"The Sweetness of Trial" Book Reading and Commentary

My latest book, "Winning Thru Trial," 7 Winning Ways to Become Mighty, is the sequel to "The Sweetness of Trial." This NEW Podcast will be available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple. Thoughts about this new book and what you, the reader, may gain from applying these "7 winning ways" to your life: While writing “Sweetness,” as I affectionately call it, I just knew there would need to be a sequel. I also felt from the beginning that I needed to be transparent in my failings so that the reader could feel that they are not alone in their walk of faith we call our Second Estate… and that FALLING DOES NOT MEAN FAILING. In my first book, “The Sweetness of Trial,” my goal was to provide a faith-based experience for the reader, to acquire a feeling that would neutralize the bitterness often felt when something/someone is lost or taken from us. It is a feeling I felt personally as I knelt by the side of my wife in prayer, pleading to God to heal our daughter from breast cancer, to help me recover from two years without substantial income, to save me from the depths of depression, to help cure my bitterness over losing still another business after many long years of sacrifice–and more. Yet, in those often desperate and humbling times of pleading came the soft and gentle embrace of a still, small voice, “Be still, and know that I am God.”  There are likely few other times when we are privileged to “taste” the sweetness of Heavenly Father’s love purer than during trial. I started writing “Winning Thru Trial” before “Sweetness” was even finished because I felt the promptings early that my experiences with failure were to be shared, not hidden under a bushel, as awkward as it might be to admit failure instead of taking a stage somewhere claiming to have scaled Mt. Everest, blindfolded. But I have learned through time in the ring of life that it isn’t about how many times you get knocked down that defines you as a failure because, in my mind, the “only” way you fail in anything after being knocked to the floor, is when you stay down.  I wanted to write a book as my testimony to the world that what defines you as a “winner” is getting back into the ring to go another round, no matter how many times you are knocked down, because each time you meet Goliath in whatever form he takes you gain experience. Like compound interest, experience today will help form perspective, insight, and wisdom to fight tomorrow again. This NEW book, "Winning Thru Trial," is about preparing you for when trial hits... because it will hit again, you know? This book is about teaching you 7 Winning Ways to build resilience within you to remain in control long enough to think clearly about what is the next step? What am I to learn? To help you know whom you can call upon to reach out and grab your hand before you hit bottom. In this book, you will learn a new definition of "Winning." You will learn ways to see trial as a teacher, a headmaster in the school of taming the natural man or woman within you. You will gain a new understanding of the word "Opportunity," and that it doesn't relate to taking advantage of "others," but rather learning to take advantage of your state of humility and trust in God to use trial in your refinement, to gain Christlike character that will open your eyes to see more clearly whom you may become (Opportunity). And you will learn ways to proactively change your negative attitude to become more self-loving, believing in yourself because HE believes in you. And I promise, you will begin to understand the "Sweetness" that can come after the trial of your faith, and you feel, maybe for the first time, the love of your Savior, Jesus Christ, whose arms shall be wrapped around you as you feel His healing power penetrate every inch of your body and soul. That "Sweetness" is real, and I promise you it will be there when you are ready to accept it... maybe even crave it.

Episode 11 - Pgs 150-155 introduces you to the "sequel" to "The Sweetness of Trial." I have titled it... "Winning Thru Trial." Soon to be released for publication. Much of my life has been spent in trial, and from those experiences, I have learned the lessons shared in the book "Sweetness" that you have just read/listened to. Still, there was this "urgency" within me even before "Sweetness" was completed to share "how" my life has been blessed "because" of these trials and the "lessons learned" from these experiences. I take "no" credit for having moved from one trial to the next, still standing! But I am willing to share the "Winning Ways" that have mentored, strengthened, and carried me "Thru" my trials. The spelling of the word "Thru" in the title is used to describe the action of "passing thru" our trials and is intended to infer that "Trial has no power over you, unless you plug it in!" One of my most fav "Attitude Shorts." The sequel to "Sweetness" is titled "Winning Thru Trial" and contains 7 Winning Ways to teach you "how" to not only endure trials when they come but how to "win" from them. "Winning" will help you realize that planet Earth, our second estate, is meant to be a place of learning, a place where you are tested like steel–capable of withstanding the refiner's fire in bringing forth hidden attributes called spiritual gifts and talents given you by God to bless your life and the lives of others. I am confident you will love the lessons shared in this "how to" book about winning from your trials, that you can begin immediately to put into practice and prepare yourself to "find opportunity" when others only see disappointment and loss. Winning Way #1 - Call Upon God Winning Way #2 - Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance (5 P's) Winning Way #3 - Fake It Til' You Make It Winning Way #4 - Opportunity, Look For It! Winning Way #5 - Trust In God Winning Way #6 - Choose To Fail Forward Winning Way #7 - (Spoiler Alert! Not!)You'll just have to wait til' the book comes out. *If you liked the audio version of "Sweetness" I might also do a book reading and commentary on "Winning" as well. But I warn you... it is much longer in content pages. So, stay tuned for the release of “Winning Thru Trial.”

Episode 10, Pt 2 - Pgs 143-149 continues the Chapter titled "Hope Smiles," with a few personal thoughts about what a marvelous experience it has been to write this book, with "you" the reader, clearly in mind. From the many testimonials and book reviews you were so gracious to have posted, emailed, and texted, I am so humbled beyond words. I have said that if even one person finds the words written to be of comfort on a dark night, it will have been worth the many hours sacrificed to bring it to you. Although "Sweetness" won't likely make the "Best Seller" list, it will surely remain high on my "Best Experiences" list of earthly accomplishments. And I have you, the reader/listener, to thank for that. I hope these words of personal testimony expressed in Pt 2 of Hope Smiles will help you gain encouragement to consider the legacy "you" will leave after the sands of time spill out upon the earth. You still have time. I know you can do it!!

Episode 10, Pt 1 - Pgs 137-143 leads off with a great scripture by Paul the Apostle, found in his letter to the Christian saints in Rome (Romans 5:3-5). "3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope; 5 And hope maketh not ashamed." We learn from Paul that tribulation (trial) has its place in our lives, even teaching us patience so that we can learn to see the hand of God at work in our lives. Can you remember a time when the hand of God was so visible in your life that you could not deny it? (Remember my story of "The Lost Spur?") Did not this experience give you "hope?" And this condition of hope, did it not bring a sense of relief and even happiness to your soul? "And hope maketh not ashamed." YES! Hope is a necessary ingredient in sustaining us through our trial. If you are currently downtrodden over your trial and have let negative self-talk take the place of positive in your life, then you must "work" to fill your soul with "hope!" The next two Episodes of "Hope Smiles" will help you do just that!

Episode 9, Pt 2 - Pgs 126-136, is one of my favorite Episodes because I get to introduce you to one of my scripture heroes–King Benjamin. King Benjamin was both a prophet and military leader, a man steeped in spiritual rightness, seeking God's help in governing the Nephite kingdoms of Zarahemla. He taught that trial was allowed on earth to help bad people become good... and good people become better, and to cause us all to experience "a mighty change of heart," or in other words–to have our fallen nature changed to become more obedient to the laws of God. King Benjamin teaches much about the "natural man/woman" residing within us (base instincts - AKA: natural biological instincts/reactions) since the fall of Adam and Eve. "For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he (or she) yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord." (Mosiah 3:19, in The Book of Mormon). The "Trials" we experience while on earth "can" assist us in putting off this natural man/woman in each of us (become better or bitter) and become more suitable for the kingdom of God, through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Episode 9, Pt 1 - Pgs 119-127 - FINALLY! The next three Chapters provide the “hope” you have been waiting for... if you have been following along with me on this journey of understanding the purpose(s) of trial and opposition in our lives. I think a paragraph from this Chapter kind of summarizes my thoughts about this Episode: “I chose to title this Chapter with the phrase, “This Too Shall Pass,” as a way of connecting us, you and I,  to the purposes of earth life and beyond. As you eventually close the cover of this book and open your eyes and heart to the possibilities that lie ahead, let the power of these four words remind you that life is not motionless but rather always on the move; that trial has its seasons, as does sunshine and peace.” You will enjoy the stories of courage in this Episode!

Episode 8, Pt 4 - Pgs 108-118 is the final Episode of the Chapter, "Why Bad Things Happen To Good People," and encourages us to practice a little patience... even when we are severely tried. Although I could have used numerous other examples of overcoming severe trials, as I have done throughout this book, I chose to use the story of a young man who claimed to have seen God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, in a vision, leading to the restoration of unfamiliar scripture and practices lost centuries before. The establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brought severe public persecution over the beliefs taught, leading to false charges against the prophet Joseph Smith, leading to his incarceration, along with several other Church leaders. Although God had plenty of power to release His prophet from such despicable conditions, Joseph and his followers remained imprisoned despite their cries of, "Oh God, where art Thou?" You will want to look deeply into this Episode and ask yourself... "What would I have done under these circumstances?"

Episode 8, Pt 3 - Pgs 102-108 uses great advice found in the Book of Malachi, on how to gain "understanding" when we face trial. And we learn of the young philosopher, "Epictetus." You probably don't think of the name, Epictetus, when you hear this familiar phrase: "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." You thought Zig Ziglar or one of the other famous motivational speakers invented that phrase, but it was, Epictetus. Born way back in 55 A.D., young Epictetus was a Greek philosopher born into slavery, and in need of a crutch to help him walk, yet he did not quit. You will really want to learn more about this man.

Episode 8, Pt 2 - Pgs 94-101 rejoins with one of the minor prophets of the Hebrew Old Testament bible, Habakkuk, to see how this amazing man exercised his faith sufficiently to win from his trial. From the experiences of Habakkuk (and others noted in this Pt 2 of Ep 8), we learn that “a person who relies solely upon sight to believe never fully becomes all he or she can become while here on earth.” It is through the continuous exercising of our faith–the testing, the failing, the courage to try again, the desire to believe–that the strength of character is built, and the remarkable character-component of resilience is achieved.

Episode 8, Pt 1 of 4 - Pages 87-94 is the Chapter you have been waiting for!! This isn't just another of those universal questions that plague the friends and family of the afflicted one. This is right up there, right close to the top of the mountain-of-ALL-questions about trial. In fact, after these 4 Episodes, you will start to relax a little from Chapter titles such as "This Too Shall Pass" and "Hope Smiles." And, of course, the precursor Chapter to my next book, the sequel to Sweetness... "Winning Thru Trial" gives you seven... yes, the lucky number 7, "Winning Ways" to not only endure trial, but WIN!! So with that... let's turn to page 87 and begin our understanding of why trial is non-denominational.

Episode 7, Pt 2 - Pgs 81-86 begins with the Poem written by Rudyard Kipling, titled... "IF" as the author begins to question his endurance to finish the marathon race, and quotes–with the passion of a man running for his life, from the poem shared, scaring the other runners as he acts like a lunatic screaming aloud some Shakespearean chant! Does the author finish the race? Is he hauled off in an ambulance, clothed in a straight jacket? I guess you will just have to read/listen to Pt 2 of Episode 7 to find out. Enjoy!

Episode 7, Pt 1 - Pgs 71-80, takes you on a "Marathon" adventure with the author from the "Knock on the Door" to... well, you'll just have to read it yourself, but it is quite the trial until the runner meets "The Little Ole' Lady in Tennis Shoes." What? Does God send an Angel (wearing tennis shoes) to save the runner? You do not want to miss this Episode 7, Pt 1... or Pt 2.

Episode 6, Pt 4 - Pgs 65-70 is the continuation of the Sub-Chapter III, "Does All This Experience [Really] Work For Our Good?" and finishes up with the comeback question, "But What If You Choose Not To?" And the backstory to the amazing success of Kentucky Fried Chicken's own Colonel - Harland David Sanders, who chose "not" to give up when the deck was stacked against his success. "Trial often becomes the catalyst for success when one's ability to dream is not sufficient or passionate enough to carry the vision of success forward."

Episode 6, Pt 3 - Pgs 55-65, covers the universal question, "Does Trial Really Work For Our Good?" Is it necessary? Is it punishment from God for my sins? Why do some have more trial in their lives than others? Does that mean God loves them less... or more? Tune in to today's Episode 6, Pt 3, and find out.

Episode 6, Pt 2 - Pgs 46-55, addresses the subject of "Choices," and the author's answer to an often repeated question, "How could a just and loving God permit such actions to happen?" You will want to tune in and perhaps consider the part "Agency" plays in our becoming more like God.

Episode 6, Pt 1 - Pgs 38-46, introduces trial as part of God's plan for His children. "There must be opposition in ALL things!" OR, there would be no growth in Heavenly Father's children who desire to become like Him. No pain that we suffer, no trial (Hurt) that we experience, is wasted. Read on how faith is required to see through the unspeakable hardships that many of God's children endure, and yet there is agency in all things. This is a revelatory episode.

Episode 5, Pt 4 - Pgs 36-37 finishes up the "Some Basic Truths" chapter, setting a firm foundation to move forward in our understanding of the nature and purpose of trial in our lives, leading us to better prepare for the next wave of storm clouds currently just over the horizon.

Episode 5 Pt 3 - Pgs 25-36 begins with the declaration that "All Human Beings Are Created in the Image of God," and covers "There Was a War in Heaven," and I don't mean the war that raged in the Malone household when "I" purchased an Ice Cream Franchise.

Episode 5 Pt 2, Pages 22-25 The dress rehearsal is over, we are on camera, lights up—rolling! God has held you in reserve to make your appearance on earth during the final days before the Second Coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Episode 5 Pt 1 - Pages 13-25 - The author covers some examples of foundational doctrine taught in scripture about the purpose of life on earth... and examples of what the "world" is trying to get us to believe about our purpose as human beings. In this episode, Chuck shares a very personal but wise lesson his mother taught him as a young man that has stayed with him, even today. This Episode ended up having 4 parts.

Episode #4 - "Reflections," covers pages 7-12 of the book, "The Sweetness of Trial," and introduces the listener to the infamous story of the "Lost Spur," along with other childhood recollections by the author, all relating to the main topic of trial and opposition.

Now that Chuck has covered the first few pages of the Book - Reviews, Dedication, Contents, and Preface(Pages 1-3), he now reads and offers insight into his first published article, which was the inspiration for his first book, "The Sweetness of Trial," the same title of the article, covering Pages 4-6.

The Author covers what it means for trial to be "Non-denominational," and offers commentary on how trial was not intended to spare anyone.

Episode 1 opens with "What People Are Saying" about the book, The Sweetness of Trial, as the Author (Chuck Malone) introduces you to his grandson, Mighty Jake (Jacob Priestley) with his story since being diagnosed with autism and mitochondrial diseases, as a young boy. Chuck provides some insightful commentary about the purpose of trial and links in the story of "The kid who just wanted birthday cards for his birthday," and ends with a look at the Chapter Headings and what you have to look forward to in future episodes.