It Is Good Podcast

Melody James and MariLyn Shively
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Self-Improvement

Each episode centers on an “It Is Good” theme and together, we recognize God’s hand in our lives, find divine purpose in ordinary moments and strive to see life through God’s lens. This podcast was created to help you grow personally and spiritually—with Christ at the center—through honest conversations, faith-based encouragement, and practical soul work. “It is Good” is a reminder that your life, your growth, and your work may not be finished or perfect, but there is progress–and in God’s eyes, it is good. We’re so glad you’re here – it’s a joy to grow and seek goodness with you.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 12: It Is Good to read the Book of Mormon.

    The conversation delves into the dangers of small compromises, the significance of the Atonement in transforming weaknesses into strengths, the long-suffering and love of the Lord, and the importance of reading the Book of Mormon for spiritual growth and understanding and the power we invite into our lives as we read it. The speakers share the importance of walking with God and keeping covenants, the value of seeking truth through questions, remembering God's works, and building a foundation of values for future generations. Takeaways Small compromises lead to great lossesWeaknesses can become strengths through the AtonementThe importance of reading the Book of MormonThe long-suffering and love of the Lord The Power of the Book of Mormon offersSeeking Truth Through Questions Chapters 00:00 The Danger of Small Compromises10:03 The Lord's Long-Suffering and Love20:04 The Importance of the Book of Mormon31:19 The Promises of the Book of Mormon38:39 Walking with God and Keeping Covenants50:30 Judges Raised Up by the Lord58:57 Seeking Truth Through Questions

    57 min

  2. May 15

    Episode 11: It Is Good to Keep the Commandments

    Join Melody and Marilyn as they explore the teachings from Deuteronomy and the Old Testament, focusing on commandments, covenants, and how to remember God's blessings in our daily lives. This episode offers insights into scripture study, faith, and living a covenant life. Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting After a Hiatus 03:22 Exploring Deuteronomy: The Journey of the Israelites 05:07 Understanding the Ten Commandments 10:06 Moses' Counsel to Remember God 15:17 The Importance of Rituals in Remembering God 20:25 Reflections on God's Goodness and Gifts 25:06 Covenant People: Striving for Holiness 29:49 God's Love and Protection for His People 32:05 Meeting Us Where We Are 35:53 The Journey to the Promised Land 40:42 Opening Our Hands Wide 46:28 God's Promises and Blessings 54:14 The Importance of Keeping Commandments Resources Come Follow Me - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manuals/come-follow-me Book of Mormon - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm Elder Renlund's Talk 'Consider the Goodness and Greatness of God' - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/general-conference/2020/04/consider-the-goodness-and-greatness-of-god guest links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/melodyandmarilyn

    59 min

  3. Feb 12

    Episode 6 - Part 2: It is Good to Walk With God

    The conversation delves into the story of Enoch, highlighting his vision, obedience, boldness, and transformation. It also explores the concept of confidence in God's ability, belief in God vs. belief in self, fear and boldness in sharing the truth, response to the call for repentance, humility and submission in seeking counsel, testimony and witness of God, the language of the Spirit, and the impact of Adam's fall. Key takeaways include Enoch's obedience and faith, as well as the discussion of the language of the Spirit. The episode dives into the doctrine of repentance and salvation, emphasizing the power of the Holy Ghost and the plan of salvation. It explores the significance of the law and commandments, the role of the Comforter, the process of baptism and quickening, and the concept of unity and oneness with God. Chapters 00:00 Enoch's Vision and Obedience07:22 Belief in God vs. Belief in Self20:32 Response to Call for Repentance26:25 Testimony and Witness of God37:22 The Impact of Adam's Fall50:38 The Comforter and Eternal Life01:02:09 Baptism and Quickening

    58 min

  4. Feb 7

    Episode 5 - Part 1: It is Good to Walk With God

    This episode delves into the themes of obedience and dedication to God, as well as the importance of sacrifice and reliance on God. Melody and MariLyn talk about Enoch, and the lineage of Adam. The conversation delves into the importance of records and books of remembrance as inspired revelation from God. It also explores the responsibility of teaching children through scripture and genealogy, emphasizing the role of parents in this process. It also toucheson the process of repentance as a journey of learning, loving, and coming to know God and Jesus Christ. It also explores the invitation to walk with God and the promise of His presence and power in our lives. Chapters 00:00 The Lineage of Adam and Seth18:01 The Importance of Records and Books of Remembrance34:42 The Process of Repentance45:14 The Invitation to Walk with God

    49 min

  5. Jan 23

    It Is Good to Be Grateful

    In this conversation, MariLyn and Melody explore the theme of gratitude, discussing its importance in daily life, its spiritual significance, and its physiological benefits. They delve into biblical stories, such as Cain and Abel and the sacrifices of Abraham, to illustrate the concept of gratitude as a commandment and a way of living. The discussion emphasizes the role of gratitude in recognizing God's hand in our lives, finding joy in adversity, and the transformative power it has on our emotional and spiritual well-being. They encourage listeners to practice gratitude actively and to see it as a pathway to miracles and deeper faith. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Gratitude06:16 The Physiological Impact of Gratitude13:43 Gratitude in Hard Times25:21 The Promise of Gratitude32:06 Manifestation of God's Hand38:22 Gratitude in Sacrifice45:59 Gratitude in the Sacrament53:12 Gratitude and Miracles59:53 Gratitude in Hard Times

    1h 2m

  6. Jan 16

    It Is Good to Follow the Pattern of God's Creation in Our Lives

    summary: In this episode of the podcast "It Is Good," hosts MariLyn and Melody delve into the inspiration behind their podcast and the significance of recognizing God's hand in our lives. They share their journey of starting the podcast, emphasizing the importance of finding goodness in everyday moments and the divine purpose behind their discussions. The conversation transitions into a deep exploration of the creation narrative from the book of Moses, highlighting the themes of light, order, and the personal relationship between God and humanity. They discuss how God's creation reflects His love and intention for us, encouraging listeners to see the good in their lives and to recognize the blessings that come from obedience and faith. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Listener Feedback 01:56The Inspiration Behind the Podcast 05:50Exploring the Creation Story 08:49God's Personal Nature in Creation 11:27The Importance of Light and Darkness 15:29The Power of God's Word 19:53Reflecting on Creation and Our Lives 25:38The Structure and Purpose of Creation 30:29Spiritual Preparation for Our Days 35:40Recognizing Opposition in Our Goodness 41:48Turning to God for Purpose and Identity 42:36The Creation of Light and Its Significance 45:06Finding Light in Darkness 46:48The Importance of Signs in the Sky 48:54Understanding Our Divine Identity 53:08The Creation of Living Beings and Their Purpose 56:39The Responsibility of Blessings 01:00:56The Creation of Man in God's Image 01:06:02The Blessing of Dominion and Agency 01:10:37The Significance of the Seventh Day

    1h 26m

  7. Jan 10

    It Is Good to Know Our Purpose In God's Plan

    Summary In this episode, hosts Melody and MariLyn explore the themes of identity, divine purpose, and the nature of God as illustrated in Moses Chapter One. They discuss the importance of recognizing one's relationship with God, the challenges posed by opposition and the adversary, and the power of seeking divine guidance. The conversation emphasizes the significance of personal revelation and the role of individual purpose in fulfilling God's plan. Takeaways Heavenly Father has a plan for us. It's good to seek Him in higher places. Recognizing our relationship with Him as sons and daughters of God is essential. He has all power to help us in our lives. We can bind Satan in our lives through faith. It's important to seek answers about our purpose. God will provide a way for us to accomplish our assignments. Moses' story illustrates the importance of identity and purpose. Opposition is a part of our journey to grow closer to God. Personal revelation is key to understanding our divine purpose. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Moses Chapter One 06:08 God's Nature and Our Identity 09:58 The Importance of Our Purpose 11:44 Recognizing Our Nothingness 16:43 The Role of Opposition 19:14 Moses Confronts the Adversary 25:12 Firmness in Identity and Purpose 30:37 The Power of Calling Upon God 35:43 Understanding Our Individual Purpose 40:03 Patterns of Adversity and Divine Guidance

    48 min

  8. Jan 2

    It Is Good to Embrace the Journey of Goal Setting

    It's good to set goals and involve God in the process. Faith precedes miracles in our goal setting. Course correction is a natural part of the journey. We can learn from the creation process in setting our goals. Being present and grateful is essential in our daily lives. Opposition helps us appreciate our achievements. Agency allows us to choose our paths and responsibilities. Consistency is key to achieving our goals. Involving God in our plans can lead to unexpected blessings. Learning from children can teach us resilience and perseverance. Summary In this conversation, MariLyn and Melody explore the themes of goal setting, faith, and the importance of involving God in our plans. They discuss the creation process as a model for setting and achieving goals, emphasizing the significance of being present, grateful, and resilient in the face of opposition. The discussion highlights the role of Jesus Christ in our lives and the necessity of course correction and consistency in our journeys. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to embrace the process of becoming and to recognize the goodness of God in their lives. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Journey 02:24 New Year Reflections and Goal Setting 04:05 The Creation and Goal Setting Connection 07:10 Being Present in the Process 10:13 Involving God in Goal Setting 13:02 The Importance of Purpose in Goals 16:06 Course Correction and Planned Responses 18:49 The Role of Opposition in Growth 25:34 The Power of Agency and Responsibility 31:26 Faith Precedes Miracles 38:56 Learning from Children: The Journey of Growth 41:26 Embracing the Process of Goal Setting Mentions in this Episode: ⁠Ed Mylett⁠ ⁠Nobody by Casting Crowns⁠ ⁠Amber D Pearce⁠ ⁠Moses Chapters 2-4⁠ ⁠2nd Nephi 2:11-14⁠

    48 min
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Each episode centers on an “It Is Good” theme and together, we recognize God’s hand in our lives, find divine purpose in ordinary moments and strive to see life through God’s lens. This podcast was created to help you grow personally and spiritually—with Christ at the center—through honest conversations, faith-based encouragement, and practical soul work. “It is Good” is a reminder that your life, your growth, and your work may not be finished or perfect, but there is progress–and in God’s eyes, it is good. We’re so glad you’re here – it’s a joy to grow and seek goodness with you.

Information

  • Creator
    Melody James and MariLyn Shively
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Melody James and MariLyn Shively
  • Show Website
    It Is Good Podcast