In this episode, I dive into the Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2 and talk about what they teach us about revelation, change, and trusting living prophets. I share how the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, help us sort truth from noise, why repentance and faith in Christ are so central, and how we can honor others' right to worship while holding fast to our own beliefs. In the end, I come back to Nephi's "nevertheless": we don't know the meaning of all things, but we do know that God loves His children—and that truth is enough to keep us on the covenant path.

Don't forget to read the extra resources linked in this lesson. There was a lot of interesting stuff there!

The Wentworth Letter

The Messenger and the Manifesto

Plural Marriage and Families in Early Utah

This episode is about Joseph Smith. This episode includes testimonies from many different people.

From the manual:

The afternoon of June 27, 1844, found Joseph and Hyrum Smith in jail once again, accompanied by John Taylor and Willard Richards. They believed they were innocent of any crime, but they submitted to arrest, hoping to prevent violence against the Saints in Nauvoo. This wasn't the first time that enemies of the Church had put the Prophet Joseph in prison, but this time he seemed to know that he would not return alive. He and his friends tried to comfort each other by reading from the Book of Mormon and singing hymns. Then gunshots were heard, and within a few minutes the mortal lives of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum had come to an end.

And yet it was not the end of the divine cause they had embraced. And it was not the end of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There was more work to do and more revelation that would guide the Church forward. Killing the Prophet could not kill the work of God.

Please also watch this, I forgot to mention it on the podcast but it's one of my all time favorite talks about the Prophet Joseph Smith. It's called, "Safety for the Soul" by Jeffrey R Holland.

Safety for the Soul - Jeffrey R. Holland

In this week's episode covering Doctrine and Covenants 133–134, I talk about preparing for the coming of the Bridegroom—fleeing Babylon, building Zion, and finding joy in doing God's work. From threshing wheat to sharing the gospel on an airplane, this episode reminds us that even the weak can do great things with God's help.

Preparing for the Lord's Return

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This week, I'm in Doctrine & Covenants 129–132, discussing how blessings from God come through obedience. I share some real-life chaos, then dive into family history, temple work, and powerful stories about ancestors and eternal families—and how all of it brings us hope, help, and joy.

Here's a link to receive the podcasts and other content directly in your inbox. You'll love it. Trust me. SUBSTACK LINK

I'm in Doctrine and Covenants 124—"A House unto My Name." I recap the Saints' move to Nauvoo, why the Lord urgently needed a temple, and how faithful discipleship (taking counsel, staying humble, keeping the Spirit) helps us endure. I talk about being doers of the word, not hearers only; welcoming strangers like the people of Quincy did; and practical ways to serve—yes, including finding refugee and local needs on JustServe.org. I also touch on Nauvoo ordinances, baptisms for the dead, and making temple work part of daily discipleship. At the end, I invite you to pray about one specific thing you'll do this week—and then go do it.

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And if you haven't bought my book about the power of the Book of Mormon, which includes a simple five-step method to getting the most out of your study, you can buy it here. Yipee! Feasting on the Words of Christ

In this episode, I dive into Doctrine and Covenants 115–120 and talk about what it really means when the Lord says, "His sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase."

I share stories from early Church history—like Saints who gave up everything for their faith—and what we can learn from their examples today. I talk about obedience, tithing, staying loyal to the Prophet, and how the Lord sees and honors our efforts, even when we fall.

This one is about faith, sacrifice, and choosing to shine on—even when it's hard.

In D&C 111–114, I talk about how the Lord truly "orders all things for our good," even when life feels messy or distracting. I share what I learned from Thomas B. Marsh's story—how quickly we can lose the Spirit through pride or anger, and how repentance brings us back. I also share personal experiences where the Lord provided for me in simple, miraculous ways, reminding me that He's always aware of us. This episode is about trusting God, keeping the Holy Ghost close, and strengthening our testimonies every single day.

Follow me on Substack to receive these podcasts and transcripts directly in your inbox. https://substack.com/@melaniestroud/note/p-175067456?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=6jc14

In my first episode, I process the prophet's passing and recent heartbreak, then share how Alma 12–14, guarding the Spirit, and a call to virtue softened my heart. I discuss why repentance matters, how peace returns, and why I'm finally starting this channel.

Here's a link to my Substack account. Click over there to get involved. https://open.substack.com/pub/melanie...

I don't know what happened from my phone to here - something went wacky. I wasn't using some crazy filter to erase my face. I will work that out for next time. Sorry!

If you'd like to read the book I talked about, Feasting on the Words of Christ you can get it here.

Shine on!

In this episode, I share lessons from Zion's Camp in Doctrine and Covenants 103–105 and how they apply to our lives today. We talk about trials of faith, unity, and the need to be spiritually prepared through temple covenants. I also reflect on my own struggles with starting new projects, the importance of sharing the gospel in everyday moments, and Elder Bednar's reminder to ask: Who's on the Lord's side?

In this week's study of Doctrine & Covenants 102–105 ("After much tribulation cometh the blessings"), I walk through why the first high council was organized and the loving purpose of membership councils, then trace Zion's Camp and what it taught the Saints—and us—about obedience, timing, and building Zion through righteousness. I share stories like Reddick Allred's steady faith and 22-year-old Nathan Baldwin's instant obedience, plus a modern example of following prophetic counsel even when it's hard. My personal takeaway: I want to be the one who turns west the moment the Spirit whispers. Also…watch for my new joy project (on YouTube!)—I'm finally acting on that nudge.

Check out my book, "Feasting on the Words of Christ," where I share a simple, five-step method for receiving answers to your prayers through the scriptures. You're really going to love it!

In this episode covering Doctrine and Covenants 94–97, I talk about how the Lord gives us patterns—whether in building temples or in building our lives—and how following His plan brings blessings we can't find in the world's way of doing things. I share a listener's touching review about the power of the Book of Mormon, insights on the Lord being in the details, and lessons from Joseph Smith's insistence on building the Lord's house His way. We discuss chastening as a sign of God's love, Hyrum Smith's eagerness to begin the Lord's work, and how temples and Zion invite us to become pure in heart. Most of all, this episode reminds us that the Lord wants to refine, bless, and multiply us when we humbly follow Him.

See Saints, 1:169–70; "A House for Our God," Revelations in Context, 165–73.

Below is the talk I referenced, The Lord's Strange Act by Rex C Reeve.

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/rex-c-reeve-sr/lords-strange-act/