Jul 2014 -Thoughts on The Beginning of Better Days

July: Thoughts, Feelings or Insights from Andrea B, Prairie Crossing

Thoughts on the Book The Beginning of Better Days

What an inspiring book! For me, Sister Dew and Sister Pearce helped define what the Priesthood actually is and how we as sisters can share it. Personally, I have never found myself worried that I have not been ordained to hold the Priesthood. However, I have contemplated how I can better use it in my life with or without my husband who is a Priesthood holder. This divine instruction helped me understand the need for humility, faith and gratitude while on the path in utilizing Heavenly Fathers Priesthood's powers and blessings and to not make light of them. I enjoyed the part where Sister Dew emphasized that women are blessed with the keys of knowledge, intelligence and power to discern falsehoods.  How much better off would we as sisters be if we would not covet or be jealous of one another's intelligence or knowledge and be open-minded to their wisdom.  This book also helped me realize on a larger scale just how important the Lord's Temple is and that I too had better re-think my attendance. I had no idea the temple was based on the Priesthood. Thank you for that revelation. As far as Joseph Smith's sermons, they each had a few concepts that opened my eyes. Joseph talked a lot about women back-biting, gossiping and self-righteousness. As much as I hope to attain the innocence and righteous behaviors in this "make-believe" world. I realize I'm human and that Heavenly Father knows my heart and my intentions, even though sometimes my example says otherwise. One last thought, I loved the story of the sister who was having a bad day and stormed out of a meeting and how her friendly associates came over to her house not only to give her dinner, but to show that they cared. I loved that example of charity. Overall, this book was wonderful and I recommend it to everyone!

 Andrea B

Apr 2014 - Thought - We do not need to have all the answers today . . .

The Beginning of Better Days was wonderfully insightful. I have a tendency to skim over historical documents due to issues or details that I feel have been resolved. However, with the commentary of Sisters Dew and Pearce, I was intrigued to read the minutes. Through the comments and experiences of these sisters, I have been asking questions that I believe I was afraid to ask. The Priesthood is certainly confusing if we do not ask questions and study and pray for the understanding. We do not have to have all of the answers today, we need to have the faith that the answers will come.

I must say, as I read Sister Pearce's story of epiphany, I was naively thinking that because she is Pres. Hinckley's daughter, she had all of the answers. To think, she was searching for answers too. Our experiences are different, but our answers come from the same source.

Thank you Sister Dew and Sister Pearce for sharing your struggles and triumphs with so many of us. Having sisters makes the journey so much more enjoyable and comforting

Julie T - Prairie Crossing

Mar 2014- Thoughts on Values and Strengths

I am new to the Church.  Reading "The Beginning of Better Days" just opened up another segment and gave me more understanding of what it is to be a member.  It also left me more aware of the history and facets of the Relief Society. These are what really brought my attention to the Church: the home and community values that are shared with everyone, not just members.  I believe that what Christ showed was the way we should live, our actions, not just talk and that living these values are what brings us closer to His Father, our God.

Donnemairi S - Country View Ward

Even though, I know people are inspired by God I am still amazed by the inspiration. I am amazed that someone as busy as Joseph Smith found the time to accomplish so much while under persecution and personal trials. The fact that Joseph Smith realized that “all organized bodies have their peculiar evils, weaknesses and difficulties” and that we should focus on the good and strive to make everyone  "equal with power”. I learned that as woman even now with the technology and the education we have on many subjects we are still true to our nature “strengths and weaknesses”. It is comforting somehow to know that women from all ages struggle as I do to brighten my strengths and diminish my weaknesses.  I found all of his teachings in this book to be relevant today. I appreciate the insight and inquiry of these two women: Sheri Dew and Virginia H. Pearce.

Julia M - Country View Ward

Feb 2014 - Thought - An Empowered Woman

A few months ago we were able to listen to Sisters Sheri Dew and Virginia Pearce, speak about a book they had written; The Beginning of Better Days Divine Instruction to Women.  As part of a thank you gift we asked those who read the book to write down their thoughts and feelings to share with the authors.  With her permission we would like to share one of these.

 When we were first given this assignment, I was a little dubious. Another thing to do in my already infinite laundry list. But as I watched the sisters in Relief Society begin to take hold of the book, I saw it wasn't just another assignment..It was an opportunity. 
  I bought the book and began to read. Being born in the early fifties, I never really felt I had a role model to look up to that wasn't a man. Women just didn't count. So I patterned my teaching and other things in my life after men I admired. Women just were women. I kept this opinion very privately to myself amid all of the progress women have made over the years. Still I never felt I was very valuable or that women were valued.
   Then I read the book. It was the first time I felt empowered as a woman.  I felt I had a valued place in God's kingdom. I knew my Heavenly Father loved me and I love him, but I don't know if I felt like He trusted me to be part of this work, or valued my efforts. After all, I'm just well you know a girl. Thank you Virginia Pearce and Sherry Dew...for parting the curtains and helping me see the truth.

Claire M (Regal Country ward)

The Sealing Power of the Priesthood

A few months ago we had the opportunity to listen to Sisters Pearce and Dew speak of a book they have written entitled The Beginning of Better Days.  For a thank you gift we compiled a book of thank you notes from the sisters in our stake.  With this sisters permission we would like to share her thoughts with you so that you may know her better.

Dear Sisters Pearce and Dew:

                Shortly after your book was published, I noticed it one day while shopping in Deseret Book.  I felt drawn to it and I bought it, unaware of the treasures contained therein.  As soon as I began reading, I realized that I was marking each page – many times—and it has been at my bedside since that day.

                I, too, am a widow and Sister Pearce; your beginning words struck such a chord with me.  Like you, I have often wondered how to reconstruct my life after losing my husband.  I thank Heavenly Father every day for the prophet Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Gospel, for the sealing power of the Priesthood, and for the privilege of attending the temple.  These great gifts are what sustain me on days that are difficult.  Your book teaches me over and over again about the role of womanhood and that we are vital and important in His great plan of happiness.  Sister Dew, you continue to inspire and teach me with your example and with your beautiful written word.  Sister Pearce, I feel very close to you, although we have not met.

                I thank you both for this beautiful book.  I now know what drew me so strongly that day in the bookstore.  It contains the wisdom of a true prophet of God and the teachings of two precious daughters of Heavenly Father.  I will always think of it as my handbook.

Linda M (last name removed for Internet privacy but she is in the Fair Grove Ward)

The Beginning of Better Days

Last Sunday the Stake RS Presidency tried to visit all of the women's organizations in our stake with an invite to read the book The Beginning of Better Days, Divine Instruction to Women from the Prophet Joseph Smith.  The intent is to have each of us gain a better understanding of of our importance in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know that it can be difficult to remember the announcements made on Sunday particularly if you are dealing with a class full of 5 year old children, so I thought I'd share the book info with you here.

Each ward has at least one book available for sisters to borrow, check with you Relief Society Presidency on how to do that, or if you'd like to purchase your own hardcover or electronic version, here are a few options for you.


Prices listed online as of June, 29, 2013 (prices subject to change)

Deseret Book -  list price $18.99

Amazon - electronic (Kindle) edition $10.44

Seagull Book - list price $15.99

Barnes and Noble - hardback - list price $17.45 and electronic edition (Nook) $10.44