Ah-ha's, Awakenings, and Applications

Leann and Melissa discuss how mental health, physical health, and spiritual health are connected and the importance of taking small, consistent steps to feed our souls. Ponder Questions:Am I prepared?Am I preparing to be a Zion people?Where am I not getting to the root of the problem?What am I not doing that is affecting how I show up in my life?Where am I out of balance?Am I recognizing the weak areas?Have I created a place of security?Have I prepared my mind to be faithful to the Lord?Am I focusing on being positive and having joy? Invitation:Spend some time to find where you are out of balance and find out what areas to work on. References:"Embrace The Future with Faith," Russell M. Nelson,  October 2020 General Conference Connect With Us: awakenings@googlegroups.comIf you have any comments, questions or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. You can also find us on Instagram at @awakeningspodcast where we share quotes, affirmations, questions and clips from that week’s episode throughout the week. You can also find us on YouTube. Ah-ha's, Awakenings, and Applications We are grateful for our production team: Ben, Sydney, Kinzie, Lyndee, Analese, David and Bruce.

Leann and Melissa’s friend Beth joins as a guest to discuss her health journey with perimenopause, supporting other women with their hormonal health, and counseling with the Lord to find our next steps. Ponder Questions:Am I listening to my body?Am I seeking to understand what is happening in my body?Where do I feel drawn to learn more?Am I asking to be led to answers for my health?Where does He want to guide me?Am I offering hope to others?Am I being patient with myself as I make changes? Invitation:Ask yourself, “What incremental step can I take to improve my health?”Ponder and pray about your next step.Offer yourself compassion and grace. References:"To Be Healed,” Richard G. Scott, April 1994 General Conference“Discourse, 5 January 1841, as Reported by Unidentified Scribe,” The Joseph Smith Papers Connect With Us: awakenings@googlegroups.comIf you have any comments, questions or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. You can also find us on Instagram at @awakeningspodcast where we share quotes, affirmations, questions and clips from that week’s episode throughout the week. You can also find us on YouTube. Ah-ha's, Awakenings, and Applications We are grateful for our production team: Ben, Sydney, Kinzie, Lyndee, Analese, David and Bruce.

Leann and Melissa discuss tools for conflict resolution, including how to approach difficult conversations, and ways to choose curiosity and peace. Ponder Questions:How do I look at conflict?Am I taking accountability for my own choices?What is the condition of my heart?Am I willing to see from someone else’s perspective?Am I dehumanizing others?Am I looking at people as people to be loved?Is my heart at war?Am I creating a supportive environment?Am I seeing how I can change?What am I misunderstanding?Am I being curious?Am I allowing others to express how they are feeling?Am I willing to problem solve?Am I willing to look inside and see where I am contributing to the problem? Invitation:Ask yourself, “Where can I start to change?”Look for areas where you are trying to create war.  References:VOCAB concept comes from Clair Canfield, a principal lecturer at Utah State University. He runs Canfield Conflict & Collaboration Consulting (canfieldconsulting.net). The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict: Fifth Edition, The Arbinger Institute The Peacegiver: How Christ Offers to Heal Our Hearts and Homes, James L. Ferrell Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most, Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila HelenDignity Index, dignity.usThe Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Peter Jackson, 2012 “Keep the Lines of Communication Strong,” Spencer W. Kimball, April 1972 General Conference Connect With Us: awakenings@googlegroups.comIf you have any comments, questions or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. You can also find us on Instagram at @awakeningspodcast, where we share quotes, affirmations, questions and clips from that week’s episode throughout the week. You can also find us on YouTube: Ah-ha's, Awakenings, and Applications We are grateful for our production team: Ben, Sydney, Kinzie, Lyndee, Analese, David and Bruce.

Leann and Melissa go over the difference between peacemaking and peacekeeping, talking about the motives behind the two and how to practice peacemaking in our day-to-day lives.  Ponder Questions:Am I actively pursuing peace?What are my motives when I talk to someone?Am I praying to become a peacemaker?Am I lifting others' burdens or adding to them?Who needs my love today?Whose burdens can I lighten today?Am I willing to practice peace?Am I being patient with others? Invitation:Where in your life are you choosing or avoiding being a peacemaker?What can you do better to be a peacemaker?Look inside your heart and see what is inside.  References:“Peacemaking is Not Peacekeeping,” Akshay Rajkumar, The Gospel Coalition India, May 4, 2022"Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” Gary E. Stevenson, October 2025 General Conference"Peacemaker vs Peacekeeper: What's the Biblical Difference?", Frank Chirico, Pens & Wrenches, March 27, 2025 "’Teach Us Tolerance and Love,’” Russell M. Nelson, April 1994 General Conference"5 Ways to Be a Peacemaker,” Charlotte Larcabal Speakman, Friend, April 2024 "Following Jesus: Being a Peacemaker,” Neil L. Andersen, April 2022 General Conference"Peacemakers Needed,” Russell M. Nelson, April 2023 General Conference"Be a Peacemaker,” Franklin D. Richards, October 1983 General Conference Connect With Us: awakenings@googlegroups.comIf you have any comments, questions or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. You can also find us on Instagram at @awakeningspodcast, where we share quotes, affirmations, questions and clips from that week’s episode throughout the week. You can also find us on YouTube: Ah-ha's, Awakenings, and Applications We are grateful for our production team: Ben, Sydney, Kinzie, Lyndee, Analese, David and Bruce.

Leann and Melissa talk about President Oaks’ BYU devotional and prophetic warnings, discussing ways to intentionally strengthen faith and spiritually prepare ourselves. Ponder Questions:Do I know what our prophet is telling us now?What does it mean to be an active member?How can I follow President Oaks' counsel in my life today?Am I exercising humility?Do I have someone to discuss the gospel with?Is the Lord at  the forefront of my mind?Am I adding drops in my lamp?Am I fully immersed in the gospel?Am I bringing light into my life?Where am I turning for answers? Invitation:Listen to this address and see what messages are there for you. Intentionally create your spirituality and prepare yourself for the future.  References:“Coming Closer to Jesus Christ,” Dallin H. Oaks, BYU Devotional, BYU Speeches, February 10, 2026 Connect With Us: awakenings@googlegroups.comIf you have any comments, questions or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. You can also find us on Instagram at @awakeningspodcast, where we share quotes, affirmations, questions and clips from that week’s episode throughout the week. You can also find us on YouTube at Ah-ha's, Awakenings, and Applications. We are grateful for our production team: Ben, Sydney, Kinzie, Lyndee, Analese, David and Bruce.

Leann and Melissa discuss Elder Soares’s talk about the virtue of temperance, review examples from the scriptures and latter day prophets, and talk about how temperance can shape our responses to negativity. Ponder Questions:Who shows temperance in your life?Am I showing temperance for those around me?Am I returning negativity with love?Am I teaming up with the Spirit for help to have temperance?How strong is my spiritual foundation? Invitation:Read Elder Soares’ talk and find the messages for you. References:“temperance,” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary"Peacemakers Needed,” Russell M. Nelson, April 2023 General Conference"Adorned with the Virtue of Temperance," Ulisses Soares, October 2025 General Conference"Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” Gary E. Stevenson, October 2025 General Conference“Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley on Larry King Live (Full Interview),” MovieCraze, June 5, 2014Matthew 5:43-44 Connect With Us: awakenings@googlegroups.comIf you have any comments, questions or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. You can also find us on Instagram at @awakeningspodcast where we share quotes, affirmations, questions and clips from that week’s episode throughout the week. You can also find us on YouTube. Ah-ha's, Awakenings, and Applications We are grateful for our production team: Ben, Sydney, Kinzie, Lyndee, Analese, David and Bruce.

Melissa and Leann discuss Brenè Brown’s concept of story stewardship, talking about how to respect people’s unique experiences while offering compassion and support. Ponder Questions:Am I ready to tell my story?I am assuming what someone else is feeling?Am I hijacking someone else’s story or making it about me?Am I tapping out?Am I separating my emotions from the person who is telling me a story?Am I trying to author someone else’s story?Am I allowing others to explain?Do I have the language to explain?What stories am I creating?Am I ready to create a different story? Invitation:Offer better story stewardship. Ask yourself, “Am I being curious and asking people how I can help them?”Notice how you are responding to others. References:Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, Brenè Brown, pgs. 264-266 Connect With Us: awakenings@googlegroups.comIf you have any comments, questions or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. You can also find us on Instagram at @awakeningspodcast where we share quotes, affirmations, questions and clips from that week’s episode throughout the week. You can also find us on YouTube. Ah-ha's, Awakenings, and Applications We are grateful for our production team: Ben, Sydney, Kinzie, Lyndee, Analese, David and Bruce.

Leann and Melissa review Brenè Brown’s concept of love vs. attachment as they discuss the true meanings of love, discuss Heavenly Father’s love for us, and how we can pour out that love for others.  Ponder Questions:Am I expecting something in return?Is my love transactional?Am I able to make space for someone else?Am I putting my expectations onto other people?Am I giving others grace?Can I see things from a different perspective?Am I having compassion for others?Am I creating a loving environment?Who needs my love?What am I bringing to the table?What is my impact?Am I changing the way I think about others?Am I making this about me and not others?Am I allowing Christ to be my Master Teacher?What am I grateful for?Am I seeing His hand in my life?Where is my heart right now?Am I praying for help?Am I leading by my example?Am I willing to love those who may seem more difficult to love?  Invitation:Ask yourself, “What are my motives, and how am I loving others?” References:Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, Brenè Brown, pgs. 253“Love,” Topics and Questions, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsThe Law of Love in Action, Steve Young, pgs. 1, 31-32Moses 1:39"Blessed Are the Peacemakers," Russell  M. Nelson, Ensign, Nov. 2002, pg. 41"The Love of God," Benjamin M. Z. Tai, April 2025 General ConferenceSelf-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, Kristin Neff, Ph.D., pgs. 68-69“If The Savior Stood Beside Me,” Sally DeFord, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Music Library John 15:12Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, pg. 517 "Love—the Essence of the Gospel," Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 2014, pg. 91 Connect With Us: awakenings@googlegroups.comIf you have any comments, questions or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. You can also find us on Instagram at @awakeningspodcast where we share quotes, affirmations, questions and clips from that week’s episode throughout the week. You can also find us on YouTube. Ah-ha's, Awakenings, and ApplicationsWe are grateful for our production team: Ben, Sydney, Kinzie, Lyndee, Analese, David and Bruce.

Leann and Melissa go over Brene Brown’s concept of “courage to walk alongside” as they discuss the importance of recognizing people’s individual paths, choosing empathy over sympathy, and feeling connected with others on a global, spiritual scale.  Ponder Questions:Am I willing to walk alongside someone else?Am I trying to control the path?Do I have the patience to walk alongside?Am I listening or giving unwanted advice?Am I allowing my ego to get involved?Am I willing to be committed to focusing on the other person?Am I allowing others to do things their way?Am I recognizing where I can show compassion for others after they have hurt us?What would Christ do? What would He want me to say? Invitation:How can we include others and walk alongside others? References:Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, Brenè Brown, pgs. 257, 261-264Self Compassion, Kristin Neff, pgs. 68-69 Connect With Us: awakenings@googlegroups.comIf you have any comments, questions or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. You can also find us on Instagram at @awakeningspodcast where we share quotes, affirmations, questions and clips from that week’s episode throughout the week. You can also find us on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh0r5hkYIMni7s1GcP-PZJK_AGTHMjZoE We are grateful for our production team: Ben, Sydney, Kinzie, Lyndee, Analese, David and Bruce.