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Episode 27 Day by day Inner voice, make a choice Fire & Water Lesson 27            “If the Lord be God, Follow Him” #OldTestament2022 #comefollowme #comefollowme2022 #realtalkcomefollowme Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum as they discuss impactful topics from this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson covering these chapters in 1 Kings 17-19. Explore these important themes, topics and questions: -What can the widow of Zarephath teach us about following a prophet? -Why is it important to pay our tithing before we pay any other expenses? -What does it mean to follow our “inner voice”? -How does the story of Naaman teach us about becoming clean? —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invitation: Ask God to open your eyes that you might see everything around you as a miracle. —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quotes & Links: Link to Come, Follow Me Through the Old Testament Book: https://www.seagullbook.com/real-talk-real-life-scripture-journal-old-testament.html C.S. Lewis Quote: “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” ― C.S. Lewis, Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer Elder Gong Quote: “A young boy in South America raises chickens and sells their eggs to help buy windows for the house his family is building. He pays his tithing first. He will literally see the windows of heaven open.” President Nelson Quote #1: In Samoa, Fiji, and Tahiti, just as the meetings began, the rain stopped. But in Tonga, the rain did not stop. Yet 13,000 faithful Saints came hours early to get a seat, waited patiently through a steady downpour, and then sat through a very wet two-hour meeting. We saw vibrant faith at work among each of those islanders—faith sufficient to stop the rain and faith to persevere when the rain did not stop. ( April 2021, “Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains”) President Nelson Quote #2:  We live in a time prophesied long ago, when “all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.” That was true before the pandemic, and it will be true after. Commotion in the world will continue to increase. In contrast, the voice of the Lord is not “a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but … it [is] a still voice of perfect mildness, [like] a whisper, and it [pierces] even to the very soul.” (April 2021 conference) Albert Einstein Quote: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”  —-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Real Talk is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Episode 26 Kings Fall Wrong Turn David’s Fall Lesson 26            “Thy Kingdom Shall Be Established for Ever” #OldTestament2022 #comefollowme #comefollowme2022 #realtalkcomefollowme Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum as they discuss impactful topics from this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson covering these chapters in 2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12;  and 1 Kings 3; 8; 11. Explore these important themes, topics and questions: - How does the Lord “steady your ark”? - David’s rise and fall - The sacredness and importance  of temple dedications - The mercy and goodness that God has for the sinner - Solomon becoming king and his wisdom - The rise and fall of Solomon —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invitation: Reflect on a time in your life where it appears you took the wrong path - but looking back you ended up exactly where you needed to be. —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quotes & Links: Link to Come, Follow Me Through the Old Testament Book: https://www.seagullbook.com/real-talk-real-life-scripture-journal-old-testament.html Brigham Young Quote: “The Lord steadies the ark; and if it does jostle, and appear to need steadying, if the way is a little sideling sometimes, and to all appearance threatens its overthrow, be careful how you stretch forth your hands to steady it; let us not be too officious in meddling with that which does not concern us; let it alone, it is the Lord's work. I know enough to let the kingdom alone, and do my duty. It carries me, I do not carry the kingdom.” [BY JD 11:249, Brigham Young, God’s Kingdom on Earth]  Elder Dale Renlund Quote: “Heavenly Father’s prescribed path leads to the best eternal outcomes. We are free to choose, but we cannot choose the consequences of not following the revealed path. … We cannot deviate from Heavenly Father’s course and then blame Him for inferior outcomes. … When we sincerely repent, no spiritual scar remains, no matter what we have done, how serious it was, or how many times we repeated it. As often as we repent and seek forgiveness with real intent, we can be forgiven.” (“Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny,” April 2022)  Elder Mathias Held Quote: “The Lord [is] patiently preparing us, He [is] molding us, and He [is] helping us to discover that we should learn to discern the truth not only through our rational minds but also through the very still and small voice of the Spirit, which speaks especially to our hearts.” (“Seeking Knowledge by the Spirit,” General Conference, April 2019) —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Real Talk is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Episode 25 Hide in the stuff Turn into another man 5 stones Lesson 25            “The Battle is the Lord’s” #OldTestament2022 #comefollowme #comefollowme2022 #realtalkcomefollowme Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum as they discuss impactful topics from this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson covering these chapters in 1st Samuel: 8-10, 13; 15-18. Explore these important themes, topics and questions:  Are we as a people sometimes known for “traditions of our fathers” instead of more important things? Saul’s journey to become King What are the Goliaths in your life? What are the stones in your life that can help you face your Goliaths? How has God healed you in the past? How does that knowledge give you faith that he can heal you in future days?  —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invitation:  Reflect on what it is that makes you stand out from others.  Ponder if what you are known for aligns with the characteristics we associate with Christ.  —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quotes & Links:  Link to Come, Follow Me Through the Old Testament Book: https://www.seagullbook.com/come-follow-me-through-the-old-testament.html  Marvin J. Ashton Quote: “When the Lord measures an individual, He does not take a tape measure around the person’s head to determine his mental capacity, nor his chest to determine his manliness, but He measures the heart as an indicator of the person’s capacity and potential to bless others” (“The Measure of Our Heart,” Conference Report, Oct. 1988). Spencer W. Kimball Quote:  “Remember that every David has a Goliath to defeat, and every Goliath can be defeated. He may not be a bully who fights with fists or sword or gun. He may not even be flesh and blood. He may not be nine feet tall; he may not be armor-protected, but every boy has his Goliaths. And every [girl] boy has his sling, and every [girl] boy has access to the brook with its smooth stones.” (“The Davids and the Goliaths,” Conference Report, Oct. 1974). —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Real Talk is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Episode 24 Mothers in law Crying, not drunk A little coat Lesson 24            “My Heart Rejoiceth in the Lord” #OldTestament2022 #comefollowme #comefollowme2022 #realtalkcomefollowme Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum as they discuss impactful topics from this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson covering the book of Ruth, and the first three chapters from 1st Samuel.  Explore these important themes, topics and questions:  What is a ‘compensatory God’? What does it mean to be vertically connected? How can we strengthen that connection? What can Hannah teach us about not taking offense? —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invitation:  Reflect on how you have witnessed the compensatory nature of God in your life. —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quotes & Links:  Link to Come, Follow Me Through the Old Testament Book: https://www.seagullbook.com/come-follow-me-through-the-old-testament.html  —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Real Talk is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Episode 23 Deborahs in your life Wet wool Drinking-Water Trumpets Lesson 23            “The Lord Raised Up a Deliverer” #OldTestament2022 #comefollowme #comefollowme2022 #realtalkcomefollowme Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum as they discuss impactful topics from this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson covering Judges 2-4; 6-8; 13-16.  Explore these important themes, topics and questions:  What does Baal represent in today’s world? Who is Deborah? Who are the Deborahs in your life today? What can we learn from the story of Gideon? What are the sacred symbols the Lord uses to communicate with us? —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invitation:  Use your gifts to make this world a better place. —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quotes & Links:  Link to Come, Follow Me Through the Old Testament Book: https://www.seagullbook.com/come-follow-me-through-the-old-testament.html  Brigham Young Quotes: “It is Baal against Christ now, as it always was.” (Brigham Young, JD, 14:119, May 21, 1871) “Christ and Baal never can be friends. One or the other must reign triumphantly on the earth, and I say that Jesus Christ shall reign, and I will help him.” (Brigham Young, JD, 8:319, Feb. 10, 1861) Elder Holland Quote: “Struggle and strife, heartbreak and loss, are not experiences that come only somewhere else to someone else. It means that moments in which faith feels frightfully difficult to hold on to are not reserved for our bygone days of persecution and martyrdom. No, the times when becoming a saint through Christ the Lord seems almost—almost—too much to achieve are still with us. … We will be asked to submit, to obey, and to be childlike. For some of us that is difficult now, and it will be difficult then. … [But] heaven’s grace exceeds our merit.” (“A Saint Through the Atonement of Christ the Lord,” BYU Devotional, January 18, 2022) Sister Ann M. Dibb Quote: “Samson was born with great potential. His mother was promised, ‘He shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines’ [Judges 13:5]. But as Samson grew, he looked more to the world’s temptations than to God’s direction. He made choices because they ‘pleaseth [him] well’ [Judges 14:3] rather than because those choices were right. Repeatedly, the scriptures use the phrase ‘and he went down’ [Judges 14:7] as they tell of Samson’s journeys, actions, and choices. Instead of arising and shining forth to fulfill his great potential, Samson was overcome by the world, lost his God-given power, and died a tragic, early death” (“Arise and Shine Forth,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 118). —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Real Talk is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Episode 22   Doctrinal Drift  The Jericho Principle Lesson 22            “Be Strong and of a Good Courage” #OldTestament2022 #comefollowme #comefollowme2022 #realtalkcomefollowme Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum as they discuss impactful topics from this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson covering Joshua 1-8 and 23-24.  Explore these important themes, topics and questions:  What is “doctrinal drift” and how do we avoid it to maintain our focus on what matters most?  Who is Rahab and what can we learn from her?  Why were the Israelites commanded to collect twelve stones from the river? What was the symbolism of that? What is “The Jericho Principle?" —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invitation:  Rejoice in the knowledge that you have already been saved. —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quotes & Links:  Link to Come, Follow Me Through the Old Testament Book: https://www.seagullbook.com/come-follow-me-through-the-old-testament.html  Gospel Library Quote about Joshua: “This book is named after Joshua because he was the principal figure in it and not because he was the author. Old Testament prophet and leader, and the successor of Moses. He was born in Egypt before the children of Israel escaped (Num. 14:26–31). He and Caleb were among the twelve spies sent to Canaan. They alone gave a good report of the land (Num. 13:8, 16–33; 14:1–10). He died at the age of 110 (Josh. 24:29). Joshua was a great example of a devout prophet-warrior.” (Gospel Library, Guide to the Scriptures, “Joshua”) President Uchtdorf Quote: “We are, therefore, not ignorant of the challenges of the world, nor are we unaware of the difficulties of our times. But this does not mean that we should burden ourselves or others with constant fear. Rather than dwelling on the immensity of our challenges, would it not be better to focus on the infinite greatness, goodness, and absolute power of our God, trusting Him and preparing with a joyful heart for the return of Jesus the Christ? As His covenant people, we need not be paralyzed by fear because bad things might happen. Instead, we can move forward with faith, courage, determination, and trust in God as we approach the challenges and opportunities ahead” [2017–A:104, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear] Sister Michelle Craig Quote: “Jesus Christ sees people deeply. He sees individuals, their needs, and who they can become. Where others saw fishermen, sinners, or publicans, Jesus saw disciples; where others saw a man possessed by devils, Jesus looked past the outward distress, acknowledged the man, and healed him.” (2020–O:15, Michelle D. Craig, Eyes to See) Elder Marlin K. Jensen Quote:  “Remembering enables us to see God’s hand in our past, just as prophecy and faith assure us of God’s hand in our future” (“Remember and Perish Not,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 38).

Episode 21 Pad the Fall Super Shoes Pancakes for the poor Lesson 21 “Beware Lest Thou Forget the Lord” #OldTestament2022 #comefollowme #comefollowme2022 #realtalkcomefollowme Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum as they discuss impactful topics from this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson covering Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34.  Explore these important themes, topics and questions:  What does it mean to “bind ourselves to the Lord”? What are phylacteries?  How can parents be phylacteries for their children?  How can parents “pad the fall” for their children? How does the Lord “pad the fall” for us? How blessings from paying tithing are not always financial. —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invitation:  Show your gratitude to God by serving someone else. —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quotes & Links:  Link to Come, Follow Me Through the Old Testament Book: https://www.seagullbook.com/come-follow-me-through-the-old-testament.html  Elder Bednar Quote: “Covenant promises and blessings are possible only because of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He invites us to look to Him, come unto Him, learn of Him, and bind ourselves to Him through the covenants and ordinances of His restored gospel. I testify and promise that honoring covenants arms us with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.” - Elder Bednar With the Power of God in Great Glory] https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/22bednar?lang=eng  Parley P. Pratt Quote: “Moses, being about to depart from his great responsibilities in the midst of Israel, laid his hands upon Joshua by the word of the Lord. After this Joshua was filled with the Spirit of God and of his calling. His works in leading Israel into the promised land, and there defending them and settling them according to the word of the Lord, go to show that he not only received a form under the hands of Moses, but he actually received the power and spirit of that form.”-JD 4:9, Parley P. Pratt, A Visit, By P. P. Pratt, Etc. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Real Talk is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Episode 20 Power of Pollyanna Just look up No donkeys here Numbers 11-14; 20-24| May 9-15 Lesson 20 “Rebel Not Ye against the Lord, Neither Fear” #OldTestament2022 #comefollowme #comefollowme2022 #realtalkcomefollowme Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum as they discuss impactful topics from this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson covering Numbers 11-14 and 20-24.  Explore these themes, topics and questions:  What does it mean to be “vertically connected” vs. “horizontally connected”?What does it mean to have an “ongoing restoration”?The power of positivity.The brazen serpent and the symbolism of Jesus Christ.The meaning of the word repentance. —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invitation: Think about repentance in a simple, positive light.  Think of the brazen serpent… “Look to God and Live.” —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quotes & Links: Link to Come, Follow Me Through the Old Testament Book: https://www.seagullbook.com/come-foll... Joseph Smith Quote: “There has been a great difficulty in getting anything into the heads of this generation. It has been like splitting hemlock knots with a corn-dodger [fried cornbread] for a wedge, and a pumpkin for a beetle [like a sledge]. Even the Saints are slow to understand. I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God; but we frequently see some of them, after suffering all they have for the work of God, will fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is contrary to their traditions: they cannot stand the fire at all.” (TPJS, p. 331) Sister Bonnie Parkin Quote: “... the story of Caleb and Joshua, who, with 10 others, were sent to Canaan to report on its resources and people. Upon their return, the 10 reported all the negative things they saw, but Caleb and Joshua saw past those and spoke of the positive. Unfortunately, like today, the people chose to believe the doubters, and so only Caleb and Joshua were preserved to enter the promised land.” (Bonnie Parkin, An Anchor for Eternity—and Today, 1996.) Elder Dallin H. Oaks Quote: “Moses prayed for relief, he was inspired to make “a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole.” Then, “if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived”  Such a small thing for such a miraculous result! That example and that teaching remind us that the simplicity of the way or the easiness of the commanded task cannot mean that it is unimportant to achieve our righteous desire.” (Small and Simple Things, Dallin H. Oaks, April 2018.) Link to talk by Elder Theodore M. Burton: “The Meaning of Repentance,”  https://bit.ly/3McBwzi Link to interview on "The Middle": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5Qisogtosg

Peculiar Treasure Scapegoat Jesus Temple Lesson 19 “Holiness to the Lord” #OldTestament2022 #comefollowme #comefollowme2022 #realtalkcomefollowme Join hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum as they discuss impactful topics from this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson covering Exodus 35-40 and Leviticus chapters 1, 16, and 19.  Explore these themes, topics and questions:  How to access the power of the temple in our lives?What is our “offering of gold” unto the Lord?The origins and symbolism of sacred temple clothing.What does it mean to think of our homes and the temple as a “pillar of a cloud”?The symbols of Jesus Christ as they relate to Levitical temple ritualsCan we learn how to let our sins go and instead use our energy to focus on becoming like God?Jesus Christ as the High Priest. —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invitation: Consider the role the temple plays in your life right now.  Ask yourself this question: how will I better utilize the temple and its covenants to draw closer to God? —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quotes & Links: Link to Come, Follow Me Through the Old Testament Book: https://www.seagullbook.com/come-follow-me-through-the-old-testament.html Brigham Young Quote: “The Lord called upon Moses, and he stood amid the thunders and lightnings of Mount Sinai. Moses was a good and great man, but he had lived with and so often been aggravated by a wicked, murmuring, and rebellious people that he could not look upon God in his glory, [Ex. 33:17-23] but he could hear his voice and converse with his Heavenly Father in the pillar of cloud and fire. [Deut. 4:12]” [JD 9:308, Brigham Young, The Kingdom of God.] Joseph Smith Quote: “Go to and finish the temple, and God will fill it with power, and you will then receive more knowledge concerning this priesthood.” -Joseph Smith [Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 323] Seminary OT Teacher Manual: “Sacred religious clothing has been used symbolically since the Lord made “coats of skins” for Adam and Eve before they were cast out of the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 3:21). When Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days, the Lord revealed to him details concerning the tabernacle as well as the sacred clothing that was to be worn by the priests who would serve in the tabernacle.” (Seminary OT Teacher Manual, Lesson 53: Exodus 28–29; 31, also quoted in Real Talk Journal, pg 52) Elder Nelson Quote: “Learn to listen, and listen to learn from neighbors.Opportunities to listen to those of diverse religious or political persuasion can promote tolerance and learning. And a good listener will listen to a person’s sentiments as well.” [1991–A:22, Russell M. Nelson, Listen to Learn] —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Real Talk is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Join this fascinating and wide ranging discussion with acclaimed author Kerry Muhlestein, PhD. Hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum chat with Kerry about these and other interesting topics:  Dr. Muhlestein’s work on the BYU Egypt Excavation ProjectHis new book “Learning to Love Isaiah” and what he hopes readers will gain from itThe repeated pattern of God saving his children throughout the Old TestamentThe rich imagery and symbolism found in the Book of IsaiahTips for how to approach a study of the Prophet Isaiah’s writings About Dr. Kerry Muhlestein: Kerry received his B.S. from BYU in Psychology with a Hebrew minor. As an undergraduate he spent time at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies in the intensive Hebrew program. He received an M.A. in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from BYU and his Ph.D. from UCLA in Egyptology, where in his final year he was named the UCLA Affiliates Graduate Student of the Year. Areas of Research: Dr. Muhlestein is the director of the BYU Egypt Excavation Project, and in association with this works on understanding the pyramid excavated there as well as the Graeco-Roman culture represented at the site, and the advent of Christianity in Egypt. In addition, Dr. Muhlestein’s research focuses on the texts and iconography of Egyptian religion, international contact between ancient Egypt and her neighbors, the Egyptian juridical process, Egyptian literature, and the overlap of the Biblical and Egyptian worlds, including the ancient and modern history of the Pearl of Great Price, among other things. Languages: Exams passed in various phases of Egyptian, as well as Hebrew, Aramaic, Ugaritic, Phoenician, Moabite, Coptic, German, and French. Additionally, courses have been taken in Greek and Akkadian. About Learning to Love Isaiah: The words of Isaiah abound with prophecies for both his time and ours. With insights so important that the Savior Himself cited this holy book of scripture more than once during His ministry, Isaiah contains messages that are clearly vital to our understanding of the gospel. But with its notoriously complicated symbolism, how do we begin to decipher this sacred ancient text? The answer can be found in Learning to Love Isaiah, a practical guidebook from BYU Professor of Religion Kerry Muhlestein: we can deepen our comprehension by studying the scriptures chapter by chapter and verse by verse. Featuring a range of gospel resources as support, each point of doctrine in each individual verse of Isaiah is contextualized with clarity, simplifying the symbolism behind even the most enigmatic verses. This guide also provides tools and training to assist you in gaining more understanding on your own. By discerning the meaning of both past and future fulfillment of prophecy, readers will find plentiful personal applications of the prophet’s words as they journey through the impactful holy book of Isaiah. Link to Learning to Love Isaiah:  https://www.seagullbook.com/learning-to-love-isaiah.html —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Real Talk & Friends is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Episode 18 The Thick of Good Things Indiana Jones Time With Dad Exodus 24; 31-34 | April 25-May 1 Lesson 18 “My Presence Shall Go With Thee” #OldTestament2022 #comefollowme #comefollowme2022 #realtalkcomefollowme Follow along as hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum discuss impactful topics from this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson covering Exodus 24 and 31-34, including:  What can we learn from the Mosaic Law? What can we put in “our holy of holies” to help us feel a stronger connection to God?What happens when we get impatient with the revelation we already have? What does it mean to get lost in the “thick of good things” as it relates to keeping the Sabbath day holy? What boundaries can we create in our lives to help us simplify our focus on the Sabbath day?—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invitation:  How can you commune and connect with God this week in a different way? How will this influence your experience on the Sabbath day?  —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quotes & Links:  Link to Come, Follow Me Through the Old Testament Book: https://www.seagullbook.com/come-follow-me-through-the-old-testament.html  Institute Manual Quote: “It is unfortunate that many people, some even in the Church, think of the Mosaic law as a substitute for the higher law of the gospel. We call it a lesser law, and so it was, if the word lesser is used in the sense of progressive steps. But some people assume that lesser means of lower importance and significance, or of a lesser level of truth and righteousness.” (OT Institute Student Manual, Exodus 21–24; 31–35 The Mosaic Law: A Preparatory Gospel, as quoted in Real Talk Journal,  pg. 50) John Taylor Quote: “We forget, sometimes, that we are the Saints of God; we forget that we have dedicated ourselves to the Lord, with all that we have; and we forget our high calling and our future destiny…. We condescend to little meannesses, … we falter and get into darkness, and lose the Spirit of the Lord. We forget that God and angels are looking upon us; … And, forgetting these things sometimes, we act the part of fools, … and we are then left to grope our way in the dark. But if we could live our religion, … observe [God’s] laws and his statutes, and keep his commandments to do them, we should feel very different; we should feel comfortable and happy; our spirits would be peaceful and buoyant; and from day to day, from week to week, and from year to year, our joys would increase.” (Journal of Discourses, 1858, “Blessings of the Saints,” 6:162) Elder Perry Quote: “Aaron succumbed to the will of the people and told them to gather all their gold and silver and precious things and melt them into a form that made a golden calf, an idol that they could worship and carry with them as they journeyed. In the meantime, Moses was receiving the two tablets of testimony containing God’s commandments to His people. With the tablets in hand, Moses descended from the mountain.” L.Tom Perry- [2003–O:85, L. Tom Perry, We Believe All That God Has Revealed] Elder Ezra Taft Benson Quote: “The record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming” (Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 3; or Ensign, May 1987, 4).  Real Talk is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.

Episode 17 Imperfect Prophets Living Honestly Big 10 Lesson 17 “All That the Lord Hath Spoken We Will Do” #OldTestament2022 #comefollowme #comefollowme2022 #realtalkcomefollowme Follow along as hosts Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum discuss impactful topics from this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson covering Exodus 18-20, including:  Why we shouldn’t expect prophets to be perfect Communal vs. Personal Commandments The 10 Commandments as “reality statements” and how to use trust as we strive to follow them. How following truth leads to happiness —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invitation:  Take time to journal or ponder this week about these questions: Does your current lifestyle align with what you honestly believe is true? Do your daily habits and lifestyle choices increase or decrease your quality of life, your genuine feelings of peace and happiness, your connection to light and truth?  —---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quotes & Links:  Link to Come, Follow Me Through the Old Testament Book: https://www.seagullbook.com/come-follow-me-through-the-old-testament.html  Elder Maxwell Quote: “In a Kingdom where perfection is an eventual expectation, each other’s needs for improvement have a way of being noticed. Perceptive Jethro had plenty of data to back up the crisp counsel he gave his son-in-law Moses. Even prophets notice their weaknesses. Nephi persisted in a major task “notwithstanding my weakness.”  Another Nephite prophet, Jacob, wrote candidly of his “over anxiety” for those with whom he was not certain he could communicate adequately. Our present prophet has met those telling moments when he has felt as if he could not meet a challenge. Yet he did.” [1976–O:12, Neal A. Maxwell, Notwithstanding My Weakness] David Bednar Quote, given while President of BYU Idaho: “It is one thing to obey the institutional, public, and shared commandments associated with the Lord’s kingdom on earth—commandments such as the law of chastity, the law of tithing, and the Word of Wisdom; it is an even greater thing to receive and respond to the individual, private, and personally revealed commandments that result from continual and faithful obedience.”  [Pres. Bednar, https://www2.byui.edu/Speeches/Bednar_Jan2004.htm#:~:text=It%20is%20one%20thing%20to,private%2C%20and%20personally%20revealed%20commandments] Elder Nelson Quote: “Try as they might, no parliament or congress could ever repeal the law of earth’s gravity or amend the Ten Commandments. Those laws are constant. All laws of nature and of God are part of the everlasting gospel. … ​​Even though one’s understanding of the truth may be fragmentary, truth itself does not change. Everlasting truth and wisdom come from the Lord. … From generation to generation, God has given additional light. Whether truth comes from a laboratory of science or directly by revelation, truth is embraced by the gospel.” (Elder Russell M. Nelson1993–O:33, Constancy Amid Change) Real Talk is presented by Seagull Book and hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and John Fossum.