Happy Mother’s Day Sister Barlow!

As a family, it would be hard to overstate the incredible difference Kimberly has made in our lives. Now as Sister Barlow, she is making that same incredible difference for the missionaries serving in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission.

So far, we’ve had the great blessing of serving 456 missionaries in the Tennessee Knoxville Mission. Each has benefited from the influence of Sister Barlow. Over the last 22 months, she has taught us many powerful lessons that will never be forgotten! Some of the most important lessons include:

“Get gritty!” None of us will hear this word without thinking of Sister Barlow. Part of getting gritty is eliminating all BCD’s from your life. Use your agency in powerful ways, get gritty, and eliminate BCD’s!

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In the Tennessee Knoxville Mission, we have no lids! Learn to identify and eliminate any lids in your life!

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The Holy Ghost will make you more attractive! Do all you can you get and keep the Spirit with you.

The power of obedience and that our obedience is an expression of our faith that brings miracles! 16 Daily Essentials are the way to claim power as a missionary. “Obedience brings blessings! Exact obedience brings miracles!”

The power of the Book of Mormon and the importance of being in the Book of Mormon and Preach My Gospel every day! We all know that Sister Barlow LOVES the Book of Mormon!

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How to be a great companion! Who will forget her teaching us about Marigolds vs. Walnut Trees? And her challenge to us to be a marigold, not a walnut!

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But her most important lessons are probably these three:

First, the importance of centering our life on Jesus Christ, and that doing so is the pathway “to happiness in this life, and eternal life in the world to come.”

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Next, the power of the Doctrine of Christ. She has taught us how to apply the Doctrine of Christ to overcome any challenge or accomplish any goal.

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And lastly, she told us that what she hopes will be carved on her tombstone is “She followed the prophets and claimed every promised blessing!”

Her fingerprints are on every good thing happening in this mission. She is the one behind the many challenges like reading the Book of Mormon in 65 days. She is the one who challenged us to memorize “The Living Christ”.

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She is the one who was inspired to have us memorize “The Restoration Proclamation” as part of celebrating President Russell M. Nelson’s 100th birthday.

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In addition, there are a few other statements that I know every missionary will always remember about Sister Barlow:

“Make no small plans!”
“The Book of Mormon EVERY DAY!”
“Greet people with enthusiasm!”
“People rise to the level of love they are shown.”
“The state of your bed is the state of your head!”

“Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.” Alma 56:47

I asked missionaries to share what they love about Sister Barlow or an important lesson they’ve learned from her. Here is what missionaries said:

Sister Barlow loves the Lord unconditionally and gives all of herself so willingly…she is ALWAYS 100% ALL IN!💯 – Sister Young
Sister Barlow has taught me so much about my potential as a daughter of God. Her faith in me has inspired me to study, pray, lead, and work harder than I ever thought possible. – Sister Adams
Sister Barlow is so tender hearted and genuinely loves all her missionaries. What I will always remember is her encouragement to claim every blessing. – Elder Bennett
I love Sister Barlow’s continuous enthusiasm! I love how she supports you! I love her sweet smile! – Sister Bennett
One thing I love about Sister Barlow is she truly forgives & moves on. Never holding past mistakes over someone head or using it for further judgment. She’s amazing! – Sister Nunn
Something I love about Sister Barlow is how deep and unconditional her love is. I learned more about the love that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for us from her example. I could consistently feel the love she had for the work we were doing and for the Savior throughout the time that I spent with her. She embodies the gift of charity and her example clearly shows that she is a disciple of Christ. – Elder B.Fisher
One thing I love about Sister Barlow is I believe she sees me the way God sees me. – Elder Andrus
One thing I love about Sister Barlow is her ability to love and believe in people. She has inspired me to change and be better because I know how much she believes in me! – Elder Croney
I love Sister Barlow, she is our mom away from home! She is the most genuine person I have ever met and a wonderful example of Christlike service and love. She knows how to make people feel heard, valued, and loved. She sees and treats others as the Savior would. She has taught me how to focus on Jesus Christ in every circumstance and apply His doctrine into my life. I’m so grateful for her example of the believers and the joy and light that she brings with her everywhere she goes! Thank you Sister Barlow, I love you!! – Sister Bunderson
I love SO much about Sister Barlow and I’ve learned loads. One thing in particular is her genuine Christlike love for individuals – she makes others feel heard, seen, and loved. – Sister Lund
There are so many beautiful lessons I have learned from Sister Barlow. Many of these lessons have been spoken, others I have learned in her quiet and impactful actions. Sister Barlow shows Christlike love and care for each son and daughter of God. She has the ability to know the worth of a soul. She is full of joy, and you can clearly see that this joy she emulates stems from her love for the Lord and her commitment to follow Him and His prophets. Sister Barlow has changed my life and will continue to be a woman I will look towards for guidance and inspiration. I love Sister Barlow. – Sister Wall
I think she is what God had in mind when He told us to love one another. She knows how to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. She had pure love in her heart for everyone she sees. How well she knows her older brother! – Sister Brizzee
One thing that I’ve loved about sister Barlow has been in the short amount of time that I’ve been here on the mission I’ve felt the love that only a mom can have from her. – Elder Barnett
Something I love about Sister Barlow is her calmness! I bet she’s never raised her voice at anyone! So sweet and so calm! – Sister Diede
Something that I’ve learned from Sister Barlow is that you can actively choose to be better and that the Lord will magnify your efforts to do so. – Elder Wright
One thing I love about Sister Barlow is that she takes every opportunity to make sure you know that you are loved! I can think of multiple occasions where I easily could have passed her by, but she specifically sought me out to share her love with me. Those times helped me know that I was noticed and loved. I hope to follow her example and do that for others! – Sister Ruf
Sister Barlow emulates the attributes of charity and virtue! She has the amazing quality of making each of us feel so loved and seen and she truly resembles our Savior Jesus Christ! She is so intelligent and beautiful and what an amazing example of a mother that we can look up to and strive to be like one day! Her light and love shines so bright and it’s absolutely contagious, whenever she is in the room you can’t not feel the love radiate off of her! All of us here in the TKM truly hit the jackpot of all mission moms and we hope she feels our love and appreciation for all of the hard work, love and care she provides for us! – Sister S.Ericksen
I loved how sister Barlow keeps it real and takes the time to help everyone feel loved individually. – Elder Packard
Sister Barlow has shown me what it means to have true empathy! – Elder Gardner
I love sister Barlows positivity ! – Elder Harley
If there’s something I can say about Sister Barlow that I love, it’s everything. There’s not a bad characteristic in her soul. She is complete with the Gospel, God, Jesus Christ, and the people she loves being the biggest center of her life. If I can be like anyone, I would choose Sister Barlow. She is the greatest example of loving others, putting people before herself, making the Gospel, and everything that ties with it at the very center of her life. Despite what gets thrown at her, she has the strength to conquer any challenge while loving serving and inspiring others to conquer their fears and challenges. – Elder Caldwell
One thing I’ve learned from Sister Barlow is the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus Christ! She taught me that I will be happier, that I will be able to achieve God’s will as I keep my life and focus centered on Jesus! She does that oh so well, and as I have learned and am still learning how to do that, I have found greater joy and a greater relationship with Jesus and Heavenly Father! – Sister L.Bird
I love how Sister Barlow gets flowers every week. It is a reminder to me to take a second and appreciate the “unnecessary” things in life, to look for beauty in the world, and to make your house a home where people want to be. – Sister Clayson
Sister Barlow makes everyone feel like they are the most special and loved! She is quick to love and slow to judge, and exemplifies so many Christlike characteristics I strive to have. Not to mention she is so fun to talk to! I’m so grateful I have the opportunity to know her! – Sister Johnson
Sister Barlow is an inspiration to me, I love that she only says positive things about people and looks for the best in everyone she knows. – Sister Talbot
Sister Barlow is an absolute angel. She taught me what it can look like to have high love and high expectations, and always seeing the bright side of literally everything! – Elder Bangerter
One thing that I have learned from Sister Barlow is my worth as a Disiple of Jesus Christ and what it means to truly love one another as Jesus christ does. I love how Sister barlow loves just as He Does. She inspires me thru her actions and words with christ like Charity!!! – Elder Harmon
One thing I have learned from Sister Barlow is how to help others feel loved & cared for. Sister Barlow always speaks with a smile and greets others with enthusiasm!! These two simple principles have helped me foster many relationships with others that have been very meaningful and long lasting. – Elder Driggs
One thing I’ve learned from Sister Barlow is that the state of your bed is the state of your head. The 16 essentials are the best guidelines to having a 212 day, and I’m grateful she’s introduced that to me. – Elder Z.Clayton
I’d say one of the biggest things I love about Sister Barlow is her dedication to help me be the best I can be. She sees me as the Savior does and she has created ways for me to achieve what He wants me to achieve. – Elder Morgan
One thing that has always stuck with me about Sister Barlow is when you showed the video of her guessing where you guys will serve as mission leaders and she guessed the Tennessee Knoxville Mission. I’ll never forget how strong the spirit was confirming that you guys were called here for a reason and us missionaries were called to serve under you guys for a reason as well. Sister Barlow has always been invested and all in, not just with the mission, but with us missionaries individually in our lives. You can tell she truly cares, loves, and has a genuine friendship with everyone! And because of that, she always has our back and is there for us! – Elder Newman
Something I’ve learned from Sister Barlow is that Jesus Christ is always the answer. When we focus on Him, everything becomes easier and more manageable, and even more joyful. – Sister Campbell
Something Sister Barlow has taught me that I will value forever is how to treat others. I don’t think I personally know a better example of charity and love than her! – Elder Wyeth
One thing i love about Sister Barlow is how genuine she is towards every individual! She constantly makes everyone feel so good about themselves and feel loved! – Elder Ulm
Sister Barlow is definitely my Tennessee mom. Every time I’m done talking with Sister Barlow, whether it’s in an interview or in person, I’m always so happy and feel so good about myself. I’ve learned to be more loving and joyful no matter what because of her, and I have learned what a true disciple of Jesus Christ looks like. She is the second greatest mom I could ask for! – Elder Miller
Something I love about Sister Barlow is that she has so much love for everybody and she shows that love by working so hard! Her smile always makes me smile! – Sister Lee
What I love most about Sister Barlow is her tenderness and her heart. She feels emotions so deeply and isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and show those emotions. It makes it so easy and so special to connect with her. I also love her ability to make everyone feel so loved and special. Every time I am in her presence, that’s how I feel! – Sister Griffiths
I haven’t actually known Sister Barlow very long yet, but it feels like she’s known me for years! She radiates love and joy, and I can tell that she has a passion for living life. She glows with a love for the Savior! – Sister Dahl
One of my favorite things I’ve learned from Sister Barlow is her determination to claim every promised blessing! Every time I hear a promised blessing I especially want to obtain, I draw a little gravestone next to it and it helps me remember to claim them all!! – Sister Holliday
Sister Barlow might be the kindest woman I have ever met. I’ve left interviews with her completely speechless because she is relentless in her complimenting and sharing her love. – Elder Richins
I love that Sister Barlow is so good at listening to us and giving advice for our needs. She is so supportive! – Sister Pulver
She is so sweet! And has such a kind heart!! – Sister Thatcher
One thing I’ve learned from Sister Barlow is the joy that comes from staying absolutely centered on the Savior! – Elder K.Wilson
I love how Sister Barlow always has a big smile on her face! – Elder Tyler
I love Sister Barlow’s beautiful smile and her beautiful, caring eyes. It feels like she looks into your soul and totally understands. – Sister Heslop
Sister Barlow is a true disciple of Jesus Christ. She lifts, inspires, and loves everyone she is around. – Elder Ben Porter
One thing I’ve learned from Sister Barlow: “People will only rise to the level of love they’re shown.” I will never forget that one. – Elder Johns
Sister Barlow taught me to study PMG with a mindset to teach my future family. It had blessed me with an eternal perspective and more loving leadership. – Elder Phillips
What I have learned from Sister Barlow is that everyone and everything deserves love. She loves everyone from the inside out. That love is one of the greatest most righteous desires. – Sister Fraser
I love Sister Barlow so much! She is my biggest fan! One of my favorite things about her is the smile that she shows every time I see her. She is so kind, and I can always feel her love through her smile. – Elder Youngberg
I have learned so much from Sister Barlow’s character. I always know that she’s tired, especially with the many responsibilities she has. But she always makes the effort to love me personally. And that goes for all the missionaries. She loves as the Savior would. Sister Barlow has shown me that, as she has told me, “True love is doing ANYTHING for someone.” Anything else isn’t the Savior’s type of love. – Elder Maxfield
Sister Barlow has taught me to find joy in everything. That every trial and struggle is a privilege because it’s refining me to become more like Jesus Christ and is an opportunity to grab hold of every blessing on the table! – Sister Rush
Something that I love about Sister Barlow is that she is always there to show love and kindness to everyone that she meets or that she talks to! – Elder Colling
Sister Barlow is the poster child of making your discipleship with Jesus Christ your highest priority. I know she’s a missionary, and I am too, so her life kind of has to he about serving God, but she carries herself and her discipleship in such a way that makes me believe shes always like that – and that it’s possible to continue serving God diligently even amidst the wiles of the world. She is an example to me of involving the Lord in everything! Every effort she makes to learn, to create, to live is clearly done with the Lord in mind. She really does claim every blessing! She’s also a phenomenal example to me of charity and unconditional love. She thinks of others as equals and does everything she can to help them be happiest. You can see that she really loves each of us despite our mistakes and choices. She just exudes kindness. She always has that twinkle in her eye. – Sister Ihrig
I love her tenacity and her big ol’ heart. She has such an amazing way of making everyone feel loved. – Sister Dickinson
She has a smile that can light up any room and anyone. She always makes me feel loved, important, and helps me see my self worth. I love Sister Barlow! – Elder Vallejo
Sister Barlow is an amazing example to me of someone who truly loves Christ and the people around her! I love the light and elegance she carries with her into any room she goes in! – Sister Chan
I love the way Sister Barlow reminds me of my commitment to be a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ and her devoted, energetic example. – Sister Shumway
You truly have the gift to see everyone as Jesus Christ sees them, especially those you interact with on a personal level. As for something I’ve learned from you, you have exemplified how to live the attributes of Faith, Hope, and Charity in an inspiring way. – Elder Kerby
One thing i love about Sister Barlow is her constant smile and positive attitude towards everything, just her never-ending positivity, and she has taught me the fact that you can have optimism about growth and change! – Elder Olson
One of the many things that I admire most about Sister Barlow is her determination to succeed, and her positivity. Every time I talk to her I feel the joy that radiates from her and it makes me want to do better every single day. She is one of the greatest examples of positivity ever! So grateful to have her example and leadership in this mission! – Elder J.Cox
Sister Barlow, I am terrified of letting you down, so that’s why I work so hard. I’ve made it my secret goal to make you smile every time I see you since my first day here. I remember our first interview, you said that you were glad I was here. I realized at that time I didn’t feel like I’ve heard that many times before and I knew you meant it. I remember holding the door open for you as you were walking out of the church, not thinking much of it. As I am walking in, I hear you turn around and say, “Elder Harper! You are a good one.” Ever since then, that phrase has stuck in my mind. So I try to live every day up to those words. So thank you so much, Sister Barlow! Your words and influences have literally changed my life! – Elder Harper
I have learned to claim every promised blessing and access the power of the priesthood from Sister Barlow! – Sister Gabbitas

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While she is an amazing mission leader, Kimberly is an even better mother. The joys of her life are Lincoln, Rachel, Connor, and Samantha. We each are so grateful for all she has done to love, teach, and strengthen our family. No one has had a bigger impact on our lives than you! We love you! Happy Mother’s Day 2025!