Come Towards Delight

50. Halee Beckstead Watters ON: Reuniting with her mother years after she had given up custody. She shares a powerful story of Survival and Forgiveness. Halee and Mom Cori are now best of Friends!

Halee is an incredibly strong woman who faced more as a young girl than most do in a full length lifetime. This is a really neat episode as her mother, Cori Valdez, was on Episode 35, and her wife Chelsea Watters was on Episode 25, so if you would like to here the version on both sides of the story it is absolutely worth it listening to both of them share.

 

 

Both Halee and Cori share their experiences with their very own Pain, Shame, and Challenges that their separation brought into their lives.  She is an incredibly strong woman and has had to be even as a little girl to survive what she has been through. As you listen in to her share her experiences you will see clearly that she had no choice but to "roll with the punches" for the majority of her youth. Moving from apartment to apartment, never really having a place of her own to call home, and the divorce of her parents at an early age, didn't provide Halee with much opportunity for security and structure in her life.

 

 

This is when Tragedy struck... Halee's mother Cori was beaten nearly to death in a church parking lot by her Step Father, who left her to die. By the Grace of God a Father and Son out for a walk later that night saw Cori laying on the ground and called 911. You can imagine the Trauma this would bring not only to Cori, but also to Halee. Because of this event and the pain Cori endured she became addicted to drugs to help her cope, and her life became unmanageable to the point that she felt she had to sign away her rights to Halee and her little sister. Halee describes the last time that she ever saw her mother as a young girl and how she watched her walkaway for what could have easily been forever. Halee was so young she didn't know how to process feelings of abandonment and as young children do, she held onto hope that one day she would be with her mom again, but the pain was there and it was real as she often wondered why she wasn't good enough for her mother to return into her life.

 

 

Hearing Cori's Episode and being able to feel and understand the pain that she was going through, and feeling unaccepted even by her own family, makes this story incredibly compelling. It is nothing short of a miracle that Halee and Cori were able to reunite years later. After hearing both sides to the story, I believe that both of them manifested hope that they would be reunited one day even though they didn't know how it was possible. Never doubt the faith and hope of a little child. Years later as Halee's grandmother was in the hospital nearing death and as she went to the hospital to say her goodbye's, her mother Cori, out of respect, communicated to Halee through a family member that she would leave out of respect, and Halee's empathetic response to that truly shows that she had wisdom beyond her years as a result of enduring so many heavy and difficult things. She let her family know that her mom should stay and that she would come anyway. A short time later Haylee found herself standing face to face with her mother, and the feeling that overwhelmed her and her mother was love and a sense of longing to be together again. Haylee said Forgiveness came immediately, and she didn't even have to think about it. Cori and Halee are now best of friends, they truly love each other and have each others backs always. They have been able to hear each others stories, process the pain they both dealt with, and come together in love to be a family again.

 

 

I am so grateful to know Halee. She is an incredible person and has such a kind, good, and compassionate heart, that said, this is another of the countless examples I have seen in my life, how a persons trials, challenges, and pain create a tender heart and an empathetic soul capable of showing up for others when they are hurting.

 

 

Halee, you are incredible, I am inspired by your strength, your faith to keep going. We live in a world that tells us "Nice people finish last", but your story is a witness that this idea is completely false... You are as kind a person as I have met, and because you held onto hope and love rather than bitterness and anger, things shifted in your world causing miracles to happen around you, bringing healing into you and your mothers life, love into your own, and the sense of belonging that we all hope for during our lives on earth. Way to go! Thank you for sharing your story with us and for inspiring me and so many. I am better because of the opportunity to learn from you.

44. Charlie and Stephanie Brown ON: The Brown’s talk about the tragic events surrounding the death of their young son, Dylan, during a flash flood in Arizona. Powerful message of Faith and Compassion.

My friends Charlie and Stephanie Brown, share their experiences surrounding the death of their young son Dylan, during a flash flood in Arizona.

 

 

This episode will tug at your heart as listen, because you can literally feel the true love Charlie and Stephanie have for their son and how much they miss him. I have known the Brown's for a few years now, they are some of the most loving, kind, and generous people I know. They are the kind of people that quietly lift others up and instill in others value and worth. Before I learned about the tragic loss of their son, I could tell that there were some experiences they had been through that had stretched their souls to the point of breaking, not because they are broken people, but because they have broken hearts which has provided them the ability to show up for others who are hurting or struggling without hesitation.

 

 

"The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." Russell M. Nelson

 

Charlie shares this quote from Russel M. Nelson, current President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Prophet.  This quote defines death of loved ones, and for any parents who have lost a young child, I hope that you will listen to Charlie and Stephanie share their experiences losing Dylan.

 

 

If you have ever been to Arizona during Monsoon season, you are well aware that when Monsoon's come they come out of nowhere, they come fast and hard, and they can be very dangerous and deadly. On the day that Dylan died, they monsoon had passed recently so the boys, naturally, wanted to go play in the mud and catch frogs. In a brief moment of distraction Dylan slipped through a fence and into an irrigation canal that was moving at a very rapid pace caused by water coming down from a nearby mountain. Charlie and Stephanie describe their feelings during the chaotic moments searching desperately to find Dylan. When they were able to locate Dylan the firefighters did all they could to save his life, but it was too late.  As they talk about this experience, your heart will be touched.

 

 

Their pain even years later is very real and their hope and faith in their belief that they will see Dylan again one day is powerful. Another piece of the story you will hear about is years later when Child Protective Services calls them to let them know that they were opening a case against them. This brought all of the pain and emotions right back to the front and the Browns couldn't believe what was happening, as everyone at the scene that day, including the firefighters witnessed of the accident. You can imagine what that must of felt like for the Browns who were already struggling to keep their own heads above water every day due to the pain of the grief and loss of their son.

 

 

They share an eye opening reminder to us during this interview. Stephanie talk about the day she read all of the comments people posted on the news story of their sons drowning. Through tears she describes the pain, shame, and worthlessness she felt as she read comments from people who criticized their parenting, love for their children, etc... and the awful and harsh words many used. I hope that by listening to their story, we can all personally think about everyone we are connected to in our personal lives and even those we don't know personally that maybe in the news, or another connection, that we have judged and criticized without knowing all of the complete details, and commit to ourselves to change and do better than that form of low life thinking and criticizing. There is no place in our world for anyone to be treated that way by complete strangers who have no idea who you are. We must put a stop to that not only personally but we must be the counter voice when we see it to protect others who are in the types of potions that the Browns were in. Charlie and Stephanie's, devotion and faith in the Atoning sacrifice, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is beautiful and palpable. In reverence, with broken hearts and contrite spirits, they push on with purpose to care for their other children, lift up others who are going through their own tragic experiences, and to show God of their love and gratitude for His plan of Salvation which will allow them to one day again be with their son.

 

 

Thank you both for putting your heart vulnerably on your sleeve and sharing your experiences with me and anyone who listens. I love you both dearly and I know who you are. You have lifted me up and inspired me many times and my prayer is that you will feel the love and support of others around you and you will never forget that you are worthy and beloved by our Father in Heaven, and one day the plan He has designed for you will have your son Dylan in your arms again for an eternity of love and incredible opportunities for experiences.    

37. Katie Sheets Robertson ON: Netflix Documentary "Murder Among the Mormons" Katie tells the story of her mother Kathy Sheets, what her father went through, and holding onto faith.

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

 

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

 

 

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!  

Spencer Hall ON: Spencer Hall saved my wife Alisha and I's lives after our scooter accident... He talks about the importance of loving others Unconditionally, and giving people grace to grow.

A true hero of my wife Alisha and I's. Spencer Hall saved our lives after a tragic scooter accident that he saw as he was sitting at a red light waiting to turn. Spencer stayed cool and collected himself enough to immediately jump to Alisha Gregson's aid, which as a result most likely kept Alisha from bleeding to death and from being paralyzed because of 7 fractured bones in her neck and spine. As Spencer held Alisha still doing all he could to stop her bleeding from her head and foot, he felt impressed to give her a priesthood blessing. Because of Spencer's quick reaction to the accident and compassionate service to Alisha, we are alive to tell the story. In the years following we have become great friends with Spencer and his love for others and warmth are unparalleled by few others. He shares a very inspiring message about loving others unconditionally, giving grace to ourselves and others, and enjoying the beauty of this life.

 

Spencer Hall, was the creator of Salt City Hoops a blog that covers the Utah Jazz, a past writer for ESPN, and Director of KSL media.. All of this experience gave Spencer experience with people from different backgrounds. He talks about the importance of learning about all walks of life from religious, racial, cultural, etc. Spencer shares some fun memories of conversations with the late Coach Jerry Sloan, and as a blogger for the Utah Jazz. During our conversation Spencer talks about Empathy for others, the importance of empathizing with people different from ourselves and validating the experiences and feelings that they have. He talks about giving others Grace to Grow. We discuss the reality of what we choose to put out into the world and how it will come right back to us, so we can choose to seek for beautiful and good things, which makes life so much better and fulfilling for us. Spencer, offers wonderful insight to some of the Parenting Practices used by his Mother, who has recently passed away, and how as a mother she would embrace the nonsense, letting her kids play while ignoring the clutter, and things that she would do to make sure that her children felt love and felt celebrated. One of the most powerful lessons that Spencer has learned in his life is that one’s Value does not Change to God no matter what we do, and that Grace is not earned by our efforts, but is freely offered to us all, which in return gives us the ability to turnaround and offer that same gift of Grace to the people in our lives.

 

His late mother taught him that messes are fun, clean up can wait, and in the moment be present and connect with those around you. Such an amazing lesson!

 

 

 

Check out Salt City Hoops https://saltcityhoops.com/

 

 

Mike Gregson ON: Mistakes, Failures, and Addictions left Mike feeling worthless, ashamed on the edge of suicide, A Prayer made all the difference. God Intervened!

Mike discusses his path to finding delight in his life. After a childhood of unfulfilled dreams, ADHD and struggles in School, Depression, and the shame of not living up to unrealistic expectations, Mike’s life changed when he found God began to realize that service to others and getting outside of oneself provides peace and happiness, which lead him to a decision to serve a 2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Indiana. Although Mike’s mission was an incredible experience for him and he returned home “on fire” to continually serve others and live of service, Mike lost his footing, went through a divorce, began drinking and using drugs again, which lead to full blown addiction, and after years of this he found himself all alone in pure shame, guilt, and darkness. On the edge, contemplating suicide Mike had an experience through prayer that taught him his value to God and which gave him the courage to, rise up, face the life he had created. Mike decided to forgive himself and take ownership of his life and to carry no shame for past choices but rather to choose to see them as valuable experience that no allows him to serve others in their own dark places. He speaks about the “failures” of his life as his greatest blessings which now give him purpose, Shame as a dark lie, and rising each time we fall.