Melanie Stroud

Episode 14

Matthew 16–17; Mark 8–9; Luke 9
“Thou Art the Christ”

This podcast talks about Christ’s question, “Whom say ye that I am?”  “Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
The manual then asks us how we answer that question.  The manual refers to many scriptures that talk about the importance of the Holy Ghost testifying of Christ and that when we look for signs we can miss the most amazing thing of all; the Holy Ghost.  He is the one that testifies of Christ and he is the one who will soften our hearts and confirm to us the divinity of the Savior. 

The lesson then talks about Priesthood keys and the Priesthood in our lives. The manual referred to a talk by Neil L. Andersen called, “Power in the Priesthood.”    I really liked when he said,  “A man may open the drapes so the warm sunlight comes into the room, but the man does not own the sun or the light or the warmth it brings. The blessings of the priesthood are infinitely greater than the one who is asked to administer the gift.”  I talked a while about my own dad giving me blessings when I was a kid and then after he died getting them from other people.  I testified that it didn’t matter who gave me those blessings because ultimately they all are from my Heavenly Father and that’s all that really matters.  

The lesson ends with the beautiful story of the father with a tormented son. When the Lord asked about his faith the father says, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”  Jeffrey R. Holland gives a beautiful talk on this subject that I will link here.  Let’s all lead with what we know first.  Because in the end, we really do know more than we think.

https://youtu.be/2nPY22FoDpY

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14 thoughts on “Episode 14”

  1. Hey, some of us men are listening! I’m a single adult convert with no family members that are members but I gave my first blessing to a woman 2 Wednesdays ago, she wasn’t even a member but had requested it and I happened to be available when the first councilor was looking for someone to go with him to the hospital. You’re totally right, it doesn’t matter who the blessing comes from! 🙂

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  3. I loved this episode. Many parts really resonated with me as I do not have an active priesthood holder in my home. Before I ever heard the quote from Elder Anderson, I remember listening to the song “Love is Spoken Here, ” and with self pity thought about how my home was no longer blessed with the strength of priesthood power. Almost immediately, I had a strong impression from the Holy Ghost, “Yes, your home is blessed by the strength of priesthood power because you have made priesthood covenants and you are faithful to them.” That thought has been confirmed to me time and time again as I am in the temple and listen to the blessings promised to me. I have access to all the blessings of the priesthood! Keep doing what you’re doing, Melanie!

  4. Great episode! Yes, I remember gagging on that cotton ball on the second bite of what was going to be an amazing cookie. I also remember being so grateful that you were thoughtful enough to bring me my water bottle during my fireside at girls camp…only to be met with the horrific taste of the gobs of 9-layer dip you put in there. Balancing my desire to bring you harm with that of maintaining the spirit DURING MY TALK was quite challenging.

  5. Oh, Melanie, As usual you hit a home run. I love how you can make me laugh and cry within a few seconds of each other. You touch my heart- or open the door for the Spirit to touch my heart every single podcast. Thank you for sharing your love and testimony every week. We look forward to Mondays! (Whoever thought we’d say that?! LOL) Love you my friend!

  6. My husband and I have been listening to your amazing podcasts for a while now. Thank you for all you do.
    We both have callings in the church with the youth and would absolutely freak out happy if we could have you come speak to them. We run a bed and breakfast in Lava Hot Springs and can offer you and a companion a free luxury themed room and breakfast during your time here.
    You have really inspired us as we study together and listen to you as we travel and prepare to teach our lessons. Thank you again for the spirit you bring.

  7. Hey there Melanie!
    I just wanted to let you know that we really appreciate the love, time and thought you put into your podcast. I listened to part of it on the drive to school today with my four kiddos ages 3-12 and all were engaged. We had great moments where we paused and discussed things, moments of laughter and the Spirit was palpable. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We love you and we don’t even personally know you.

  8. I wasn’t able to listen to the podcast until Tuesday afternoon and my brain was already a million years over April Fools’ Day – you made me panic! “Dang” I thought, “I just barely shared this podcast with my Sunday School class and now she’s going to quit!” And then I clued in… way to go, you got me good 🙂

  9. So many things in this episode resonated with me! Seriously, your podcasts keep getting better and better. I loved the part about looking to the scriptures for answers to prayer and that the priesthood can still bless your home even if no one in your home actually has the priesthood. I was feeling a bit low after seeing a friend’s husband, who was baptized last year, accept the Melchizedek priesthood and prepare to be sealed to his wife in a few months–OK, not low about that–but because my husband was baptized nearly 4 years ago and has yet to accept the priesthood. (Comparison is TRULY the thief of joy!) The Lord knows my sadness about this, and reminded me that my husband has recently been making a few positive strides, like attending church more often. Last night I read Alma 37:6 and felt so much comfort in that phrase “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” This passage we all know felt like something brand new in my current situation. The Book of Mormon is amazing and I love your excitement about it. It makes me excited about it too! P.S. GOOD ONE with the April Fool’s joke. I was like “noooooo! don’t end this podcast!” Psyche. You’re doing great. Keep it up!

  10. I loved when you were talking about signs from God. I have friend who’s husband past away a few years ago, and she doesn’t have any family around her. Well her daughter is getting married this week I the Jordan River Temple. So I was going to fly out to be with them and support them. On Monday after work I was in a hit and run accident. When I pulled across the steet to get out of traffic I could see a bumper and all kind of wreckage in the road. As I got out of my car to check out the damage, I had 2 yes 2 scratches on my bumper. That was it! The rest was from the other car. I didn’t have any damages and I WALKED away from it all. I love when the Lord protects you so you can accomplish his work. I love my friend her daughter and this podcast! Thank you

    Jaynie

  11. Jennifer Lynn Senior

    Melanie
    I love you and your amazing podcast. I related to the story about sealings. I had an amazing experience doing sealings after I went after my sealing was cancelled.
    Thanks for being real and sharing your light.
    Love
    Jenn

  12. Melanie,

    My heart dropped when you said that this was your last podcast! Glad it was only an April Fool’s. Thanks for all you do!!

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