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The Remarkable Soul of a Woman
If you are feeling overwhelmed with change, challenges, or checklists, you may wonder how you can partake now of God's happiness and find your pathway to peace, hope, and joy. With loving insight, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf addresses two attributes that contribute to our Heavenly Father's perfect happiness - the power of creation and service with compassion. As a treasured daughter of our Heavenly Father, you can develop those remarkable abilities as well as find happiness in the journey. By listening to the Spirit, you can come to realize that creating is not just done with paint, pen, or pottery, and compassionate service is more than a casserole or a card. As you bring something into existence that has never been before and as you serve others - even in small ways - you cannot help but participate in the wonder that is God's joy. In The Remarkable Soul of a Woman, President Uchtdorf's timely thoughts on creating and being compassionate will buoy you up, give you strength, and help you realize what a great power for good you truly are.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2010
420 people are currently reading
2132 people want to read
About the author
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
15 books262 followersDieter Friedrich Uchtdorf, a former German aviator and airline executive, is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
Uchtdorf was born to ethnic Germans Karl Albert Uchtdorf and Hildegard Else Opelt in Moravská Ostrava (German: Mährisch-Ostrau), which at the time was in the Nazi-occupied Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (now Ostrava, Czech Republic). When he was a child, his family moved to Zwickau in eastern Germany while his father was away in the army, traveling through areas being bombed. Uchtdorf's family joined the LDS Church when he was young as a result of his grandmother's encounter with a church member in a soup line.
When Uchtdorf was about ten, his father's political beliefs, incongruent with communist Russian rule, earned him the label of "dissenter", thus putting their lives in danger. They fled East Germany and resettled in American-occupied West Germany.
From 1959 to 1965 Uchtdorf served in the West German Air Force.
Uchtdorf first entered the aviation industry as a pilot, then became a chief pilot and later an executive for Lufthansa Airlines. In 1975 Uchtdorf was appointed head of Lufthansa's Arizona Training School, and in 1980 he was made head chief pilot of cockpit crews. He became the senior vice president of flight operations in 1982.
Uchtdorf was born to ethnic Germans Karl Albert Uchtdorf and Hildegard Else Opelt in Moravská Ostrava (German: Mährisch-Ostrau), which at the time was in the Nazi-occupied Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (now Ostrava, Czech Republic). When he was a child, his family moved to Zwickau in eastern Germany while his father was away in the army, traveling through areas being bombed. Uchtdorf's family joined the LDS Church when he was young as a result of his grandmother's encounter with a church member in a soup line.
When Uchtdorf was about ten, his father's political beliefs, incongruent with communist Russian rule, earned him the label of "dissenter", thus putting their lives in danger. They fled East Germany and resettled in American-occupied West Germany.
From 1959 to 1965 Uchtdorf served in the West German Air Force.
Uchtdorf first entered the aviation industry as a pilot, then became a chief pilot and later an executive for Lufthansa Airlines. In 1975 Uchtdorf was appointed head of Lufthansa's Arizona Training School, and in 1980 he was made head chief pilot of cockpit crews. He became the senior vice president of flight operations in 1982.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
December 4, 2010
It was a bit surprising to see all the other amazing ratings of this book.
I think the book itself is beautiful. Whoever worked on the design was brilliant (except for that one picture split between two pages that looks kind of sloppy). But I found so many things in the text that bothered my feminist self. So many of the roles assumed to be roles of women are assigned roles, though the book makes them sound like they are inherent: cooking, cleaning teenagers' rooms, singing, drawing. I don't deny that those are good things (except for the cleaning part, teenagers should be doing their own cleaning!), but I do feel like the language and roles used are ones that would never be used in a talk to men. Women are to build up God's kingdom by aiming to make someone smile, men are to build it up so they can build up their own which they will share with the women (who cook and clean for them). Sounds great.
Sorry to be so cynical. I agree that service is great. I agree that we women have an important work. So much culture and generational ideology showed up in this work that I was just a bit disappointed.
I think the book itself is beautiful. Whoever worked on the design was brilliant (except for that one picture split between two pages that looks kind of sloppy). But I found so many things in the text that bothered my feminist self. So many of the roles assumed to be roles of women are assigned roles, though the book makes them sound like they are inherent: cooking, cleaning teenagers' rooms, singing, drawing. I don't deny that those are good things (except for the cleaning part, teenagers should be doing their own cleaning!), but I do feel like the language and roles used are ones that would never be used in a talk to men. Women are to build up God's kingdom by aiming to make someone smile, men are to build it up so they can build up their own which they will share with the women (who cook and clean for them). Sounds great.
Sorry to be so cynical. I agree that service is great. I agree that we women have an important work. So much culture and generational ideology showed up in this work that I was just a bit disappointed.
April 7, 2010
This book is just a reprint of President Uchtdorf's talk in the 2008 General Relief Society Meeting. It was a great talk, and I enjoyed re-reading it. However, I was really disappointed to discover that Deseret Book re-named the talk, added some illustrations and some scripture quotations to it, re-printed it (adding nothing to the text itself), and then called it something new and priced it at $14 per copy. Rather misleading. I will be returning the book, and, when I want to read this great talk again, I'll look it up on lds.org.
February 15, 2012
So, I read this book in about... five minutes. That's how long it was. There were small pages, lots of pictures, and about four words per page. It felt nice to finish a book because I've recently been checking out books, skimming through half of them before they're due at the library, and never finishing any of them. It was a nice accomplishment to finally finish a book. Hooray for me!
I know you're supposed to rate books by general authorities with a lot of stars, but it was kind of ho hum for me. And way too short to get into anything deeply moving. It was like, give service, be nice, something, something... women are nice people. His wife is a better cook than him. The end.
So sue me. He does has a cool name. Maybe he should write an actual book, rather than a pamphlet in the disquise of a book. Then his book writing skills will get more stars from me.
I give him full props for his propheting skills, by the way.
I know you're supposed to rate books by general authorities with a lot of stars, but it was kind of ho hum for me. And way too short to get into anything deeply moving. It was like, give service, be nice, something, something... women are nice people. His wife is a better cook than him. The end.
So sue me. He does has a cool name. Maybe he should write an actual book, rather than a pamphlet in the disquise of a book. Then his book writing skills will get more stars from me.
I give him full props for his propheting skills, by the way.
August 18, 2010
This booklet is the talk President Uchtdorf gave at the Relief Society General Meeting in September, 2008. I LOVE the cover of this book. I keep it on my side table just because I think it is so pretty. And of course I LOVED the talk as I know so many women did. It's a powerful talk on our role in life.
It's the perfect book to give any woman you love and it's perfect for any holiday especially Mother's Day.
There are only 50 pages in this book so I can't do a page 69 test. Instead, I'll leave a few quotes from the book:
"The desire to create is the deepest yearning of the human soul...we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before."
"In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of great importance."
"As a spirit daughter of our Heavenly Father, happiness is your heritage."
It's the perfect book to give any woman you love and it's perfect for any holiday especially Mother's Day.
There are only 50 pages in this book so I can't do a page 69 test. Instead, I'll leave a few quotes from the book:
"The desire to create is the deepest yearning of the human soul...we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before."
"In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of great importance."
"As a spirit daughter of our Heavenly Father, happiness is your heritage."
June 29, 2010
It was a nice read and very well-written (or, in the original form, well-spoken), but I found it a little lacking. I guess I was just expecting more meat, rather then just a repetition of a recent talk (albeit a wonderful one) he gave on women. I would've so loved for him to have gone into a much greater depth on the topic.
September 25, 2018
Exactly what I needed
Wow! I was just looking through my downloads and this popped up. I had downloaded it sometime ago but never got around to reading it, you know how we do. I read it today. Tears filled my eyes. It was just what I needed to feast upon. Feels like a hug and a sweet pep talk to get through a little bit of tough time.
Wow! I was just looking through my downloads and this popped up. I had downloaded it sometime ago but never got around to reading it, you know how we do. I read it today. Tears filled my eyes. It was just what I needed to feast upon. Feels like a hug and a sweet pep talk to get through a little bit of tough time.
September 15, 2020
This little gem reads like a women’s conference talk. It’s short and sweet, and likely marketed as a Mother’s Day gift. It was a lovely little read. My favorite quote from JM Barrie, Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.<\i>.
October 20, 2017
One of my favourite talks!
July 30, 2020
I always enjoy Dieter Uchtdotf's writing. This is a quick little book extolling the virtues and talents of women. It also encourages women to develop talents and provide service. An uplifting read.
June 28, 2014
I love books, I guess I am somewhat of a collector. So I was very excited to get this cute little book of an amazing talk given by President Uchtdorf. This is a great gift idea for any woman in your life.
-Quotes-
The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.
Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.
If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it.
As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.
In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance.
Well, really the whole talk is a wonderful quote. This is a great book to pick up when you need a little encouragement.
I just reread this book. I really love it. I found it at a thrift store with a little note in it saying to read it, sign it, and pass it on. So that is what I am gong to do.
-Quotes-
The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.
Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.
If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it.
As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.
In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance.
Well, really the whole talk is a wonderful quote. This is a great book to pick up when you need a little encouragement.
I just reread this book. I really love it. I found it at a thrift store with a little note in it saying to read it, sign it, and pass it on. So that is what I am gong to do.
May 10, 2010
I LOVE President Uchtdorf; I love his talks; so when I heard that he was coming out with a book written for women called, "The Remarkable Soul of a Woman," I couldn't wait. Doug has had this book for me for Mother's day for weeks and I've begged him to let me have it earlier. When I finally got it today, I was thrilled!
I was so disappointed when it wasn't actually a book, but rather a talk (that I love) that he's already given with pictures put into a book. Bummer. I wanted new stuff! I wanted more! I don't need pictures! Plus, having watched him give this talk at women's conference and then numerous times on youtube, it was kind of a let down to just read the words. He is such a powerful speaker and the words weren't as alive as they are when he speaks them.
Dear President Uchtdorf,
I loved this talk, of course, but please write a real book.
Thanks,
Christie Gardiner
I was so disappointed when it wasn't actually a book, but rather a talk (that I love) that he's already given with pictures put into a book. Bummer. I wanted new stuff! I wanted more! I don't need pictures! Plus, having watched him give this talk at women's conference and then numerous times on youtube, it was kind of a let down to just read the words. He is such a powerful speaker and the words weren't as alive as they are when he speaks them.
Dear President Uchtdorf,
I loved this talk, of course, but please write a real book.
Thanks,
Christie Gardiner
December 27, 2011
This book is just what I needed right now. I have been feeling very inadequate and discouraged. I love the women in my life more than I can say, but sometimes all their amazing talents make me feel insecure of my own abilities. So I was quite touched by this paragraph, which described my feelings so perfectly:
"To me it appears that our splendid sisters sometimes undervalue their abilities - they focus on what is lacking or imperfect rather than what has been accomplished and who they really are."
This book touched my heart and gave me wonderful guidelines for bringing happiness into my life. If I want to find joy, I must first seek to bring joy to the lives of others. I loved the quote he used from James Barrie: "Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves". Beautiful.
I will be thinking back on President Uchtdorf's words a lot as I work to change my attitude and learn to appreciate my value as a daughter of God.
"To me it appears that our splendid sisters sometimes undervalue their abilities - they focus on what is lacking or imperfect rather than what has been accomplished and who they really are."
This book touched my heart and gave me wonderful guidelines for bringing happiness into my life. If I want to find joy, I must first seek to bring joy to the lives of others. I loved the quote he used from James Barrie: "Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves". Beautiful.
I will be thinking back on President Uchtdorf's words a lot as I work to change my attitude and learn to appreciate my value as a daughter of God.
June 30, 2011
Though I absolutely loved the message shared by President Uchtdorf in this book, I was also disappointed with it. The book is nothing more than a pretty presentation of a conference talk given by President Uchtdorf a few years ago. The message he shared then was just as beautiful as it is now. But buying the book to read something that can be read for free online just seems a bit like a rip off to me. If you want to read an uplifting, beautiful message directed to the women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, look up President Uchtdorf's General Relief Society message from a few years ago online. You'll get the same things in this book {you'll just be missing some of the photography}.
March 14, 2011
I ordered this from Deseret Book thinking it was a real book, like something Sheri Dew would write. And I LOVE Pres. Uchtdorf so I was very excited to read his book. However, it was just a very short collection of excerpts from talks I've already heard and read. It took me 15 minutes to read the whole book and while I love his words, I was super disappointed in the book. Could have just re-read some Ensign talks online. Would have given one star except that the messages are uplifting so I added a star. Really, it's just the kind of book you buy so you can have a pretty LDS book on your shelf. Not for me.
December 19, 2012
Love it! But ladies, this is a conference talk you can read for free! So don't waste your money!
But it is one of his great talks!
Here's what else is great about the book...It's the perfect book to give to a friend who is not a member of the Church and doesn't even know what that means when you say "conference talk". I have loaned my copy out twice to 2 non-member friends and they both had great things to say, and afterwards, they wanted to know more about Dieter Uchtodorf and who he is...love it!
It'a a great message!
But it is one of his great talks!
Here's what else is great about the book...It's the perfect book to give to a friend who is not a member of the Church and doesn't even know what that means when you say "conference talk". I have loaned my copy out twice to 2 non-member friends and they both had great things to say, and afterwards, they wanted to know more about Dieter Uchtodorf and who he is...love it!
It'a a great message!
May 4, 2010
I love this book, but at the same time I was left wanting. It turns out it is all from a talk(s) that he has given, and I was hoping for some new stuff. It was a quick read. Read it in 30 min or less, and I love the talks that this book is taken from. I just wish there was more. It has some beautiful pictures, and is really nice. It's also nice to have all of this in one place. Anyway, it's a good book, but just know you might have heard/read it all before.
June 8, 2010
My mom gave me this book for Mother's day and it's such an easy read, but so wonderful too. I always love what Pres. Uchtdorf has to say and this book was no different. Being a mother and taking care of kids and the house and everything else can be overwhelming, but he talks about how we can be proud of ourselves and how awesome we really are, even when we don't see it ourselves.
October 16, 2024
If you go into it knowing it's just a reprint of a great talk, then you'll love this book. (It only takes a few minutes to read the whole thing!) I remember hearing this talk for the first time on a broadcast and still like to watch clips of it on the Mormon Message "Create." President Uchtdorf has had a special place in my heart since I met him in 2003.
January 1, 2011
I love President Uchtdorf. These are inspiring words and thoughts on womanhood. I especially love his thoughts on how we are born to create and that our heritage as children of God is happiness. Quick 10-15 minute read.
June 12, 2011
this book is awesome!! It not only uplifts the hearts of women but can create a deep appreiciation for them in men. Men and women should both read this book to get the correct idea of the role of women.
January 5, 2021
Loved this book. Pres. Ucthdorf is always so inspiring. It wasn't very long, so it was an easy read. Favorite quote "you will make the world a better place; lift up your chin; walk tall. God loves you"
March 31, 2012
What can I say? I love President Uchtdorf and I love his talks. This is a quick read (1/2 hour) and he makes you feel good about yourself, uplifts you and makes you want to do better.
April 14, 2016
Uplifting
I wasn't aware this was an LDS book until I started reading, but the principles still apply whether protestant or LDS. Very uplifting, quick read.
I wasn't aware this was an LDS book until I started reading, but the principles still apply whether protestant or LDS. Very uplifting, quick read.
January 3, 2016
I love Pres. Uchtdorf. ❤
May 5, 2024
This book is just President Ucthdorf’s talk from the relief society general conference in 2008. I didn’t know that at first, but as I was reading, I realized how familiar it sounded. I’ve read this talk plenty of times - I love what he says about creating and talents. It was very comforting to read back in college when I endlessly compared myself to others.
It is funny to me that they (who is they, I’m not sure the copyright laws here lol) just stuck his talk into a book when you can find it online for free. Feels a little iffy to me. But I will say the book is arranged well - the graphic design is nice.
When I read small books like this (to shamelessly boost my reading goal), I wonder what I would actually do with the book. Maybe put it in the guest bedroom or bathroom as light reading material? Idk lol. Took me about 10 min to read, but it’s a book (that isn’t a children’s book) and I read it, so I’m counting it.
It is funny to me that they (who is they, I’m not sure the copyright laws here lol) just stuck his talk into a book when you can find it online for free. Feels a little iffy to me. But I will say the book is arranged well - the graphic design is nice.
When I read small books like this (to shamelessly boost my reading goal), I wonder what I would actually do with the book. Maybe put it in the guest bedroom or bathroom as light reading material? Idk lol. Took me about 10 min to read, but it’s a book (that isn’t a children’s book) and I read it, so I’m counting it.
March 16, 2020
Probably more of a 2.5 . Not due to content, but length. I read it in 5 minutes. It really could have been a pamphlet. While the words were good, half of the pages were pictures and another 1/4 were quotes from the text. I got this from the public library, but may have been disappointed had I paid money for it beyond my tax dollars. If someone else has this, I suggest borrowing it if you really desire to read it. I love Elder Uchtdorf, but was expecting more from this book.
June 3, 2024
Dieter Uchtdorf is one of my most favorite speakers. I always love to hear his stories and how they strengthen his faith in Jesus Christ. When I found this book for my Kindle app I couldn't wait to read it.
I love how he respects and thinks the world of his wife and the women who helped shape him into the man he is today. This book is a short read that has a profound message about loving yourself.
I love how he respects and thinks the world of his wife and the women who helped shape him into the man he is today. This book is a short read that has a profound message about loving yourself.
May 9, 2019
Great book! His speeches are always uplifting and inspiring. I highly recommend reading this book.
I chose this rating because it was a quick read and very inspirational and uplifting. It made me feel happy and gave me strength to carry on and maybe even find a hidden strength I may have.
I chose this rating because it was a quick read and very inspirational and uplifting. It made me feel happy and gave me strength to carry on and maybe even find a hidden strength I may have.
September 16, 2019
Elder Uchtdorf
I love Elder Uchtdorf who is a true servant of our Heavenly Father! He teaches us to be more Christ like by lifting others up who are suffering whether physically or spiritually. His teachings are simple and clear, to love one another and in doing so we shall learn to love yourselves and find peace and joy!
I love Elder Uchtdorf who is a true servant of our Heavenly Father! He teaches us to be more Christ like by lifting others up who are suffering whether physically or spiritually. His teachings are simple and clear, to love one another and in doing so we shall learn to love yourselves and find peace and joy!
August 28, 2020
This is a quick and easy read but as you would expect, wonderfully written ad inspirational. I just love President Uchtdorf! He has such a wonderful way of connecting to his listeners (or readers). I love that he encourages us to look outside ourselves to find real lasting joy.
Could easily be read in one sitting.
Could easily be read in one sitting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews