Consecrating Your Life: Recent Episodes
Elena Aburto
Living a consecrated life in the latter days means to become holy as you dedicate your time, talents, and resources to the Lord. Listen, learn, and laugh with Elena Aburto and her guests as they discuss what it means to give their lives to the Savior. Instagram/Facebook: @consecratingpod
This episode is based on the talk written by J. Anette Dennis from the Relief Society General Presidency titled "Put Ye On the Lord Jesus Christ."
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/14dennis?lang=eng
God invites us to make covenants with Him so that He can shower us with blessings!
Today we study the book Doctrine and Covenants to learn what the Savior teaches us about healthy self-esteem.
Scripture references:
D&C 121:33-46
D&C 38:24-25
D&C 128:15
Instagram: @consecratingpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConsecratingPod
There's no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone! Mom interviews me about my dating challenge from last year, which was to go on 29 dates before my 29th birthday.
It is inevitable that someone will emotionally hurt you at church someday. You can either choose to be offended by them or you can actively seek healing through understanding, communication, and by going to the Savior.
This episode is based on David A. Bednar's talk titled "And Nothing Shall Offend Them." Link below:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/10/and-nothing-shall-offend-them?lang=eng
Instagram: @consecratingpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConsecratingPod
Find the seminary manuals here:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/books-and-lessons/seminary?lang=eng
The institute manuals:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/si/institute/manuals?lang=eng
Gospel song "Change Me" by Tamela Mann:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlgLJEHF3Ok
Instagram: @consecratingpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConsecratingPod
We love the show Bluey! Join us as we discuss the most Christlike family on TV.
Our favorite episodes include the following:
- Baby Race
- Copycat
- Wagon Ride
- Mum School
- Space
- Christmas Swim
- Pass the Parcel
- Duck Cake
- Onesies
- Fancy Restaurant
- The Pool
- Cricket
Instagram: @consecratingpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConsecratingPod
Each of us is learning something--even the prophet! Mom and I talk about our personal spiritual journeys and the things we've learned recently.
Instagram: @consecratingpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConsecratingPod
Our friend Sean joins the podcast! We talk about what a testimony is, what it's not, and what some of the best testimony meetings have looked like!
Here's the link to the video called "Do You Believe? A Silent Interview on Christ"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4uZxxroyis&t=398s
Instagram: @consecratingpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConsecratingPod
Shout it from the rooftops, people. IT'S NOT ABOUT GETTING MARRIED!
YSA wards exist for the same reason other wards exist: it's about getting closer to Christ.
Mom and I share our thoughts on YSA wards and why we love them so much!
If you're a dog person, we'll definitely get along!
Mom and I share stories about the 3 dogs that our family has had in my lifetime: Pongo, Buster, and Tule.
Mom and I discuss what we can learn from different cultures and customs.
In this episode we mention the delicious Mexican drink, Champurrado. Go look up a recipe for it! MAKE IT WITH COOKIES!
We mentioned a music video I got to be in with the Bonner family and Chad Truman. Here is the link:
https://youtu.be/rYEv0alPRA0
Go back and listen to episode 16 of our podcast where I talked to my brother Xavier and his wife Staci about combining their two cultures when they got married.
References used in this episode:
Luke 4: 28-30
D&C 98: 41-45
Matthew 18: 15-17
Matthew 11: 28-29
The Church's Abuse help line
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/callings/church-safety-and-health/abuse-help-line?lang=eng
How the Church Approaches Abuse
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/how-latter-day-saints-approach-abuse
Join us as we discuss the 2015 Disney film "McFarland USA."
We love this movie! The lessons it contains about giving people a sense belonging, collaboration with others, and working hard make this film inspiring and fun.
We desire to open the discussion of how to help those who come home from their missions earlier than they expected. Know that the Lord accepts our offerings and can help you feel seen no matter what you have gone through. We ought to do better to help those in this situation.
Watch the "Sister to Sister" where Becky Craven addressed the topic of missionaries who come home earlier than expected here:
https://youtu.be/LzPmYft42ao
This episode is based on David A. Bednar's talk, “Put On Thy Strength, O Zion.“
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/46bednar?lang=eng
If you want to learn more about the temple ordinances, here are President Nelson's recommended readings:
- Read entries in the Bible Dictionary that are related to the temple, such as ‘Anoint,’ ‘Covenant,’ ‘Sacrifices,’ and ‘Temple.’
- Exodus 26-29
- Leviticus 8
- Books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price
My recommendations:
- Anthony Sweat's book: Holy Invitation: Understanding Your Sacred Temple Endowment
- This article and video about the sacred temple clothing:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/sacred-temple-clothing?lang=eng
- Visiting this site:
temples.churchofjesuschrist.org
Are my friends funny or what?!
After Toshi served his mission in Las Vegas, Nevada, he couldn't feel the same Spirit that he had as a missionary and wondered if he was doing something wrong.
A powerful and entertaining episode with Toshi!
Mom, Shane, and I have an impromptu talk about dating.
Shane is 31 years old and I am 27; both basically elderly single people. Shane is such a playa playa, haha!
Lots of laughs in this episode!!
Shane Gunnerson served his mission in Denver, Colorado, and went through a major faith crisis while serving.
Mom and I had a great time laughing with and listening to my friend Shane!
Mom and I discuss and ask ourselves how different church organizations can be more united.
How can Young Women and Relief Society connect with each other more often? How can the Relief Society and Elders Quorum work together? These are questions we all can be asking ourselves continually.
Mom and I invite our listeners to consider some of the things we say. We sometimes unintentionally hurt others with our choice of words. Let's be more inclusive and Christlike by paying close attention to what we say.
This includes:
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Avoiding words that may accidentally hurt early-returned missionaries.
-
Being sensitive to those who don't have the same blessings that we do.
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Making young single adults feel valued regardless of their relationship status.
Mom interviews me in this episode so you can all get to know me better!
My blog about mental health:
iwillhealthee.blogspot.com
She's my mom, best friend, and former second counselor of the Relief Society General Presidency!
On this episode we talk about how the Lord placed her into this calling, what she's learned, and how we have been blessed.
We are so excited to start hosting this podcast together!!
Carol tells me some life stories including her conversion, surviving a fire as a child, and the peace that Christ has given her when her aunt recently passed away.
Traditional ways of incorporating music in our church meetings are not necessarily the best ways or the only ways. I encourage you to think outside the box (while still following the guidelines in the Church's General Handbook).
My ward choir performed this gospel song "Soul's Anthem" by Tori Kelly and Kirk Franklin:
https://youtu.be/xIzFBzdXEcI
A ward my mother visited had this jazzy musical arrangement of "My Heavenly Father Loves Me":
https://youtu.be/zUjXB12wCd8
Here's a link to the General Handbook's "Music" section:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/19-music?lang=eng#title_number11
Are single people aware that it's OK to desire sex? While we know about the law of chastity and the dangers of pornography, we don't always talk about the beautiful side of our sexuality.
My friend Janiece and I talk about sex in a positive way. We hope to open the discussion about sex to be more optimistic, and that you will seek more information about your own sexual appetites and on how to teach the rising generation about sex.
Some resources we referenced:
Fostering a Positive Perspective of Sexuality (from the Liahona, August 2020)
https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2020/08/young-adults/fostering-a-positive-perspective-of-sexuality?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fliahona%2F2020%2F08%2Fyoung-adults%2Ffostering-a-positive-perspective-of-sexuality%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D251562DDADAC5569-073B32CFBBF2B892%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1647997785
How, When, and Why: Talking to Your Children about Sexuality (from the Liahona, August 2020)
https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2020/08/how-when-and-why-talking-to-your-children-about-sexuality?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fliahona%2F2020%2F08%2Fhow-when-and-why-talking-to-your-children-about-sexuality%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D6487E7EA2C50B0CB-082071A1457B714C%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1647997618
Jeffrey R. Holland Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jeffrey-r-holland/souls-symbols-sacraments/
David A. Bednar We Believe in Being Chaste
https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/04/we-believe-in-being-chaste?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2013%2F04%2Fwe-believe-in-being-chaste%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D312242A86D800ADC-19C5FB570C8E43DE%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1647997913
Dr. John Van Epp's RAM (Relationship Attachment Model) from his book How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk
Brady was brave enough talk openly about his pornography problem. He tells his story about how it started, how he told the people that he trusts about it, how he's learned that it's his emotions that triggers the problem, and what he's learned through the repentance process.
Brady is from Utah, served his mission in Idaho, and currently studies mechanical engineering at UVU.
If you or someone you know struggles with pornography, the following are some resources to help:
Addiction Recovery Programs:
Search on this site to find a program near you:
addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org
The Church's Addiction Recovery 12-Step Program Manual:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/addiction-recovery-program-a-guide-to-addiction-recovery-and-healing/the-12-steps?lang=eng
Podcasts:
The Leading Saints podcast episode titled "Addressing Female Pornography Use in Relief Society: An Interview with a Former YSA Relief Society Presidency."
https://leadingsaints.org/addressing-female-pornography-use-in-relief-society-an-interview-with-a-former-ysa-relief-society-presidency/
Sara Brewer's Overcome Pornography for Good podcast:
https://www.sarabrewer.com/blog/
Any podcast episode with therapist Bo Buchi as the guest. Porn addiction is one of his specialties.
Mariana's little brother, Aaron, has down syndrome. Because of the lack of accommodation for students with special needs in Bolivia, Mariana's family eventually moved to the United States. Mariana talks about how she and her family have been blessed by Aaron.
Lots of giggling in this episode that I was not willing to edit out!
My friend Esteban happens to be gay. He tells me about the things he learned while serving as a missionary, how he has come to know the Savior, and how he helps others feel like they belong.
Tia is a rockstar!
She tells me how she became a drummer, empowering the rising generation, and about her parents' recent divorce. She is a spiritual powerhouse!!
Jim and Matt have the most unlikely friendship.
Brother Jim Olson used to work for the FBI. He had arrested a man named Matt who spent nearly 20 years in prison. While in prison, Matt went through a complete change of heart and has been striving to live a more selfless and Christlike life ever since.
In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, I share a story of mine when my depression was so bad that I no longer wanted to live.
Some links that I mentioned are listed below.
My blog about mental health:
iwillhealthee.blogspot.com
My article about anxiety on the Church's blog:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/the-antidote-to-anxiety?lang=eng
Mom and I were on the Latter-day Saint Women Podcast:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/latter-day-saint-women-podcast/040-reyna-aburto-and-elena-aburto?lang=eng
Mom's book "Reaching for the Savior"
https://deseretbook.com/p/reaching-for-the-savior
Mom's conference talk "Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me"
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/31aburto?lang=eng
You might have OCD if you have experienced the following:
- Had repetitive thoughts about being sinful
- Excessive fear about perfection
- Irrational thoughts about how you might die today
My delightful and gorgeous friend Jonnae came on to talk about her husband Noah's OCD and about physical health. She has the cutest laugh, she's one of the most Christlike people I know, and she's just the best!!
My beautiful friend Larkin came on to share her AMAZING conversion story!!
Larkin grew up in Utah as a member of the Church. As a teenager, she went through a dark period and left the Church. Eventually, she moved to Bali and Thailand to look for freedom. There, she finally found healing through the Savior Jesus Christ.
Larkin also shares the meaning behind her tattoos, and a story of when the Lord reminded her that He does not judge people by their outward appearance.
At just 23 years old, her story is only beginning. She has such a pure spirit about her and I'm sure you'll love her story!
Stockton came on to talk about his experience in film, working on the set of Book of Mormon videos, his humanitarian trip to Africa, and more.
If you'd like to learn more about Humanitarian Experiences for Youth (HEFY) visit the website below:
https://www.hefy.org/
Things don't always work out the way we think they should.
Sister Bennett tells me about a time when the Lord was taking care of her without her knowing it, how God answers our individual prayers in unique ways, and how Heavenly Father is smarter than we are.
Take a shot (of orange juice) every time I say the word "counsel" in this episode!
There is so much I have learned by being a leader, especially as a Relief Society President/Counselor/Secretary/Teacher in my young life. No matter what kind of calling you have, my thoughts may apply to you!
What I would do differently next time I have a calling like those is the following:
1) Counseling withthe members of the congregation instead of only counseling aboutthem.
2) Prioritize visiting people with mental health issues.
3) As a Presidency member, I would counsel with the Relief Society teachers.
4) Use the Church Handbook in multiple ways. Read it and counsel about it with the presidency and the members.
5) Don't stress so much about things that go wrong. The Lord's work will continue no matter what.
6) Constantly encourage informal get-togethers/activities.
7) Give myself credit for what I'm doing right.
8) Pray with all the energy of heart for love and charity.
References:
Julie B. Beck, BYU Women's Conference 2011
https://womensconference.byu.edu/sites/womensconference.ce.byu.edu/files/julieb_openings.pdf
The Church's General Handbook section 9.2.1.2 says that Relief Societies can counsel together, and section 8.2.1.2. says the same thing about Elder’s Quorum.
Moroni 7:48 "pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love,"
My brother Xavier (Xavi) and his wife Staci talk about how they met, their difficult first year of marriage, and how they have chosen to raise their three young boys by living righteous principles.
Discussing agency helps us understand why God allows bad things to happen to good people. Brady tells me about some of the life lessons he's learned about choosing obedience to God over our own desires, choosing a spouse, and more!
Nick and Jennifer are the co-authors of the book, "Codependent Discipleship: Not a how-to guide," which is available on Amazon.
Codependent Discipleship: Not a how-to guide: Galieti, Nick, Roach, Jennifer: 9780578886817: Amazon.com: Books
Codependency is a compulsive behavior that happens in relationship where one person feels like they need to fix the other. This can happen among romantic relationships or within family members or friends. This commonly happens when the other person's life is consumed by alcoholism or depression, but it can happen in other situations as well. Codependency is a behavior that is subconscious and is not a diagnosable mental health condition.
Nick Galieti was born in Southern California and now lives in Utah. He is a broadcast and events language producer and an experienced Latter-day Saint podcast host and producer. His podcasts include Latter-day Saint MissionCast, The Good Word Podcast, and of course, Barbie does Dating. He served his mission in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He and his wife have five daughters.
Jennifer Roach grew up in Modesto, California and currently lives in Washington state. She is a mental health and chemical dependency therapist. She received her Bachelor's degree in psychology, a masters degree in Divinity, and another Master's degree in mental health counseling. She grew up in the Baptist Church, was later ordained clergy in the Anglican church, and was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the year 2019. She and her husband have one son.
Visit Jennifer's website for counseling and mental health resources here:
www.jenniferroachcounseling.com
Sister Seegmiller tells me about different lessons she has learned through being single with three sons, suffering with feelings of depression, and experiences which showed her that God really listens to her personal prayers.
She quoted the following talks in this episode:
D. Todd Christofferson's "Reflections on a Consecrated Life."
https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/reflections-on-a-consecrated-life?lang=eng
Elaine S. Dalton's "He Knows You by Name."
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2005/04/he-knows-you-by-name?lang=eng
Gerrit W. Gong's "Covenant Belonging."
https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/41gong?lang=eng
My sweet friend Lexi is so amazing yet often feels like she is a terrible and inadequate person.
Lexi humbly testifies of her experience with the Savior's grace. Through her mental health struggles, she came to know what it means to be saved by grace (2 Nephi 25: 23).
I mention Sheri Dew's talk titled "Sweet Above All That Is Sweet" from the 2014 BYU Women's Conference.
https://womensconference.byu.edu/sites/womensconference.ce.byu.edu/files/sheri_dew.pdf
This talk is the one where David A. Bednar said it's OK to talk about the temple. :)
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/54bednar?lang=eng
Jeff is a young man from Australia. He talks about his difficult upbringing in an abusive home, going inactive from the Church for a while and a sudden push from the Spirit to return to church, immigrating to the U.S., and his experience as a life coach.
Yes, her first name is spelled with two A's, and she explains why in this episode!
Sister Saunders talks about living a long life of peace and joy despite her hardships. She is so entertaining; everyone loves her and so will you!
Sister Lisa L. Harkness powerfully testifies of the Lord and talks to me about a variety of subjects. She discusses her responsibilities as the former 1st counselor in the Primary General Presidency, focusing on children in wards, her preparation to be a mission leader with her husband in Montreal, and how young single adults and others can contribute to the Lord's work.
Lili and Danny are a young married couple; they are 23 years old. They talk to me about the challenges of being a young adult, their time serving as the best ward mission leaders ever as they let the youth and young adults take charge, and Lili shares her conversion story.
My friend Daniel talks about what he has learned from failure when it comes to young adult struggles like schooling and dating.
We mention President Kevin J. Worthen's talk "Successfully Failing: Pursuing Our Quest for Perfection."
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/kevin-j-worthen/successfully-failing-pursuing-quest-perfection/
Ministering is more than an assignment; it's a lifestyle. My friend Pollyanna is a naturally friendly person who is a great example of this lifestyle. She joins me in discussing how to minister in the Savior’s way.
Flor Maya Anderson is one of my best friends. Coming from a Latin American family who did not believe in mental health problems, she was not aware of her mental health ailments until she was an adult. She shares about her struggles with anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar depression.
My aunt Sandra tells her story as a victim of abuse. She tells me how to recognize abuse in relationships, signs that someone around you may have been abused, her experience volunteering at organizations for victims, and some ideas on how to prevent abuse in children.
On this episode, one of my best friends and old mission companion talks about her mission, suffering with anxiety, and staying active in the Church as a returned missionary.
My dad has not had an easy life, but he found hope after being converted to the Lord's church.
Listen to his conversion story, how he met my mother Reyna, and on his experiences with my mother in her calling as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency.
On this brief solo episode, I will define consecration and give examples from my life and my family's life of what it means to consecrate your life!