Still Rowing Podcast

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ in Germany during the rise of Adolf Hitler and Nazi power, 16-year-old Helmuth Hübener faithfully passed the sacrament and served in his branch by day and led a teenage, Nazi-resistance by night. “Truth & Conviction,” directed and co-written by Matt Whitaker, will capture one of the most powerful stories to come out of WWII. Together, the talented producer, director and screenwriter Matt Whitaker and Still Rowing host Kim Stratford Gale discuss Matt's inspired resolve and sacrifice to share Helmuth's story and its application for us today. With courage and wisdom well beyond his years, the lessons we learn from Helmuth transcend our current divisive and contentious world. He stood for truth and with Jesus Christ until the end. To learn more about the Truth & Conviction series and even become involved in helping to get it made, you can go to angel.com/truth Follow Truth & Conviction on Social Media: Twitter: @tandctvseries Facebook: @truthandconviction Instagram: @truthandconvictiontvseries Talk Referenced in the Episode: Simplicity on the Other Side of Complexity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDOlCIk-EwU

Bill Fleming shares insights into the Light of Christ that he has gained over the last 45 years of studying the scriptures and words of prophets and apostles. It is uplifting to hear the energy he has about the gospel and love of the Savior. Additional insights: - Bill Fleming's Essay - https://gratefulforchrist.org/light-of-christ-essay/ - "Light of Christ" - Boyd K Packer https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2005/04/the-light-of-christ?lang=eng - "Light of the Perfect Day" - Larry R Lawrence https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2016/03/the-light-of-the-perfect-day?lang=eng - "The Light of Christ" - Marion G Romney https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1977/04/the-light-of-christ?lang=eng

EmRee Pugmire was diagnosed with MS at the young age of 31. She didn't let this diagnosis slow her down however, as she continued to be a mom, ski instructor and pursued other endeavors. Eventually her symptoms made these activities difficult. She shares how she dealt with this and how it affected her spirituality in this episode. If you'd like to hear more about her story, feel free to visit her blog at https://nobodycrieswhentheycantdodishes.com/

Sarah Hinze tells of her significant experiences sharing her award-winning documentary, "Remembering Heaven" with audiences from all around the world. And, importantly, the life-changing impact this film has had on so many to hear the evidence it provides of the doctrinal truth that we are all sons and daughters of Heavenly Father. Read more about Remembering Heaven and Sarah Hinze at https://www.sarahhinze.com/ Sarah's books can be ordered on Amazon and her website. The Announcing Dream, Memories of Heaven, The Memory Catcher, The Castaways. Remembering Heaven movie poster and trailer at: www.rememberingheavenmovie.com and on Facebook at Remembering Heaven. DVDs of Remembering Heaven can be ordered at www.rememberingheaven.com - $20 includes shipping worldwide. Contact Sarah at sarah@sarahhinze.com

Get to know host, Amy Kauer, as she shares her experience drawing closer to God through unforeseen challenges including calling off an engagement, a spouse with a pornography addiction and faith struggles.

In this episode, the talented Carmen Rasmusen Herbert shares how her unique and faith-building experiences as a contestant on American Idol and the opportunities that followed solidified her faith in Jesus Christ and His restored church.

In this episode, Mylissa Buysse-Demeyere shares her story of conversion despite losing her father to suicide and how service missions are changing lives in Belgium and the Netherlands.

In this episode, The Still Rowing Podcast announces exciting changes as Kim Stratford Gale welcomes a new cohost, shares updates about a merger with Hi Five Live and introduces one of its organization's founding members, Kori Andrews. Inspired by their shared hobby to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, Kori and Kim discuss the Gathering of Israel: what latter-day prophets and apostles have to say about it, what it means and their personal experiences to illustrate its importance and place in our day.

In this episode, Still Rowing podcast founder and host, Tara McCausland, bids farewell and answers why she is still rowing and shares some of the evidence or “fruit” of her faith. She also relates some lessons gleaned from former Still Rowing guests with the intent to encourage listeners to examine their own experience and testimony to help them choose faith in Christ and his restored church. Public Square Magazine article: https://publicsquaremag.org/faith/gospel-fare/is-personal-experience-the-final-arbiter-of-truth/

Previous Still Rowing guest, Dan Ellsworth (see Ep.9: Emerging from a Faith Crisis With Greater Faith) returns to share more about what a faith crisis is and is not, healthy vs. unhealthy ways of framing and approaching faith crisis, and available tools to help us navigate doubts to put us back on a trajectory of faith in Christ and His church. Uplift Community of Faith https://www.facebook.com/groups/UpliftCOF/ Faith Crisis 101 PDF - https://nauvooneighbor.org/2022/08/16/faith-crisis-presentation-and-resources/

In today's technological age where a sea of information is available at our fingertips and differing opinions constantly echo in our ears, it can be challenging to get to the bottom of the truth of any subject - especially faith and religion. When hard questions arise that may challenge our testimony, how do we find answers that will satisfy both the mind and the heart? In this episode, Lorin "Moss" Lillywhite shares his unique experience deep diving into faith-affirming and anti-Mormon literature - initially with the intent to disprove the truthfulness of the gospel - and now as a means of deepening his conversion and helping others. Moss shares valuable insights how we too can find answers to hard questions and details the importance of allowing both the intellect and Spirit to play a key role in our conversion. He also shares some personal trials of faith that have deepened his testimony of the structure of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and our responsibility and opportunity to bear one another's burdens as disciples of Christ. Interested in reading the article Moss cited by John Welch? See link below. https://www.patheos.com/resources/additional-resources/2010/09/toward-becoming-a-gospel-scholar

In 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley shared "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" in the women's session of General Conference. At the time, the truths stated within the proclamation may have only seemed like a reiteration of basic truths agreed upon by many in and outside of the church. But since 1995, we have seen a major turnabout in public opinion regarding the definition and purpose of marriage, sexuality and gender, and the value of childbearing. Today we see the proclamation increasingly coming under fire with some saying it is too exclusive, too constraining, and outmoded. In this episode, BYU professor and family studies researcher Jenet Erickson discusses the data regarding the effect of marriage on child/adult development and well-being, the unique contributions of fathers and mothers on child development as well as how these findings shed light on the timely and prophetic nature of the Family Proclamation. She also discusses how we all fall outside the lines of the familial ideal, but through Christ and as a beloved member of God's great family, we can feel love and belonging despite our mortal challenges. Interesting in hearing more from Jenet Erickson? Check out these links. Follow Him Podcast: https://followhim.co/episodes-41-52/ Presentations: We Need Children Even More Than They Need Us https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWaD8igcMgM Individual Rights and Well-being of Children https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImOp5nDHNRo Fathers Don't Mother and Mothers Don't Father https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOWHAqxvBx8 Article from Deseret News on the Proclamation: https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2020/9/23/21451726/the-family-proclamation-lds-mormon-anniversary-2020-society

In this Still Rowing Short, host Kim Stratford Gale speaks to finding immediate peace in Christ during unthinkable tragedy. She shares a few specific ways she has found peace despite all of the loss, contention and pain felt in the world today.

In the introduction of the Book of Mormon, we read the following statement from Joseph Smith: "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on the earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." Since then, many leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have declared that the truthfulness of the Gospel and the restored church rise or fall on the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and its origins. Understanding this, many critics of the church are intent on disproving its authenticity. In this episode, Tad Callister - retired attorney, prolific author, and former General Sunday School President of the church - makes a case for the Book of Mormon by sharing historical, doctrinal, and spiritual evidences of this inspired book and how a careful study and application of its teachings will provide a sure foundation for our testimonies of Christ in these last days. Want to dive deeper into this subject? Read these related talks given by Brother Callister: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/tad-r-callister/book-mormon-man-made-god-given/ https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god?lang=eng

The threefold mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to proclaim the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead. The first part of that mission - proclaim the gospel - came through loud and clear in the April 2022 conference with five talks given on the subject of missionary work. But as members of the church, we may feel reluctant or overwhelmed by the commission to share this news, good as it may be. In this Still Rowing Short, host Tara McCausland shares some why's and how's of missionary work and some faith-promoting experiences she had as a full-time missionary in England with the intent to inspire a greater desire in each us to fulfill this important call to love, share, and invite others to partake of the blessings of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ

Imagine being sat down one day and having your father tell you he was arrested for soliciting a prostitute and that he has struggled with sexual addiction for most of his life. How would you feel? How would this change your world? How could the sorrow of betrayal be turned to your good? In this unique episode, Tara McCausland joins Camille Brooks as a guest on the Finding Joy and Peace Podcast - reposted here for Still Rowing listeners. Tara shares her experience growing up in a family where sexual addiction was present and how this formative and difficult experience has shaped her life and deepened her faith in God's goodness and power to make beauty out of life's challenges. Interested in learning more about SA Lifeline? Check it out here: www.salifeline.org www.sal12step.org Finding Joy and Peace Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daughter-of-an-addict-a-beautiful-gift-in/id1506643683?i=1000518856008

In this Short episode, Kim discusses the invitation from President Nelson to seek and expect miracles in our lives. She shares a personal story about experiencing a miracle within her family and invites listeners to find ways to be a part of the miracles God has in store for each of us.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, how do you feel about the symbol of the cross? In this episode, professor and scholar John Hilton III confronts how--though two different things--church members' apprehension toward the symbol of the cross might lead some to downplay the doctrinal significance of Christ's Crucifixion as a part of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. John discusses how during a divisive and discouraging time, the symbol of the cross can unify and uplift us. Additionally, he illustrates the importance of specifically studying Christ's Crucifixion and how doing so can give us greater appreciation for and ability to draw upon the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

General Conference brings with it a mixed bag of feelings. Host Kim Stratford Gale addresses various, discouraging mentalities when preparing for conference weekend and offers suggestions of how to better approach the upcoming instruction and guidance, ultimately from our Savior, Jesus Christ. Find the article mentioned in the episode, here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/help-thou-mine-unbelief?lang=eng&fbclid=IwAR0nTg3dj1cIzLnJZZVH27cE3tcm0-mXpXdSHEIhyJCt4V86_NE6fNJS6zU Conference talks mentioned: Divine Discontent - Michelle D. Craig The Lord Has a Plan for Us! - Carlos A. Godoy The Name of the Church Is Not Negotiable - Neil L. Andersen Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness - Bradley R. Wilcox Daily Restoration - Dieter F. Uchtdorf The Things of My Soul - Ronald A. Rasband

In the October 2020 General Conference President Nelson stated, "Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other?" But what does it really look like to let God prevail in your life? For Kelly King, it means making God her partner in all things both personally and professionally. In Still Rowing episode 58, Kelly King - a top global leader with doTERRA essential oils - shares how seeking heavenly day-to-day guidance for her business has allowed her to prosper in rich and remarkable ways. She also details some of the recent challenges she has faced with the abrupt and traumatic ending of her marriage and how continuing to seek the Lord's daily help is expediting her healing process and mending her shattered heart. Interested in reading the books Kelly mentioned? Forgiving What You Can't Forget - Lysa Terkeurst Fervent - Priscilla Shirer Song: No One Cared For Me Like Jesus - Steffany Gretzinger

With marriage rates decreasing and many people choosing alternatives to traditional marriage, it is becoming an increasingly fragile institution. Further burdening marriage is the toxic cultural narrative around what romantic relationships should look like and provide individuals - making it difficult for couples to achieve the unrealistic romantic ideal the media perpetuates. Under such pressures, the idea of a thriving eternal marriage feels more and more illusive and impossible to achieve. In this episode, therapist Dr. Ty Mansfield rejoins host Tara McCausland to discuss love, marriage, and how to nurture marital sexual intimacy through an elevated gospel lens which teaches us that marriage is intended to be far more than a utility, meet-my-needs relationship; it is a covenant partnership which at its core is a school of love, providing a context for growth, for true intimate connection, and preparing us to become more like God. Ty shares many helpful and practical insights as to how to nurture sexual intimacy in marriage and how this too helps draw husband and wife closer together and closer to the Divine. Looking for some gospel-aligned resources on this subject? Here are some talks and books to get you started. Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments - Jeffrey R. Holland 4 Truths of Love and Marriage - Wendy Nelson Nurturing Marriage (General Conference April 2006)- Russell M. Nelson Ty's list of suggested books: Sexual Wholeness in Marriage - Dean M. Busby, Jason Carroll, Chelom Leavitt And They Were Not Ashamed - Laura Brotherson A Celebration of Sex - Douglas Rosenau The Act of Marriage - Tim and Beverly LaHaye Sex Begins in the Kitchen - Kevin Leman Sacred Sex - Tim Alan Gardener Intimacy & Desire - David Schnarch

Passionate, romantic love has become a kind of idol worship in our culture, leading many to feel unsatisfied, lonely, and without real love in their lives. Trouble is, the unrealistic expectations we've placed on marriage or other romantic relationships is causing us to struggle in our pursuit of true, enduring love with a spouse and to lose our focus on the Source of that deep and abiding Love which is only found in God. In this Still Rowing Short, host Tara McCausland quotes from Sister Susan Porter's excellent 2021 conference talk "God's Love: The Most Joyous to the Soul" and shares why God's love is the "most desirable above all things" and what we can do to better feel divine love in our lives. Link to Sister Susan Porter's talk: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/24porter?lang=eng Interested in reading the article by Jacob Hess?https://publicsquaremag.org/sexuality-family/whats-hijacking-so-many-beautiful-relationships/ Original "Love Letter From God": https://activechristianity.org/a-letter-of-love-from-god-to-you

In Still Rowing Episode 56, Cydne and Brayden Evans share a glimpse of the hardships they've experienced with the process of adoption to grow their family. Despite the painful rollercoaster this path can be, they recognize the miracles they've experienced because of their faith in Jesus Christ, including the stunning children they have now. Though none of the adoptions have gone according to their plan, they readily acknowledge the beautiful ability of Jesus Christ to heal and resolve all, in His perfect timing.

Have you ever noticed how President Eyring speaks to us in his conference talks and other messages? In this Still Rowing Short, host Kim Stratford Gale shares insights from how President Eyring and the Holy Ghost treat us as seekers of truth and believers. She shares a personal story and specific passages from President Eyring's recent conference addresses to illustrate this pattern.

In Still Rowing Episode 55, Shelly Jorgensen shares the traumatic events of her childhood including being molested and raped by multiple perpetrators, witnessing her alcoholic father's abuse of her mother which later escalated to her mother's tragic death when Shelly was 15. During this time, Shelly relates how she was sustained by heavenly help from her deceased mother and her relationship with a special family that provided a safe haven and an introduction to the restored gospel. Great adversity continues through her adulthood as she struggles with unhealed trauma, singleness, and debilitating health challenges. Yet through it all, Shelly describes the compensatory gifts, growth, and unshakable testimony she has acquired as she has trusted in Christ and His healing, enabling power. Want to read Shelly's incredible memoir, Beautiful Ashes? It is now available for pre-order and will be available for purchase April 6, 2022. See link below for more details. www.beautifulashesmemoir.com

We know Christ ought to be at the heart and center of all we do, but sometimes He isn't as central to Latter-day Saints as He should be. Outstanding educator and author, John Hilton III, joins co-host, Kimberly, to discuss ways Christ might not be as central to our lives as He ought to be. Importantly, based on personal experience and an extensive and continuing study of Christ, John shares unique and beautiful ways for us to incorporate Christ more in our lives, including a host of exceptional avenues to learn of Him. Take a look at John's extensive compilation of activities for learning more about Jesus Christ, here: https://johnhiltoniii.com/learn-of-me/ Interested in John's AWESOME and FREE course, “Seeking Jesus” beginning January 2, 2022. Get the details, here: https://johnhiltoniii.com/seekingjesus Find links to the music referenced in the episode, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_ZbboaX_mI (beautiful and powerful) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS6GXPbhCwU (also beautiful, incredible # of views and comments) For more incredible inspiration and insights, find John on social media for short, fun, Come Follow Me videos each week: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpSF6dmRy3M&list=PLhfh21X9suLcl0bzITsp44CPhzKxk68M_

In the October 2021 General Conference, Sister Bonnie Cordon said, “One of Satan's most powerful weapons is to distract us with good and better causes which, in times of need, may blind and bind us away from the best cause—the very work that called us into this world. Our eternal purpose is to come unto Christ and actively join Him in His great work.” What's blinding and binding us from participating in this great work and sharing the gospel message with others? In this Still Rowing Short, host Tara McCausland relates a brief story about her son's first basketball game and the gospel parallels regarding understanding and sharing the Gospel Plan to bring greater peace, purpose and hope to others.

Kanokphol Limpanasriphong "Young" converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ when he was 19 during his time in Utah as an exchange student from Thailand. His father unexpectedly passed away in 2020 and Young shares how his conversion, good friends and family and humility toward God helped him through this difficult time.

Parenting has always been messy and complicated business. Attempting to raise faithful, resilient children in this permissive era has made an already difficult task that much more daunting. In Still Rowing Episode 52, host Tara McCausland speaks with Dr. Lili Anderson - author, practicing clinical social worker and former BYU professor in the School of Family Life - about important principles that can help our children succeed and get "far enough in" to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dr. Anderson also explains the difference between agency and freedom and our responsibility as parents to set and expect the Gospel standard. Finally, they discuss God's generous Plan for all His children, developing confidence in our covenants, and learning to trust God with our children - wherever they may currently be on the covenant path.

In the October 2021 Conference, President Russel M. Nelson issued the call to Latter-day Saints to attend the temple more often as a means of fortifying our spiritual foundations in these difficult and unprecedented times. But if someone were to ask you how you feel about attending the temple, what would be your response? Are you one who loves serving in the temple and attends regularly or does temple attendance feel like just another task to check off your list? While some feel great peace and power in the temple, others confess to feeling anxiety, overwhelm, or even loss when in the temple. In this Still Rowing Short, host Tara McCausland addresses some of the real challenges we might face with temple attendance and despite these challenges, how we might navigate those obstacles in order to make temple attendance a greater priority in our lives. She also shares the associated blessings promised to us as individuals and families as we heed our prophet's call to go to the temple more often. Resources referenced in this episode: Uplift Community of Faith - https://www.facebook.com/groups/UpliftCOF Temple info on church website - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples?lang=eng Temple Endowment Tutorial -https://johnhiltoniii.com/preparing-for-your-temple-endowment/ Elder Renlund's remarks on the blessings from temple and family history work -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSaiX7sCDV0&t=1s

A growing number of people throughout the world, especially Millennials and Gen Zs, are losing faith in God and choosing not to affiliate with organized religion. This episode's guest is therefore somewhat of an anomaly. Peregrine, a young man from Australia, converted to the church from a deeply atheistic background in 2019. He describes the darkness and suffering that characterized his life and worldview prior to joining the church, what ultimately drew him to the restored gospel, and shares the multitude of ways his new-found faith has elevated his perspective and blessed his life. Want to watch Peregrine's powerful testimony shared on Youtube? Check it out here: https://youtu.be/gdC4r8MHeT8 Saints Unscripted Interview: https://youtu.be/DQEUvd8P2cQ

It is not uncommon for members of the Church of Jesus Christ to be affected by divorce. And the effects of it can feel contradictory to the blessings promised to those living gospel principles, bringing with it confusion and doubts. Additionally, the pains of changing family dynamics can easily create isolation and overwhelm. Kim Stratford Gale references Elder Rasband's most recent general conference talk and shares the “Things of Her Soul” and why she is still rowing, despite the contention and disruption of the multiple divorces of her parents. Cited talks from Elder Holland: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/04/the-other-prodigal?lang=eng Elder Bednar: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2011/10/lehis-dream-holding-fast-to-the-rod?lang=eng

In this episode, Still Rowing hosts Tara and Kim discuss 4 key tactics the adversary uses to confuse, discourage, and derail us as disciples of Christ and ways in which we can counter these attacks and bring the power of heaven into our lives. Read the Liahona article we reference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/09/knowing-the-tactics-of-our-enemy?lang=eng

Host Tara McCausland announces some exciting Still Rowing news and shares some brief insights about manna and how God will provide your daily bread as you trust Him. Take a minute and listen to the awesome BYU speech by Elder Christofferson that Tara referenced in this episode. https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/d-todd-christofferson/give-us-this-day-our-daily-bread/

In Still Rowing episode 49, host Tara McCausland and CES instructor and sought after speaker, Jared Halverson, discuss the history of and need for priesthood keys, the difference between priesthood authority and priesthood power, and the important truth that women and men in the church have access to both. They also discuss the power that stems from making and keeping temple covenants, how priesthood covenants and ordinances prepare us to meet God, and the key difference between temple worthiness vs. temple readiness. Check out Jared's exceptional Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpumfWNEXE5YbL5QMjg5agA

In Still Rowing episode 48, Leland Wilson describes some of the difficulties associated with experiencing same-sex attraction as a young man and his decision to leave the church as a teenager to pursue the gay lifestyle. For the next 38 years he battled drug and sexual addiction, but periodically felt God's love and influence amidst a life contrary to the covenants he'd made in his youth. Then after a turn of events, Leland felt inspired to move back to Utah and recounts how the Lord placed loving Latter-day Saint members in his life that helped him return to the fold and resume the covenant path and a life of discipleship.

With all we are asked to do as Latter-day Saints, our discipleship can sometimes feel depleting more than enriching. If church and temple attendance, prayer and scripture study have stopped blessing our lives and connecting us with the Divine, does it mean these practices no longer hold value? Or could it be that we are missing a key ingredient that, if added, would infuse those practices with meaning and bring us greater peace, joy and fulfillment as Latter-day Saints. In Still Rowing episode 47, host Tara McCausland and Ty Mansfield - PhD, therapist, and author - discuss how learning and incorporating the practices of mindfulness and meditation can enhance your relationship with God and transform your experience as a Latter-day Saint into one that edifies and renews rather than depletes and overwhelms. Interested in reading The Power of Stillness? Here is a link: https://deseretbook.com/p/power-of-stillness-mindful-living-for-latter-day-saints-ppr?variant_id=176725-paperback

Do miracles still occur in this day and age? If so, do you and I have the faith to ask for the miracle we might need in our lives? In the April 2021 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson taught, “It is our faith that unlocks the power of God in our lives…Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life, even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest.” In Still Rowing episode 46, Kori Hyde shares how the Lord has helped move her mountains as she battled a highly aggressive brain tumor and is now faithfully enduring the subsequent challenges associated with its removal. She relates how she pleaded with the Lord to prolong her life for the sake of her children and what gave her the faith and courage to ask for the miracle.

Sustaining your faith in a world that is becoming increasingly faithless is difficult, especially when there are forces at work that are intentionally trying to deconstruct and destroy that faith. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, how do we defend our faith from the growing onslaught of cynicism and criticism of faith at large and attacks directed at the latter-day saint community? Are there tools that can help us defend and sustain faith in these conditions? In Still Rowing Episode 45, long-time FAIR Mormon (now FAIR Latter-day Saints) contributor and Austrian native, Rene Krywult, shares his colorful religious upbringing and conversion to the gospel, his introduction to anti-mormon literature at age 14, and practical ways in which we can faithfully navigate the variety of information and situations that might challenge our testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Interested in learning more about FAIR? Click here: https://fairlatterdaysaints.org/

Suicide is a serious public health issue that is on the rise in youth and young adults both in and outside of the Latter-day Saint community. When someone we love chooses to take their life, the negative impact on family, friends and communities is dramatic. Perhaps in no other case is it more apparent just how interconnected we are than when an individual chooses to end their life. Truly, no man is an island and every soul is precious in the sight of God. In Still Rowing Episode 44, Michael and Crystal Davies share the heart breaking story of losing their 14-year-old son to suicide, how they were sustained by the Savior the hours, weeks, months after his passing, and some of the mighty miracles and tender mercies that have occurred since that time. Their experience is a powerful testament to the reality of life after death, the power of prayer, the healing that comes as we gather with covenant-keeping saints, and Christ's ability to succor us in the greatest trials of our lives. For more information on suicide and what our current leaders are teaching on the subject, click here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/reach-out-in-love-to-those-considering-suicide-elder-renlund

The word gospel, which we often hear in the Church of Jesus Christ, is defined as the “good story” or the “good news”. Ancient and modern prophets have taught repeatedly about a great Plan of Happiness set forth in the premortal council in heaven and the peace and clarity restored gospel truths can bring. Living the restored gospel brings joy to many. And yet for some Latter-day Saints, the gospel is void of this joy. For these, membership in the church isn’t a source of peace and clarity. Instead, these individuals battle constant feelings of shame, inadequacy, and overwhelm. Something is wrong with this picture. In Still Rowing episode 43, respected author, educator and speaker Terryl Givens shares how a correct understanding and embracing of the loving Father-God Joseph Smith revealed and a shift in gospel vocabulary can help alleviate the unnecessary burden of shame some carry as Latter-day Saints. Additionally, he shares how understanding the true nature and purposes of God shed clarifying and peace giving light on our relationship to our Heavenly Father, our ultimate potential and destiny as His children, and our relationship to our fellow brothers and sisters. Interested in reading Terryl and Fiona’s book, All Things New? Click on the link below. All Things New: Rethinking Sin, Salvation, and Everything in Between https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953677002/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ACB3AWJPZSYSX6M2RFTB

Imagine if you were abused physically, mentally, and sexually as a child by your priesthood-bearing father, later incarcerated for 6 years for the accidental death of your child, and then persecuted by ward members and your priesthood leader after leaving prison. Would you still choose to love God? Would you remain a believing and active Latter-day Saint? In Still Rowing episode 42, Jennete Killpack shares her remarkable story of faith in Christ and devotion to her temple covenants despite unimaginable tragedy and loss. Her example demonstrates that we can choose faith and love for God no matter our circumstances and that the Lord is ever-present, especially in our darkest moments.

In a world full of contention and division, where do you turn for answers, for freedom, for peace? For Lindsey Ohlin it used to be politics, until an event awoke her to the stark realization that her political activities and leanings were hardening her heart towards God's children and the source of her increasing anger and anxiety. In Still Rowing Episode 41, guest Lindsey Ohlin shares how she transitioned from a tumultuous life centered on politics to a peaceful life centered in Christ. She also shares insights as to how we as Latter-day Saints can heed the Savior's call to sew peace, unity, and compassion in an increasingly divided world. Want to read Lindsey's awesome article "From Politics to Peace"? Check it out here: https://latterdaypeacestudies.org/from-politics-to-peace/?fbclid=IwAR0hGLkhSwBasNROwo12Fzu83p20bs4N3C6na_cJIZ6voWNVAYBcJQa8QKg Talk cited by Elder Eyring - Our Hearts Knit As One https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/our-hearts-knit-as-one?id=title1#title1

Host Tara McCausland muses about the challenges and blessings of producing this podcast and shares some insight about the gift of time and how we choose to spend it. Want to read a great talk about the importance of how we spend our time? Listen here: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/henry-b-eyring/child-promise/

If you’ve ever felt hopeless and broken beyond repair, Michael Gregson understands. Perceived failure and depression as a youth later drove him to alcoholism and levels of shame that led to Michael wanting to end his life. But in Michael’s darkest moments, God showed up in unexpected and powerful ways which, in time, helped restore him to a life free of addiction, love for God, and compassion for all. Want to listen to Michael’s podcast “Come Towards Delight”? Check it out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-towards-delight/id1514528066

Joseph Smith, the man Latter-day Saints consider to be a prophet, was a person of complexity and depth. The truth claims members of the Church of Jesus Christ make rely heavily upon the veracity of the claims made by Joseph Smith. With that much at stake, it becomes imperative that one gain a witness that Joseph was who he said who he was, saw what he said he saw, and was truly called of God to perform a great latter-day work. In episode 39, host Tara McCausland along with guest Steven Harper - professor of Church history and doctrine at BYU - discuss 4 key points that they believe provide compelling evidence of Joseph's prophetic call including Joseph's First Vision and the varied accounts, Joseph's role in bringing forth the Book of Mormon and other scripture, and the prophet's role in restoring temple worship. Interested in learning more from Steven Harper on the subject? Check out some of work here: https://stevencraigharper.com/

Have you ever felt like you’re beyond the reach of Jesus Christ’s help and forgiveness? Do you feel you aren’t good enough or worthy of God’s love? If you answered yes to these questions, Kayden Carlos has a message for you: “You don’t have to be good enough. The Savior paid the price and through his grace, love, mercy...if we place faith in Him He will meet us where we are at and help us become what we need to be.” In Still Rowing Ep.38, Kayden Carlos relates how an introduction to alcohol at age 12 soon escalated into a full-fledged drug addiction and later led him to drug dealing. This continued till the age of 18, when after a series of life-changing events, he determined he would get clean, repent, and serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ. Through it all, Kayden testifies of God’s apparent love, His willingness to “meet him where he was at” and Christ’s ability to heal and change each of us. Want to read the Deseret News article mentioned in this episode? Click here: https://www.deseret.com/platform/amp/2016/12/1/20601523/wright-words-meet-a-former-heroin-addict-dealer-who-is-now-a-returned-lds-missionary

What role does our desire to believe play in acquiring spiritual knowledge? Is there anything we can do to foster a desire to believe? What is the difference between religiosity and spirituality? Are there stages of faith and what do they look like? In Still Rowing Podcast episode 37, CES instructor and sought after speaker Jared Halverson answers these and other questions regarding the development of spiritual knowledge, faith, and how to navigate complexity — not if but when we encounter it on our faith journey. Interested in Jared’s AWESOME Come Follow Me podcast/youtube channel Unshaken? Check them out here: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpumfWNEXE5YbL5QMjg5agA Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unshaken-saints/id1535358465

Have you ever had this thought? “I’m not celestial material. I’m simply not good enough.” If this sounds familiar, perhaps a greater understanding of who the babe born in Bethlehem truly was and what He came to do will increase your faith in your eternal potential. In this episode, host Tara McCausland shares what Grace is, why and how you and I can access it, and how Grace has blessed and sanctified real people in remarkable and amazing ways. Hang in till the end for a special musical medley prepared just for you by Tara. Merry Christmas!

Why is understanding the nature of God, His Son, and the Spirit so essential to our faith and testimony? How can a greater awareness of God’s character increase our trust in Him and His Plan for us? How do we reconcile the apparently wrathful God of the Old Testament and the loving Lord we see in the New Testament? In Still Rowing episode 35, guest David Butler and host Tara McCausland discuss these and other questions to help each of us develop a greater understanding and love for the Godhead - our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Want to watch David’s awesome weekly Come Follow Me lesson? Check it out here: https://youtu.be/CZQb6yfQUBc

Many of us have friends and loved ones in the LGBTQ community. As members of the church, it may feel like uncertain and rocky terrain trying to navigate these complex issues and relationships. In this episode, Becky and Bennett Borden share their story of coming out, leaving the church and living in same-sex relationships for 20 years, and ultimately what led them back to the gospel and to each other. In addition, they share what they have learned along the way, and their thoughts on how we all might better serve the LGBT/SSA community of Latter-day Saints.