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31: "Thou Art Come … for Such a Time as This" (Esther)

Here’s a fun fact: did you know that the name Esther means star in Persian? And when you consider Esther’s story in the Old Testament, there’s obviously no coincidence that one of the greatest biblical heroines was given that name. In fact, as we study this incredible book of scripture this week, we’re going to see how brightly Esther shined in the midst of terrible adversity. Not only was she incredibly brave even when faced with death, but she also had an enduring faith in Jesus Christ that ultimately led to the salvation of an entire nation.

34: “I Will Declare What He Hath Done for My Soul” (Psalms 49–51; 61–66; 69–72; 77–78; 85–86)

Growing up, did you ever learn about the three Rs of education? They stand for three basic skills taught in school: reading, writing, and arithmetic—which is a little confusing as only one of those words actually starts with the letter “r.” But just as those three subjects are fundamental to education systems, there are six Rs that are fundamental to this week’s lesson. As we study Psalms chapters 49–51; 61–66; 69–72; 77–78; and 85–86, we’ll learn what those six Rs are and what they have to do with our relationship with Christ.

35: “Let Every Thing That Hath Breath Praise the Lord” (Psalms 102–103; 110; 116–119; 127–128; 135–139; 146–150)

We’ve talked a lot about trusting in the Lord this year. And in this week’s lesson of Psalms 102–103; 110; 116–119; 127–128; 135–139; 146–150, that trust is an important theme. To help us dive deeper into this topic, we invited Chad and Kymberly Wells to talk with us. The Wells' are the parents of Mason Wells, who was severely injured as a missionary in the 2016 Brussels attacks. Their perspective on those harrowing events is anchored in trusting the Lord even through days of great distress and heartache. Their story, along with these chapters in Psalms, will teach us what trust in the Lord can do in our darkest moments.

Elliott Smith: Cultivating a Fear-Free Worship Experience

Attending church for the first time. Coming back to church after a period of inactivity. Going through the temple for the first time. Seeking to develop a love for the temple. These are all experiences that can feel daunting or overwhelming. But years ago, a bishop who had been through a period of inactivity himself sought to create what he called “a fear-free worship experience” for everyone in his congregation—and Elliott Smith says it made all the difference in their ward. So wherever you are on your journey along the covenant path, we invite you to consider how we can best help one another along by also seeking to eliminate fear in our own congregations.

Shima Baughman: What’s More Powerful Than Public Policy?

Shima Baughman has worked for years to bring about policy reform, especially as it relates to incarceration. After immigrating to the United States from Iran as a child, Shima has become an attorney, a national expert on bail and pretrial prediction, and a professor of criminal law at the University of Utah. But while she is a believer in giving second chances through law, on this week’s episode she explains the most powerful type of reform isn't only through the justice system. Instead, she believes change truly occurs as people turn their hearts to Christ.

36: “The Fear of the Lord Is the Beginning of Wisdom” (Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; 31; Ecclesiastes 1–3; 11–12)

If you’ve ever had a fortune cookie, you know its crispy sweetness is just half the fun—inside these cookies is a fortune on a slip of paper that is said to bring luck and prosperity to the receiver. The verses in this week’s lesson of Proverbs 1–4; 15–16; 22; and 31 as well as Ecclesiastes 1–3 and 11–12, may at first remind you of the messages inside one of these tasty treats. But as we dive deeper into the meaning of these verses, we think you’ll find something much more satisfying than any fortune cookie can offer.

37: “God Is My Salvation” (Isaiah 1–12)

What do you delight in? What really makes you happy? Our goal over the next five weeks is for your answer to be the same as Nephi’s when he said “...that his soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah” (2 Nephi 25:5) And right after that he talked to us saying the words of Isaiah are of great worth and that they are particularly of great worth to those in the last days. Isaiah chapters 1-12 have plenty to delight in and it starts with the message that God is our salvation.

Seeing Like Jesus with Michelle Craig

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and ignore others—and ourselves—without even meaning to. But there is magic in becoming more present when we are with friends, family, and even strangers! In this episode, we explore the power of seeing ourselves and others as God sees us, and what that practice looks like in our day-to-day lives.

20: “Rebel Not Ye against the Lord, Neither Fear” (Numbers 11–14; 20–24)

How do you know if you can trust someone? Whether you feel an instant connection or it's earned over time, the first leap to really trusting someone can be a little scary. In this week’s discussion of Numbers 11–14 and 20–24, we’ll see how the children of Israel made the leap several times not just with each other, but with the Lord as they were asked again and again to trust in Him.

Gary Player and Amanda Player Hall: Gratitude for the Gospel

Gary Player is one of the greatest golfers to ever play the game; he is known around the world as “The Black Knight.” His love for the sport is obvious, but it's clear there is one thing he loves more: His family. He and his wife, Vivienne, who passed away last year, are the parents of six kids. Gary and Vivienne’s story, which includes falling in love as teenagers and 65 years of marriage on earth, has set a powerful example for all who know them. But what does he have to do with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? You’ll have to listen to this week’s episode to find out.