her first time to the temple.

(Just like Lod)

(And just like Jane)

As I watched these beautiful girls assist this older woman 

with kindness and love, my heart swelled with emotion. 

It reminded me of Jane, whom we were anticipating picking up

 from her full-time mission in seven hours. 

This moment felt like a full circle for me.

In the car on the way to meet up with Nicholas and Claire for lunch, 

we asked Lottie how she felt about her first temple experience.

She said she stopped feeling nervous about halfway through and then

she felt the spirit tell her to come back soon,

and that she was special.

(You ARE special, Lottie!).

My heart was melting. 

Her relationship with the Savior is the greatest relationship she will

ever have, and serving Him is one way she can feel His love for her.

I am so thankful it was a good first experience.

At lunch, we talked more about Lottie's favorite first temple moments,

and the sacred, special moments and a few funny, 

normal first-timer experiences.

 Then we went home, cleaned up the house, and finished the last-minute 

jobs (Gig's room was a nightmare!), and I finished the grasshopper pie I made

for Jane (her favorite) when we got home later that evening.

"Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, 

what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, 

as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, 

that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, 

that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

And now when the people had heard these words, 

they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: 

This is the desire of our hearts."

Mosiah 18:10-11

* * * * *

Then I got this text from Chris Bingham (also our Stake President)

 and his wife, Nellie, who were in Spain and HAPPENED TO BE 

ON THE SAME FLIGHT HOME AS JANE

and let us know they had found Jane at the airport.

"The package is in route!!!!" 

God is in the DETAILS!!!!

Motorcycles and Burdens

 Happy March!

And, Happy Birthday to my Nana in heaven!

Last Sunday, I spoke in church, and I think she would have loved to

have heard me speak- not because I am a good speaker or even that

I have anything good to share, but because I know she loves and

supports my efforts to follow Christ's example,

even though she's not on earth anymore, I still feel her.

*  * * * * *

One Sunday summer afternoon in 1988, when I was 5 years old,

 I heard the familiar sound of my 17-year-old brother, 

Matt's Honda XR 100 motorcycle.  

He was returning from taking my other brother, Andrew, around 

the neighborhood to collect fast offerings.

I was waiting outside on the lawn for Matt to return, hoping he'd give me a 

ride when he returned. As he pulled to the house, I chased

 alongside, begging Matt to take me for a ride. He parked the motorcycle, and both

 brothers jumped off, and Matt told me maybe he'd take me after dinner. 

I was very disappointed.

The brothers went inside, and instead of following them in, 

I climbed up upon the parked motorcycle, which was still hot from

 the previous ride and pretended to drive it.  

It toppled over on me, pinning me under for

 several seconds until Matt heard me yelling for help and came out.

He quickly picked up the motorcycle and then picked me up.

There perfectly burned onto my thigh were the words 

"HONDA" from the clutch guard. 

Years later, and before our family moved to North Carolina, 

Matt was serving as the bishop of our ward and called me on the

 phone and asked me if I'd serve alongside 

him as the president of our young women.

He shared with me some of the challenges the young girls were facing

 and told me that together we could help lift their burdens.

I immediately thought about the time when Matt

 rescued me from under his heavy motorcycle and how that burden was

 physically lifted, and I was saved.  

(Here's Matt sharing a story with the YW we served at

our annual YW Back to School Feast in Utah.)

I found joy, perspective, and satisfaction in serving the young women

in our congregation together with him for nearly three years.

We can find strength in times of trial and hardship by calling on the Lord. 

He may not always immediately relieve our burdens like we want, 

but I know I KNOW He will strengthen us in our time of need. 

He can make our burdens light and give us comfort through

His Spirit and many others that He puts into our lives.

 I recognized this at an early age through my brother, Matt, 

and again and again through other siblings, parents, and friends,

and I can even feel it still through my Nana, Aurora, who has passed on.

The Lord knows no bounds.

Nana, 1932

Personal Progress

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon),

 girls at the age of twelve enter into the 

Young Women program.

The purpose of YW's is for the girls to develop a relationship with 

Jesus Christ, prepare for her future roles and keep her covenants with God.

Another really great thing about YW is Personal Progress, which is a

a program that gives her opportunities to develop her skills, 

grow, stretch, and learn to become leaders. 

The girls are challenged physically, mentally, and spiritually

 to find ways to understand who Christ is, 

and how they can rely on Him and His example. 

They learn more about themselves as daughters of a loving and almighty God.  

They make goals for themselves, their futures, and their families.

The Young Women program is for girls ages 12-18, which means

they have six years to complete the program.

Some girls finish right away, and some take all six years to complete (like me).

I told Claire and Jane (Lottie, too!) that Christian and

 I expect them to achieve this honor by the time they are 16.  

Claire finished her Personal Progress just last week! 

(She turns 16 at the end of October). 

She will be recognized in church on Sunday.

Claire has a journal full of entries that records what she has accomplished,

 along with spiritual thoughts and ideas.

The book also contains her testimony and love for the Savior.

I couldn't be prouder of Claire and am excited for Jane, who 

will also receive her Personal Progress recognition in the next 6 months.

 I wanted the girls to have something nice from me and Christian 

after completing the program. 

We decided to commission my brother-in-law Andrew to make name necklaces.

These beautiful necklaces are solid gold and sit on a dainty chain.

When my girls wear their necklaces and see their names, 

  I hope they remember what they have accomplished to always remember His name.

-You can learn more about the Personal Progress Program HERE

 (BTW: you don't have to be a member of 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 

to participate!).

-Mormon.org HERE

-Andrew Beesley Studio HERE

Lottie At Young Women Camp

Lottie at Young Women Camp means she's hiking mountains, 
collecting and trading pins and having conversations with other girls, 

 making things, studying scriptures, reflecting, NOT being on her phone, 

 building fires, and learning to get along with other girls who are different from her.  

And spending time in nature with her dad.

I love it!

This is what Lottie was doing EIGHT years ago with her dad:

Swimming at Fox Hill.  

My, my, what adventures we've had!

YW Camp 2025

 

This morning, I sent Lottie and Branch President, Christian, 

to Young Women's camp until Saturday.  
This is Lottie's second year at camp.  

She was hesitant to go and will have FOMO since

 Claire is coming and we are getting things ready for her wedding. 

 But I am so excited to have Lod to hang out with other young women, 

and of course, to leave her phone at home.  

Plus, Christian will be there for most of camp, so if she gets homesick,

(and she does get homesick!), he'll be there.

Last year, when Christian and Lottie went to camp, two pregnant cows

died of heat exhaustion.  I hope NOT to repeat that!

YW camp is not what it used to be. 

For one thing, the girls can wear shorts now, and bring swimming suits,

 unlike the very strict rules we had when I was going.

I hate to say it, but camp is one of those

things that makes me hope baby Nielson 6 is a boy.

Bless ALL the leaders involved!

Bye, Lod!

Have fun!

My Duties

 On Sunday, I was released from my duties as Young Women's President 

in our church congregation.

Three years were spent with these beautiful girls each Sunday at 

Church and each Wednesday during our weekly activities.

There were also girl's camps, our traditional back-to-school feasts, 

youth conferences, activities, and other celebrations that we shared together.

These girls are beautiful lights and strong women.  

I marvel at their potential.  

At my "exit interview" with the Bishop, he asked me if there was a

particular experience that stood out to me as I reflect back

 on my time with them--and my mind went blank.

Not because I couldn't think of anything but because all I could think

about was how much I loved these girls. Deeply love them.

I saw their eyes and faces and felt emotional.

I am grateful I could serve next to and with other leaders who taught me

and blessed my life (and my own girls' lives) with their talents and wisdom.

I will never forget their sisterhood.

The Church is true.

The Gospel is beautiful and works wonderfully,

and to me, these girls are proof of that.

Daylight Savings = Hyggetime.

When daylight saving smacks us and darkness comes to 

 our world around 4:30 pm (which, if I'm being honest, I actually LOVE),

then I pull out our hygge candles and place them

 in every window of The White House.

The dark world outside makes way for light and warmth inside.

I feel a certain energy this time of year that I 

just can't express except to say that I love it so much.

The past few days here have been wet and dark, so

during home school, I've placed several candles at our work table,

 and we've been enjoying Christmas music, 

and I'm not even ashamed to say it.

This Tuesday (11/17), my Barre3 studio in Chapel Hill

 will be hosting a Book Talk where I'll share my book, Heaven is Here.

These women have become my sisters.  I love them.

Happy Weekend!

* * * * *

*I showed this pic to Jane today when she was having

a frustrating zoomathon day (she was on her 5th online class),

and told her that we were weeks away from this:

Spiritual Enlightenment:

"Through the power of the Holy Ghost, Christ will enable

 us to see ourselves and see others as He does."

PS: 

Instagram Accounts Launched for

 Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary General Presidencies!!!!!!

Brotherly Love

(Matt taking Andrew, Jesse, Courtney

 and me for a ride around the neighborhood on his Honda dirt bike, 1984)

For my thirtieth birthday in 2011, Christian (without me knowing) 

asked my eight siblings to each write me a personalized letter.

It was the best present in the whole wide world.

The letters were touching and emotional for me to read.

Some siblings shared personal experiences, some 

shared funny memories and sweet words.

As I was cleaning out my basement just a few weeks ago, 

I came across those letters.

I re-read all of them.  I must have cried for an hour straight.  

They are some of my most cherished possessions. 

Reading my second oldest brother Matt's letter touched me so deeply.

He was thirteen when I was born and he nicknamed me "Baboon" 

because I had loads of peach fuzz all over my back and arms.

Now he is the Bishop of our ward (congregation) at church.

I was called to work by his side as the Young Women's president.  

This past year has been extremely amazing to work with him.  

Matt is the father of five children and soon-to-be grandpa.  

He works hard, loves his family and wife, 

and is one of the most humble men I know.

In his letter he wrote me almost five years ago, he said: 

"I'm finding out that the older I get the more I cherish the relationships 

with my family members- especially the ones 

that were so young when I "left the nest".  

I feel so blessed to be your brother and to have been a part of your miracle. 

 I remember vividly seeing you for the first time after your accident.  

I was overwhelmed and went home and sobbed praying to 

Heavenly Father to take you so you wouldn't have to suffer the things to come.  

That was a faithless and selfish desire at the time and looking back now

 I am so glad you decided to fight and be strong to stay here with us. 

 Life is great Baboon, don't ever let the blips of trial or discouragement 

make you think otherwise. Your beauty inside and out is what 

I see in you each time we are together.  

I promise you'll always feel my brotherly love watching out 

for you and your family.  I love you, Matt"

Feasting

Yesterday was the Back to School Feast for the Young Women 

in church whom I get to serve.

I love these beautiful young girls and feel such joy 

 preparing this special dinner for all 40 of us.

I will post more details later. 

It's time for bed!

*I love seeing our Bishop and my brother, Matt,

at the head of the table feasting with us!

I love Matt!

Career Day for Claire

It was "Job Shadow Day" at Claire's middle school last week.

Claire has expressed to me several times her desire
 to be a labor and delivery nurse.  

She has had many discussions with nurses and some
 doctors that we know about her goal.

They told her what to know and how to prepare for this career.  

But she has also told me that her ultimate goal is to be a mother.

I am proud of her desire to care for and nurture her children. 

I woke Claire up early (as I do) and she helped me prepare lunches 

for the other Little Nies.

She helped me make breakfast and get the children out the door for school.

After we dropped them off, she and I drove to the Y trailhead, 

and together we hiked, just as I do every morning.

We talked about what she was learning at school, 

what she was enjoying at school, and her thoughts about some of her teachers.

I told Claire that all mothers mother differently, and together with

God, they become successful mothers.

With God, they will succeed no matter their background or culture, or lifestyle.

I told her that my desire to be a mother started at a young age.  

I prepared to be a mother by making wise choices early on, 

and I tried to develop my innate domestic qualities.  

I also tried to create good habits of exercise and healthy eating choices

 early so I could be happy while I mothered;
happy with myself and with my family.

Growing up, I never felt ashamed to admit to anyone that I wanted to be a mother.

Motherhood has blessed my life beyond my comprehension.
 I have learned some very valuable lessons that have stretched
and challenged me in ways I never knew I was capable of.
My children were the motivation that I needed to get better from my accident.
At night when I was in the hospital, I would visualize myself changing
diapers, making dinner, holding hands, dressing, and mugging on my children.
I got well because of my 'mother heart'.

I told Claire that no matter what she wanted to be in life, 

a mother is a very, very important goal. 

Later that morning I took her to my friend Susan's office.  

Susan is the founder of Freshly Picked and makes adorable

leather moccasin shoes for babies and children. 

Claire asked Susan some questions about her business like;

 what she likes about her job, and what she dislikes about her job.

Anyway, since  Lottie was with us, she tried on about 40 shoes, 

ate 5 cookies, and bossed Susan around her own office.

After we went to lunch where we had another good conversation about politics.  

I told her that somewhere here in this great country there is mother 

who is raising a future president of the United States.  

That mother is contributing greatly to this boy or girls life,
and helping them make wise choices now (hopefully)
so they can be a moral and wise leader.

Mothers are brave.  Mothers are powerful, and mothers change lives.

Before I tucked into bed, I asked Claire to read this talk by Julie B. Beck.  

I am anxious to hear her thoughts. 

 I hope she will reference these words from this talk as she grows and develops.

"I was recently at a park where I met a group of women with mother hearts. 

They were young, covenant-keeping women. 

They were bright and had obtained advanced degrees from respected universities. 

Now they were devoting their considerable gifts to 

planning dinner that evening and sharing housekeeping ideas. 

They were teaching two-year-olds to be kind to one another. 

They were soothing babies, kissing bruised knees, and wiping tears. 

I asked one of those mothers how it came about that she could transfer her talents 

so cheerfully into the role of motherhood.

 She replied, “I know who I am, and I know what I am supposed to do. 

The rest just follows.” 

(FYI: Lottie brushed my hair as I wrote this post. 

 It felt so good.)