Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred. The Saints had to leave Nauvoo. Pioneers trekked and toiled to find a home. So many difficult experiences packed into such a short window of time, not unlike our own last few years. When we face those kinds of sanctifying experiences, what are we to do? In this episode we study some principles that lead us through purifying trials.

Show Notes:

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

In this, OUR 200th EPISODE, we add an "appendix" to the past four years. As we study this week we highlight some ideas that we have either learned over in the course of this podcast or else that have driven us to make it this far.

Show Notes:

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

With a block of scripture as doctrinally dense as our study this week we need some perspective in order navigate what can be some of the trickiest waters in the D&C. Join us this episode as we define doctrine and prepare our hearts to tackle some of the heaviest topics to date.

Show Notes:

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

Despite running for his life, being forced into hiding, and being once again separated from friends and family, Joseph Smith wrote of a "voice of gladness" he heard in the gospel he believed in. In this episode we figure out how to have that kind of optimistic, "glad" perspective of ourselves and others.

Show Notes:

Anthony Sweat, "The Rough Stone," painting.

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

When the Saints got to Nauvoo it was a mosquito-infested swamp. Through the Lord's grace and their hard work they were able to transform it into something "beautiful". Just like they had with Zion. Just like they would with Salt Lake City. Just like the Lord did with the Prophet Joseph Smith himself. Just like the Lord does with us. Study with us in this episode to ask yourself how to work with the Lord to make something beautiful.

Show Notes:

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

Elder Holland (and others) have called Liberty Jail a "prison-temple" for Joseph Smith and others that were with him. For over four months they suffered; but they also changed and became something new. In this episode we take a look at our own prison-temple experiences, figure out how to endure them, and identify what we are supposed to learn from them. 

Show Notes:

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lessons from Liberty Jail," BYU Devotional, September 2008.

Joseph Smith, "Letter to the Church and Edward Partridge," March 20, 1839.

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints combines both the teachings, example, ministry, and leadership of a divine being with everyday, imperfect, mistake-laden, and very mortal beings. Both the God and the saint make up the Church. In this episode we falling and arising and reframe our own relationship with our mortality so we can more fully participate in the Lord's plan for our growth.

Show Notes:

Eugene England, "Whey the Church is as True as the Gospel"

Camille Johnson, "Invite Christ to Author Your Story," October 2021

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

It might an obvious observation, but our lives' stresses and strains are often caused, not by world-ending sins, but by small but pervasive mistakes. Even the prophet Joseph Smith was called out for his "follies". In this episode we wrestle with the anatomy of our own "follies" in pursuit of better self-understanding and, possibly, a future of fewer mistakes.

Show Notes:

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

We all want our prayers to be "accepted" just like those early Saints who joined with the prophet in prayer in and for the Kirtland Temple. We want to be heard and to hear God ourselves. In this episode we take a unique look at the dedicatory prayer in search of examples of prayer. Study along and see what ideas come to you to help you as you pray to God.

Show Notes:

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

What is "special" about our general Church priesthood leaders? In this episode we study from Section 107 just what prophets, apostles, seventies, and other are and, by implication (or by statement), what they are not. As we better understand the calling of our leaders we can better understand our responsibility to "uphold" them with our confidence and faith.

Show Notes:

Faith Matters Podcast

Russell M. Nelson, "Perfection Pending," October 1995.

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward