Episode 23: Every 3rd Sunday — Fasting for the Goddess

Right click here to download the mp3.

Art by Willow Arlenea

A little while ago, Jena contacted me about a project she has started to fast for revelation about Heavenly Mother. In this episode, she tells her story as she grew in her interest and desire to know her Mother God and how she came to start this project. She extends an invitation to fast on the third Sunday of each month for specific and official revelation about Heavenly Mother. For more detail, check out these links:

• Official "Join the Mother Fast" page
• Jena's original post about her project
• Preparing for the July 2011 fast
• Aftermath of the July 2011 fast
• Jena's Blog: Like Unto Eve

Jena will be watching the comments to 
answer questions or discuss issues 
raised in her interview.

Jena's Recommended Resources 
Articles

• "Yes, You Are" by Sarah D. Bunting on Tomato Nation
• "A Mother There" A Survey of Historical Teachings about Mother in Heaven by David L. Paulsen and Martin Pulido
• Nephi and His Asherah by Daniel Peterson 

Books

• Healing Wise by Susan Weed 
• Eve and the Choice Made in Eden by Beverly Campbell
• Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd

Mormon Matters Podcast

• Ritual within Mormonism
• Heavenly Mother in Today's Mormonism
• Mormon Women and Equality
• Mormon Feminism, Women, and Claudia Bushman Part 1
• Mormon Feminism, Women, and Claudia Bushman Part 2
  

Episode 20: "I have found my violin" — Motherhood vs. Education & Career, Part II

PART II
Right click to download the mp3.

Motherhood by Ann Gardner

This is the second half of the interview with Beatrice where she discusses her life after having her child and how she found balance between motherhood and her passion for research and teaching.

What have been your experiences in finding a balance between motherhood and your own dreams and passions?

Beatrice will be watching the comments to answer questions or discuss issues raised in her interview.

For resources and references,
see Part I of this interview.

Episode 19: "I have found my violin" — Motherhood vs. Education & Career, Part I

PART I
Right click to download the mp3.

Violet and Her Violin by Ann Gardner

Much has been said about the role of motherhood. Ezra Taft Benson, in particular, spoke at length about women's roles. Because of the strong directive to stay at home and be mothers, many women have felt conflict over desires to pursue educational and career opportunities. More recently, leaders have spoken of the importance of women getting a good education.

In this two-part episode, Beatrice shares her passion for teaching and research as she tells about getting her PhD and having her first child. She compares her strong drive toward pursuing her dreams to the intimate passion a violinist feels for her violin.


What have been your experiences in finding a balance 
between motherhood and your own dreams and passions? 

Beatrice will be watching the comments to answer questions or discuss issues raised in her interview.

Resources from Beatrice

• Beatrice's Blog: Both Sides Now
• Hi, I'm Emily! from the recent Mormon Ad Campaign
• LDS Family Ideals versus the Equality of Women:Navigating the Changes Since 1957 by Carrie A. Miles
• My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok
• The Chosen by Chaim Potok

The Crosswicks Journals by Madeline L'Engle

• A Circle of Quiet
• The Summer of the Great-Grandmother
• The Irrational Season
• Two Part Invention: The Story of Marriage