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Heather Vanboerum: Miracles in a Costco Parking Lot

Five days before Christmas last year, Heather Vanboerum was leaving Costco when a driver accidentally hit the gas rather than the brake, pinning her between two cars. Her life changed in an instant—but the miracles that followed, both big and small, are remarkable and on this week’s episode, Heather helps us see them all through her eyes.

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.

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.

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.

Living with an Open Heart with Virginia Pearce Cowley

We can talk all day about God’s love, but until we really experience it, a love that deep can seem like an abstract concept beyond our everyday reach. In this episode, however, Virginia helps us move God’s love from the abstract and put it into play in our lives. And the best part? We don’t have to add anything new to our schedule or routine to do it!

Chris Schoebinger: The Heroes in Our Stories

For over three decades, Chris Schoebinger has been involved with book publishing. During his career, he's worked with authors like Brandon Mull on Fablehaven and Jason F. Wright on Christmas Jars. But as he brings these stories to life at work, he has also been living one of his own at home. And while that story has been full of unexpected twists and turns, it has also been full of the types of heroes he loves to read about on the written page—people like his gay son or the birth mother of his adopted child. So on this week’s episode, we talk with Chris about what makes a powerful story and why he is grateful for the way God has guided his.

41: “The Redeemer Shall Come to Zion” (Isaiah 58–66)

Hopefully, the following sentence makes you feel a little sad: this week will conclude our study of Isaiah. When we started on this journey four weeks ago, our goal was to be able to see the great worth of Isaiah’s words and delight in them. Have you experienced that sense of delight yet? Do you feel less timid and more excited about this precious part of scripture? If you do, wonderful. If you haven’t felt that way yet, don’t worry–this week’s lesson in Isaiah 58-66, is sure to do the trick. So let’s dive into our discussion about fasting, repentance, and how God always has our back.

42: “Before I Formed Thee in the Belly I Knew Thee” (Jeremiah 1–20)

Have you ever had that sinking feeling when you find out someone snooped in your diary? Or maybe you've done the snooping yourself? In someone's journal you can learn all about that person's most personal experiences—their pains, joys, hopes, and dreams. Well, the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations are no exception. In these writings, we learn about the deepest and most personal thoughts of a great prophet. But in Jeremiah 1–20, we also learn that despite Jeremiah's sorrows, God had a plan for him—and it serves as a powerful reminder that He has a plan for us too.