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Mike is on a mission to find everyday people who are Delightful... The people I interview have attractive energy and a positive outlook on life, and I want to provide a platform for them to share their journeys and stories with you! I will uncover the life experiences of my guests, which have enabled them to look at life in such an inspiring and delightful way. Is it possible... while in our Darkest hours we are given the tools and gifts, we personally need, to find the light which leads to our greatest Delights?
Episodes
Saturday Apr 03, 2021
Saturday Apr 03, 2021
Sam Hewson and I crossed paths in Gilbert Arizona, and we became close friends quickly. He and his wife April are incredible people who always do their best to serve others, lift people up, and love unconditionally.
Sam shares his conversion story to Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He talks about the unforgettable, undeniable, and peaceful witness from the Holy Ghost as he said his first sincere prayer to God when asking God if He was there and if the Church is true. It is a witness he will never be able to deny.
Sam talks about swimming for Arizona State University, on scholarship, qualifying for the olympic team, and of his disappointment when President Carter announced the USA would be boycotting the games he would swim in. Confused and not knowing his next steps in life he sought Gods help which lead him to his Patriarchal Blessing, that mentioned he would serve a mission. He shares the miracles that happen that enabled him to go. Although his parents were not happy with his decision to forgo his senior year and last year of his scholarship, Sam ultimately decided he wanted to go and was called to serve in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
After his mission and a Divorce, Sam felt shame, remorse, and pain making it easier for him to disengage with God. After years away from the church, but knowing of it's truth and the reality of Jesus Christ, Sam went back to church, and he shares a powerful experience walking into a sacrament meeting late. This experience is one that all Bishops and members of the church should hear. The Bishop, who was making announcements from the pulpit when Sam walked in, recognized Sam, stopped speaking and immediately walked to Sam to hug him. That example caused the entire congregation to follow his example and for the next 15 minutes Sam was wrapped in the arms of his fellow ward family and shown pure love and gratitude to have him there.
Sam is now remarried to an incredible woman, April, and although they have had some trials of their own, they are happy and have felt God in the detail of their lives. He talks about Family History work and the power and reality of our ancestors helping us and guiding us in our lives. The peace that comes from attending the temple, and affect it has on the unity and love in our families. Sam also shares a humble, and tender testimony of Jesus Christ at the end of the podcast. There is no doubt Sam knows Jesus!
Sam you are one of my favorite guys in this world and very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your witness of Jesus Christ, and your incredible journey with us. I pray that the Lord continues to bless you in all that you do.
Tuesday Mar 30, 2021
Tuesday Mar 30, 2021
You don't want to miss this inspirational story... truly one of the most heroic sports stories of all time!!
Jason McElwain, is a living legend, not only because he was the Game High Scorer with over 20 points, playing only 4 mins, for a team he never made; but even more amazing than that miraculous accomplishment... J-Mac was diagnosed with Autism at a young age and his parents were told that he wouldn't be able to get dressed, read, or play sports like "normal" boys his age do.
Jason drops so many golden nuggets during our conversation from being a team player and great teammate, to Determination and shaking off the "nay-Sayers" and peers that tell you, you can't accomplish something. His Coach Jim Johnson gave Jason a chance, and although Jason didn't know his chance was coming, he was prepared which allowed the Miracle to happen. Watch the video in the link below to see it.
The most inspiring thing to me about Jason as I've thought about his story and "the miracle" throughout the years, is simple, yet it is what stops 95% of us from accomplishing our dreams. He was told no, but he kept believing and showing up. Often times in our lives we dream big dreams but when we fail, make a mistake, or start facing turbulent waters... we quit and give up. For 4 years Jason didn't even make the team, but he loved the game, loved the team, and loved his Coach so he showed up. He worked and worked extra hours, and as a result the Miracle happened.
Because he was prepared for His Finest Hour, and with a little help from God, he Shined! As a result he has spoken to Billy Donovan's Florida Gators during their title run, Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts the year they won the super bowl. He won an ESPY award, going against one of his Hero's, Kobe Bryant, and he shares many other experiences meeting some of the sports world elite, all which occurred because of one simple thing... J-Mac never gave up, J-Mac never quit.
J-Mac is a hero of mine and I have been inspired for years thinking about all he has done. Truly he has challenged the world to see children of God diagnosed with Autism under a new light and as fully capable of anything. Different does not mean Inferior, it truly means different, and in many cases it can actually mean Superior, providing "normal" people with an opportunity to listen, learn, and grow.
J-Mac, thank you for showing us all how to be Champions. You truly are one, and a hero to so many, including myself. God bless you my friend. Let's get you out to Utah this summer so we can give you a chance to share your message and inspire us! See you soon.
If you would like to follow J-Mac on Instagram or Facebook you can find him under the following account names. IG: jmac2500 FB: www.facebook.com/jason.mcelwain.31
ESPN highlight of Jason McElwain's Miraculous Game 2006: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__JQcJ-wr0M&t=31s
#Hotasapistol
Thursday Mar 25, 2021
Thursday Mar 25, 2021
Growing up in Holladay, Utah I remember hearing about Mark Hoffman and the Salamander Letters. I grew up less than 2 miles from the Sheets home where Kathy Sheets lived at the time of her death, caused by a pipe bomb made and placed at her home by Mark Hacking. I didn't know all of the details but I do remember my parents, and Neighbors talking about the Sheets family with so much love and sorrow for what had happened to Kathy.
Fast Forward more than 20 years later when I was attending a single adult church in Holladay, I met this woman who brought joy into any room she entered, always had a smile on her face, and just seemed to love life in a beautiful way. She was the wife of one of our church leaders, Joe Robertson, who was serving in the Bishopric. Joe, is just as kind as Katie, a bit more reserved and observant but when he engages with you, you can't help but feel his warmth and concern for anyone he speaks to. They are such an amazing couple, so loving and kind.
I don't remember the day or exactly what happened for me to connect the dots that Katie is the daughter of Kathy Sheets, who was killed by Mark Hoffman; however, I do remember thinking to myself often after learning of the connection "How can somebody who has had their Mother Murdered by someone she didn't even know, and who was a terrible person, be so happy and kind". After getting to know Katie, I now know the answer to that question...
Katie is a beautiful soul full of compassion, grace, kindness and tender love. She talks about her talented and loving mother and the experiences surrounding her death. She talks about her father and how he responded and lived after the murder of his wife, calling him the forever optimist even though, as anyone can imagine, he went through some hard hard days in the years ahead. She also talks about the wonderful lawyers, police, and many others who helped investigate and prosecute Mark Hoffman, she talks of them with compassion for how hard they worked for her family to find their mothers killer. She shares experiences in her story, like an exchange Mark Hoffman's father and her Father Gary had in an elevator leaving the courtroom, that would be extremely difficult for anyone to share because of the trauma and darkness surrounding it, but yet, her voice is one of gratitude, it's warm and inviting, and she even refrains from talking bad about the man who murdered her mother.
If you watched the new #Netflix documentary 'Murder Among the Mormons", you will appreciate hearing Katie tell of some of the experiences in depth and as a first hand witness.
Katie, thank you for your faith in God that is truly inspiring and powerful. Your testimony of a testimony stands as a witness to so many of us, that although bad things happen here on earth we are here for a purpose, God knows us and loves us all perfectly, and there is a plan He has created for us that we can discover during our lives on earth. I'm grateful for your influence in my life. You see the world filled with Delight, and your ability to do that after all you have been through confirms that I can too. God bless you and Joe!
If you have a Netflix account and would like to see the episode, here is the Link: https://www.netflix.com/title/81226889
#murderamongthemormons
Friday Mar 12, 2021
Friday Mar 12, 2021
At the young age of 25 and with the whole world in front of Alyssa and her husband, they were stopped on a dime when Alyssa learned that she had SNUC Cancer, which is one of the most rare forms of Cancer there is, and on top of that Alyssa was 17 weeks pregnant. Amazingly Alyssa talks about the peace she felt through the process of chemo, radiation, and brain surgery. She shares the difficult choices that she and her husband faced together such as abortion, which got her to the point where she quite literally was having to face the decision of choosing between her life and that of her baby's life. After months and months of Chemo, Radiation, and a brain surgery,
Alyssa and her husband let the doctors know that they wanted to do a fourth round of chemo treatment, all during pregnancy, because if they could keep their son in the womb for even 2 to 3 more weeks his chances of survival were much much better. They proceeded with the fourth round and shortly after their beautiful baby boy was born. He came very early but he is healthy, happy, and the joy of their lives. Although Alyssa's treatment was successful and she was declared cancer free, she was not out of the woods yet, as she was diagnosed with meningitis, during COVID, and had to travel by herself to a hospital in Houston to undergo treatment alone.
She came very close to losing her life, and even says that she was ready to quit, but thanks to her inspired mother, who recognized the urgency of her daughters situation demanding from the hospital that they allow her to travel down to be with her daughter, Alyssa overcame the odds again and pulled through. In her darkest moment Alyssa talks about the impact her family and friends who showed up for her and her husband had. She knows that they came in answer to her prayers inspired by God to help her fight this awful disease. She talks about the peace that she felt each time she prayed and knew that God's will would be done for she and her family no matter the outcome. Talk about faith to face scary things! Alyssa you are incredible! Thank you for sharing your light and love with us. God bless you, your husband and baby boy in all you do. You are amazing!
If you would like to reach out to Alyssa or learn more about her and her beautiful family, you can find her on Instagram @lysswarr or by emailing her at warralyssa@gmail.com.
To companies like #Google who take care of employees and employees families when diagnosed with a disease like cancer, God bless you, and thank you for your example of what it should look like to take care of each other.
Tuesday Mar 02, 2021
Tuesday Mar 02, 2021
Although Juan Zazueta is still a young man, with so many experiences ahead, he has a gift of engaging with perfect strangers while surrounding them with love, warmth, and concern. Juan shares about his childhood in Mexico, moving to Arizona, and how his love for people and cultures has grown so much due to his experiences as a young Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and also when he had the opportunity to work for "Connect". Connect is a company that manages and hosts large trade show events and their purpose is to connect planners with Hoteliers and Convention Centers all over the world. At one of these events is where I met Juan for the first time, and I knew right away when meeting him that he was a very sincere and Genuine man that truly had compassion for others and as a result he most often leaves others feeling better about themselves after engaging with someone.
Juan talks about his love of Humanity and how important and beautiful Diversity is for our human family. He learned a lot taking a job with Connect and moving his little family across the country to live in Georgia, one of the most diverse cultures in America. He shares of his love for Georgia and the people he was surrounded by there.
As happens to many of us, Juan began his career without really knowing what he wanted to do, and after his time working for connect and putting much thought into he and his families future, he committed to going back to school, Arizona State University, to get his degree and become a lawyer. During this time He and His wife Haley decided that they were ready to start a family. A short time later Haley was pregnant, they were planning to welcome in a beautiful little girl into their family and couldn't have been more excited. After weeks of a healthy pregnancy and without any warning they learned during an ultra sound that the sweet little girl was covered in Cysts and that there was a very high chance she wouldn't survive birth, let alone have a "normal life". The Doctors presented them with the option to Abort the pregnancy, and without hesitation Haley and Juan said no, and did everything in their control to show God and their little girl that they wanted her no matter what. The next ultra sound visit came and their hearts were shattered when they saw the look in the doctors eyes and new that their beautiful little girl was no longer alive.
Doing their best to pick up the pieces, and move forward, Juan talks about the struggle he and his wife were experiencing, and a lot of pain. They held onto each other and to their faith in God that there was much more for them and their future family. A few short months latter Hayley was pregnant again with their now son, Diego. Diego, was born a very healthy baby at 10 pounds and they couldn't be more happy and grateful to have him in their lives.
Juan, is also wrestling with some doubts in the faith and religion that he grew up with. It has come to the point that he feels that the right thing to do for him is to walk away, which is so difficult because that religion teaches you about who you are, your relationship with God, and the purpose of life, it becomes the foundation and lens through which you rely on and view our lives with. Although he is on a path to walk away from something he knows has given him so much good and value, he realizes that this choice must not come lightly, and he will continue to focus on and seek truth even as his disengages.
I belong to the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the very religion Juan may leave, and I know one thing to be certain... Juan loses no value to God our Father and Savior Jesus Christ. Juan's heart is good, and he truly loves and cares about others. I personally look up to Juan and support him in his decision, no matter the path it takes him on, because I know that he is my brother and God's son.
I look forward to sitting Juan and Haley down at my table, where there will always be room, to talk about all they have learned and experienced in their journey, and I have no doubt it will be a beautiful conversation.
Juan, thank you brother. You are a great man. It was a treat to talk to you learn from you, and also connect with you on a very important matter... That Michael Jordan is indeed the G.O.A.T!! God bless you and Hayley brother. Let's get you guys up here to Utah soon. Would love to spend sometime with you guys, and watching a true dunk master in action.
Friday Feb 19, 2021
Friday Feb 19, 2021
Thurmon Thomas is a Marriage and Family Therapist, that not only works with clients but owns and operates multiple practices in Southern Utah. You will love his perspective, as he talks about some of the important "practices" we can adopt into our daily lives to bring us to happiness and joy. I know Thurmon after meeting him as a young missionary in Indiana, where he served as well, and I know first hand that this is a man that practices what he preaches and lives the words that come out of his mouth. Tune into this enlightening episode delivered by Thurmon Thomas a Husband, and Father of 6.
Thurmon heard the call from his Heavenly Father at the young age of 19, to serve God's children. The path of life for him has always brought him back to this key purpose of serving others, every time he has derailed from that purpose to pursue other "good" paths. Living his life on purpose and helping others to find themselves so that they can discover their own purpose has become Thurmon's call and he has been able to see many lives change for the better.
He also shares part of his life journey beginning with a tragic event when he was 4, losing his father in a motorcycle accident. His single mother gathered her 5 boys in Delta Utah and moved them down south to St. George, where Thurmon and his family currently reside. Like most young boys growing up Thrumon loved sports and hanging out with friends, but he defines this time of his life with the word "Alone". To support her 5 boys, his mother was very busy earning a living and Thurmon was on his own for the most part to grow up and find his way.
Upon graduating High school and moving back to Delta Utah to run one of the family businesses, he had a spiritual awakening as his Heavenly Father spoke to his spirit saying "Thurmon, I need you to serve my children". Thurmon responded to the call, and went to serve a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Indiana, Indianapolis mission, where I first met this incredible man and hero of mine. Thurmon, thank you for inspiring me and serving so many of us on this earth. Love you brother.
On his website, https://www.thurmonthomas.com/ and in his own words, Thurmon defines who he is and his purpose in serving people as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
"The work I do each day is centered around helping people improve their lives. In order to do this in the most effective way possible, I take a systemic perspective - meaning I help them explore all aspects of their lives to find areas which may be out of balance. This systemic perspective was a key aspect of my education as a Marriage and Family Therapist as well as my training as a certified WholeFIT coach. I explore all aspects of wellness with my clients including: emotional health, cognitive health, physical health, nutrition, spirituality, and relational health. When needed, I help coordinate care with other trained professionals to make sure my clients are receiving the best care possible.
Some of the treatment methods I use in mental health therapy include: cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, structural therapy, and narrative therapy. I work with Couples, Families, Adult Individuals, Adolescents, and Children. Fort hose who are not in need of mental health therapy or intense relationship work, I utilize wellness coaching techniques to help my clients reach their personal, professional, and relational goals.
When not working I enjoy spending time with my Wife and six children. We love time in the outdoors, as well as just kicking back and watching a good movie. My wife, Maria and I, are avid marathon runners and are very busy with our amazing family!"
If you are interested in learning more about Thurmon or connecting with him visit his website, https://www.thurmonthomas.com/
"People come to me with challenges or turmoil in their life, feeling broken looking for help and answers. The most fulfilling thing for me is looking back and seeing people's lives change, not because I did it... it doesn't work that way, but because I was there to guide them to help themselves find the tools and the strength within to climb out of those challenges. We All face them, if you are a human being on this earth, you're going to have times of deep dark despair where you don't know what to do, where to go, or how anything good is going to happen, to the point that you want to throw in the towel. Most of us are going to experience that in our lifetime, and THAT'S OK! One message I want to make loud and clear is that's normal. It's normal to feel that depression and anxiety, it's part of the plan of this earth life experience. Seeing people transition out of that is so amazing" -Thurmon Thomas
Thurmon, you are a hero of mine and one of the best men I have ever met. You love and devotion to our Savior Jesus Christ is palpable and the way you strive to follow in His footsteps by running to the aide of as many of Gods children as possible is inspiring. I love you brother and am so grateful to God that He made sure that our paths on earth crossed.
Tuesday Feb 09, 2021
Tuesday Feb 09, 2021
You may want to sit down for this one... not kidding! Michael Taylor has gone through more trials in his young life than most, and he has no resentment in him. As a young man encompassed by circumstances that could leave anyone hopeless and bitter, this young man held on, got back up over and over again, and began watering the seed of faith that somehow took root in his heart, telling him that maybe there is a God.
Gods hand is clearly seen in Michael’s life and as Michael prayed to God, God moved mountains for him. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and is preparing to serve a full time two year mission in Dallas. Dallas, get ready, you are getting one of the most amazing young men that I have ever met. This is a story of perseverance, of Gods love and awareness for His children, of loving family members that step into help before it’s to late, and of a family that wasn’t Michael’s showing him love, value, and worth, bringing him into their family like he belonged and adopting him in without hesitation and giving him the opportunities in life Michael had never known.
His Mother was a addict who used daily. His Father was not married to his Mom and never around, but when he had to stay with him Dad would abuse Michael and his step brother. At 13 Michael’s mom died of an overdose and he begged God to keep him from having to go live with his abusive father and after a long court battle his Grandparents won custody.
Although things “seemed” to be a little better for Michael at his Grandparents, Michael struggled to feel self worth and started to drink and use drugs himself to cope with the pain. During time at a treatment center as a young 17 year old boy, his loving Aunt and Uncle visited him and a Miracle happened. His uncle sensed that nothing would change for Michael if he were to stay and made some phone calls which ended up with Michael being placed in a boarding school/treatment center in Utah. His uncle flew out with Michael and gave him the confidence needed to believe there was something more for his life. Michael struggled at first but then caught the vision of the program and excelled. He began staying with the Taylor family from Utah and felt like he had known them forever and was eventually adopted into the family.
This is a story you won’t want to miss. Michael shares a powerful witness of God and of Gods love for us even when the the cards are stacked against us. The amount of gratitude Michael expresses while he shares was a “game changer” for me. How could a young man born into these circumstances with darkness surrounding him see the world with so much light and believe in so much goodness? Michael you light up the rooms you walk into my friend. Go find those people in Dallas who are in darkness themselves and help find the light you have come to know for yourself.
Michael, you are one of my hero’s! Continue to share your story and help others believe that they too can rise above the circumstances of life to become a real life Super Hero like you are! Love you brother!
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Joe Schmit is an 18 time Emmy Award Winner, an author, award-winning broadcaster, community leader, popular keynote speaker, and a friend of mine who I look to as a mentor and leader. His book “Silent Impact” Influence Through Purpose, Persistence and Passion is now in its second edition. His new book is titled “The Impact Blueprint,” A Step by Step Journey to a Life of Significance. Joe was recently honored by the National Speakers Association (NSA) with the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)designation. Less than 15 percent of NSA members worldwide have achieved the CSP designation.
As a sports broadcaster he has covered every major sporting event in the past 4 decades and has interviewed many of the biggest names in sports. He joined KSTP-TV in 1985 and has won 18 Emmys from the National Television Academy. He was also honored with a National Headliner Award in 2001. Joe is a long time youth mentor committed to advocating for a number of community organizations with Big Brothers and Big Sisters is at the top of his list. He is a past president and board member of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Twin Cities. He has raised over $3 million for the organization through the Joe Schmit Celebrity Golf Tournament which had a 16-year run. In 2000, he was the winner of the Jim Kelly Distinguished Service Award from Big Brothers and Big Sisters and in 2001, a winner of the Odyssey Award for commitment to youth mentorship. Joe was also honored as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) Community Leader of the Year in 2005. He was named the 2018 winner of the Mike Givens Award for his work with MG Charities which is working to find a cure for brain cancer. He is past president and board member of the Fairway Foundation and has contributed time to many other charitable organizations. Joe and his wife Laura chaired a four million dollar capital campaign for VEAP, the largest food shelf in Minnesota.
Joe is an amazing man, who has incredible experiences throughout his life. He is recognized by many throughout the world for his work on Silent Impact Leadership, teaching many that “we make our biggest impressions when we are not trying to be impressive.” Your success and happiness are not related to your title or how many awards you have won, but to the impact you have on others. If there was a going-away party tonight at your office, which person would bring the biggest crowd? The person you just identified is keenly aware of the impact he or she is making on others. Joe will teach you how to ramp up your influence so you make better connections, stronger relationships, and win more often. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, please visit his website joeschmit.com where you can learn more about his Leadership Message, The Books he has Authored, or how to book him as a Keynote Speaker.
Joe, you are an incredible person that I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to meet and connect with. Thank you for teaching me and for sharing your message with my audience. Wishing you, Laura, and your family all the happiness, comfort, and peace as you continue working for the good of people anywhere and everywhere. Thank you!
If you would like to learn more about Joe and the possibility of having him coach your team, or speak at an event, you can reach him through his website: https://joeschmit.com/
Here is the link to purchase a copy of the books he has authored: https://joeschmit.com/book/
Book Titles:
The Impact Blueprint: "A step by step journey to a life of significance"
Silent Impact: "Stories of Influence through, Purpose, Persistence, and Passion"
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
Chelsea Watters, is an amazing woman. I have had the opportunity to work with her off and on over the past few years and have gotten to know her and seen how lives and treats others. Chelsea is a rising star in her young career with Marriott, and there is no doubt why she is... She genuinely loves people, cares about them with a passion, gets to know her co-workers individually, and carries a positive influence with her everywhere she goes. All of these wonderful characteristic's she has have not come easily, as she has passed through some dark times and difficult trials in her life. Chelsea grew up a Tom Boy and knew that she was different from other girls from the get go. She played basketball in her childhood and when she was on the High School team she knew that she had always felt feelings and attraction to other girls.
Chelsea shares her experiences navigating the challenges of being her true authentic self in a world that doesn't truly accept who she is. She shares the pain she experienced when she broke up with her first girlfriend, and when she started to date her second girlfriend the faced feeling like she wasn't truly loved or accepted because her girlfriend wouldn't tell her family or friends due to Shame. Feeling unaccepted by someone she thought she loved caused her a lot of pain, and hurt. She wanted to move forward but with her basketball career over, she didn't know where to channel her energy. She was working with an a Gentleman, David, who left to take on a Director of Finance Role in Salt Lake City, and 6 months later David called her to ask her to come to Utah. She talks about her initial fear of moving to Utah, in fact her first thought was "Hell No" because she had heard that the culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the predominate religion in Utah, would not accept her for who she is. David, an active member of the LDS church assured her that Utah is a safe place and much different than you think. He also said no matter what he had her back and helped her to feel comfortable to come to Utah.
After making the leap of faith and moving to Utah, Chelsea settled into her role at the Downtown City Creek Marriott, and met a group of friends that helped her feel accepted, loved, and gave her the chance to believe Utah was the right move for her life. She ended up dating and falling in love with a young woman who initially worked in the same hotel before Chelsea moved to Provo to advance her career.
She speaks of true love, what true love looks and feels like and how it has blessed her life. She also shares about her decision to "come out" to her parents, brother, and friends. Her parents did an amazing job of accepting her right away and she even mentions how her father knew before she said anything. She also talks about how difficult it was for her brother initially. At first he was ok and he, his wife, and two daughters moved forward as if no big deal, but when Chelsea announced that she was getting married and wanted them to come, he was very uncomfortable and explained that he couldn't do that to his two girls. After some time of reflection and thinking it over her brother decided that it was more important to Love first and foremost and attend the wedding with his family.
Chelsea is a joy to know, she uplifts those around her and is always looking for opportunities to say a kind word, express gratitude, and help those in her circles. My life has been blessed and I have learned so much more about God and the diversity of God's children due to my conversations and experiences with her. Chelsea, you are doing so many great things with your life and constantly helping others along your way. Thank you so much for sharing part of your journey with us.
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
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