Faith

Marianne Viray joins Jen and Patrick to delve into the dynamics of conflict and peacemaking within leadership and society, drawing lessons from the biblical story of Jonathan, David, and Saul. They explore how leadership decisions can influence societal polarization and offer practical tools for engaging with leaders respectfully. The discussion emphasizes the importance of modeling civility and virtue in public discourse and provides strategies for individuals to break cycle

This is going to be an unusual devotional, but bear with me. Back in January, facing what I already knew was going to be a climb of a year, I decided that I was not going to burden myself further by attempting to make New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I determined that the best thing I could do over the course of the next 365 days would be to purposefully try to insert some joy into my life. So, on the afternoon of January 1st, I sat down and did two things. First, I wrote dow

For several years, I co-ran a nature education outdoor school for kids and teens. Our school year program culminated in a week-long campout in the mountains with all kinds of challenges, nature crafts and campfire programs. One week-long craft campers of all knife-certified ages did was carve a spoon from a block of wood. Carving something very cylindrical, narrow and delicate from a chunky block of wood is not totally intuitive. I’ll explain it just as I taught it. First, dr

Jen and Patrick are joined for a profound conversation with conflict transformation pioneer John Paul Lederach, who shares deep insights on peace, reconciliation, and the power of moral imagination rooted in faith and human connection. They explore the story of Jacob and Esau, why reconciliation is a horizon more than an event, and the four ways to use moral imagination to achieve reconciliation.

As we discuss patriotism and the constitution in congregations across America today, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on what patriotism looked like for some of our foremothers in this church. Of course, the early church's relationship with the United States was fraught. Members had faced extermination, been driven from their homes and chased across the Rockies to a desert state where they largely bootstrapped their way into new cities, new gardens, new lives. Yet, when

The Mesa Easter Pageant, Jesus the Christ, has been a beloved tradition in Arizona for 88 years, beginning as an Easter sunrise service in 1938. Since then, it has grown into the largest annual outdoor Easter pageant in the world. Having grown up in Mesa, it has always been one of my favorite Easter traditions. Four years ago, the Church asked for the entire production to be rewritten and for a new soundtrack to be created. One song in particular (based off a poem by Frederic

Terryl Givens joins Jen and Patrick as they explore how faith traditions, especially within Christianity and Latter-day Saint teachings, approach the difficult questions surrounding violence in the Old Testament. Terryl shares insights on understanding scripture, God's nature, and the path to peace amidst challenging texts.

I must confess, lately I’ve been asking the question: “Is being a peacemaker worth it?” When there is so much injustice in the world, is being a peacemaker doing any good? Especially this year, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the war that followed, I find myself wondering if picking up the sword is sometimes required to effect necessary change. Then, I learned a valuable lesson from the source of many of life’s grea

The Book of Mormon repeatedly tells us to remember. Do you remember 2020? I do. It was a rough year. You will remember the pandemic, the protests, the election, and the incredible societal tension. For completely unrelated and personal reasons, it was the most difficult year I have ever had. In the autumn of that year, the Church announced that President Russell M. Nelson would be making a statement online. The way this was promoted made me anxious to tune in. I was expecting

Jen is joined by guest co-host Maybree Spilsbury and guest Réka Bordás as we explore the biblical stories of Abraham, Lot, Sarah, and Hagar through the lens of peacemaking, sharing practical insights on conflict resolution, boundary setting, and maintaining relationships amidst differences. Our guests, experienced in conflict transformation and peacemaking, offer valuable advice on fostering connection and peace in family and faith conflicts.

In a political climate marked by increased callousness and even cruelty, loving your “opponent” can feel like an act of beautiful defiance. I’ve found it remarkably healing to choose connection over division. After a particularly contentious election years ago, I found myself walking through a grocery store mentally putting people in boxes based on how I thought they had voted. I recall moving through the aisles surrounded by people who I assumed were operating with a complet

Patrick and Jen discuss peace and leadership with Rabbi Sam Spector through the story of Joseph. They explore the Hebrew concept of "shalom," meaning complete peace, and its relevance to personal and national contexts. The conversation highlights lessons from intergenerational conflicts in biblical narratives, emphasizing communication and reconciliation. Rabbi Spector also offers practical advice on resolving conflicts through dialogue and understanding, providing insights i

As many of us are stretching into warmer days, and with the recent Artemis II mission, I have been thinking and marveling at our Earth. My heart turned toward gratitude — especially in a week where we’ve celebrated Earth Day. It’s a fitting time to reflect on the beauty of creation and the responsibility we carry as stewards of it. I think back to growing up in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, where the rhythms of nature shaped so many meaningful moments. Snow-covered

In the beginning of the Book of Mormon, we are introduced to two prophets: one mature, and one who was in so many ways still a boy. Lehi, the older, receives a vision that Jerusalem will be destroyed, but his reaction is not to pack his bags and run as far away from the city as possible. Rather, he immediately walks into the streets and preaches repentance to anyone who will listen. No one does, but his faith in a people so doomed to wickedness and destruction is significant

It is an honor to wonder at the world and cherish its land, waters, and all living things and their surroundings. We are called to care for the Earth as an act of love for God and our fellow inhabitants. We can celebrate Earth Day by embracing our stewardship with love in action.