Admin: This post is authored by former occasional guest blogger and friend to JI, Bored in Vernal. Thanks, BiV! 

Doctrine and Covenants 84:3-4 instructs the Latter-day Saints concerning the city of Zion, which was to be their “New Jerusalem:”

3 Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.
4 Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.

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Eliza R. Snow holds a unique position in Mormon history.  She never had children or a husband of her “own,” though she was married to the first two LDS Prophets.  Eliza became extremely influential in the early Church for a variety of reasons.  Her situation with less family responsibility gave her free time to pursue her interests.  Her calling as General Relief Society President saw her travelling among the Saints and gave her an authoritative position.   Her proximity to Church leadership put her in firsthand touch with Church doctrine as it was developed.   Finally, her considerable talent in writing gave her a voice among men and women alike. (more…)

I’ve enjoyed reading the Women’s Exponent since it became available online. I’m amazed at how political and liberated many of the articles are. Their interest in the world beyond their valley surprised me. It is fascinating to read the historical information: (more…)

While doing genealogy work some years ago, I came across an epitaph in a New England cemetery where several of my ancestors are buried. I remember I was somewhat shocked to read:

As you are now, so once was I
As I am now so you will be
Prepare for Death to follow me. ^[1] (more…)

What woman would not want to have earned the title “Elect Lady?”  This evocative term was used to describe Emma Hale Smith in a revelation given by the Lord in July 1830.  “Thy sins are forgiven thee,” Emma was told, “and thou art an elect lady whom I have called.”  The appellation is an interesting one, and may possess shades of meaning beyond simply that Emma was an extraordinary and revered woman.  How do the words “elect lady” fit in with her being “called?”  Does this phrase have any connection with the ordination promised to her in verse 7?  Following are several interpretations which can be made of the words “elect lady:” (more…)