Monday Morning Session - General Conference Review for Real Life

Join Dr. Kirk Burbidge on this episode of Thinking Celestial as he examines two landmark messages from President Dallin H. Oaks delivered at pivotal moments in his life and ministry. Beginning with President Oaks’ first General Conference address as president of Brigham Young University in 1971 and continuing to his first conference talk as a newly called Apostle in 1984. Discover how these early messages foreshadowed decades of prophetic leadership and offer timeless counsel for those seeking to follow Jesus Christ in an increasingly complex world.
Review general conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1971/10/strive-for-excellence?lang=eng and https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1984/10/why-do-we-serve?lang=eng 
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_______________
Enroll in this institute class here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301   
We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org  
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 
 

Join Dr. Kirk Burbidge on this special episode of Thinking Celestial as he presents and reflects on the first recorded General Conference address from April 1936. Travel back nearly a century to hear the voice and testimony of a President Heber J. Grant, and counselors J. Reuben Clark, and David O. Mckay. This unique episode offers a powerful reminder that while times change, the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Lord’s guidance through living prophets remain constant.
Review general conference here: https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/record/2b8598d8-cb11-4dc0-940b-bf84d68f85e5/0?view=browse  
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301   
We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org  
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 
 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by his wife, Shauni Burbidge, for a heartfelt discussion on Elder Ulisses Soares’s message, “Jesus Christ — the True Vine.” Together, they explore what it truly means to stay connected to the Savior and how that spiritual connection nourishes, strengthens, and sustains disciples in everyday life. Drawing on personal experiences and gospel insights, they reflect on how remaining in Christ allows His power to flow into our efforts, helping us grow, endure challenges, and bear good fruit. Their conversation emphasizes that intentional, daily connection to Jesus Christ is not just symbolic, but essential to a vibrant and faithful discipleship.
Review general conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/210soares?lang=eng 
 
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org  
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 
 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Deseret Peaks High Seminary teacher Denise McCubbins to explore Elder Gérald Caussé’s message “Love All, Love Each.” Together they discuss what it truly means to love as the Savior loves, both broadly and individually, and how discipleship is refined in everyday acts of compassion, inclusion, and intentional connection. Denise shares insightful experiences that highlight the power of seeing each person as a child of God, and considering how God is moving for them through means and designs he knows. 
Review general conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/27causse?lang=eng
 
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org  
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 
 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge explores Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong’s message “Remember, Remember,” focusing on how intentional remembrance deepens both discipleship and obedience. Dr. Burbidge highlights that remembering is not passive recall but an active spiritual discipline that shapes choices, strengthens covenant identity, and keeps Christ at the center of daily living. Drawing on the concept of mitzvah, he emphasizes that commandments are not merely rules to follow but sacred opportunities to connect with God and participate in a covenant relationship with Him. As listeners reflect on their own patterns of remembrance, they are invited to see obedience as an expression of love and loyalty, where each act of keeping a commandment becomes a meaningful step in drawing closer to the Savior.
Review general conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/52wong?lang=eng 
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org  
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 
 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by Sean Marsden to explore President Dallin H. Oaks’ message, “Alive in Christ.” Together, they discuss what it means to move beyond casual belief and truly come alive through the Savior by going all in as disciples of Jesus Christ. With thoughtful insights and personal application, they emphasize the power of trusting in the Lord, surrendering our will, and embracing the covenant path with full purpose of heart. This uplifting conversation invites listeners to deepen their commitment and experience the joy and strength that come from living fully “alive in Christ.”
Review general conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/49oaks?lang=eng
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org  
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 
 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by regular guest and Institute faculty member Blake Dalton to explore changing our nature, endurance, and charity through the lens of Elder David A. Bednar’s talk “All Who Have Endured Valiantly.” Together, they reflect on how charity is not a static trait but a refining process shaped by covenant keeping, discipleship, and endurance. Drawing on both personal experiences and doctrinal insights, they discuss how enduring faithfully transforms the heart, deepens Christlike love, and aligns our desires with the Savior’s. Listeners are invited to consider how their own trials and commitments can become sanctifying opportunities to grow in genuine charity.
Review general conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/16bednar?lang=eng 
 
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org  
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it! 
 

In this episode of Thinking Celestial, Dr. Kirk Burbidge is joined by return missionary and SLCC student Ben Price to explore Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s message, “Lost Luggage, Redeemed Souls,” with a focus on developing a Christlike desire to care for the one. Through thoughtful discussion and personal insights, they highlight how the Savior seeks out individuals with patience and love, inviting us to notice, reach out, and act on promptings to serve. Their conversation encourages listeners to become more intentional in lifting others, reminding us that no one is insignificant and that each soul is precious in the sight of God.
Review general conference here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2026/04/23stevenson?lang=eng
 
Enjoyed our podcast? Help spread the word! Please share it on social media or pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who might find joy and inspiration in it. Your support makes all the difference!
_______________
Enroll in this institute class here:
https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
_______________
Thinking Celestial is a "Follow the Prophet" podcast series produced by the Taylorsville Institute of Religion faculty and students at the Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
These episodes are part of a class administered by the Taylorville Institute. If you'd like to enroll in the class and participate in future discussions and podcasts, register for the online institute today here: https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/institute/15280/classes/1735301  
We invite you to go to https://myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and register for any class.
The views, opinions, and doctrines shared in this podcast are not official doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes can be directed to TaylorsvilleInstitute@ChurchofJesusChrist.org  
If you liked our podcast, please share it on social media or with anyone you think might love it!