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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 Jul 25, 2021
Sunday Jul 25, 2021
Terry Tucker is an incredible Human. His story will lift you up, fill you with a desire to filter out negativity and focus on the positive. I've only spoken to Terry live one time and I left our conversation feeling better about myself, and like I had known him and looked up to him for years.
Terry shares his life journey with us and has some pretty awesome career achievements, and athletic achievements with us. He played college ball, and is a giant of a man both literally and figuratively. You will feel his joy, and love for life through his enthusiasm and optimism, and I promise you that like me you will determine in your mind to live your life on purpose.
Years of fighting a deadly cancer disease could have made it really easy for Terry to be resentful, wondering why he fell victim to this awful disease, but just the opposite has happened and Terry is making a huge impact for good in his circles and quote frankly on the world. His goal... Be on purpose. As he wakes each morning he has truly embraced the duty he feels to be on purpose and leave this world a better place for his children and grand children.
He shares some key items with us that have helped him to become the best Terry Tucker he can possibly be. He is a man that walks his talk as well, he has been on many podcasts and left his powerful message, and it's not easy for him due to the cancer he is battling. I hope that you too will listen to the wise counsel from Terry, and apply the principles he speaks of to your life if you haven't already.
Check out Terry's website at www.motivationalcheck.com
If you would like to purchase Terry's book called "Sustainable Excellence", you can find it on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GLGVTVS
Terry, you are an incredible man and I am so grateful that I had the privilege to meet you and learn from you. Thank you for sharing your light, love, and purpose with us. God bless you and your family always my friend.
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
Tuesday Jun 15, 2021
Tuesday Jun 15, 2021
Drew Young is a Husband, Father, Top Selling Author, Porn/Life/Mental Wellness Coach, and Bodyguard of Humanity (literally)!
Drew shares his story about the struggles he has faced because of separation anxiety. The first time that he recognized it was at scout camp when he was only a young boy. When separation anxiety presented itself in Drew it caused fear and the emotional fruits that fear bears, which of course did not leave Drew with a lot of friends. When his family moved from Connecticut to Utah, he began attending a new elementary school he was bullied, teased, and picked on, actually being physically beat up on multiple occasions. Drew talks about the affect it had on him when he realized that he couldn’t trust everyone and that kids were often times mean to their peers, very different than what he expected based on the way he was raised. The bullying mixed with the separation anxiety that Drew was feeling, was a huge blast to Drew’s self esteem, and of course it was very low.
In this Dark time, Drew found a way to breakaway from the pain and anxiety by turning to Pornography as a young 12 to 13 year old boy. As he was passing through this dark period Drew discusses how he turned to adult’s who were in charge of some of the activities he was being bullied at, and the response they received was “Boys will be boys” or “I’m sure they didn’t mean it that way”, and the leaders were unwilling to take him seriously. This had a profound affect on Drew and he know longer wanted to attend School, Church, or Scouts because of the constant bullying. As a result of these experiences Drew and his parents decided to do homeschooling from 7th to 10th grade. During his sophomore year after deciding to go back to public school, Drew had an incredible experience that shows the power of our spirits and his will to overcome this challenge. He looked himself in the mirror and promised to never allow bullying to happen to himself or anyone else again.
This is where Drew’s story begins… Even though this time of Drew’s life was so dark and difficult, often pushing him to the breaking point, Drew talks about the connection he has developed with God as a result. Looking back on his youth, Drew is not able to see that God allowed him to experience all that he went through so that Drew could be prepared to be a friend, voice, and supporter of any and all ostracized groups and people who are treated as if they don’t belong by others. “It was as if God was coaching me”.
Drew has written multiple books sharing the lessons he has learned and his love for all of humanity unconditionally. Titles and links to books below.
1. The meaning of your mission: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Mission-Lessons-Principles/dp/B08QL1H8H6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+meaning+of+your+mission&qid=1623710403&s=books&sr=1-1
2. Stand guard at the door of your mind: Releases on August 10th (Preorder available) https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stand+guard+at+the+door+of+your+mind&crid=2TTBD9EMYVCUX&sprefix=stand+guard+at+%2Caudible%2C185&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_15_ts-doa-p
Instragram: @mrdrewbyoung Facebook: Drew Young Please reach out to Drew, he would love to hear from you.
“People start to heal when they feel heard” -Drew Young
Tuesday May 25, 2021
Tuesday May 25, 2021
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.
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
Tuesday May 04, 2021
Tuesday May 04, 2021
My friend Author, Coach, Christ Lover, Podcaster and Golf Fanatic, Tommy Thompson shares his life, faith, and family with us. He is devoted husband to Weezie his wife, who he has been married to for 40 years, and loving father.
Tommy is very optimistic and inspiring to listen to. He doesn't shout with a voice of thunder to wake anyone up, rather his calm and humble tones and love for God is palpable. I honestly could have carried on a conversation with Tommy for a day, no problem. He gives us a message that in spite of the difficulties, in spite of circumstances, no matter what circumstances we are up against, we have the ability to choose how we respond. He says, "People often feel like they have to control their own circumstances and drive them to avoid any difficulty or darkness, but it's in the effort to control that we often lose ourselves".
In the early days of his profession, Tommy and his brother partnered together to start and run multiple companies. He studied Seminary at Davidson University, Go Steph Curry! Where he found his passion in teaching and especially teaching people how to grow and create better lives, and marriages. Life seemed to be calmly passing by without too many tough trials, when the call came from Weezie. On March 4th 2010, His healthy young 20 year old daughter Perrin, a Junior in college, was experiencing back pain and after a visit to the doctor she was diagnosed with cancer. She had Kidney Cancer that had metastasized into her spine causing intense pain. She was very active, bright, and joyful and it just seemed that this kind of thing would never happen to someone like her. Tommy explains his life turned upside down, and questions to God of why is this happening when I’ve lived right and the way you’ve asked began to come, almost as if why would you allow this to happen to us. Tommy's daughter battled the cancer for 6.5 years with determination and Grit, and although those 6.5 years were without question some of the hardest and darkest days of their lives, Tommy expresses that they were years full of incredible joy, and happiness as well. They were year’s of “Pain beyond description, and Joy beyond description at the same time”.
Perrin was a bright light during those years and she experienced as much or more joy in that short timeframe than many of us do during an entire lifetime. Inspired to write a book Space to Breathe again, Tommy talks about the inspiration that he felt from God in writing it. He says that it is most often faithful believers who struggle the most because we stretch ourselves so thin sometime in our efforts to serve God and others. At times, the faithful are the ones that need to slow down the most and take the time needed to stop, reflect, and listen. Tommy shares a lot of wisdom on busyness and making sure that we slow down to give ourselves and God space. He says, “my job is to have faith, once I do that I then trust that God will take care of the rest”. Living that way brings peace, joy, and comfort in our lives. At the foundation he lives by Grace. No matter how hard he pushed and tries he falls, and he often falls hard. He expresses gratitude for Gods limitless grace for him and literally survived the pain of losing Perrin because of that Grace.
Tommy talks about all of the people who followed Perrin through her Cancer journey, and still to this day years later, people reach out and share stories with him about how she inspired them. Perrin lived with Joy, even during times of extreme pain, and she always gave God glory, never blaming God for what she was experiencing. She never denied or lost trust in Him, and neither did Perrin's dad, Tommy. More determined than ever to help people view life much like his daughter, with joy, hope, and happiness. Tommy has set out on a ministry to heal broken hearts, and help people find the joy in letting go of the speed and craziness of the world so that they can slow down and feel God through his peace and stillness.
I encourage you to listen to Tommy's podcast, he is a remarkable man that I feel very blessed to have met. Tommy you are awesome my friend. Sure love you brother, let's connect again soon.
Podcast: Space to Breathe Again, can be found on any podcast platform i.e. Apple, Spotify, or his website www.tommytompson.org/podcast , Personal website: www.tommythompson.org/links/
Follow Tommy on Instagram under user name: author_tommythompson
His book, "Space to Breathe Again" can be found on Amazon Please feel free to reach out to Tommy. He would love to hear from you.
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Weston is truly one of the most joyful humans that I have ever met. He and I connected after he heard my podcast episode on Todd Sylvester’s podcast “Beliefcast”. Immediately, I felt supported, encouraged, and uplifted by him, which lead to me of course asking about his story. Weston’s story is incredible! His story and witness of God will remind you that you are God’s child, He is aware of you and loves you, and there is nothing that we cannot overcome in this life when we invite Him into our lives and let Him lead us.
Weston’s mother died when he was 8, his father was an alcoholic growing up. He was teased and bullied by grade school peers when his mother died which affected his self esteem daily. To overcome loneliness and shame Weston turned to Alcohol, Marijuana, Meth, etc… and began turning to them daily. Soon after graduating High school, Weston and his girl friend had a baby together and life became very difficult for both of them, as they continued to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the chaos that life can sometimes bring.
One Day, unexpectedly a police officer, who was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the same church that Weston was raised in, called Weston out of the blue and said he wanted to give something to Weston, scared that he was going to be arrested Weston accepted and he was given a book about his mother. Reading this book was the first time Weston felt Gods love for him. He tried hard to overcome the drinking and drug addictions but he didn’t have the tools or the help to overcome it. After a few short experiences in and out of jail, he lost the right to take care of his children and he began facing the shame.
Weston talks about his co-dependency with women, due to losing his mother at such an young age and coping with that by always finding women to spend time with, which most often times to using drugs together. He explains that he truly longed to be loved by a woman, and tried to reconcile with his X, which didn’t happen, and he became so depressed that suicide began an option for him. Life was very dark for Weston to the point that he decided he wanted to not only use drugs but deal drugs so that people would need him. Feeling needed, caused Weston’s ego to explode and he felt on top of the world, but that only lasted for so long… He was in an out of jail multiple times and during his last arrest, he was so broken that he finally gave the idea of needing to change his life, space. Homeless, alone, and desperately in need of help, Weston reached out to a brother. Weston’s brother had been feeling feelings that Weston was in trouble in the days leading up to Weston’s call, so he came running to Weston’s help. Rules were made, boundaries were set, his brother made him go to a recovery center which was exactly what Weston was finally ready for because he was broken and humbled.
Enter God… Weston began to read the Book of Mormon and focus on surrendering to God. He felt the light come into his life. Although he believed in God even through it all, he didn’t choose to put himself in a position to be found by God, but this time in humility and meekness he was ready to give himself to God. Weston bears a sincere and humble testimony and witness of Jesus Christ and of Jesus Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice for each and every one of us. He went from a man that had absolutely nothing going for him, surrounded in darkness and loneliness, to a life full of light and energy, ready to lift and serve others and committed to being an incredible father for his children. His faith is nothing short of miraculous and he now looks back at the past and with thankfulness shares his gratitude for the the soul stretching trials that he has passed through, and the addictions that in the past ruled his life, because it is as a result of the struggles, mistakes, and darkness, that he has found the light, redemption, and unconditional love of his Savior Jesus Christ.
Make sure to stay tuned until the end as Weston shares a heart felt message to his children.
Weston, you are such an incredible man. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story and witness with us. You are a hero and will help so many as you continue to share your story, Share your witness of Jesus Christ. You are a light brother, let it shine!!
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!
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
A proud Alum of Michigan State University, Anthony Ianni, is one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the country. At the age of 4 Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Doctors and specialists told Anthony’s parents that he would barely graduate from high school, would never graduate from college, would never have a shot at being an athlete and would likely live in a group institution with other Autistic kids for his adult life. His family was devastated but pledged they would help Anthony be successful no matter what. Anthony graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in sociology in 2012 and was a winner of various awards during his time as a basketball player. He was a two-time Big Ten Champion, a Big Ten Tournament Champion, and a member of the 2010 Final Four team. He won the 2011 Tim Bograkos Walk On award and the 2012 Unsung Player award.
During his senior season at Michigan State University, like any other student, Anthony was at a crossroads, unsure of what he wanted to do with his life after college. It was then that Michigan’s former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley gave him an opportunity that made him realize his story had the power to inspire others. Before his final basketball season had ended, Mr. Calley asked Anthony if he was interested in giving the keynote address at an autism gala in Detroit hosted by the Autism Alliance of Michigan. He delivered a ten-minute speech and received a great reaction and ovation from the crowd. Driving home, he looked at his wife Kelly and said, “I think I found my life’s calling. Other than Temple Grandin, what voice does the autism community have to look to for hope and inspiration?” He knew then that he wanted to be the person whose voice the autism community and others could look to and be inspired by.
Two months after that speech, the Autism Alliance of Michigan hired Anthony to do motivational speaking engagements for the organization. At that time, he was also appointed to the Governor’s Autism Council—a seat he holds to this day. In the fall of 2012, Anthony heard a CNN report about how individuals with autism are the number-one targets for bullies in schools across the country.
His own experience with bullies and this startling statistic led him to expand his presentations to include both a motivational and an anti-bullying message. Soon after, Anthony launched his own anti-bullying initiative called The Relentless Tour, sharing his life stories of being bullied because of his autism and height and all the ways he was different to show kids who have been the target of bullies that they’re not alone, and to encourage them to go out and not only be the change, but to make that change in life as well.
As a speaker, Anthony has won a number of awards for his work. In 2013, he was a finalist for the Detroit Pistons Game Changer award and won the 2014 Epling Agent of Change Award. He was one of Autism Speaks’ “10 Individuals who Inspired in 2014,” and named to the CBS News national list of “Inspiring People on the Autism Spectrum.” He also received the 2015 BOOM Athlete of the Year Award and the 2016 Autism Support of West Shore “You Make a Difference” Award. In his five-year speaking career, Anthony has built relationships with political and civic leaders throughout the state and school administrators from around the country, as well national autism advocates, sports figures, and a long list of media professionals. These relationships have helped Anthony build a large and loyal following and have taken his career and his life story to heights he never could have anticipated.
Anthony, you are a great man! Thank you for shinning your light bright so that the rest of us can see that when we are willing to do hard things doors open and Miracles Happen.
Check out Anythony's new book, 'Centered' where he shares his experiences with Basketball, Autism, and Bullying. https://www.amazon.com/Centered-Autism-Basketball-Athletes-Dreams/dp/1684351537