We’re excited to bring you an episode with a genuine ‘lift-where-you-stand story’ of a family in the UK. Sam and Jen Norton have served young people in the church for more than twenty years and most recently as FSY Session Directors in London. FSY stands for “For the Strength of Youth”, and refers to the week-long summer events held for youth around the world.
It’s General Conference weekend! Time to dig up the BINGO cards and park yourself in front of the TV with some cinnamon rolls and a Diet Coke or two, to soak in some inspiration and maybe even encounter some discomfort.We thought we’d release a re-edited episode with Patrick Mason that feels really timely.In this conversation with Patrick, we talked about creating what Brian McLaren has called a “four-stage community.”.
Join us as Bil Lepp and Donald Davis from live storytelling recordings in the Apple Seed Studio tell stories about gifts they have given and received, in the form of story.
Why is it so hard to see things from a perspective other than our own? Our perspectives are shaped by our life experiences and our biology – some people are color-blind, for example. As a result of these differences, no two people see the world in exactly the same way. And yet, when it comes to differences of opinion on issues that we really care about, we are quick to demand that everyone else see things the way we do. Psychologists call the ability to see from a different vantage point “perspective taking.” Is perspective-taking the key to overcoming polarization in society? In this podcast episode, we learn how our brains are wired to process information differently – some think in words, others pictures. We get practical tips on how to practice perspective-taking during difficult conversations. And, we learn about the potential pitfalls of focusing only on developing empathy to bridge differences, because some empathy leads to helping, some does not.
Think of it as a family Christmas devotional: a little praise, a little witness, some tears, and some laughter, familiar, yet loose around the edges. We'll hear from Cherie Call, Paul Jacobsen, and Molly in the Mineshaft, as well as pianist Jared Pierce and Mark Geslison, who is the director of several student ensembles here at BYU.
Rebecca Smart is currently on her third career. She spent a decade working for the Government of Alberta in Tourism and Communications, chose to be a stay-at-home parent for several years, retrained, and is now working as a registered psychotherapist. She considers it a blessing to bring her skills together to help build the kingdom of God in many different ways. Rebecca serves as stake Primary president and was a counselor in the stake Primary presidency for almost three years prior to that call. Rebecca finds joy serving in the Church. Other callings have included Relief Society president, Relief Society counselor, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and Primary secretary. Rebecca lives in Ottawa, Canada with her husband, three children and Labradoodle. In her spare time she loves travel, baking, and spending time with family and friends. Links
When we truly feel “godly sorrow” for our sins, it becomes one of the greatest spiritual gifts we could ever receive.
If we can remember that we all have been blessed with different gifts and our diversity can be a blessing and a compliment to each other, perhaps that is when we will start to see “Zion” in our families, various groups, and our world. If you’d like to view the video that goes with this podcast, click here
It can be fun to think about the super cool and impressive spiritual gifts we could have. But what is truly the purpose for these spiritual gifts? Let’s study 1 Corinthians 12:10 together!
In this episode we'll talk about 1 Corinthians 8-13. We'll talk about one of the promises made regarding our ability to withstand temptations, including the idea that we will always be provided with a way to escape any temptation that comes our way. However, this will definitely require action on our part. This concept also applies to emotional and other challenges. Although we may be afflicted with such conditions, God will provide a way for our healing that will most assuredly require action on our part. We'll also discuss the doctrine of spiritual gifts, what these include, and how they can help us overcome challenges and become a blessing to others.