A Decade Never to be Forgotten

Faith and Big Decisions: Year 2 with Savannah Dean

Jethro Jones — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 16:36:44 -0700

In this episode of A Decade Never To Be Forgotten, Jethro catches up with Savannah one year after her mission. A lot has changed—she got married to her high school sweetheart Alec after reconnecting over the summer, and they moved fast with intention and spiritual confirmation.

Topics covered:

How Savannah and Alec reconnected after their missions and decided to get married within months
Finding spiritual confirmation through peace rather than dramatic revelation
Maintaining good habits from missionary life in the "real world"
The importance of regular temple attendance and finding something new each visit
Early marriage adjustments (including learning to cook!)
Switching from nursing to Communication Disorders/Speech Language Pathology
Running her first marathon with minimal training—and losing four toenails
Looking ahead to graduate school and using her spiritual gift of loving people in her future career

Cali Year 2!

Jethro Jones — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:30:50 -0800

In this annual father-daughter conversation, Jethro D. Jones sits down with his daughter Cali to reflect on 2024 and look ahead to an exciting 2025. Cali shares her spiritual growth, her unique senior year with only three classes, her decision to serve a mission, and her travels to Germany.

Key Topics Discussed:

Spiritual Growth & Scripture Study

Cali's deep dive into Doctrine & Covenants study
Reading the Book of Mormon for the 9th time
Weekly temple attendance as a personal commitment
Making Jesus Christ a priority, not just a goal

Senior Year & Time Management

Taking only 3 classes (English, Art, and Calculus)
Learning Parkinson's Law firsthand
Using free time for temple visits, walks with mom, and work
Earning the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish

Mission Decision

Announcement of serving a mission starting August 2025
How the age change for sister missionaries influenced her decision
Feeling spiritually prepared and at peace with the choice
Hopes to serve internationally and learn a new language

Germany Trip Highlights

Traveling with dad and staying with his mission friend's family
Running 14 miles through a former coal mine
Visiting Berlin, the Berlin Wall, and Prague
Experiencing authentic German culture (including pasta with watered-down ketchup)

Looking Ahead

Monthly challenges leading up to the mission (No Spend January, meditation in February)
Track season and the steeplechase
Running Katya's fundraiser for Shriners Hospital
Graduating high school and trip to Scotland with mom
Forest Frank concert with sister Eloise

Memorable Quotes:

"Last year I wanted to make Him a priority, but this year He is a priority."
"I'm the most ready person out there—I'm not gonna be shy about that."
"Being sad about it isn't really gonna change anything."

Resources Mentioned:

A Decade Never to Be Forgotten journaling app: adecadenevertobeforgotten.com
Come Follow Me study program
Shriners Hospital fundraiser

Faith, Family, and Flow: Lessons from Year Two with Staci and Jethro

Jethro Jones — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 06:34:45 -0800

Introduction: Jethro and Staci reflect on the second year of their decade-long journey, setting the stage for a candid and insightful conversation.
Lightning Round: Quick-fire questions about marriage, parenting, and personal growth, including communication, handling trials, and surprising lessons as parents.
Family Traditions & Spiritual Practices: The importance of family vacations, daily prayer, and integrating spiritual habits into everyday life.
Gratitude & Inspiration in Trials: Finding gratitude and peace during difficult times, and sharing recent books and talks that have inspired personal growth.
Celebrating Small Wins: The value of acknowledging and celebrating achievements as a family, and how goal-setting and support foster a positive environment.
What We Wish People Would Ask: Honest reflections on the questions they wish others would ask about their journey, and the joy found in growth and resilience.
Trusting in the Lord Through Financial Struggles: Stories of faith, miracles, and provision during financial challenges, and the lessons learned from budgeting and trusting in divine help.
The Doctoral Journey: Navigating the ups and downs of pursuing a doctorate, including closed doors, unexpected opportunities, and the importance of perseverance.
When It's Right, It Flows: Recognizing moments of alignment and peace when following the right path, even amidst effort and uncertainty.
Faith Without Works: The necessity of taking action, using agency, and working in partnership with faith to achieve goals and receive guidance.
Milestones vs. Identity: Shifting focus from external achievements to embracing divine identity and finding peace beyond milestones.
A Decade of Growth and Change: Reflections on personal and family growth, preparing children for independence, and the evolving nature of goals and expectations.
Preparing Kids for Life: Teaching responsibility, life skills, and spiritual habits to children, and celebrating their unique paths and strengths.
Generational Blessings & Spiritual Legacy: The impact of family heritage, faith traditions, and the compounding effect of generational efforts on spiritual growth.
Closing Thoughts: Looking ahead to the coming year with optimism, gratitude, and a commitment to continued growth and discovery.

Key Themes: Faith, family, resilience, personal growth, spiritual practices, parenting, financial stewardship, and the power of tradition and legacy.

Takeaway: Jethro and Staci share a heartfelt, honest look at the challenges and blessings of their journey, offering wisdom and encouragement for anyone navigating their own decade of change.

Prioritizing Family - Courtney and Trevor Thornton 2025

Jethro Jones — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 00:57:00 -0800

In this episode, we catch up with Courtney and her husband Trevor Thornton for their second-year interview. The conversation starts with an introduction to Trevor and explores the couple's journey, including their decision to homeschool their children and prioritize family. They delve into the creation of a multi-year journal designed to help users reflect on their lives over a decade and how this has impacted their own experiences. Courtney opens up about how the loss of their daughter, Presley, has influenced their family priorities and spiritual growth. They also talk about their recent trip to Alaska and how it reinforced their appreciation for nature and God's creations. The Thorntons share their ongoing project of converting their annual blanket drive into a non-profit organization, aiming to support more NICUs and make a broader impact. They conclude with a discussion on their current church callings and their hopes for maintaining a strong family focus over the next decade.

01:35 Meet Trevor: Courtney's Husband
02:49 Trevor's Career Journey
04:07 Reflecting on Last Year's Interview
04:56 The Importance of Family
07:08 Homeschooling Challenges and Insights
09:55 Incorporating Real-Life Learning
17:13 Balancing Roles: Teacher and Parent
20:41 Spiritual Guidance in Homeschooling
34:27 The Impact of Losing Presley
43:46 Future Plans: Nonprofit Organization
48:33 Local Hospital Support and Blanket Donations
50:04 Reflecting on the Impact of Blanket Donations
51:13 Debating the Future of the Blanket Drive
51:47 The Emotional Significance of the Blanket Drive
53:13 The Purpose Behind the Blanket Drive
54:04 Balancing Personal Grief and Helping Others
54:51 The Decision to Continue the Blanket Drive
56:40 The Role of Faith and Divine Timing
01:00:51 Starting a Nonprofit: Steps and Motivation
01:05:23 The Importance of Taking Action
01:14:41 Family Trip to Alaska
01:17:26 Experiencing Spiritual Moments on the Cruise
01:20:05 Appreciating Nature and God's Creations
01:25:03 Future Priorities and Family Focus
01:28:20 Current Callings and Final Thoughts

Lindi Marcusen, Elite Sprinter

Jethro Jones — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of Lindi Marcusen, a Paralympian whose life took a drastic turn following a traumatic car accident. Lindi recounts her journey from being a vibrant college student to facing life-altering injuries, including losing a leg and suffering a traumatic brain injury. Despite these challenges, she found resilience, became a Paralympic athlete, and now inspires others facing similar trials. Lindi shares deep insights into her recovery, the importance of self-care, and how faith and a supportive community helped her navigate her new reality. Her journey underscores the power of perseverance and staying focused on one's goals, even when life diverges drastically from initial plans.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:37 Lindi's Early Life and Relationship
03:00 The Accident and Its Aftermath
07:40 Rehabilitation and Recovery
20:28 Faith and Personal Struggles
29:49 Journey to Becoming a Paralympian
33:37 The Love for Sprinting
34:07 Starting with Parasport
34:49 Overcoming Doubts and Challenges
35:58 Current Achievements and Teaching Others
36:51 Balancing Career and Passion
39:45 Rediscovering Artistic Side
41:17 Finding Joy in the Mundane
47:47 The Paralympic Journey
56:38 Building a Supportive Team
01:00:25 Growing Closer to Christ
01:05:18 Lessons from the Past Year

Becky Sampson on Faith after Fallout

Jethro Jones — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Becky Sampson sits down with host Jethro Jones to trace the pivotal moments that shaped her faith, health, and purpose—from childhood shame and food addiction to an abusive first marriage, dramatic career pivots, and her mission-driven resolve to help others navigate divorce and self-worth through Christ. Over two and a half hours, Becky’s candor and resilience reveal how God weaves trials into a decade never to be forgotten.

Key Takeaways

Shame → Hiding → Binge-Eating Loop – how a single childhood comment ignited years of self-sabotage and weight gain.
Answering the Call – why Becky’s seemingly “undesirable” Idaho-Pocatello mission became a spiritual anchor.
Cycles of Abuse & Accountability – candid reflections on being both victim and perpetrator in a toxic first marriage.
From Radio Tears to Public Coaching – the leap that turned raw story-telling into a platform for service.
Divorce Advocacy – founding OnlySubpoenas.com to guide others through complex, often hidden, legal and emotional battles.
Temple Time & Self-Care – slowing down to let God recalibrate priorities amid relentless service.
The Next Ten Years – Becky’s commitment to return annually and share how obedience shapes her unfolding story.

0:02:30 | Becky recalls her extroverted childhood and early “gusto.”
0:07:45 | The origin of shame → “stupid” label → food as comfort & secret binge-eating
0:15:05 | Deciding to serve an LDS mission when that was rare for young women.
0:22:05 | Receiving an unexpected call to the Idaho-Pocatello Mission—and its hidden purpose.
0:45:30 | Marriage #1: physical & emotional abuse, miscarriage surgeries, and the reinforcing “I deserve this” cycle.
0;59:30 | Spiritual wake-up in the Las Vegas Temple the day before starting a food-recovery program.
1:09:50 | First on-air breakdown: hosting a two-hour live radio show that launched public coaching.
1:29:50 | Maintaining goal weight while confronting external pressure and relapse fears.
1:37:10 | Filing for (second) divorce, learning legal strategy, and sensing God’s hand in timing.
2:00:58 | Birth of OnlySubpoenas.com—using detective skills to uncover hidden assets for clients.
2:10:05 | Setting boundaries: “I don’t need your permission to take care of myself.”
2:16:45 | Discovering a shared LDS backdrop with Jethro; looking ahead to yearly check-ins.
2:28:34 | Closing tears, gratitude, and blessing listeners to find Christ in their own trials.

Links & Resources

Companion 10-Year Journal: ADNTBF.com / ADecadeNeverToBeForgotten.com
Becky’s divorce-advocacy firm: OnlySubpoenas.com

Moses Lwakihugo's Incredible Journey of Faith

Jethro Jones — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Join host Jethro Jones as he sits down with Moses Lwakihugo, an immigrant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo with an unforgettable story. Moses shares his harrowing experiences of living through the war in the Congo, fleeing to Burundi and Kenya, and eventually finding peace and happiness in the U.S. Despite witnessing unthinkable atrocities, including the murder of his father, Moses's faith has remained steadfast, greatly influenced by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Today, he leads a multi-lingual, Swahili-speaking group in Spokane, Washington, where he helps immigrants acclimate to their new lives while spreading the message of hope and faith. Discover how Moses turned his pain into purpose and how his journey is inspiring countless others.

01:15 Moses's Journey to America
02:12 Faith and Family in Spokane
04:29 A Divine Encounter at WinCo
12:44 Joining the Church
15:54 Reflections on War and Faith
31:36 Helping Refugees and Giving Back
36:24 Experiences in the Church
37:33 A Life-Changing Decision
37:59 Connecting Across Continents
39:31 Translating the Gospel
41:01 Forming a Swahili Branch
41:31 Global Outreach Through Zoom
43:48 A Multilingual Congregation
45:32 Personal Testimonies and Experiences
53:54 The Importance of the Gospel
58:46 Reflections on Trials and Faith
01:05:07 A Miraculous Birth
01:06:38 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Nathan’s Story of Perseverance, Faith, and Finding Purpose

Jethro Jones — Thu, 01 May 2025 01:11:00 -0700

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

Join the Community:
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

Join the Ten Year Journal community:
adecadenevertobeforgotten.com

Navigating Faith and Heritage with Jake Harmer Journey A Decade Never to be Forgotten

Jethro Jones — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0700

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

Returning From a Mission: Savannah Dean

Jethro Jones — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 04:45:30 -0800

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

Preparing for the NFL - Connor Pay

Jethro Jones — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0800

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

Character and Growth: Cali Jones

Jethro Jones — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0800

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.

Trusting Him: Jethro & Staci

Jethro Jones — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:57:11 -0800

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

Courtney Thornton - If you want to change the world, go home and love your family

Jethro Jones — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:51:54 -0800

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.