Conference Talk
By Conference Talk Podcast
Conference TalkApr 23, 2022
S7E04: Covenant Confidence through Jesus Christ
This week Keenan and Shelbi hit the mics to discuss Elder Soares Talk, "Covenant Confidence through Jesus Christ" They both share their personal reasons as to why this talk stood out to them and most importantly why temples are so important is because of COVENANTS that are made, not just the location of a temple being built.
Resources:
Bound to the Savior through Covenants by Elder BednarS7E03: Fruit That Remains
New co-host Keenan joins Matthew to discuss "Fruit that Remains" by Elder Matthew L. Carpenter. This talk caused a bit of a stir online, with contributors at the Salt Lake Tribune even repeatedly calling for it to be deleted from Church publications. But those fingers of scorn are completely undeserved. This was a great talk, and we're happy to share it with you.
Resources
Heart of the Matter: What 100 Years of Living Have Taught Me by Pres. Russell M. Nelson
S7E02: Motions of a Hidden Fire
Join the Stanfill household this week as they discuss Elder Hollands' Talk, "Motions of a Hidden Fire." Prayer is very important, needful, and urgent.
Resources: Filling the Measure of Your Creation by Sister Holland
Face to Face with Elder and Sister Bednar: Ask, Seek, Knock (Begin at 24:00 for the specific reference in the podcast)
S7E01: April 2024 General Conference Recap
It's a brand new season y'all! Season 7 lauches with this recap episode features Matthew and Shelbi discussing their favorite talks and insights from the April 2024 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Resources:
S6E23: Think Celestial
Arguably one of the most quoted talks of recent time, President Nelson delivers another great sermon on attaining our highest goal-Celestial Life!
Join Melissa and her special guest Braedon Brinkerhoff, as they discuss ways to Think Celestial every day!
S6E22: Divine Parenting Lessons
Join the Shelby crew this episode as both Shelby Christensen and Shelbi Stanfill discuss Elder Valeri's talk, "Divine Parenting Lessons."
They each share some of their own experiences as parents and their initial takeaways from this talk, which spoiler, is gratitude!
S6E21: Tithing: Opening the Windows of Heaven
Join in on this episode in The Stanfill home as they discuss Elder Andersen's talk titled, "Tithing: Opening the Windows of Heaven." They share about their biggest take aways from this talk and then some experiences with tithing themselves.
S6E20: Jesus Christ Is the Treasure (feat. Brad McBride)
Have you ever searched for something only to find it was right under your nose the whole time? That's how Elder Renlund starts his great talk, "Jesus Christ Is the Treasure." Brad McBride from ThusWeSee.com joins Matthew to discuss this great talk, share some great stories, and even... sing a Steve Martin song?
Resources
Matthew's blog post on the Sacrament: "30 years and I'm just now leaning this?"
Principles for Ensuring Doctrinal Purity (Church publication)
Lifelong Conversion by Elder Dale G. Renlund
The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament by Pres. Dallin H. Oaks
Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins by Elder David A. Bednar
“The Heavens Declare the Glory of God” by Astronaut Don Lind
S6E19: More Than a Hero (feat. Ashley Norman)
Join host Shelby and her guest Ashley as they discuss Bishop Waddell's talk, "More Than a Hero."
S6E18: Our Constant Companion
Join The Stanfill home as they discuss President Henry B. Eyring's talk, "Our Constant Companion".
Resources:
"We Can Do Better and Be Better" by President Nelson
S6E10: Seeing God’s Family through the Overview Lens (feat. Tammie Barnett)
Join us this week as both Shelby's take to the mic with a special guest: Tammie Barnett. They discuss Sister Tamara Runia's talk, "Seeing God’s Family through the Overview Lens."
These ladies discuss all the ups and downs of family relationships and how God can help us through it all with the overview lens.
Resources:
The Tongue of Angels by Elder Holland
Think Celestial by President Nelson
S6E17: Our Heavenly Father Will Run to Us (feat. Brent and Aimee House)
A child, a sibling, a parent, a friend, the Parable of The Prodigal Son, is a parable to all; and quite possibly the greatest parable ever told. Sometimes in life we may go through things and experience trials that require us to "come to [ourselves]" before coming back "home." Other times we may have loved ones who go astray and we long for their return. We must remember who we are and that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and will always run to us when we come to Him.
Resources:
"Think Celestial"- President Russell M. Nelson
"His Grace is Sufficient"- Brad Wilcox
Corrie Ten Boom- "There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still"
S6E16: For the Sake of Your Posterity
Have you or someone you know taken a break from walking the covenant path? Have you considered what impact that could not only have on you, but also on your posterity? Come and listen how it is possible for you and your posterity to get back on the covenant path. Join us as we discuss Elder Godoy's address, For the Sake of Your Posterity.
Resources
Quotes from President Nelson
As We Go Forward Together Choices For Eternity
Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives
Introduction to The Book of Mormon
Strong Father, Strong Daughters
Fathers impact of religion statistic
S6E15: Be Peaceable Followers of Christ (feat. Cordale Lamb)
Despite tragedies, upsets, and devastating circumstances, followers of Christ are able to find peace. Come and learn what Elder Cook has taught disciples of Jesus Christ can do to find peace in this life and in eternity. Listen in as we discuss the address Be Peaceable Followers of Christ
Resources
President Nelson quote on "myopic"
S6E14: Eternal Truth (feat. Erik Wells)
What is true? What is changeable and what isn't? What about "my truth?" What if the truth is offensive? Guest Erik Wells joins Matthew in discussing these and other questions brought up in Elder Pingree's awesome talk, Eternal Truth.
Resources
Two Lines of Communication by Pres. Dallin H. Oaks
A Framework for Personal Revelation by Elder Dale G. Renlund
Mother Teresa often felt alone, abandoned by God (Deseret News)
Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice by Elder Neil L. Andersen
I have faith, but I don't feel it, by Matthew Watkins
Spiritually Defining Memories by Elder Neil L. Andersen
Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives by Pres. Russell M. Nelson
“The Very Root of Christian Doctrine” by Thomas Griffith
The Currant Bush by Elder Hugh B. Brown
Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence by Elder Jörg Klebingat
S6E13: Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Join Kevin & Shelbi Stanfill on the mics this week as they discuss Elder Ulisses Soares talk titled, "Brothers and Sisters in Christ."
Resources:
Choices for Eternity by President Nelson
S6E12: Hallmarks of Happiness
Join Melissa and her friends Tifannee and Kamila Brandley, as they discuss Elder Gary B. Sabin's talk on how to find happiness in our challenging world.
S6E11: Love Is Spoken Here (feat. Kurt Francom)
Resources
A large collection of quotes from Latter-day Apostles and Prophets about turning down callings
Pres. Eyring's story of the Teton Dam flood cleanup
Elder Gong talks about ChatGPT at a BYU Devotional
LDS Bot: it's ChatGPT for your Gospel questions!
Pres. Hinckley's prayer and groceries quote
Thomas Griffith's BYU Devotional about tying every topic to the Atonement of Christ
Thomas Griffith on Leading Saints
Pres. Nelson's talk asking us to always use the name of Christ when referring to His Atonement
Church guidance on ministering approaches
Elder Bednar's observation that less-actives often have strong testimonies of the Restored Gospel
S6E09: Walking in Covenant Relationship with Christ (feat. Dan Ellsworth)
Matthew sits down with Dan Ellsworth from Latter-Day Presentations to discuss Pres. President Emily Belle Freeman's "nuclear bomb" of a talk (in a good way 😉), Walking in Covenant Relationship with Christ.
Resources
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