Esther Hopkin is back with some wonderful insights into Sunday worship, understanding our role in connecting with our Heavenly Father and the ward family we attend with. We talk about Ebenezer Scrooge, Lukas, the little music leader, and so much more. Our focus is on Elder Patrick Kearon's October 2024 address, "Welcome to the Church of Joy." Fin i…

Cooper Brown and Kirk Burbidge sit down to talk about how simply President Eyring teaches the doctrine of Christ. Cooper talks about family and how we can teach the doctrine by word and deed. President Eyring's October 2024 address, "Simple is the Doctrine of Christ," is reviewed, and you can see that talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/…

Salt Lake Community College and Institute of Religion student Brigham "Briggs" Dalton joins Brother Burbidge in discussing our divine parentage and how it helps us improve daily. We focus on what it means to know who we are and why that matters. The talk we focus on is "Sons and Daughters of God" by Elder Rubén V. Alliaud. See the talk here: https:…

Salt Lake Community College and Institute of Religion student Byron Dalton joins Brother Burbidge to talk about his mission to Kenya, his experiences in unity there, and “Ye Are My Friends” by Elder David L. Buckner. See that talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/10/25buckner?lang=eng Enroll in this institute …

Salt Lake Community College and Institute of Religion student Breanna Simms joins Brother Burbidge and talks about killing spiders, her mission to Scotland, paintings, and how we can be redeemed. We talk about sister Kristen Yee's talk "The Joy of Our Redemption." See the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/…

Salt Lake Community College and Institute of Religion student Aidan Davis joins Brother Burbidge and talks salt from Elder José A. Teixeira's "Bonded to Jesus Christ: Becoming the Salt of the Earth." They discuss what keeps young single adults involved in the gospel and engaged in church service and how we can more closely become the Salt of the Ea…

Salt Lake Community College and Institute of Religion student Taylor Coronel joins Brother Burbidge in examining Elder Ronald A. Rasband'stalk, "Words Matter." They talk about the impact of our words on each other and how the Lord's words can change and strengthen us. Look for the three things we can say to solve almost any problem. See the talk he…

A Thinking Celestial favorite is back by popular demand. Alan Sackett shares his immediate reactions, highlights, themes, and messages from the most recent October 2024 General Conference. We laugh, we cry, we create a great beginning to a new season of reviewing these great messages. See all the talks here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/stud…

Brother Kolby Hales is back with more inspirational wisdom with a discussion of President Mark L. Pace's address, "It is Wisdom in the Lord That We Should Have the Book of Mormon." In this episode, we discuss the conventional power of the Book of Mormon and how effort in it yields greater peace and strength in our lives. See the talk here: https://…

Salt Lake Community College and Institute of Religion student Sage Imes joins Brother Burbidge in examining Elder Quinton L. Cook's talk, "Be One with Christ." Sage shares his thoughts on how the Lord expects us to unify and draw us out of our selfishness. The growth-oriented gospel of Jesus Christ creates unity. See the talk here: https://www.chur…

In this episode, Brother Matt Merrill is back again with some thoughts about flying, learning, and knowing how our Heavenly Father will be there for us. Joy can be found in discipleship, which involves reaching out and serving. We discuss Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's address, "A Higher Joy." Find the talk here:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/stud…

In this episode, Shaylin, Eliza, and Devin, members of the West Jordan High School seminary council, visit Brother Burbidge to discuss the general conference and their takeaways. They also discuss why the general conference and following the prophet are so crucial to them and how they have grown because of the time spent learning and studying the W…

In this episode, Celeste Dailey and Brother Burbidge discuss Christ as the center of life and growth. They quote movies, talk about adulting, and show how looking unto Him in every thought can really help. Elder Jose L. Alonso's general conference address, "Jesus Christ at the Center of Our Lives," is at the center of the discussion. Find the talk …

In this episode, Michael and Brother Burbidge Discuss Brother Michael T. Nelson's address, "In Support of the Rising Generation." They look at how young single adults in the decade of the decision have been helped with the truth that "in the church, no one serves alone." Find the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conferen…

In this episode, Bailey Mortensen, a Latter-Day Saint Student Association council member here on the SLCC campus, joins the podcast to discuss integrity. She share about her time on a mission in Harlem and how it taught her to see people more holistically. We discuss Elder Jack N. Gerard's address, "Integrity: A Christlike attribute." Find the talk…

In this episode, Brother Darren Schmidt, principal at the Taylorsville High School Seminary, shares his insights regarding temple attendance and the gifts or endowments we receive there. We discuss the general conference talk, "Temples, House of the Lord Dotting the Earth" by Elder Neil L. Andersen. Find the original discourse here: https://www.chu…

Blake Dalton is back and is sharing his thoughts on our ability and familial calling to serve our fellow man. We do not need a calling to be a light and lift others. Our discussion centers on "Foreordained to Serve" by Elder Steven R. Bangerter. See the address here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/32bangerter?l…

In a wonderful and wieldy conversation, Sister Tiana Mitchell shares how marriages and relationships can be connected and enhanced by the vertical power of covenants with God. You won't want to miss this great episode where we discuss "Fruit that Remains" by Elder Matthew L. Carpenter. See the address here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study…

In this episode, Bro Daryl Oslchewski reviews the conference address by Elder Brent H. Nielson about testimony and how it affects our lives. He shares how the atonement has allowed him to follow the prophet and things celestial fully. See the address here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/23nielson?lang=eng Enrol…

Brother Steve Rose joins the podcast again to quote CS Lewis, to laugh, and to share how this address from Elder D. Todd Christofferson has helped him to strengthen his testimony of Jesus Christ and how he can improve his own discipleship. See the address here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/51christofferson?la…

In this episode, Brother Young talks about prayer in real terms, both for those who get great answers and those who may still be waiting. His discussion follows the advice of Elder Godoy in his address, "Call, Don't Fall," from the April 2024 general conference. See the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04…

In this episode, Brother Kyle Bybee explores the idea of agency and how we were able to build our capacity and use our agency to learn before this life. This discussion centers around the conference talk entitled "Fordained to Serve" by Elder Steven R. Bangerter. See the address here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/202…

WELCOME TO SEASON 3! In this season 3 inaugural episode, Alan Sackett talks about having his mind expanded by the teachings of President Russell M. Nelson in his address, "Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys." We also talk about why institute is so important and valuable. See the address here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-co…

In this episode, Brad Steele shares some very interesting thoughts on the two great commandments found in Matthew 22 and explored originally by Elder Gary E. Stevenson in the April 2024 address, "Bridging the Two Great Commandments." He also points out the process President Oaks has gone through to understand how those two commandments work togethe…

In this episode, Mats Peterson is back to review “Opposition in All Things" by Elder Mathias Held, wherein the discussion of opposition is found. In a timely way, Mats shares how trusting in the Lord and patiently understanding that there is still time helps all of us find peace and strength to weather life's storms. Find the talk here: https://www…

In this episode, local legend Brother Steve Rose shares incites about stillness and being more firmly moored to the bedrock of Jesus Christ. He also discusses some unique discoveries in Elder David A. Bednar's most recent conference address, "Be Still, and Know That I Am God." Find the talk here:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-con…

In this episode, Brother Atina Laufiso invites us to revisit Sister J. Annette Dennis's address about covenants and growth. He shares how these covenants bring us hope and strength and how considering our own spirituality is so key in life for continued discipleship. Find the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2…

In this episode, Sister Tiana Mitchell talks about how following the plan of our Heavenly Father is difficult but asks a very poignant question regarding whose miracle we should really seek. She begins with "Swallowed Up in the Joy of Christ" by Elder Brian K. Taylor. Find the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/…

In this episode, Dr. Rob Hoch shares how powerful it can be to be faithful to the end and how much that process can help in our times of need. Roba and Kirk discuss "Faithful to the End" by Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus. Find the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/33spannaus?lang=eng ----- The Thinking Ce…

In this episode, Brother Chad Crawford looks at the power of prayer and how it teaches us to know, show, and grow in our faith in Jesus Christ and ourselves. We discuss "Pray, He is There" by Pres. Susan H. Porter. Find the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/42porter?lang=eng ----- The Thinking Celestial…

In this episode, Brother Hancuff opens up about how he has trusted in the Lord, even in the midst of his own personal struggles, and how the Lord will bless us with what we need. We discuss "Trust in the Lord" by Elder Paul B. Pieper. See the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/44pieper?lang=eng ----- The…

In this episode, young single adult and seminary teacher Ben Moody discusses the power and peace of priesthood keys and invites us to go to where the light is. He also highlights the promised blessings in "Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys" by Pres Russell M. Nelson. See the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conferen…

In this episode, Bishop Dave Greenman revisits "Covenants and Responsibilities" by President Dallin H. Oaks and discusses how the covenants we make in the temple translate into actions for our lives. See the talked here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/47oaks?lang=eng ----- The Thinking Celestial is a "Follow th…

In this episode, Brother Kyle Bybee talks about the miracles of God's ability to continue to find us where we are and lift us up. He is not done with us! President Jeffery R. Hollands' address, "Motions of a Hidden Fire," is the foundation of this podcast. Find the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/13ho…

In this episode, TJ McVey shares his thoughts about what covenants can make of us, and Kirk and TJ muse over the wisdom of well-mown lawns. The address, "Covenants and Responsibilities," By President Dallin H. Oaks, is at the center of their discussion. Find the talk here:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/47oaks?l…

In this episode, Kolby Hales is back with more insights on how miracles exist and can bless our lives if we are looking and thankful. Our discussion centers on "Miracles, Angels, and Priesthood Power" By Elder Shayne M. Bowen. Find the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/31bowen?lang=eng ----- The Thinkin…

In this episode, Mats Peterson discusses his journey from desperately kneeling on a basement floor, pleading with God for help, to a religious educator teaching in the Tooele Valley. He discusses what it means to take off the "beggar's coat" and how the Lord calls each of us. Our discussion centers on "Rise! He Calleth Thee" by Elder Massimo De Feo…

In this episode, Esther Hopkin shares a more doctrinally sound look at trials and how it might not necessarily be "God's plan" for you to suffer, but it is His plan for you to benefit and grow. Elder Gerrit W. Gong's address, "All Things for Our Good," is central to our discussion. Find the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/gener…

In this episode, Sister Jamie Gandy, a seminary teacher at West Hills Middle School Seminary, talks about the safety and strength that covenants have brought her, especially in the most challenging parts of her life. Follow along by reading "All Will Be Well Because of Temple Covenants" by Pres Henry B. Eyring of the first presidency of the Church …

In this episode, Matt Zito shares why Elder Renlund's talk has motivated him to look more purposefully at the sacrament and how much more he appreciates President Nelson's address because of this experience. Follow along by reading "The Powerful, Virtuous Cycle of the Doctrine of Christ" by Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles…

In this episode, Stephen Clark discusses covenants from the perspective of a YSA Bishop, grandfather, and golfer and talks about how confidence allows us to grow closer to the Savior Jesus Christ because of the covenants we have made with him. His discussion is drawn from "Covenant Confidence through Jesus Christ" by Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quo…

In this episode, living legend Dave Seastrand shares his thoughts and impressions on covenants and their relationship with thinking celestial. The address, "Put Ye on the Lord Jesus Christ," by Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, is at the center of this discussion. Find it here: https://www.churchofje…

In this episode, Blake Dalton is back to talk about his favorite talk from the April 2024 general conference entitled, "God's Intent is to Bring You Home," by Elder Patrick Kearon. Brother Dalton shares his thoughts about blessing, capacities, and being kind to yourself. Find the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conferen…

Season 2: The Summer semester starts with a beautiful discussion where Brother Gary Nelson shares an experience he had one evening in Texas. The rays of his personal experiences with the Book of Mormon saved his testimony and his future. The address, "Pillars and Rays," delivered by Elder Alexander Dushku of the Seventy, is central to this episode.…

In this episode, President John Huber, recently called Stake President of the Taylorsville YSA Stake, discusses following the prophet's direct counsel and how this practice can guide and reassure us in our lives. ----- The Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and stud…

In this episode, Brother Matt Merrill, the new member of the Taylorsville Institute Faculty, is introduced as a co-producer, and he and Brother Kirk Burbidge discuss the future of "Thinking Celestial" and what listeners have in store for season 2, coming this summer. They also highlight favorite moments in the April 2024 General Conference and what…

In this episode, Brother Landon Peay, a previous member of BYU's acapella group, "Vocal Point," and current teacher at Mountain Ridge High Seminary, shares his thoughts about how thinking celestial helps us move forward with faith even when we don't know the outcomes. ----- The Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by…

In this episode, Brother Kirk Burbidge and Kylie Mosteller, newlywed and current SLCC student, revisit prayer and its impact on thinking celestial and life's challenges. ----- The 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 Red…

由Kristen Henry + Guests

In this episode, Brother Blake Dalton, a seminary teacher at West Jordan High Seminary, talks about his hero and late Grandfather, the "Bionic Bishop," and how seeing the big picture is so important to the growth and thinking celestial. ----- The Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of R…