What if a single moment could completely reshape how you see your life and your purpose within it?

In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, Jerald Simon shares his remarkable journey as a composer, author, and lifelong student of faith and creativity. After surviving a traumatic fall from a 100-foot cliff as a child—an experience that erased his early memories and led to years of recovery—Jerald began to view life through a profoundly different lens. That pivotal moment became the foundation for how he approaches challenges, growth, and the quiet decision to keep getting back up, no matter how hard we fall.

Raised in a home where music was a daily discipline, Jerald was surrounded by creativity from a young age. Today, he channels his newfound perspective into music designed to heal and uplift. From composing custom piano pieces for students in real time, to creating meditation and relaxation music layered with organic sounds and intentional rhythms, his work centers on helping others experience peace and positivity. He also shares how he uses music as a spiritual language—shifting keys, tempo, and tone to reflect darkness, light, and transformation.

Through his story, Jerald reminds us that even life’s most disorienting moments can become a source of clarity—and that sometimes, the path forward begins by learning to listen to the music within.

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

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/wm63DYxqjyI

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To READ Jerald’s book, “The Musical Realm,” visit: https://a.co/d/0hnnfUC8

To LISTEN to Jerald’s album, “Sweet Melancholy,” visit: https://open.spotify.com/album/7a5HMciPmMWE06XzPP8ze1?si=4YKLa7wzQQCqPYPL5T5KSg

To READ Jerald’s music compositions from “Sweet Melancholy,” visit: https://www.musicmotivation.com/sweet-melancholy-by-jerald-simon-pdf-book

To LISTEN to Jerald’s rearrangement hymn album, “Hymns of the Heart,” visit: https://open.spotify.com/album/6AJhBW6bmJ1NIBOjdmE6kN?si=khPj9mgTSnqhXpVxZhSpJg

To READ “The ‘As If’ Principle (Motivational Poetry),” visit: https://a.co/d/08EfhpAb

To LEARN MORE about piano lessons with Jerald, visit: https://www.musicmotivation.com/

To LISTEN to Jerald’s podcast, “Music, Motivation, and More - The Positivity Podcast with Jerald Simon,” visit: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hVYdJrrsfwyKgBpwoT1Ci?si=e07f9b40cb3649b7

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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 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.