Tools for Challenging Relationships
Is there a relationship in your life that challenges your ability to be happy? Are destructive choices or addictions involved? Are you frustrated with your inability to change the other person? Loving someone who suffers from addiction or struggles with destructive behaviors can leave you feeling powerless, angry, and fearful. Often, we try everything we can think of to control or make the other person change, resulting in frustration on both sides and damage to the relationship. The good news is that you have the power to change yourself – your attitudes, feelings and behaviors. In this session, you will learn simple and effective tools that you can use in crisis or everyday situations that can bring peace and joy back into your life. You can play an active, important role in enabling healthy changes in your relationships.
Alison JensenSingapore
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BIO.Two years ago, just months after their youngest daughter left for college, Alison and her husband, Paul, traded their empty nest in Seattle, WA for a much, much warmer nest in Singapore. They called it their “Life Reset” and their friends called them crazy.
While living in Singapore, Alison is enjoying setting her career aside to serve and play. Alison is currently serving as YW President, co-seminary teacher and co-leader for a weekly family support group. Alison holds a Bachelors in Communications which has recently been useful in persuading family and friends to join her on jungle and cave adventures. Alison is passionate about sharing the tools that have changed her life and relationships, and her deepened understanding of the power and healing that come from relying on the Savior and His Atonement. She firmly believes that every single day should include chocolate, gratitude, time with family and friends, and some sort of adventure – not necessarily in that order. |
Peace and Joy Through Christ
in the Journey of Singlehood
Many faithful women struggle with feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, even envy, fear and anger that accompany singlehood, which are often intensified as life unfolds. Avoiding common pitfalls and strengthening a focus on Christ and eternal life, it is possible to not only survive singlehood, but thrive therein.
BIO.Through the 15 years of her single life, as life challenges intensified, Megumi has come to know Christ as her Saviour: what His love, peace and joy are, how He succours her every moment of her life, and His sacred power to transform and beautify her by bestowing her greater capacity to love, to find peace and to believe, as well as greater intelligence, leadership, and resilience.
She has great love, empathy and respect for single sisters who often delivered His miracles into her life, helped sustain her faith in Christ and continue to set beautiful examples of Him. Through the blessed experience of being engaged heavily with YSA/SA for 5 years in a ward where over 3/4 of the members were single sisters, and a stake where majority are single, as well as facing her own struggles, the spirit taught her invaluable insights on the topic. Megumi was born in Japan, and grew up across Asia, Europe and USA. She is a management consultant by profession, and holds a MBA from Harvard Business School. |
Megumi TakenoshitaSingapore
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A Firm Foundation in Troubling Times
Many times our firm foundation feels like it is slowly eroding as we face life's challenges. When a spouse is not faithful, a child is struggling, a loved one dies, a mental illness feels too big to control; each challenge feels like it is chipping away at our spiritual base. You are not alone! Foundations can weaken and even crack; however, Our Father in Heaven is the master planner that will repair our weakened foundation as we commit to following His plan.
Brenda SmartHong Kong
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BIO.Brenda Smart has lived in Hong Kong for five years. She and her husband David are preparing to leave Hong Kong to serve as Mission President and companion in the Puerto Rico, San Juan mission in July.
Brenda graduated from San Diego State University with a Masters in clinical Social Work. The majority of her counseling has been with women and children of domestic violence, specializing in play therapy and helping others work through trauma. Brenda is a mother of four married boys and six beautiful grandchildren. She enjoys hiking, quilting, yoga and reading. And, she will never turn down a good dessert. |
Discerning Truth:
Teaching our Children and Youth about Pornography
To protect our sacred homes against pornography, in this session, we will learn how to discuss pornography with our children and youth in the context of education and love vs. shame and fear, and how to support loved ones who may suffer from pornography addictions.
BIO.I have a Masters Degree from Northwestern University in Clinical Counseling. Before moving to Asia, I worked seven years for LDS Family Services in Chicago, counseling individuals and couples. My experience working with individuals and families has created a passion within me to educate families on the temptation and effects of pornography.
My other passions include reading, hiking, and my family! I have lived in Asia for the past 4 years. I currently reside in Shanghai, China with my husband and 4 children. |
Catherine HumphreysShanghai, China
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Why Am I Still Here?
In my family, extended family, and circle of friends, not everyone who was once a faithful member of our church is still actively believing and participating. I am, though, and I have no plans on leaving. Am I being faithful or just stubborn?
Chelsea FisherWuhan, China
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BIO.According to her children, Chelsea was born in the olden days when books were just invented. That's not quite true, but this is: Chelsea grew up in New Mexico, then studied Chinese at BYU. It turned out to be pretty useful: she met her husband in Nanjing, then lived in and out of China for the next decade or so. The Fishers just finished a tour in Brasilia, Brazil from 2015-2016, and now they are back to China with the US State Department.
Chelsea is currently living in Wuhan, China, with her husband and three small children. She keeps busy teaching a high school literature class, a Zumba class, and helping her daughter start a children's choir. We make our own fun in Wuhan. |
Mistaken Identity
Like peeling the layers of an artichoke, you go through many layers before you get to the delicious heart of who you are. Most of the outer labels of our identity place us in boxes or categories relative to other people. We might identify ourselves by race, gender, religion, political views, occupation, and so on. Many of those labels were given to us by birth or circumstance and inform our point of view. But none of them are who we are — they are simply categories of relative identification. Some of us have miss-taken these categories to define our worth or use them as the primary means to find fulfillment or happiness. Join us in discussion about what’s really at the core of our identity and how focusing on that can elevate our lives.
BIO.Cherie is a wife, mother, coach, entrepreneur, teacher, pioneer, adventurer, woman of faith and daughter of God. Originally from California, she and her husband, Stan, have lived in Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, China and Hong Kong) for 13 years. She has two delightful miracle boys - Cole and Kenney that you may have heard her speak about at her 2015 A.S.I.A Women’s Conference presentation.
Professionally she’s worked in human resources, as a life/education coach and owned/operated international businesses in the fashion, cosmetic and health industries. At church, she’s served in many auxiliaries and is currently the Young Women’s President in her branch in Hong Kong. Cherie is always ready to have fun and is known for her quick wit, sense of humor and easygoing caring personality. In her free time she loves to travel, play sports and games, read, and explore whatever life has to offer. |
Cherie BurtonHong Kong
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I'm Depressed and I'm OK
So many of us are affected by depression: our own, or that of family members and friends. We will talk about how to help yourself and others -- but more importantly to realize that we are children of our Heavenly Father and even in the midst of our struggles, we are loved and we are okay, after all, He loves diversity -- He created us!
Constance LieberHangzhou, China
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BIO.Constance was born a long time ago in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She joined the Church in New Jersey at age 18. Since then life has been an interesting journey! She has lived in the USA, Switzerland, Germany, and China.
Her incredibly patient husband and five children and ten grandchildren are the highlights of her life. She catalogued manuscripts at the Church History Library for several years, including the papers of many of the prophets and general authorities. Being able to read their journals and their correspondence with their family members strengthened her testimony of living prophets.She has a Ph.D. in languages and literature (Polish and German) and has produced a handful of books and articles on German and Polish history and LDS history which have been published. She has lived in Hangzhou, China for two years because her husband's company has a laboratory there. If she wanted to see him, she had to follow him! She loves China and her Chinese and ex-pat friends. She keeps busy in Church callings, teaching English and German, and editing documents. |
Session 1:
Becoming the Woman You Were Meant to Be
"Do you ever feel insignificant? Insecure? Do you sometimes compare yourself to others? Or are unsure about who you are and your unique talents?" Heavenly Father desperately wants you to know of His love for you and how MAGNIFICENT you really are, find your unique talents and gifts, and learn how to start becoming that person He sees in you. In this class, we will discuss several powerful truths and principles that will help us unlock our divine potential right now in our lives.
Session 2:
Covenants Are Power
At times, I have felt overwhelmed, distracted, exhausted, stressed, and desperately needing guidance from the Lord. But I recently realized that I was not fully drawing upon God's power available from the covenants I have made with Him! I also realized how little I knew about covenants. Covenant keeping not only brings us closer to Heavenly Father but helps us feel rejuvenated, less stressed, and more focused. It brings a sense of purpose, meaning, clarity and literal power into our lives! (Sister Wendy Nelson, "Covenant Keeping") In this class we will learn how our covenants can help us overcome our daily challenges and weaknesses, and how to draw upon God's power through our covenants.
BIO.Cristal Moore served a mission in Russia, has an identical twin sister (named April--yes, they switched places every April Fool's Day), studied international politics and relations, and got her J.D. from J Reuben Clarke (BYU) Law School. She is now a stay-at-home Mother of three darling yet VERY mischievous children (her most challenging work yet!)...and has one more baby on the way. She and her husband, James, have lived in Hangzhou, China for four years now, where she lectures and writes books & posts on parenting & marriage for her Chinese audience as a side hobby. She loves rock climbing, kick boxing, writing, reading, teaching, and dancing with her children and hubby.
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Cristal MooreHangzhou, China
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We Lived after the Manner of Happiness
Life has its ups and downs, and everyone has their own customised set of trials, challenges, and blessings. Pres. Uchtdorf said in April 2010, "how you react to adversity and temptation is a critical factor in whether or not you arrive at your own 'happily ever after.'” How do we respond to adversity, and why? Can we improve our understanding of and response to these challenges? The scriptures and modern prophets teach us that ultimately it's our choice whether we choose liberty or captivity, eternal life or death (2 Nephi 2:27). Let us learn how to choose liberty and eternal life, that we may "live after the manner of happiness."
Douglas HolyoakHong Kong
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BIO.Doug married the love of his life, Charisse, 35 years ago. They raised five delightful and amazing children, and now enjoy 12 grandchildren. Charisse and he have lived in Hong Kong eight of the past ten years and have enjoyed many adventures marveling at God's creations.
Doug has spent his entire career in corporate education and is currently employed by a large, multinational professional services firm. He has served in a wide variety of church callings, with his most favorite being those which give him an opportunity to teach (which he says is every calling!). Doug loves college football, photography, just about every Disney movie, as well as any movie Charisse asks him to watch with her. |
Being Real
You're already running late, you haven't brushed your hair all day, and you just discovered you've had spinach in between your teeth for who knows how long. But hey, bring yourself to the party anyway, your REAL self! Because here is the thing: you are already genuinely great, and being yourself is awesome. Let's talk about the courage it takes to let ourselves be seen, and how Christ gives us that courage.
BIO.Emily, formally a landlocked citizen of Idaho, Utah, and more recently Ohio, now lives on one of the most remote rocks in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. She does not surf, she only snorkels on occasion, and she hasn't figured out tropical gardening. But she did walk from Malaekahana Beach to Goat Island during a high surf advisory and supposedly there are sharks in that area! Daredevil. Emily loves teaching English at BYU-Hawaii and the majority of her students are from Asia and the South Pacific--and she'll talk your ear off regarding what incredible young adults they all are. She has a Secondary English Teaching credential from Cal State Sacramento and an MA in Literature with an emphasis in British Modernism from Ohio University. Theodore (3), Joey (9), and Ruby (12) have her heart, but most especially Joe Plicka, her husband of 15 years. They live in Laie, Hawaii.
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Emily PickaHawaii, USA
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Playing by Grace
"My grace is sufficient...my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 What does “perfection” look like to you? Flawless? Flawless house, flawless children, flawless attitude, flawless faith? Sounds creepy. God has not commanded us to be flawless. He has commanded us to be “complete” through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Key to our completion—our eternal growth and development—is our weakness; our flaws. SoSo, let’s embrace our flaws and His grace and ditch the perfection myth!
Erika GarnerSingapore
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BIO.Erika was born and raised in Northern California. After serving a mission in Venezuela, she received a BA in English and a law degree from BYU. Five years ago, she and her family began their Asia adventure in Singapore.
Her great loves include her husband and five spirited children, music of every kind, beautifully written books, a meaningful discussion with a good friend, travel, and any and every new experience. Through the ups and downs and life, she has realized that God truly is always there. |
Stress Release Through Relaxation
Stress and anxiety are growing issues among so many of us in this modern day, and often block our ability to function to our potential spiritually and all around. Come learn some basic relaxation techniques, how to focus, and to self-relax especially when you are alone. Additionally, you will learn massage basics and can practice on each other, with a little ‘hands on’ demonstration by the presenter.
BIO.Franklin W Lovell is an Orthopedic Physical Therapist who specializes in musculoskeletal problems. He loves working on shoulders, knees and most parts of the body that are in pain. He loves to say that PT really means Physical Terrorist or physical torture, and smiles while helping his patients heal. His patients love him and he has a great record of success.
Currently serving as a BYU China Teacher at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, he misses the hands-on component of helping people heal. He is the proud father of three sons and their beautiful wives, who have brought 13 wonderful grandchildren for him to love. He resides in the Shanghai Branch and currently serves in the Branch Presidency. |
Frank LovellShanghai, China
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No Regrets
At the end of the day, what really matters? Lessons learned from hospice patients on how we live life with no regrets; and how we find grace and even joy in the hardest trials of life.
Maren LowryHong Kong
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BIO.Maren Lowry is a people person, a party person, a pastry person, and a planning person. Her unique talent includes bringing friends (and potential friends) together and creating moments, relationships and warmth. She grew up in Southern California and served a mission in Brasil. She studied business at UC Berkeley and worked for 7 years in land development/civil engineering… until she realized her mind was satisfied, but her heart wasn’t. She re-routed her career and completed a Masters in Social Work from University of Southern California (USC) and transitioned into social work. She spent five years working in hospice—an experience that has changed her life and view point forever. She is finishing exams for her licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Maren was a super-senior in the singles ward and finally graduated when she met and married her best friend Blake (after a 5-year whirlwind romance). They are joined in their current adventure in Hong Kong by their 2 small children, Grace and Greg. |
Lumpy Jello to 'Who Does That'?
Enriching Your Life Through Service
When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. (Mosiah 2:17) We aren't born with a service gene, we learn to serve by 'listening' and practicing. Serving others brings great blessings, but sometimes it is unwanted - by us and others. We'll explore 'ask and ye shall receive' as well as 'because I have been given much, I too must give.' This class provides uplifting examples of service and lessons learned, and can increase your desire and provide ideas for sharing your Light.
BIO.Marsha Lovell is currently serving as an English Teacher at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University for the BYU China Teachers Program through the Kennedy Center. She moved to China from southern California where she was the Associate Controller at UCLA. She loves the feel of an airplane taking off to places unknown, and thrives on being a ‘change agent’.
She married Frank Lovell, who loved the US Air Force and they have literally lived from sea to shining sea in the USA, as well as in Germany for three years. She is the mother of three wonderful sons, three beautiful daughters-in-law, and thirteen gorgeous or ruggedly handsome grandchildren! She is a member of the Shanghai Branch and is currently serving as the Shanghai International District Relief Society President. |
Marsha LovellShanghai, China
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Not Just for Newlyweds!
Physical intimacy in marriage is vital to uniting couples and binding them together. Join us to discuss the benefits physical intimacy in marriage and its importance in uniting couples and building eternal families. We will address challenges due to cultural and environmental influences, the importance of mutual respect and love in opening the channels of communication with a spouse, and the influence of pornography and the difference between lust and intimacy.
Anna NashHong Kong
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BIO.My name is Anna Nash. I'm from Salt Lake City, Utah. My husband Dave and I met after both having served missions in Taiwan. We have lived in Asia for 5 years and Hong Kong for 3 of those years. We are parents to 4 children; 3 boys and 1 girl. I am a Physician Assistant (PA.) I graduated from the University of Utah School of Medicine PA program in 2006 specializing in OB/GYN.
I have worked in Western Washington State as well as Provo, Utah. I am passionate about women's healthcare through all stages of life, from pre-marriage, to pregnancy, from family planning to menopause. taking care of women has enriched my life, and I love sharing my knowledge with others. |
How to Successfully Teach Special Needs Children and Adults
This class will review tactics and strategies for teaching special needs children and adults with His love and wisdom which are especially useful if you are called as a teacher but have no special needs training. This class is also a great choice for people who simply want to better understand special needs and want to feel more comfortable around children and adults with special needs.
BIO.Sarah Sparks Campbell is a university adjunct lecturer with over twenty years of experience. She began her career in Taiwan, and has since had many opportunities to travel and teach around the world. She has taught in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tonga, and America.
Ms. Campbell has developed and taught a wide range of teaching materials for all levels and ages, as well as worked as a translator. She resides in Hong Kong with her husband and three children. |
Sarah Sparks CampbellHong Kong
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Lay Hold on Every Good Thing
Have you wondered what the role of angels are in our every dayeveryday lives? Have you lost a loved one? Have you had a tender mercy that is so concise and personalized that Heaven seems so close? Let's learn together about the role of Angels in "The Great Plan of Happiness" prepared for each of us.
Suzanne CaltonShanghai, China
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BIO.As the youngest of 7, I love to laugh, hear all about people's life stories and learn what makes them tick. People fascinate me, and I love being a part of this international sisterhood while living abroad. I've been blessed to serve in Taiwan as a mandarin speaking missionary, marry my first true love (also a mandarin speaker), Tim. We have lived in China for 9 years with our two boys and three sweet adopted Chinese girls.
This weekend I hope you'll feel heaven a little closer when studying the topic of Angels. Here's my story- The morning after my first day in the MTC, my brother was killed in a car accident. It shook me at my core and yet somehow through some experiences I was compelled to stay on my mission. During that very raw 19 month19-month period, I feverishly studied everything I could on angels in my free study time. I opened myself up to a close relationship with this angel brother of mine while we served simultaneously but from different realms. I hope to share a little of my experience and the doctrine on angels that brought peace and understanding. I hope your testimony of the 'sting of death being swallowed up in Christ' will be fortified as we learn together. |