Come Towards Delight

39. Sam Hewson ON: Sam shares his conversion story to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Divorce, Recommitting, Family History, Temple Work. God is in the Details of our lives.

Sam Hewson and I crossed paths in Gilbert Arizona, and we became close friends quickly. He and his wife April are incredible people who always do their best to serve others, lift people up, and love unconditionally. 

 

 

Sam shares his conversion story to Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He talks about the unforgettable, undeniable, and peaceful witness from the Holy Ghost as he said his first sincere prayer to God when asking God if He was there and if the Church is true. It is a witness he will never be able to deny. 

 

 

Sam talks about swimming for Arizona State University, on scholarship, qualifying for the olympic team, and of his disappointment when President Carter announced the USA would be boycotting the games he would swim in. Confused and not knowing his next steps in life he sought Gods help which lead him to his Patriarchal Blessing, that mentioned he would serve a mission. He shares the miracles that happen that enabled him to go. Although his parents were not happy with his decision to forgo his senior year and last year of his scholarship, Sam ultimately decided he wanted to go and was called to serve in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. 

 

 

After his mission and a Divorce, Sam felt shame, remorse, and pain making it easier for him to disengage with God. After years away from the church, but knowing of it's truth and the reality of Jesus Christ, Sam went back to church, and he shares a powerful experience walking into a sacrament meeting late. This experience is one that all Bishops and members of the church should hear. The Bishop, who was making announcements from the pulpit when Sam walked in, recognized Sam, stopped speaking and immediately walked to Sam to hug him. That example caused the entire congregation to follow his example and for the next 15 minutes Sam was wrapped in the arms of his fellow ward family and shown pure love and gratitude to have him there. 

 

 

Sam is now remarried to an incredible woman, April, and although they have had some trials of their own, they are happy and have felt God in the detail of their lives. He talks about Family History work and the power and reality of our ancestors helping us and guiding us in our lives. The peace that comes from attending the temple, and affect it has on the unity and love in our families. Sam also shares a humble, and tender testimony of Jesus Christ at the end of the podcast. There is no doubt Sam knows Jesus!

 

 

Sam you are one of my favorite guys in this world and very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your witness of Jesus Christ, and your incredible journey with us. I pray that the Lord continues to bless you in all that you do. 

 

38. Jason McElwain (J-Mac) ON: Living Legend, J-Mac, who has Autism talks about his Miraculous Basketball Game, Teamwork, Mindset, Determination, and Finding Jesus Christ

You don't want to miss this inspirational story... truly one of the most heroic sports stories of all time!!

 

 

Jason McElwain, is a living legend, not only because he was the Game High Scorer with over 20 points, playing only 4 mins, for a team he never made; but even more amazing than that miraculous accomplishment... J-Mac was diagnosed with Autism at a young age and his parents were told that he wouldn't be able to get dressed, read, or play sports like "normal" boys his age do.

 

 

Jason drops so many golden nuggets during our conversation from being a team player and great teammate, to Determination and shaking off the "nay-Sayers" and peers that tell you, you can't accomplish something. His Coach Jim Johnson gave Jason a chance, and although Jason didn't know his chance was coming, he was prepared which allowed the Miracle to happen. Watch the video in the link below to see it.

 

 

The most inspiring thing to me about Jason as I've thought about his story and "the miracle" throughout the years, is simple, yet it is what stops 95% of us from accomplishing our dreams. He was told no, but he kept believing and showing up. Often times in our lives we dream big dreams but when we fail, make a mistake, or start facing turbulent waters... we quit and give up. For 4 years Jason didn't even make the team, but he loved the game, loved the team, and loved his Coach so he showed up. He worked and worked extra hours, and as a result the Miracle happened.

 

 

Because he was prepared for His Finest Hour, and with a little help from God, he Shined! As a result he has spoken to Billy Donovan's Florida Gators during their title run, Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts the year they won the super bowl. He won an ESPY award, going against one of his Hero's, Kobe Bryant, and he shares many other experiences meeting some of the sports world elite, all which occurred because of one simple thing... J-Mac never gave up, J-Mac never quit.

 

 

J-Mac is a hero of mine and I have been inspired for years thinking about all he has done. Truly he has challenged the world to see children of God diagnosed with Autism under a new light and as fully capable of anything. Different does not mean Inferior, it truly means different, and in many cases it can actually mean Superior, providing "normal" people with an opportunity to listen, learn, and grow.

 

 

J-Mac, thank you for showing us all how to be Champions. You truly are one, and a hero to so many, including myself. God bless you my friend. Let's get you out to Utah this summer so we can give you a chance to share your message and inspire us! See you soon.

 

 

If you would like to follow J-Mac on Instagram or Facebook you can find him under the following account names. IG: jmac2500 FB: www.facebook.com/jason.mcelwain.31

 

 

ESPN highlight of Jason McElwain's Miraculous Game 2006: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__JQcJ-wr0M&t=31s

 

#Hotasapistol

 

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

Growing up in Holladay, Utah I remember hearing about Mark Hoffman and the Salamander Letters. I grew up less than 2 miles from the Sheets home where Kathy Sheets lived at the time of her death, caused by a pipe bomb made and placed at her home by Mark Hacking. I didn't know all of the details but I do remember my parents, and Neighbors talking about the Sheets family with so much love and sorrow for what had happened to Kathy.

 

 

Fast Forward more than 20 years later when I was attending a single adult church in Holladay, I met this woman who brought joy into any room she entered, always had a smile on her face, and just seemed to love life in a beautiful way. She was the wife of one of our church leaders, Joe Robertson, who was serving in the Bishopric. Joe, is just as kind as Katie, a bit more reserved and observant but when he engages with you, you can't help but feel his warmth and concern for anyone he speaks to. They are such an amazing couple, so loving and kind.   

 

 

I don't remember the day or exactly what happened for me to connect the dots that Katie is the daughter of Kathy Sheets, who was killed by Mark Hoffman; however, I do remember thinking to myself often after learning of the connection "How can somebody who has had their Mother Murdered by someone she didn't even know, and who was a terrible person, be so happy and kind". After getting to know Katie, I now know the answer to that question...

 

 

Katie is a beautiful soul full of compassion, grace, kindness and tender love. She talks about her talented and loving mother and the experiences surrounding her death. She talks about her father and how he responded and lived after the murder of his wife, calling him the forever optimist even though, as anyone can imagine, he went through some hard hard days in the years ahead. She also talks about the wonderful lawyers, police, and many others who helped investigate and prosecute Mark Hoffman, she talks of them with compassion for how hard they worked for her family to find their mothers killer. She shares experiences in her story, like an exchange Mark Hoffman's father and her Father Gary had in an elevator leaving the courtroom, that would be extremely difficult for anyone to share because of the trauma and darkness surrounding it, but yet, her voice is one of gratitude, it's warm and inviting, and she even refrains from talking bad about the man who murdered her mother.   

 

 

If you watched the new #Netflix documentary 'Murder Among the Mormons", you will appreciate hearing Katie tell of some of the experiences in depth and as a first hand witness.   

 

 

Katie, thank you for your faith in God that is truly inspiring and powerful. Your testimony of a testimony stands as a witness to so many of us, that although bad things happen here on earth we are here for a purpose, God knows us and loves us all perfectly, and there is a plan He has created for us that we can discover during our lives on earth. I'm grateful for your influence in my life. You see the world filled with Delight, and your ability to do that after all you have been through confirms that I can too.    God bless you and Joe!     

 

 

If you have a Netflix account and would like to see the episode, here is the Link: https://www.netflix.com/title/81226889

 

 

#murderamongthemormons

 

36. Al and Rachel van der Beek ON: Al van der Beek, Producer for world famous 'The Piano Guys', and Rachel van der Beek, the one who makes it possible, share their Miraculous Faith Journey. Powerful!

Don't miss this uplifting and inspiring story! Al and Rachel van der Beek take us the journey of their lives that will have you laughing...seriously who wears sunglasses to a club? Crying, feeling like so much of their Faith journey is relatable, and Uplifted, their love for God and witness of God's love and awareness of us is beautiful and so full of gratitude. 

 

 

Have you ever met a famous person and thought to yourself "It must have been so easy for them, why not me". If you are like me, then you have. Al and Rachel's story begins like so many of our stories... Normal. Both Al and Rachel grew up with two parents in the home surrounded by siblings, simply doing their best to do good things and serve their neighbors. Al served a Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Korea as a young man, and absolutely loved serving! Upon his return home he was married followed by a divorce 2 years later, while at the same time Rachel who was also married was going through a divorce of her own. That said, everything didn't come easy for the van der Beek's nor was it handed to them undeservedly. 

 

 

Al and Rachel met at a club in Salt Lake City and you don't want to miss the opportunity to hear them share the story. Let's just say Al had sun glasses on in a club, Rachel had wind blowing through her hair, and as soon as their eyes met from across the dance floor, they felt instantly like they had to know each other. They were both so impressed by each others sick moves on the dance floor that no words were needed, besides you can't hear much in a club because they are so loud. They exchanged numbers, started talking over email, began dating, and a few months later they were married. 

 

 

They had love, started a family, worked hard to provide for their family, but something was missing. Al talks about his passion for music throughout his entire life and that he felt that he was supposed to create music, but just didn't know how so he tried to "force it", which always backfired. Rachel, worked hard and had a successful career as they started to have children and grow their family. Things weren't bad for the van der Beek's but they couldn't shake the feelings in their heart that there was more for them as a family, they just had no idea what that meant. 

 

 

When their 6 year old son started asking began asking questions about God and what happens to us when we die, Rachel and Al knew they need to teach their kids about God's plan of salvation for us and go back to the LDS Church. It didn't last long and they had an experience with someone that in a way made returning again even harder so they chose to disconnect from the LDS church again. They believed, but just didn't feel they would be loved and excepted because they weren't living the standards of the religion. 

 

 

Years later, on a Sunday morning Al woke up and out of nowhere heard "Go to Church" in his heart, and it wouldn't stop... So he and Rachel grabbed the kids, went to church, and from that moment on have been "All in". This is were the miracles begin. Al and Rachel had many blessings before but once they decided to connect with and chose God in their lives mountains began to move for them, and the Lord literally put them where He needed them to be, surrounded by the people He wanted them to meet, at precisely the right time He needed them to meet them. 

 

 

When Al met Steven Sharp Nelson, he was the Elder's Quorum President in his ward fulfilling his calling to serve by helping the Nelson's, who he'd never met, move into the neighborhood. Personality wise they couldn't have been more different but discovering they both loved music and playing music they started to get together a couple of times a week to play. Slowly over a few weeks playing together and connecting with John Schmidt to help John finish a song he was working on, doors started opening and they could feel God's hand in their lives guiding them. It's very touching to listen to Al talk about an experience he had with Steven while recording "Away in a Manager" one day in the studio. At that moment both Al and Steven knew that God had a mission for them to play beautiful music for the world, the kind of music that breaks down barriers and labels, softens a heart, and opens ones soul open to the point of almost touching heaven. 

 

 

Al and Rachel share their witness of Jesus Christ, and His divine mission at the end of the podcast. It is special, very personal, and born of the spirit. The testimonies and messages shared by these two throughout this podcast are sincere, full of humility, and given in gratitude from two people who have felt the redeeming power and love of their Savior.

 

 

If there is anyone you know that has "disconnected" themselves from God for any reason or simply feels that they have no value to give to the world, please share this beautiful witness with them. Al and Rachel are normal people who live normal lives full of challenges and difficulties just like the rest of us, but they have discovered "the secret", and they give all credit to God our Father who loves us and is perfectly aware of us. All of us were created and given talents by God to do amazing things, let's plug in ask Him to show us the way, and He will. 

 

 

Thank you Al and Rachel for sharing your life story, up to this point, with us. You are incredible people and I hope to connect with you often throughout our journeys here on earth. 

 

 

If you would like to know more about Al and Rachel, follow The Piano Guys music or connect with them, you can find them by going to https://thepianoguys.com/pages/contact

 

 

Al talks about a tough experience that he had recently gone through, and as a result of praying while in the midst of this trial, the words of one of their newest song were given to him. Have a listen, the song is uplifting and so good. It's called "Better Days" and if you would like to hear it click on this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te-nyCZoLRM

 

35. Cori Valdez ON: Regaining Hope and Love after years battling an Opiate addiction, Traumatic experience being abused by an X nearly ending her life. Learning she is worth it and loving herself.

Sometimes we have to enter the darkness so that we can comprehend the light and recognize our worth and value. This is the case for Cori Valdez, and her path through the darkness was not easy, leaving her on the brink of death after a traumatic experience with an X-husband, and without any support from family and friends.

 

 

The beauty in Cori's story is that she recognizes the power of her choices throughout her life. Darkness can come because of our choices like much of Cori's did, but there are times in each of our lives when the darkness surrounding us is not welcomed or chosen by us and as the result of the choices of others in our lives or our circumstances. As her addiction began, she explains that she didn't want to live another day without being high, almost as if she found herself without realizing that the drug would cause her so mush loneliness and hopelessness in the days ahead. She talks about losing everything even having to turn over the rights of her two young girls.

 

 

After years living in a hopeless world with no hope and multiple trips in and out of jail. During her last arrest she heard a voice within whisper to her that she has worth and can change. She felt happiness for the first time in a long time believing that there was hope for her in the middle of an arrest. She determined to change and began to take the necessary steps to heal, forgive, change her thinking, and choose to live a good live with love for others and herself. Loving herself was something she never thought possible again but as began taking steps to recovery daily, she has come to realize her infinite worth.

 

 

She has been able to reconcile with her daughter Halee and now they are closer than they have ever been. Cori says watching Halee forgive her and seeing her treat her with love and respect taught Cori how forgiveness is possible and it is powerful!

 

 

Cori, thank you for sharing your life with us and declaring your witness that you and each one of us are infinitely valuable and worth more than we understand. No one is too far gone, no one... If you don't believe that listen to Cori share her story and teach you that everyone can indeed change. God bless you and your beautiful family Cori! Let that beautiful light within you shine bright and show others in their darkness the way to the light. You are amazing!

 

 

If you know someone struggling with addiction and would like to talk to Cori, or if you want to congratulate her on overcoming so much, please feel free to connect with her on Instagram under username @iroc_cori .

34. Alyssa Warr ON: 17 months pregnant with her first baby and stopped dead in her tracks being diagnosed with SNUC Cancer, Alyssa shares her Journey. A story laced with Hope, Guidance, and Miracles.

At the young age of 25 and with the whole world in front of Alyssa and her husband, they were stopped on a dime when Alyssa learned that she had SNUC Cancer, which is one of the most rare forms of Cancer there is, and on top of that Alyssa was 17 weeks pregnant.  Amazingly Alyssa talks about the peace she felt through the process of chemo, radiation, and brain surgery. She shares the difficult choices that she and her husband faced together such as abortion, which got her to the point where she quite literally was having to face the decision of choosing between her life and that of her baby's life.  After months and months of Chemo, Radiation, and a brain surgery,

 

 

Alyssa and her husband let the doctors know that they wanted to do a fourth round of chemo treatment, all during pregnancy, because if they could keep their son in the womb for even 2 to 3 more weeks his chances of survival were much much better. They proceeded with the fourth round and shortly after their beautiful baby boy was born. He came very early but he is healthy, happy, and the joy of their lives.  Although Alyssa's treatment was successful and she was declared cancer free, she was not out of the woods yet, as she was diagnosed with meningitis, during COVID, and had to travel by herself to a hospital in Houston to undergo treatment alone.

 

 

She came very close to losing her life, and even says that she was ready to quit, but thanks to her inspired mother, who recognized the urgency of her daughters situation demanding from the hospital that they allow her to travel down to be with her daughter, Alyssa overcame the odds again and pulled through.  In her darkest moment Alyssa talks about the impact her family and friends who showed up for her and her husband had. She knows that they came in answer to her prayers inspired by God to help her fight this awful disease. She talks about the peace that she felt each time she prayed and knew that God's will would be done for she and her family no matter the outcome. Talk about faith to face scary things!  Alyssa you are incredible! Thank you for sharing your light and love with us. God bless you, your husband and baby boy in all you do. You are amazing!

 

 

If you would like to reach out to Alyssa or learn more about her and her beautiful family, you can find her on Instagram @lysswarr or by emailing her at warralyssa@gmail.com. 

 

 

To companies like #Google who take care of employees and employees families when diagnosed with a disease like cancer, God bless you, and thank you for your example of what it should look like to take care of each other.   

33. Kris LeSueur ON: Taking Action, Personal Growth, Balancing Mind, Body, Spirit. Kris talks about competing in Iron Man and the Core Value System he has developed.

Kris LeSueur is a hero of mine. He is one of the top 3 diciplined humans that I know because he has experienced pain that comes from quitting, which drove him to become his best self possible and someone who never stops pushing himself to become the best he possibly can in all important areas of his life. Kris, is someone who showed me by example how to act on life rather than waiting for life to act on me. His impact on me will never fade and I know his message will leave you with many inspiring take aways as well. 

 

 

Let me introduce Kris using his own words on his website http://www.transcenddaily.com

 

 

"I have always been intellectually curious. I’ve always had the thought that I should just focus on one thing but over the last 10 years, I have been working on improving in so many areas of my life. It didn’t start with wanting to improve in multiple areas. It started with one area at a time.

 

The first big accomplishment for me that started all of this was committing to Ironman Arizona… A 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run.

 

My biggest endurance accomplishment was participating in the SEALFIT Kokoro Camp. (Let me assure you… There was no camping involved!) It’s a 50-hour crucible experience. I truly feel it changed my life forever. It taught me about knowing my “Why” and how to work as a team.

 

Now, I want to share what I’ve learned over the years and help others in the areas I have been working on improving. I believe that we don’t just need to focus on being great at one thing. I believe that everything we do is connected and that if we become great in one area it will help us to become great in other areas of our lives. We can consistently work on being great in many areas of our life. Some of the areas that I strive to work on are in parenting, family, spirituality, fitness, health, education and business."

 

 

If you would like to learn more about Kris and Tiersa's (wife) CrossFit Gym, visit their website at www.crossfitpreferred.com or in person at the gym located on 3244 E. Guadalupe Rd. Suite #101, Gilbert, AZ 85234

 

 

Kris also writes a very inspiring blog, shares workout and nutritional tips, and his favorite books that inspire on his personal website www.transcenddaily.com

 

 

If you would like to connect with Kris or his wife Tiersa, you can follow them on Instagram @krislesueur and @tiersa23 or send them an email at info@transcenddaily.com

 

 

Thank you for sharing your story with us Kris. You are a great man and living a life that inspires and helps so many of us to take action to become the best we can be. 

 

32. Swen Nater ON: Overcoming all odds to fulfill his Dreams of Playing in the NBA. He also talks about his experiences playing at UCLA for the Legendary Coach John Wooden.

Against all odds, Swen never quit believing in his dream of playing in the NBA. I hope you enjoy Swen's inspiring message about believing, putting in the work, and focusing on dreams we want to achieve. He even shares some dark times as he discusses the death of his daughter and living in being physically and verbally abused by his Step Dad. This is a powerful message, I hope you enjoy!

 

 

Born in the Netherlands, Swen Nater immigrated to the United States at age nine through a series of events that ended on the Hollywood stage where Swen and his sister, Renee, were reunited with their parents and little brother, Ibo, on national television. Swen had never seen a basketball until he came to the US.

 

 

As a junior in high school and the second-tallest student in the school at 6’4”, Swen tried out for the basketball team and was cut. He didn’t try out as a senior.

 

 

Grown to 6’9 and attending Cypress College, California, Swen again attempted to make the team and this time he was successful. However, he didn’t play much his freshman year. But, after a lot of hard off-season work, Swen became a Community College All America, player of the conference, leading rebounder in the state setting a record of 39 (still a California record) in one game, and numerous other honors, the greatest of which was a scholarship offer to UCLA where John Wooden was head coach and they had already won six national championships.

 

 

While with the Bruins, Swen played behind the great Bill Walton and saw limited playing time, two minutes per game. However, impressive performances at the Olympic trials and the Pizza Hut All Star Game resulted in Swen becoming the only player ever to have not started a college game and yet be drafted in the first round of the NBA.

 

 

Swen chose the ABA, became Rookie of the Year, a two-time all star, and led the league in field goal percentage and rebounding. After three seasons, the ABA merged into the NBA and he jumped to the Milwaukee Bucks where he set an all-time record (still standing) for defensive rebounds in half a game at 18. He also pulled down 33 rebounds that game, still a Milwaukee Bucks record, and scored 30 points. That put him into the NBA’s “30-30 Club,” in which there are only six members.

 

 

Swen was traded to the Buffalo Braves for the first pick in the draft. After a year, the Braves moved to San Diego and became the Clippers where Swen led the NBA in rebounds and set the team record for double-doubles (double-digit point and rebounds in the same game) in a season. Swen is the only player that led both the ABA and NBA in rebounding.

 

 

When traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, Swen backed up Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the team played in the NBA finals against the Celtics.

 

 

After his basketball career, Swen Nater became head basketball coach at San Diego Christian College where he led his team to the NCCAA national championship. Next, he took a management position at the corporate office of Costco Wholesale in Washington

 

 

Swen Nater knows how to personally connect with an audience. Through humor, wit, poetry, and personal stories, Swen motivates, encourages, and empowers others to fully realize their potential. If you want the very best for your team, Swen is the ticket.

​

 

Swen is married to Wendy Ghiora, has two daughters, and proud “Papa” to two grandsons. Oh, yes, another grandchild is on the way. 

 

 

Swen, thank you for joining me and sharing your message with us. You are an amazing man and I wish you and your family all the best possible!

 

 

If you are interested in hiring Swen to speak to your company, association, etc... Please visit his website to learn more. Also he has authored several books that you can locate on his site as well.

https://www.swennater.me/home.html

 

31. Juan Zazueta ON: Transitions of Faith, Diversity, Humanity, Pain caused by Miscarriage, Staying engaged while dealing with difficulty and uncertainty.

Although Juan Zazueta is still a young man, with so many experiences ahead, he has a gift of engaging with perfect strangers while surrounding them with love, warmth, and concern. Juan shares about his childhood in Mexico, moving to Arizona, and how his love for people and cultures has grown so much due to his experiences as a young Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and also when he had the opportunity to work for "Connect". Connect is a company that manages and hosts large trade show events and their purpose is to connect planners with Hoteliers and Convention Centers all over the world. At one of these events is where I met Juan for the first time, and I knew right away when meeting him that he was a very sincere and Genuine man that truly had compassion for others and as a result he most often leaves others feeling better about themselves after engaging with someone.   

 

 

Juan talks about his love of Humanity and how important and beautiful Diversity is for our human family. He learned a lot taking a job with Connect and moving his little family across the country to live in Georgia, one of the most diverse cultures in America. He shares of his love for Georgia and the people he was surrounded by there.   

 

 

As happens to many of us, Juan began his career without really knowing what he wanted to do, and after his time working for connect and putting much thought into he and his families future, he committed to going back to school, Arizona State University, to get his degree and become a lawyer. During this time He and His wife Haley decided that they were ready to start a family. A short time later Haley was pregnant, they were planning to welcome in a beautiful little girl into their family and couldn't have been more excited. After weeks of a healthy pregnancy and without any warning they learned during an ultra sound that the sweet little girl was covered in Cysts and that there was a very high chance she wouldn't survive birth, let alone have a "normal life".  The Doctors presented them with the option to Abort the pregnancy, and without hesitation Haley and Juan said no, and did everything in their control to show God and their little girl that they wanted her no matter what. The next ultra sound visit came and their hearts were shattered when they saw the look in the doctors eyes and new that their beautiful little girl was no longer alive.   

 

 

Doing their best to pick up the pieces, and move forward, Juan talks about the struggle he and his wife were experiencing, and a lot of pain. They held onto each other and to their faith in God that there was much more for them and their future family. A few short months latter Hayley was pregnant again with their now son, Diego. Diego, was born a very healthy baby at 10 pounds and they couldn't be more happy and grateful to have him in their lives.   

 

 

Juan, is also wrestling with some doubts in the faith and religion that he grew up with. It has come to the point that he feels that the right thing to do for him is to walk away, which is so difficult because that religion teaches you about who you are, your relationship with God, and the purpose of life, it becomes the foundation and lens through which you rely on and view our lives with. Although he is on a path to walk away from something he knows has given him so much good and value, he realizes that this choice must not come lightly, and he will continue to focus on and seek truth even as his disengages.   

 

 

I belong to the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the very religion Juan may leave, and I know one thing to be certain... Juan loses no value to God our Father and Savior Jesus Christ. Juan's heart is good, and he truly loves and cares about others. I personally look up to Juan and support him in his decision, no matter the path it takes him on, because I know that he is my brother and God's son.

 

 

I look forward to sitting Juan and Haley down at my table, where there will always be room, to talk about all they have learned and experienced in their journey, and I have no doubt it will be a beautiful conversation.  

 

 

Juan, thank you brother. You are a great man. It was a treat to talk to you learn from you, and also connect with you on a very important matter... That Michael Jordan is indeed the G.O.A.T!!   God bless you and Hayley brother. Let's get you guys up here to Utah soon. Would love to spend sometime with you guys, and watching a true dunk master in action. 

30. Curtis Lamb ON: How Cancer saved his life! Keeping Hope while facing multiple serious Health diseases. Act or be Acted upon, the Choice belongs to you.

Curtis Lamb has been through more serious health problems and diseases in his young life than anyone I have ever met, yet he remains a man full of joy, hope, purpose, and faith. This man is Incredible!

 

 

Upon meeting Curtis a few short years ago, I new right away that he had a quite a story. It's not everyday you meet people who love life so much that you can see it in their countenance and in their eyes. I saw exactly that the first time I met Curtis at a networking event, and felt of his passionate and kind spirit immediately. We connected on social media after meeting, and as I paid attention to his posts, which always had uplifting and inspiring content, I dug a little deeper to see if I could get a glimpse of who he really is and what his past was like. It didn't take long, Facebook "stalking", to find pictures of Curtis riding in Cancer charity events which of course peaked my interest. Shortly after that I saw pictures of him in a hospital, laying on a hospital bed with tubes attached to his body. It was obvious that Curtis had experience some traumatic health issues in his life, but the thing that stood out to me the most was not the tubes or the bandages, it was the smile he seemed to always have in his pictures. As I read about his experiences I realized that he had been through multiple challenges and traumatic health diagnoses, and when I started this podcast I knew that I needed him to come share his story.

 

 

Living with Lymphoma for over 20 years of his life is a crazy story in and of itself, but that is just the beginning for Curtis. He shares with us experiences surrounding being diagnosed with Liver Disease, and the overwhelming odds of surviving it. Instead of accepting the Doctors approach to "managing" this disease in hopes to beat it, Curtis held onto hope which lead to faith and action. He took it to God and with faith moved forward with an alternate form of healing after many hours of prayer and research. He talks about the miracle that occurred for him during this process and how the Doctors responded with much surprise each time he would come for follow up check ups. He shares that his two boys and the idea of getting married again and having an eternal family kept him going and focused on hope for a full recovery.

 

 

Shortly after his health came back he met his now wife and talks about his gratitude not only for her but for everything that had happened, trauma and all, to get him to the point of meeting her. He shares of his Trust in God's plan for our lives and perfect timing. Sounds like a happy ending right? Psych!!

 

 

A small lump on his arm, that wouldn't go away, caused him to question it and fortunately his wife, who works in the medical field, was smart enough to put the right amount of pressure on him to have it looked at. The Doctors decided to do a cat scan and when the called him to tell him the results, he was informed that he needed to get to an Oncology specialist immediately. Come to find out he had an Aneurysm that needed immediate attention! While he was getting ready to go under for surgery, he received a phone call from the same Doctor who preformed the cat scan who informed him that he had cancer... As Curtis shares his feelings during this experience, he talks about Miracles, and that he was grateful for Cancer because it was the motivation that took him to the Doctors who were alerted to the Aneurysm. He shares his witness of God's awareness of us all individually, of the importance of holding onto Hope, and the very real effect that occurs when we, in faith, Act and take steps forward to meet our overwhelming challenges head on.

 

 

What an amazing story, that has shaped an incredible human! Trials can and do lead to our greatest blessings in life and Curtis is a shinning example of that. Curtis, thank you for your courage to share, your passion and gratitude for life, and the faith that you live by. You are a light in this world my friend. What an incredible story!

 

 

If you would like to follow Curtis' story or reach out to him with any questions you can find him on Instagram, handle @curtislamb33 or on Facebook under his name Curtis Lamb.