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

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.

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