Come Towards Delight

24. Taylor Napierski ON: Napierski's face multiple Traumatic Trials in 2020. Taylor shares his families Journey as they Navigate some life shattering trials that would test anyone.

Taylor takes us on the Journey he and his family have been on, experiencing major trial after trial, through the complete year of 2020.  It all started in 2019 when their beloved dog Wilson was hit by a car in front of his oldest son, Bentley. Fortunately the big teddy bear Wilson survived, he is now thriving on 3 legs, but this was the start of a very long, difficult, and soul wrenching journey that the Napierski family had to endure in 2020 which included the Death of Taylor's Mother to Brain Cancer in a few short months.

 

 

Moving into their custom dream home, and only 31 days after moving in it started on fire with 2 of their children inside. PTSD and Trauma from the fire that left them exhausted from sleepless nights for months after the fire. Mental Health concerns as a result of PTSD. Moving from their dream home, to be near Taylor's mother, unexpectedly she died during a hospital visit one day before they were scheduled to move up to Utah to be near her. Corona virus shaking up Taylor's company and concern over losing his job right in the middle of buying their new home. Last but not least, on the day after Christmas their son Bentley had a tragic accident riding his new bike, which left him hospitalized and on the verge of death due to a laceration to his liver.   

 

 

Through it all, the Napierski's held onto each other, and as they did their best to manage all of these incredibly hard trials Taylor found himself lying awake Desperate for help. It was then that he decided to say a prayer, which was not something he does, and immediately after reaching out to God for help... Taylor looked up to see his wife Jana, who had not slept in weeks due to PTSD from the fire, sleeping peacefully. Taylor talks about the Gifts he received during these overwhelming trials as he talks about the gift of Gratitude. He shares his gratitude for his wonderful wife and her love that kept them all holding on together, and He shares his witness of God and how he has come to recognize that he is known by God, God listens to us, and that God cares about each one of us.

 

 

Although Taylor has struggled with his faith for years, his story is laced with the threads of faith that he knew in his most desperate and darkest hour he could reach out to the one who created us and he trusted that He would show up enough that in his most desperate moment he reached out. He shares a wonderful message about considering the Alternatives to any choices that we make. The Grass is not always greener to all choices and some of those choices look pretty wonderful in the initial thought.   

 

 

Taylor, thank you for sharing your journey with us. I can't believe what your family has experienced this past year. Because of your resilience and faith to hang on and keep fighting, I am inspired to do the same with my struggles.  If you would like to reach out to Taylor or his wife Jana, please do, they are eager to help others who may be in the midst of their own battles. taylorandjana@gmail.com

 

22. Todd Sylvester ON: Podcast Host, and recovered alcoholic on a mission to help people lost in addiction Believe! Don't miss this one!

Todd Sylvester host of podcast "Beliefcast" is a dear friend of mine, hero, and genuinely one of the most caring people I know. Because of the pain he experienced, which almost lead to suicide, he is now on a mission to find people in their hopelessness and help them believe that they can change, and overcome any "giant" or addiction they are facing. This man's story will inspire you! And the Lemonade stand story.... WOW!!

 

 

Todd Sylvester shares his amazing journey from a Dark place lost in addiction to a soul on Fire now working full time to help others believe in themselves and gain the determination to believe in themselves and creating a great life. Todd currently works as an Addictive Voice Recognition Counselor at an addiction recovery treatment center for those struggling with with drug or alcohol addiction, where he provides one-on-one mentoring to both local and international clients. Described as having “a unique gift to develop trusting relationships quickly,"

 

 

Todd has guided hundreds to sobriety and other behavioral successes through the individualized support he offers to each client. His ability to “speak to a person’s soul and help them find their true motive to change” has been the key for inspiring others to make permanent lifestyle changes. Todd’s profound influence grew from his own personal experience — a journey from self-hatred and hopelessness to faith and recovery.

 

 

At a young age, Todd was exposed to drugs and alcohol and quickly became addicted. Years of rampant drug abuse lead to devastating failures and a conclusion that his young life had nowhere left to go. Change can come from the most unlikely of places. For Todd, that place was a neighborhood lemonade stand, when he made the spontaneous decision to become one little girl’s most generous customer. This simple act – and the positive reaction that came with it – provided Todd with a sense of hope that he had never felt before. Todd’s strengthening sense of purpose sparked a fervent determination to change his life and to prevent others from enduring the physical and emotional pain that had threatened his very existence. As he moved forward with newfound faith and a desire to serve others, Todd learned that the human soul – on fire – is more powerful than any addiction.

 

 

Today, Todd utilizes his firsthand fight against addiction to connect with fellow addicts on an authentic level and provide hope to thousands of teenagers, parents, and adults. His story was recently told through a popular YouTube clip titled “The Hope of God’s Light,” that received over 3 million views and has been translated into 3 languages. Todd has been married to his sweetheart for 23 years. They have four children and live a happy, busy life together. Check out Todd's Podcast found on all major podcast channels called,

 

 

Beliefcast: https://toddsylvesterinspires.com/beliefcast/

 

His personal Website can be found at address: https://toddsylvesterinspires.com/

 

Todd, God bless you in your efforts to change lives. You are a great man and a hero of mine. See you soon brother!

21. Stacey Harkey ON: This story will change your life! Coming out Gay after 30 years of ignoring himself, Trusting and putting God first through the process, Courage to be Authentic s...

From the day we are born into this world we have many idea's, theories, teachings, and traditions forced upon us. We are not to be blamed for this, as we are all products of the environment we are born into, however, as we learn and grow, we are presented with opportunities to gain new information, truth, and insights that can cause us to question some of those former mentioned ideas to determine if they are actually right or wrong. I believe in Jesus Christ, He has rescued me when I had no business to be rescued, and as His disciple I look to Him as the perfect example for how to love others. That said, people who identify as LGBTQIA+ have been people I have stayed away from, thinking that avoiding would be the best way for me to "love" them, you see it didn't quite fit into "my beliefs"... However, something miraculous happened in my heart as I prayed to God to help me love ALL others more. I started to meet some of the most amazing people I have ever known, like Richard Ostler, Stacey Harkey, and George Deussen, who immediately challenged my beliefs about loving as Jesus does, without saying a word... They showed me in action what Jesus' love truly looks like, and Stacey's story will help you understand, like I know now, that the idea of loving as Jesus does means to love in such a way that we pursue ALL people unconditionally, no matter what, and we bring them to the table.  Unconditional is key! Let Stacey's story sink into your heart and if you do not already love ALL unconditionally, challenge yourself to abandon old narratives placed in your mind by sources other than Jesus Himself, and love as He does.

 

 

Stacey Harkey, who some of you may know from his acting days on Studio C, shares his amazing story growing up a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving a Mission, attending school at the Church owned University BYU, and coming out as Gay.

 

 

The interview was particularly special due to Stacey's love and devotion to God throughout this entire experience.  He talks about being younger and realizing there were things that were "different" about him than other boys, and how he took a part of himself that is very real and tried to lock it away in order to deflect some of the shame which caused him to question who he is. 

 

 

After serving a faithful 2 year mission for his Church, he returned home to start college at BYU. Stacey talks about his experiences dating women, and although he really liked some of the women he dated, he never felt an attraction to them so it felt like he was wasting their time. He had always been attracted to Men but this was against everything he believed was right and that he was supposed to do, so he kept it hidden with everyone but God.  He talks about taking his attraction to men to God and asking him to help and change it, but that never happened, and one day instead of asking God to change him, He asked God "Tell me what to do, and I will do whatever you want". He felt immediate peace and the sense that God loved him exactly how he is, and in fact created him to be just that... Himself. Stacey felt that God was saying to him "Why do you hate the way I made you?" and realized how arrogant he was being thinking that the perfect Creator (God), who doesn't make mistakes, somehow made a mistake on him."  Trusting this answer to his prayers he finally was able to embrace his authentic self and gain the courage needed to talk to his religious leaders, friends, and family.  He now feels more peace and freedom than he has ever felt.  Stacey loves God, and I could feel his deep love for God throughout our conversation.

 

 

His journey is amazing and so needed as young people growing up in families where coming out as LGBTQ is not safe, and some are even ending their lives to suicide feeling ashamed. Stacey is an example to show that it's ok to be yourself, to want true love in your life, and have the courage to talk about who you are.  Stacey is a hero to me, and has opened my eyes up quite a bit to the idea that loving the sinner and hating the sin, is a cheap valueless way of attempting to show acceptance to someone that is different than you. I learned from Stacey, in a much deeper way, that it is my actions surrounding my words that bring value  and if I love all as God commands, then I need to love all regardless of their "sins" or differences of opinion/beliefs.  

 

 

Thank you for your courage Stacey! May God continue to bless you on your journey my friend! Keep making us laugh, always!  If you don't know Stacey's work on Studio C, I encourage you to check it out by searching on YouTube either using his name or Studio C. Studio C is family friendly clean humor that has had huge success. Keep your eye out for his upcoming projects under JK Studio's he and his friends recently started. 

Chad Rawlings ON: Leaving his LDS mission early, twice. Overcoming Shame and Guilt. Staying engaged in Faith. Helpers that show up in our lives.

Chad Rawlings is a Husband, Father, and Son of God with a lot of faith and courage. Chad definitely rolls up his sleeves and courageously share's his experience coming home early from a full time Mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints early not only once but twice.  Young Men and Women that grow up in The Church of Jesus Christ are taught from the time they can say their first words that they should serve a full time mission if at all possible.

 

For young men The Church teaches it is a commandment from God and for young women it is not a commandment but it is highly recommended if they feel prompted to go. At times there are young men and young women that choose not to go and as a result they feel ashamed of themselves, have feelings that they are not worthy, and face judgement by others that belong to the faith. This is not due to any doctrinal teaching from the Church itself, rather it stems as a result from Members of the Church being so close in association and proximity to each other. Each year some young men and women disengage from activity in the Church because of this, and they struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and self worth to the point that some want nothing to do with the Church ever again so they don't have to feel those feelings anymore. These are a few of the reasons that Chad's story and courage to share is so important. 

 

Chad grew up talking about serving, wanting to serve, and eager for the day he turned 19. When it came he explains that he felt ready and excited, but as he entered the Missionary Training Center (MTC) as a 19 year old young man, he was engulfed with anxiety and fear. Unable to eat, sleep, focus in training classes he began to doubt himself and his ability as he saw the other young men and women surrounding him happy, engaged, and able to learn a new language with what seemed at the time ease. The first time he decided to return home early he made it about 2 days, he was no longer able to work through feeling overwhelmed and like he wasn't good enough so he called home to his Mom and Dad and begged them to come pick him up. His parents were frustrated but they loved him and although they didn't know how to process Chad's decision they wanted their son to feel love and value.  One or two weeks after Chad left his mission, he still felt like he really wanted to serve God on a mission. After meeting with his religious leader, the decision was made to try again but this time in hopes that Chad could serve somewhere in the United States and not a foreign land speaking another language. Chad was called to Florida, and was again ready to go feeling passionate again about the opportunity to serve God, but as soon as he stepped into the gates of the MTC and parted with his family, all of the feelings rushed back. He stayed as patient as he could but couldn't sleep, eat, or focus in class and was once again overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy. Chad, again packed up and left the MTC. 

 

Chad shares some very insightful and helpful principles that can help us understand how to show up for people when they feel lost in failure. He talks about the ways God continued to show up for him to help him gain confidence in himself and belief that he could have a successful life full of love, faith, and service to God.

 

Chad lost no value to God because he didn't stay but he did grow in self confidence because he stayed engaged and faithful to God. Chad is a close acquaintance of mine and I have seen him show up over and over again for people who are lost and feeling worthless. Because of what he has faced in his life I have witnessed his ability to recognize people who need to feel loved and then he shows up for them.  Chad, your mission may not be the typical mission, but you have served your mission faithfully. I know that God is pleased with you and you are a hero of mine.   

Brady Bluhm ON: Leaving a Religion he grew up in and was devoted to, Confusion and Anxiety, Continuing to seek after Truth and Light, Depression, Growth, Inclusion, and H...

Brady Bluhm, also known as the "Billy" the Blind boy from the movie "Dumb and Dumber" who was duped by Lloyd (Jim Carey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels), joins me to share his life and faith Journey. Brady, grew up in a family belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints also known as Mormon's, and from a young age loved and believed in the teachings and Doctrines the church teaches. He served a full time mission for two years, a highlight of his life, and after returning home marrying his wife Abbie, and starting a family, he began to question his faith due to some of it's past history and teachings.

 

Brady, who no longer belongs to the church, shares his journey and faith struggle with us. He is very open about what he went through after personally discovering what he had believed and devoted himself to his whole life wasn't true. He talks about depression that came, how he felt lied to and betrayed, and how he questioned much more than just his faith due to the crumbling foundation of truths he once believed.

 

After going through many life changing events the past few years Brady speaks about the things he has connected with that have led him to feelings of light, peace, and goodness in his life again. He also talks about the amazing support he received from his wife Abbie.  Bitterness does not control Brady's life, and although there are still some painful feelings to overcome from all of this, he has risen above the hatred and bitterness that could hold him hostage and instead he puts his energy into seeking things that bring into his life and that of his family members, Light, Love, Peace and Security. He speaks about the blessings Yoga, the study of Yoga, and relationships he has created as a Yoga instructor have brought into his life.

 

He talks about the renewed desire and ability to learn from all people of different cultures, religions, races, backgrounds, etc... and that we can learn something from everyone even those we don't agree with.  I love Brady and his family, and as I have watched his journey over the past few years, I wanted to learn more because I wanted him to know that no matter what he believes, he and his family are loved by me and my family and they are safe with us, we support them 100% in their search for truth, even though I belong to and fully believe in the doctrines of the church he and his wife left.

 

Brady, shares so much that can help so many of us understand how to react, respond, and show up with love, when friends and/or family members walk away from something we believe in as absolute. He talks about the pain that comes when people who claimed to love him no longer accepted him due to leaving and how a very only a small number of friends and family members who belong to the church reached out to him after he left. 

 

This is the story of a man's search for light and truth. Brady, could easily and justifiably so be living a life full of bitterness and anger fighting against the church he no longer believes in, but instead devotes his time to goodness, connection, learning and growth. He loves his family and is doing all that he can to help them see and feel connection that surrounds them in this world so that they can live a life of love and light as well. 

 

Brady, you are a great man and a brother of mine always. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your journey with us.  I am grateful that Brady would share his story with us on my podcast. I invite you as you listen to Brady, to think about your life and the friends and family members in your circles that may feel unaccepted and ashamed because they believe, behave, or have made choices that are different from yours or the culture that surrounds them. If anyone comes to mind, I encourage you to reach out to them with love, respect, and a desire to learn more about their Journey. We can all do better Loving without boundaries as God Himself does. God is Love  -

Jon Willison DDS ON: PTSD and facing past Trauma from 9/11, Overcoming Doubt, Holding onto Hope during Questions of Faith, Achieving Dreams as High Jumper a...

Jon starts his journey by sharing the one single truth that has recognized and held onto throughout his entire life, “I am a child of God”. Through it all, good times and bad times, this single truth is what Jon has held onto and relied on to guide him in his decisions and efforts during his life on earth, and in dark times of depression and suicidal thinking. “I am a child of God”, is the message of Hope that has helped Jon not only overcome the odds to achieve the goals he set as a young boy to become an Endodontist professionally, but it is that very Hope that pulled Jon from the darkness of shame and worthlessness on the verge of Suicide, back into the Light.

 

Jon shares his inspiring story beginning as a young boy growing up in California, Mormon (LDS), in a family of 8. His family did not have much money and at times his Dad and Mom struggled to fill the pantry; however, what they did have... money could not buy, and that was the understanding that all people are Gods children and all people regardless of class, religious background, race, or politics are of infinite worth. Jon shares the way his parents lived and the example that they set of loving all without judgement and working hard doing good things shaped Jon into the man he is today.

 

At the age of 10, Jon’s father sat his children down and talked to them about his life working late night shifts for a job that he didn’t necessarily want, and that he wanted more for his children, believing a college education should be a goal for each of them. He let them know that he didn’t have the means to pay for their education and inspired them to work towards a scholarship to help pay. Jon took this to heart and graduated high school with over a 4.0 GPA, and an opportunity on the track and field team at a community college in California.

 

As a high jumper in High school reaching a height of 6’7 he broke records at his school, but he knew that he needed to reach 7’0 to qualify for a scholarship and earn a full ride scholarship to BYU where he dreamed of going. So Jon went to work training hard which led to an opportunity to jump for a small community college, and after qualifying for the state finals he went on to reach a jumping height over 7’2 all while defeating his Nemesis, who he nicknamed “Sloppy Joe”. Jon shares and incredible experience he had with Prayer during His last two jumps which won him the championship and earned him a spot on the BYU Track and Field team with a full ride scholarship. After the match and his incredible experience during his last two jumps and prayer, Jon found a quite place near the stadium and in complete humility gave thanks to God.

 

During college he met his incredible wife Dorsey and they began a family of their own, things just seemed to be going right for Jon, but during his residency Jon was upended by sudden and unjustified feelings of “Doom”, PTSD from 9/11, and feelings of no personal value, causing Shame and Depression which lead to Suicidal Thinking. Jon talks about how at his “Rock Bottom” not even caring how ending his life would affect his family, that’s when he knew that he needed help. Throughout Jon’s story you will see clearly how God put people in place and like lighthouses leading a ship to shore these people showed up for Jon to say or do something that helped Jon feel love enough to hold onto HOPE. That vey HOPE carried Jon through the Dark and into the Light, and He shares some of the valuable Gifts he received from the experiences during this painful time.

 

A few years later Jon achieved his Professional goal of becoming an Endodontist, and is now doing all he can to be somebody else’s “Lighthouse” by paying it forward and living in gratitude each day. Jon is the Partner of 3 Endodontist offices in Northern Colorado and Wyoming.

 

Jon, thank you for sharing your story. You are a hero of mine and have been a lighthouse to me and my family. Thank you for sharing your Light!

 

 

Josh Edlow ON: After a Tramatic Accident causing a Brain Injury, Josh felt disconnected and abandoned by God. He realized his Mind, Body, and Spirit were in discord and decided to ACT!

Josh Edlow tells a wonderful story of his life rising against all odds and even above the voices that told him he wouldn't amount to much. He grew up in a loving home that gave him a good foundation but as he attempted to make plans for his life he found that even some of his close friends and family members doubted he could reach the dreams and expectations that he set for himself. After serving a valiant and successful 2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Josh was determined to continue learning, growing, and making a difference for good in the world. He set out to be a Lawyer in Sacramento California, and as he began his journey he heard many voices telling him that he should quit and do something else, but after working tireless hours day and night Josh graduated and began working for a Law Firm.

 

He made it and was having big success, winning large cases with high dollar payouts and earning awards, but down the road as all of this was continuing to happen Josh realized that although he was doing everything right, he not happy and felt disconnected. One early morning on his way into the office he was rear ended by a car that hit him while going a high speed. The last thing Josh remembers before waking up on the side of the road surrounded by onlookers was his head striking the head rest and the window of his car. As a result of the accident Josh's future was filled with Doctors visits, Rehab appointments, and the stress of trying to keep his job and prove that he could still preform. He had a lot of help from partners in the law firm that stepped up to assist him with his cases but as time moved on and Josh was struggling with cloudiness, fatigue, and memory challenges, fear and anxiety were ever present at this time.

 

As the sole provider for his wife and kids Josh felt overwhelmed and in a way cheated as he felt that he had done everything right in his life so why was this happening to him. In anger Josh got on his knees and said a prayer to God to ask why this was happening to him and beg for help. The next morning Josh was preparing for the day and he felt a very clear impression from God to "Act". Not understanding what this meant but wanting to know, Josh thought of his current health of mind, body, and spirit, and recognizing that he was the heaviest weight he had ever been he decided that was one thing he could control by "Acting".

 

So his journey began, he worked hard on his body and after consistency and over time, his mind became clear again, his energy increased, and he started to feel joy again. Doors opened for him at work and he was able to begin taking on his cases again as well. In answer to his prayer in anger, God taught Josh the power of using his agency and that when one thing is not going right in life we still have the ability to act and choose in other areas of our life that we can control, and as we have the determination and faith to do that, God will help us in the uncontrollable parts of our lives to make things work our for our good... We have to ACT. Josh is doing great things with his life. He loves his family, loves serving others as a lawyer, and currently works on the board of a non-profit organization that focuses on helping kids that have come from homes where tragedy has occurred. He hits the gym consistently most mornings of the week and is doing all he can to help motivate others who feel the same way he did, checking all of the boxes but still empty inside. Enjoy Josh's story. He is an amazing man that has battled through some hard trials and come out on top, humbly giving all of the credit to a loving Father in Heaven who is ready, able, and so willing to help when we choose to let him. Thank you Josh, you are one of my hero's!

 

Josh Edlow and his good friend Tim Wilde also produce a fun YouTube channel called Saint's on Cinema. If you are looking for fun, clean movie reviews check them out.

www.saintsandcinema.com

 

 

Adrienne Gunn Hansen ON: Such an inspiring and warm message of self worth, Losing it by comparison to peers accompanied by Shame and Suicidal thoughts. Holding onto Faith lead her back to Delight.

Adrienne, shares her incredible journey with us. She was adopted into an incredible family, surrounded in love, and grew up in a wonderful place with all the opportunity you could hope for a child to have. Adrienne is a phenomenal singer and actor who was very engaged in both growing up, As she entered her teenage years she began to experience depression as a result of comparing herself with her peers and fell into the habit of Negative Self talk that stayed with her as she grew up, was married, and adopted two sons of her own.

 

Sorrow filled Adrienne's heart as she and her husband Kyle battled Infertility and after trying everything they could they were still unable to have kids so they decided to adopt and were blessed with two amazing boys.  During the battle of infertility Adrienne experienced depression and feelings of worthlessness to the point that she knew she needed extra help, so she began working with a therapist. While working through her personal sorrow and pain, she began to notice that her oldest son was facing some tough challenges himself, such as melt downs before school each day, listening, communicating, etc... Adrienne and Kyle sought help from the school, family and friends, but didn't realize that the problem required help from a professional until after Adrienne had already started to feel like a failure as a parent and mother. On the outside Adrienne looked happy and like she had it together, but on the inside Adrienne was silently suffering and feeling very alone. Suicidal thinking was a daily monster, causing her so much pain she told her husband, "I don't want to be here anymore".

 

Adrienne bravely shares her experiences with suicidal thinking, and also briefly talks about people close to her lost to suicide themselves and the pain it causes in the lives of people who love them.  In her Darkest moments, Adrienne recognized she needed to open up about the reality of the darkness she was facing, so she turned to her husband Kyle, and without shaming her, Kyle sprang into action to meet Adrienne where she was, and to ensure she received the help and attention that she needed. Talking about the darkness and pain she was suffering with, brought awareness to those who love her, and as they rallied around her to lift her up she began to feel worth again. Doctors diagnosed their son with autism and they were able to then come up with plans to adjust their parenting in ways to help him which also helped Adrienne feel so much better about her worth as a parent. She held fast to her faith in God and proactively came up with a list of positive self affirmations that she could say to herself each day to help retrain her brain from negative to positive self talk.  Working her way through the darkness has brought hope, passion, and joy back into her life. She is better balanced as a wife and mother, and is again able to devote some of her time into passions she loves, like singing and acting. From an outsiders perspective one would never have known Adrienne was living in so much pain and darkness, she was able to disguise the feelings and act like everything was ok, when she felt broken inside. Her story is a great reminder that there are many of us who on the outside look like they may have a "perfect" life but on the inside they are hurt, alone, and broken.

 

I am so grateful for Adrienne's willingness to share her experience. I grew up with Adrienne and from my perspective... she had it all. She was popular, talented, pretty, and just seemed to have everything figured out, but knowing what Adrienne has faced in her life is a great reminder to me that the illusion of the idea that "the grass is always greener" is not true and everyone faces their own battles and demon's. I hope her story will inspire you as it did me to look out for and show up for those we love in need. Thank you so much Adrienne, you are brave!

 

Adrienne shared a resource for those struggling with Suicidal thinking. Please check out www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org if you or anyone you know needs help.

Richard "Papa" Ostler ON: Podcast host and Author of Listen, Learn, Love. Richard shares his mission as an LGBTQ ally to create safe space. Loving as Jesus with no Conditions.

Richard Ostler is the host of Listen, Learn, and Love Podcast, which focuses on building bridges of inclusion and acceptance for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. He has devoted the past few years on reaching out to help those that feel oppressed to lift them up and make sure that they feel loved and embraced by all, especially in their religious communities. From the moment I met Richard I could feel of his love and concern for me and as we sat down together to talk I learned so much from this man about truly loving others no matter what and helping people that feel unseen and oppressed feel valuable and loved.

 

Richard is the host of the Listen, Learn and Love podcast (https://listenlearnandlove.org/podcasts) which provides a platform for LGBTQ Latter-day Saints to share their stories. The podcast also includes stories from those working through complicated issues (repentance, early-release missionaries, emotional illness, faith-crisis).

 

He is also the author of Listen Learn and Love: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints available on Amazon (www.amazon.com/dp/1462135773) and Seagull Book (www.seagullbook.com/Listen-Learn-and-Love-Richard-Ostler.html)

 

I invite you to Listen, Learn, and no doubt fall in love with Richard who selflessly serves to bless so many people in need. If you would like to contact him, he can be reached at richard@ostlergroup.com.

 

Richard, I love you my friend and am so grateful for the opportunity to meet you and Learn from you. Thank you for helping me see “a better way” to live.

 

Jared Smith ON: Near Death Experience almost Drowning on a Young Men's Trip while River Rafting, Believe in Miracles, Things that truly matter and Things that don't...

Jared Smith is an incredible guy that went through a traumatic accident without any warning while having a great time rafting the river as a Young Men's Leader.

 

He talks about the experience from not only his memory but the memory of others in his party that told him he was underwater for 10-12 minutes, without a pulse, and had to be brought back to life by CPR. The moment as you can imagine was complete chaos, so for the first few minutes his party did not even realize he was missing, then while collecting their gear someone noticed what they thought was a blue cooler, but to their utter surprise it was jared face down in the river. The group sprung to action, people who were not supposed to be there showed up to help, and Miracles happened.

 

Jared gives us the gift of believing in Miracles, remembering how much God loves every single one of us, and the realization that to God, each one of us had unlimited and eternal value. The near death experience also gave Jared a stronger witness that we can stop worrying about things that "don't matter", and we can start putting our thoughts and energy into things that are eternal and lasting.

 

He shares a tender experience about his last thoughts before nearly dying, being of his wife and 4 children and the sweet embrace he shared with his 2 year old little girl when he returned home from the hospital. Jared is one of the most Humble and Meek men that I have ever met, but don't let those words fool you... Jared is a Mighty Soul and anyone that is fortunate to cross paths with him is fortunate!