In this conversation, Clare Thomas and Sammy D discuss the complexities of navigating faith, family, and personal growth within the context of church attendance and parenting. Sammy shares her journey of moving to Georgia, the challenges of having a less active spouse, and the importance of community support.

They explore the dynamics of being a spiritual leader in the home, the impact of personal struggles on family life, and the significance of patience and understanding in relationships. The discussion emphasizes the need for self-care, the acceptance of help from others, and the realization that spiritual journeys are personal and unique.

In this conversation, Clare Thomas interviews Ashley Christensen about her journey of faith, family, and community. Ashley shares her experiences growing up in the LDS church, her struggles with faith, and her eventual return to the church with her family.

The discussion highlights the importance of community support during difficult times, the challenges of navigating church life after a long absence, and the cultural shifts within the church that have made it more accepting and inclusive. Ashley emphasizes the need for personal relationships with God and the impact of motherhood on her faith journey.

This conversation explores the harrowing experience of Jake Borup, who suffered a widow maker heart attack, and the subsequent journey of recovery alongside his wife, Shay.

They discuss their blended family dynamics, the emergency response, the challenges of hospitalization, and the spiritual experiences that shaped their faith during this critical time.

The narrative highlights the importance of timely medical intervention, the emotional toll on family members, and the profound moments of connection and hope amidst adversity.

In this conversation, Jake and Shea share their profound journey through a heart attack, the challenges of living with an LVAD, and the miraculous experience of receiving a heart transplant.

They discuss their spiritual experiences, doubts, and the power of prayer during their trials. The couple reflects on the importance of faith, the miracles they witnessed, and the lessons learned about life, love, and gratitude. Their story emphasizes the significance of relationships and the impact of a second chance at life.

In this episode, Noah Richardson shares his profound journey from being raised in a Southern Baptist environment to converting to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He discusses the challenges he faced, including trauma and agnosticism, and how these experiences shaped his spiritual exploration. Noah's reconnection with the Book of Mormon and his eventual baptism mark significant milestones in his faith journey.

He emphasizes the importance of community support, the role of social media in shaping beliefs, and the need for positivity in sharing conversion stories.

In this episode, Clare Thomas interviews her step mother, Margie Decker, who shares her harrowing experience of being held hostage during a labor and delivery at a hospital. Margie recounts the events of that night, the fear and chaos that ensued, and how her faith and the power of forgiveness played a crucial role in her survival and healing.

The conversation delves into themes of resilience, motherhood, and the importance of forgiveness in overcoming trauma.

In this conversation, Clare and Chris Thomas share their unique journey of navigating faith and marriage. Chris recounts his upbringing in a Southern Baptist environment and his initial distance from the LDS faith.

Chris was raised by an anti LDS father and developed the same rhetoric in his adulthood. As their relationship developed, they faced challenges related to differing beliefs, especially after Clare returned to her faith following a personal tragedy.

Chris's eventual spiritual awakening and decision to join the church marked a significant turning point in their family life. They discuss the importance of community support, patience, and sacrifice in maintaining their marriage and raising their children in a loving environment despite their differing faith backgrounds.

Hi everyone, and welcome to the very first episode of The Convert Devotionals. I’m Clare Thomas, your host, and I’m so excited to share stories of faith, hope, and miracles through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I want to be real with you from the start — my journey hasn’t been easy. I grew up in the Church, loved seminary and Young Women’s, and had a strong testimony of the gospel. But after high school, I left the Church and became an ex-Mormon for six to seven years. During that time, I got caught up in drinking, partying, and trying to numb the panic attacks and anxiety that had completely taken over my life. These weren’t just “bad days” — these were full-blown attacks that made me feel like the world was ending, like my body and mind were betraying me. I lost my sense of reality, my personality, and my peace.

Even in that darkness, I never stopped searching. Slowly, I started coming back to the Church. I started praying, reading my scriptures, listening to conference talks, and leaning on my family, my bishop, and my husband, Chris — who at the time wasn’t a member. And little by little, I started seeing miracles. I’ll never forget one weekend right before Easter and General Conference — after months of panic attacks and sleepless nights — I prayed for hours and felt God whisper clearly in my mind: “I’ve got you. Everything is going to be okay.” In that moment, my anxiety lifted, my panic attacks eased, and I felt His love in a way I hadn’t in years.

Since then, I’ve been sober, my faith has grown stronger than ever, and I’ve experienced countless miracles in my life. And that’s why I started this podcast — to share my story, the stories of others, and to remind you that no matter how far you’ve wandered, no matter what you’re struggling with, God is real, He knows you personally, and He will answer your prayers.

In this first episode, I’ll take you through my journey — the struggles, the doubts, the panic attacks, and the miracles — all through my experience as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.