The Light and Joy Podcast

Anxieties and fears live in the "What if". But how about we reframe the "what ifs" and turn them into "even ifs". https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/2-tim/1?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/but-if-not?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/dan/3?lang=eng

When our physical body is feeling sick or weak, we take action to help ourselves feel better. We take medication, vitamins, and eat foods that strengthen us. Are we as in tune with our spirits? Do we give our spirits the daily nourishment and help that we need? https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/10/the-book-of-mormon-what-would-your-life-be-like-without-it?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives?lang=eng

Another April, Another Conference! Members of The Church of Jesus Christ have the privilege of gathering every 6 months to hear from living prophets and apostles and other church leaders. There are so many great messages that are shared in the 2-day conference! Rachele and Amy share and discuss some of their favorite messages and take-aways from this conference.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/42freeman?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/41uchtdorf?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/25wu?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/210soares?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/51christofferson?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/59oaks?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/13kearon?lang=eng

What lessons to do learn from the altars in your life? What do those altars represent to you? Tanya and Amy discuss Elder Jaggi's talk from the October 2025 General Conference and what Altars have taught them about the Savior.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/23jaggi?lang=eng

It's easy and almost effortless to love those that see eye to eye with us. But what about those tricky situations where our loved ones don't agree with us or want to do life the way we think is best? Amy shares a short message about learning to love when it's hard.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/58oaks?lang=eng

Amy and Rachele S discuss President Oaks talk from the October 2025 General Conference, "The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ". How is the family central to God's plan for us? How can we teach our children and lead them to good? https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/58oaks?lang=enghttps://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson/faith-families/#byu

We have been blessed to be part of bringing children into the world. One of the blessings that has come from this is the little glimpses it has given me into how Heavenly Father feels about His children. I have seen a few of these lessons and, I'm sure, will continue to see more. Here, I share a few of the insights of have gained.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/7?lang=engInstagram: lightandjoyproject

We are all here to help one another, to look out for each other, to be a friend. Rachelle and Amy talk about the important role we all play in caring for each other.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/34jackson?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/10/the-first-great-commandment?lang=eng

There is so much heaviness and negativity in the world that it is easy to put our focus there. We have been taught by prophets and apostles the importance of joy and optimism. It feels good to be part of the army shedding light on the good around us.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1996/04/finding-joy-in-life?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/16cook?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/27?lang=eng

Miracles are all around us but sometimes they come from the ordinary things and happenings in our daily lives. We can look for miracles in the small and simple, the regular daily events, and the unexpected. Today, the three of us are discussing President Holland's recent conference talk, "And Now I See". https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/41holland?lang=eng

What is it about doing member missionary work that has us a little hesitant? We have all received the call to be part of the exciting gathering of Israel! But let's remember, there is more than one way to participate in this work. We all have something to contribute.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/mycalling/young-women/training-gathering-israel?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/14uchtdorf?lang=eng

What a special opportunity for me to have my son on today to share an experience that we had together. This experience was a testimony builder and a witness of the Holy Ghost in our lives.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/music/songs/i-will-shine?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/18?lang=eng

It's not a new message, but always a good reminder. The big miracles and the big life changing stories are fun to hear about and even awe-inspiring. But the true momentum comes from the small things we do consistently.

Ally and Mckay share with us the importance of making the choice to live the gospel early on. We discuss how discipleship is something we often choose far before in gets complicated. We discuss Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk from the current 2025 General Conference.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/16uchtdorf?lang=eng

Have you ever noticed how much background noise one fan can make? It seem like such a small thing but once it turns off you really feel the difference. Brittney and Amy discuss what it means to turn off the figurative fan in our lives and make room for the Spirit. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/46nelson?lang=enghttps://www.amazon.com/God-Seed-Probing-Spiritual-Development/dp/193773580X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35UQ243I4IXYF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5K4RVykNcb5_DxLNxic6IrcAvF1uuLv6oyKq9IYAeBX2aUWO0vowC5ZSq8aKvXN2o42BeykQ9_2Yvs2PnB_fyNdqETygjQAu9YrMbjq4hwkuLg16ZNqEb51RzIfX-FXDWPUUoA-azsfkFeBE5-SZyogDDtHK24YC-CSt5iPbGuxabi66kZwXl_ZAriKpFhRoAQfU7W_0C_2ogBHrGGGXn1ltpptNVDvC68V1gtJRMg8.R9cLgXik7jd2BBo4xoj6jdNZzLfWl9XvtEKRq6__27w&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+god+seed&qid=1763576547&sprefix=the+god+see%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1

Our faith or our testimonies may have their moments of strength or their moments of struggle. Whitney shares how finding anchor points of her testimony have helped her during times of struggle or a spiritual rut. She shares her faith and testimony as we discuss Elder Kevin G. Brown's talk from the October 2025 General Conference.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/24brown?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/47eyring?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/41holland?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2004/08/remember-how-you-felt?lang=eng

There is so much that is happening in our world today. While it is easy to see the tragedy and the hard, let's not miss the good and the exciting that is also happening. Elder Rasband refers to the "majesty" of these days. As a people, we are constantly being prepared for this time. Linda shares with us her feelings and some of her life experiences that have, and continue to prepare her.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/music/collections/a-great-work-2021-youth-album?crumbs=youth-and-contemporary&lang=eng

Conference was so wonderful! I feel so blessed to be able to hear from our church leaders every 6 months. Stacey and I review and share our thoughts on some of our favorite talks from the most recent conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 2025. We are only able to cover a few of the talks, so please go do your own study of all of the talks.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/12stevenson?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/14barcellos?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/26cziesla?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/43soares?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/31kearon?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/24brown?lang=eng

It feels as though so much is happening in our world right now and it feels like it is really hitting close to home. When times of crisis and sorrow happen, our prophets speak of hope. The Spirit brings hope, peace, love, and power. Not fear. The spirit settles our hearts and our minds but it may take a conscious effort on our part to invite that into our lives.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2001/10/living-in-the-fulness-of-times?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2001/10/reaching-down-to-lift-another?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2001/10/the-times-in-which-we-live?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2001/10/till-we-meet-again?lang=eng

When I first heard President Russell M. Nelson tell us that increasing our charity and virtue would give us confidence before God, I became instantly alert. How could improving my charity and virtue give me confidence before God? Rachele and I have thought about this and studied this over the past few months and still feel like we are learning and discovering. Here is our conversation on some of the things we have learned and the insights we have gained.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/57nelson?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/moro/7?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/32?lang=eng

Sometimes things start to feel a little off spiritually. We need to refocus and realign regularly with our Savior. Building that relationship can be a strength and benefit to us in every area of our lives.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/36nelson?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/57nelson?lang=eng

Charity shares how a showing love through discipleship helped her through her own personal tragedy and continues to aid in building relationships today. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/27uchtdorf?lang=enghttps://www.amazon.com/Focused-Fearless-Seven-Skills-Empower/dp/0578497093/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12X5C0XOPAGS7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pMI5YyvbSWw2TSw0XG11Iu_9RpsGmZkN0KoCGJZ9FJA.d5w3LWUpHCk_F07ob48YJIHXad9bK1jAjwxrBWXBi2Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=focused+and+fearless+charity+lighten&qid=1756844624&sprefix=focused+and+fearless+charity+lighten%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-1

Have you ever played a game and had to wait forever for someone to take their turn? Remember, you can't rush a genius. Have you ever waited for things to unfold in your own life and you wonder if God is even paying attention? Remember, you can't rush a genius.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/12uchtdorf?lang=eng2 Nephi 28:30

Faith and Trust is built through gratitude, remembering, and pressing on. Mindy and Amy discuss how these things help us build a relationship with our Heavenly Father. They discuss Elder Roman's talk from April 2025 General Conference.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/24roman?lang=eng

Jesus Christ is all the things we need Him to be. He brings us through so many difficult things. But He is also there to cheer us on and be happy with us. 

We are told to get to the temple as often as we can. Meggin gave herself a couple of challenges that increased ability to be in the temple. Whether we live 5 min from a temple or 5 hours from a temple, let's set a goal to be in the temple. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/15rasband?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/10/57nelson?lang=eng

Have you ever had that big A-ha moment; that moment when you knew it was all true? Not me. Today I share my story of Conversion. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/59nelson?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/04/54pace?lang=eng

How has your church service refined you? How has it prepared you to meet your Savior again someday? In this episode, Amy and Amanda discuss Elder Steven D. Shumway's talk from the April 2025 General Conference from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints.

When you are telling a friend of a need you have for service, they may answer, "I know a guy!" And the proceed to give you the information of someone that could help you out. They may go to that person and advocate for you. But we all "know a Guy" that can help. And we can go to Him any time we need.

Friends. We all want them. As humans we need connection. But what do our friendships teach us about the friendship we can develop with our Heavenly Father? Join the conversation with Rachele as she shares some of her experiences that guided her in her friendship with Heavenly Father. We reference Elder David L. Buckner's talk from the October 2024 General Conference.

Sometimes we need to be intentional about how we perceive others or a situation. If I asked you if you wanted others to love you as Christ would, what would you say? Do you want others to give you the grace he would give? The forgiveness he would give? The time He would give? I think we all want to be handled in that way. What can we do to handle others in that manner?

Have you ever met someone who ends up speaking in General Conference later? When you hear there name announced as a speaker, your ears perk up and you are ready to really pay attention. Suddenly their message has more intrigue to you because of your connection to them. Ginny shares how she helped her children find a personal connection to the apostles and prophets and love General Conference. In this episode, we reference the talk from Kyle S. McKay from the October 2024 General Conference.

This is something I could talk about over and over. I feel so strongly about the changing power that gratitude has. It reaches into so many aspects of our lives! I share my thoughts and some experiences I have had with gratitude. 

Journee shares her experience of her opportunity of working in the temple before her full-time mission. We talk about blessings, lessons learned, and Spirit felt. In this episode, we reference President Henry B. Eyring's talk from the April 2024 General Conference.

An award for meekness? What? I think you've got the wrong girl. But it did, and still does, cause me to dive into what meekness is. 

Join Amy and Rachele as we share some of our favorite highlights from the most recent General Conference from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, April 2025

I'm so excited to have you join me here! Here is a quick episode that gives some insight as to why I chose the name Light & Joy for this podcast.