In this episode we’ll talk about Ether chapters twelve through fifteen. We’ll talk about several principles, starting with the concept of repentance. We’ll review how repentance is not simply the process of being forgiven of sin, but is the mechanism by which we become like God. We’ll also talk about hope and its critical importance as we seek to improve our mental health. We will review the role of weakness and humility in personal progress, and how both are essential to eventually becoming...

In this episode we’ll talk about Ether chapters six through eleven. We’ll focus on the journey the Jaredites took from their home country to the promised land and compare their journey to the metaphorical journeys each of us take as we improve our mental health. We’ll talk about the importance of personal preparation and accountability. We’ll review how all change involves difficulty and effort. We’ll review how maintaining gratitude during challenging times can help us weather life’s storms...

In this episode we’ll talk about Ether chapters one through five. We’ll talk about the people of the Brother of Jared, about their start at the Tower of Babel, their journey through the wilderness, and the problems they encountered along the way. We’ll talk about the difficult things they were asked to do, and how the Lord helped them. We’ll focus on the principles of agency and accountability, showing through example how when we are trying to change, there is a part for us to do, and a part...

In this episode we’ll talk about Mormon chapters seven through nine. These chapters contain the final words of the prophet Mormon and the initial writings of his son, the prophet Moroni. We’ll review two core concepts that are contained in Mormon’s final discourse; the ideas of identity and purpose. We’ll talk about how truly understanding our identity can help us have greater direction and purpose during mental health trials. We’ll also talk about how knowing our purpose can give us strength...

In this episode we’ll talk about Mormon chapters one through six. We’ll review the heartbreaking situation that the prophet Mormon had to endure, as he was charged to lead the unrepentant Nephites to battle. We’ll talk about Mormon’s resolve to continue to do what was right, regardless of the outcome. We’ll review the concepts of persistence as they relate to improving our mental health. We’ll also talk about the doctrine of hope and how it can help us be faithful even during dark...

In this episode we’ll talk about 3 Nephi chapter twenty-seven through 4 Nephi. We’ll talk about two main themes. The first is regarding solutions to mental health issues. There are some who propose easy solutions to difficult problems. We’ll talk about how this is not helpful and not even feasible. Difficult problems require difficult solutions, and difficult solutions train us in Christlike characteristics. We’ll also discuss how contention breeds anger, hate, and other emotions that can...

In this episode we’ll talk about 3 Nephi chapters twenty through twenty-six. These chapters contain many of the prophecies of Isaiah that the Lord taught to the American people. We’ll talk about the history of the house of Israel and its glorious destiny. We’ll review the purpose of sorrow and difficulty in our lives; how this can prepare us for greater growth and happiness. We’ll also talk about the importance of hope as we try to reframe our perceptions of life’s challenges.  There are...

In this episode we’ll talk about 3 Nephi chapters seventeen through nineteen. We’ll talk about the incredible experience the American people had when the Savior healed their sick and blessed their children. We’ll note how the Savior taught that we should all become like little children. We’ll review the idea that children often have fewer anxieties and fears than adults and talk about some of the reasons for that. We’ll talk about three principles that children often reflect in their...

In this episode we’ll talk about 3 Nephi chapters twelve through sixteen. We’ll talk about many of the principles the Savior taught to the American people and how they can help us find greater peace and happiness. We’ll review such concepts as agency, the possibility and power of change, learning to manage anxiety, and the power of living in the moment. As we better understand and apply these principles, we can improve in spiritual and emotional resilience.  There are free worksheets...

In this episode we’ll talk about 3 Nephi chapters one through seven. We’ll read about the faithful saints who waited for the sign of the Savior’s birth, persisting through disappointment to achieve eventual satisfaction. We’ll talk about the importance of being consistent in efforts to improve our mental health. We’ll also talk about how being committed to a positive process can have a more positive effect on our progress than being overly focused on a specific goal.  There are free...

In this episode we’ll talk about 3 Nephi chapters one through seven. We’ll read about the faithful saints who waited for the sign of the Savior’s birth, persisting through disappointment to achieve eventual satisfaction. We’ll talk about the importance of being consistent in efforts to improve our mental health. We’ll also talk about how being committed to a positive process can have a more positive effect on our progress than being overly focused on a specific goal.  There are free...

In this episode we’ll talk about Helaman chapters thirteen through sixteen. These chapters contain the prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite. We’ll talk about his example of tenacity as he was called to preach the gospel. We’ll review the role of tenacity in developing emotional resilience. We’ll also discuss how good mental health requires consistent effort and sacrifice, just like any good thing in life. There are warnings against self-improvement programs that offer large results for minimal...

In this episode we’ll talk about Helaman chapters seven through twelve. These chapters have the story of the prophet Nephi, son of Helaman, and his amazing prophecy. We’ll talk about how even prophets have bad days which can lead to discouragement. One of the best solutions for such times is to develop a habit of being grateful as much as possible. We’ll discuss how the combination of gratitude and remembering the Lord’s goodness can help us feel peace and happiness regardless of the...

In this episode we’ll talk about Helaman chapters one through six. We’ll talk about some of the political problems the Nephites faced, and how this ultimately led to serious destruction through lack of preparedness. We’ll discuss how we need to have our own emotional defenses ready and strong, to deal with the trials that life poses. We’ll also talk about the power that comes from binding ourselves to the Savior. This process can help us navigate the difficulties that affect everyone,...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters fifty-three through sixty-three. These chapters conclude what is referred to as the “war chapters” in the Book of Mormon. We’ll talk about the importance of effective communication and how this can strengthen our relationships. We’ll discuss three key questions to ask yourself before saying something to someone else. We’ll review the power of thoughts and perceptions, and how these can dramatically influence our actions and feelings for good or...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters forty-three through fifty-two. These chapters are the beginning of the war chapters in the Book of Mormon. We’ll talk about the role of gospel-focused interventions for mental health, and how these have been prepared by the Lord to help all generations. We’ll review the power of our thoughts, the way our brains process information, and how we can change even longstanding emotional patterns if we will invest the necessary time and...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters thirty-nine through forty-two. These chapters contain Alma’s counsel to his wayward son, Corianton. We’ll talk about how our modern culture has so much convenience, that we often look for the easy way to get things done. We’ll review how mental health improvement is completely possible, but requires consistent, diligent effort. We’ll also talk about the enabling power of Jesus Christ, and how His sufferings made Him the greatest confidant and...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters thirty-six through thirty-eight. These chapters contain the counsel given by Alma to two of his sons, Helaman and Shiblon. We’ll talk about Alma’s process of change and how there are patterns that can help us with our own mental health progress. We’ll review the concept of small and simple things and how they are essential in moving forward. We’ll also talk about how spiritual improvement, along with other traditional methods, can be a powerful...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters thirty-two through thirty-five. We’ll focus mostly on Alma’s teachings to the poorer class of Zoramites in Alma 32. We’ll discuss how the people found themselves in a false dilemma, believing they could not worship God. Alma helps them expand their thinking and see that they were not at stuck as they thought they were. We’ll review the concept of false dilemmas as they relate to mental health and talk about potential solutions.  There are free...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters twenty-three through twenty-nine. We’ll talk about the example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehis and their process of change. We’ll discuss the concept of “weapons of rebellion” and how this applies to our mental health. We’ll review common mistaken beliefs about mental health and talk about alternative attitudes. We will also discuss how change is always possible, and when we make changes in our lives, that may help others change as well.  There are free...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters twenty-three through twenty-nine. We’ll talk about the example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehis and their process of change. We’ll discuss the concept of “weapons of rebellion” and how this applies to our mental health. We’ll review common mistaken beliefs about mental health and talk about alternative attitudes. We will also discuss how change is always possible, and when we make changes in our lives, that may help others change as well.  There are free...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters seventeen through twenty-two. We’ll talk about how when the sons of Mosiah were preparing for their missions, the Lord came to them and invited them to “be comforted.” We’ll discuss what that means, and how it usually involves work on our part and a miracle on the Lord’s part. We’ll review the story of Naaman as an example of this. We’ll also talk about how sometimes the Lord’s miracles don’t come until after we have been faithful for a long...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters thirteen through sixteen. We’ll discuss the idea of “entering into the Lord’s rest” and what that means in terms of our current lives and our future lives. We’ll talk about the Savior’s invitation to experience His peace, and the difference between situation-dependent and situation-independent peace. We’ll also review the experience of Alma and Amulek, and how their examples are illustrative of these different types of peace.  There are free...

In this episode we’ll talk about Alma chapters eight through twelve. We’ll talk about Alma’s initial experience preaching in Ammonihah and his rejection. As the Lord sends him an angel, Alma is comforted and returns to work. We’ll discuss how the Lord is always willing to support and comfort us, but will often wait until the last minute to test our limits and help us grow stronger. We’ll also talk about the power of thoughts, and how reinforcing and prioritizing positive thoughts can have a...