Changing

This podcast, first and foremost, is about becoming who we are truly meant to be. No matter what life we are born into, we all have the power to draw closer to God. In this episode, your host Donald Kelly shares three key things he has learned from hosting this podcast – they have helped him on his journey and we hope they will help you, too.   Everyone Can Change Some transformations can be dramatic – we hear stories of receiving revelations or miracles as a catalyst for change.  Not all change is that visible, but that doesn't make it any less important. God frequently comes as the “still, small voice.”   The Power of the Atonement The atonement is for everyone, whether their sins are large or small. Because of this, everyone will be resurrected. When you don't repent or believe in Christ, you damn yourself to be outside the presence of God in the afterlife.   Studying the Word of God Brings Peace Studying and learning the scriptures brings a certain level of peace to life that we can not reach on our own. When we take the time to immerse ourselves in the word of God by studying, reading, and discussing, it enriches our lives and improves our relationship with God.   Thank you for listening to the Changing podcast. If you know anyone who could connect with this or any other episode, consider sending it to them. If you liked what you heard, leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you need someone to talk to and would like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram.   

Getting sucked into material, earthly things happens to us all. You're not alone if you've ever pushed back your church-related activities to take care of work or family. So how do you balance all of the important things in life? In this episode of Changing, your host Donald Kelly gives you three ways to find your eternal perspective so that you can prioritize what truly matters.   Ask yourself, “Why do I do what I do?” As you go about your life, do you pray, read scriptures, and attend church because you feel like you have to, or out of a love of God and desire to feel closer to Him? Remind yourself that God is the one who created everything and He is more important than riches and possessions.   Ask yourself, “How can this help me draw closer to God?” Use the skills and talents you were given by God and improve on them. You can use your skills to serve God, your family, and others in need. Find a balance between helping the church, tithing, etc. and spending time with your loved ones and taking care of them.   Habits Matter Have good habits that bring you closer to Christ, but not everything has to be consumed by church. It's okay to have fun, as long as the things you do can help you be a stronger disciple of Christ in the long run. It's important to be mindful of how we spend our time and what mindset we have. Earthly pursuits fade, but the kingdom of God is eternal.   “We need to be conscious of the things that we're doing, of the perspectives we have. If we are so consumed only on riches, as [the man in the scripture was], if we are consumed only on basketball, or consumed only on getting buff, or consumed only on videogames or doing crime, we are going to find, in the end, that those things are going to wither away. The body's going to wither away. Those crimes are going to be gone, and all those riches you gained are going to be gone. But – what's your relationship like with God? What treasures have you built up, what have you saved in Heaven?” – Donald Kelly If you know someone who could connect with this message, send them this episode and encourage them to subscribe. If you liked what you heard, leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you need someone to talk to and you'd like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram.

Following the path of Jesus Christ means many different things to different people, so how do we know what to do when we're told to “be more Christlike”? In this episode, your host Donald Kelly shares nine attributes of Christ with you so that you can incorporate them into your life.   Faith in Christ When you trust and have faith in Christ, you become closer to the spirit, and that gives you the strength to do great things. Donald shares a story of when his faith and prayer helped him through a challenging housing situation. Hope Optimism and perseverance will help you work through all of the difficulties you face. Hope helps us overcome discouragement and have a positive view of the future. Love Just like how Christ helped many people, even those society often would not help, we should develop the kind of love that helps us to serve others. This kind of love has no strings attached and is not self-centered. Virtue A virtuous person will push away thoughts that are not Christlike, even when no one is watching. Virtuous people obey God's commandments, follow the advice of Church leaders, pray for help to overcome sinful thoughts, and quickly repent when they do make mistakes. Knowledge Study scriptures every day so that you can better understand the word of God. When you become familiar with the scriptures, you can help teach others about your faith. Patience Patience is the ability to do God's will and accept his timing. Easier said than done! When you're feeling the strain of not being happy with the way things are, take a breath, and remember that God's timing is better than ours. Humility Humility is acceptance and acknowledgment of God's power and love. Being humble is not a sign of weakness – it is a sign of spiritual strength. Pride is the opposite of humility and is condemned in the scriptures. Diligence Steadfast, constant, and earnest effort in doing the Lord's work. When you face tough moments, stay strong and keep taking positive action. Obedience This means following the calling of God, even if you don't always understand His reasons. Through obedience, you achieve freedom in another sense – you gain the capability to do much more.   “This is not a one-and-done thing, it's an ongoing thing. Be more Christlike. Seek to perfect these attributes in your day-to-day life and, I promise you, you'll have peace, you'll have joy, you'll have happiness.” – Donald Kelly   If you know someone who could connect with this message, send them this episode and encourage them to subscribe. If you liked what you heard, leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you need someone to talk to and you'd like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram.   

As we move past the resurrection Sunday, we are reminded of the pain of loss that comes with death. In this episode, your host Donald Kelly shares five ways we can cope with the pain of grief and mourning.    5 Ways to Deal With Loss Remember that it's not the end. We know from John 11:25 that death is a stage of our existence. We live, then we die, but if we have faith in Christ and follow Him, we will join Him in the afterlife. Read the scriptures. They can help to reassure you when things are difficult, as they have for Donald and members of his family. Time heals all things. We will always grieve for those who leave us because we love them, but we are separated from them. Over time, you will still feel the pain, but you will find a way to appreciate the happy memories as well. Be with family and support. If you have friends and family who can share in your grief or support you, reach out to them and support them as well. It is okay to spend some time alone, but do not isolate completely – if you don't have close family or friends, reach out to members of your church. Serve others. When we serve, we are doing what Jesus Christ would do. Take time to mourn, but when the time is right, go out and help other people.   “Death is a necessary component of our eternal existence. No one knows when it will come, but it is essential to God's great plan of happiness. Thanks to the Atonement of the Lord, eventual resurrection is a reality and eternal life is a possibility for all humankind… For sorrowing loved ones left behind… the sting of death is soothed by a steadfast faith in Christ, a perfect brightness of hope, a love of God and of all men, and a deep desire to serve them. That faith, that hope, that love will qualify us to come into God's holy presence and, with our eternal companions and families, dwell with him forever.” – Russell M. Nelson   Resources John 11:25 Alma 40:11-13   If you know someone who could connect with this message, send them this episode and encourage them to subscribe. If you liked what you heard, leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you need someone to talk to and you'd like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram.   

Happy Easter, listeners! Each year, Easter is an awesome time to celebrate, spend time with friends and loved ones, and enjoy the beginning of longer, warmer days. But we all know there's so much more to this holiday than chocolate bunnies and hunting for eggs – so what's it all about? In this episode of Changing, Donald talks with us about the resurrection and its significance on this special day.   Why Was the Resurrection Necessary? After Adam and Eve fell from grace, they became spiritually disconnected from God (spiritual death) and became mortal (opportunity for physical death) Our salvation relies on a sacrifice of atonement, and this was done by Jesus Christ, as he lived without sin Jesus took on our sins and pled for our forgiveness before being crucified   The Power of the Resurrection Christ made the promise that he would rise from the tomb, and on Easter Sunday, he was resurrected At this moment, he showed that when we atone, we can overcome our spiritual death and reconnect with God We can also overcome sin through our connection with God and face all of our challenges with this to give us strength   Resources Changing Episode 054 - What Exactly is Easter All About? Alma 34 (contains a verse read by Donald) John Chapter 10 (contains a verse read by Donald) How are you spending your Easter? If you know someone who could connect with this message, send them this episode and encourage them to subscribe. If you liked what you heard, leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you need someone to talk to and you'd like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram.

If you or someone you know are going through a difficult time right now, you're not alone. Whether you're facing financial struggles, marital issues, workplace challenges, or something completely different, the Lord is always with you. There's no shame in asking for help, especially from God, who will strengthen you every step of the way.   How Can the Lord Strengthen Us? When you face temptation towards sin, know that you won't ever be given temptation you can not overcome (check out Episode 100 for more on temptation!) Think of the challenges you face as opportunities to grow. Miracles will happen if you keep your faith and ask the Lord for guidance. Remember you're not alone – facing any challenge by yourself can feel daunting or overwhelming. But in every challenge you face, you have Christ with you.   Donald's Example of Facing Challenging Circumstances In the early pandemic, Donald underwent some workplace difficulties Donald also had a young son, and his wife was not working so she could care for their child Miracles happened during this time that showed Donald and his family that, through prayer and faith, they would survive and even thrive through their difficult times   “We have the capability or capacity to go through challenging times and be able to rely on the Lord's help, who can strengthen us through those times.” – Donald Kelly   If you know someone who could connect with this message, send them this episode and encourage them to subscribe. If you liked what you heard, leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you need someone to talk to and you'd like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram.   

When you're faced with temptation over and over, it can make you feel like those temptations have some strength and power over you. While being faced with temptation will push you to choose your faith time and time again, each time you overcome, you grow. In this episode, Donald Kelly talks about facing repetitions of the same temptation, and offers some tips for how you can find strength in those difficult moments.   Why Are We Tempted Repeatedly? Life is a test. Even if you commit to righteousness, it doesn't mean you won't ever be tempted. Temptation will be targeted toward the weaknesses you have, and this is an opportunity for growth and strength. Satan wants to bring you down – he has nothing to lose and wants to see you fail.   How Can You Defeat Temptation? Choose to be in situations where you won't be tempted. The longer you entertain the temptation, the harder it is to resist. The less you think about it, the easier it will be to say ‘no'. You will only be faced with temptations you can withstand. You can handle it – call upon God with prayer or hymn if you're struggling.   What acts of service have you been a part of lately? If you know someone who could connect with this message, send them this episode and encourage them to subscribe. If you liked what you heard, leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you need someone to talk to and you'd like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram.   

Acts of service help bring us closer to God. Through selfless acts of kindness and care, we become more Christ-like in our ways and help those around us feel the power of God. Not only that, but when we serve God's children, we serve God as well. In this episode, Donald shares a story about a time when he participated in an act of service with his congregation.   Serving Dixie Brown and the Florida Keys In 2017, Hurricane Irma hit the Keys in South Florida, destroying the homes of many communities His team received a work order to help a community member named Dixie Brown, and he selflessly sent the crew to support his neighbor, who had a tree fall on her house Years later, Donald's son found a video of Dixie Brown on Donald's phone, which inspired Donald to check in on Dixie Brown Through this act of service, a deeper human connection was built and can continue to provide support through the years   “If we are helping God's children… we are going to have the Spirit be with us. It's not for self-aggrandizement or self-accolade, we're doing it because we really care and we want to help other people, and the Spirit of the Lord is able to be present.” - Donald Kelly   What acts of service have you been a part of lately? If you know someone who could connect with this message, send them this episode and encourage them to subscribe. If you liked what you heard, leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you need someone to talk to and you'd like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram.  

In this episode, Donald takes us through the miracle when Jesus healed a man suffering from palsy (Mark 2:1). You'll hear how Jesus cured this man of his affliction, and how it was the faith of the man and his community that helped get him there. Just like the man whose illness was cured, face your challenges with strength and faith, and surround yourself with folks who will support you.   How Can We Apply This to Our Lives? When faced with challenges in life, instead of wallowing in how you feel about them, embrace them as faith-building situations Surround yourself with family, friends, or a community who can support you through difficult times Unwavering faith in Jesus Christ will help get through tough situations, and could also help you see miracles happen in your life as well   “Take this moment you've had, don't be disgruntled, don't be upset about it. Take those as learning experiences, and experience this miracle. Go forward with faith.” -Donald Kelly   Do you know someone who is experiencing a faith-building situation? Send them this episode and encourage them to subscribe – it may be just what they need. If you liked what you heard, leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you need someone to talk to and you'd like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram.

One of the most powerful things we can do as humans on this earth is to show love and compassion to the people around us through our actions. When we have blessings in our lives, nothing can bring us closer to God than to share those blessings with those who are experiencing times of need. In this episode, Donald gets into how to properly give alms without being self-interested and offers some ideas on how you can show love in your community.   What does it mean to “give alms”? Historically, this has meant giving money or food to poor people. Now, we use it to mean charitable giving and any other way we offer assistance to anyone in need This is NOT the same as doing things out of obligation, or for attention! Tithing and giving alms are not exactly the same, but both are ways people give through their Church This is an opportunity to share the blessings you have received in life with people who have less, and focus on the care and love you can offer rather than what you'll get out of it   Ideas for alms-giving Donate to an organization that offers housing or food to people experiencing poverty Work with local aid groups to get donations of the kinds of goods people in your area need - this can vary based on the season, so reach out to folks in the know Offer your time as a volunteer at a nonprofit Talk to a friend, coworker or family member who is going through a hard time and just needs someone to listen   We hope you got some ideas on how you can practice some alms-giving today! If you and someone you know are working on giving alms together, send them this episode and encourage them to subscribe. If you liked what you heard, leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you need someone to talk to and you'd like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram.

There are times in life when we stumble, and mistakes are sometimes made. How you respond to your wrongdoings is part of what defines your character - if your response to committing a sin is on this list, you're not going to take steps to improve yourself. In this episode, Donald lays out seven phrases that won't help your spiritual growth, and why you should leave them behind.    “The Devil made me do it.” The Devil can not force you to do something, or not do something. He may try to manipulate you, but only you are responsible for your actions. This statement gives your power away and hands it to the Devil. “It's just a small sin.” People will use language like this to justify doing the same wrong thing over and over again until they become desensitized to the wrongdoing. No matter how ‘small' one action may be, it's still a sin, and when repeated, can have a big impact. “God knows my heart.” Even though this is true, humans may not! Your actions are what other people know about you, and if you aren't trying to live as a student of God, that does not reflect well upon you and it can cause harm to others. Ask yourself,  “Am I demonstrating that I love God by my action?” “At least I'm not doing _____.” This phrase, in effect, is justifying your behavior by saying it's not as bad as something else you could be doing. In this phrase, you're admitting that you know you're doing something wrong. If you are aware of this, you have a responsibility not to do it. “I'll repent later.” The idea that someone can just sin whenever and as much as they want because they plan to repent is disrespectful of the concept of atonement. If you have sinned before you knew better, repent, and don't do it in the future. “_____ was a good person, and they do (sin).” You don't have any control over the actions other people take, and only you will answer for the things you do.  “I'm only human, and I make mistakes.” As humans, we have to take ownership of our agency and our actions. We should try, every day, to become closer to God, and phrases like this make it seem as though, no matter what you do, you will never improve. This takes away your motivation to work towards your spiritual growth.   “Change the way that you think. Think about yourself as a son, or a daughter, of God, and that you are capable of doing amazing things.” - Donald Kelly Have you ever said any of the statements on this list? We get it - when you know better, you do better. Maybe you know someone who is trying to “do better” as well - send them this episode and encourage them to subscribe. If you liked what you heard, leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you need someone to talk to and you'd like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram.

Helping our children connect with the gospel is one of our most important jobs as parents. So what holds us back? Maybe the idea sounds good to you, but you haven't been able to put it into practice yet. Maybe you're waiting for that perfect evening when everything aligns to give you the opportunity, and that never seems to come. Maybe you're not sure how to help your children understand how important the scripture is to you. Whatever the reason, let this episode be what helps you get Family Bible Study started in your home.   Donald's 3 Tips for an Engaging Family Scripture Study Be consistent. Find a day and time of the week that works for all members of your household, and stick to it. While you may have to make some sacrifices, remember that this is an opportunity to connect with each other and the Lord. If you approach it with gratitude and joy, your family will learn from this (and, as Donald says, “If you treat it like a chore, they're going to think it's a chore”). Get everyone involved. Offer your children the opportunity to participate in the lessons. Older kids may have topics they want to cover as they navigate new challenges in their lives. Giving them a chance to be involved in deciding on the content may also give you some insight into the things they are going through, so you know how to show up and support them. Even the little ones can be given responsibilities - Donald gives a few examples from his family. Use pictures for the younger kids. In this section, Donald brings in a “young expert” who uses paper cutouts with pictures on them to act out the stories in the Bible. You can hear how engaged he is, and how he remembers the story, as young as he is! The important thing here is to help your child be an active part of the process so that he or she engages, rather than just sitting and listening passively.   “The fact that they're engaged, that they're involved, helps them to build a relationship with God. And also helps them to be able to consistently participate in this activity, which then leads to them building long-lasting habits way after they leave the house. - Donald Kelly We hope this episode inspires you to start a new routine for your family that will set them up with great habits they can continue as they get older. You might know a parent who would benefit from this message, too - consider sending them this episode and subscribing to this podcast. If you liked what you heard, leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you need someone to talk to and you'd like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram.

Even the most devoutly spiritual people among us face temptation. But temptation is not just something to be feared - it can be an opportunity to become stronger if we know how to handle it. In this episode, Donald gives you five tips for overcoming temptation so that you can feel prepared and empowered when you find yourself in a compromising situation, and avoid sin. Pray. When you feel that temptation coming on, ask for guidance and strength to be able to withstand it. You may feel like you aren't able to handle the temptations you face alone, so call on God first and foremost. Make the decision before a situation occurs. If you know you might enter a situation where temptation will be present, know how you will handle it before that situation begins. If you make that decision in advance, it's much easier to stick to it than if you just try to face it in the moment. Sing a hymn. If you're starting to feel tempted to sin, one way to gain back your spiritual strength is to sing. Choose a favorite hymn, whether it's one from childhood or something you still sing today.  Manage your thoughts. Adjust your thought patterns before they lead to actions. Notice where your thoughts go when they wander, or when you are put into unpleasant situations. When you catch yourself having those thoughts, make a decision to remove them. Stop sinful thoughts in their tracks. Call someone, or go do something. If you have a strong desire to do something that goes against your beliefs, reach out to someone supportive. You don't necessarily need to tell them exactly what is going on, but just reaching out to an ally can put you back into a better, safer headspace. If you know someone else who struggles with temptation (and we all do), consider sending them this episode and subscribing to this podcast. If you liked what you heard, leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you need someone to talk to and you'd like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram. “No matter who you are, no matter what background you come from, no matter how spiritual or how righteous you feel you are, everyone receives temptation.” - Donald Kelly

In this episode, Donald dives into the topic of personal revelation. We are reminded that revelation is not only for prophets and apostles but for everyone. It is the inspiration we individually receive from God to help us on our way. It may come in different forms, and as Donald's guests this week show us, sometimes all we must do is ask. It is then up to us to heed the word of God and let this guide us in our lives.   Sister Sims: She received a revelation that helped her through difficult times to discover a better life for herself and her children.   Elder Bell: Through prayer and fasting, he received a message about someone with whom he could share the gospel. Sister Pratt: After being baptized, the Lord spoke to her, and she heeded the message to help someone in need. Elder Dorsey: Thanks to guidance from his bishop and his trust in God, he received a revelation to help him choose his path in life.   You'll hear from all four of these guests in this episode. The Lord spoke to all of them individually, and He will speak to you as well. If you feel a connection to the topic of personal revelation, consider subscribing to this podcast and sharing it with someone who also may connect with it. Leave us a rating or review on iTunes. If you'd like to reach out to Donald, e-mail donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter or Instagram. “The Lord can guide you, and will guide you. But are you willing to heed and to follow Him?” - Donald Kelly

God is our shepherd; Even when we lose our way, He can herd us back. In today's episode of Changing, our host Donald Kelly meets with Cristina Cano to talk about how she lost her way, but returned to Christ. Cristina's Story Cano grew up in a Christian family and went to church with her parents regularly. However, when she was almost 16, she began to doubt God's existence. What officially made her break away from the church, however, was a particular lesson she was taught one day. Specifically, Cano's pastor told her that women are to be submissive to men, per traditional teachings. After leaving that service, Cano told her parents that she wasn't going back to church. Her parents, having raised her to question EVERYTHING, simply stepped back and didn't force her to go to church or be a Christian. For about two years, until the time she was nearly 19, Cano left the church and never returned. During that time, her family respected her decision and left it as is. During The Break During that two year gap, Cano didn't do anything AGAINST the gospel. Cano also didn't feel free during the break. She found the church to be a source of pain that she freed herself FROM, but it didn't translate to her feeling any more free. Returning to Christ Cano's return to the gospel began when she was lying on her bed one day. As she laid there, she heard a voice say “I love you”, that she instantly recognized as the Lord's voice. After hearing that voice, Cano decided to visit the church one more time. One of the elders who was preaching had given up playing football at a college level to become an elder in the church. Cano began to wonder why someone would give up that life, and as a result, decided to read the Book of Mormon. As she read through the book, she read with purpose and sought to answer some questions she had, and all of her questions were answered as she read. After she read about halfway through the book, Cano stopped and prayed. As she was praying, asking God if the book was true, she felt incredible WARMTH and LOVE. Arms wrapped around her and she heard “Welcome home.” From this return to Christ, Cano began to work as a missionary for the church and spread the loving word of God. If you want to learn more about Cristina Cano, or her work as a missionary, you can connect with her on Facebook. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

Donald's guest today is Kurt Francom, host of the podcast Leading Saints. A show where he speaks with other leaders about leadership concepts in the context of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  In today's episode, Kurt talks about how his son's disease changed his perspective on how he gives it all to the Lord, wholeheartedly, and trusted the Lord with his son's healing.  How to change our perspective of “I can fix it” to handing it over to the Lord: Giving it all to the Lord, every single day of the week and not just on some days Trust in the Lord's plan for your specifically because his plan is far better than we could ever imagine Naturally, once you give it all to God you will be like him, love like him, and accept others like him  After his son's continual trial Kurt has learned that it's okay to hand it all over to Jesus Christ. That's what he wants us to do, and that is why he is inserting himself into our lives. He wants to take the heaviness of it all and be there with you through every step.  “​​You don't understand how sweet something could be without tasting how bitter things can be.” - Kurt  Episode resources: Visit Kurt's website www.leadingsaints.org. Listen to his podcast Leading Saints.  If this podcast speaks to you or helps you on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com.

In today's episode of Changing, Donald speaks to Ashely Winston, an author, and a business advisor. She shares how she was able to change her insecurities into blessings. Sharing her story on how she was overweight and how challenging it was to her mentally. That challenge turned into an unexpected blessing that has forever changed her relationship with God. God listens to you if we go to him in prayer: He helps you deliver yourself from fear  He will help you overcome your negative thinking and insecurities God blesses you when you trust in him: You have to do your part and he will open the path for you He will empower you in all your challenges How to grow your relationship with God:  Be real and true to yourself Journal your true thoughts and feelings on things you need help with Be open to listening to God's voice and spirit for answers God is always mindful of us no matter the situation. We may be going through a tough time but trusting in God, will help light your path. Having confidence “​​Don't waste any more time. God has an amazing plan for your life. Even if your life is great, there's more to it than you know. And the only way you can discover it is by surrendering and submitting and developing your relationship with God.” - Ashley  Episode resources: Connect with Ashley via Instagram @theAshleyWinston  Visit her website at www.theAshleyWinston.com. If this podcast speaks to you or helps you on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com.

Have you ever wondered why the apostles have names that sound like they are from European countries? On today's episode of Changing, our host, Donald Kelly, teaches you why the apostles' names are the way they are.  Here is why The twelve apostles were Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew (Nathanael), Thomas, Matthew (Levi), James, Thaddaeus (Judas), Simon, and Judas Iscariot. (Matthew 10:2-4) These names are not their middle eastern names, their names have been changed through many translations.  The Roman Empire spread across the Middle East and swallowed the regions where Jesus preached. The New Testament was then written down in the form of Greek, perhaps a blend of Greek and Aramaic. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

On today's episode of Changing, Donald talks with certified health and life coach, Ericka Eller. They discuss her upbringing and how her relationship with God has changed as she has gotten older, had children, gone through a divorce, and remarried. Ericka recounts the difficult moments in her life that made her faith falter and how she overcame them. Ericka also discusses her new calling in life and the advice she has for those who are trying to change.  If you want to hear more from Ericka connect with her on Instagram, LinkedIn, and check out her website. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

What do you do when someone makes false accusations against you? In today's episode of Changing, Donald shares exactly what you can do and maybe some things you're not supposed to do.  When there is misunderstanding, there is room for better communication. The Savior does not get angry when individuals do not understand Him. People have agency to choose what they do and do not believe.   In instances where someone misunderstands you, they don't mean bad by it, they just had a misunderstanding.  Seek first to understand. Try to understand where the other person is coming from.  Try to see others as Christ sees them.  Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter

We've all had situations where we feel like we weren't the best version of ourselves. The beautiful thing is that the Savior can always help us to become better. On today's episode of Changing, Donald talks with podcaster and BYU-Idaho student, Noah Forero. Noah shares a personal experience about how he has been able to see the Savior through interacting with others.  Noah's experience Noah and his close friend moved to California together and started selling insulation door to door.  Because of the pandemic they moved back to Idaho and he realized that they started to grow apart from each other.  Noah felt guilty because he wasn't being the friend he knew he knew he needed to be. He felt fake, and thought that his friend must have felt the same way about him.  How did Noah reconcile?  Noah heard a quote from a church leader that says “The more people you connect with, the more you see the Savior”. He realized that his own negative thoughts had not allowed him to see his friend for who he truly was. Noah noticed he was putting up walls between himself and his friend. Noah eventually was able to put aside his negative thoughts and reconnected with his friend.  No matter what we have done in the past, with the Savior, we can always change and move forward.  What is Noah's advice to others in similar situations? He wants to acknowledge that it is really hard.  Progress happens with action, faith, and trust. If you are able to trust in the Savior moving forward, He will give you the support you need.  To connect and contact Noah, find him on LinkedIn, Instagram, and listen to his podcast here. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

Similar to the recent hurricane in Donalds home of south Florida, we are often faced with storms in our spiritual lives that turn our world upside down. On today's episode of Changing, Donald shares a scripture that can bring you reassurance during the storms of your life.  Luke 8:22-25 In this scripture, the apostles were in a helpless situation having their boat tossed around the sea. Imagine their terror as they faced the massive storm.  They woke the Savior and He arose and rebuked the storm.  We are bound to face many storms that make our lives seem unstable and scary. The Savior can rebuke our personal storms.  The apostles in the scripture had the Savior in their boat, similarly, we always have the Savior on our side.  Christ often lets us experience the storm so that we may learn from it. When you find yourself in a storm, get to your knees and pray to the Lord for guidance, faith, and aid.  To read the full passage from Luke, visit here. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

Have you ever had a defining moment in your life that has brought you closer to Christ? In today's episode of Changing, Donald talks with Will Perez about a defining moment that changed his life. Will is a father of 5 and a religious educator who is currently a PhD student studying religious history. What is a defining moment?  Will says a defining moment is when your back is against the wall and you have to make a choice that will impact the trajectory of your life.  It's an opportunity to grow and become the person you want to be.  What was Will's defining moment?  When he was a teenager he butted heads with his parents and he was acting out. His parents were not happy with the music he was listening to.  Will later had an experience where he felt what he would describe as the Holy Ghost. He realized that the entertainment he was consuming was drowning out “the still small voice”.  Will decided that he wanted the spirit in his life, so he threw away his CD's and changed his actions.  What in particular helped Will make the change? He made some friends at a church youth camp, and these people helped him see that he could still be happy without his music.  Little by little he let go of his “baggage” and things started to change.  How has Will's life changed since then?  That decision has made other positive decisions easier throughout his life.  He feels that the Lord has been generous with him as he takes steps to draw closer to Him.  Sometimes it's a big defining moment that gives you momentum to keep moving forward.  Will's advice for individuals who are struggling Ask yourself: What do I need to stop doing and what do I need to start doing?  He knows that Jesus Christ heals and can repair anything that is broken. To connect with Will and get more information, find him on Instagram and Youtube. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

How can I change when there is so much wickedness around me? In today's episode of Changing Donald discusses three ways you can fight against evil as you strive for change in your life. The city of Babylon in the bible represents evil and wickedness, similarly in today's world we are surrounded by evil and temptation. No matter our level of spirituality we can all benefit from these tips.  Prayer  Say a prayer in the morning, evening, and night. Ask for guidance to overcome the day and have strength.  Have a prayer in your heart throughout the whole day so that you can overcome the temptation around you.  Daily scripture study.  Follow spiritual people on social media to combat the influence of the world. Intake positive and uplifting content instead of negative content. Replace worldly music with a spiritual podcast. Be with other people Surround yourself with other people who are trying to grow closer to Christ.  Attend church activities and bible study groups. Serve those around you. Replace the worldliness in your life with spiritualness. Visit justserve.org to find service opportunities in your community. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

For those starting their journey to follow, it's easy to compare ourselves to those around us. However, it's important to remember not to compare ourselves, but to listen to the Lord and serve him. In today's episode of Changing, Donald is joined by the founder of Crowned Co. to discuss his experiences using the Lord for guidance. We connect with our Savior through action and understanding: The Supernal Gifts of Prayer helps John when he's trying to grow, and it dictates the potential responses to prayer. When John is trying to make decisions or grow in his career or personal life, he wants to know how he can maximize his calling. It's easy to strive for things to acclaim a status, perspective, or event. But ask yourself what keeps you moving forward and on a path toward a fulfilling goal.  Advice to someone who doesn't even know where to start: Search for light. Whether starting your day with a prayer or reading Scriptures on a morning commute, apply the gospel throughout your life and mindset. There are moments to help everyone around you. Be the person that walks into a room and lights up everyone's day.  We all hit a moment in our lives where we question our path and what we're doing.  If we're open to it, the spirit can help us make changes to be better people and better versions of ourselves. Listen to the spirit. He'll prompt us and intervene when needed, but he'll let us continue on our path and discover ourselves in our path to change and become better. John's parting piece of advice to someone looking to change? Everything is possible through our Father. We are all sinners who need the atonement of Jesus Christ. Whether you know you need help or think you're perfect, we all need to draw closer to the savior.  To connect with John and get more information, find him on Instagram and Twitter. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

The path to accepting Christ is different for everyone. On today's episode of Changing, our host, Donald Kelly talks with Jerry Dugan, a director of organizational effectiveness who runs a podcast called Beyond the Rut, a show for christian men who feel like they are stuck in a rut. Donald and Jerry discuss Jerry's inspiring path to accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. His powerful story will hopefully help you as you start your journey towards change.  Jerry did not grow up as a believer Jerry didn't grow up going to church. He would attend different churches off and on but didn't consider himself a believer.  He felt like he had ‘freedom' because he didn't have to follow the commandments.  His experience in the Army changed him Jerry didn't believe in God up until he joined the army and was stationed in Afghanistan.  When he was put in a situation where he feared for his life, he said a prayer to God - his first prayer in 14 years. He asked God to protect his wife and children by replacing him with someone better if he didn't make it out alive.   During the next few weeks Jerry had multiple near-death experiences where he felt that he was protected by God.  How did he finally accept Christ into his life? After he returned home safely from the war his wife told him that she had been praying for him. She made a deal with God that if Jerry got home safely she and her whole family would attend church every Sunday. Jerry agreed to honor the deal.  After months of attending church Jerry's pastor challenged him to “stop dipping his toe in the water” and “be all-in”.  Since 2005 Jerry has been all-in and is grateful he made that decision.  How are things now? Years later Jerry realized that his prayer to God had come true, and the old version of himself had been replaced by a better one. The old version of himself had metaphorically died.  When he finally accepted Christ as his Savior he felt a burden lifted off of him.  He now lives his life always thinking about what Jesus would do and how he can emulate Him.  Advice from Jerry Realize that God created you exactly how you are.  Jerry accepted that God had given him an analytical nature and learned how to use it to his advantage. He paired it with faith and has been able to spiritually progress.  To connect and contact Jerry, find him on his website. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

God's journey is different for every one of us. Whether that means enduring a trial, attending a mission, or just serving those around you, God has a plan to get you where you need to go. In today's episode of Changing, our host, Donald Kelly, is joined by business coach and consultant Mark Sieverkopp to discuss his journey in finding Christ and how he managed that journey throughout early adulthood.  Mark didn't join the church until he was 18. Raised in a Lutheran household, his family was very Sunday-oriented when it came to celebrating the Lord. His religious experience lacked a personal connection.  After dating a girl in high school, he was struck by how close the family was and how they acted around each other.  In his mind, God was distant. He was out there in the universe, not involved in Mark's day-to-day life. However, God was present in his girlfriend's family's lives. Where did he get the desire to change? He was at his girlfriend's house when missionaries came and asked to speak with him.  While he didn't that day, he eventually spoke with the missionaries just to understand what she believed. Because of the conversation, he transferred churches. His parents were unhappy with the decision, and Mark has dealt with misconceptions about his faith from his extended family to this day.  However, his lifestyle alterations led to visible changes: Between the start of his joining the church and his mission trip, he read the Book of Mormon three or four times. He was dedicated to reading and learning and bettering himself. His active engagement in faith was his most notable change. Even though separating churches from his family was challenging, he doesn't regret it. Mark's advice to someone in their own journey to change? You aren't alone. President Hinckley once said, “bring all the good you have, and let's see if we can add to it.” There's a mentality that departing from one religion to another or a different church means leaving that part of ourselves behind. But that isn't always the case; you don't have to walk away from who you are. To connect and contact Mark, find him on Facebook or email him at mark@findyour20.com. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

In your personal efforts to change and better yourself, you might wonder how you can help others reach the same goal. In today's episode of Changing, Donald discusses how anyone can use their imperfection to help others on a path toward Christ. We're all imperfect. In scripture, there is only one perfect person: Jesus. Everyone else is imperfect, and that's okay. Even the apostles and prophets regularly sinned and made mistakes. However, the people who desired change did so, and they shared that with others. Your mistakes and errors can help connect you with others and understand what they're going through. You can be the force that pushes them closer to a path of light. You're light helps others see through the darkness. Set a better example for the people around you. Pray, read scripture, and exemplify the spirit of the Lord in your everyday life. Invite others to do things with you, like a group bible study or church activity.  Help others alleviate the challenges and turmoils in their life. Be the guidance that advises others to make positive changes. Visit justserve.org to find service opportunities in your community. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

We've all been in situations where we feel alone. In those challenging times, looking to God for support and guidance is the best way to overcome the journey. In today's episode of Changing, Donald uses principles and articles from the Bible, scholars and religious leaders to demonstrate how God delivers us to where we need to go. Have faith that God will help us overcome our challenges: In the books of Mark and John, we see Jesus's apostles out on the water, commanded by the Lord, when a storm began to brew. Jesus saw them toiling and working to overcome those challenges, but they weren't aware of his presence.  He came to them, walking on water, and immediately ended the challenges of the sea. Whatever challenges you face, the Lord can help you overcome them. However, he won't do it all for you. You need to do what you know is right.  Keep persevering through challenges, and God will ensure you get where you need. Know that the reward is not something temporary, but it is an eternal reward. To read the full article this episode is based on, visit LDS Living. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

For many of us, faith comes in and grows with us over time. But there are still things we can do to help encourage that growth and help us grow in your faith. In today's episode of Changing, Donald discusses three things we can do to increase our faith and relationship with God.  Study scripture more, do more prayers, and talk more with God Reading first-hand experiences educates and helps us become more faithful when we break down scripture. Understanding the history, characters, and world events framing the narrative in the Bible helps us gain a deeper understanding and respect for the story being told. Fast Fasting is an ultra-powerful prayer in which you give up physical needs to prioritize your spiritual needs.  To learn more about fasting, check out our previous podcast episode. A fasted prayer could be for anything important to you, whether financial, physical, or emotional. Practice faith Implement the Lord's practice into your life. Follow his commandments, tithe to those who need support, and good things will come back to you. There are countless instances in scripture where we see people who follow the Lord's directions receive the blessing and good fortune they helped others achieve; do the same for yourself! Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps you on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

How and what exactly is a fast, and why should we do one? In today's episode of Changing, Donald answers all our fasting questions and explains how and why we should add this method of worship to build our relationship with the Lord. What is fasting? Fasting is going without food (and sometimes water) for specified periods.  As Christians, we do 24-hour fasts one day each month, where we go without food or water.  However, in other religions, some have up to 40-day fasts where they only eat during specific times of the day. Fasts can even be with other earthly tethers like social media or alcohol. How can you fast? The idea is that you are getting rid of something your body needs. But you are putting the needs of your spirit over the needs of your body.  The best way to overcome those physical desires is by praying and asking the Lord for help. How to have a fast: Have a purpose, prepare properly, and pray to the Lord for strength throughout the fast. When Donald wanted to get baptized, his mom forced him to wait. But Donald fasted, prayed, and asked the Lord to help his mom become more accepting of his baptism.  Ultimately, you fast because you love God and want direction from him. It's a spiritual experience, and Donald heavily encourages you to try one and embrace your spiritual needs.  Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps you on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

No matter what stage of life you're at, we all feel the temptation to give up. After all, why should we bother trying to do good each day? In today's episode of Changing, Donald discusses how we can persevere through obstacles and continue living by God's word, even when it seems difficult. Israelites were the Egyptian's slaves for hundreds of years. The Lord sent Moses to be the instrument to lead the Israelites out of slavery to their promised land. When Moses told everyone they were leaving, the people were skeptical. After all, Moses wasn't the first one who tried to escape. The Israelites crossed out of Egypt to travel to a home of happiness. However, many Israelites grew anxious about their Egyptian captors apprehending them. God guided them thus far, and he didn't bring them to die. What would you do? You could run, fight, or give up. Or you could do what Moses did - have faith.  Moses likely thought about how much faith and trust the people had put in God during their journey. They didn't come this far to only come this far. We know what ended up happening - Moses parted the sea, and after the Israelites passed, the water drowned the Egyptians who gave chase. The moral of the story? If God told you that he's going to do something, and you remain faithful, trust him! This is the person who created everything. If he can create everything, he can probably help you pay that utility bill, raise a family, or find a job. You need his guidance and strength to do what he knows you should do. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps you on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

Father's Day is an important holiday for many reasons. While our relationship with our heavenly father is imperative, loving and serving our earthly father is just as important. In today's episode of Changing, Donald discusses how we can serve our father and build a better relationship for long-term growth with five different strategies. Learn about your past. Research your family tree and do genealogy to learn about your family's past. Cook a meal with your father. What's the cuisine or recipe your dad loves making or eating?  Create those things with him, and create a family recipe to pass down to your own kids. Talk to him. Learn about how he met your mother, what he used to do when he was younger, or memorable moments from his own life. Conversations about his interests will help you learn more about him and give him a chance to speak about his aspirations.  Plan a vacation or stay-cation: Plan a short trip together depending on your resources and relationship with your father! Consider traveling back to his hometown or a memorable time of his life so he can share another part of his life with you. Play a game. Whether in-person or remote, playing a game together will be an easy and enjoyable way to spend time together and enjoy one another's company. A final bonus tip: pray for him. Especially if you don't have the best relationship with your father, you'd be amazed at what can happen when you approach the situation with humility to the Lord. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps you on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

The most powerful things we can do as Christians are to love, share, and invite others to change and love God. In today's episode of Changing, Donald discusses these three topics and explains how we can use them to help everyone feel the inspiration to draw closer to Christ. Love Everything the Savior did comes back to love. We need to love our brothers and sisters if we want to help them. It's not about you; it's about helping and caring for other individuals. The best way you can help someone change and grow closer to God is by loving them. Share Many people refrain from talking about church when friends and coworkers ask us what we did over the weekend. But why not?  Share about the beautiful choir performance, a fish-fry fundraiser, or any other important event that could benefit them. You're sharing something that could genuinely help them! You can also share your church's events and information, or God's messages, on social media. Invite Give your local community a natural way to be a part of your church community.  As they spend time around your church community, they'll feel God's presence, and, over time, they'll see the trajectory to change. Above all, first, lead with love. If this podcast speaks to you or helps you on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

On today's episode of Changing, we're joined by fellow podcaster Stephen A. Hart as he describes his relationship with Christ and how he gained faith amid multiple obstacles in his life.  Stephen was incredibly successful as a business owner. After graduating from college in ‘99, Stephen found himself in the mortgage industry before starting his first business in the financial sector in 2005. In 2007, his business was thriving. Because of that, he purchased things like a million-dollar brownstone and a Jamaican wedding. His success was cut short, however, when he discovered a massive investment had tanked. How did Stephen recover from the tanked investment? Having everything ripped from under him three weeks into marriage had a massive blow to his pride.  Shortly after the business collapse, so did the real estate and financial market. Everything fell apart. Left with personal debt, Stephen had to dissolve his business and start over with a new structure. Amid this turmoil, he found God. After this ordeal, Stephen wanted to understand what life was really about.  He realized he needed to look to God for what's next. He changed his entire mindset and began to focus on new goals. And so, over the next ten years, he reframed everything. The way he looks at money, his life, and his legacy.  How does Stephen maintain his relationship with God? Throughout the pandemic, Stephen anchored himself in Matthew 6:25-34 and Phillippians 4:6-8. His focus this last year was to go not one day at a time, but one hour at a time. Stephen's lasting advice: change happens. We're always working on ourselves, but over time, those changes will lead to positivity in your future if God is at the center. Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as his website. Reach out to him if you have any questions or want to know more about his journey to Christ.

We're not always at our strongest, but through our faith, it's something we can fortify and improve. In today's episode of Changing, Donald discusses the importance of faith and how we, as followers of God, should be willing to overcome obstacles through our faith. Abraham was told to sacrifice his only son.  In Genesis 22, Abraham leads his son, Isaac, up the mountain to sacrifice him. This experience is profoundly sad, but Abraham knew God would not lead him wrong. Not only did Abraham have to trust God, but Isaac had to trust Abraham. Everyone knew the other was doing the right thing.  While we aren't asked to sacrifice children, we make sacrifices every day, from our money and time to our food and willpower. Frequently, we don't act like Abraham. We all have times when we feel our sacrifice is too great.  Donald remembers questioning how he'd be able to afford his new rent payment when he moved to a new office building.  However, he realized if he stepped foot in the dark, the Lord would provide the opportunity he needed. Think about how many people the Lord has helped throughout the bible. If he did that for them, he would do those for you. If you don't have sufficient faith to do something, pray. Pray to the Lord for strength to go up the mountain and do what you need. Whatever situation you're in, the Lord will provide. He'll provide what you need if you have faith in him. If this podcast speaks to you or helps you on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

Temples are not new - they're holy places to separate our faith from the cares and concerns of the everyday world. In today's episode of Changing, Donald is joined by the owner of Flood Me Social (a Tik Tok influencer marketing firm), Michael Manzur, to discuss his trips, travels, and perspective behind the importance of temples. The beauty and nature of why we go to temples are essential. Temples are a representation of a holy place. Regardless of religion, there are places you can go to grow in your spiritual journey.  They're a place for solitude and reflection, and they're tremendously crucial to every religion. What happens inside temples? Because they are holy places, many obtain a temple recommend before entering. It's a series of questions by a faith leader, where they ask questions pertaining to your faith.  As you enter the temple, you leave the world behind. You enter to learn and to serve.  Depending on your faith, there are baptisms and areas for reflection.  Temples aren't always secret; they're sacred. Many temples have open houses, inviting people outside the faith to enjoy the decor, atmosphere, and history that makes the temple special. CNN did a special feature showing the inside of an LDS Church; click here to watch it. At temples, you can take your burdens to God. You don't have to be a faith member to get value and peace from these special places. For more content from Michael, find him on YouTube, Tik Tok, and Instagram. Temples are a symbol of our faith, and it's important we recognize their importance for any religious community. If this podcast speaks to you or helps you on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

Delegation is vital to help other people grow and improve (as well as help ourselves when we're overloaded.) In today's episode of Changing, Donald explains how to delegate church responsibilities better. For more context, check out our prior episode discussing the importance of humility. Here's what many people skip when it comes to delegating: Exodus 18:20 - And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and thou shalt show them the way they must walk and the work they must do. If you're delegating a task, you need to provide the vision, idea, and direction of what you want out of the task. You can't give a task without providing clear instruction, just like you can't pull a stranger off the street and expect them to know how to handle your job. You have people willing to help you out like Moses had people helping him. If someone is able and willing to help you, do not be afraid to teach them and show them what's right to get the job done. There is nothing wrong with asking for help, including church activities.  Everyone deserves a chance to learn and grow alongside God. Be the catalyst that helps people take that next step. If this podcast speaks to you or helps you on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.

There are things about Moses we often overlook. And in today's episode of Changing, our host Donald Kelly goes through his life. In this first part of a two-part discussion, Donald looks at what we can learn from Moses and how living a humble life kept him a devoted servant of the Lord. The Lord can use us despite our shortcomings. God already knows all our weaknesses and flaws. So if he calls on us to do something, it's because he knows we can overcome the obstacles and fulfill his calling. Moses wasn't as good a speaker as his brother, yet the Lord chose him to lead his people out of Egypt. That wasn't by accident. Despite becoming the leader of millions, Moses remained humble. In Exodus 18:12, Jethro taught Moses the importance of delegation of responsibility. Moses had just brought millions of people across the Red Sea and now was being advised by an ordinary man. Rather than dismissing his ideas, Moses was humble enough to listen to Jethro. In doing so, he became a better student of the Lord. Jethro wasn't sharing his ideas for his own ego; he did it to better help Moses to lead. In our lives, many people will give us guidance. While we don't always have to obey the ideas they share, listening to their opinions and leaving our egos behind can help us improve. Take council as you would take something from a grocery store. You look at everything, consider everything, but only take what you want.   If this podcast speaks to you or helps you on your journey to change, let us know by leaving a rating or review. Share your testimony or contact Donald at donaldckelly09@gmail.com, or contact him on Twitter or Instagram.