Changing

Today’s episode of Changing features college student Junior Germain. While he grew up in a religious household, he did not have a relationship with God himself until he made a change. The change? He made a prayer for truth.

Junior wasn’t always religious.

• While his mom would drag him to church every Sunday, Junior hated it. He just didn’t want to make room for religion in his life. And his relationship with religion stayed like that until he was 14.
• It was partly because he wasn’t sure how or why he should develop a relationship with God. He didn’t own a Bible, the sermons were in a language he didn’t fully understand, and he was never taught to pray. Junior just didn’t have a lot of resources.

His desire to live a better life made him start caring. 

• Knowing that he wouldn’t go to heaven (because he never repented for his sins) inspired Junior to take action. 
• While he had never truly prayed up until that point, Junior knew that’s what he needed to do. He got on his knees, talked to God, and asked him for a message.
• After that prayer, Junior kind of forgot about it. But the next day, two men came to his door with a message from Jesus Christ.
• One thing led to another, and two weeks later, Junior was baptized. 

This experience has changed Junior’s life.

• His life has made a complete turn, and Junior attributes all the positive changes in his life to Jesus Christ.
• He no longer cares only about himself; his relationship with Christ has made him more empathetic and caring towards others.
• It has inspired him to be his best self, both for himself and the people around him.

Junior’s word of advice for people looking to change? Never stop trying. It can be easy to feel left behind but remember it is all a part of God’s plan, and he loves you unconditionally. To get in contact with Junior, connect with him on LinkedIn and Facebook. Audio credits to soundstripe.

Overcoming a traumatic event can put a strain on any relationship, especially our relationship with God. Today on Changing, Donald is joined by Debby Montgomery to learn her journey to find acceptance and forgiveness after her husband’s sudden passing.

Debby’s husband unexpectedly passed during their 26-year long marriage.

• Because he died so suddenly, Debby had to figure out who she was personally and professionally—all while being a mother to four kids. 
• Debby thought she would do everything herself and that she wanted to be self-sufficient.
• She now realizes there’s no problem with asking for help. Why go through something alone when there are people there to help?

Debby relied on Christ as she processed her husband’s passing.

• She prayed frequently, and she tried to go back to the temple. However, it was uncomfortable returning to a place she used to frequent with her husband. 
• But she went anyway, and it helped her realize that day-to-day things come and go, but the plan God has set for you is eternal.
• She realized that dying is a part of living, and once she figured that out, she was able to move forward.
• Debby still runs her husband’s company and started a nonprofit that aims to bring awareness to women opening up and being transparent with situations they go through.

A while after her husband’s death, Debby joined online dating.

• She thought she was forging a relationship with a handsome British man. Instead, she gave over a million dollars to a man who turned out to be a young Nigerian man for nearly two years.
• He asked for her forgiveness, and she was able to heal and move forward.
• The scam was a massive awakening for Debby, and she had to learn how to forgive someone who hurt her to the core.
• Forgiving strangers is easier than people you know. But life is too short to hold grudges or be mean.

There are many situations in the world today where we justify being unkind to one another. But what if we instead looked for ways to uplift each other and make the world a better place? In today’s episode of Changing, Donald tells us how he thinks we can start that process.

It’s easy for us to make judgments. 

• We all do it. In fact, 80% of our daily thoughts are negative (which is a lot more than most would expect.)
• We’ll never be perfect, and we’ll continue to have negative thoughts. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive for the example Jesus provided us.

The Savior meditated to understand his thoughts.

• He would take time to focus on his relationship with God, and he would seek opportunities to meditate and be with Him.
• Modern technology is both a blessing and a curse. While we can find great content (like this podcast), there’s also a large amount of gossip, drama, and negativity that clamors for our attention.

Unplug and spend time away from technology.

• Go outside, be in nature, listen to uplifting music.
• How can we make the world a better place? Ultimately, be more like Jesus. 
• He put himself in a position to be perfect. While we can’t be perfect, why not strive for it?
• Look for ways to spread positivity. The more you do it, the easier it will be!

Audio credits to soundstripe.

Apple Podcasts Title: Teach All Nations | Donald Kelly

Artist: Donald C. Kelly 

Category: Religion

Tags/Keywords: Christian | Religion 

Album: Changing | Boynton Beach Florida Stake | Donald C. Kelly 

Album Artist: Donald C. Kelly | Stories of Everyday People Coming Unto Christ 

Composer: Donald C. Kelly | Boynton Beach Florida Stake 

Grouping: Changing | Christian | Saint | Donald C. Kelly 

Many people who live without God do so because they don’t know how to find his message. But that’s the job of any follower of Christ; spread the word of God wherever we go, because it helps those who couldn’t find it otherwise. It’s our duty to teach all nations how to be a follower of Christ, and in this episode Donald explains how to do just that.

Scripture outlines the correct approach:

• Matthew 28:19-20 explains exactly how a follower of Christ should interact with another man.
• It’s important to remember the difference between teaching and being overbearing. Everyone has choices, and it’s ultimately up to them whether or not they choose to follow the word of God.
• It’s all about teaching the principle and making an outward sign of an inward promise.
• Teach them to observe all things Christ has commanded.

Many followers of Christ do not spread his message.

• So many of us don’t share the Gospel with others because we’re afraid of the reaction those people will have. 
• But nothing in that verse tells us to hate others, because Christ is love.
• If someone doesn’t agree with you, that doesn’t mean you hate them. Instead, set a positive example through your response and your actions to glorify God.

Building the perfect message:

• Don’t worry what people will say.
• Share God’s light through example, and people will gravitate towards you.
• Share the truth through invitation. Invite people to service, to help the homeless, or to choir. Don’t just spread the word of Christ, but the actions those words represent.

What happens if you don’t share the word?

• Think about the blessings people around us are missing out on
• Don’t let fear of someon’s reaction prevent you from sharing this blessing with others. 
• Think of the positive impact your message can have on those around you, and use that to motivate you to share the word.

We’re still battling the pandemic, loss of work, and other factors. If you encounter someone facing a challenge, ask if you can pray for them. Share the message, and do what you can to spread the message of love and everlasting life everyone should have the opportunity to hear.

Apple Podcasts Title: My Family Needed Me | Scott Schlofman

Artist: Donald C. Kelly 

Category: Religion

Tags/Keywords: Christian | Religion 

Album: Changing | Boynton Beach Florida Stake | Donald C. Kelly 

Album Artist: Donald C. Kelly | Stories of Everyday People Coming Unto Christ 

Composer: Donald C. Kelly | Boynton Beach Florida Stake 

Grouping: Changing | Christian | Saint | Donald C. Kelly 

Scott is a financial advisor 

If you’re not changing, you’re not progressing.

He was a sales manager traveling internationally, having a really good time

He’d be gone two weeks at a time and he had young kids

While he was in Columbia, he was face timing his wife one evening. His wife was trying to get the kids ready for bed while talking when one of their kids had a bloodcurdling scream so she quickly hung up. And his heart just sank

He called back, and she said now’s not the time. Their son had slipped and fell in the tub, and the webbing between his toes got caught in the drain and popped it.

His wife had to deal with everything, and he felt helpless.

He wanted to go home immediately, and there were no flights. He called the neighbors, called emergency services, and did what he could.

But this event made him realize he needed to change. While he loved the cultural experience it wasn’t what was really important to him (his family was) and he needed to be there for his wife and kids

Apple Podcasts Title: Of You It's Required To Forgive All Man Part 2 | Donald Kelly

Artist: Donald C. Kelly 

Category: Religion

Tags/Keywords: Christian | Religion 

Album: Changing | Boynton Beach Florida Stake | Donald C. Kelly 

Album Artist: Donald C. Kelly | Stories of Everyday People Coming Unto Christ 

Composer: Donald C. Kelly | Boynton Beach Florida Stake 

Grouping: Changing | Christian | Saint | Donald C. Kelly 

In our last episode, Donald spoke about the importance of forgiveness. And on today’s episode, he shares his own story about his path to forgiveness. After all, if Christ can forgive us for our sins, how are we unable to forgive other people?

Donald’s horrible step-father:

• Donald’s mom began to date a man when Donald was about 12 years old.
• He moved into their home, where things took a turn for the worse.
• He started to verbally abuse Donald’s mom. And when he drank, he would break stuff. That later led to physical abuse. 
• While he never hit Donald or his little siblings, he did hit Donald’s mother.

A particularly traumatic experience happened:

• One night he came home and started to argue with his mom. Donald’s mom was in the kitchen, and he knocked her down to the floor, stomping her head into the linoleum floor.
• Donald ran out screaming and yelling, trying to stop the situation. He called his aunt and the cops because his mom was lying in a pool of blood.
• While the ambulance came and took his mom to the hospital, and the cops came to arrest his stepfather, Donald was still angry.

The aftermath:

• They (thankfully) never got back together. But while he wasn’t the best figure, the money Donald’s stepfather brought was helpful.
• Because he no longer contributed, Donald’s family couldn’t afford their home because his mom wasn’t able to work.

Donald’s faith saved him:

• Luckily, Donald started to go to church again. And while Donald was on a church mission, he realized he was preaching about how God forgave us for our sins, yet he could not forgive his stepfather.
• Donald sent a letter to his stepfather detailing the emotions he was feeling. However, Donald realized when he got back from his mission that it never made it to him.
• Fast forward a few years later, Donald was working on a speech about forgiveness. But he still had that hate in his heart. So he called his stepfather.
• He told him on the phone that he forgave him, and it was one of the hardest things he’s ever done.

After that, Donald was in a much better place. 

• Is Donald 100% healed from the experience? He’s close. But it took him nearly half his life to get to that point. And it’s a continual battle.
• If Jesus can forgive us for our shortcomings, who are we not to forgive the sins of our fellow humans?
• To those who are still holding on to the mistakes of others: let it go. 
• We’ve all made mistakes in our lives. We’ve all done things we aren’t proud of. All we can do is ask for forgiveness and look for ways to liberate ourselves from hate.

Who’s the person you need to forgive? Who do you need to ask for forgiveness? If you need help or want to speak with Donald about your own path to forgiveness, email him at [email protected] or post it in our Facebook group.

Apple Podcasts Title: Of You It's Required To Forgive All Man Part 1 | Donald Kelly

Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice to forgive us for our sins. He was able to forgive us despite us being completely unworthy. Despite this, we are quick to judge others. We are quick not to forgive our fellow man. How can we let go and forgive? We must learn about and practice forgiveness, and on today’s episode of Changing, Donald shares an important parable that stresses just that.

We all have our problems, difficulties, and skeletons in our closets.

• But whatever our past holds, the Lord will forgive and heal us.
• This is a gift God gives us; he gave his only son so we could be saved.
• If he can forgive you and make you whole, why shouldn’t you forgive other people?
• Many beliefs, religions, and ideologies can cause us to be angry. 
• If we were to forgive people, but much happier would he be if we could forgive others?

The parable of the indebted servant.

• A servant owned 10,000 talents to his lord. But, upon hearing the servant’s plea for patience and mercy, the lord was moved with compassion and forgave the debt. 
• Then, that same servant would not forgive a fellow servant who owed him 100 pence. 
• Upon hearing this, the king lamented to the one he had forgiven.
• To make it comparable to modern-day, let’s say the 100 pence equals $100. With that in mind, the 10,000 talents debt would’ve totaled about $1 billion (or more.) 

What can we learn from this story?

• This number is so incomprehensible because that’s what the Lord was trying to show us in this parable. 
• We can’t repay the Lord for Jesus’s sacrifice. We were freely forgiven for an unpayable debt. 
• So who are we to not forgive someone for an infinitely smaller debt?
• That doesn’t mean you have to be best friends with the person. And it doesn’t have to happen instantaneously. But it should happen.
• When you carry around the burden of unforgiveness inside you, it’s like carrying around poison. It only hurts you, not the other person. Forgiveness gives you freedom.

Another example:

• Leo Tolstoy wrote of a priest who was criticized by one of his congregates for not living as resolutely as he should.
• The critic concluded that the principles the priest taught must be erroneous because he’s a hypocrite.
• To that, the priest responded, look at my life now and compare it to my former life. You’ll see I’m trying to live out the truth I proclaim.
• Unable to live up to the ideals he taught, the priest admits he has failed. But he states, ”Attack me if you wish. I do this myself, but don’t attack the path I follow.”
• Everyone makes mistakes. But just because we’re all sinners doesn’t mean the path is wrong. 
• When you forgive God, he will love you, care for you, and help you.

The takeaway from this podcast? You’ll feel happiness and joy by forgiving those around you. Focus not on judgment but on helping the people around us and putting grievances behind us. Because we’re all God’s children. \

Subscribe and share this message with someone you feel needs to hear it! Listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and on our website. 

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle

(Note: This podcast is not an official podcast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Apple Podcasts Title: I Was Humbled By The Lord | Donald Kelly

Artist: Donald C. Kelly 

Category: Religion

Tags/Keywords: Christian | Religion 

Album: Changing | Boynton Beach Florida Stake | Donald C. Kelly 

Album Artist: Donald C. Kelly | Stories of Everyday People Coming Unto Christ 

Composer: Donald C. Kelly | Boynton Beach Florida Stake 

Grouping: Changing | Christian | Saint | Donald C. Kelly 

In today’s episode, we’re going through the story of none other than our host Donald Kelly. While he grew up with a sense of spirituality and religious values, it wasn’t until a specific moment made Donald change and grow closer to God. 

Donald grew up with a sense of spirituality.

• Because he grew up in Jamaica, everyone knew they were supposed to go to church.
• Donald immigrated to the United States at nine years old, and he and his family continued to attend church. While it wasn’t every week, it was consistent. But it slowly grew less and less frequent.

His friends weren’t the best influence.

• While walking home from school, Donald and his friends jumped a fence to watch people making out (they were middle school boys, after all.)
• An older man who lived in the building simply saw three African Americans by his building, so he thought they were breaking into his home.
• He came out with a bat and chased them. While Donald’s friends ran away, the guy managed to grab Donald’s backpack, forcing Donald to abandon it to escape. 
• When he got home, his mom knew something was up. So she and Donald went back to the building to collect his backpack.

The plot only thickens:

• When they got there, the police were there collecting statements. The man said he saw Donald break into his house.
• The police had Donald come to the station, where they took his statement. Afterward, the officer read Donald his Miranda rights, put him in handcuffs, and drove him to the detention center, where Donald was charged with attempted burglary. 
• After fighting the case with his lawyer, Donald accepted a plea deal for a misdemeanor, resulting in 50 hours of community service and a year of house detention.
• Because of house detention, Donald didn’t go to church or church activities because he didn’t want to explain to people why he couldn’t go to things or do things.

Donald began to go to church again.

• One day, his friend told him about scouting, something Donald always wanted to do. But he was on house detention.
• His friend invited him to the Easter Sunday church service, and at that service, Donald began to take spiritual ownership. He listened and asked questions.
• He began to read scripture, participate in church activities, and even go scouting. As Donald continued to read and learn, he realized he was changing. 
• Christ took an opportunity to mold Donald into a humble servant. Without that experience, Donald wouldn’t be on the right path.
• Don’t wait to be humbled. If you know you need a change, have temptations or addictions, or just want to impact your life positively, make the change today. Just look to the Lord for help.

Apple Podcasts Title: Christ Strengthened My Mental Health | Jordan Jensen

Artist: Donald C. Kelly 

Category: Religion

Tags/Keywords: Christian | Religion 

Album: Changing | Boynton Beach Florida Stake | Donald C. Kelly 

Album Artist: Donald C. Kelly | Stories of Everyday People Coming Unto Christ 

Composer: Donald C. Kelly | Boynton Beach Florida Stake 

Grouping: Changing | Christian | Saint | Donald C. Kelly 

Nearly 2.2 million people in the United States are impacted by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While it might seem overpowering and debilitating, today’s guest Jordan Jensen relied on his strong relationship with Christ to make a change in his life, overcome his OCD, and grow closer to Christ.

Jordan began to display signs of OCD at 13 years of age.

• His father had bipolar disorder, so there were elements of mental illness in his family.
• After his dad received professional help, it dawned on Jordan that there might be mental illness affecting him.
• In 1996, he used the limited internet acess available to research his symptoms, and was diagnosed with OCD in 1997 by the same psychiatrist who saw his father.
• While Jordan’s family couldn’t relate to his OCD, his father’s illness meant his family was supportive and understanding of those with mental illnesses, which makes the situation dramatically better.

It was a long, difficult journey to gain control.

• At 19 years old, Jordan traveled to Canada on a mission with his church. The president over his mission was very supportive with helping him by finding professional counselors.
• While Jordan received professional support, the president also gave him spiritual support that was a crucial component in working through his demons.
• The president said his OCD might impact his marriage later in life. Jordan interpreted that to mean that it might prevent him from becoming a husband completely.

This realization made him determined to overcome his illness.

• At first, Jordan struggled after returning home. He hit rock bottom and realized he’d never have a family if he stays the way he is now. 
• From that point on, he prayed, fasted, read scripture, visited professionals, and took medication to minimize his symptoms.
• Over time, he started to see the fruits from his labors. Christ magnified his efforts to help his heart and mind.

Jordan began to live the life he wanted.

• In 2001, he couldn’t even get a girlfriend. But as Jordan grew more confident and social, he eventually met his future wife in 2006 and they married in 2008.
• To this day Jordan takes medication and visits healthcare professionals every six months. But as long as he practices what he’s learned, Jordan functions on a plane that’s brought him personal and professional success.
• While he’s put in a lot of work to get where he is, Jordan knows it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Jesus Christ. 

Jordan’s advice to people dealing with mental health issues:

• Some regions have a cultural perception that mental health issues can be shaken off and don’t need support. 
• His spiritual faith was what helped him persevere, because he wouldn’t be able to finish God’s plan if he let his mental illness run his life.
• Before you think or do anything else, find a quiet place and speak to your heavenly father. Talk to him, be transparent, and tell him everything you’re feeling.
• After that, go to someone you trust, and talk to them about your problem. God will eventually lead you to the person who can help, but you have to remain committed and determined to make progress.

To get in touch with Jordan, go to freedomfocused.com or email him at [email protected]. He also writes a weekly blog about personal change, which you can sign up for free.

Apple Podcasts Title: I Found Christ In a Foxhole | Jim Henderson

Artist: Donald C. Kelly 

Category: Religion

Tags/Keywords: Christian | Religion 

Album: Changing | Boynton Beach Florida Stake | Donald C. Kelly 

Album Artist: Donald C. Kelly | Stories of Everyday People Coming Unto Christ 

Composer: Donald C. Kelly | Boynton Beach Florida Stake 

Grouping: Changing | Christian | Saint | Donald C. Kelly 

As we kick off the second season of Changing, we’re thrilled to welcome Jim Henderson to share his changing experience with Christ. Even when we grow up with Christ in our lives, it can take a specific moment in life to remind us of his importance. This holds for Jim, as he was reminded of Christ’s importance while in the foxholes of Desert Shield.

Jim grew up with Christ in his life.

• Jim’s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were pastors, so he grew up knowing the value and sacrifice of Christ. 
• He was never called to be a pastor, so after college, he joined the army.
• While he hated his first six years, after gaining rank, he grew into the position.
• However, his deployment to Desert Shield suddenly made his theoretical training became real.

Jim’s night in the foxhole:

• On January 17, 1991, the rules of engagement changed when President Bush decided to take the metaphorical gloves off.
• Jim was in a foxhole at that time, and he and his friend were stationed at an observation post. In that position, you serve as a tripwire - alerting people if and when something happens.
• Jim and his friend were doing everything they were trained to do, working to make sure they could protect their brothers and sisters in the event something happens.
• While they were preparing, it suddenly dawned on Jim that he hadn’t prayed. 

That realization changed Jim’s perspective:

• It wasn't that he found God - he just finally remembered where Jim put him. Jim realized that God was always with him, and he had allowed other things to come in and clutter up a space that was his.
• When he finished praying, Jim had confidence he’d never known up to that point. Not emotional confidence, but assurance that if he didn’t live to see the sun come up, everything would be okay. Because God had it handled.
• He realized that what he’d been concentrating on was religion when the answer was faith.

How do we retain that level of commitment throughout our lives?

• Have a daily realization of who you are and what your goals are for that day. More importantly, realize that God is who got you to this point. To be the kind of person God wants you to be, be mindful of who you are and your dependence upon God.
• There are things in your life that help you stay where you need to be spiritually or help lead you away from where you shouldn’t be spiritually.
• Take life a day at a time. Live your day not regretting yesterday or thinking of tomorrow, but making an effort with today. 

To get in contact with Jim, email him at [email protected].