Podcast Summary: "WHAT REALLY LASTS"

Podcast: Don't Miss This Study
Hosts: Emily Freeman & David Butler (with Grace Freeman and guest hosts)
Date: September 29, 2025

Overview

In this episode, titled "WHAT REALLY LASTS," the hosts delve into Doctrine and Covenants sections 111–114, exploring lessons learned by early church leaders about priorities, treasure, personal challenges, and faith. Set on location at the Far West Temple site, Emily and Dave guide listeners through stories of seeking worldly treasure, enduring financial and faith crises, and the transformative power of focusing on people, faith, and God’s will as what truly endures.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. True Treasure: Lessons from Salem, Massachusetts

[05:11–12:41]

• The episode begins with Joseph Smith’s journey to Salem, prompted by rumors of literal treasure intended to solve serious financial burdens.
• God's message (Section 111): While Joseph sought money, God redirected him to see that His real treasure is people, relationships, and experiences.
• Quote:

  "Our most treasured experiences from this earth are the way we love and take care of people. They always will be."
  — [01:22] Unidentified Female Host

• Emphasis is placed on actively recognizing and treating people as treasures in our lives, pausing to love and care more intentionally.
• Emily explains:

  "...it’s almost as if He’s saying, ‘I see the problem. I acknowledge the problem. I’m gonna take care of the problem. Your job is the people, and that’s the treasure I want you to be invested in right now.'"
  — [08:03]

• God doesn’t chastise Joseph for what’s called a “folly,” instead guiding him to meet people and influence the city—a lesson that our perceived mistakes can become learning and growth opportunities.

2. Priorities and Patience in God's Timing

[12:05–12:41]

• God tells Joseph that He’ll “order all things for your good as fast as you are able to receive them” ([11:14]).
• Emily’s reflection:

  "Sometimes we get so focused on the thing that we need resolved that we don’t see Him—the work He’s doing in all of the other things at that time."
  — [11:14]

• The slow resolution of the Kirtland Temple’s debt leads to significant “sifting” among church members, teaching patience and trust in divine timing.

3. Kirtland Crisis: Faith, Apostasy, and Mission

[13:39–16:27]

• After returning from Salem, the church faces a financial panic; the Kirtland Anti-Bank fails, leading to a “crisis of faith and finances.”
• Many leaders question Joseph’s authority, prompting a schism. Yet, amid turmoil, Joseph calls Heber C. Kimball to open missionary work in England—a mission that saves the church demographically and spiritually.

4. The Story of Thomas B. Marsh: Small Offenses, Big Wounds

[16:27–30:02]

• Thomas B. Marsh, President of the Twelve, receives specific counsel from God (Section 112): be of good cheer, stay in place, be humble, and remain loyal.
• Marsh’s downfall begins over a trivial dispute ("milk strippings" or cheese profits), escalating through legal appeals up to the First Presidency, ultimately resulting in excommunication.
• Emily summarizes Marsh’s self-reflection ([26:23]):
  • Lost the Spirit of the Lord.
  • Became jealous and focused on what was wrong.
  • Let anger and negativity dominate, wishing others to feel the same.
• Quote:

  "I got mad, and I wanted everyone else to be mad."
  — [28:56] Emily Freeman quoting Marsh

Lessons from Marsh’s Return

• After 18 years, Marsh seeks reentry to the faith, publicly confessing his faults to the Saints in Utah.

• Quote:

  "He loved me too much to let me go without a whipping."
  — [24:25] Emily Freeman quoting Marsh

• The congregation unanimously welcomes him back, highlighting the community’s capacity for forgiveness.

• "Sell the Cow:" The advice is given to let go of small things that escalate into division or separation from faith:

  "If there’s something in your life that is causing you to lose the spirit, ... just sell the cow."
  — [30:02] Emily Freeman

5. Captain Fear Not – David Patton: Faith and Martyrdom

[32:12–34:57]

• David Patton, aka “Captain Fear Not,” stands out for his steadfastness during apostasy and ultimately becomes a martyr after leading a rescue at Crooked River.
• Final words to his wife:

  "Whatever else you do, oh, do not deny the faith."
  — [33:55] Emily Freeman quoting Patton

6. The Sifting of Leaders and the Lord’s Endurance

[34:56–40:03]

• During the period at Far West, around 10% of church members and 33% of leaders leave; yet, God “plants” new, dedicated leaders in their place.
• Notably, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and others are sustained and their faithfulness is prophesied, even against determined opposition.
• Story highlight: Despite the extermination order, the apostles return in secret to the Far West site to fulfill prophecy, ordain new leaders, and sing a hymn, demonstrating the power and daring born of faith.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On What Lasts:

• "What matters? What do you want to take with you if you could?"
  — [02:38] Unidentified Female Host

On Forgiveness:

• "Would we be that quick to forgive and to welcome someone and to welcome back in?... everyone who wanted to come back was welcomed back, every single one."
  — [31:18] Emily Freeman

On Apostasy:

• "When the devil began to lead me, it was easy for the carnal mind to rise up, which is anger, jealousy and wrath... I got mad and I wanted everyone else to be mad."
  — [28:56] Emily Freeman (quoting Marsh)

On Choosing the Right Treasure:

• "It’s the right treasure and the right perspective. It’s the right priorities, right? That’s what you start seeing all the way through..."
  — [40:03] Emily Freeman

Timestamps: Important Segments

• [01:22] — Treasuring People: Weekly theme and challenge.
• [05:11–12:41] — The real “Salem treasure” and God’s priorities.
• [13:39–16:27] — Kirtland Bank failure; faith and financial crisis.
• [16:27–30:02] — The “milk strippings” story and the fall of Thomas B. Marsh.
• [26:23–29:56] — Marsh’s reasons for apostasy and lessons learned.
• [31:18–32:12] — Forgiveness and Marsh’s return to the Church.
• [32:12–34:57] — Captain Fear Not: Martyrdom and courage.
• [34:56–37:26] — Sifting, new leadership, and Wilford Woodruff’s faith.
• [37:26–40:03] — Fulfillment of prophecy at Far West; daring midnight ordination; the power of faithfulness.
• [40:03] — Conclusion: Perspective, priorities, and enduring treasures.

Final Takeaways

• What really lasts in this mortal experience is not material wealth or worldly security, but the ways we love and care for others, our faith in Christ, humility, and forgiveness.
• Even in times of spiritual or financial crisis, God’s focus remains on developing people and relationships.
• Small grievances (“the cow”) can escalate and consume spiritual focus—let them go before they disrupt faith and unity.
• Welcoming back the lost or repentant with kindness and unanimity reflects the heart of the gospel.
• Real courage and endurance come from focusing on the Lord and what He treasures most—His people.