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! 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge sits down with Erika Johnson, a young single adult and collegiate hockey player, to unpack Elder Michael Cziesla’s inspiring talk, “Simplicity in Christ.” Their discussion highlights why the gospel doesn’t need to be complicated, and that its power lies in its pure simplicity. They emphasize that at the heart of everything is the Savior’s love, which always comes first, guiding us back to what matters most.

Review the original talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/26cziesla?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 Riverston Seminary teacher Brother Spencer Larsen dive into Elder Henry B. Eyring’s powerful message, “Proved and Strengthened in Christ.” Together, they explore how the process of proving ourselves is really a journey of self-discovery. One that often stretches us beyond comfort and reveals who we truly are. 

_______________

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! 

_______________

Enroll in this institute class here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/signup/1619566/quick

_______________

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/1672352

We invite you to visit https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280 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 joins SLCC Institute student Aiden Seifert to explore Elder Quentin L. Cook’s talk, “The Lord Is Hastening His Work.” Together, they highlight the sacred responsibility of welcoming new members and the importance of understanding the challenges and excitement that come with joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their discussion offers practical ways to foster belonging and strengthen faith as the Lord’s work moves forward.

Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/27cook?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/signup/1619566/quick

_______________

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/1672352

We invite you to visit https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280 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 SLCC student Lizzy McEvoy dive into Elder John D. Amos’s October 2025 address, “The Good News Recipe.” Elder Amos compares living the gospel to following a recipe where the scriptures provide the directions and Jesus Christ is the “secret ingredient” that makes everything come together. They discuss what it means to “add more Savior” to your life through prayer, scripture study, and inviting His influence daily, reminding us that when life feels out of order, the answer is always Christ. 

Review Conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/56amos?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/signup/1619566/quick

_______________

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/1672352

We invite you to visit https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280 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!