In this episode of A Decade Never To Be Forgotten, Jethro catches up with Savannah one year after her mission. A lot has changed—she got married to her high school sweetheart Alec after reconnecting over the summer, and they moved fast with intention and spiritual confirmation.

Topics covered:

• How Savannah and Alec reconnected after their missions and decided to get married within months
• Finding spiritual confirmation through peace rather than dramatic revelation
• Maintaining good habits from missionary life in the "real world"
• The importance of regular temple attendance and finding something new each visit
• Early marriage adjustments (including learning to cook!)
• Switching from nursing to Communication Disorders/Speech Language Pathology
• Running her first marathon with minimal training—and losing four toenails
• Looking ahead to graduate school and using her spiritual gift of loving people in her future career

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.