Thinking Celestial - A ”Follow The Prophet” Series Podcast · SLCC Institute of Religion

Ep 160 S6 Emma Fisher "Smiling Faces and Grateful Hearts" Carlos A. Godoy

November 10, 2025·29 min·2 clips

Emma reveals how a Christmas song made her non-religious friend want to become religious.

Dr. Kirk Burbidge, an institute teacher, hosts student Emma Fisher to review the General Conference talk "Smiling Faces and Grateful Hearts" by Elder Carlos A. Godoy. Emma is a former member of the One Voice Children's Choir preparing to serve a mission in Australia. They discuss Elder Godoy's reflections on his continued church service and his travels to Africa. The talk highlights members in Zambia walking 45 minutes to an hour each way to church with "smiling faces and grateful hearts." Elder Godoy shares a driver's explanation that some people shop for food at night because they work all day to eat that same evening. He recounts a tragic car accident in Lesotho where a 14-year-old survivor urged others to "trust in Jesus" for healing. The talk cites President James E. Faust's quote that the Church often "makes ordinary people great" and President Russell M. Nelson's teaching that joy depends on life's focus, not circumstances. Emma relates the message to her own life stresses, like preparing for her mission, and emphasizes choosing to focus on Christ. Dr. Burbidge shares a family story about comparing phone use to a Nerf gun to discuss focus and distraction. Emma describes how singing the Christmas song "When Love Was Born" with her diverse choir consistently evoked spiritual feelings. Elder Godoy notes a patriarch in Africa gives eight to ten patriarchal blessings weekly, showing members' strong desire for divine guidance. The episode's tone is conversational and reflective, blending personal anecdotes with doctrinal discussion. Listeners interested in everyday gospel application and uplifting stories of global faith would enjoy this episode. Those seeking deep scriptural analysis or theological debate might find it too introductory.

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