We Talk of Christ: Recent Episodes
Melissa Portzline
This podcast was created to encourage and support those who teach children the gospel especially in the home. Follow me on Instagram @talkofChristpodcast Or join the We Talk of Christ group on Facebook to find more support
Some of the most powerful words in the scriptures were said by Mary, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord." She was brave and had a lot of faith to be willing to do this hard thing. She would be criticized and ridiculed because she was having a baby before marrying Joseph, but she did it anyway, because she had faith in the Lord.
"I think there at the busy inn that he was meek and mild
And awed to be the guardian of Mary’s sacred child.
Perhaps all through the chilly hours he smoothed the swaddling bands,
And Jesus felt the quiet strength of Joseph’s gentle hands." -When Joseph Went to Bethlehem
"Light is one of the most beautiful symbols of the birth of Jesus Christ. When Jesus was born, He brought light to a darkened world. Prophets taught that light would be a sign of the Savior’s birth. Years before Jesus was born, Samuel the Lamanite prophesied: “There shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before He cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day. “And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld
The star guided the Wise Men to Jesus to worship Him."President Eyring, Dec 2019, Friend, "Light of the World". Star activity found in the December 2021 Friend.
In "The Living Christ" we learn about Jesus Christ and all that He did for us. As we prepare for Christmas, let our testimony be strengthened of Christ, and we can appreciate the "matchless gift", who is our Savior Jesus Christ.
Angels came and sang: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Do you feel this excited about the birth of Christ? Christmas is a great time to share our testimonies of Jesus through song or sharing our feelings with others. Stories: Singing with Angels (Dec 2015 Friend)
Jesus is Real (Nov 2019 Friend)
Look Inside! (Dec 2014 Friend)
Luke 2: 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Bells ring to celebrate the birth of Jesus because we are so happy He was born. Because of Him we can live again! Story from December 2020 Friend "A Christmas Song for Grandpa"
When you feel the warmth of the fireplace this Christmas season think of the feeling you get from the Holy Ghost. It is a warm feeling. That feeling comes from our Heavenly Father telling us that he loves us.
Mistletoe might be a silly tradition, but it reminds us of those we love, which is our family. Focusing on traditions as a family will bring us closer together, and help us focus on the meaning for the season: Jesus Christ.
In Mexico the Legend of the Poinsettia (read from tattersonsgreenhouses.com) shows that whatever effort/gift we bring to Jesus, it is enough to Him. The best gifts we can give is to follow Him, and love other as He would. Stories from December 2020 and December 2021 Friend.
The Wreath doesn't have a beginning or end, just like eternity. Because of Jesus we can live forever, and have eternal life. The story "The First Christmas Gift" is from the December 2021 Friend. The Swedish wreath activity is in the December 2021 Friend.
President Henry B. Eyring taught, families “give God’s children the best chance to be welcomed to the world with the only love on earth that comes close to what we felt in heaven—parental love” (“Gathering the Family of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 20)
Red reminds us that Jesus bled for us, and green reminds us that he will ALWAYS love us. Story "Carrying Spotty" is from the December 2021 Friend.
The Dove represents peace. Can you make peace? We can bring peace into our families, friends, school, and church when we follow the example of Jesus.
Holly represents the crown of thorns placed on Jesus's head. The soldiers mocked Him for being called the King of the Jews, but we know that He IS the King of Kings. Everyone will know that when He comes again. Excerpts from "The Living Christ", The Friend December 2015 "Jesus Will Come Again", and The Friend October 2019 "The Living Christ" (King of Kings coloring page)
One of the most recognized parts of a nativity is the manger. It helps us recognize that Jesus descended below all things. This Christmas season remember that no matter what hard things you're going through Jesus is there for you. Story from Dec 2015 Friend Advent Story
Even something as simple and beautiful as a spider web can be beautiful. Everything testifies of a loving Heavenly Father. Find something beautiful this Christmas season that reminds you of Jesus and Heavenly Father. Story from Wikipedia
As the policies of the church change with time (like in Declarations 1&2) we know that the doctrine taught in The Articles of Faith will never change.
Stockings are so simple and humble and they remind me that there's a lot of people who don't have much. I hope this Christmas season we can reach out ourselves and help those in need. Story: Cookies, Cans, and Christmas (Dec 2016 Friend)
What would Christmas be without reindeer, especially Rudolph. We have talents that are one of a kind, too! Maybe we can use them to save someone's Christmas. Story: A Christmas Surprise (Dec 2020 Friend)
Santa gives without thought of reward or praise. We can be like him as we think about others and give to them. Stories: The Getting Tree (Dec 2016 Friend) & Martin's Favorite Toys (Dec 2019 Friend)
Those sneaky elves are watching us, and when I see them, they remind me how important it is to make good choices. Stories: Geography Honesty (March 2016 Friend) & The Hill (Dec 2016 Friend)
Jesus is the Light of the World. We can reflect that light to other people by doing nice things for them and helping them be happy. Story: A Tree for Travis (Dec 2016 Friend)
What happens to our spirits when we die? We've learned through modern revelation that they wait in the Spirit World for the Resurrection. We don't know much about the Spirit World, but what we know is revealed in these verses. All who have lived on the Earth will have a chance to learn the gospel, and choose whether or not to accept it.
When we are baptized we make a promise that we will stand as a witness of God. I think Christmas trees are good example of standing as a witness of God. They stand tall and strong and they point to our Heavenly Father. We can stand strong and be a witness by choosing the right.
Melissa teaches the children about Thanksgiving and why it is important. She reads a story called "Thanks and Giving" from the 2018 November Friend.
"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it." The reason we teach the the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith can help the children feel gratitude for the testimonies and sacrifices of these great men.
Hearing about their sacrifices can strengthen the children’s faith and their desire to be true to their testimonies.
Section 133 of the Doctrine and Covenants was meant to be the appendix to the Book of Commandments. This is a good summary and conclusion of all the things the Lord wants us to know and understand from these revelations. He wants us to be clean, and prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
When we are obedient to the laws and commandments of God, we will receive blessings. One such law is the law of marriage. We know that if we are sealed with God's power, our families can be together forever.
Our families are the most important people to care for. Building and loving our families is so important to our Heavenly Father. It is also miraculous and important that we can participate in proxy ordinances for family that has gone before.
As we strive to do what's right, we can feel the Lord's love for us, especially as we prepare for and attend the temple. The Lord has always commanded His saints to build temples, because in them He can give us so many blessings.
We belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints. In our church we are blessed because we have a refuge from the storm of life. Often the Lord asks us to sacrifice, but because of our sacrifice we are blessed.
When trials come our way, how do we hold on to our faith? We must treasure what God treasures, and be converted to Christ in a way that we know Him and are like Him.
The dedication of the Kirtland Temple was a long awaited event by God's people on both sides of the veil. Because of the Kirtland Temple, sacred Priesthood Keys were restored, allowing us to gain temple blessings, one of which is eternal families.
Our Heavenly Father has blessed us with the Priesthood in the Earth so that we can return to Him. We also have leaders who bless our lives to help us return home.
Sometimes we go through hard things, but we can learn from those. Zion's Camp is one such example. It was a trying experience, but through it men were refined and prepared to lead. We can learn from their experiences as well. Things such as being an example, a peacemaker, and obeying even if we don't understand the reasons for doing so.
Our bodies are important to our Father in Heaven. He gave us the Word of Wisdom to teach us how to do that.
President Russell M. Nelson said, “I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, … the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease”
How do we find the still, small voice? How can we be a light and bring others to Christ? How can be we safe in this wicked, and scary world? Stand in Holy Places. This includes places where we can feel the spirit, thoughts we can have that bring the spirit, and actions that can help us feel close to our Father in Heaven through His Holy Spirit.
The priesthood is God's power. Because it has been restored we are able to be blessed by ordinances that help us return to our Father in Heaven. He has also promised to help us and bless us as we share the gospel with others. He loves all of His children, and wants all to return to Him.
This lesson focuses on how we can learn from the scriptures, God's beautiful creations, and how we can serve the Lord and follow Him.
Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where will I go after I die? These eternal questions are answered through a powerful vision to Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon recorded in section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants. How can we teach our children about our loving Heavenly Father and His miraculous plan for us?
The Lord has given us bishops to bless our ward family and us as individuals. We can work hard and do our best to fulfill our stewardships.
As parents we are commanded to teach our children the gospel. We teach them to have faith, to find the Savior in the scriptures. We teach about repentance, we teach about baptism, and we teach about the gift of the Holy Ghost. The best way we teach these things is through our example. Are you one who is "true and faithful" for your child to emulate?
Our Heavenly Father knows us personally. He loves us and will bless us, especially as we give Him our heart and mind we can be instruments in His hands. Teaching children about Heavenly Father and Jesus' love for them will help them want to do what is right.
Through our study of the scriptures we learn about our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His love for us. He wants us to spread the good news of His unconditional love and eternal forgiveness. Teaching children about Him brings them joy! And can help them in their lives.
We have the opportunity to teach young children about their power to choose. Because of our agency, we have power in us to do good! Help the children you teach see the blessings that come through being anxiously engaged in a good cause, being grateful, and keeping the Sabbath Day holy.
Our Father in Heaven has given us all that we have. He expects us to take care of what we have been given. That includes our talents and responsibilities. He also expects us to be honest. How do we teach honesty to our children? How do we teach them to keep their promises and covenants?
Our Savior loves us, and gives us light and knowledge to guide us and help us be happy.
Heavenly Father has blessed us with many talents and material possessions. He expects us to share them with others and show them love.
As we teach children about Jesus, we need to emphasize His love for each of us. We is our advocate with the Father as well as our advocate now. He wants us to succeed, and is there to help us. This week's lesson also teaches about standing in Holy Places and the signs of the Second Coming.
How much do your children know about God's laws and what He expects of us. This is a great lesson to review the commandments and the blessings we receive from obeying them.
How to be a great missionary, and build our testimonies on the foundation of faith in Christ.
Did you know that we have record of Joseph Smith seeing the risen Savior 3 times? Because of his experiences we know that our Redeemer Lives and we know what He looks like. Just as sure as He is living, so is His gospel. We can learn from our living prophets, and Hear Him!
In this episode we discuss the Sacrament, Armor of God, importance of having a Living Prophet, and the blessing of Personal Revelation.
As we strive to make and keep covenants with God, He bless us in our afflictions, just as He did for Joseph and Emma. Also, songs of the righteous are prayers, and I have invited some little people to share their favorite songs with us.
Melissa discusses the organization of the church and how that began. With it comes lesson on baptism with her son who will be baptized soon.
The purpose of the Lord's church is to fulfill the plan of God by bringing salvation through Christ to all people. Melissa uses the Come Follow Me manuals to guide us in making connections between God's love for us and the purpose of the church.
Melissa introduces the Whitmer family and the revelations given to them. We learn this week of the things we can do to do the work of the Lord. We also talk about the history of the 3 witnesses and the 8 witnesses and how we can also be a witness of the gospel.
How well do you know the history of the restoration of the Priesthood? Melissa reviews the history and breaks down ideas for teaching it to children. She also has a surprise interview with special guest.
We can recognize Satan's efforts to tempt and discourage us, and if we pray always, we can conquer him. Satan's plans to thwart the restoration with the lost 116 pages were not successful because the Lord had prepared a way; Nephi's words were included in Mormon's translation. He will also provide a way for us to share the gospel if we learn of Him.
Guest, Natalie Shirley shares insights, ideas, and resources she's learned from teaching music. Melissa and Natalie discuss how to implement it in the home.
Melissa Portzline uses the Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual as well as Come Follow Me for Primary manual to weave a discussion about revelation and our desires to do the Lord's work. This lesson teaches of Oliver Cowdery's attempt to translate the Gold Plates and the revelation to him through the prophet, Joseph Smith. The Lord teaches about revelation and tells him to "fear not."
We learn a lot about the Lord and His work as we learn about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Melissa pulls content from the Come Follow Me manuals to prepare others to teach children the lesson for the week.
How do we teach our children about Moroni visiting Joseph Smith and his message that Elijah will come? What are some ideas I can use to help my children feel the Spirit of Elijah? Melissa pulls content from the Individuals and Families Come Follow Me Manual as well as the Primary Come Follow Me manual to help parents and other teachers of children teach this lesson.
D&C 1 is an introduction to the D&C and Melissa breaks down the curriculum for children.
Melissa Portzline introduces the podcast, and shares ideas of how to teach the gospel to children.