In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with SLCC student Andrea Shelly to discuss Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s timely message “Blessed Are the Peacemakers.” Their conversation reflects on how the counsel to create peace feels especially urgent amid the turmoil and tension in today’s world. Andrea shares touching insights about the quiet power of children and the way their natural Christlike attitudes can soften hearts and reset perspectives. Together, they explore how choosing peace—one interaction at a time—invites the Savior’s influence into homes, campuses, and communities.

Review the original talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/12stevenson?lang=eng 

Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!

_______________

Enroll in this institute class here:

https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

_______________

Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.

These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.

The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to [email protected].

If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, host Dr. Kirk Burbidge and fellow Taylorsville Institute teacher and choir director Alan Sackett explore Elder Ulisses Soares’s message “Adorned With the Virtue of Temperance.” Taking a fun and unconventional approach, Alan brings a bowl of numbered prompts, drawing topics at random to spark fresh discussion about how temperance shapes discipleship. Their conversation blends practical insight with personal experience as both share how striving for temperance influences their parenting, daily reactions, and spiritual focus, offering listeners a grounded and relatable look at this Christlike virtue.

Review the original talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/43soares?lang=eng

Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!

_______________

Enroll in this institute class here:

https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

_______________

Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.

These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.

The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to [email protected].

If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Matt, Blake, and Kirk sit down together at the Taylorsville Institute of Religion to discuss Elder Matthew S. Holland’s powerful message, “Forsake Not Your Own Mercy.” Their conversation explores the heart of Elder Holland’s teaching of how sincere repentance and Christlike forgiveness open the way for real spiritual change. Drawing on the story of Jonah, they reflect on what it means to stop running, turn toward the Savior, and allow His mercy to reshape our hearts. It’s an encouraging and honest discussion about letting God’s grace do its healing work.

Review the original talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/53holland?lang=eng

Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!

_______________

Enroll in this institute class here:

https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

_______________

Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.

These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.

The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to [email protected].

If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Anita Longhurst, seminary teacher at Bingham High Seminary, for a heartfelt discussion on Elder Patrick Kearon’s powerful message, “Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning.” Together they explore why seeking new beginnings, and surrounding ourselves with places and people where the gospel is uplifting and edifying, matters so deeply in a disciple’s journey. Their conversation highlights the transformative power of repentance and the weekly gift of the sacrament, reminding listeners that through Jesus Christ, every one of us can rise, start again, and move forward with hope and holiness.

Review the original talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/31kearon?lang=eng

Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!

_______________

Enroll in this institute class here:

https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

_______________

Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.

These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.

The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to [email protected].

If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with Christ Nordfelt, director of the Jordan Institute of Religion, to discuss Chad H. Webb’s powerful message, “That All May Be Edified.” Together they explore how deep, lasting strength comes from learning and teaching pure doctrine, the kind of Christ‑centered truth that lifts, unifies, and steadily transforms disciples from the inside out. Their conversation highlights how focusing on doctrine rather than distraction builds spiritual confidence, invites the Spirit’s edifying influence, and helps both teachers and students experience real growth in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Review the original talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/22webb?lang=eng 

Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!

_______________

Enroll in this institute class here:

https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

_______________

Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.

These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.

The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to [email protected].

If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with Emily Wolfley—a new mom navigating life near the North Pole in Alaska—to explore Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi’s message, “Humble Souls at Altars Kneel.” Together they reflect on the quiet, healing power found in simple gospel observances like taking the sacrament and engaging in consistent scripture study. Emily shares tender insights on how, for those carrying wounds from past abuse, these small and steady practices can soften the heart, restore a sense of safety, and invite the Savior’s gentle, individualized healing. Through honest conversation and lived experience, the episode highlights how humble acts of discipleship can become sacred steps toward wholeness.

Review the original talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/23jaggi?lang=eng

Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!

_______________

Enroll in this institute class here: 

https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

_______________

Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.

These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.

The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to [email protected].

If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge revisits President Boyd K. Packer’s 1987 General Conference address, “Balm of Gilead,” exploring how its time tested teachings offer a steadying antidote to the more modern frustration and fear so often fueled by today’s social‑media climate. Drawing on this talk and several related messages, Dr. Burbidge invites listeners to view the turmoil of political unrest, violence, and trauma through a lens of grace—a way of seeing that softens anger, heals emotional wounds, and turns our hearts back to the Savior, the true source of peace.

Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!

_______________

Enroll in this institute class here: 

https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

_______________

Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.

These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.

The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to [email protected].

If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 

Review the original talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/13browning?lang=eng 

Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!

_______________

Enroll in this institute class here: 

https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

_______________

Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.

These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.

The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to [email protected].

If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, host Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by fellow Taylorsville Institute instructor Dr. Matt Merrill as they unpack Elder Dale G. Renlund’s profound message, “Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ.” Their conversation centers on what it means to adopt not just the name of the Savior, but His ethos—His healing, lifting, and covenant‑keeping character. They also reflect on President Russell M. Nelson’s remarkable career as a world‑class heart surgeon and how his life’s work provides a powerful parallel: just as he repaired physical hearts, Christ repairs spiritual ones. Together, Dr. Burbidge and Dr. Merrill explore how disciples can emulate that same restorative, compassionate pattern in daily life.

Review the original talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/55renlund?lang=eng

Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!

_______________

Enroll in this institute class here: 

https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

_______________

Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.

These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.

The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to [email protected].

If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge and Institute Teacher/Coordinator Shaylie Huntington dive into Sister J. Anette Dennis’s powerful message, “Cheering Each Other On.” Together, they explore what it truly means to go and find those who feel unseen, discouraged, or left behind, and how disciples of Christ can reflect the Savior by extending sincere encouragement, compassion, and spiritual lift. Their conversation highlights that cheering others on isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about small, consistent acts of Christlike outreach that help people feel known, valued, and remembered on their covenant path.

Review the original talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/32dennis?lang=eng 

Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!

_______________

Enroll in this institute class here: 

https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

_______________

Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.

These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1701261

We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.

The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to [email protected].

If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it!