Conference Talk
By Conference Talk Podcast
Conference TalkJun 21, 2022
S6E08: Do You Want to Be Happy?
On this episode we are joined by The Stanfill's! They discussed Elder Choi's talk, Do You Want to Be Happy? They begin on sharing how this question was asked when they began dating and how it has lead to peace and happiness.
Resources:
Overcome the World and Find Rest
Shorts: You're not ready for Zion if you won't even clean the building
We look at three stories today:
- The burst of the Teton Dam in 1976
- The healing of Naaman the Leper
- The children of Israel and the fiery serpents
Together, they present a cautionary message:
By bringing small and simple things to pass, we flex our spiritual muscles and prepare ourselves to bring great things to pass. Setting up chairs, helping our kids pick up fast offerings, and doing our time in the nursery build into us the muscle memory of service and the habit of commitment. If we haven't built that fortitude of character in the small things, we will be too scared, too prideful, and too lazy to answer the call.
Resources
S6E07: Praise to the Man (feat. Greg Matsen)
Matthew sits down with Greg Matsen from the Cwic Show to discuss Pres. M. Russell Ballard's moving final testimony, Praise to the Man. Rest in peace, Pres. Ballard!
Resources
- Elder Andersen: "Give Brother Joseph a break!"
- The last testimony of Elder McConkie
S6E06: Kingdoms of Glory
We hear that God is a "respecter of persons," but have you ever thought of how He also respects us, His children with honoring our agency? Join our new host Shelby Christensen and her guest, Shayla Davidson as they discuss key elements in President Dallin H. Oaks' talk, Kingdoms of Glory. In an ever-confusing world, President Oaks' talk addresses eternal truths of identity, our purpose on this earth and how we gain salvation and exaltation in the life to come.
Resourses:
"The Family Proclamation to the World"
S6E05: The Sealing Power
What's the most important date in your life? While there might be many dates and memories that flash across the screen of your brain, Elder D. Todd Christofferson helps us understand that it is the date that you are sealed as a family for time and all eternity. Come and learn how The Sealing Power is relevant to you.
Resources
S6E04: Abide the Day in Christ
Double Shelbi's this week! Come listen as Shelbi Stanfill and Shelbi Christensen discuss Amy A. Wright's talk, "Abide the Day in Christ".
Lots of references and personal experiences were shared about abiding in Christ. Come and listen and tell us what you think!
References:
Promptings of The Spirit by Elder Stevenson
Holy Habits and Righteous Routines by Elder Lund
S6E03: In the Path of Their Duty
New Co-hosts Spencer and Tiffani discuss the phrase "in the path of their duty" and what it means to them and how we can all find peace and fulfillment in our unrecognized efforts to serve in our roles in and out of the church. This discussion is inspired by Elder David A. Bednar's General Conference address In the Path of Their Duty
Resources
Quote by Elder Dale G. Renlund
Shorts: God wouldn't want me to sacrifice my marriage... right?
I know a woman who's afraid to tell her husband she wants to join the Church. She could lose everything-- her marriage, her kids, even her home if she pressed the issue.
I recall a man from my mission in similar straits. The Bishop told him the Church values marriage more than membership, so he ought not to appease his wife and cancel his baptism-- even stop attending Church-- until she is more receptive.
Better, I guess, to be a married non-member than a divorced member, right? Surely, God wouldn't want someone to give up something as priceless as their marriage, right?
Wrong. Let's talk about that.
Resources
Baptismal covenant (Mosiah 18)
Accessing God’s Power through Covenants by Elder Dale G. Renlund
Parable of the treasure in the field (Matt. 13)
Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation by President Russell M. Nelson
It’s True, Isn’t It? Then What Else Matters? by Elder Neil L. Andersen
The True Strength of the Church by then-Elder Gordon B. Hinckley
Full Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible (referenced Luke 14)
The Answer Is Always Jesus Christ by President Russell M. Nelson
S6E02: Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus
Matthew needs to meet someone 8 times to remember their face. This "face-blindness" (prosopagnosia) affects millions of people worldwide and was the subject of a remarkable talk by Elder Robert M. Daines: "Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus." New host Spencer Bouwhuis joins Matthew in discussing Elder Daines's talk, swapping mission stories, and learning about how covenants shape our relationship with God.
Resources
S6E01: October 2023 General Conference Recap
Join us for season 6 of Conference Talk as we discuss our initial thoughts from the October 2023 General Conference. We are joined by new hosts this season, Shelby Christensen, Spencer and Tiffani Bouwhuis.
Let us know your thoughts as we embark on this new season!
S5E17: Remember What Matters Most
Shelbi and Matthew sit down to discuss Pres. M. Russell Ballard's talk, "Remember What Matters Most."
Resources
Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice by Elder Neil L. Andersen
S5E16: Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Parents
Feel like you're failing at parenting? Join the club. Except it's just Matthew in the club this time 😉. Today we're discussing Elder Uchtdorf's talk, Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Parents.
Resources
More Diligent and Concerned at Home by Elder David A. Bednar
S5E15: The Teachings of Jesus Christ
Follow Melissa Fugazza and recurring special guest Jennifer Roach as they discuss President Oak's amazing address where he lets the Lord Himself speak...through the scriptures.
Shorts: Why don't I drink? Because I know the Book of Mormon is true!
If a non-member friend asks you why you don't drink coffee, you might answer by explaining the Word of Wisdom. But Pres. Nelson gives us a different approach. When asked why we we live the way we live, he answered, "Because I know the Book of Mormon is true." Let's talk about that.
Resources
Be Thou an Example of the Believers by Pres. Russell M. Nelson (Oct 2010)
A Witness and a Warning by Pres. Ezra Taft Benson
S5E14: Do You Know Why I as a Christian Believe in Christ? (feat. Greg Matsen)
Bro. Ahmad S. Corbitt of the Young Men General Presidency made waves in 2022 with his devotional address decrying "Activism Toward the Church" (ATC). This April, he was sustained as a General Authority Seventy and gave his first Conference address, "Do You Know Why I as a Christian Believe in Christ?" And this one hits hard, too. Greg Matsen from the Cwic Show joins Matthew to talk about both of these timely talks and their application to today's crazy world.
S5E13: My Mind Caught Hold upon This Thought of Jesus Christ (feat. the sister missionaries)
Who should we invite to this episode? "Ask the missionaries, they can help!" 😁 Matthew is joined by his branch's missionaries, Sister Duke and Sis. Howell, to discussion Elder Andersen's long-titled talk, "My Mind Caught Hold upon This Thought of Jesus Christ."
Resources
Elder McConkie's powerful last testimony
Pres. Nelson: "Because I know the Book of Mormon is true."
S5E12:The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches Us to Minister / Jesus Christ Is Relief
This week the Stanfill's take to the mic! They discuss "The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches Us to Minister" by Elder Juan A. Uceda and "Jesus Christ is Relief" by President Camille N. Johnson.
Resources:
"Lovest Thou Me More Than These" by Jeffrey R. Holland
S5E11: Patriarch Blessings! (feat. Brad McBride)
Bummed about the Oceangate sub and looking for a more uplifting Titanic-related story? Look no further! Returning guest and blogger Brad McBride joins Matthew at the mics today to discuss not one but two unusual General Conference addresses-- Elder Bennett's and Elder Yamashita's talks about Patriarchal blessings.
Resources
That time the Prophet's wife found all twelve tribes of Israel in Europe
2 Nephi 27: "I can do mine own work."
Joseph Smith quote: "You will have all kinds of trials to pass through. And it is quite as necessary for you to be tried as it was for Abraham and other men of God. . . . God will feel after you, and he will take hold of you and wrench your very heart strings, and if you cannot stand it you will not be fit for an inheritance in the Celestial Kingdom of God."
Pres. Oaks: "[A patriarchal blessing] is given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and should be read and interpreted under the influence of that same Spirit."
S5E10: Just Keep Going-- with Faith and He Could Heal Me! (feat. Erik Wells)
Longtime friend Erik Wells joins Matthew today to discuss two talks with strong themes related to mental health:
Resources
- Rise to Your Call by Pres. Henry B. Eyring
- "As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson
- D&C 84:85
S5E09: A Living Prophet for the Latter Days
Join The Stanfill household this week as Kevin & Shelbi discuss Allen D. Haynie's talk titled, "A Living Prophet for the Latter Days."
Resources:
"Prophets Can See Around Corners" by Sheri Dew.
"Why we need to replace question marks with exclamation points after words of prophets", by Sister Nelson.
"Quick to Observe" by Elder Bednar.
"Essential Conversations" by Joy D. Jones.
S5E08: Safely Gathered Home (feat. Mike Rush)
This week we're covering Elder Quentin L. Cook's talk, "Safely Gathered Home" which is all about the gathering of Israel. Which means we got to invite a guest who's a total "gathering and restoration of Israel nerd," author Mike Rush! We talk about the amazon promises the Lord has given about covenant Israel in the last days-- the likes of which will "be a more spectacular event than the children of Israel coming out of Egypt in Moses’ day."
Resources
Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives by President Russell M. Nelson
Let God Prevail by President Russell M. Nelson
Bible Dictionary: Israel, Kingdom of
S5E07: There Can Be Nothing So Exquisite and Sweet as Was My Joy / Have I Truly Been Forgiven
A few days late, but that's how the Fugazza family rolls! That's right! Join regular host Melissa Fugazza and her family (Rob, Giada and Sophia), as they discuss two FANTASTIC talks from Elders Christensen's talk, "There Can Be Nothing So Exquisite and Sweet as Was My Joy" and Elder Nattress talk, "Have I Truly Been Forgiven?"
S5E06: Accessing God’s Power through Covenants
Melissa & Shelbi host this weeks episode by discussing Elder Renlund's address, "Accessing God’s Power through Covenants." Melissa and Shelbi are temple fans and couldn't be more obsessed with it. They share insights they have learned about covenants and share ideas on how to gain a testimony of the temple and covenants.
Resources:
"One In Christ" , Story of The Amazon River by Elder Ulisses Soares
Creating Lift by Elder Uchtdorf
"The Power of Spiritual Momentum" by President Nelson
Not Making a Choice is a Choice by President Bednar
The Rocket Example by Elder Renlund
S5E05: Peacemakers Needed!
We welcome Dr. Civility himself, Ben Pacini, to sit down with Matthew on the podcast today to discuss Pres. Nelson's loving rebuke of a talk, "Peacemakers Needed."
Resources
More Love, Less Contempt by Arthur C Brooks (BYU Devotional)
The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Prophets, Leadership, and Divine Law by President Russell M. Nelson
The Inconvenient Messiah by Elder Jeffrey R Holland
Grandstanding: The Use and Abuse of Moral Talk
Shorts: Death by Planning
Did you know a group of vultures is called a committee? Our committees and councils in the Church feel that way sometimes-- we huddle around a pick at a problem but rarely actually help. Pres. Ballard and Elder Arnold have some haunting stories to share about that. We need more ministering and less administering.
S5E04: The Work of the Temple and Family History—One and the Same Work / A Voice of Gladness!
Shelbi & Chanelle are your hosts this week, they tackle two talks: "The Work of the Temple and Family History—One and the Same Work" by Elder Benjamín De Hoyos and "A Voice of Gladness" by Elder Kevin R. Duncan. Come listen to insights about the temple, family history, and the importance of holding on in faith.
Shorts: Please don't throw things when you're angry!
Someone threw a knife at the prophet! Pres. Nelson recounted having a scalpel angrily thrown at him when he was interning at a surgeon's practice. But that's not the only time we've talked about throwing things in anger in General Conference. Pres. Monson and Pres. Hinckley both shared stories about rage monsters throwing items around and I think that's interesting.
Resources
S5E03: Ministering
Join Matthew and Meg as we discuss Elder Gong's talk, Ministering. Matthew recently finished a few years as Elders Quorum President and Meg is just starting in her calling as Relief Society President so there is a lot to discuss on this one!
S5E04: The Greatest Easter Story Ever Told
On this weeks episode the Stanfill's hop on the mic's! Come and listen to Elder Stevenson's talk, "The Greatest Story Ever Told." There are no reosurces for this episode but there is a lot of fun thought provoking ideas on how to make Easter more Christ Centered.
S5E01: Conference Talk April 2023 Recap
Tune in as our Conference Talk hosts share their favorite moments from the most recent sessions of General Conference!
Shorts: The Five Dollar Lawn
In the early 2000s, I mowed laws in the neighborhood. Though my neighbors offered $20 a pop, I never accepted more than $5. And you can thank a conference talk Bishop Vaughn J. Featherstone gave in 1973 for that!
Resources
The story of the Five Dollar Lawn by Bishop Featherston
Pres. Kimball's quote about how we can be perfect in certain aspects
S4E24: Nourishing and Bearing Your Testimony
Don't be fooled when Melissa starts the episode by mistakenly citing "Elder Stevens" talk, because this amazing talk about testimonies was given by Elder Gary E. Stevenson! Join Meg Tilton and Melissa Fugazza for fun stories of weird missionary experiences, detecting fraud and following some basic things we can do to be spiritually stronger.
Resources:
"Nourishing and Bearing Your Testimony"-Elder Gary E. Stevenson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/55stevenson?lang=eng
"Just Give Me Jesus"-Anne Graham Lotz (quoted in episode)
S4E23: Put On Thy Strength, O Zion
Matthew and Michael discuss Elder Bednar's powerful talk, Put On Thy Strength, O Zion. A lot of Temple references, and some sobering thoughts about the Second Coming!
S4E22: And They Sought to See Jesus Who He Was
Matthew sits down with Sky from the Sit Down with Sky Podcast to discuss And They Sought to See Jesus Who He Was by Elder James W. McConkie III.
Resources
All the places you can find Sky and his podcast
Pres. Nelson's Topical Guide study challenge
Shorts: Pres. Nelson is bringing chivalry back into style!
Brethren, you stand when an Apostle enters the room. But do you stand when a woman enters the room? According to Pres. Nelson, maybe you should. Today, for International Women's Day, study these words from our Prophet and maybe we can bring chivalry back into style!
Resources
S4E21: Lifted Up upon the Cross
On this episode The Stanfill's feel so blessed to be able to talk about Elder Holland's talk titled "Lifted Up upon the Cross." Join in their discussion about the symbolism of The Cross as related to being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Shelbi shares a personal story about discipleship and Kevin hits home on how the absence of The Cross says more about our religion than anything.
Resources:
Elder Holland: Suffering: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRLDdNk5G4Y
Hope Works Video: Spiritual Beings and The Human Experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXw_5r5ZHpM&list=PLAYgY8SPtEWEDhEa13V4-TFSR7QrV7ahS&index=32
S4E20: Wholehearted / We Can Do Hard Things through Him
Join as The Tilton household takes over this week as they discuss two talks this week. The first, Elder Isaac K. Morrison's talk, "We Can Do Hard Things through Him" and Michelle D. Craig's talk titled , "Wholehearted." We were excited for you to listen and let us know what you think!
Shorts: Efficiency paralysis-- when it just doesn't matter!
Do you sometimes experience a loss of words giving a blessing? Take heart, because so does President Oaks!
Why is it we think some priesthood holders give better blessings than others? How can we give blessings when the words don't come? Is the inspiration the Spirit or just me? How can we know the best options for my life?
Matthew shares his thoughts on "efficiency paralysis," bringing in some important teachings Pres. Oaks shared in April 2010.
S4E19: Happy and Forever
We have a special guest this episode, Carol Rice who is partnered with Public Square Magazine & TheFamilyProclimation.org! We could not think of a better expert to discuss with Kevin Elder Gong's address, "Happy and Forever." So many great nuggets of gold. We hope you enjoy listening to this weeks episode.
Shorts: Commanding a Submarine in the name of Jesus
Do you ever invoke the power of God outside a formal ordinance or blessing? Pres. Monson shared an insightful experience of doing just that.
Resources
To Learn, to Do, to Be by President Thomas S. Monson
Pres. Nelson's insights on prayer and fishing
S4E18: His Yoke Is Easy and His Burden Is Light
Sis. Dennis's talk, His Yoke Is Easy and His Burden Is Light is Matthew's least favorite conference talk of all time! Frankly, he felt it was so heavy on "don't judge" that it bordered on minimizing disobedience. But as he thought about it, the Spirit whispered, "a talk you struggle with is the one you need the most." So he decided to sink his teeth into this talk, dig through it to find some gems, and share it with us. Join Matthew and Melissa in discussing the tug of war between clarity v charity and niceness v kindness. And tons more dog puns. 🐶
Resources
Truth and Tolerance by Pres. Dallin H. Oaks
The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
The Second Half of the Second Century of Brigham Young University
Kindness, Charity, and Love by President Thomas S. Monson
You Are My Hands by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence by Elder Jörg Klebingat
Shorts: Faith when you don't feel it
Faith and fear are opposites... right? Well, sort of. It depends how you define them. Matthew was inspired by Meg's episode a few weeks back and studied what fear and faith mean within a Gospel context and his personal experiences with both.
Resources
Matthew's blog post on this topic
The episode that inspired this one
Pres. Packer: "Fear is the opposite of faith."
It’s True, Isn’t It? Then What Else Matters? by Elder Andersen
You Know Enough (also by Elder Andersen)
S4E17: Lasting Discipleship / Patterns of Discipleship
On this weeks episode we have Kevin & Shelbi Stanfill discussing two talks. The first is Elder Lund's Talk titled, "Lasting Discipleship" and Elder Sitati's talk titled, "Patterns of Discipleship." If you haven't guessed it already discipleship is a big topic in this podcast! We hope you enjoy!
Refrences:
"Flashes of Light" by Elder Lund BYU Speech
Shorts: Pres. Eyring's Temple Experience
We're trying something new: Conference Talk Shorts! A mini episode about 5 minutes long, sharing a brief insight about a talk from older conference talks or devotionals. Less formal, way shorter, hope you enjoy.
Pres. Eyring gave two talks within 18 months of each other, telling the same story in each, but adding some sacred detail to the second retelling. Join Matthew in considering that story and the lesson on personal revelation he got out of it.
Resources
Holiness and the Plan of Happiness by Pres. Eyring - October 2019
I Love to See the Temple by Pres. Eyring - April 2021
Elder Bednar: "How do I know if it's me or the Spirit?"
Pres. Nelson: "increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can."
S4E16: The Eternal Principle of Love
On this weeks episode Meg Tilton and guest Rhonda Farr discuss Elder Montoya's talk, "The Eternal Principle of Love." Meg & Rhonda have worked together in the professional world but now come together to discuss spiritual application with their background in life coaching. We hope you enjoy this weeks episode.
S4E15: Drawing Closer to The Savior / The Answer is Jesus
Join Chanelle and a very special guest, Lynnette Sheppard this week as they discuss two talks, Elder Andersen's talk, "Drawing Closer to The Savior" and Elder Olsens Talk, "The Answer is Jesus." Wonderful insights were shared on this episode that are sure to strengthen your testimony in our Savior Jesus Christ.
S4E14: The Doctrine of Belonging
We all belong in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There is a place for each and every one of us in the Kingdom of God. Come and listen to Melissa & Matthew discuss, "The Doctrine of Belonging" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson.
References:
Michael Goodman
https://ldsperspectives.com/2017/03/15/lds-doctrine-michael-goodman/
"And Nothing Shall Offend Them" by Elder David A. Bednar
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/10/and-nothing-shall-offend-them?lang=eng
"Trial of Your Faith" by Elder Neil L Andersen
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/trial-of-your-faith?lang=eng
"The Needs Before Us" by Bonnie L. Oscarson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/10/the-needs-before-us?lang=eng
S4E13: Are You Still Willing / Building a Life Resistant to the Adversary
This we we have Meg & Greg Tilton discussing "Are You Still Willing" by Elder Kevin W. Pearson and "Building a Life Resistant to the Adversary" by Jorge F. Zeballos. We felt these two talks really complimented one another and we hope you find reviewing & listening to them helpful.
S4E12: The Virtue of the Word (feat. Shawn Rapier)
Guest Shawn Rapier joins Matthew in discussing Shawn's friend, Elder Mark D. Eddy, and his talk, "The Virtue of the Word." We deep dive into Book of Mormon history, enjoy a delicious barbecue analogy, and Shawn shares a powerful story from his mission.
Resources
The story of the missionary who was losing his testimony (it was Pres. Ballard, not Elder Scott)
If you're a Disneyland/DisneyWorld buff, check out Shawn's podcast, "Castle Collective!" And the archives of his inspiring faithful stories podcast, "Latter-Day Lives."
S4E11: In Partnership with The Lord
Kevin & Shelbi head up this episode of Elder Soares talk titled, "In Partnership with The Lord." Kevin & Shelbi have been married for 3 1/2 years and added some of their own tips and insights on their marriage so far in accordance with the principles Elder Soares discusses in his talk. Join in to let us know what you think!
Resources:
The Family Proclamation
Definition of "Help Meet"