What does it look like to step away from expectations and into a life of true purpose?

In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, mother, educator, and faith-driven humanitarian, Karen Bates, shares her powerful journey from people-pleasing and self-doubt to living with courage, intention, and deep devotion. As she began confronting lifelong patterns of overextending herself and losing sight of her own needs, Karen learned to listen to her inner voice and redefine what it meant to follow God’s plan for her life. That path eventually led her and her family to Mexico, where they now work to create a safe, nurturing refuge for youth—The Find Your Path Mission—offering education, mentorship, and opportunities for healing and growth.

Through moments of uncertainty, unexpected setbacks, and tender mercies, Karen reflects on trusting God even when life doesn’t go according to plan. Her story is one of surrender, resilience, and learning to balance service with self-worth—discovering that true impact comes not from doing everything, but from doing what you’re called to do.

*** Please SHARE Karen's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/PudYsbS-qks

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To VOLUNTEER, DONATE, and LEARN MORE about Karen’s project, The Find Your Path Mission, visit: https://findyourpathmission.org/

To READ Karen’s book, “Your Compass: Find Your Path,” visit: https://a.co/d/0be1cX7K

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To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

What happens when a creative prompting turns into something that can change one person’s life?

In this week's episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with author and Praiseworthy Award winner Jason Jones, who shares his 8-year journey behind writing his debut novel, “One Day a Year.” From making simple screenplays with his coworkers to boost company morale, what began as a simple idea for a time-travel story evolved into years of persistence, self-doubt, and growth, packaged into a book on faith and family history. Jason opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, learning the craft of storytelling, and holding onto the quiet spiritual nudges that kept him moving forward—until the “ideal reader” he created in his mind turned out to be the best plot twist he never expected.

Jason admits that the most powerful part of his story came after the book was finished. He reflects on how his work unexpectedly became a catalyst for someone close to him to rediscover faith, illustrating how creative efforts—no matter how small they seem—can carry a much greater purpose. Through themes of familial love, intuitive pulls, and trusting in divine timing, this conversation is a reminder that the things we feel called to create may matter more than we could ever realize.

*** Please SHARE Jason's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/4u5baAbBclA

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To READ Jason’s book, “One Day a Year,” visit: https://a.co/d/0fxexvgo

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To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

What role does music play in helping us feel closer to God and find peace in our everyday lives?

In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, we sit down with pianist, musical arranger, and father, Michael Boyd, whose lifelong love for music has become a powerful way to invite the Spirit into his heart, and strengthen his faith. From his early experiences in learning piano, to developing a deep appreciation for hymns during his mission, Michael shares how music has shaped not only his talents, but his testimony. His stories—including unforgettable moments like meeting Gladys Knight, and witnessing the impact of sacred music on others—highlight how God can use our gifts in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Michael also opens up about creating his hymn arrangement album, “Be Still, My Soul,” blending musical creativity with spiritual inspiration to bring listeners a deeper sense of peace and connection. He shares how he thoughtfully weaves together multiple melodies—sometimes combining hymns, as seen in his mashup of “Kingsfold” and “I Need Thee Every Hour”—to deepen the emotional and spiritual impact of each piece. Through personal experiences, family life, and solemn moments at the piano, he reflects on how intentional, uplifting music can transform the atmosphere in our homes and hearts—reminding us that some of the most powerful expressions of faith are felt, not just spoken.

*** Please SHARE Michael's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/tSRNdHcQots

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To LISTEN to Michael’s first album, “Be Still, My Soul,” visit: https://open.spotify.com/album/0HhZ9Emk4oCHJ0xhjQumNz?si=7XOec_jKRV-3Neo0wDyn1Q

To LISTEN to Michael’s track, “Kingsfold and I Need Thee Every Hour,” visit: https://open.spotify.com/track/7afUlL6qjBDbc9cYzaxiUY?si=4c3d23d7ceec4048

To READ Michael’s free sheet music, visit: https://specialmusicalnumbers.com/

To FOLLOW Michael on Spotify, visit: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3NLcup1JpD4nmP3HvSIVA6

To FOLLOW Michael on Apple Music, visit: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/w-michael-boyd/1843900046

To FOLLOW Michael on Amazon Music, visit: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B0FV3D7PQP/w-michael-boyd

To FOLLOW Michael on Deezer, visit: https://www.deezer.com/us/artist/349661021

To FOLLOW Michael on YouTube Music, visit: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kPwJ_Y8FkCbbkvYNV3gWgI3uAO3Dljuws

To LISTEN to “His Hands” by Kenneth Cope, visit: https://open.spotify.com/track/4sumBgc7QuvrVHA4bdZXsq?si=60e30cea674d43b9

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To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

If you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know at https://www.latterdaylights.com