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Lynnette Sheppard

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Hi! I’m Lynnette. Welcome to my little corner of the Internet, where parenting with love, leadership, and common sense is the name of the game.

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For all of you out there who are struggling with c

For all of you out there who are struggling with challenges while raising teens, I see you.

I know the teens years can be tricky for parents.

I know you are carrying heavy burdens that you cannot talk about because you are holding space and honoring privacy.

I know you are loving and supporting and praying and talking through tough things until the wee hours of the morning.

I know it’s hard to sleep after that because there are so many things to process and so many “what ifs” left hanging in the air.

I know you sometimes feel like you are alone in this place, and you wonder if will ever end.

But you are not alone.

And all stages eventually come to an end, even this one.

So, hang in there, friend.

Life goes on after the tumultuous teen years.

There is more light and hope ahead than you can now imagine.

Take it from one who has lived on both sides of this fence.

A few months ago, I took my daughter to the 9-11 m

A few months ago, I took my daughter to the 9-11 museum in NYC. I was surprised when she wanted to stop at every exhibit and read every plaque.

For a brief moment, history - an event that happened just prior to her birth - became real.

As adults, we will never forget. The images will forever be engraved in our minds.

But our kids? Hopefully, they, too, will come to understand the significance of that day and the heroes who emerged in the face of unspeakable suffering.

Heroes always emerge because humanity trumps evil.

Humanity unites us.

Humanity wins.

That message rings loud and clear in the halls of the 9-11 museum and the hearts of those who lived through that day.

Do you still hear it?

#neverforget

The Iron Rod has new meaning for me after hiking C

The Iron Rod has new meaning for me after hiking Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale.

The hike started out easy peasy lemon squeezy. And then, we turned a corner and saw what was next: a steep, slippery, passage carved into the rock. The handrail gave us a clue that it might be a *little* challenging to climb.

My friend cheerfully instructed us to “Hold to the rod.” She didn’t need to tell me twice. Hand over hand, I clung to the rod like a lifeline as I climbed.

When I reached the top of that passage, I looked down to see my friend, feet away from the rod, struggling to climb up the steep, slippery rocks, despite the trekking poles she used for balance and traction.

At first, her poles were enough. Until they weren’t, and she was too far away from the rod to reach its sure, steady aid.

Quickly, her husband came to the rescue, helping her until she was on solid ground once more. Her words still ring in my head, “I didn’t hold to the rod…”

Haven’t we all been there? Feeling steady enough to navigate life on our own?

I’ve got this. I don’t need the rod. My poles are enough to get me through this passage. I will get back to the rod in a minute.

Until we realize we are further from the rod than we thought, and its steadiness is just outside of our reach.

“The Iron Rod is the word of God. ’Twill safely guide us through.”

The truth of those words means more to me now than ever.

In my IGTV video the other day, I told my story an

In my IGTV video the other day, I told my story and why I think we need a more balanced conversation surrounding recent issues in the church.
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You can watch it on my feed if you would like, or you can swipe to see the highlights.
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It touched a nerve with many people, who thanked me for being a voice for them.
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I believe that as divisiveness continues to grow in the world and the church, we need more compassion and empathy for ALL: those who struggle and feel marginalized, those who support and sustain the church leaders and doctrine, and those whom the Lord has called to lead us through these turbulent times.
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The strength of our house depends upon our ability to listen to each other, give each other grace, and come together in unity.
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P.S. My brother is gay, and other close family members and friends belong somewhere in the LGBTQ+ community. I understand why they are hurting right now. I love and support them AND I love and support the church and its leaders.
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The beautiful power of AND.

A House Divided Cannot Stand. I believe Abraham Li

A House Divided Cannot Stand. I believe Abraham Lincoln was correct in saying that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.”

For the past several weeks, I have been grappling with the growing confusion, contention, and divisiveness within the church. My heart has been heavy, leading me to my knees and the scriptures, searching for understanding and light.

And, though I am late to the party, and I am hesitant to add my voice to an already saturated conversation, my heart will not allow me to stay silent.

How will we keep our house from crumbling if there is not room for compassion and charity for all: those who struggle, those who remain steadfast in their faith, and those whom the Lord has called to lead in this time when confusion, controversy, and contention reign?

#churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #sharegoodness #latterdaysaints

I could say much after the turmoil of the past cou

I could say much after the turmoil of the past couple of weeks, and I have debated whether or not to add my voice to the conversation.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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However, there are more than enough opinions circulating on social media, and I question the value of adding one more.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So I will leave it at this:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I love God.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I love people.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I love and sustain the Brethren.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

I know that God loves his children.

Nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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That is all. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Happy Sabbath, friends.

Why does everything feel so divisive? Where is un

Why does everything feel so divisive?

Where is unity, especially within the church?

If a house divided cannot stand, what does that mean for the future?

Is it possible to stand in the midst of contention and polarization and be calm, confident, charitable, joyful, and filled with light?

These questions have caused me deep reflection of late.

And, through my study and pleading to Heaven for understanding and direction, this much I know:

The light of Christ is stronger than darkness, confusion, and despair.

And now, more than ever, we need men and women of light to stand up and shine.

Not in a contentious, “I am right, and you are wrong” way.

But in a “city set on a hill” way.

In a “together, we can accomplish infinitely more than we ever could alone” way.

In a way that invites, builds bridges, and lifts people to higher ground.

If we don’t share light, who will?

It is time to stand.

I left a piece of my heart in Utah today, nestled

I left a piece of my heart in Utah today, nestled beneath a massive white Y.

Cinderblock walls, crisp sheets, and small trinkets from home smelled of promise and excitement as she arranged each item until it felt just right.

Glancing back one last time, tears glistening off her moonlit cheeks, she squared her shoulders, opened a new chapter, and walked in with her head held high.

A new life awaits in the shadow of the Y.

Take care of her, Provo. You’re getting a good one. She’s going to leave her mark on the world, and I am excited to watch her fly.

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