Happy Birthday, President Nelson!

Happy 101st birthday to our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson! Few men live to reach that age and, as I tell my patients, getting old isn't for the weak. I thought there was no better way to celebrate President Nelson than to share some of our favorite memories/teachings from the seasoned apostle. Enjoy!

--Spencer

"Think Celestial!" 

President Russell M. Nelson has shared countless inspiring messages, but one phrase continues to echo in my heart: “Think Celestial!” In just two words, he encapsulates a lifetime of prophetic counsel; a call to lift our gaze, deepen our discipleship, and anchor our choices in eternal perspective.

I’ve listened to all of President Nelson’s General Conference addresses, and I testify that he is called of God and communes with Jehovah. His words are not just wise, they are divinely inspired. Heavenly Father truly desires for each of us, including you, to return and live with Him again. That invitation is always extended. The choice to accept it is ours.

When we “think celestial,” we remember who we are and where we’re going. We are children of God, eternally connected to Him. This mindset helps us realign our priorities, endure trials with hope, and make decisions that reflect our divine heritage.

President Nelson teaches:

“The very things that will make your mortal life the best it can be are exactly the same things that will make your life throughout all eternity the best it can be! Today, to assist you to qualify for the rich blessings Heavenly Father has for you, I invite you to adopt the practice of ‘thinking celestial’! Thinking celestial means being spiritually minded. We learn from the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob that ‘to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.’

Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import. Far too many people live as though this life is all there is. However, your choices today will determine three things: where you will live throughout all eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever. So, think celestial.”

This isn’t just a slogan, it’s a spiritual strategy. It’s how we navigate mortality with purpose, clarity, and peace. So today, and every day, let’s lift our thoughts heavenward. Let’s think celestial. 

-Michael 

"We Can do Better and be Better" 

 I know we’re doing favorite quotes from President Nelson but I took the liberty of sharing my favorite talk. No, I won’t quote the entire talk though it is definitely worth a re visit often (I listened to it last week). It is the talk, “We can do better and be better” from April 2019. It was given in a general conference address to the holders of the priesthood and has served as a “touchstone” address that I go to again and again for guidance and counsel at various times and stages of my life. 

In this address, President Nelson begins by addressing how prophets in the scriptures are often called upon to teach and invite people to repent. He then proceeded to share more about repentance with the following:

"The word for repentance in the Greek New Testament is metanoeo. The prefix meta- means “change.” The suffix -noeo is related to Greek words that mean “mind,” “knowledge,” “spirit,” and “breath.”

Thus, when Jesus asks you and me to “repent,” He is inviting us to change our mind, our knowledge, our spirit—even the way we breathe. He is asking us to change the way we love, think, serve, spend our time, treat our wives, teach our children, and even care for our bodies."

This serves at the backdrop for his invitation to repent in 2 specific ways: in how we treat our bodies and in how we treat the women in our lives. I find myself seeking to continually care for my body in a better way and often find the words from this talk coming to mind as I seek to do so:  "Your care of that temple is important. Now, I ask you, brethren, are you more interested in dressing and grooming your body to appeal to the world than to please God? Your answer to this question sends a direct message to Him about your feelings regarding His transcendent gift to you."

Furthermore, I find myself repeating his words about caring for the women in our lives when listening to my wife or daughter: 

"Brethren, your first and foremost duty as a bearer of the priesthood is to love and care for your wife. Become one with her. Be her partner. Make it easy for her to want to be yours. No other interest in life should take priority over building an eternal relationship with her. Nothing on TV, a mobile device, or a computer is more important than her well-being. Take an inventory of how you spend your time and where you devote your energy. That will tell you where your heart is. Pray to have your heart attuned to your wife’s heart. Seek to bring her joy. Seek her counsel, and listen. Her input will improve your output."

Doing better and being better are part of the eternal nature of progression and President Nelson's invitation to repent  was a good reminder of the need to find ways to progress. He was and is very disarming about his invitation to repent. It is not a guilt trip or a harsh invitation, rather he is inviting us to find specific ways to change and become more like our Savior.

-Russell 

"Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives"

I have a great love for President Nelson. He has been the prophet for the entirety of my marriage (I remember hearing the news of President Monson's passing while I was on my honeymoon). When contemplating which of the Prophet's teachings I wanted to share in this post, a quote kept coming to my mind: "In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

In many ways I find this equally comforting and depressing. It's hard to raise children in an increasingly evil world, which brings me down at times. However, the promise is there that with the influence of the Holy Ghost. Whether it's the temptations surrounding us on a daily basis, struggles with mental health, or struggles with interpersonal relationships, the Holy Ghost can and will guide us where we need to go or the direction we need to take. This is a hard one for me at times because I feel like my mental health struggles impede me from feeling the Spirit's comfort. It takes conscious thought at times to remember to hope for that guidance.

In this talk, he also said, "If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation." Whether we're talking about politics, celebrities, mental health, the gospel, or anything else, the internet is saturated with garbage. There's plenty of truth out there as well, but it takes time, effort, and personal revelation to sift through it. I pray that I can internalize these principles more and I look forward to hearing from our prophet again in October.

-Spencer

Our April 2025 Conference Reflections

Last year our team shared some of our favorite Easter-related scriptures. This year, as I listened to General Conference, I wanted to share some of our insights or highlights from this Conference. Good motivation for me to listen to the talks again, since I can't always listen with my kids around. We are grateful for modern-day prophets and ongoing revelation from heaven!

--Spencer

Russell: "Receive His Gift" by Elder Kearon and "Cherishing Life" by Elder Anderson

I love General Conference and the chance to hear from living prophets and apostles. As Spencer alluded to earlier, children can make paying attention the first time through difficult. I was travelling for much of the Saturday sessions and my daughter held my attention for much of Sunday's sessions. However, I always enjoy going back and reviewing the messages shared. I also cherish the first impressions I get because the Holy Ghost still testifies of the truths shared even when I cannot give full attention. I always love hearing where new temples will be built. It is a testimony to me that the work of God is moving forward. I also loved hearing apostles testify of the living, resurrected Christ. They are called to be special witnesses of Him and hearing them testify of Him is powerful. Those are my general thoughts about conference.

Specifically, Elder Anderson and Elder Kearon's talks stuck out to me. Elder Anderson's story about the couple expecting a child with trisomy 21 made me think of my cousin and his wife who recent had and then subsequently buried their daughter who had trisomy 23. They learned of their daughter's condition fairly early on in the pregnancy and my cousin's wife endured the entire pregnancy and birth. They considered it a miracle that they had 3 days with their daughter. I suppose there is a connection between Elder Anderson's and Elder Kearon's talks. Elder Kearon spoke about the gift of knowing that you are a child of God. This knowledge can be life changing and quite comforting in times of trial, hardship, and difficulty. Heavenly Father knows us and loves us very much. I love that Elder Anderson spoke of the sanctity of life and that Elder Kearon spoke of the gift of knowing what it means to have a life as a child of God.

Spencer: "Right Before Our Eyes" by Elder Rasband

I went into General Conference this year with a more specific prayer than usual. The last few months (and the last year) have been a struggle to keep up with the seemingly increasing number of changes in my life. I've felt for the past year (maybe longer) that Heavenly Father wants me to focus on taking care of myself, instead of exhausting myself to the point of breakdown. As I listened to Conference (and as I've relistened to talks I missed or forgot) I was reminded of the importance of developing a relationship with the Savior. Elder Rasband's talk was one of these, teaching about how our lives, our priorities, and our outlooks change as we come to understand our Heavenly Father and our Savior. Ever since these talks (and whenever I listen to a talk that reminds me of that impression) I try to think of how I can slow down and focus on the basics. How can I let go of my temporal worries and trust in the Father? He's always provided for me and my family in the past. Why not now? Just like any relationship, it's important to keep the relationship strong. It doesn't take long for a relationship to dwindle, so it's vital to take stock of important relationships and keep them close. I'm still trying to figure out what developing that relationship with God means for me, but the frequent reminders from General Conference help.

Michael: "Right Before Our Eyes" by Elder Rasband

As I prepare to defend my dissertation from BYU, Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s April 2025 General Conference talk, “Right Before Our Eyes,” resonated deeply with me. He emphasizes the Lord’s hastening work, highlighting the expansion of the Church through increased membership, missionary efforts, temple construction, and educational opportunities. Elder Rasband notes the fulfillment of Joseph Smith’s prophecy that the Church would fill the world, stating, “That prophecy is being fulfilled ‘right before our eyes.’” His message underscores the significance of education in this divine acceleration, aligning with my own experiences at BYU. Elder Rasband’s counsel to “give the Lord equal time” serves as a reminder to balance secular learning with spiritual growth. As I transition from student life, his words inspire me to continue contributing to the Lord’s work, recognizing the majesty of this moment and the role education plays in preparing us for future service. On a personal note I know that I would not have been able to graduate without the Lord's help and thanks to attending the temple and scripture studying I have been able to do something I know I wouldn't be able to do on my own. I am so grateful that the work of the Lord is being hastened so others can feel of the great joy that God brings to our lives.

 

Our Favorite Christmas Specials

It's that time of year again! I love the holiday season and have been shamelessly listening to Christmas music whenever I need it since before Halloween (because sometimes my mental health trumps social convention). Last year I wanted our Geeks team to share about our Christ-centered Christmas traditions, so this year I thought I'd be a little more whimsical. Instead of getting super serious or spiritual, a few of us are just going to share about some of our favorite Christmas specials. Movies. TV. Anything we love at this time of year. That being said, by the nature of it being Christmas, I'm sure there'll still be some religious/spiritual significance in what we picked.

--Spencer

Spencer: Olaf's Frozen Adventure

I can't say that Olaf's Frozen Adventure is my favorite Christmas special (TJ and I discussed most of our favorite favorites last year on the Podcast) but it's grown on me in recent years. We all by this point that Frozen has been overdone. That being said, my two little girls are still enamored by Disney Princesses and Frozen (they almost dressed as Elsa and Anna for Halloween this year). So sometimes I'll end up putting on Olaf's Frozen Adventure at this time of year. I'm happy that it's short and my girls are happy that it's Elsa and Anna. 

All that being said, a couple years ago I was watching this Arendelle version of a Hallmark Christmas movie and the last song in particular resonated with me. It's not like my wife and I have plans for an extravagant holiday season this year or any year in the near future, so focusing on being together and experiencing the holidays together is everything to me at this time of year. So while I love the gift giving process and Christmas traditions, having those experiences as a family matter more. "'Cause when we're together it's a holiday every night." I've still got some growing up to do for sure, but "I have everything on my list" when I'm with my family--even when my kids drive me up the wall. "'Cause when we're together I'll forever feel at home" and when I'm at my most depressed "home" is all I want. 

T.J.: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Picking one favorite Christmas special isn't easy. But as it pertains to movies, my all-time favorite Christmas movie has been The Muppet Christmas Carol. As a kid, I absolutely loved the Muppets. This combination of wacky puppets always could bring a smile to my face. And pair them with one of my favorite actors (Michael Caine in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge)....it's just gold for me. I've always had a special place in my heart for Kermit, Fozzie, Ms. Piggy, and Gonzo. 

For a few years, I would even put this movie on to fall asleep to. The music is so fun and enjoyable (minus Love is Gone since I had a VHS copy with that song in the movie unlike the last time I watched it on Disney+) I use Kermit's "Only One More Sleep 'Til Christmas" to explain to my kids how many days until Christmas. "Scrooge" (an ensemble song) and "Marley and Marley" (by Waldorf and Statler) are such fun songs, topped by "It Feels Like Christmas" (Ghost of Christmas Present.) And then we get "Bless Us All" (Tiny Tim) and "Thankful Heart" (Scrooge) to help remind us of the reason for Christmas. The Muppets properly use Dickens' classic to remind us that Christmas is best when it's gratitude-filled with some fun.

Michael Davenport: The Nutcracker: A Fantasy on Ice

Have you ever had a movie your parents had to hide from you as a kid? As the youngest, my family hid three movies from me: Star Wars, Power Rangers: The Movie, and—you guessed it—The Nutcracker. I don’t know why I loved this movie so much, but I do remember watching it a lot as a kid. So, as a responsible adult, of course, I’m going to be watching this classic again this season.

The story follows Clara, a young girl who, on Christmas Eve, receives a nutcracker doll that magically transforms into a prince. As the adventure unfolds, Clara is whisked away into a dreamlike world of battling the Mouse King and exploring the dazzling Land of Sweets. Tchaikovsky’s iconic music guides the journey, creating a festive and enchanting atmosphere that feels like stepping into a snow globe of Christmas wonder.

What makes this version so special is how it combines the magic of the holidays with the artistry of ice skating. Watching Hamill glide effortlessly as Clara and Cousins bring charm and energy as the Nutcracker Prince feels like experiencing a Christmas fairy tale in motion. The choreography, vibrant costumes, and heartfelt performances capture the spirit of the season, making it a cozy and nostalgic watch for families. It’s not just a holiday movie; it’s a celebration of beauty, joy, and the power of imagination—a perfect way to make Christmas memories together.

 

Our Favorite Narnians

I recently finished re-reading (and rewatching) The Chronicle of Narnia. It's been one of my favorites for about fifteen years now, since I was first shown Prince Caspian at a college movie night. They're always good movies and books that I could watch and read on repeat to boost my mood. So for this post I asked some of our team to pick their favorite Narnian (which unfortunately rules out my favorite protagonist, Shasta/Cor). With such an inspiring series, I hope you're able to glean some inspiration from our favorites.

--Spencer

Aslan 

I couldn't decide between Aslan and Edmund for they are the best characters in the series. However, without Aslan, Edmund's redemption would be meaningless. Therefore, in this post I will highlight why Aslan is the best character. 

As any fan of Narnia knows Aslan is symbolic of Jesus Christ. They share striking parallels that underscore their roles as symbols of divine intervention, sacrifice, and redemption in their respective narratives. Both figures are depicted as powerful yet benevolent leaders who offer profound guidance and protection to their followers. Aslan, like Jesus, embodies the ultimate moral authority, representing the highest virtues of courage, wisdom, and selflessness. His actions in The Chronicles of Narnia, such as his sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection, echo Jesus's life.

The symbolism surrounding Aslan is deeply rooted in Christian theology. Aslan’s death in Edmund’s place and his resurrection are direct allegories to Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection, signifying themes of atonement and the triumph of good over evil. Through these similarities, Aslan serves not only as a central figure in Narnia’s lore but also as a literary reflection of the profound spiritual and moral teachings of Christianity. The reason I believe that The Chronicles of Narnia is successful is thanks to Aslan similitude to Jesus Christ.

--Michael

Reepicheep is my favorite because he is an embodiment of “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” Despite being small in stature, he used his talents to fight for Aslan and always kept his eyes on the goal of one day entering Aslan’s country. I loved the interaction between Reepicheep and Aslan in the film version of Prince Caspian when it almost appears that Aslan will not be giving Reepicheep back his tail. At the sight of Reepicheep’s squadron of mice willing to cut their own tails off, Aslan restores Reepicheep’s own tail. It is sweet to see Reepicheep’s own loyalty to Aslan and see his desire fulfilled in being allowed to enter Aslan’s country, no longer needing his rapier, and the subsequently greet the seven friends of Narnia into that same country. He is loyal, he is fearless, he is a talented fighter and chess player, what more could you hope to find in a mouse!

--Russell

It's a struggle to decide on my favorite Narnian. Depending on the day it could shift between Reepicheep, Eustace, and Lucy (especially the movie versions) but for today I landed on Puddleglum. He's probably the biggest reason I'm still upset that The Silver Chair never got adapted for the movies. While the kids frequently described him as a "wet blanket", he stated multiple times that he was more optimistic than most Marshwiggles. Despite his apparent pessimism and his perceived negativity, I relate to Puddleglum a lot.

He came across as a pessimist compared to Eustace and Jill, but he never faltered in his commitment to see the quest through and find Prince Rilian. Imperfect as he was, Puddleglum tried to follow Aslan's signs despite the grievances of his traveling companions. True he made some mistakes, like going to the giants' castle, but he demonstrated faith in Aslan's words despite his mistakes and even though he didn't know the outcome. He readily accepted that following Aslan's direction didn't mean their journey would go smoothly, just that they'd get where they needed to be. In effect, he was willing to die on that quest if it meant listening to Aslan. And of course he was the one who finally stood up to the Lady of the Green Kirtle and put his fate in Aslan's paws regardless of the outcome. "I’m on Aslan’s side even if there isn’t any Aslan to lead it. I’m going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn’t any Narnia."

Honestly, I probably come across a lot like him. Sometimes I have to verbalize my anxieties in order to stay optimistic (my wife has noted this many times) and sometimes I can get pretty down despite my faith and my words. But I'm on Aslan's side too. 

Also, did I mention that he was portrayed by Tom Baker in the 1990 BBC adaptation of The Silver Chair? The Fourth Doctor himself! Legendary!

--Spencer

Our Hogwarts Houses

What better way to get to know a geek than to relate to their Hogwarts House? I have some issues with how some fans relate to their houses, but that's a topic for another blog post. In the meantime, our team wanted to share our houses and how the traits of being a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin has been a blessing in our lives. Because there's good to be found in all four.

"They say they're isn't a witch or wizard who went bad that wasn't in Slytherin." The key trait to Slytherin is ambition, which means wanting to be greater than you are. And yes, that is the driving force behind many a villain, it is also the driving force behind my life. I want to be a better man, husband, writer, artist and Priesthood holder. My ambition drives me to practice. It drives me to look for new opportunities. It drives me to improve. And if that means that occasionally I have to bind a sliver of my soul into my dice so I can get better rolls... So be it. 

-Joe

Everyone knows that Ravenclaws house is the best and most popular. They are renowned for valuing intellect, wisdom, and creativity. this house attracts students who exhibit a sharp mind and a thirst for knowledge. The house emblem features an eagle, symbolizing the soaring heights of academic achievement, and its colors are blue and silver. Ravenclaws are often characterized by their love for learning and their pursuit of academic excellence. Sometimes I questioned how did I get sorted into this house because I am not the greatest student. But I do like learning new things that interest me. I am probably in this house because I am still in school in my early thirties.

--Michael

Hufflepuff house is known for loyalty, fairness, and diligence (among other traits). In some respects, we're the jack-of-all-trades house, but I like that loyalty and hard-work are considered Hufflepuff traits. Hard-working and diligent could be synonymous with tenacity and perseverance. As much as life has knocked me down, I always seem to get back up. Even when sometimes I'd rather lie down and give up for the day/week, I know deep down that's not who I am. Perhaps it would take less energy to give up for the day, but that's not who I am. Gotta keep trying. Gotta keep pushing forward. That's the Puff in me coming through.

--Spencer

I’ve taken the quizzes and come up as a Gryffindor. Lots of emotions run through my mind with that range from “how cliché” to “awesome! I’m one of the good guys!” I’ve looked through different takes on what it means to be a Gryffindor including the lyrics from the Sorting Hat song in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone to what is now written about Gryffindor on the wizard of world website. Daring, chivalrous, brave, standing up for the little guy are all things mentioned in these places. I guess I don’t balk at the idea of giving a talk on sacrament meeting, but that hardly qualifies as being noble right? So, I’ll take you back to when I was young and had to be brave. I had to be brave to jump off the diving board at my grandparents house. I had to be brave to jump off the high dive at the city pool. I had to be brave when a cut on my hand became infected and my dad had to poke it with a disinfected needle to get it cleaned up. I had to be brave to donate blood for the first time in honor of a former bishop who died of leukemia. These were small instances in my life, but I know that I was strengthened to be brave in these moments. As for the other qualities, I think it might be fair to say that I am striving to be more Gryffindor-ish, which is the challenge of a lifetime.

--Russell