followHIM

In this festive discussion, a heartfelt story from American Samoa unfolds, highlighting a family's struggle after their Christmas gifts were stolen. Discover how this led to a new tradition of sleeping around the tree for protection. Insights on safeguarding covenant relationships like precious gifts offer a fresh perspective on meaningful relationships. The hosts emphasize finding joy in the Savior's love, turning hardships into cherished family traditions that enrich their holiday spirit.

Bonnie H. Cordon, former Young Women General President and current president of Southern Virginia University, shares her powerful experiences in Church leadership. She delves into the significance of Jesus Christ's humanity for our atonement. Bonnie emphasizes the importance of teaching youth to pray and finding hope amidst personal trials, including her father's ALS diagnosis. She also discusses the vibrant future of youth, inspiring stories of faith, and the deeper meanings of Christmas, reminding everyone that the answer is always Jesus.

Bonnie H. Cordon, former Young Women General President and now president of Southern Virginia University, shares heartfelt insights on creating a Christ-centered Christmas. She discusses how to embrace the Savior without fear, the importance of meaningful traditions, and recounts her own childhood nativity plays as spiritual lessons. Bonnie contrasts traditions that connect us to Christ with those that distract, shares a beautiful Filipino Christmas miracle, and emphasizes our readiness to receive God's greatest gift.

Two hosts dive into touching stories of friendship and parental influence. They recount a youth's battle to uphold church standards in Alaska, highlighting the bonds between friends at parties. A surprising moment unfolds when a strong friend succumbs to temptation, prompting a pivotal decision. A mother's intuition shines as she senses trouble, leading to a heartfelt call for help. The importance of parental love and spiritual guidance resonates, inviting listeners to express gratitude to their own parents.

Sister Carol Costley, a licensed counselor and social worker with extensive experience in family dynamics, delves into the Family Proclamation as a source of hope rather than perfection. She emphasizes families as healing units and the importance of repairing relationships through apologies and kindness. Carol shares her journey adopting daughters and the power of persistent prayers in nurturing faith. With stories of unconditional love and community support, she inspires listeners to embrace the imperfect nature of families while maintaining a strong spiritual foundation.

Carol Costley, a therapist specializing in addiction recovery and a former member of the Young Women General Advisory Council, shares her powerful journey from Jamaica to transformative healing. She discusses how the Family Proclamation became her lifeline during trials and loneliness. Carol emphasizes divine identity and how each personal story is uniquely designed to draw individuals closer to Christ. Her insights on parental influence, the significance of marriage, and the importance of community highlight the healing power found within familial connections.

SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTS English: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC250EN French: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC250FR German: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC250DE Portuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC250PT Spanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC250ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/cQzgjxih3dwALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.coFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook  WEEKLY NEWSLETTER https://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter  SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

Thom Reed, a leader in the Genesis Group and FamilySearch advocate, dives deep into the transformative power of Official Declaration 2. He shares his compelling conversion story, highlighting the role of eternal families in his journey. Thom discusses the global implications of this declaration, emphasizing healing, redemption, and the liberation of temple blessings for all. He reflects on the discomfort of past policies and the importance of viewing change through Christ’s atonement, urging listeners to embrace ongoing revelation and progress.

Thom Reed, a Black Latter-day Saint leader and FamilySearch program manager, shares insights on the often-overlooked Articles of Faith and Official Declaration 1. He discusses Joseph Smith's visionary revelations and even performs a rap to help memorize key doctrines. Thom emphasizes the importance of living in revelation and how past decisions, especially Wilford Woodruff's Manifesto, shaped church practices. He encourages a tender approach to history, reminding listeners to find inspiration in the struggles of past leaders.

The hosts delve into the emotional backdrop of 1918, exploring how World War I and the Spanish flu influenced revelations in Doctrine and Covenants. A poignant story unfolds about George Goetz, whose grief over losing family to illness is juxtaposed with a community's heartfelt support. As George faces despair over his ruined crop, the mourning process highlights the power of neighborly compassion. Personal anecdotes, including one about a house fire, illustrate the importance of supporting those in sorrow.