When Elder Kyle S. McKay of the Seventy invited us to "strive to be as sharp as you can," the phrase lodged in my heart.

In this episode, I talk about what that means for me in my spiritual life, in my family, and in my work. I share how I'm trying to:

• Lean into personal revelation

• Stay consistent in my scripture study

• Embrace sacrifice as a tool for sharpening

Being spiritually sharp isn't about being perfect. It's about becoming the kind of instrument the Lord can use.

Time Stamps:

• Helaman 10:4–5 – Nephi's unwary declaration and blessing

• Doctrine & Covenants 11:21 – Seeking to obtain God's word before declaring it

• 2 Nephi 32:3 – Feasting upon the words of Christ

• Elder Kyle S. McKay: "Strive to be as sharp as you can. The sharper the instrument, the more efficient the work."

• President Russell M. Nelson: "In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

• Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "Becoming more like the Savior is not about doing more, it's about doing what matters most."

• Elder David A. Bednar: "Our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son love us, are aware of us, and will bless us as we strive to become more spiritually refined."

I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of the five lessons discussed in this episode! Share your reflections on the Instagram post or message me directly.

And if you haven't already, I invite you to subscribe for future episodes and to share this episode with your friends and family who might benefit from its message.

• Website: sunshineinthemiddle.com

• Instagram: @sunshineinthemiddle

Disclaimer
This podcast episode is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or BYU.

Thank you for tuning in!

Have you ever loved Jesus…but struggled with church? I have, too. After moving into a new ward and feeling out of place, I went straight to the Lord with my questions. What came back was clarity, comfort, and a few simple truths that changed everything for me.

In this episode, we talk about what shifted my heart, how I found joy again on the Sabbath, and why gathering, even imperfectly, still matters. I hope my story helps you feel less alone and a little more encouraged in your own journey.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome to Sunshine in the Middle

00:36 A Family's Journey to a New Home

02:21 Struggles and Reflections on Church Attendance

04:05 The Importance of Worship and Community

07:41 Scriptural Foundations for Church Attendance

19:41 The Power of the Sacrament

23:31 Serving and Supporting Each Other

28:05 The Joy of Worshiping Together

33:27 Final Thoughts and Testimony

34:01 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

• Website: sunshineinthemiddle.com

• Instagram: @sunshineinthemiddle

Disclaimer
This podcast episode is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or BYU.

If this episode brings a little more sunshine into your week, please share it with a friend. Subscribing, rating, and reviewing helps this message reach more people who may need it. For more faith-filled inspiration, visit sunshineinthemiddle.com.

Thanks for listening.

In this episode of Sunshine in the Middle, I share some reflections on Camille Johnson's talk Spiritually Whole in Him. I've been pondering how I can be spiritually whole, even when I am not physically or emotionally whole.

I talk about the power of choosing faith, how integrity connects with wholeness, and why covenant confidence matters so much as we prepare for the Savior's return. I also share stories of women who have strengthened my testimony of what it looks like to remain spiritually whole in the middle of hard challenges.

My hope is that this conversation helps you find strength, hope, and joy in Christ as you walk your own path of discipleship.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to "Sunshine in the Middle" and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring uplifting and meaningful content. Join our community and share your thoughts on today's topic—how do you strive to continually become like Jesus Christ?

• Website: sunshineinthemiddle.com

• Instagram: @sunshineinthemiddle

This podcast episode is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Thank you for tuning in!

Have you ever felt like life suddenly hit pause and left you wondering what's next? In this episode of Sunshine in the Middle, I share a story from Paris where a random stoplight reminded me that sometimes God's delays are really His protection.

I open up about some of the hardest seasons of my life—divorce, infertility, loss, NICU challenges, and the unexpected trials of 2020—and how learning to trust God's timing has helped me find peace and joy, even when heaven felt silent.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How God uses "red lights" to protect and prepare us

• Why joy and trust go hand in hand

• Scriptures and quotes from prophets and apostles that anchor me in faith

• How trusting Him, even when I don't understand, has made my life richer

If you've ever felt stuck at a stoplight in life, I hope this conversation encourages you to lean into trust and see how God is working in your favor—even in the waiting.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to "Sunshine in the Middle" and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring uplifting and meaningful content. Join our community and share your thoughts on today's topic—how do you strive to continually become like Jesus Christ?

• Website: sunshineinthemiddle.com

• Instagram: @sunshineinthemiddle

This podcast episode is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thank you for tuning in! I hope this episode brings you closer to finding the peace and relief that Jesus Christ offers.

Have you ever felt like heaven was quiet? I have too.

In this episode of Sunshine in the Middle, I open up about what it means to make room for personal revelation—especially in a world that constantly pulls at our time and attention. From a playroom full of toys to a kitchen chair where I work and study, I've learned that any space can become holy when we dedicate it to connecting with God.

I talk about how the Spirit led me to study spiritual gifts for an entire year, how laundry time became sacred for a friend, and how acting on even the smallest promptings can change everything. I also share quotes from President Nelson and other leaders that inspire me to stay faithful, especially when answers don't come right away.

If you've ever felt stretched thin or unsure how to receive divine direction, I hope this episode helps you pause, reflect, and ask:
Where can I find God in my life right now?

Time Stamps:

01:45 – Why Revelation Matters Now More Than Ever

03:55 – Sheri Dew's Revelation Room

06:20 – Space and Time Over Perfection

08:35 – My 2019 Word of the Year: Spiritual Gifts

12:35 – Sticky Notes in the Playroom

15:48 – Sacred Spaces in Everyday Rooms

18:42 – How to Claim Space for Revelation

21:10 – Revelation Over Laundry

23:15 – Why I Started Recording Revelation

26:18 – Remembering What God Has Done

28:40 – Busyness Blocks Revelation

30:25 – Making Time, Even Without Immediate Answers

32:10 – Letting Go to Hear Him Better

34:50 – The Effort Revelation Requires

37:40 – Mopping Floors and Small Promptings

39:30 – Building Trust with God Through Action

41:05 – Living in Daily Revelation

42:50 – My Testimony on Revelation

44:10 – Final Challenge & Reflection

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to "Sunshine in the Middle" and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring uplifting and meaningful content.

CONNECT WITH US

• Website: sunshineinthemiddle.com

• Instagram: @sunshineinthemiddle

Disclaimer
This podcast episode is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or BYU.

Thank you for tuning in!

In today's episode of Sunshine in the Middle, I share a deeply personal story that taught me a powerful lesson about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

When I was serving as a Young Women's president, we planned a camp hike that turned into a sacred, unforgettable experience centered on Christ's ability to carry our burdens. I'll walk you through how a simple idea with rocks turned into a powerful, spirit-filled lesson—and how it ultimately changed me.

Along the way, I'll share scriptures that have anchored me, moments when I pleaded for help, and the tender mercies I received that reminded me He truly carries us.

This isn't just a story, it's my testimony—one I hope will help you see the Savior in your life, too.

Thanks for listening! I'm truly honored.

Mentioned Scriptures:

Mosiah 24:14-15

Matthew 11:30

Alma 7:11-13

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Sunshine in the Middle

00:36 A Memorable Camp Experience

01:56 The Rock Lesson and Personal Sacrifice

03:48 Spiritual Insights and Scriptural References

05:55 The Burden of Rocks and the Atonement

09:38 Reflections on Faith and Happiness

12:48 Navigating Modern Challenges with Faith

14:03 Final Thoughts and Invitation

Again, thank you! I hope today's episode helped you feel closer to the peace and comfort that only Jesus Christ can provide. For more inspiration and faith-filled encouragement, visit sunshineinthemiddle.com and follow along on Instagram @sunshineinthemiddle. If this episode lifted your spirit, please consider subscribing and sharing with a friend and I'll never turn away a review — it's the best way to help others find a little more sunshine in their lives too!

Disclaimer
This podcast episode is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Sunshine in the Middle, I'm diving deep into something I've been quietly doing behind the scenes for the last 18 months—studying the words of President Dallin H. Oaks, one talk at a time. If you've ever felt like his tone is more stern than tender, you're not alone. I've been there too. But what I found as I listened, studied, and prayed was something unexpected—love, depth, and unwavering commitment to the words of the Savior.

Key Points and Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Sunshine in the Middle

00:28 Discovering President Dallin H. Oaks

02:19 Lessons from President Oaks' Talks - Success Principles Woven Through Gospel Truths

06:38 Why Every Testimony Matters - Especially Yours

10:09 Personal Revelation and the Holy Ghost

11:31 Be of Good Cheer

12:30 Powerful Ideas and Success Principles

15:54 The Power of the Sacrament and Sabbath Observance

18:35 Opposition in All Things - From Joseph Smith to Your Own Life

22:33 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

And yes, we'll talk about spiritual gifts, personal revelation, and why being of good cheer is more than a nice idea—it's a commandment. Whether you are doing your own study of the apostles or just looking for a spiritual reset, I hope this episode helps you feel closer to the Savior and the leaders who testify of Him.

If it lifts you, share it. Sunshine is best when it spreads.

Resources and Mentioned Scriptures:

D&C 1:38

D&C 46

John 15:26

2 Nephi 31

3 Nephi 28:11

Dallin H. Oaks: Testimony

Dallin H. Oaks: Two Lines of Communication

Dallin H. Oaks: Be of Good Cheer

Dallin H. Oaks: Powerful Ideas

Dallin H. Oaks: Opposition in All Things

Thank you for tuning in! We hope this episode brings you closer to finding the peace and relief that Jesus Christ offers. I invite you to visit sunshineinthemiddle.com and follow me on Instagram at @sunshineinthemiddle for more inspiring faith-filled content. If you liked this episode, don't forget to subscribe and leave a five star review!

Disclaimer
This podcast episode is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Have you ever felt like your imperfections disqualify you from making a difference? Like no matter how hard you try, you're just not "good enough" to do what God has called you to do? Trust me, you're not alone.

Let's be real—none of us are perfect. We all need a Savior, and that's the beauty of it. Together, we'll talk about repentance, humility, and growth, and how we can embrace our flaws while still showing up and serving in our homes, communities, and church callings.

If you've ever wondered whether you're still chosen and called to do good work—even in your imperfections—this conversation is for you. I hope you'll tune in!

Talks Mentioned:

Five Messages That All of God's Children Need to Hear by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Time Stamps

00:00 Welcome to Sunshine in the Middle

00:37 Personal Journey and the Doctrine and Covenants

01:33 Understanding Joseph Smith's Trials

03:12 Lessons from Doctrine and Covenants 3

04:22 The Tender Voice of the Lord

05:04 Called to the Work Despite Imperfections

08:38 The Importance of Hearkening

10:06 Perfection in Christ

14:04 Final Reflections and Encouragement

14:58 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to "Sunshine in the Middle" and leave a review. Your feedback helps us continue to bring uplifting and meaningful content.

• Website: sunshineinthemiddle.com

• Instagram: @sunshineinthemiddle

Disclaimer
This podcast episode is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Thank you for tuning in! I hope this episode brings you closer to finding the peace and relief that Jesus Christ offers.