Who I Am—An Introduction

Who is Lisa Mabey? On the surface, I’m a new blogger for the LDS Families and Photography blogs. I’m a soon-to-be LDS mom and wife. I’m a young women first counselor. But a little deeper, I’m an intently religious woman who values her convictions and testimony above anything else in life. I grew up in a tiny town in Idaho where I was surrounded by people who shared my faith and taught me through their examples. I grew up in a home that many people have envied for the love and truths taught there. I moved to Utah to attend … Continue reading

Family Home Evening: Nephi and the Brass Plates

This week the lesson will focus on the story of Nephi getting the Plates of Brass. There are two strong points taught in this story. The first that you can accomplish anything that the Lord wants you to, if you trust in Him. The second is the importance of the scriptures. You can cover both of these points or choose one to focus on. You should begin the lesson by reviewing the story of Nephi retrieving the Brass Plates. You can do this by reading 1 Nephi 3 and 4. If you have young children you may want to use … Continue reading

Relief Society Presidents: An Introduction

In celebration of the upcoming Relief Society birthday, I’d like to take the first three days of the next few weeks to introduce readers to some of the wonderful Relief Society presidents this organization has had at its head. From Nauvoo to Salt Lake, from suffragette to grandmother, the presidents of the Relief Society have been women of faith and testimony, women of action, women to hold in high respect. As I’ve worked on compiling these biographies, I’ve been amazed. I thought I had a decent grasp on church history, but as I’ve studied the lives of these women, I … Continue reading

Faith is…

What does faith mean to you? I’ve defined faith as being able to put my trust in God believing He knows better than me. The Bible defines faith for us: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) By faith we know there is wind, not because we see the wind, but we see, feel or hear the effects from it. I believe it’s the same with God; we don’t see Him in a physical sense, but we do see His creation and the impact of His goodness. “For since the … Continue reading

Pornography and the Christian

Recently I’ve been hearing of more and more churches offering small group settings for men (especially) so they have a place to fellowship with other believers who are fleeing from their addiction to pornography. The issue of porn is not exclusive to men; there are some women who struggle with it as well. So why is this such a big deal—especially in a marriage where both husband and wife consent? As Christians we are to be sober minded and be watchful of the liar and thief which is Satan. In thinking back to my Marriage Series introduction blog, I share … Continue reading

Trials and Faith: Jesus Freaks

I’m not here to write about the song “Jesus Freak” by Christian band DC Talk or even the Jesus Freak movement of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. I’m here to talk about the book put out by DC Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs entitled, Jesus Freaks: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus: The Ultimate Jesus Freaks. This book is so much more than just a creatively antique-looking book with its grungy cover and torn parchment-like pages. Inside this book lie the stories of many faithful who put their faith in Jesus, even as it meant their … Continue reading

Trials and Faith: Resisting Temptation to Sin

I am encouraged by what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” We will all go through temptation. Not even Jesus was immune to Satan’s temptation while living here on earth. I hear people talk about God testing their faith when they are going through hard times; once in a while, I … Continue reading

Choosing My Standard

This is the first part of a small group series I’ve been working in called, “Values that Last“. Though I could probably write several blogs on this session alone, I am just going to focus on the specific areas that really hit home for me. There seems to be a decay of truth in today’s society. This is likely a result of three philosophies (among others) that have taken root in our society: Individualism: Personal independence, relying on yourself, the standard of your own life and what seems right to you. “In those days there was no king in Israel; … Continue reading

Trials and Faith: The First Christian Martyr

I’d like to share the story of Stephen that took place about 34 AD. Mention of him can be found in Acts chapter 6 and 7 of the Bible. He was said to be a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He had the power of the Holy Spirit working through him, and was full of wisdom. There were men who came to take Stephen to council because he put Jesus over the customs of Moses. As Stephen gave his testimony in front of the council, it was said they saw his face as the face of an … Continue reading

Trials and Faith: Persecution

Throughout the Bible we can read stories of persecution to those who followed God. Some were even martyred for their beliefs. The persecution of Christians, among others, is still happening today. In some nations like China, Christians are forced to register with the government in order to attend a certain congregation. You might have heard of underground churches there where Christians are gathering in secret so they can worship God freely. Time magazine did a story a few months ago on this topic. Folks, this is not just happening in China, it’s happening all over! Christians have suffered beating, and … Continue reading