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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
Sunday Jun 27, 2021
Sunday Jun 27, 2021
Mark Miner is a dear friend and a hero of mine. You will not want to miss the story of Mark's life and the miraculous way the Savior showed up for Mark seconds before pulling the trigger that would have ended his life. The reality of the message Mark shares is proven by the walk he walks today, as he has done all he can to show the Savior Jesus Christ of his gratitude, by serving for multiple years in the LDS 12 steps program helping others lost in their addiction and trying to find their way back to health and peace, know that it is possible if you look to the Lord and trust in Him to show you the way.
You will hear him tell the story in his own words and what I think is most fascinating about Marks story, is the witness that it is of the powerful and unconditional love of Jesus, and His willingness to welcome us home, like the Prodigal Son, as many times as we fall far from grace... We are never too far gone for the Savior, we are never in a place that he doesn't understand perfectly, and as soon as we make the choice to let Him in, even if we are still questioning His love, He will never fail us and will show us the way back home that He has prepared for us.
One other key to the story is what happens when Christ shows up for Mark when he was about to end his life... The Lord does not "let us off the hook" of the prices we have to pay legally sometimes; however, He takes the Spiritual death that would be caused by our choices and turns them into opportunities to use the talents that we were given by God and use them to help others find their way back to our Savior Jesus Christ, who will take us by the hand and lead us home.
Mark's life was highlighted on a video produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the 12 step program. If you would like to see it, it's worth it, and the link is below.
Mark, I love you brother. Thank you for helping me on my journey and for the unconditional love that you share with others who have lost their way during the journey hear on earth.
Link to Mark's Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5xtixOQRCU&t=95s
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Nathan Hale is so fun to listen too. His passion and enthusiasm for life, his wife, his kids, God, The Savior Jesus Christ, and just overall believing that life is awesome are absolutely contagious! I could hardly keep up with his pace and excitement in sharing how God showed up for him when he desperately prayed and cried out for help.
As a young boy, Nate's Parents divorced which was very hard on him, he stopped engaging in school resulting in poor grades, and became involved with friends that chose to find their freedom, independence, and a release from the pressure of life through partying, drinking and drugs. After years of partying, run in's with the law, and as a full blown Alcoholic and Drug addict, Nate had become so reliant on drugs each day that he began stealing checks from his Fathers Dental practice and cashing them in large amounts. When Nate’s father discovered what was happening Nate thought his father would turn him in to the police and that his life would be over, and as he was frantically getting his belongings together to make a dash for Mexico, his Father showed up at his house unexpectedly.
Nate shares the incredible way that his Father showed up for him at this time. Nate thought for sure his Dad was coming in absolute anger, but instead, like the Father of the Prodigal Son with tear filled eyes, his Dad asked Nate to stop, rest, slow down, and come home. Unconditional parenting is incredible and you can sense the love and respect Nate has for his Father as he shares this part of the story. Even after this touching and love filled experience of forgiveness Nate had just experienced, Nate's addiction didn't just disappear.
It takes a lot of effort to become an Alcoholic/Drug Addict, and it takes a lot of work to get out of it. It wasn’t until he called a friend in an attempt to go to a club that the unexpected happened and Nate became willing to slow down and look for light in his life. His friend, also a drug addict, turned Nate’s offer down until after his meeting with two Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Reluctantly, Nate went to his buddies house with the sole purpose of getting to the club after his friend was done. When Nate arrived the Missionaries began teaching and Nate explains that it was almost as if he and one of the missionaries were in a different place, and he felt like he had known this missionary for a lot longer than his years on earth. Although this is the religion Nate’s parents belonged too and he was surrounded by throughout his life, he didn’t want anything to do with God or religion at the time because it interfered with his lifestyle; However, that all changed when Nate’s heart was truly opened up because of the spirit that he felt as the missionaries taught about Jesus Christ.
Things started to change for Nate. His heart started to soften towards God, and the idea that there was something very special about the message the Missionaries shared. He began trying to engage, and at first it was difficult and awkward, but he continued to try. During this time he had a miracle happen as he prayed to God, trying to find out if God is real. Like a flood of light ideas and thoughts began pouring into Nate's mind and Nate knew that these thoughts and personal revelations were coming to him directly from God. His life has done a 180 degree turn since. He is an incredibly inspiring and good man and is now giving back in efforts to help those who find themselves in dark places trying to find Light.
Nate, thank you for taking time to come share your message with me and the audience. You are an incredible man that has overcome some huge trials in your life. Continue to use your story of redemption to point others to Jesus Christ. God bless you and your family my brother.
A compelling article was written about Nate's Story in 2018. If you would like to read it here is the web address: https://www.storiesofgodsgrace.com/site/2018/4/2/nates-story-cpr-for-the-soul
This is an excerpt from Nate's Story, and you will hear him share it in this Episode.
"But this was incredible. It was powerful. The Spirit was speaking to me. The young missionary told me, “You are going to change. You’re going to influence thousands of people. You’re going to do great things — I can see it.” He prophesied my life. The room seemed to glow. I wondered if I was tripping on LSD or something because it was so potent. I wondered, “What kind of drug is this? This light and this hope…” It’s like I had been in a dark cave, and somebody ripped the top of the cave, and all this light came pouring down on me. It was a beautiful feeling that went clear through me. I knew what he was saying was true. The Spirit was burning through the room so strongly. The missionary said, “Can you feel that? That’s the Spirit!” Caught up in the overwhelming transformation taking place, he stood up and shouted, “I have never felt it this strong! Wahooooo!” Something in me changed at that moment. I was still addicted to drugs, but my heart started beating again. The missionary told me, “I want you to go to church, even if you’re sedated.” I told him, “I can’t do that. It’s rude to go to church while I’m high.” He disagreed strongly. So I made a commitment that I would keep going to church with my dad on Sundays. There were times when I’d walk into church, even though I had just popped a bunch of pills. I was like, “I’m here. I’m barely here, but I’m here. I’m sorry I’m wasted. I’m sorry I’m high, but I’m here, and I’m going to continue on this pattern. I am going to turn my life around.”
To listen to this Episode, you can find 'Come Towards Delight' the Podcast on any podcast platform or click the link below. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-towards-delight/id1514528066
Wednesday Apr 14, 2021
Wednesday Apr 14, 2021
Tara McCausland has become a friend and someone I look to as a leader in rewriting some of the narratives that the world forces upon us at birth. She is the host of the podcast "Still Rowing" which can be found on any major podcast platform. I invite you to tune in and listen. Tara is a wonderful person!
Everyone has “Skeleton’s in their Closet”, but Tara didn’t know about the Skeleton living in her families closet until years after her parents were already battling it. Tara’s shares her personal experiences dealing with the trauma and pain caused by her fathers battle with addiction.
Tara’s Dad was introduced to pornography as a young boy, to no fault of his own. Years of trauma and unprocessed feelings lingered in him and led to very real and strong cravings throughout his life. Spending money on prostitutes, going to strip clubs, and viewing pornography regularly were habits that gripped his life to the point sometimes that Tara's mother didn’t know if she was going to be able to feed the family because of his spending habits. When Tara's mother first learned of her husband's addiction she did what she felt was best for her marriage and her family. She fought for it and almost willed her husband to change.
Soon after Tara's mission when she was newly wed, Tara’s Father was arrested for soliciting a prostitute, excommunicated from the Church he belonged too, and in jeopardy of potentially even losing his job. At this crucial point He made a courageous decision, he chose to face each member of his family, and with complete humility and vulnerability he told them all the full truth. Honesty finally came into play and as a result Shame could be processed and worked through.
Although this was not the first offense for her Father, her Mother's response was very different and set the stage for recovery. The day after learning what he had done, she walked outside raised her hands up to God and “gave” her husband to Him. She told God that she was done trying to push him to change and put all of her trust and faith in God to take watch over and care for her Husband and Family. She needed to see that her husband was willing to change for good without any pressure from her other than knowing if he didn't she would walk away. Her willingness to take the huge leap of faith and finally let go and allowed her husband the opportunity to see that his wife was serious about leaving. The consequences and pain of his decisions began to settle in and Tara’s Father found himself in a very sacred space, filled with Godly sorrow.
Godly sorrow is recognizing that not only have you betrayed, hurt, and damaged the people who love you most that you claim to love, it goes even deeper… It is the realization one comes to when they realize their choices bearing the fruits of impurity in our mind, body and soul, encompassed in sincere gratitude and sorrow to the very creator of it. When we find ourselves in this space we truly recognize and grab hold of His ever present Love, Mercy and Grace. God loves us in our imperfections and our value to Him is beyond our understanding, that is why His plan included the sacrifice of His beloved and perfect Son Jesus Christ. Jesus came to heal broken things, and if we never accept our brokenness, especially in the middle of our critical mistakes we do not give Him the chance to redeem our souls like He promised He would do.
Tara’s Father Surrendered… He literally laid down his pride and selfish ways. Enough was enough, he knew that it was his thinking and his choosing that had created his current circumstances and he wasn’t smart enough to fix it, but Jesus Christ is, and He did. Being sorry when we are “busted” or “discovered” is easy, and change most often times will not last for long it we don’t reach a place of Godly Sorrow. he was determined to turn to Jesus Christ, come forward to his wife, and religious leader, and once he did, he felt immediate relief and courage. Today he looks back on the experience and says, “In that moment I decided to give it to God, I felt Him immediately.” The Atonement of Jesus Christ is, all in all, the Gift that was given to Tara, her Father, her Mother and family members was given in a very "ugly package". In her own words Tara explains, “This is the ugliest Gift that has been given to her in her whole life, but “it” has blessed me in so many ways it’s hard to describe. She goes on to exclaim "God gives us weakness and pain to help us distinguish the light from the dark, and without hard experience and suffering we can do nothing to help those that suffer."
Now years later, Tara’s parents have started a foundation, called SA Lifeline, which provides education and resources to help addicts face their addictions and give them the tools to help them work their way their addiction.
Tara’s Mom also wrote a book about her own "recovery" called, “What can I do about, Me” to share her story of betrayal, and how she was able to heal from the trauma of being betrayed by someone she loved. If you would like to to read her book, you can find it at their foundations website @ www.salifeline.org or an of the following Deseret Book, Amazon, or Kindle.
Tara said of her parents miraculous recovery, “In their brokenness they have been able to shine light to those who suffer and who are in the dark.” What a powerful witness of the reality of Jesus Christ, His divine mission, and the very purpose He came to this earth. He came, so that we experience and the beauty of an imperfect life, full of struggle, failure, pain, grief, and sorrow so that we can truly learn and know the Peace, Joy, Hope, Love, and Happiness that exist perfectly in the character of God.
Tara, you are such an incredible person and a light for so many of us that need the hope filled message you have to share. Thank you for sharing you and your families story and fight through the overwhelming battle of addiction. Your parents are amazing, and are examples that our own struggles, mistakes, failures, and weaknesses do not need to continually beat us down, keeping us ashamed of ourselves, rather they are the very gifts given to us that can lead to the doors of opportunity for our greatest experiences, joys, victories, and discovery of personal value. Do not be afraid, only believe!
To connect with Tara, you can find her on Instagram @churchofjesuschrist_sr_podcast or through the foundation her parents opened at www.salifeline.org
Friday Apr 09, 2021
Friday Apr 09, 2021
At the young age of 12, Matt Coulam found out he needed a Kidney Transplant. His father, Mike, was a match and gave one of his kidney's to his son. When you get a Kidney transplant you take medication for the rest of your life that tell your body not to attack the foreign Kidney, but those medications also weaken your immune system and a regular cold can cause you to get sick and stay sick for longer periods of time. Although Matt was not able to participate in many of the sports he wanted to participate in Matt had good health for the majority of his childhood. It wasn't until Matt was in his early 20's that he started to feel sick more often, sometimes requiring him to stay in the Hospital, and for longer periods of time. After a few short years of this, the Doctors informed Matt that the Kidney was failing and he would need another transplant. As a husband, and father of young kids Matt shares he and his wife's battle to save his life and the amazing lesson's they learned along the way.
Due to a Melanoma Skin Cancer diagnosis, Matt was unable to get a second Kidney transplant because so many people need Kidneys and a past Cancer "patient" offers no guarantee that the Kidney will be put to good use, even though the Cancer was successfully removed. A diagnosis of Cancer makes you wait 5 years of being Cancer free before you qualify for a transplant. Matt's had to go back on Dialysis and his health became so fragile that he and his wife had no choice other than to fight their health insurance to get around the Cancer "rule" to get approval for coverage. They met with Insurance and Matt's wife Kylee stepped up to the plate and hearing from her motivated the insurance company to help out.
Shortly after getting approval, Matt's sister called to let him know that she was not a match. After this devastating news, Matt was desperate to find a match so he could stay on earth to take care of his wife and kids, so he sent a text out to everyone he knew humbly inviting anyone who was willing to get tested and donate their Kidney. Shortly thereafter he received a phone call from a Hospital staff member who said "Matt, you have a lot of people who love you", and to Matt's surprise there were about 20 people who had submitted their information to donate their Kidney to Matt. It was incredible to feel Matt's deep and sincere gratitude and love as he talks about this part of his story. Those people will never be forgotten.
Matt talks about the effect on Self Esteem during such a difficult period, being unable to take care of his wife and kids the way he wanted too. He brings awareness to the difficulties that people on Dialysis go through and how important it is to the health of those people when others see them, recognize them and step up to help them in any way possible.
A young man, Nate Greenway, in Matt's church, whom he taught on Sunday's, stepped up and told his father he wanted to give his Kidney to Matt. Adam, the young man’s father, was so touched by his son's desire to give his kidney that he himself decided that he would do it for his son and for Matt. You need to listen to Matt at the end of the podcast, as he shares he feelings about Nate and Adam Greenway who stepped up and saved his life. Incredibly powerful!! Adam Greenway, you are a hero, and so is your son Nate!
In a place of Hopelessness is where Matt found himself, truly wanting to give up... but rather then feel bad for himself and remain in anger... Matt reached out in hope and desperation for help. The answer came because Matt acted. When we act and try, that is all God needs to step in to help. Matt's story and witness of this is powerful. He learned in his moments of hopelessness that there is always positive and amazing things we can find that will lift us up. Focus on the good, focus on the positive, it is a choice and it makes all of the difference.
Matt you are a dear friend and one of my hero's. Thank you for sharing your miraculous and inspiring journey. Because of your experiences and the happiness you live with, you help many, including myself, to strive to recognize all the beauty surrounding us and in this world. Thank you my friend!
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
Friday Mar 19, 2021
Friday Mar 19, 2021
Don't miss this uplifting and inspiring story! Al and Rachel van der Beek take us the journey of their lives that will have you laughing...seriously who wears sunglasses to a club? Crying, feeling like so much of their Faith journey is relatable, and Uplifted, their love for God and witness of God's love and awareness of us is beautiful and so full of gratitude.
Have you ever met a famous person and thought to yourself "It must have been so easy for them, why not me". If you are like me, then you have. Al and Rachel's story begins like so many of our stories... Normal. Both Al and Rachel grew up with two parents in the home surrounded by siblings, simply doing their best to do good things and serve their neighbors. Al served a Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Korea as a young man, and absolutely loved serving! Upon his return home he was married followed by a divorce 2 years later, while at the same time Rachel who was also married was going through a divorce of her own. That said, everything didn't come easy for the van der Beek's nor was it handed to them undeservedly.
Al and Rachel met at a club in Salt Lake City and you don't want to miss the opportunity to hear them share the story. Let's just say Al had sun glasses on in a club, Rachel had wind blowing through her hair, and as soon as their eyes met from across the dance floor, they felt instantly like they had to know each other. They were both so impressed by each others sick moves on the dance floor that no words were needed, besides you can't hear much in a club because they are so loud. They exchanged numbers, started talking over email, began dating, and a few months later they were married.
They had love, started a family, worked hard to provide for their family, but something was missing. Al talks about his passion for music throughout his entire life and that he felt that he was supposed to create music, but just didn't know how so he tried to "force it", which always backfired. Rachel, worked hard and had a successful career as they started to have children and grow their family. Things weren't bad for the van der Beek's but they couldn't shake the feelings in their heart that there was more for them as a family, they just had no idea what that meant.
When their 6 year old son started asking began asking questions about God and what happens to us when we die, Rachel and Al knew they need to teach their kids about God's plan of salvation for us and go back to the LDS Church. It didn't last long and they had an experience with someone that in a way made returning again even harder so they chose to disconnect from the LDS church again. They believed, but just didn't feel they would be loved and excepted because they weren't living the standards of the religion.
Years later, on a Sunday morning Al woke up and out of nowhere heard "Go to Church" in his heart, and it wouldn't stop... So he and Rachel grabbed the kids, went to church, and from that moment on have been "All in". This is were the miracles begin. Al and Rachel had many blessings before but once they decided to connect with and chose God in their lives mountains began to move for them, and the Lord literally put them where He needed them to be, surrounded by the people He wanted them to meet, at precisely the right time He needed them to meet them.
When Al met Steven Sharp Nelson, he was the Elder's Quorum President in his ward fulfilling his calling to serve by helping the Nelson's, who he'd never met, move into the neighborhood. Personality wise they couldn't have been more different but discovering they both loved music and playing music they started to get together a couple of times a week to play. Slowly over a few weeks playing together and connecting with John Schmidt to help John finish a song he was working on, doors started opening and they could feel God's hand in their lives guiding them. It's very touching to listen to Al talk about an experience he had with Steven while recording "Away in a Manager" one day in the studio. At that moment both Al and Steven knew that God had a mission for them to play beautiful music for the world, the kind of music that breaks down barriers and labels, softens a heart, and opens ones soul open to the point of almost touching heaven.
Al and Rachel share their witness of Jesus Christ, and His divine mission at the end of the podcast. It is special, very personal, and born of the spirit. The testimonies and messages shared by these two throughout this podcast are sincere, full of humility, and given in gratitude from two people who have felt the redeeming power and love of their Savior.
If there is anyone you know that has "disconnected" themselves from God for any reason or simply feels that they have no value to give to the world, please share this beautiful witness with them. Al and Rachel are normal people who live normal lives full of challenges and difficulties just like the rest of us, but they have discovered "the secret", and they give all credit to God our Father who loves us and is perfectly aware of us. All of us were created and given talents by God to do amazing things, let's plug in ask Him to show us the way, and He will.
Thank you Al and Rachel for sharing your life story, up to this point, with us. You are incredible people and I hope to connect with you often throughout our journeys here on earth.
If you would like to know more about Al and Rachel, follow The Piano Guys music or connect with them, you can find them by going to https://thepianoguys.com/pages/contact
Al talks about a tough experience that he had recently gone through, and as a result of praying while in the midst of this trial, the words of one of their newest song were given to him. Have a listen, the song is uplifting and so good. It's called "Better Days" and if you would like to hear it click on this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te-nyCZoLRM
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 Feb 23, 2021
Tuesday Feb 23, 2021
Curtis Lamb has been through more serious health problems and diseases in his young life than anyone I have ever met, yet he remains a man full of joy, hope, purpose, and faith. This man is Incredible!
Upon meeting Curtis a few short years ago, I new right away that he had a quite a story. It's not everyday you meet people who love life so much that you can see it in their countenance and in their eyes. I saw exactly that the first time I met Curtis at a networking event, and felt of his passionate and kind spirit immediately. We connected on social media after meeting, and as I paid attention to his posts, which always had uplifting and inspiring content, I dug a little deeper to see if I could get a glimpse of who he really is and what his past was like. It didn't take long, Facebook "stalking", to find pictures of Curtis riding in Cancer charity events which of course peaked my interest. Shortly after that I saw pictures of him in a hospital, laying on a hospital bed with tubes attached to his body. It was obvious that Curtis had experience some traumatic health issues in his life, but the thing that stood out to me the most was not the tubes or the bandages, it was the smile he seemed to always have in his pictures. As I read about his experiences I realized that he had been through multiple challenges and traumatic health diagnoses, and when I started this podcast I knew that I needed him to come share his story.
Living with Lymphoma for over 20 years of his life is a crazy story in and of itself, but that is just the beginning for Curtis. He shares with us experiences surrounding being diagnosed with Liver Disease, and the overwhelming odds of surviving it. Instead of accepting the Doctors approach to "managing" this disease in hopes to beat it, Curtis held onto hope which lead to faith and action. He took it to God and with faith moved forward with an alternate form of healing after many hours of prayer and research. He talks about the miracle that occurred for him during this process and how the Doctors responded with much surprise each time he would come for follow up check ups. He shares that his two boys and the idea of getting married again and having an eternal family kept him going and focused on hope for a full recovery.
Shortly after his health came back he met his now wife and talks about his gratitude not only for her but for everything that had happened, trauma and all, to get him to the point of meeting her. He shares of his Trust in God's plan for our lives and perfect timing. Sounds like a happy ending right? Psych!!
A small lump on his arm, that wouldn't go away, caused him to question it and fortunately his wife, who works in the medical field, was smart enough to put the right amount of pressure on him to have it looked at. The Doctors decided to do a cat scan and when the called him to tell him the results, he was informed that he needed to get to an Oncology specialist immediately. Come to find out he had an Aneurysm that needed immediate attention! While he was getting ready to go under for surgery, he received a phone call from the same Doctor who preformed the cat scan who informed him that he had cancer... As Curtis shares his feelings during this experience, he talks about Miracles, and that he was grateful for Cancer because it was the motivation that took him to the Doctors who were alerted to the Aneurysm. He shares his witness of God's awareness of us all individually, of the importance of holding onto Hope, and the very real effect that occurs when we, in faith, Act and take steps forward to meet our overwhelming challenges head on.
What an amazing story, that has shaped an incredible human! Trials can and do lead to our greatest blessings in life and Curtis is a shinning example of that. Curtis, thank you for your courage to share, your passion and gratitude for life, and the faith that you live by. You are a light in this world my friend. What an incredible story!
If you would like to follow Curtis' story or reach out to him with any questions you can find him on Instagram, handle @curtislamb33 or on Facebook under his name Curtis Lamb.
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!