Why We Stay: Recent Episodes
Grace Freeman
hi, there is a place for you here. talking about Jesus, how He shows up in your story, believing in Him. instagram: @why_we_stay
in this episode, we unpack elder alexander dushku's profound talk on "pillars and rays." join hosts grace, tj, talon, and hollis as they explore the transformative power of recognizing small, consistent spiritual experiences in life. elder dushku's message encourages listeners to keep their spiritual eyes wide open, allowing them to see god's hand in the everyday moments that shape their faith. together, they reflect on how these moments contribute to spiritual growth and deepen their connection with god. tune in for a thoughtful discussion on embracing the pillars and rays of spiritual enlightenment in their journey.
in this week's episode of "this is kingdom," talon, tj (aka ratty daddy), grace, and hollis discuss the true essence of living the gospel through elder massimo de feo's talk "rise! he calleth thee." they explore embracing life's trials, the power of prayer during tough times, and how hardships can strengthen faith and bring us closer to god. join them as they offer practical advice for maintaining spiritual vision through life's inevitable struggles.
in this episode of "this is kingdom," grace, talon, tj, and hollis explore the inspiring talk "faithful to the end" by sister andrea muñoz spannaus. they delve into the profound questions she poses about staying faithful to God in a world full of temptations and challenges. drawing parallels to the story of david and goliath, the hosts discuss how to remain spiritually strong by focusing on intentional actions and experiences that align with their faith. they share personal insights on how to make God proud through daily decisions, emphasizing the importance of preparing for life's battles with a steadfast heart. join them as they uncover practical ways to live joyfully and faithfully, no matter the circumstances.
``` in this episode of "this is kingdom," grace, talon, tj, and hollis delve into elder shayne m. bowen's talk, "miracles, angels, and priesthood power." they engage in a heartfelt discussion about the presence and power of miracles in their lives, sharing personal anecdotes and reflections on how expecting and recognizing miracles, both big and small, can profoundly impact one's faith and life experiences. the conversation emphasizes that god's hand is evident in the world and that having faith can lead to experiencing miraculous events. they encourage listeners to ask god for big things and to believe in his ability to deliver. the episode concludes with a reminder of jesus's miraculous acts and a touching personal memory, reinforcing the theme of faith and miracles.
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in this episode of "this is kingdom," grace, talon, ti, and hollis explore building confidence through faith, inspired by elder ulises soares' talk on covenant confidence. grace shares how her high school lacrosse confidence stemmed from her family's support, and how her relationship with god now provides deeper, lasting assurance. the hosts discuss how understanding our divine heritage and god's unwavering love can transform our self-perception and help us face life's challenges with strength. tune in to learn how faith can empower you with renewed confidence and purpose.
Join grace, talon, tj, and hollis as they unpack the profound insights from elder holland's talk, "motions of a hidden fire." delving into the essence of prayer, they share personal struggles and reflections, exploring its role in strengthening their relationship with god. from vulnerability to reassurance, they navigate the tender journey of faith, offering heartfelt perspectives on the power of authentic prayer.
join hosts grace, talon, tj, and hollis in this episode of this is kingdom as they delve into elder paul b. pieper's talk, trust in the lord. through personal anecdotes and reflections, they explore the theme of trust, sharing insights into how it impacts their lives. tune in for a deep discussion on the importance of trusting in god's plan amidst life's challenges.
join grace, talon, tj, and hollis in this episode of "this is kingdom" as they explore the transformative power of words. inspired by elder ronald a. rasband's talk, "words matter," the hosts delve into the profound impact language has on beliefs and hearts. talon highlights the potency of words compared to swords, while grace emphasizes the importance of intentional speech and God's deliberate communication. hollis shares insights on dwindling in unbelief, and tj discusses personal struggles with language and the power of filling one's ears with God's words. throughout the episode, the hosts stress the significance of treasuring meaningful words and the transformative potential of intentional communication. tune in to discover how words shape beliefs, relationships, and identities.
in this episode of "this is kingdom," hosts grace, talon, tj, and hollis explore the profound impact of the temple, inspired by president nelson's call to study doctrine and covenants section 109. through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the temple's role in spiritual growth and renewal, inviting listeners to embrace it as a sanctuary for strength and empowerment.
in this episode of "this is kingdom," talon, grace, tj, and hollis dive into the profound messages from president russell m. nelson's talk, "rejoice in the gift of priesthood keys." president nelson's urgent call to prioritize temple attendance resonates deeply with the hosts, prompting introspection and commitment. they discuss the significance of making temple visits intentional, akin to nurturing a meaningful friendship, and share personal experiences highlighting the sacredness of temple worship. the conversation underscores the transformative power of temple attendance in strengthening faith and deepening connections with the divine. join them as they embark on a journey of spiritual renewal and dedication to making the temple a cornerstone of their lives.
join grace, talon, tj, and hollis in this reflective episode of this is kingdom as they share their favorite conference traditions and delve into personal growth over the past six months. from grace's unique conference hack of building lego sets to hollis' vulnerable journal entries, the team discusses the transformative power of general conference talks. as they eagerly anticipate the upcoming conference, listeners are inspired to embrace personal growth and seek guidance in the words of faith.
in this episode of "this is kingdom," join grace, talon, tj, and hollis as they dive into a powerful discussion inspired by sister amy a. wright's talk, "abide the day in Christ." sharing personal stories and insights, they explore the importance of spiritual preparation for life's challenges and the anticipation of Christ's return. from reflecting on pivotal moments in their lives to pondering the tender nature of encounters with Jesus, they navigate the complexities of readiness with humor, vulnerability, and unwavering faith. tune in for a heartfelt conversation that delves into the essence of being spiritually prepared in anticipation of the second coming.
join talon, grace, tj, and hollis in an insightful episode of "this is kingdom" as they explore their personal love languages with God and how divine love manifests in their lives. delving into the topic of God's love languages, the team discusses how they perceive and reciprocate divine affection, reflecting on elder gerrit w. gong's talk, "love is spoken here." through intimate anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, the episode highlights the diverse ways in which God communicates love to individuals and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and expressing love in unique ways.
join hosts grace, talon, hollis, and tj in this episode as they discuss the theme of living with the constant companionship of the spirit, inspired by elder president henry b. eyring's talk "our constant companion." from excitement over new bracelet releases to heartfelt reflections on the spirit's subtle guidance, they emphasize the importance of recognizing its presence, the need for repentance, and encourage listeners to deepen their spiritual relationship and remain receptive to its influence.
in this episode of "this is kingdom," grace, talon, tj, and hollis delve into the profound journey of deepening one's relationship with God. they share personal transformations from doubting God's affection to realizing his unwavering love, inspiring listeners to prioritize one-on-one time with him. through introspection and intentional steps, they discuss the beauty of humility and the promise of God's guidance, leaving listeners with a poignant reminder of his transformative power. tune in next week for more insights into faith and life's journey.
join grace, talon, tj, and hollis in a candid conversation filled with laughter, reflections, and heartfelt stories. they delve into the profound message of elder david a. bednar's talk, "in the path of their duty." they highlight the importance of recognizing and valuing sincere efforts, even when they go unnoticed by others. the discussion resonates with the idea of finding fulfillment in the process rather than solely seeking recognition or outcomes. through personal anecdotes and heartfelt insights, they remind listeners of the profound beauty found in everyday acts of kindness and devotion. tune in for an uplifting journey of faith, friendship, and embracing the magic of genuine effort.
join us in this is kingdom as grace, talon, tj, and hollis delve into the profound insights shared in elder ian s. ardern's talk, "love thy neighbor." they explore the essence of compassion, highlighting its transformative power in healing and uplifting others. through personal anecdotes and reflections, they discuss the significance of showing mercy, allowing others to experience their emotions, and pointing towards Christ as the ultimate source of healing and love. discover how acts of kindness and empathy can profoundly impact lives and lead others closer to the savior. tune in for a heartfelt discussion on the true essence of love and discipleship.
in this tear-jerking episode, talon, grace, tj, and hollis dive into the poignant theme of "walking in covenant relationship with Christ" by president emily belle freeman. through heartfelt stories and raw vulnerability, they reflect on the influence of mentors and the power of spiritual connections. join them on a cathartic journey through faith, love, and the enduring bonds that shape our lives.
join us for an engaging episode of 'this is kingdom' where we explore the value of connection and empathy in our daily interactions. the conversation kicks off with tj's heartfelt story about his adventurous sister, malia, prompting reflections on the importance of pursuing and supporting those who may feel lost. grace shares insights from a thought-provoking discussion about the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the need to treat each person with compassion and understanding. hollis challenges common social norms, encouraging listeners to ask deeper questions and be fully present in their interactions. talon adds to the dialogue by highlighting the significance of acknowledging and addressing hidden struggles in others. together, they explore the power of genuine human connection and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and communities. tune in for an episode filled with laughter, introspection, and a reminder of the profound value of empathy and compassion.
in this episode of "this is kingdom," talon, grace, tj, and hollis passionately discuss their 52-week disciple journey, centering on the pursuit of happiness through covenant living. reflecting on the challenges of goal-setting and the fleeting nature of external sources of joy, the team draws profound insights from elder yoon hwan choi's talk, emphasizing the transformative power of covenants. grace beautifully weaves in the story of peter's healing, highlighting the deeper happiness derived from walking the covenant path. the conversation revolves around the choice of finding purpose in covenants, with a poignant reminder that true happiness is a partnership with God. talon shares a personal story about his mom's resilient joy, showcasing that happiness transcends life's challenges when anchored in Christ. tj concludes with a powerful song to stay on the covenant path, promising a life filled with ease, happiness, and joy.
in this engaging episode of "this is kingdom," talon, grace, tj, and hollis dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the transformative journey of becoming disciples of Christ. grace shares the heartwarming story of "the miraculous journey," where a toy rabbit's quest for love serves as a metaphor for life's journey and personal growth. reflecting on the importance of finding joy in every season, the hosts draw parallels between the bunny's experiences and our own, underscoring the profound impact of temple worship as the culmination of a transformative journey. encouraging listeners to savor the present, resist the urge to rush through life, and trust God's plan for their individual journeys, the hosts conclude with a powerful reminder that our life stories are love stories with God. join "this is kingdom" for an insightful exploration of the journey, where each step is a testament to the love story crafted by the divine author.
join hosts grace, talon, tj, and hollis in this insightful episode as they explore the profound notion that life's most extraordinary moments often unfold from the simplest of experiences. drawing insights from the story of peter and other biblical examples, the hosts discuss the transformative power of encountering Jesus right where you are. reflecting on personal journeys, they emphasize the significance of building meaningful connections with oneself and with God, asserting that positive change in the world begins with personal growth. this episode serves as a poignant reminder to find life's true treasure in the simplicity of a relationship with Jesus, urging listeners to appreciate the profound impact of straightforward guidance provided by prophets and scriptures. in a world filled with distractions, the hosts encourage a shift in perspective, emphasizing the power within each individual to change the world by first changing the world of those around them. see you next week for more insights and discussions on "this is kingdom"!
join grace, hollis, talon, and tj as they explore the concept of eternal truth by elder john c. pingree jr. the discussion takes a fascinating turn as they reflect on the challenge of seeking truth in a world filled with quick and easy answers. from the fear of a better option to the uncertainty that comes with discovering truth, the team explores the paradoxes of faith and the importance of building a relationship with God. tune in for a thought-provoking journey that challenges conventional wisdom and inspires a deeper understanding of the quest for truth. see you next week for more insights and discussions on "this is kingdom"!
welcome to a special episode of "this is kingdom" wrapping up 2023 with talon and grace discussing elder dieter f. uchtdorf's timeless talk, "the prodigal and the road that leads home." they explore the prodigal son's journey, reflecting on personal experiences and universal themes of longing. with a powerful conclusion, talon and grace emphasize the unwavering love of the Heavenly Father, leaving a message of hope and redemption. don't miss this captivating year-end episode of "this is kingdom." see you next week!
embark on a heartfelt exploration of humility with grace, tj, talon, and hollis as they draw inspiration from elder joni l. koch's powerful talk, "humble to accept and follow." the hosts share personal stories, reflecting on the delicate balance between confidence and humility. through a deep dive into the david and goliath narrative, they debunk the misconception that humility diminishes confidence, emphasizing how true humility is grounded in a belief in God's strength. the episode unfolds with poignant missionary experiences, highlighting the transformative power of embracing humility as discussed in elder koch's insightful talk. tune in for a captivating journey that encourages embracing humility as a source of strength and a deeper connection with the divine in this thought-provoking episode of "this is kingdom."
in this week's episode, grace, hollis, tj, and talon explore the transformative power of tithing in their spiritual lives. grace shares her realization that tithing is more about trust than money, emphasizing a shift from transactional to relational. the hosts discuss personal experiences, challenging the idea of tithing as a mere obligation and instead highlighting its role in building a deeper relationship with God. tj brings a fresh perspective, emphasizing that tithing is not about God needing our help but about surrendering our hearts. the episode concludes with a powerful reminder that, at its core, tithing is a pathway to a profound and trusting connection with a loving higher power.
join hosts grace, talon, tj, and hollis in a profound exploration of elder carlos a. godoy's talk, "for the sake of your posterity." this episode delves into the intricacies of trust, commitment, and faithfulness to God, with each host sharing personal stories of overcoming betrayal and persevering through challenges. the hosts emphasize the blessings and promises that come from maintaining unwavering faith, even in difficult times. as the discussion unfolds, the team encourages listeners to reflect on their paths and make meaningful changes for the sake of their posterity.
in this engaging episode of "this is kingdom," hosts grace, talon, tj, and hollis unpack the profound message of elder robert m. daines' talk, "sir, we would like to see jesus." they discuss the concept of spiritual face blindness, drawing parallels to real-life experiences and sharing personal stories. the hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the stories we tell ourselves about God and offer insights on recognizing his goodness and intentional guidance in our lives. join the conversation as they explore ways to help others discover the true narrative of God's love and purpose.
in this episode, grace, talon, tj, and hollis discuss the concept of appreciation and its impact on happiness, inspired by a talk by elder gary b. sabin. they share personal practices for cultivating gratitude, such as listing things they appreciate daily, journaling, and keeping a "people log". they reflect on the importance of not taking things for granted and focusing on what they already have. the conversation also touches on the role of appreciation in relationships and its potential to enhance one's relationship with oneself and God.
join hosts talon, grace, tj and hollis in a discussion inspired by elder joaquin e. costa's talk on "the power of Jesus Christ in our lives every day." delving into the analogy of flowers, they explore the difference between plucking and nurturing in our relationship with Christ. sharing personal insights, they discuss the shift from transactional to transformative connections, urging listeners to become intentional "gardeners" in their faith journey. tune in for a brief, impactful journey towards a more profound spiritual connection.
in this episode, grace, tj, talon, and hollis discuss the importance of family and relationships, and how they relate to our connection with God. they share personal experiences and reflect on the challenges within familial relationships, emphasizing the gospel's role in changing and strengthening these bonds. they express empathy for those facing family difficulties and encourage trust in God's plan. the hosts also highlight the significance of treating everyone with love and respect, as our relationships can teach us about our relationship with God. they conclude with advice on bringing God into relationships and the importance of preparing for an eternal family bond.
in this episode, gather around with grace, talon, tj, and the newest voice, hollis, as they unwrap the layers of president dallin h. oaks' profound talk on the 'kingdoms of glory.' delves into a candid discussion that transcends the surface-level understanding of the plan of salvation, touching on the essence of becoming over mere doing. the hosts share vulnerable moments from their lives, reflecting on mental health struggles, the beauty of mistakes, and the growth that comes from them. they ponder the transformative journey of life, emphasizing how experiences and choices shape us into celestial beings. this conversation is an invitation to look beyond the checklist of spirituality and find a deeper connection with the divine. tune in for an inspiring dialogue!
join hosts tj talon, and grace as they put hollis hunt in the "hot seat" for this special episode. get to know hollis, the newest voice on "this is kingdom," as he shares about his lineage, family background, and faith journey. from his roots in provo, utah, to his mission trips and the creation of treehouse talks, hollis offers a glimpse into the experiences that have shaped him. tune in for an intimate and enlightening conversation with our newest addition.
in this engaging episode, join hosts talon, grace, tj, and new addition hollis as they explore what it means to be 'brothers and sisters in christ.' through personal stories and shared wisdom, the team dives into elder soares' teachings about overcoming prejudice and fostering unity within our spiritual communities. they provide practical steps for viewing others through the 'Savior’s eyes' and discuss the transformative power of respect and curiosity. tune in for an uplifting conversation on the importance of recognizing our shared spiritual journey.
in this enlightening episode, talon, grace, and tj delve into the complexities of learning to recognize the holy spirit's promptings. drawing parallels between learning a new language and becoming attuned to spiritual guidance, the hosts share personal stories and insights that will inspire you to invest in this lifelong journey. tune in to discover why learning to hear God is the most worthwhile endeavor you can undertake.
In this episode of This is Kingdom, Grace, Talon, and T.J. engage in a deep discussion about seeing the best in others and making Jesus feel familiar through love and belief. Drawing from personal experiences and the insights shared in the talk "Seeing God's Family through the Overview Lens," by Sister Tamara W. Runia, the hosts explore the profound difference between worrying for someone and truly believing in their potential. They emphasize the transformative power of recognizing and speaking to a person's true essence rather than their actions. The episode invites you to view others through the lens of their highest potential and how genuine love and belief can create positive change. Join the conversation and discover how to make Jesus feel familiar to those you care about.
Welcome to "This is Kingdom," season two, episode one! In this episode, your hosts Grace, Talon, and T.J. take a deep dive into the profound message of President Nelson's talk on celestial thinking. Join us as we discuss the significance of understanding who you want to become and why you want to pursue a celestial life. Discover the transformative power of caring for others and why it's at the core of celestial living.
We share personal stories and insights on how celestial living can impact your daily decisions, from choosing a major to deciding who to spend your time with. Find out why embracing an eternal perspective is essential to your journey towards becoming a better person.
Join us in this enlightening conversation on faith, purpose, and the path to living a more fulfilling and celestial life. Tune in now and embark on your own celestial journey!
In this episode we talk about the power or choosing joy over all else. Over panic, stress, anxiety, worry. Choosing joy may look like just turning the page and re-writing the story over a tough situation. We all have the ability to change our perspective, even in the hardest of times. See your life how God sees it. Full of experience, and full of unlimited joy.
Thanks for listening this week!
xo,
TJ, Tal, & Grace
Christ did not choose his disciples because of their perfection, or even their "end result." He chose them because he knew them, just as he knows us.
When we choose to follow Jesus as a disciple, he only asks for our effort.
Thanks for listening!
xoxo,
Tj, Tal, Grace
K. Brett Nattress
Such a fun episode!
Thanks for listening as always.
Have a good week
xo,
Tal, Grace, TJ
Craig C. Christensen
Forgiveness is meant to be celebrated. The consequence is NOT repenting, or the act of it. Repentance is the party at the end of the movie.
Have a good week!
xo,
Grace, TJ, Tal
Patriarchal blessings!
GET YOURS, God has to tell you something.
thanks for listening as always! We love you.
xo,
Tj, Tal, & Grace
Ever heard the verse in the scriptures about how to manage your expectations so you don't get disappointed?
NOPE. You won't find one.
But there are HUNDREDS of verses that ask you to believe.
so believe.
Thanks for listening!
xoxo,
Grace, TJ, Tal
Abide in me, there is rest here.
This is what Christ extends to us as an invitation.
Thanks for listening!
xo,
Grace, Tal, TJ
So we're talkin about Disney.
How does that relate to the good news of Christ? Tune in, happy monday!
we love you
xo,
Grace, TJ, Tal
How do we find relief In Christ?
Showing up. Be the relief to others. God is good, have a good week.
hi, there is a place for you here. talking about Jesus, how He shows up in your story, believing in Him. join us here weekly as we deep dive into our favorite General Conference talks.
"My Mind Caught Hold Upon This Thought of Jesus Christ" | Elder Andersen
instagram: @this_is_kingdom_
hi, there is a place for you here. talking about Jesus, how He shows up in your story, believing in Him. join us here weekly as we deep dive into our favorite General Conference talks.
"My Mind Caught Hold Upon This Thought of Jesus Christ" | Elder Andersen
instagram: @this_is_kingdom_
hi, there is a place for you here. talking about Jesus, how He shows up in your story, believing in Him. join us here weekly as we deep dive into our favorite General Conference talks.
"My Mind Caught Hold Upon This Thought of Jesus Christ" | Elder Andersen
instagram: @this_is_kingdom_
hi, there is a place for you here. talking about Jesus, how He shows up in your story, believing in Him. join us here weekly as we deep dive into our favorite General Conference talks.
instagram: @this_is_kingdom_
hi, there is a place for you here. talking about Jesus, how He shows up in your story, believing in Him. join us here weekly as we deep dive into our favorite General Conference talks.
instagram: @this_is_kingdom_
they weren’t brave because they knew the outcome they were brave because they knew their god
we’ve been thinking lately
especially since the new for strength of youth came out
god doesn’t just love you
he trusts you too
Maybe you feel like your prayers aren't making it past the ceiling
Maybe you feel like you have never heard His voice
Maybe you feel like He is silent
You are not the first to feel like this, in fact you are in good company
He hears your cries
He sees your tears
He is working for you, even when you don’t realize it
The miracles are coming, just maybe not in the way you thought
Miracle may, it’s gonna be good
all in april. this is a month to choose one thing. don’t get overwhelmed. one thing to be all in for jesus. maybe you’re not sure what you wanna choose, but maybe this weekend God will help you know. all in april. there will be miracles.
Sometimes it’s harder than other times to feel Gods love
But it’s worth the fight
Tell us a little bit about your love story with God, how do you feel his love?