In this deeply personal episode, host Jethro Jones sits down with his brother, Nathan Jones, to launch a unique decade-long podcast journey. Nathan opens up about formative childhood experiences, the impact of family and work ethic, and the trials that have shaped his life—including divorce, losing contact with his children, and wrestling with faith and purpose.

Nathan shares candid reflections on overcoming adversity, the importance of support systems, and the ongoing process of healing and self-discovery. He discusses the challenges of balancing ambition with relationships, the pain of failure, and the hope that comes from recognizing blessings even in the darkest times. The conversation also explores Nathan’s career in construction and his dreams for the future, including real estate investing and building a meaningful life.

This episode is the first in a series that will revisit Nathan’s journey each year for the next decade, offering listeners a rare, longitudinal look at growth, setbacks, and the pursuit of purpose. Whether you’re facing your own rock bottom or searching for hope, Nathan’s vulnerability and honesty will resonate.

Key Topics:

• Childhood lessons and work ethic
• Coping with loss, shame, and failure
• Faith, church, and personal spirituality
• The importance of support systems
• Career fulfillment and future goals
• Advice to a younger self
• The power of perseverance and hope

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Want to be part of the Ten Year Journal? Visit adecadenevertobeforgotten.com to join the community and share your own journey.

Connect:

• Host: Jethro Jones
• Guest: Nathan Jones

Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction and podcast vision
3:00 – Nathan’s background and childhood
10:00 – Lessons from family and work ethic
18:00 – Overcoming adversity and loss
30:00 – Faith, church, and personal growth
45:00 – Career, goals, and the future
55:00 – Advice to a younger self
1:05:00 – The importance of support systems
1:15:00 – Final thoughts and looking ahead

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A Decade Never to Be Forgotten: Jake Harmer's Journey

In this engaging episode, we get an inside look into Jake Harmer’s life and his plans for the future. Jake, who has been married for ten years, has three children and another on the way, shares intriguing stories from his past in St. George, Utah, and his experiences in Brazil during his mission. Jake dives into his personal spiritual journey, sharing powerful testimonies and moments when he felt God's presence. He discusses his career in supply chain management and entrepreneurial ventures, including a family history storybook business using AI tools. Throughout the conversation, Jake reflects on the importance of balancing intellectual, spiritual, and practical aspects of faith and talks about the future he envisions, which includes raising his children and contributing to his community through his service in the church.

00:44 Jake Harmer's Background and Family Life
01:34 Mission Experiences and Life Lessons
05:22 Spiritual Journey and Testimony
08:27 Impact of Parental Divorce
09:17 Marriage and Family Dynamics
13:11 Faith Remodel and Intellectual Challenges
18:37 Service in the Church and Personal Growth
34:31 Career Path and Entrepreneurial Ventures
41:42 Family History and Legacy
50:30 Miraculous Stories and Testimonies
51:16 Personal Experiences of Divine Intervention
53:21 The Importance of Faith and Testimony
54:28 God's Personal Connection with Us
56:10 Life Lessons and Spiritual Growth
01:00:46 Facing Life's Challenges with Faith
01:08:06 Raising Children with Faith and Guidance
01:20:03 Future Aspirations and Reflections
01:28:35 The Role of AI in the Future
01:41:09 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Jethro introduces Savannah Dean, who reflects on her missionary experiences and spiritual growth. Savannah recounts her transformative journey during her 18-month mission, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good habits like scripture reading and prayer with faith to continue her spiritual progress. She candidly shares her struggles, growth, and the lessons learned in aligning her priorities with her faith. Savannah also discusses her future goals and the continuous process of self-improvement and spiritual fortification that will guide her over the next ten years.

01:47 Developing Good Habits
03:42 Praying with Faith
06:11 Returning to a Challenging Area
12:45 Balancing Life After Mission
21:01 Maintaining Connections
25:25 Deciding to Serve a Mission
33:39 Reflecting on Mission Experiences
36:10 Applying Mission Lessons in College
40:29 Struggles and Strategies for Spiritual Growth
58:17 The Importance of the Temple
01:00:20 Future Aspirations and Goals
01:03:25 Faith and Trust in God's Plan
01:06:32 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Join us as we sit down with BYU football star Connor Pay for an in-depth conversation about his journey, his ambitions, and his faith. In this episode, Connor discusses the inspiration behind his participation in 'A Decade Never to Be Forgotten,' his collegiate career, and his aspirations for the NFL. He shares powerful insights on balancing spiritual and mental preparation, overcoming challenges, and the importance of maintaining a relationship with God. Connor also provides practical advice for young people trying to gain their own testimony and recounts how his faith has guided him through life's unexpected turns. Don't miss this inspiring and insightful interview.

00:00 Introduction to the Project

01:29 Connor's Journey to the NFL

03:58 Mental and Spiritual Preparation

08:52 The Role of Faith and Community

21:40 Leadership and Overcoming Challenges

35:16 Maintaining Relationships and Faith

46:06 Unexpected Connections and Divine Miracles

46:57 Jurisdiction and Personal Revelation

48:55 Making Big Decisions with Divine Guidance

54:31 Handling Success and Failure with Faith

01:00:47 Striving for Perfection and Grace

01:10:06 Developing Christlike Attributes

01:15:15 Future Goals and Aspirations

01:23:46 Balancing Structure and Spirituality

01:28:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this heartfelt conversation, 17-year-old Cali shares her experiences and personal growth through running, podcast editing, and balancing school life. Cali speaks about her determination, overcoming challenges, and the spiritual journey that has shaped her passion for running. She also discusses the importance of hard work, staying positive, and supporting others. Join us as we delve into her inspiring story and future ambitions, including her plans for running, college, and potentially serving a mission.

In this heartfelt conversation, Jethro and Staci share their journey through life's trials and the lessons they have learned about faith, trust, and the power of the atonement. They discuss the importance of open communication, the challenges of personal and professional development, and the spiritual growth that comes from trusting in Jesus Christ and seeking personal revelation. Through discussions on past and present challenges, they highlight how their reliance on the Lord has provided peace, guidance, and unexpected blessings.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
01:15 Reflecting on Childhood and Early Adulthood
02:33 Challenges of Raising a Child with Special Needs
05:59 The Mental Load of Marriage and Parenthood
10:58 Balancing Responsibilities and Communication
27:18 Spiritual Growth and Personal Revelation
51:02 The Power of Good Questions in Teaching
51:39 Encouraging Active Participation
53:21 Challenges in Teaching Aligned Curriculum
54:04 Creating a Spirit-Filled Classroom Environment
58:29 The Role of Questions in Effective Teaching
01:04:02 Personal Experiences with Spiritual Growth
01:08:45 The Impact of Personal Revelation
01:12:39 Trials and the Atonement of Christ
01:14:54 Navigating Life's Challenges with Faith
01:20:23 The Journey of Personal and Spiritual Growth
01:24:09 Embracing Change and Seeking Guidance
01:30:09 The Role of the Atonement in Overcoming Trials
01:36:36 Current Trials and Future Plans
01:38:53 Unstable Beginnings: Job Changes and Moving Plans
01:40:18 Miraculous House Hunt During the Pandemic
01:44:06 Consulting Career and Pandemic Challenges
01:45:33 Joining Superhuman Fathers: Personal Growth and Mistakes
01:46:25 Communication Breakdown: Marathon and Haircut Incidents
01:57:15 Financial Struggles and Trusting in the Lord
02:16:31 Reflecting on Trials and Future Goals

In the tapestry of life, certain moments stand out with clarity, defining who we are and shaping our future journey. For Courtney, a decade emerged from the ordinary, filled with trials, faith, sorrow, and ultimately, transformation. It is a testament to resilience and a deep dive into the life of someone who has decided to embark on a “Decade Never to Be Forgotten.”

The Inspiration

The concept was ignited by Elder Stevenson’s talk, which pricked Jethro’s heart, suggesting a decade that would be unforgettable. Inspired by the idea, Jethro reached out to Courtney, sparking the beginning of a reflective journey—documenting growth, changes, and the trials life presented over ten years.

The Beginning: A Leap of Faith

The journey begins with a recount of where Courtney and Jethro were a decade ago—Courtney, a kindergarten teacher with serious yet fulfilling challenges, and Jethro, her assistant principal in Alaska. Through the years, their paths diverged geographically but not in spirit, maintaining a connection that would anchor their current endeavor.

The Trials and Triumphs

Courtney opens up about the defining moments in her life, providing a raw and honest look into her experiences, many of which revolved around faith and family:

• Loss and Love: After the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Presley, born prematurely and living only six days, Courtney found solace and lessons in spirituality. She learned that her faith and relationship with Jesus Christ became her guiding light through darkness.
• Health Challenges: Facing unexplainable health issues, Courtney leaned heavily on her faith, drawing closer to her spirituality during moments of uncertainty, which prepared her emotionally for the trials to come.
• A Changed Perspective: From once being skeptical about homeschooling, Courtney embraced it, valuing the quality time and personal growth it afforded her children and herself. Her family’s shift towards healthier living reflected a broader change in their lifestyle, driven by newfound priorities centered on wellbeing and preparation for a future that included dreams of homesteading.

A Journey of Growth and Reflection

This journey is not just about enduring hardship but finding meaning and purpose through trials. For Courtney, it has been crucial to maintain a strong familial bond and ensure her home is a refuge from the tumult of the external world.

• Spiritual Foundations: Central to her journey is the commitment to living the gospel of Jesus Christ, inviting others to receive the gospel, caring for those in need, and uniting families for eternity. These divinely appointed responsibilities are interwoven into her daily life, driving her actions and decisions.
• An Unshakeable Faith: Despite the ongoing tests of life, Courtney’s faith is unwavering. She holds onto the belief that her connection with her daughter Presley transcends this earthly realm—looking forward to a spiritual reunion fostered by the covenants she’s kept.

Looking Ahead: A Decade of Anticipation

Courtney’s narrative is not yet complete. Looking toward the future, she envisions milestones such as establishing a farm, fostering patience as a parent, and maintaining a strong family bond. Importantly, she views each trial and triumph as a teaching moment, drawing her closer to her ultimate potential.

Conclusion

Through her resilient spirit and unwavering faith, Courtney’s journey over the next decade promises to be one of profound growth and transformation. As we sit on the cusp of her continued journey, we are invited to witness a testament of living deliberately—a Decade Never to Be Forgotten. Join us as we follow her story, guided by the hand of faith, the lessons of trials, and the hopes of tomorrow.