Enduring It Well

38: Trials Unseen

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:00:00 MST

Many trials are easily seen, but others are not. Silent afflictions can secretly drain the strength of a family member or friend. Susan Cook tells about her son's challenge of having Tourette's syndrome and fitting in at school. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of good news for everyone, no matter how visible or invisible their trials. Susan's story teaches that we must help those around us feel included and help them recognize their value as sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father.

37: But A Small Moment

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 MST

Kathryn England joins host W.A. Christensen to share her story: Kathryn met Arthur and married in the Salt Lake Temple. They had two daughters. One day Arthur had an aneurysm and suddenly died. Kathryn next found that the two girls had a rare connective tissue disorder known as Marfan's Syndrome. Kathryn remarried and had another daughter. Two of her three daughters have passed away from medical conditions. Many are called to face multiple trials with seemingly no end in sight. Learn from Kathryn's hard-won perspective how our trials are for "but a small moment."

36: Tragedy to Triumph

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 MST

Host W. A. Christensen interviews Vickie Walker, who lost her husband in the tragedy at Trolley Square in Salt Lake City. She relates the story of that day and shares her sacred feelings about the Holy Ghost, who comforts her in her loss. Vickie knows that her family can be together again one day. She recognizes the triumph of our Savior, who makes this possible.

35: Miracles of the Heart

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:00:00 MST

Pianist and composer Paul Cardall had a successful career as a musician and the love of a good family around him when he learned he had a life-threatening medical condition. Hear what Paul and Lynette did as family and in their marriage to accept the will of the Lord in their lives.

34: Sight Through An Eternal Lens

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:00:00 MST

In this episode of Enduring It Well, "Sight through an Eternal Lens," Dr. Richard Cowen joins host W. A. Christensen to share his story of living life being blind. He bears testimony of using our challenges and weaknesses to overcome and grow. With a testimony of the gospel, he knows that one day he will be whole if he continues to have eternal vision.

33: Life's Fragile Free Fall

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:00:00 MST

Dan Liljenquist shares his captivating story of the plane crash he survived while on a humanitarian mission to Guatemala three years ago. Eleven of the fourteen passengers did not survive—including four who worked for Dan. He describes the crash in guarded detail with tearful impressions all along the way. It is a profound discussion on being prepared to die and living well in that preparation. His rescue and recovery tells of kind acts of service by rescue workers and others.

32: Joseph Smith Perils Endured

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:00:00 MST

Dr. Susan Easton Black joins host W. A. Christensen to talk about Joseph Smith's life and the perils he endured-from the leg operation when he was young to the culminating events of his martyrdom. Dr. Black shares important insights and bears her testimony about this special prophet.

31: Breaking Poverty's Grip

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:00:00 MST

Host W. A. Christensen speaks with Amram Musungu on "Breaking Poverty's Grip," a discussion on the trials of poverty and financial crisis and Amram's remarkable rise out of mud-hut poverty in Kenya. He was the first branch president of the Salt Lake City Swahili Branch, and he helped in the translation of the Book of Mormon to Swahili. He was also one of the first translators of Swahili for general conference. He is a delightful, humble man with an ambitious future that will inspire all who listen.

30: Derailed But Not Destroyed

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:00:00 MST

In the summer of 1973, when guest Karin Crawford was 16 years old, her family was traveling back home from being on vacation. Their van stalled on train tracks just as a train came barreling towards them. Karin's parents and siblings all survived the accident. Karin expresses her gratitude for life and for her knowledge that all we have comes from the Lord. She also bears testimony of eternal families.

29: Surviving the Broken Marriage

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 06:00:00 MST

What if, despite your best efforts to save it, your marriage fails? In "Surviving the Broken Marriage," host W. A. Christensen is joined by Alan Stoddard and Allyson and Mark Hanks to explore the process of finding happiness again after a broken marriage.

28: When It Rains, It Pours

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:00:00 MST

Belva Kent's life was rich, fulfilling, and good. On November 8, 1974, her 17-year-old daughter, Debi, was kidnapped. For 16 years little was known of her whereabouts, until serial killer Ted Bundy confessed to taking her. Ten years after Debi's disappearance, Belva's son Bill was killed in a car accident. In the wake of this second grief, Belva learned that she had a brain tumor and was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Her hardships continued but she believed strongly in the love that the Lord had for her.

27: Lifting One Another

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 06:00:00 MST

Amy sat on her porch with a group of friends joking around. Accidentally, a gun was fired and the bullet struck Amy in the spine. At the hospital, Amy was told she would be paralyzed from the nose down. Later, Matt Hansen, who had been present that day on the porch, was sent to the same hospital to receive some physical therapy for an arm injury he had. After his sessions, Matt would visit Amy in rehab. A friendship was kindled that eventually resulted in a temple marriage. Today, Matt, a licensed physical therapist, continues to care for his wife, insisting that while he gives Amy much-needed care, she lifts him—and gives him strength.

26: Enduring to the Prolonged End

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 06:00:00 MST

Lillie Woolsey, a 92-year-old widow, speaks with host W. A. Christensen first about her father, who was a miner. Just before she was born, there was a terrible coal mine disaster in Scofield, Utah, resulting in the deaths of over 200 miners. Lillie discusses the mood it created for decades to follow. She tells her story of endurance through this hardship as well as other family deaths and trials. Through it all she is positive, upbeat, and completely trusting in and grateful for the gospel plan.

25: Bear Their Infirmities

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 06:00:00 MST

On this episode of Enduring It Well, Host W. A. Christensen speaks with guests Delayne and Brendon Dayton about Delayne's struggle with cancer and how that affects the entire family. They talk about our responsibilities as Church members to "bear one another's burdens, that they may be light" (Mosiah 18:8). Bearing one another's burdens is a key part of being true disciples of Jesus Christ.

24: Nursing the Will to Live

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:00:00 MST

Joy Jacobsen has worked in Child Life at Primary Children's Medical Center (Salt Lake City) for 25 years and is our guest for "Nursing the Will to Live," this episode of Enduring It Well. She speaks with host W. A. Christensen about caring for a loved one and describes what non-trained parents, siblings, children, and friends can do to tend to the needs of someone in need physically.

23: Be of Good Cheer

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 06:00:00 MST

Jason Christensen, a 23-year-old returned missionary, suffers from chronic pain due to spine injury and progressive muscular dystrophy. He talks with his father, our host W. A. Christensen, on this episode of Enduring It Well. They discuss what pain really does to a person and how, even when the pain seems unbearable, you can keep your perspective positive.

22: Parenting the Parent

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 06:00:00 MST

Kathy Madsen and Rosiland Hoggan speak to host W. A. Christensen about their experiences in caring for the elderly. The responsibility is challenging yet rewarding. Sample discussion topics include praying for guidance on important decisions, visiting the elderly in a rest home, maintaining dignity, dealing with falls and broken bones, overseeing and dispensing medication, and meeting spiritual needs. The guests share tips and tricks that they have learned through the years. They also share sweet testimonies of the privilege of being part of their loved ones' final years.

21: Great View From Down Here - Jason Hokanson

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 06:00:00 MST

Jason Hokanson, who is a paraplegic, tells his story of having his back broken in an auto accident at age 15 while his family was driving to Lake Powell. Now a husband, father, and professional wheelchair basketball player for the NBA Wheelin' Jazz, he has worked as a news producer in television. Jason's optimism touches all who know him.

20: Left Behind by Suicide - Crockett Family

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 06:00:00 MST

In this episode of Enduring It Well, David and Jane Crockett, along with their daughter Amy Crockett Staley, discuss ways the gospel of Jesus Christ helps individuals and families who have been left behind by suicide. Their son and brother, Dave, battled clinical depression for most of his life and eventually took his own life in 2005. He was 25 years old. The Crocketts choose to focus on and remember the life that their son led, rather than focus on his death. Together, David and Jane Crockett served as program coordinators in the LDS Family Services' substance abuse program for over five years. The Crocketts are positive, upbeat examples of trusting in God's love for all His children.

19: Addictions Afflictions - Mike Bennett

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 06:00:00 MST

In this episode of Enduring It Well, host W. A. Christensen interviews Mike Bennett about "Addictions' Afflictions." Mike is currently serving as a facilitator in the LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Program. He himself has experienced the affliction of being addicted. He discusses how yielding to the natural man affects our progression on the eternal path back to our Heavenly Father. Mike provides hope to those dealing with addiction.

18: Liberty's Sacrifice - Amanda Blount

Fri, 27 May 2011 06:00:00 MST

In this episode of Enduring It Well, Amanda Blount shares with host W. A. Christensen her story about losing her husband, Anthony, in Iraq. Amanda was 8 months pregnant with their daughter, Avery, when her husband was killed. Amanda teaches Avery about her father and knows that they will all be together again one day, and she bears strong testimony of the plan of salvation. This episode, “Liberty’s Sacrifice,” illustrates that the price of liberty is high for the loved ones of those lost during service. The servicemen and women, as well as their families, are all heroes.

17: Being The Good Samaritan - Bernson Family

Fri, 27 May 2011 06:00:00 MST

Siblings Greg Bernson, Cappey Jones, and Stephanie Kirk have spent a lifetime organizing service—home makeovers, financial assistance, and other acts of service to those in need. During this episode of Enduring It Well, the Bernson siblings share ideas on how to “go and do likewise” as the Savior taught. We learn the importance of service by example, as they learned from their service-oriented parents. They teach us that giving service means giving of our time, resources, and love.

16: Remaining Steadfast in Strife - Werner Schmidt and Margot Sadowski

Fri, 06 May 2011 06:00:00 MST

W.A. Christensen interviews Werner Schmidt and Margot Sadowski about remaining steadfast through extreme situations. As a young man, Werner was drafted into Hitler’s Army as Germany was losing World War II. Werner became a prisoner of war and was held in a camp in Great Britain until the war’s end. Margot Moeller Sadowski shares her vivid memories and recalls the devastation of the Allied bombing of Hamburg and the fear it created. She recalls a peace and serenity in her home.

15: That We May See - Macy Lewis

Mon, 02 May 2011 06:00:00 MST

In this episode of “Enduring It Well,” host W.A. Christensen speaks with Macy Lewis about living and moving forward in a world she literally cannot see. Relying on her other senses to help her through the days has taught her humility and patience. She achieved a normal life with wholesome activities including song and dance, and was later crowned homecoming queen at her high school. Despite the odds stacked against her, she has persevered with unwavering faith in God and continues to live life to the fullest.

14: Jesus Christ Endured For Us - Dr. Andrew Skinner and Dr. Kevin Merkley

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 06:00:00 MST

In this special Easter episode of Enduring It Well, host W.A. Christensen speaks with Theologian Dr. Andrew Skinner and Kevin Merkley, M.D. on the spiritual and physical ramifications of the atonement of Jesus Christ. The Savior was sent to Earth to be the ultimate sacrifice for every creature that ever lived or would live. The atonement not only covered the sins of mankind, but the sorrow, misery, and injustices as well. Christ bled from every pore on his body in the garden of Gethsemane and knows better than all what we endure in life. In his final moments, he suffered seven-inch spikes hammered through the nerves in his hands and feet on the cross. In the end, he descended below all things so that he could rise up as our perfect Savior.

13: We Travel Not Alone - Harold Wood

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 06:00:00 MST

Harold Wood is an elderly member of the Church who lives alone in a small apartment. Having served faithfully in the temple for over 15 years, hear how Harold found peace in his life and a sure defense against loneliness “by serving with his friends in the House of the Lord.”

12: Diversity's Adversities - James Johnson

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 06:00:00 MST

In this episode of Enduring It Well, host W. A. Christensen speaks with four teenagers and middle school instructor James Johnson on surviving and facilitating better school environments, dealing with prejudice and hate, and traversing through the adversities of adolescence. The students discuss how to avoid temptation and keep their thoughts, words, and actions pure in a world which encourages sin and rebellion. James further supplements the students’ comments by expounding on the merits of a proper learning environment and reducing ridicule in schools. By living the gospel and seeking good friends, we can lift ourselves high and receive strength to live a good life.

11: Brokenhearted Loss of a Sibling - Jordan Ludlow and Kacey Anderson

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 06:00:00 MST

On Memorial Weekend in 2002, Jara Ludlow, a senior in high school, was killed in an automobile accident. Her older sister Kacey and younger brother Jordan describe the moment the news was given. They tell about the role that prayer played in coming to terms with the sudden loss and how their knowledge of the plan of salvation allows them to move forward in this life.

10: I Am Not Afraid - Jenny Wiscomb

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 06:00:00 MST

In this episode of Enduring It Well, host W. A. Christensen speaks with Jenny Wiscomb on how adversity can change a life in an instant. They discuss how these moments, for better or for worse, ultimately shape our characters and our faith. Jenny is a faithful Christian who has been married for 23 years and has two children. She has recently been diagnosed with a rare form of malignant cancer called Leiomyosarcoma. Treatment with chemotherapy was successful, but the cancer returned full force and became resistant and completely untreatable. In a heartbreaking moment, she and her family decide to allow the cancer to naturally run its course, which will result in her eventual death. Although initially devastated by her diagnosis, Jenny continues to love and forgive others and enjoy what time she has left on Earth. She knows she will only be away temporarily from her husband and children. The gospel has shaped her into who she is, and physical death is but a gateway into much greater horizons.

09: Beauty’s True Depth - Meg Johnson

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 MST

Meg Johnson was a beautiful young dancer who had her career and whole life ahead of her. She went hiking one day in the beautiful red rocks of Southern Utah. Meg and her friends were jumping from large boulder to large boulder when Meg’s vision was impaired by the evening sun, just as she jumped. She realized in the air that she had jumped off a 30-foot cliff! When she landed, her life changed forever. Her back was broken and she became a paraplegic. Since then she has organized the largest pageant in the United States -- the Miss Wheelchair Utah Pageant, which also includes a young girls competition called “Hot Wheels.” While naturally beautiful, Meg’s true inner beauty is her most attractive attribute. Join us as we look at "Beauty’s True Depth."

08: Triumph over Pain - Carolyn Miller

Mon, 7 Feb 2011 12:00:00 MST

Pain is an inevitable and integral part of human existence. Although it is hard, it teaches us how to love and appreciate what we have in our lives. In this episode of Enduring It Well, host W. A. Christensen speaks with Carolyn Miller about a debilitating disorder and about never giving up. She attributes her success to the scriptures, the love and support of her husband, Lynn, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, which ultimately taught her to have faith and to be always grateful.

07: One Step at a Time (Dr. Dale Hull)

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 06:00:00 MST

How can hardship lead to peace, contentment and appreciation for life? Dr. Dale Hull knows. He experienced a spinal cord injury because of a trampoline accident in 1999, which left him a quadriplegic. After two and a half years of intense therapy, Dr. Hull walked the Olympic Torch during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He formed the Hull Foundation in November of 2003 to help others with spinal cord injuries. Experiencing a life-changing event has given Dr. Hull a greater awareness of his blessings. He can see the hand of the Lord in his, and all of our lives.

06: Out of the Blue

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:00:00 MST

Learning how one deals with hard situations that come “out of the blue” can be faith-inspiring. In this episode, Catherine Herrod shares her trial of dealing with the death of her spouse. The young family was involved in a tragic semi-truck accident. Kimball, her spouse, did not survive. Left as a 28-year-old widow to raise four children, Catherine opted not to give up. She now moves forward in faith, service, and love in the memory of her husband. Her testimony of Jesus Christ offers a healing influence which helps her look forward to being with her spouse again in the eternities.

05: Forgiveness Brings Peace

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 06:00:00 MST

The wrong choices of one changed the lives of many one snowy winter’s morning. Young husband and father Jordan Rasmussen, an accountant for a popular canyon restaurant near Salt Lake City, was meeting to discuss some inconsistencies he had discovered in the bank accounts with the manager. Jordan’s discovery resulted in the young LDS father being brutally murdered by the manager. Hear how widow DeAnn Rasmussen Kilgore raised her children without their father and what she did to lessen the impact of bitterness and revenge by learning the value of forgiveness. Jordan’s sister Diane tells the struggles the family had with her brother’s tragic murder and how they eventually found peace and were able to forgive. Chad visited his father’s killer in prison before he left on his mission, forgiving the man. Hear how that meeting resulted in a touching story of restitution. Today’s story of forgiveness, including Chad’s meeting and the resulting restitution, is an inspiration to anyone needing, seeking, or giving forgiveness.

04: Finding Purpose When Purpose Has Changed - Suzi Bullock

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:00:00 MST

In this episode of Enduring It Well, Suzi Bullock discusses the joys and challenges of raising a family. Dave and Suzi Bullock have four children, each with varying degrees of health. Mckenzie is their oldest and healthiest daughter. Jake suffers from Primary Immune Deficiency, Sydney struggles with hereditary issues, and young Bailey had cystic fibrosis and a severe case of meningitis. This eventually lead to her death at the tender age of five. The hardship and heartache of dealing with such difficult situations does not hinder the Bullocks from serving the Lord and trusting in His love. Even through sadness and pain, the parents focus their love on their children through wholesome activities, the gospel, and music… ultimately finding purpose when purpose has changed.

03: Fighting Fear with Faith

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:00:00 MST

What is fear? What is its purpose? In the early morning hours of June 5, 2002, Ed and Lois Smart of Salt Lake City, Utah, were awakened when their 9-year-old daughter ran in to the bedroom with the news no parent ever wants to hear: their 14-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, had been abducted from the home. In the minutes, hours, weeks, and months that followed, the Smarts were surrounded by fear. Yet they trusted in a feeling of faith that ultimately prevailed! In this episode, host W. A. Christensen interviews Ed and Lois about what got them through and how the gospel of Jesus Christ strengthened them during that time in their lives.

02: Life's Final Moments

Wed, 8 Dec 2010 12:00:00 MST

Steve and Earlene Blaser are the parents of eight children. Brady, their fourth child, was born with muscular dystrophy. He passed away in 2002. He lived a lifetime of challenges that forged a bond within the family and sustained them in their time of greatest need…Brady’s final moments. In this episode of Enduring it Well we hear how the gospel of Jesus Christ helped Earlene, Steve, and their children through those slow-motion minutes as Brady finished his earthly journey and began his steps into the eternities. Host W. A. Christensen talks with the Blasers about their emotions, feelings, heartache, and hope experienced at the death of their loved one.

01: The Rains Descended

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:00:00 MST

In this first episode of Enduring It Well, “The Rains Descended,” we are introduced to the show and its host, W. A. Christensen. Rather than dwell on things they could not do, the Christensens have always emphasized the things their children can do. When we come back from this break, Bill will tell us how, despite their challenges, each of their children excelled in areas of interest - as singers, artists, creative writers, and lovers of life. What can we learn from our trials? Bill will tell how the family found strength in the restored gospel -has a particular love for the Savior's great plan of happiness, and finds GREAT comfort in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Join us after the break for more of this inaugural edition of the Mormon Channel’s new program, Enduring It Well with host W. A. Christensen.