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NEW TESTAMENT Matthew 1–2; Luke 1–2; John 2:2–5; 19:25–27; Acts 1:14.(Prophesied of in scripture: Isa. 7:14; 1 Ne. 11:13–20; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10) ALMA 7:10 The Lord has called me before I was born. Mary's earthly mission was foretold by many prophets and recorded in scripture long before she was born (see Isa. 7:14; 1 Ne. 11:13–20; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10 ). Much like Mary, before the creation of the earth, we were foreordained to carry out certain responsibilities and duties. As we prove ourselves worthy and ready, we will be given opportunities to fulfill these assignments. ​ Russell M. Nelson taught, "Our Heavenly Father has reserved many of His most noble spirits—perhaps, I might say, His finest team—for this final phase. Those noble spirits—those finest players, those heroes—are you!" He continued,"...these surely are the latter days, and the Lord is hastening His work to gather Israel...And if you choose to, if you want to, you can be a big part of it" (Russell M. Nelson and Sister Wendy W. Nelson, Hope of Isreal Worldwide Youth Devotional, June 2018). ​What wonderful mission were you sent to fulfill here on earth? To learn more visit Gospel Topic: Foreordination. See also Mary and Joseph by Robert J. Matthews. LUKE 1:26-38 As we accept and magnify God’s will, He can do great things through us. Mary humbly responded to the angel that she would do what God asked of her. She did not know how things would work out, or any details of what was to come, but with trust in God she accepted His will for her. Because she said yes, she became the mother of Jesus Christ—the Savior of the world. ​ There may be times we feel that the work He asks us to do is impossible, but let us remember Dieter F. Uchtdorf when he said, "I promise that the Lord will cause unimaginable things to come from your righteous labors" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, God Will Do Something Unimaginable General Conference, November 2020). Have you ever received a calling for which you did not feel prepared? What blessings have you seen from embracing your calling? ​ See also the General Conference talk given by L. Whitney Clayton, Whatsoever He Saith Unto You, Do It. Learn more about Mary by reading Magnifying the Lord: Mary's Example For Us by Sheryl Condie Kempton and Mary the Mother of Jesus by Gaye Strathearn. LUKE 1:39-56 We are not alone in our trials and challenges. Elisabeth’s miraculous pregnancy was a sign to Mary that she was not alone. Bonnie L. Oscarson said, "I can only imagine how very important the three months they spent together were to both of them as they were able to talk together, empathize with each other, and support one another in their unique callings" (Bonnie L. Oscarson, Sisterhood: Oh, How We Need Each Other General Conference, April 2014). How comforting can it be when there is at least one other person who has some sense of what we are going through? ​ Taking it one step further, it's difficult to believe that Mary and Elisabeth's paths were not divinely directed to cross. As Ronald A. Rasband explained, "There are no coincidences, we are placed in each other's lives for a reason" (Ronald A. Rasband, By Divine Design General Conference, October 2017). Have you ever felt a friendship of yours has been led by divine design? ​ For more, listen to The Doctrine of Friendship with Melinda Brown on the Magnify podcast, produced by LDSLiving. JOHN 19:25-27 I can teach my children by example. Mary was Jesus's first disciple, but she was also his first example. Let's remember her response to the angel, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38). Many years later, having grown up witnessing the remarkable and unwavering courage, sacrifice, and obedience of a mortal mother, Jesus Christ echoed her words in Gethsemane saying, "not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42). ​ Heavenly Father has given latter-day parents the sacred responsibility to prepare his children for the challenges of the last days. Although Mary's vital role as the mother of Christ is explicitly unique, what can we learn from her story of discipleship? What are some things you can do to turn your home into a sanctuary for your children? Consider ways you can strengthen your family by being a good example. ​ See also Be Thou an Example by Jeffrey R. Holland. You can also watch "Strengthening Our Kids for the Last Days" with Tad R. Callister and Dina Alexander. CONVERSATION STARTERS How can you prepare to be willing to do whatever God asks of you? What experiences have you had when the Lord has helped you as you served? How have you seen God's hand in your friendships? What sacrifices does a parent make for thier children and what blessings come from such sacrifices? OTHER STUDY RESOURCES Margot Hovley, Mary, Mother of the Savior Ensign, December 2019. Susan Easton Black, Mary, His Mother Ensign, January 1991. Mary Pratt Parrish, Mary Ensign, December 1971. Jeffrey R. Holland, Behold, Thy Mother General Conference, October 2015. Gordon B. Hinckley, The Women in Our Lives General Conference, October 2004. Howard W. Hunter, To the Women of the Church General Conference, October 1992. Russell M. Nelson, Woman—Of Infinite Worth General Conference, October 1989. Ezra Taft Benson, The Honored Place of Woman General Conference, October 1981. Mary F. Foulger Motherhood and the Family General Conference, October 1980. Naomi M. Shumway Teaching Our Little Women General Conference, October 1979. Neal A. Maxwell, The Women of God General Conference, April 1978. Thomas S. Monson, My Personal Hall of Fame General Conference, October 1974. PERSONAL STUDY IDEAS Study what it means to align your will with God's. Clyde J. Williams, According to Our Will Ensign, September 2016. David A. Bednar, Accepting the Lord's Will and Timing Ensign, August 2016. "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me" (John 6:38). Desire to discover what you have been called to do here on earth. Susana Lyou Mantle, Finding My Purpose Ensign, June 2009. Study your patriarchal blessing. Seek to understand what it means to "rise to your call". Henry B. Eyring, Rise to Your Call General Conference, October 2002. ACTIVITIES Return the favor. Think of a friend who has been there for you. Ask Heavenly Father in prayer to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve that someone or a way to honor them for all the good they have done (Mosiah 2:17). Invite friends over for a Sip-n-Share. Host a soda bar for your friends. Make it fun with a variety of syrups and other delicious mix-ins. After you've all made your drink concoctions, gather around a table or sit in a circle. One by one, take turns sharing what spiritual learning moments you have had that week. Maybe you have a new insight you gained from rereading a scripture or a gospel principle you applied to your life. Take the time to simply enjoy, learn, and support one another.

DOCTRINE & COVENANTS Doctrine & Covenants Section 25 DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 25:1-10 You are an elect child of God and He has a special work for you to do. Seeking divine guidance for her life, the Lord outlined Emma Smith's calling in Section 25 of the Doctrine & Covenants. She was counseled to be an aid and comforter to her husband, to write, learn, expound scriptures, and select hymns. Emma was an active participant in the restoration, enduring years of trials and persecution at the side of her husband. Yet, she persevered and fulfilled all that was asked of her. Gordon B. Hinckley explained, "...under the plan of the Lord women carry tremendous responsibilities and they are accountable for the fulfillment of those responsibilities." He continued, "Each of you is an elect lady. You have come out of the world as partakers of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. You have made your election, and if you are living worthy of it, the Lord will honor you in it and magnify you" (Gordon B. Hinckley, If Thou Art Faithful General Women's Meeting, November 1984). Consider what work the Lord has for you. Ponder on ways you can prepare yourself to answer His call. ​ See also A Work for Me to Do by Julie B. Beck and Decision Making—The Lord’s Way by Steven C. Wheelwright. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 25:11-12 "...the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me" Emma was entrusted to compile a book of hymns, so that the people may worship with song. Some may dismiss this task as trivial and not see the magnitude of influence that resided in this sacred calling. Russell M. Nelson taught, "Remember, music has power to provide spiritual nourishment. It has healing power. It has power to facilitate worship; it allows us to contemplate the Atonement and the Restoration of the gospel with its saving principles and exalting ordinances. Music provides power for us to express prayerful thoughts and bear testimony of sacred truths" (Russell M. Nelson, Power and Protection Provided by Worthy Music BYU Speeches, May 2008). What blessings have you received from incorporating spiritual music into your life? ​ Learn more about Why Emma Smith didn't let the destruction of her first hymn book stop her by Jennifer Reeder, excerpted from First: The Life and Faith of Emma Smith. DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 25:13-16 As I cleave to my covenants, I will receive joy. The Lord said to Emma "...lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made." Barbara Thompson said, "As we have faith in Christ and cleave unto our covenants, we will receive the joy spoken of in the holy scriptures and promised by our latter-day prophets" (Barbara Thompson, Cleave unto the Covenants General Conference, October 2011). What blessings can we receive if we keep our covenants? ​ See also The Power, Joy, and Love of Covenant Keeping by Linda K. Burton. CONVERSATION STARTERS What can you tell about the kind of person Emma was from the things she was asked to do? What hymn has played a significant part in building your testimony? How has being a covenant keeper brought you joy? OTHER STUDY RESOURCES Valeen Tippetts Avery and Linda King Newell, The Elect Lady: Emma Hale Smith Ensign, September 1979. Gracia N. Jones, My Great-Great-Grandmother, Emma Hale Smith Ensign, August 1992. Jennifer Reeder, I was an Active Participant: Emma Hale Smith and the Scriptures Ensign, March 2021. Jennifer Reeder, Emma Protected Scripture Ensign, March 2021. Jennifer Reeder, Emma Smith—Giving All That Is Required All In: An LDS Living Podcast | Episode 123, March 2021. Jennifer Reeder, Understanding Emma Smith Latter-day Saint Women Podcast, May 2021. Doctrine & Covenants Student Manual: Section 25 PERSONAL STUDY IDEAS Learn more about the influence of music. Music Will Continue to Have an Important Role in Primary Primary General Presidency and Board, 2018. ACTIVITIES Share your favorite hymn. Share your feelings about a particular hymn and how it has made a difference in your life.

OLD TESTAMENT Book of Esther ESTHER 4:14 God has a divine purpose for my life. Esther realized that while she was in a rare position to help her people, doing so would put her own life in danger. As she hesitated to take on this challenging task, Mordecai gave her this question to consider, "And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). Her courage to continue forward may have come from the timeless certainty that God has a plan and a divine purpose for each of us. ​ Camille N. Johnson said, "Esther is another beautiful example of letting God prevail. Rather than sticking with a cautious narrative of self-preservation, she exercised faith, turning herself completely over to the Lord" (Camille N. Johnson, Invite Christ to Author Your Story General Conference, October 2021). We have been taught that God is willing to make known His will for us, but that we must invite Him to do so. Are you willing to ask and then accept the answer you receive? ​ Consider how you can prepare to invite the Lord to become the author of your story. ​ See also The Faith to Ask and Then to Act by Henry B. Eyring. ESTHER 4:16 Miracles can happen when we exercise our faith together. In the book of Matthew we learn that "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Esther understood that when we unite with others to fast and pray for the Lord’s help, we invite His blessings and miracles into our lives. She instructed, "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me...I also and my maidens will fast likewise" (Esther 4:16). What difficult things are you facing that you might want to fast and pray about? Who would you ask to join you in your fasting and prayers? ​ Learn more about the blessings that may come from fasting by reading The Law of the Fast by Joseph B. Wirthlin. ESTHER 5-7 When we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to His help. After the King promised Esther anything she desired, it was surprising that she chose to invite the King and Haman to a feast rather than immediately make a request on behalf of her people. However, we have been taught that “the Holy Ghost … will show unto [us] all things what [we] should do” (2 Nephi 32:5). Although her actions may have seemed strange, we can see the Lord's hand at work in them, ultimately resulting in the salvation of her people. When we do our best and act upon the promptings we receive, the Lord will add to our efforts, even unto deliverance (1 Nephi 1:20). What blessings have you experienced as a result of following an unusual or unexpected prompting? ​ Find more examples in the scriptures about divine guidance. See also By Divine Design by Ronald A. Rasband and The Tender Mercies of the Lord by David A. Bednar. CONVERSATION STARTERS God is not mentioned in the Book of Esther, however, where do you see him in her story? Where have you seen God's hand in your story? How can you bless the lives of others in your particular circumstances? How do you prepare to do difficult things? Who are your maidens? OTHER STUDY RESOURCES Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Resources for Children. David Butler & Emily Belle Freeman, Come, Follow Me: Story of Queen Esther Don't Miss This Podcast, 2022. Melinda Wheelwright Brown, How to Identify & Fulfill Your Divine Purpose Like a Watered Garden Podcast | Episode 32, July 2022. Our Turtle House, Esther Part I: Dr. Ariel Clark Silver, Follow Him Podcast, July 2022. Our Turtle House, Esther Part II: Dr. Ariel Clark Silver, Follow Him Podcast, July 2022. Kaytlin Jenks, Queen Esther: An Example of Faith, Courage, and Doing the Right Thing, Liahona, July 2022. Ciro Schmeil, An Instrument in the Hands of the Lord, Liahona, July 2022. Michael T. Ringwood, For God So Loved Us, General Conference, April 2022. Camille N. Johnson, Invite Christ to Author Your Story General Conference, October 2021. Thomas S. Monson, May You Have Courage General Conference, April 2009. James E. Faust, The Virtues of Righteous Daughters of God, General Conference, April 2003. Mary Ellen W. Smoot, For Such a Time as This, General Conference, October 1997. John H. Vandenberg, My Brother's Keeper, General Conference, April 1971. PERSONAL STUDY IDEAS Seek to deepen your trust in the Lord. D. Todd Christofferson, Our Relationship with God General Conference, April 2022. Michalyn Steele, Choose to Trust the Lord BYU Speeches, June 2019. Bonnie H. Cordon, Trust in the Lord and Lean Not General Conference, May 2017. Study to understand the power of fasting. Henry B. Eyring, Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen? General Conference, April 2015. ACTIVITIES Learn about the joyous Jewish holiday Purim. Purim is a holiday that celebrates the bravery of Queen Esther and the survival of the Jews. It is a fun event with some amazing traditions. Learn more about this wonderful event by conversing with your local Jewish community.

Learn more about the LDS Women Project! Explore our history, meet our team, and discover ways you can get involved. About Mission Statement The LDSWP is composed of faithful women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints anxiously engaged in the good cause of edifying our sisters and brothers, that we may all experience a joy-filled worship and a sanctifying mortal experience. We believe that the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ blesses the lives of its members and provides the ordinances necessary for salvation. We sustain our church leaders and contribute to the functionality of our wards by steadfastly fulfilling our callings. We work within the framework of current LDS doctrine to question traditions that may limit us as individuals and as a people. We view both our commonalities and our differences as strengths as we explore alternative approaches that empower everyone. We do this by seeking out and sharing the stories of women in the Church. We provide tools that allow members to quote women and highlight their voices and experiences in worship and personal study. We are committed to highlighting the diversity and breadth of experiences in living a life of faith and devotion. Meet our Team Elizabeth Ostler EDITOR-IN-CHEIF Trina Caudle INTERVIEW EDITOR Rosemary Demos DISCIPLESHIP EDITOR Neylan McBaine FOUNDER Elizabeth Tobler INTERN Many women have contributed to our Special Series, Sunday School Supplements, Cooperative Ministry, and Essays in Discipleship. We are indebted to them for enriching our community with their wisdom and words. Our HerStory We were founded by Neylan McBaine in 2009 as the Mormon Women Project (MWP). With a recorder and a lot of curiosity, Neylan began interviewing LDS women and publishing their stories. She believed that sharing the breadth and depth of lived experiences of LDS women would challenge the monochrome stereotype of LDS women within and outside of our community. Furthermore, Neylan believed that through this platform, LDS women could be mobilized to create egalitarian change within their sphere of influence. In 2012, Neylan presented at the FairMormon Conference. Her paper, To Do the Business of the Church: A Cooperative Paradigm for Examining Gendered Participation Within Church Organizational Structure , addressed the pain caused by the limited involvement in the eclesatical governance of the Church experienced by many women. It was an unapologetic call for action in wards and stakes and inspired the creation of a sister organization, Cooperative Ministry, in 2014. Cooperative Ministry was run by Elizabeth Ostler and Meredith Nelson. It was intended to provide a space for women of the Church to find faithful ways to bring about a more egalitarian governance within the Church while keeping within the bounds of doctrine. Under Cooperative Ministry, the Sunday School Supplements was created. These were commentaries on each of the Gospel Doctrine lessons written by LDS women focused on examining women in the scriptures and sharing how latter-day LDS women were interpreting the scriptures and applying them to their lives. In 2016, Neylan expanded upon her FairMormon paper with the publication of Women at Church: Magnifying LDS Women’s Local Impact . Neylan received an outpouring of responses from individuals wanting to apply her suggestions. Ward Councils, Stake Presidencies and High Councils were discussing the paper and deliberating on its applicability to their stewardship. It became clear that the MWP should become a resource to support this work. In response, Neylan, Elizabeth, and Meredith dissolved Cooperative Ministry and incorporated its content and purpose into the MWP. In 2018, Elizabeth Ostler and Meredith Nelson became co-editors of the MWP. They expanded the MWP content to include podcasts and special series . In 2019, they hosted the MWP 10th Anniversary celebration at Neylan’s home in Salt Lake City. In its first 10 years, the MWP published 247 interviews, 188 Sunday school supplements, 17 podcasts, 3 special series and touched the lives of countless women. In 2020, Elizabeth Ostler was made editor-in-chief of the MWP and a new editorial team was established with Trina Caudle as Interview Editor and Rosemary Demos as Essays Editor. Our content was further expanded to include narrative essays focused on how LDS women were striving to be disciples of Christ. And in 2021, Founder Neylan McBaine and Elizabeth Ostler decided to change the name of the Mormon Women Project to The LDS Women Project. Though our name has changed, our mission remains the same – to provide a platform that amplifies LDS women’s voices, demonstrates how there is no “right way” to be an LDS woman, provides resources and empowerment for the creation of more egalitarian governance and worship within our spheres of influence. GetInvolved Get Involved There are many ways to be involved with the LDS Women Project: 1. Nominate a woman to be interviewed. We are dedicated to showing hte depth of Latter-day Saint women. We're interested in the stories of women in your lives that you admire. If you have a woman you'd like us to interview, email us at interviews@ldswomenproject.com 2. Become an interview producer, transcriber, or writer. To apply for any of these positions, please email us at editor@ldswomenproject.com 3. Donate and make a difference. Consider making a one-time or monthly donation to support our storytelling as a pathway to understanding, unity, and progress. As an all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit organization, we depend on your donations to sustain our website maintenance, project production, and general operations. 4. Follow us on Social Media. Like, comment on, and share our posts on Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter . 5. Subscribe to our newsletter. Every month, we share our latest interviews, essays, podcast episodes, upcoming events, and major announcements.

You are invited to explore the stories of women in the scriptures. There is so much we can learn from those who have gone before. Discover the meaningful insights these women have to offer through the study pages below. Women in the Scriptures There is so much we can learn from those who have gone before. Discover the meaningful insights women in the scriptures have to offer through these Come Follow Me inspired study guides below. Mary Magdalene: The Tower "Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord..." Amber Irwin Apr 20 4 min read Esther: A Courageous Queen queenestherframed_720x_edited.jpg Esther Courageous Queen "...I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." Amber Irwin Apr 19 4 min read Emma Smith: An Elect Lady "Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called." Amber Irwin Apr 18 3 min read Abish: A Brave Missionary "...therefore she ran forth from house to house, making it known unto the people." Amber Irwin Apr 17 4 min read Mary: Mother of Jesus "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." Amber Irwin Apr 16 5 min read Tabitha: A Certain Disciple "...this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did." Amber Irwin Apr 15 2 min read

The LDS Women Project (formerly the Mormon Women Project) is a platform to amplify the diverse voices, experiences, and wisdom of women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, showcasing that there's no single way to be an LDS woman and offering resources for more egalitarian worship. Find interviews, podcasts, essays, and special series exploring faith, culture, challenges, and spiritual growth, aiming to build connection and understanding within the community. Stories of Diversity & Faith FROM WOMEN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS The LDS Women Project amplifies the voices, experiences, and faith journeys of Latter-day Saint women. Honoring the sacred journey GET INVOLVED Sisters Interviews Explore the diverse voices, experiences, and faith journeys of Latter-day Saint women. Discipleship Essays Engage with thoughtful reflections on faith, identity, & community. Written by LDS women for LDS women. Discover Resources Find empowering quotes, lesson supplements, & editorials that deepen understanding & strengthen faith. "I'm staying right here, to cultivate my bit of God's Kingdom so that both my sisters & brothers have fertile ground in which to grow. Are you with me?" Neylan McBaine, Women at Church New Interview! The Centrality of Relationship Interview with Trina Caudle Trina Caudle is a writer and editor with emphasis on personal stories and relationships. She brings that talent and skill set to the LDS Women Project as our Interviews Editor. READ MORE Wounded Souls AN ESSAY IN DISCIPLESHIP BY ELIZABETH OSTLER New Essay! There are people reading this who have dreams that have not been realized, expectations that haven’t been met. Others have experienced divorce, miscarriages, infertility, infidelity, homelessness, and job loss. Some of us have buried lovers, buried children, buried parents, buried sisters. When we find ourselves in these moments, we often ask, Why? READ MORE Support Us HELP US MAGNIFY WOMEN BY SHARING THEIR STORIES & CONTRIBUTIONS Because of you, we can inspire and enlighten people around the world. We depend on the kindness of donors like you to keep this work moving forward. Please consider making a donation to sustain The Latter-day Saint Women Project. DONATE Subscribe to our newsletter. YES, SIGN ME UP!