Temple Bound

In this special crossover episode, we sit down with Ellis and Eddie, the dynamic hosts of the Come Study With Me podcast. We dive deep into the "psychological warfare" of the adversary that targets young adults today, specifically the heavy burden of shame and the false idea that worthiness equals flawlessness.

From navigating anxiety during endowment sessions to the "Little Caesars vs. the Gym" analogy of post-temple life, this episode is a raw, honest look at what it means to keep showing up for the Lord when you feel like you aren't enough.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Busyness" Trap: How the pressure of internships and finance degrees (shoutout to BYU Marriott School) can become a tool of deception.
• Faith vs. Infallibility: Discussing President Holland’s powerful reminder that the Gospel asks for effort, not perfection.
• Temple Anxiety: A vulnerable look at why some struggle with endowment sessions and how to find peace through initiatories and sealings instead.
• Trusting the Keys: What to do when you have a difficult relationship with your Bishop, and why his priesthood keys matter more than his personality.
• The "Unstoppable" Savior: Eddie shares a stirring message on Christ's tenacity and how we can become "bellwethers" for those lost in the dark.
• Mental Health & Resilience: Real talk on antidepressants, grieving the loss of loved ones, and why "putting on your own oxygen mask" is a spiritual necessity.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: The Divine Gift of Forgiveness by Elder Neil L. Anderson
• Talk: "Your Repentance Doesn't Burden Jesus; It Brightens His Joy" – Sister Tamara Runia
• Scripture: D&C 61:2; Philippians 4:13

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Our community grows when we share our light. Please scroll down to the comment section and let us know:

• What is one "small win" you’ve had with your mental health this week?
• Do you have a topic or a specific question about the temple you want us to dive into next?

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3. FOLLOW our guests: Check out Ellis and Eddie over at the Come Study With Me podcast for more YSA-focused insights.
   1. Instagram: (Follow Ellis & Eddie!) https://www.instagram.com/comestudywithmepodcast/
   2. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1f0QewYAtbcfVRsY7rxDJY
   3. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/mo/podcast/come-study-with-me/id1787462614
   4. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc5yYrpPFm2uZ7iAJ05ju5tpURV13TKhF

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This week on Temple Bound, host Will Humphreys sits down with Toni Gaines and Janelle Hillyer, the creators and hosts of the Every Temple Podcast. Together, they explore the fascinating intersection of architectural detail, local history, and the profound sacrifices made by Saints across the globe to bring these holy houses to life.

Toni and Janelle share how their deep dive into the "spirit of the building" has revealed a global tapestry of faith, proving that the restoration of the gospel isn’t just a past event, it is an unfolding evolution written in stone and glass.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The Symbolism in the Details: Why local flora and culture (like the agave in Arizona or the lanterns in Tokyo) are intentionally woven into temple designs to connect the building to the people.
• Miracles Behind the Iron Curtain: The incredible story of the Freiberg Germany Temple and how a request for "forgiveness" paved the way for a temple in a communist state.
• The Global Family: Will shares his personal experiences at the Tokyo and Johannesburg temples, reflecting on how travel and temple worship act as a "cure for prejudice."
• The Law of Sacrifice: Stories from the Philippines to Guatemala of Saints bailing out flooded basements and traveling for days to serve, illustrating how sacrifice creates a sense of "ownership" in the Lord’s house.
• A "Restoration" of Every Temple: How the evolution of temple building mirrors our own spiritual growth, messy, iterative, and deeply personal.

Featured Temples in This Episode:

• Gilbert Arizona Temple: Desert symbolism and the agave plant.
• Tokyo Japan Temple: Finding a nature preserve in the middle of chaos.
• Freiberg Germany Temple: A beacon of light in East Germany.
• Manila Philippines Temple: Miraculous protection during a government coup.
• Johannesburg South Africa Temple: The connecting link to Nauvoo.
• Guatemala City Temple: A history of incredible distance and dedication.

Connect with Our Guests:

Toni Gaines and Janelle Hillyer are the hosts of the Every Temple Podcast, where they are on a mission to document the history, miracles, and unique details of every temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Follow Every Temple Podcast:

• Instagram: (@EveryTemple) https://www.instagram.com/everytemplepodcast/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EveryTemplePodcast
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/fi/podcast/every-temple-podcast/id1788219184
• Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3MFwojsSX5Fm45lD0dZwGj

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How do we keep going when life feels heavy and the adversary whispers that we aren't enough? In this episode, Kristen Walker Smith joins Will Humphreys for a soul-stretching deep dive into the teachings of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

Together, they peel back the layers of the "simple" gospel to reveal its true power: the ability to transform despair into hope and trials into divine refinement. Kristen opens up about her personal journey with mental health, the life-changing impact of apostolic words, and why gratitude is the ultimate weapon against discouragement. This isn't just a conversation about surviving; it’s a masterclass on drawing closer to the Savior and claiming your identity as a child of God.

Key Takeaways:

On the Nature of Trials

• The Gratitude Antidote: Gratitude isn’t just a "nice to have", it is a powerful tool to neutralize despair.
• Pain vs. Suffering: While pain is often inevitable, the suffering caused by despair is something we can navigate with faith.
• The Refiner’s Fire: Finding specific blessings within trials can fundamentally shift your perspective from victim to victor.

On Gospel Simplicity

• Simple, Not Easy: The gospel is fundamentally straightforward, but walking the path requires daily courage.
• Divine Potential: We are never defined by our sins or our stumbles, but by our eternal potential to grow.
• The Invitation of Repentance: Repentance is a joyful invitation for improvement, not a punishment for failure.

On Spiritual Support

• Apostolic Anchors: Elder Holland’s words serve as a bridge to personal revelation and guidance.
• Help Across the Veil: You are never alone; there is active support coming from both sides of the veil in your moments of struggle.
• Authenticity Wins: Being open about our trials fosters the deep, authentic connections we all crave.

We Want to Hear From You!

Our mission is to share stories that bridge the gap between our earthly struggles and our eternal potential. If this episode touched you, or if you know someone with a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and temple worship:

• Comment below with your suggestions for future guests you’d like to see on the show.
• Share this episode with a friend who might need to hear that they are "freaking loved" today.
• Subscribe so you never miss these essential conversations.

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In this episode, we sit down with Tanya Kimball. Over the last 18 months, Tanya has navigated the unimaginable loss of her husband, Drew, and two of her sons, Braden and Grahm.

This conversation isn't just about tragedy; it’s a masterclass in the "paradigm of two truths" how extreme sorrow and extreme miracles can exist in the same moment. Tanya shares her raw experience with "dying without death," the power of recording daily "evidence of God," and how the temple became her survival-grade "modern-day Liahona."

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The "Silent Saturday" Perspective: Understanding the gap between the "Friday" of crucifixion/loss and the "Sunday" of resurrection/promises.
• Mental Health Stewardship: Why asking your child "What is your biggest worry?" can be a life-saving intervention.
• The God of Compensation: How Tanya identifies miracles and "heart rocks" amidst devastating grief.
• Recruiting an Army of Angels: The literal power of family history and temple work in providing strength to those still on earth.
• The "I Freaking Love You" Legacy: How a simple phrase from Tanya’s husband became a movement of connection and validation.

We know that the topics of grief, suicide, and mental health are heavy, and we hope Tanya’s story provided a beacon of light for whatever "Saturday" you might be walking through.

We Want to Hear From You!

Our mission is to share stories that bridge the gap between our earthly struggles and our eternal potential. If this episode touched you, or if you know someone with a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and temple worship:

• Comment below with your suggestions for future guests you’d like to see on the show.
• Share this episode with a friend who might need to hear that they are "freaking loved" today.
• Subscribe so you never miss these essential conversations.

We’ll see you next week, but until then, keep looking for your own "evidence of miracles."

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In this powerful episode, Will Humphreys sits down with Nathan Shields for a deep dive into the progressive nature of the covenant path. Nathan brings a unique "triad" of talks to the table, connecting the dots between an emotional testimony, the deepening of conversion, and the ultimate step of lifelong consecration.

Together, they explore the transition from knowing the gospel is true to becoming a new being through Jesus Christ. From the "on fire" delivery of Elder Kevin Brown to the apostolic clarity of Elder David A. Bednar and the profound insights of Elder Neal A. Maxwell, this conversation is a roadmap for anyone looking to bridge the gap between "sowing" righteous actions and "reaping" spiritual transformation.

Key Takeaways

• The Path as a Cycle: Discipleship isn't a one-and-done staircase; it is a "rinse and repeat" cycle of gaining testimony, deepening conversion, and submitting our will through consecration.
• Defining "The Gap": That space between doing the right thing and feeling the reward has a name: Faith.
• The Only True Gift: Following Elder Maxwell’s teaching, the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar is our individual will.
• Losing Self to Find Identity: Consecration isn't about losing your personality or hobbies (like quilting!); it’s about losing the "old self" to find your true, upgraded identity in Christ.
• The Power of Daily Repentance: Repentance isn't just a correction to the path—it is the path. It is the process by which our desires are educated and our hearts are changed. 

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What do you do when you’ve followed the "checklist" of a faithful life, yet your world seems to be crumbling? In this powerful episode of Temple Bound, we sit down with Kristen Smith, who opens up about the raw, often lonely journey of navigating a decades-long marriage after her husband stepped away from the Church.

Kristen shares how she moved from a place of judgment, physical exhaustion, and "three-day-long stays in bed" to a life of vibrant health and deep, unconditional love. We dive into the profound shift that occurred when she stopped trying to "fix" her husband and started allowing the Savior to transform her own heart.

Key Moments in This Episode:

• The "Right Things" Trap: Dealing with the confusion and pain that arise when life doesn't align with our gospel expectations.
• Healing the Three Temples: How Kristen integrated physical health, mental clarity through coaching, and spiritual grounding to find peace.
• The Shift from Judgment to Love: Learning to see a spouse’s different path not as a personal offense, but as an opportunity to love like the Savior.
• Finding Stillness in the House of the Lord: Kristen’s unique take on using temple worship as a space for meditation and receiving personal revelation.
• Miracles of Connection: How changing herself—not her husband—unexpectedly opened the door for them to discuss the gospel and celebrate 30 years of marriage with more joy than ever.

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review and share this story with someone who needs to hear that they aren't alone in their struggle.

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What would you say to a group of young adults who are preparing for the temple, but live days away from the nearest one? In this episode, we are joined by Aly Brandon, President of Care for Life, who shares her experience leading a powerful fireside in Mozambique, Africa.

Aly dives deep into why the temple matters even when we aren't physically inside its walls. We explore the transition from viewing covenants as "contracts" to seeing them as a living covenant relationship with a God who knows us, loves us, and wants to help us. Whether you are preparing for your first time or have been attending for decades, this conversation offers a beautiful, foundational perspective on how the temple is meant to change our hearts and our everyday lives.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Mozambique Experience: The unique spiritual landscape of Beira and the hunger of the young adults there for temple connection.
• Covenants vs. Contracts: Why President Nelson’s teachings on hesed (covenant love) shift the way we view our promises to God.
• The Three Elements of the Temple (Jeremiah 31:33):
  1. Establishing a Covenant Relationship.
  2. Receiving God’s Law in our inward parts.
  3. Being Changed and made holy.
• A Simple Way to Remember: Aly shares a clever hand-gesture tool to remember the five main covenants of the endowment.
• The Temple-Sacrament Connection: How the weekly sacrament acts as a "return and report" session for our temple commitments.
• Building Capacity: Aly explains the Care for Life philosophy of "layered leadership" and how helping others solve their own problems mirrors the way God empowers us.

What is one way the Lord wants you to prepare for the blessings of the temple right now, regardless of how close you live to one? Take a moment to write down the impression that comes to your heart.

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In this special crossover episode, Wil Humphreys (host of Temple Bound) joins Julie and Kevin from the Teaching Restored podcast for a deep dive into how we share the beauty of the temple with those we love.

If you’ve ever felt like teaching the temple was just about checking off a list of "shoulds," this conversation is for you. Wil reframes temple worship not as a task to be completed, but as a divine antidote to the anxiety and disconnection facing youth and adults today.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Belonging" Antidote: How connecting to our ancestors and the House of the Lord can literally move the needle on anxiety and depression.
• Meeting Youth Where They Are: Moving past the "checklist" mentality to help teenagers feel seen, heard, and valued through the Savior.
• The Gift vs. The Wrapping Paper: A powerful analogy for understanding the symbolism of the endowment without getting lost in the "Old Testament" details.
• Redefining Our Language: Why shifting from "taking out" an endowment to "receiving" a gift changes our entire perspective.
• Patterns of Daily Living: How the five covenants made in the temple aren't just for the altar—they are patterns that help us become more like Jesus Christ every single day.

Connect with Temple Bound:

• Subscribe for more deep dives into temple worship.
• Follow us on social media for daily insights.

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What happens when you walk away from the peak of a successful private equity career to answer a spiritual calling? In this episode of Temple Bound, we sit down with Peter Sturgeon, CEO of Mentors International, to discuss his profound shift from wealth-building to world-building.

Peter shares how a mission to India first broke his heart for the poor and how, years later, a series of powerful temple revelations guided him and his wife, Sarah, to "jump off the cliff" and dedicate their lives to entrepreneurship-based poverty alleviation. We explore the true meaning of the Law of Consecration, stories of staggering sacrifice from Saints in India and Kenya, and why the temple is the ultimate place to receive revelation—not just for our own problems, but for the needs of our global neighbors.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The Pivot to Purpose: How Peter transitioned from a high-stakes business career to leading a global charity without looking back.
• Temple Revelation: The specific advice from a patriarch that helped Peter balance a grueling global travel schedule with his role as a father of five.
• Consecration vs. Sacrifice: Why Peter views the Law of Consecration as a "key to happiness" rather than a burden of guilt.
• Global Perspectives of Faith: Stirring stories of Indian Saints who sold everything they owned for a single trip to be sealed in the Hong Kong temple.
• The "Matatu" Miracle: How the growth of temples in places like Nairobi is changing the lives of Saints in Africa.
• Expanding Your "Neighbor" Definition: Practical ways to seek revelation for those outside your immediate circle and find meaning through local and global service.

Connect with Us

• Instagram: @TempleBoundPodcast
• Submit a Question: Leave a comment in the show notes with your thoughts on today's episode or suggestions for future guests!

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In this episode of Temple Bound, we sit down with recurring guest Brad Farr to dissect the core themes of the most recent General Conference. This was a unique session, marking the first conference following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson.

We discuss the "shifting focus" of the Church—moving from the rapid announcement of new temples to the sacred work of getting members inside to receive their ordinances. From the construction sites in Sierra Leone to the power of Primary songs, Brad identifies four transformative themes that bridge the gap between our everyday struggles and the power of godliness.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why President Oaks and the Quorum of the Twelve are "slowing down" temple announcements.
• The personal impact of the recent change to the temple recommend questions.
• How to find power in the temple when you're in the "trenches" of parenthood or life.
• The profound connection between temple covenants and overcoming personal anger or doubt.

Featured General Conference Talks:

• The Power of Ministering to the One — Elder Peter M. Johnson
• Taking Upon Us the Name of Jesus Christ — Elder Dale G. Renlund
• The Lord Is Hastening His Work — Elder Quentin L. Cook
• Tune Your Heart to Jesus Christ — Sister Tracy Y. Browning

Subscribe for more deep dives into the Covenant Path. Follow us on Instagram: @templeboundpodcast

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