{"podcast":{"title":"Building Zion Podcast","slug":"building-zion-podcast-7629313","podcast_index_feed_id":7629313,"rss_url":"https://feed.podbean.com/smashly85/feed.xml","website_url":"https://smashly85.podbean.com","image_url":"https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/21804610/building_Zion_imresizerb4srv.jpg","author":"smashly85","episode_count":40,"summary":"Building Zion is the podcast for faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who believe the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is near—but also understand that Zion won’t simply appear after Christ returns. It must be built before He comes again. Each episode explores practical, spiritual, and deeply personal ways to build Zion within your own heart—because Zion will rise one covenant keeper at a time. As you transform your inner world, that light naturally expands to your family, your ward, and eventually your community. Through scripture-based insights, stories, actionable tools, and uplifting conversations, Building Zion helps you: • Strengthen your discipleship and deepen your conversion • Cultivate Christlike attributes needed for a Zion people • Create greater unity and love within your home • Influence your community for good as a disciple of Christ • Prepare spiritually and emotionally for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ If you’ve ever wondered how to actually build Zion now—and what your personal role is in preparing the world for the Savior’s return—this podcast will guide you step-by-step. Join the movement. Grow your heart. Strengthen your family.…","last_synced_at":"2026-09-19T08:18:57.678161+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/building-zion-podcast-7629313"},"episode":{"title":"Opening Our Spiritual Eyes and Hearing God in the Ordinary","slug":"opening-our-spiritual-eyes-and-hearing-god-in-the-ordinary","published_at":"2026-07-17T02:07:26+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/building-zion-podcast-7629313/opening-our-spiritual-eyes-and-hearing-god-in-the-ordinary","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/building-zion-podcast-7629313","url":"https://smashly85.podbean.com/e/opening-our-spiritual-eyes-and-hearing-god-in-the-ordinary/","audio_url":"https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/619twilelzjg60ii/episode_audio_B5BF604F-29C9-4353-A58C-8695889F656E_u7z7c3.mp3","summary":"In this vulnerable and faith-filled episode, I share the sacred personal stories of how God used birds — and other ordinary things — to speak to me during pivotal moments in my spiritual journey. From my very first “bird tap” on my birthday to a full flock answering my doubts and a winter bird confirming our land purchase, these experiences taught me how to truly see with spiritual eyes and hear the Lord’s personal guidance. Whether you’re just beginning to recognize God’s hand in your life or you’ve been walking with Him for years, this episode will encourage you to open your spiritual senses and trust that He speaks to you in ways tailored to your heart. Key Topics • The beginning of spiritual awakening and seeing with spiritual eyes • How God speaks through everyday objects, animals, songs, and moments • My personal “bird stories” and the powerful confirmations they brought • Moving forward in faith even when fear and doubt are present • Building a Zion-centered life through obedience and personal revelation • A gentle warning about putting God in a box vs. staying open to His will. Timestamps • 00:00 – Welcome & recap of last week’s episode • 02:45 – Why I rarely share these sacred experiences • 06:10 – The Birthday Tap: My first powerful bird story (B.I.R.D.) • 12:30 – The Quilt & Second Confirmation • 19:45 – The Flock That Answered My Deepts Doubts • 25:10 – The Winter Bird and the Land • 31:50 – Learning to See and Hear Spiritually • 38:20 – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland quote & closing testimony • 44:15 – Final encouragement & prayerful invitation Key Takeaways • God knows you personally and delights in speaking to you in intimate, unmistakable ways. • Ordinary things (birds, quilts, songs, conversations) can become sacred channels of revelation. •…","meta_description":"In this vulnerable and faith-filled episode, I share the sacred personal stories of how God used birds — and other ordinary things — to speak to me during…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":1169,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/building-zion-podcast-7629313/episodes/opening-our-spiritual-eyes-and-hearing-god-in-the-ordinary/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/building-zion-podcast-7629313/opening-our-spiritual-eyes-and-hearing-god-in-the-ordinary.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}