How does Jesus Christ make up the difference when life feels unfair, overwhelming, or beyond our ability to fix?

In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with BYU professor and author, BJ Allen, to explore the concept of “the compensating power of Christ,” and how these unique revelations led him to write and publish his Praiseworthy Award-winning book. What started as a mere desire to better understand one powerful line from “Preach My Gospel” quickly turned into an illuminating study of the Savior’s atonement, and a growing testimony that Christ is far more involved in our daily lives than we often realize.

Through thoughtful examples and faith-centered insights, BJ explains how the Savior not only helps us overcome our own weaknesses, but also compensates for the effects of others’ weaknesses, and the unfairness of mortality itself. BJ’s story is a moving reminder that even when blessings are hard to recognize in the moment, Christ is quietly making up the difference, walking with us through every trial, and drawing nearer to us than we may have yet to understand.

*** Please SHARE BJ's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/kzgCXod2Dh8

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To READ BJ’s book, “The Compensating Power of Christ,” visit: https://a.co/d/01aQKNQN

To READ “Preach My Gospel,” visit: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/preach-my-gospel-2023?lang=eng

To LEARN MORE about BJ, visit: https://www.bjallen.net/

To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

How can small acts of understanding make a big difference in someone’s spiritual journey?

In this week’s episode of Latter-day Lights, Scott Brandley sits down with father-daughter duo — Robert Johnson and Liberty Kepford — to share the inspiration behind their book, “Autism in Christ’s Church.” Drawing from their extensive experience working with, interviewing, and studying the behaviors of individuals on the spectrum, they explore the unique challenges many families face when trying to participate fully in Church life, as well as the powerful faith that can grow through broadening accessibility for people with disabilities.

Through heartfelt stories and practical insights, Robert and Liberty discuss how greater awareness, empathy, and simple accommodations can transform the Church experience for individuals with autism. From supportive ward members and disability specialists, to tailored opportunities for service and missions, this conversation highlights the incredible gifts individuals with autism bring to their communities — and how small acts of understanding can make an eternal difference.

*** Please SHARE Liberty & Robert's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/kzgCXod2Dh8

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To READ Liberty & Robert’s book, “Autism in Christ’s Church,” visit: https://a.co/d/0eHmHVio

To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

What do you do when God’s plan for your life looks completely different from the one you carefully mapped out?

In this week’s episode of Latter-day Lights, Scott and Emily sit down with author and special guest — Tayma Johnson — to share her journey from never planning to serve a mission, to feeling unmistakably called by the Lord to step into the unknown. Through moments of prayer, spiritual prompting, and unexpected mundane confirmations that subtly nudged her towards mission prep, Tayma recounts how she learned to trust God’s timing over her own fears about the future. Her story offers a deeply relatable look at the wrestle between personal desire and divine direction, and how real intent in prayer can open the door to clarity and peace.

Tayma also discusses the inspiration behind her upcoming book, “Called to Serve?” which features the stories of 27 women navigating the complex decision of whether or not to serve missions, in hopes to inspire others to take the leap. Alongside reflections on companionship, revelation, and faith during uncertain seasons such as the COVID-era missionary work, this conversation explores how God guides individuals differently—and how seeking to be spiritually ready to receive answers can be just as important as the answers themselves.

*** Please SHARE Tayma's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/SGXzYv6Hlgw

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To READ Tayma’s book, “Called to Serve?” visit: https://www.cedarfort.com/products/called-to-serve

To SUPPORT Emily's non-profit organization, "The Marcovia Project," visit: https://themarcoviaproject.org/

To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

What have we learned after four years and nearly 200 stories of faith?

As the show passes the four-year mark, long-time co-host Alicia Coakley shares why she is reluctantly stepping away, and together she and Scott revisit several moments of hope, healing, and inspiration that have changed their lives and those of the Latter-Day Lights community.

From heart-wrenching accounts of pain, loss, and difficult trials to inspiring stories of faith, redemption, and mercy. Each one reflects, in its own unique way, how God’s light often shows up in the most unexpected forms, places, and timing.

Though Alicia will be greatly missed, her impact will continue to shine as Latter-Day Lights moves forward in its mission to instill faith, invite hope, and inspire others.

*** Please SHARE this episode and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/UQ4bXh1LYmQ

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To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

#LDSPodcast #ChristianStories #LatterDayLights

How do you keep pursuing your dreams when rejection, discouragement, and life’s responsibilities seem to stand in the way?

In this week’s episode of Latter-day Lights, Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with U.S. Today’s bestselling author, Heather B. Moore, to hear how she built a full-time writing career through perseverance, prayer, and years of steady effort, despite the mountain of rejections as a new name to the publishing scene. Starting as a young mother who wrote her first manuscript at 30, Heather shares how critique groups and constant learning shaped her growth and prepared her for her first ever “pinch me” moment.

She reflects on advice to aspiring authors, meeting impossible deadlines while raising four children, the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing, and learning to see closed doors as redirections rather than failures. With her first successful book series, “Out of Jerusalem,” as well as her Praiseworthy Award-winning book, “Rebekah and Isaac,” Heather’s story highlights the power of consistent effort, humility, and faith in the creative process, reminding us that when we keep showing up and stay close to the Lord, our gifts can grow in ways we never imagined.

*** Please SHARE Heather's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/L-Oo9AJd2aY

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To READ Heather’s book series, “Out of Jerusalem,” visit: https://a.co/d/0hWacFEA

To READ Heather’s book, “Rebekah and Isaac (Women of the Covenant),” visit: https://a.co/d/065deF6S

To READ more of Heather’s work, visit: https://amzn.to/45O8phG

To LEARN MORE about Heather’s writing, visit: https://hbmoore.com/

To FOLLOW Heather on Instagram, visit: https://www.instagram.com/authorhbmoore/

To FOLLOW Heather on Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/37783537691

To FOLLOW Heather on TikTok, visit: https://www.tiktok.com/@heatherbmooreauthor

To WATCH Heather on YouTube, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@heatherbmoore

To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

What happens when everything you’ve built your life on falls apart in the blink of an eye?

In this week’s episode of Latter-day Lights, special guest Clint Huston shares his deeply personal journey from being raised in the Church and appearing to do everything “right” on the outside, to an affair that led to divorce, a battle with pornography addiction, excommunication, and the painful loss of identity that followed. Until, at his lowest moment of feeling cast off, broken, and unworthy, Christ met him with unmistakable love and began a powerful work of restoration.

Through therapy, humility, and complete surrender to the Lord, Clint began a long and winding healing journey—one that included addiction recovery, rebaptism, temple restoration, remarriage, and learning to trust God’s timing more than his own. Along the way, he discovered that grace is not earned, healing is not linear, and the covenant path is rarely a straight line.

This episode is a raw and hope-filled testimony of the Atonement, the patience of God, and the truth that no one is ever beyond Christ’s reach. If you’ve ever felt disqualified, ashamed, or afraid that you’re too far gone to be healed, Clint’s story is for you.

*** Please SHARE Clint's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/dNAO7Ul5G00

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To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

What opportunities are possible like when faith, creativity, and technology collide later in life?

In this week’s episode of Latter-day Lights, Scott and Emily sit down once again with former Bering Sea Captain and guest, Jake Jacobsen, to explore a life-changing chapter of his journey—using AI and modern technology to bring decades-old lyrics, spiritual reflections, and life stories to life through music and video.

After spending nearly three decades navigating some of the most dangerous waters on Earth, Jake shares how long hours alone in the sea became a sacred space for songwriting, prayer, and reflection. Now, years later, those words are finding new expression through AI-assisted music, allowing him to share his testimony of Jesus Christ, the Atonement, and the covenant path with audiences around the world.

Jake opens up about the creative process behind his songs, the spiritual intentions guiding his use of artificial intelligence, why he sees this work as part of his personal mission, and his desire to preserve faith-filled stories for future generations.

This thoughtful conversation dives into big questions about creative authenticity, inspiration, and discernment in an age of rapidly advancing technology—and how tools like AI can be used intentionally to spread light, hope, and faith in Christ.

*** Please SHARE Jake's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/j-BIAdsuMBA

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To WATCH Jake’s music and talks for LDS Leaders, “The Wheelhouse of Hope,” visit: https://www.youtube.com/@WheelhouseofHope

To WATCH Jake’s music and stories for Christian audiences, “Jake’s Wheelhouse,” visit: https://www.youtube.com/@CaptainJakesSongsandStories

To LISTEN to Jake’s song, “The Master’s Music,” visit: https://youtu.be/wnmtbM1vtP8?si=_7yKwCuwrGDLfL_4

To WATCH Jake’s first Latter-Day Lights episode, visit: https://youtu.be/k5MMS8tEB_A

To READ Jake’s book, “Chronicles of Being a Sea Captain,” visit: https://a.co/hYb6gZ5

To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

How do we build spiritual resilience and encourage the youth of today to do the same?

To celebrate the anticipated release of her latest book, “Covenant Power,” Scott and Emily sit down with author, seminary teacher, and temple ordinance worker Sharla Goettl to explore what spiritual resilience really means, and how it’s formed over time.

Drawing from her first book, “Spiritual Resilience,” and leading into three years of wrestling with promptings and reluctance, Sharla shares how patterns found in the life of Nephi reveal a practical, repeatable way to strengthen faith through action, covenant keeping, and personal revelation. Through powerful stories, the conversation also dives into the role of temple covenants in creating an environment where spiritual resilience can grow, how obedience and sacrifice unlock divine power, and why God’s “straight and narrow path” is often personalized rather than linear.

With thoughtful insights on parenting, youth, agency, and learning to act in faith before understanding the full picture, this episode offers a hopeful, grounding perspective for anyone seeking steadiness in a noisy, uncertain world.

*** Please SHARE Sharla's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/EKYF0dznlRg

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To READ Sharla's book, "Spiritual Resilience: Leading our Youth to Go and Do," visit: https://sharlagoettl.com/book-spiritual-resilience-leading-our-youth-to-go-and-do/

To READ Sharla's 2nd book, "Covenant Power: Transform Fear into Faith through the Power of Jesus Christ," visit: https://a.co/d/5vO8Pkh

To LEARN MORE about Sharla's stories, visit: https://sharlagoettl.com/

To LISTEN to Emily's song recommendation, "Leave it There" by Charles Albert Tindley, visit: https://hymnary.org/text/if_the_world_from_you_withhold_of_its_si

To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.