Come Towards Delight

49. Nathan Hales ON: CPR for the Soul (Church, Prayer, Read) and how these 3 simple practices changed the course of his life. From Drug Addict with Suicidal Ideation to successful Husband and Father.

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

 

 

48. Rosie Card ON: Starting her company Q.NOOR, creating Women's clothing, including LDS temple dresses. Rosie's enthusiasm for life and love for Humanity is inspiring. Fun conversation about Women!

Rosie Card, Author, Blogger, Podcaster, Business owner, Dog lover, Started the company Q.NOOR in 2015, after sitting in the Temple and recognized that the women’s temple dresses were uncomfortable to wear and looked very outdated. Research has proven that when women feel comfortable in what they are wearing, they actually learn more because their minds are able to focus and engage more efficiently.  Feeling lead to take on the challenge to make women feel better in temple clothes, she approached a temple worker, Sister Samuelson, who empowered Rosie by listening to her and encouraging her to do it. Rosie mentions that the moment she shared with Sis Samuelson in the temple could have “squashed” her belief in taking on this project, but instead she encouraged, supported, and empowered Rosie to do it.

 

 

Great lesson for us all when we think about our relationships with others. Are we lifting and inspiring people with our words or are we “squashing” belief. Rosie then talks about her journey creating her new clothing line Q.Noor and how it has not only grown in to a temple dress company but a women’s clothing line. 

Because of Rosie’s strong belief and faith in Jesus Christ she has determined in her life to recognize what Jesus Christ would do and who he would serve if He were here on the earth Himself. She has used her “platform” to speak up and stand up for women, marginalized groups and others who feel in a way cast out by society. I encourage you to follow Rosie on Instagram @rosiecard , the is full of light and her love for all of humanity is contagious. 

 

 

Rosie also shares her feelings about culture and how we can make sure to include all people, including single adults. No value is lost because a woman is not a mother, no value is lost if a man is the stay at home parent. Love, is willingness to learn, listen, and grow, and if we do that we recognize that all people are of infinite value and worth, and we can learn from them. Badges, titles, popularity, do not matter… hasn’t history clearly proven that when someone puts all of their time and energy into reaching certain “statuses” in society, they sacrifice the most important things to get there i.e. family, marriage, service opportunities? 

 

 

I love the way Rosie talks about Heavenly Mother. We often talk about Heavenly Father but we cower to let the word Heavenly Mother out of our mouths and use ideas like “she is too sacred to talk about” to keep us from talking about her as a foundational truth. Jesus, was born to a mother, He spoke to His mother while on the cross and asked His disciples to “Behold thy Mother” telling them to see her, and then after His death and victory over the grave the first person He appears to is Mary, a woman.

 

 

I really enjoyed our conversation about some of the traditions we hold onto for no reason other than that they keep us comfortable and they fit into mainstream society. So many of these things need to change so that more people feel seen and heard. LOVE!  We men can do a better job following this council from Rosie, “Hype the women around you, make room for them, and listen to them.”, I couldn’t agree more, and truly appreciated the opportunity to learn from Rosie and talk about so many important topics soul to soul. 

 

 

Rosie, you are an incredible woman, with so much love for Humanity. Thank you for sharing your story and so many important ideas with us, inviting us to love unconditionally, and to seek out those that feel like they belong on the outside and bring them in. Keep up the great work, you are making a huge impact!

 

 

Q.NOOR website: www.https://qnoor.com

 

 

Follow Rosie on Instagram @rosiecard, @q.noor

 

 

47. Becky Davidson ON: The creator of Lotimus, Becky shares her journey of self discovery through a combination of Meditation through Stories. Becky's work is impactful for all ages. Don't miss this!

Becky Davidson, is an incredible woman! Her work is groundbreaking and she is doing things that will change the way we think about education, and how to practice and teach emotional management and work through being uncomfortable. Becky Davidson, Teacher, Coach, Friend, and incredibly wise and creative human, comes from a wonderful family of storytellers.

 

 

From an early age she began to learn why people she loved would turn to drinking and smoking often in their lives. When we don't want to face certain uncomfortable emotions that come, we tend to use substances enabling us to forget or escape. Becky lost a younger brother to alcoholism, and a mother to lung cancer due to smoking, Her father is also an alcoholic and it has been hard for Becky to see those she loves suffer as they have turned to these options.  On her way home from teaching a college class at Utah Valley University, Becky recognized that she didn’t “bring it” to the class today, and as a result she let her students down.

 

 

Becky started to get curious about why she was feeling the way she did, it was uncomfortable. As she dove into what her feelings meant, she recognized that she wasn’t giving her self grace which is something she has always tried to give to others. She learned that the inner voice, we often give space to, is very loud in our lives and got curious to learn more about it. That said, She began to give her self permission to be a “Learner” when the uncomfortable feelings showed themselves, so she could learn from them in an effort to understand them.  Becky talks about some of the trait’s we pass onto/receive from family members. She saw that members of her family would become very disappointed and down on themselves and she began to recognize that she was doing the same thing.

 

 

As a determined learner, she committed to “sit” with her uncomfortable inner critic, she began meditating (sitting) and as a literary researcher she found some amazing people who were guides of meditation and she began feasting on their practices. This is where she truly began “sitting”. Early on she discovered that the uncomfortable feelings we feel such as pain, anxiety, fear, move through us. Emotions do not come to sit inside of us and stay forever, they truly move through us. She said “When we become comfortable in our own minds, if we are willing to sit, we learn that we are optimized and we have the power and ability to allow these feelings to move through us and learn from them”. 

 

 

Becky teaches that “often times we contract around the feelings we don’t want to feel, and when we do this we in a way choose to keep that feeling we don't want within us. Uncomfortable feelings will move through us if we allow them, and when they do we open ourselves to enlightenment on the other side of those feelings, which enables us to discover other feelings that exist within us that we are also holding on to." "As soon as you sit and get quite, whatever needs your attention comes to the surface. The more you sit the better you get at identifying the feelings and what is causing them."

 

 

In her research she learned that naming the emotions or “demons” is a good idea, and while you sit and the "demons" surface, we can talk to them by name. Doing this allows us to have a friendship with those emotions so we can learn from them and understand why those feelings come.  “We can’t always choose the thoughts that pop into our head, but we can consciously choose the memories that we want to embrace and carry with us.  After learning to “sit” herself Becky was equipped to respond to her son and daughter at times they were in need. Her children were dealing with some anxiety and fear, and Becky worked individually with them, teaching them to “sit” and feel their own emotions. To help active kids learn to “sit” she followed an impression she received to tell a story while they practiced meditating. The stories she shares involve “journeyer avatars” who have an adventure ahead of them, filled with obstacles, puzzles, strategic workarounds, world building, etc… Her children, the practicing meditators, took part in claiming a bit of transformative wisdom, and Becky saw the deep impact as her daughter melted into her arms and released many pent up emotions.

 

 

This is where Becky, with the encouragement of family and friends, developed Lotimus.  Becky describes Lotimus as an opportunity where, “Body goes still, mind goes on a Journey”. She describes Lotimus, saying "Yes, your body will be still but I’m going to launch your mind into a world with a narrative provided, inviting the listener to allow their imagination to soar. This is a Journeying practice in first person that you are the hero of." Lotimus gives the listener an opportunity to discover who they are, and to unlock their imagination and creativity. It maybe uncomfortable at first, but on the other side of our willingness to sit in uncomfortable feelings, we will experience Knowledge, and self discovery which empower you to uncover who you are and what you are capable of. "This is an opportunity to discover peace, ease of “being”, even bliss, if you are willing to pay the price and “sit”." If you are interested in how to Meditate or in “Sitting” as Becky, and now Michael, call it. Becky highly recommends the book written by Jack Cornfield called “A Path With Heart”.

 

 

Website Address: www.lotimus.com

 

If you would like to listen to these incredible Journey’s created by Becky and her team, you will receive two FREE batches of complete journey’s, which include three exercises, and beautiful music. Becky has also generously offered my listeners a discounted price when you enroll to the full Lotimus experience. To take advantage of this discount, enter "DELIGHT" into the Coupon Code space.

 

 

I have listened to some of the stories, and love the what I have experienced. This concept is ground breaking and so needed in our day. School classrooms give us the tools needed to get a career and work, but they miss the mark when it comes to emotional health and education, which has a huge impact on Mental, Spiritual, Social, and Physical Health. My family now "Sits" in these stories when we are putting the kids to bed, and it has been a huge hit! Best part... The kids actually LISTEN!! LOL!  Becky would love if you would check out Lotimus and reach out to her with feed back.

 

 

Please check out Lotimus, and let Becky know your thoughts by sending her an email to, becky@lotimus.com . She is extremely grateful in advance for any of you that will do so. 

 

 

Becky, my friend, you are incredible. I learned so much from you and cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to meet you, talk to you, and partake of your genuine goodness and wisdom. You have a passion for education and creativity, coupled with a sincere love of Humanity, so it makes complete sense that God has inspired you with such a impactful mission. Your work will educate, heal, and lift many. You are brilliant! I can't wait to talk to you again soon!

46. Tommy Thompson ON: Tommy Thompson talks about the lessons he learned during his oldest daughter, Perrin's, 6.5 year battle with Cancer & His book "Space to Breathe Again".

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. 

45. Tony Pizza ON: The trials, challenges, and mistakes of our lives are the very things that cause the friction needed to motivate us to live authentically. This is an incredible human!

Tony Pizza, is one amazing human being that has truly come to find himself, love who he is, and live his authentic life. Arriving in this place of peace and happiness wasn't easy for him, there were many roadblocks and danger zones he chose to pass through, until the day came that he realized the patterns in his life that he had created that were keeping him from truly living as his authentic self. The expectations of others and even expectations he thought people had for him kept him from discovering who he was and what he wanted for many years, until he learned to forgive and let go. I hope that you will enjoy this conversation as much as I did.    

 

 

Tony, has become an incredibly wise man, and done a fantastic job of unlocking himself and giving himself space to live authentically.  Tony had some early trials and trauma that set him off on a course that caused him to fall into the trap of attempting to please his parents who were living two different live styles. His parents divorced while he was still a young boy, and he began to feel  like life was being thrown at him from many different perspectives which of course included different expectation and rules. Although this time caused a lot of friction in his life, Tony now he looks back on with gratitude and appreciation, because that helped him begin to recognize the diversity in humanity. Hearing him talk about Humanity and our connection with the universe is a fun spiritual journey.     

 

 

After High School, Tony wasn't sure exactly what he wanted to do, but he wanted a challenge and to do something "good", so he joined the Marines. During this time he began he began dating the mother of his children, they were married in the LDS temple, and this is where he started to feel the void in his life because he was in a way reacting to the way others wanted him to live rather than choosing to live a life he wanted to live. Although he felt good that others were pleased with him because of his lifestyle and decisions, it felt fake and he started to see that the people in his life liked him because he was living up to an conditions they held him to and the expectation of who he was supposed to be in regards to the culture he grew up in. 

 

 

This is the time he began to feel like the religion he grew up in, wasn't providing him with the answers he was looking for and it was in a way almost keeping him from becoming the authentic man he felt deep inside himself.  There was enough friction and darkness in his life that he began looking for his value through the validation through the opposite sex. After stepping out of bounds in his marriage Tony found himself in the darkest moments of his life. He felt deep shame to the point of thoughts of suicidal ideation, but something pivotal happened as well and over time Tony also began to feel liberated, as if he was freeing himself from the expectations of parents and others he believed controlled his life up to that point. After coming clean to his wife and telling her the truth she proceeded to get a divorce. Unfortunately, he repeated the marriage and divorce process two more times and attempted to fill the void with habits that became nothing more than an attempt to drown out the "noise" inside screaming at him to live the life of authenticity.

 

 

At this time, he took a 10 day trip to Peru in an effort to lose himself in a beautiful part of the world, to connect with the universe through silence, mediation, and to do a lot of walking and hiking. Oddly enough in his attempt to lose himself, that is where he came to find himself again. Tony was able to forgive people in his past that he withheld forgiveness from for years.     He forgave his mother and father for their imperfections but came to the conclusion that they never meant any of their weaknesses to be passed onto him and they never meant to hurt him in the first place. He learned that he didn’t need a verbal apology from any or every person he felt hurt by in his past, in fact many of them didn’t even know that they had done anything with a lasting negative effect on Tony. What he needed was to forgive himself for holding onto the negative experiences he had carried with him because of others choices. In his own words Tony says, “I learned that forgiveness isn’t about redeeming someone else from justice; forgiveness is about freeing yourself.”      

 

 

During a pivotal moment for Tony, as he thought about what he himself truly wanted to accomplish during his life, he came up with 5 things. His personal Motto if you will.  1. He wanted to Hike Mountains and exercise  2. Financial Freedom 3. Read many books 4. Write  5. See the world and experience new cultures He began to read and found life changing principles that spoke to him while reaching "The Alchemist"  Tony mentions that the courage he needed to be brave enough to change his life's course during times he was feeling friction in his soul being what he explains "the very test of life" and you he shares that anyone who is willing to do this, will find that when you take action the Universe has your back. It truly does! This was a very uplifting and spiritual conversation with one of my childhood friends. Tony is an incredible person that has used all of his experiences combined to practice compassion, kindness, and love for all of humanity. Listening to him talk about the beauty and authenticity of the human life and soul is incredibly compelling and enlightening. You won't want to miss this beautiful story and conversation.     

 

 

Tony, I love you brother. Thank you for sharing your life, wisdom, and beautiful soul with us. Your view of humanity and the goodness within each of us is inspiring, and truly refreshing to hear. I especially love that you and I can bring our different beliefs and "labels" of very similar truths together and engage each other in a safe place to discuss, learn, and see the other. We are far more similar than we are different, and the bridge that allowed us to find each other in that safe space was unconditional love and compassion for one another.     

 

 

If any of you would like to connect with Tony, you can find him on Instagram under the name @namaste.alchemy or @peaceuvpizza. You will feel uplifted as you see and connect to life and humanity through his lens.     

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.    

43. Weston Clark ON: The BYU Bandit shares his Journey of Surrender. He lost his mother at 8, his Father was an Alcoholic, the things he used to cope took over his life. Broken he turned to God.

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!!

42. Tara McCausland ON: A fellow Podcaster, host of ’Still Rowing’, Tara shares her experience growing up with a parent battling addiction. Surrendering, The power of Vulnerability, Shame, Miracles.

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

 

41. Matt Coulam ON: Matt shares his incredible journey and experiences with 2 Kidney failures. Lesson's on Choosing to think Positively, People who show up, and the strength of family and friends.

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!

 

40. Anthony Ianni ON: First D1 NCAA Basketball player with Autism discusses his journey with autism, bullying, choice and actions, Public speaking.

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