Posted on Jun 07, 2024

Faith-Filled Improvements with Troyce Miskin

Faith-Filled Improvements with Troyce Miskin

In this week’s episode of the Why We Believe show, I sat down with my close friend and spiritual role model, Troyce Miskin. Troyce, the deputy fire chief of the Rexburg Fire Department and an educator for EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters, shares his powerful story of why he believes.

Troyce opened up about his experiences that have shaped his unwavering belief in God's presence and love. He has found his own “sacred groves” on his path of discipleship, and the experiences that have shaped him into the man he is today have never left him. Troyce's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of turning to Heavenly Father.

In this blog post, we will explore how we, too, can find our sacred spaces, recognize God's miracles in our lives, learn to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and seek inspiration to become more like Christ.


Seeking Your Sacred Grove


The Sacred Grove is located in Palmyra, New York. It is where a young Joseph Smith had a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ. While this location holds special meaning for many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and is often associated with powerful spiritual experiences. Troyce pointed out that we don't need to the one and only Sacred Grove to have similar experiences because we can make spaces of our own to invite that kind of spirit. 

Some of the most prominent spiritual experiences we have in this life happen in places like our homes or the temple or on top of mountains. It is different for everyone, and that is a part of what makes spiritual experiences so special. The fact that God knows each of us so individually that he knows what experiences we need to progress in the best way. 

As we seek to strengthen our faith, our sacred groves don't have to be limited to specific locations. God speaks to us in the moments when we are ready and when He knows we are prepared to hear His voice. By creating sacred experiences with our loved ones and opening our hearts and minds to the promptings of the Spirit, we can find our own personal sacred spaces that will fortify our testimonies.


God is a God of Miracles


It is no surprise that life is hard and complicated. One of the coolest things about miracles is that a miracle for one person will not be seen as a miracle by another. We pass through hardships, and we are told in scripture that all these things will be for our good. Sometimes, we don’t see God’s hand in the matter until the trial has passed. 

This was the case for Troyce when he and his family embarked on a road trip. Their car was having noticeable amounts of trouble as they were trying to make their way to the temple. They said a prayer that the car would not break down as they were driving and they were fine for a bit. As they followed the GPS, they were not at their location at all. Troyce was infuriated to be stuck in the little podunk town. It wasn’t till after the fact that Troyce realized that their GPS had led them to the only location that would be able to service their car as soon as it was having problems.

As we navigate life's challenges, it is crucial to trust in God's plan and have faith that He is leading us toward something great. And even if we don’t realize it until later, we should give thanks for the miracles and blessings God gives us when we can’t see the big picture yet. By recognizing the miracles in our lives, no matter how small or unexpected, we can strengthen our belief in God's love and guidance.


The More We Listen, The More We Hear


By heeding the promptings of the Holy Ghost, Troyce was able to bless the lives of others and strengthen his own faith. In church callings and as a parent, he has chosen to listen and heed these pomptings leading to more opportunities for the spirit to keep helping him. 

The more we pay attention to the whispers of the Spirit, the more God will trust us and guide us in our lives. When you ask someone for help, and they give you advice, you normally take it. So, give God the same courtesy. If you ask God for help and receive a prompting about it, no matter the outcome, what results will be something that will help you in the long run. As we act upon them, we open ourselves up to receive greater inspiration and direction.

Here are some tips for prioritizing the voice of the Holy Ghost:

  1. Create a quiet space in our lives to listen for promptings
  2. Act upon the inspiration we receive, no matter how small
  3. Express gratitude for the guidance and direction we are given
  4. Continue to seek opportunities to serve and bless others


Finding Inspiration to Become Like Christ


A big part of this life is the connections we build with others. We are capable of inspiring one another to do the best we can and continue to fulfill our potential. For Troyce, his wife, Wendy, is one of his inspirations. Despite his struggles with anxiety and feeling spiritually disconnected, Wendy's unwavering commitment to the gospel and her ability to see Troyce's potential inspired him to search for the truth as well as their love for each other.

We can find inspiration to become more like Christ through the love and example of those around us. As we observe the light and goodness in others and open up to others, we can be motivated to develop those same qualities within ourselves.

The Atonement helps us overcome our weaknesses and mistakes. By creating a relationship with the Savior and allowing His love to work within us, we can experience the enabling power of the Atonement and progress on the path toward becoming more Christlike through our interactions with others.


Fueling Your Faith


By finding our own sacred spaces, recognizing God's miracles in our lives, seeking inspiration to become more like Christ, and learning to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can strengthen our testimonies and develop an unshakable belief in our Heavenly Father.

Take a moment to reflect on your own faith journey. What steps can you take today to nurture that spark of faith? Consider setting aside time for personal prayer and scripture study, seeking out opportunities to serve others, and spending quality time with your loved ones. As you do so, you will feel the love of God and Jesus Christ encouraging you, uplifting you, and guiding you along the path of discipleship.

Thank you for joining us for this episode. I pray Troyce’s message building faith will lead you to experiences that will strengthen your testimony.

If you would like to learn more about the Why We Believe show, please visit WhyWeBelieve.com.

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Working Out Our Exaltation With Jade Koyle
Working Out Our Exaltation With Jade Koyle
  • by Julia Denner
  • Aug 09, 2024

This week on Why We Believe, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jade Koyle, a remarkable farmer and close friend from Eastern Idaho who's making significant strides in his industry. Jade shares his testament to the power of faith, hard work, and family unity through Christ. His path of faith is marked by personal trials, missionary experiences, and the miracles that come from working together as a family. His story provides valuable insights into overcoming addiction, the power of repentance, and finding strength through life's challenges. On the show, Jade opened up about how his experiences have shaped his understanding of God's love and the importance of choosing to turn towards God in all aspects of life. In this blog post, we'll explore Jade's journey and the lessons we can learn about finding faith in Christ one experience at a time. Family and Scripture Study Growing up on a farm in Idaho, Jade's faith journey began with the strong foundation laid by his parents. The Koyle family's dedication to daily scripture study, particularly focusing on the Book of Mormon, played a crucial role in shaping Jade's early beliefs. This consistent practice of coming together as a family to read and discuss the scriptures created a powerful spiritual atmosphere in their home. Jade recalls how his parents would lead the family in reading the scriptures every morning, even before early morning seminary. This commitment to spiritual education alongside their homeschooling and farm work demonstrated the priority the Koyle family placed on their faith. The impact of this daily ritual was profound, as it allowed Jade to witness firsthand the application of gospel principles in daily life. One particularly poignant memory Jade shared was of marking missionary verses in the scriptures with his family when he was 16. This experience not only prepared him for his future mission but also deepened his understanding of the scriptures and their relevance to his life. The combination of working together on the farm and studying the gospel together created a unique environment where faith and practical living were seamlessly integrated. Finding God's Love in Difficult Times At the age of 14 Jade lost his older sister in a car accident and that hard time helped him learn more about the importance of the fellowship of the people in his congregation. Valuable lessons about God's love and the importance of community support during times of grief. In the aftermath of this loss, Jade found himself wanting to isolate from others due to the pain. However, it was through the simple acts of love from family and friends that he began to feel hope. Choosing to show our love for our fellow man, especially in hard times is a part of God’s commandment to love one another. When we act on that commandment it allows God to use us for good. These experiences during a time of deep sorrow helped shape Jade's understanding of God's love. God works through the kindness and support of others to bring comfort and healing. Strengthening Faith through Service Jade's mission to West Virginia not only took him out of his comfort zone but also challenged and strengthened his beliefs in different ways. Serving in three different states within his first three months as a missionary exposed Jade to diverse perspectives and challenges to his faith. One of the most significant challenges Jade faced was encountering opposition to his beliefs, from those who questioned the Christian nature of his faith. Through this struggle Jade learned to rely more deeply on his personal testimony and the witness of the Holy Ghost. Satan wants nothing more than to keep you doubting your faith. As we choose to rely on what we know is true and the experiences we have had for ourselves, we can come to a stronger belief and understanding of our divine heritage as children of God and the witness of Christ we can receive as we ask God for truth. By focusing on the peace he felt when reading the Book of Mormon with his family, Jade could combat the negative feelings brought on by others' criticisms. This allowed him to approach his missionary work with renewed confidence and love for those he served. Jade learned to share his message of God's love regardless of how it was received, knowing that he was doing God's work. Working Together in Faith Jade's journey of faith continued as he entered marriage and began building a life with his wife, Julie. In his marriage, Jade learned about the importance of open communication and working together towards common goals and including God in your marriage. Jade learned about the value of actively choosing to address issues in marriage rather than avoiding them. He came to understand that building a strong marriage requires continuous effort, open communication, and a willingness to grow together. Seeing marriage as a partnership in faith, where both individuals work together towards shared spiritual goals, is crucial in strengthening any relationship and family life. Actions Will Always Speak Louder Than Words Jade Koyle's story offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ. From the foundations laid in childhood to the challenges of missionary work and marriage, Jade's experiences demonstrate that faith is built one experience at a time. I encourage you to take a moment to consider how you can apply these lessons in your own life. Perhaps it's starting a daily scripture study habit, reaching out to someone in need, or having an open conversation with your spouse about your shared spiritual goals. Whatever step you choose to take, remember that like Jade, you too can find faith in Christ through the everyday experiences of life. By actively choosing to seek God in all aspects of our lives, we can build a faith that withstands trials, strengthens relationships, and brings lasting peace and joy. Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blogs and episodes here.

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Developing A Strong and Simple Foundation in Christ with Priscila Teodório da Silva
Developing A Strong and Simple Foundation in Christ with Priscila Teodório da Silva
  • by Julia Denner
  • Jun 07, 2024

Developing A Strong and Simple Foundation in Christ with Priscila Teodório da Silva In the latest episode of Why We Believe, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Priscila Teodório da Silva, a talented software developer from Brazil who shares her incredible story of faith and personal growth. Born and raised in a family of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Priscila's journey is one of resilience, perseverance, and a deep love for Jesus Christ and His gospel. Priscila shared with us details of her spiritual journey, from her early years attending church and seminary to her experiences serving a mission in Chile. Her story is a testament to the power of faith and the transformative impact of Christ's Atonement in our lives. In this blog post, we talk about lessons and insights from Priscila's journey, exploring how small and simple acts of faith can help us develop a stronger relationship with our Savior and overcome life's challenges. Priscila's experiences can help us discover how we, too, can find strength and purpose through Christ. The Power of Personal Commitment Priscila's foundation in the gospel began with her parents taking her to church as a kid. As she entered her teenage years, family issues sometimes made it difficult for her to attend church with her family. Priscila took it upon herself to help get her family ready to go in the mornings and even attend church alone if need be. Her intrinsic motivation to attend church helped build and strengthen her faith. Even when faced with challenges this played a prominent role in developing her testimony. By taking responsibility for her own spiritual growth, has helped her find her center in Christ. Each spiritual journey is ultimately a personal one. While the support of family and friends is invaluable, it is our own commitment to Christ that will carry us through life's trials and help us grow closer to Him. Finding Strength in Adversity One of the most striking aspects of Priscila's story is how she found the most meaningful spiritual experiences during the most challenging times. Priscila discovered that these moments of adversity often lead to the greatest spiritual growth. Discipleship was not meant to be easy, but it is worth the struggle. As we face obstacles and challenges in our efforts to follow Christ, we have the opportunity to turn to Him for strength and guidance. We can build our spiritual muscles and in doing so, we not only overcome the immediate difficulty but also develop a deeper relationship with our Savior. There are always challenges that come with living the gospel. Being humble enough to ask God for help when we need it brings us closer to him. Letting God’s grace have a chance to work in our lives brings peace and strengthens our faith. The Transformative Power of Christ's Atonement Christ’s Atonement is God’s most important gift to His children. Because of Him, we are not lost to sin and death. We can progress in this life, and we can someday become perfected through His sacrifice. Anyone who chooses to turn to Christ and apply the Atonement in their lives can feel peace and healing that cannot be found or felt anywhere else. By learning about the Atonement and applying it in her life, Priscila found the strength to continue pursuing her goals and responsibilities, even in the face of mental health struggles such as OCD and anxiety. She sought help from trusted family members, friends, and professionals, while also relying on the healing power of Christ. A big part of the Atonement is change. And change is never “comfortable.” It shouldn’t have to be. Part of the transformative power of the Atonement comes from the opportunities we are given to make choices that help us come closer to Him. And without these numerous opportunities to make these decisions, we would only have so many chances to do that. Christ gives us every opportunity. The Impact of Small and Simple Acts of Faith Small but significant acts of faith have guided Prescila’s journey of faith. Throughout her life, she has experienced numerous moments where seemingly small decisions or actions have had a profound impact on her spiritual growth and the lives of others. You don’t need to move mountains to help someone come closer to Christ. Priscilla was able to share her testimony with friends at school, which led to some of them learning more about Christ. Her mission in Santiago, Chile helped her to develop a deeper relationship with Christ. Putting aside time to work on simple things like studying the scriptures, sincere prayer, and following the Holy Spirit made a difference in her own life. Choosing to share her testimony every Fast Sunday, even when it was difficult, and learning that her words could be exactly what someone needed to hear helped her understand how God could use her for His work. These experiences demonstrate that it is often the small, consistent choices we make that have the greatest impact on our spiritual journey. By being faithful in the little things, we open ourselves up to the blessing and guidance of the Holy Ghost, which can lead us to make a profound difference in the lives of others. Starting a Spiritual Foundation Priscila Teodório da Silva's story is a beautiful reminder of the power of faith and the transformative impact of Christ's Atonement. Through her experiences, we learn that personal commitment, perseverance in the face of adversity, reliance on Christ, and small acts of faith are all essential elements of a strong spiritual foundation. As we navigate our own spiritual journeys, consider how you can apply these lessons to your life. Let us strive to be more self-motivated in our church attendance, find strength in the challenges we face, turn to Christ's Atonement for healing and guidance, and recognize the significance of small and simple things through acts of faith. By doing so, we can develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship with our Savior and find the purpose, hope, and joy that comes from living His gospel. Take a moment today to look for God's hand in your life, and trust that He is guiding you through the small and simple things that will lead you back to Him. Key Takeaways: 1. Priscila Teodório da Silva, a software developer from Brazil, shares her inspiring story of developing faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel from a young age. 2. Despite facing challenges such as family issues and living far from church, Priscila remained committed to attending church and seminary, even if it meant going alone. 3. Priscila found that the most meaningful spiritual experiences often occurred during the most difficult times, such as when it was raining and hard to get to church. 4. Discipleship is not easy because the Atonement of Jesus Christ was not easy for him, and as members of the Church, we must uphold the truth and face our own challenges. 5. After returning from her mission, Priscila faced challenges such as the pandemic and dealing with anxiety and OCD, but she turned to God and trusted in Christ's Atonement to overcome these difficulties. 6. Small yet significant experiences, such as feeling the Holy Spirit in the temple or during baptisms, helped build Priscila's testimony over time. 7. Serving a mission in Chile helped Priscila understand that developing a deeper relationship with Christ is based on simple things like studying scriptures, sincere prayer, and following the Holy Spirit. 8. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ has positively influenced every aspect of Priscila's life, from making better choices to meeting positive influences and discovering her passion for programming and computer science. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Why We Believe! We wish you the best as you look for the small and simple ways God has been guiding your life. If you would like to learn more about this podcast or see past episodes, head to WhyWeBelieve.com to find more!

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Growing Faith Through Life's Challenges with Cheryl Conner
Growing Faith Through Life's Challenges with Cheryl Conner
  • by Julia Denner
  • Jun 28, 2024

Growing Faith Through Life's Challenges with Cheryl Conner This week on Why We Believe, I had the privilege of sitting down with Cheryl Conner, a remarkable woman whose experiences are just as inspiring as she is. Cheryl is the founder of SnappConner PR and the author of the Forbes ebook Beyond PR: Communication Like a Champ in the Digital Age. Her expertise in public relations and communications has earned her a spot among the top 20 business influencers to follow, as recognized by Clear Points. Cheryl's story is a testament to the power of faith in overcoming life's challenges and finding purpose in our experiences. From childhood miracles to navigating personal struggles, her life experiences illustrate how faith is a guiding light through both triumphs and tribulations. We'll explore insights on growing faith through repentance, scripture study, and meaningful interactions with others. Growing Faith Through Repentance Repentance is fundamental in our faith, and Cheryl's experiences highlight its transformative power. Understanding the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ gives us the gift of forgiveness. When genuine repentance occurs, the sin is truly forgiven and is not held against the individual. It allows us to move past our sins and overcome them in ways we didn’t think we could. Understanding forgiveness and repentance helps grow our faith. Actively participating in the Atonement can bring so much more peace and happiness than any of us can imagine. It is never our job to be the judge of others, and the Atonement helps anyone come closer to Christ regardless of their past. The Power of Scripture in Strengthening Faith The Bible and the Book of Mormon, demonstrate how the study of scripture can profoundly impact the growth rate of faith. For Cheryl an intensive study allows her to approach each day with new eyes. Each day brings new blessings and new challenges and she is able to face it all when she has scripture and prayer to fall back on. Regular scripture study can provide anyone with strength and perspective during difficult times. It has helped Cheryl maintain focus on her beliefs and values, even when faced with personal and professional challenges. The scriptures became a source of comfort, wisdom, and spiritual nourishment that sustained her faith. Learning Faith Through Others' Examples Interactions with others can significantly influence the growth of our faith. It all comes down to how we choose to react and what we choose to do as we talk to others about our faith and in turn, listen to them and foster communication and understanding. Cheryl's mother, a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has demonstrated unwavering faith throughout her life. Even in the face of losing her husband, Cheryl's mother maintained her faith and chose to see the positive side of things. This example of steadfast faith has been a constant source of inspiration for Cheryl, influencing her own approach to life's challenges. Putting Faith to Action Cheryl's experiences demonstrate that faith is not merely a set of beliefs, but a guide for how to approach different aspects of life. She has found numerous ways to put her faith into action, strengthening it in the process. One of the key ways Cheryl has lived her faith is through service. During particularly challenging times in her life, Cheryl found that as she focused on serving others her own worries dissipated. She discovered that by losing herself in service, she often found the peace and happiness she was seeking. Some ways to work on your faith include: Regular scripture study Serving others, especially during personal challenges Standing firm in your beliefs in all aspects of life Seeking opportunities to share your faith with others Practicing forgiveness and repentance with others and yourself Conclusion: A Call to Action Faith is not static. It grows and deepens through our life experiences, challenges, and interactions with others. Consider how we can apply these lessons to our own lives. Are there opportunities for us to deepen our understanding of forgiveness and repentance? Can we commit to more meaningful engagement with our spiritual texts? How can we learn from the faithful examples of those around us? Let's challenge ourselves to put our faith into action. Whether it's through service, standing firm in our beliefs, or seeking opportunities to share our faith with others, each action we take can strengthen our convictions and potentially impact others. Our words and actions can have far-reaching effects that we may never fully comprehend. By living our faith authentically and courageously, we not only strengthen our own beliefs but also have the potential to positively influence others, creating a ripple effect of faith and goodness in the world. Let us take inspiration from Cheryl's journey and commit to nurturing our faith, not just in times of ease, but especially in the face of challenges. For it is often through these trials that our faith grows strongest, shaping us into individuals of deep conviction and positive influence. Thank you for joining us for this week's episode of Why We Believe! For more stories like this one, you can find more here!

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Faith and Vision With Christ Along the Way
Faith and Vision With Christ Along the Way
  • by Julia Denner
  • Sep 27, 2024

This week on the show, I got to speak with Andrew Van Noy. A successful entrepreneur, cancer survivor, and devoted family man, Andrew's life shows the transformative power of faith in the face of adversity. As the founder and CEO of Deep Power, former CEO of a publicly traded company, and operator of a cancer research company called Cancer Vax, Andrew has achieved remarkable success in the business world. However, it's his spiritual journey and unwavering faith that truly set him apart. Growing up, Andrew faced significant challenges that could have potentially ended his life. Diagnosed with cancer at just 17 months old, he lost an eye to the disease – an experience that would shape his perception of the world and his relationship with God for years to come. Yet, what began as a perceived weakness ultimately became the cornerstone of his spiritual strength and a powerful tool for sharing his faith with others. In this blog post, we'll dive into the moments of spiritual awakening that defined his path, including a miraculous experience in the Sacred Grove and a life-altering health scare that redefined his purpose. Through Andrew's unique perspective on vision – both physical and spiritual – we'll gain profound insights into living a purposeful life guided by faith. Join us as we uncover valuable lessons on choosing to develop faith in the face of struggles, understanding that while we may not always comprehend the reasons behind our trials, by choosing to follow Christ, we can become more than we ever thought possible. Embracing the Unexpected When faced with life-altering challenges, it's natural to question why we must endure such difficulties. For Andrew Van Noy, losing an eye to cancer as a child could have been a source of bitterness and resentment. Instead, it became the conduit for a spiritual journey that would shape his entire life. As a child, Andrew struggled with the visible difference that set him apart from his peers. A pivotal moment came when he stumbled upon a scripture in the Bible that would forever change his perspective. The passage spoke of a man born blind, not as a punishment for sin, but so that the works of God could be displayed in his life. This revelation opened Andrew's eyes to the possibility that his own challenge wasn't a curse but a blessing in disguise – a means through which God's glory could be manifested. This shift in perspective marked the beginning of Andrew's journey to transform his perceived weakness into a source of strength and spiritual insight. Developing Spiritual Vision As Andrew grew older, he began to recognize that his unique experience had granted him a different kind of vision – one that went beyond physical sight. This spiritual vision allowed him to see people and situations from a perspective that many others missed. One of the most profound realizations came during a mission experience, where Andrew encountered a scripture about having one's eye "single to the glory of God." For someone with only one eye, this passage took on a deeply personal meaning. It reinforced the idea that his physical limitation could be a spiritual advantage, allowing him to focus more intently on what truly mattered. This newfound spiritual vision manifested in various ways throughout Andrew's life. He developed a keen sense of empathy and compassion for others, particularly those facing their own challenges. His ability to see beyond surface-level appearances and recognize the inherent worth of each individual as a child of God became a powerful tool in his personal and professional life. Faith in Times of Crisis Andrew's faith was challenged when he faced a potential health crisis that threatened the vision in his remaining eye. Andrew suddenly found himself grappling with the possibility of complete blindness. This forced Andrew to confront his deepest fears and reassess his priorities. In the face of potentially losing his sight, material success and professional achievements paled in comparison to the things that truly mattered – his faith, family, and ability to make a positive impact on the world. Through fervent prayer and unwavering faith, Andrew navigated this challenging period. The experience not only strengthened his relationship with God but also clarified his life's purpose. It led him to refocus his career on endeavors that could make a significant difference in people's lives, such as sustainable energy and cancer research. This period of crisis became a powerful testimony to the transformative power of faith in action. Trust in God as You Choose to Keep Moving Andrew Van Noy's story reminds us that our greatest challenges often hold the key to our most profound growth and purpose. By choosing to develop our faith in the face of struggles, we open ourselves to transformative experiences that can shape not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us. As you reflect on Andrew's journey, consider the challenges in your own life. How could you view them differently? What perceived weaknesses could you transform into strengths? Take a moment to identify one area of your life where you can put your faith into action. Perhaps it's a long-standing insecurity, a professional challenge, or a personal relationship that needs healing. Commit to approaching this area with renewed faith, trusting that God can work through your circumstances to manifest His glory. Your experiences with faith are unique and ongoing. Like Andrew, you have the power to choose how you respond to life's trials. By placing your faith in God's hands and remaining open to His guidance, you can transform your greatest challenges into your most powerful faith-building experiences. Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blog posts and episodes here.

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