Personal Touch

Welcome to the Neighborhood News

In today's Personal Touch interview, Rebecca Cressman talks to Jessie Funk, who has shared her inspiring message and love of music around the world. She has released five solo albums, toured 36 states with the Broadway musical “Footloose,” opened for Donny Osmond, and toured with Broadway sensation Maureen McGovern. Jessie has also published four books entitled, “Calling All Angels,” “The Boredom Box,” “Forget the Chicken Soup, Where’s the Chocolate?” and “Emergency Preparedness for Kids.” She has also been a professional speaker for seven years, teaching and inspiring through her message of gratitude, celebrating life and defining your passions and purpose. One of Jessie’s true passions is empowering women and teenage girls to celebrate ladyhood and embrace their radiance. She is so passionate about this cause that she has started an organization called “The Ivy Foundation,” whose sole purpose is to provide workshops, life-coaching and resources to help ladies of all ages discover their limitless potential. Jessie’s favorite role in life is that of mother to three adorable kids and wife to hit songwriter/producer, Jim Funk.
Web: http://www.ivygirlacademy.com/

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From the March 2010 New Era Magazine, pg. 18

 Sister Susan W Tanner (former Young Women General President) wrote this article that appeared in the Ensign a few years ago. She’s talking about the fact that most girls when asked about their plans for the future, comment on education or other endeavors. Very few express the desire to be mothers.

“Homemaking skills are becoming a lost art. I worry about this. When we lose the homemakers in a society, we create an emotional homelessness much like street homelessness, with similar problems of despair, drugs, immorality, and lack of self-worth. In a publication called The Family in America, Bryce Christensen writes that the number of homeless people on the street 'does not begin to reveal the scope of homelessness in America. For since when did the word home signify merely physical shelter, or homelessness merely the lack of such shelter? … Home [signifies] not only shelter, but also emotional commitment, security, and belonging. Home has connoted not just a necessary roof and warm radiator, but a place sanctified by the abiding ties of wedlock, parenthood, and family obligation; a place demanding sacrifice and devotion, but promising loving care and warm acceptance.'

     

  “So we must teach homemaking skills, including practical ones such as cooking, sewing,   budgeting, and beautifying. We must let young women know that homemaking skills are honorable and can help them spiritually as well as temporally. Making a home appealing physically will encourage loved ones to want to be there and will help create the kind of atmosphere that is conducive to the Spirit.” Source: here.

I think we’re not teaching our children the same way we were taught by our parents. If something doesn’t get done, it’s easier for mom or dad to pick up the slack, rather than have a bit of discord in the family.

I believe that homes or institutions that are teaching our young women how valuable they are to society, as mothers and creators, are not only important but necessary.

To view a copy of the Neighborhood News for Monday, 24 January, please click here.