Things of My Soul

Love, joy, peace, the sweetest of all the emotions. What many men yearn for, and never attain. Feelings that seem fleeting at times, and yet at others seem ever present. What do they all have in common? They are fruits of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They aren’t fruits of going through the motions, or giving a half hearted attempt every once in a while. They are fruits of the gospel when we pour our whole heart and soul into it. When we give our whole self, God gives us the greatest feelings and gifts in return. When I think back on my life, on the times that I have truly felt these things, I am so grateful for those experiences and I yearn to have them again. Going to visit an Elderly woman in an old folks home, looking into her eyes and feeling the warmth of her spirit, the gratitude in her heart and the love her father in heaven has for her. The joy of seeing a friend succeed in overcoming their struggles and afflictions, after months of help and sacrifice in their beha...

In times of sorrow, loss, total failures and unrealized dreams. In times of frustration, loneliness, depression and dejection, one is often brought to ask a question- does God really know me? If he did, how could this be happening? It is one of the most fundamental questions to anyone's faith, and lies at the heart and soul of the strength necessary to overcome challenges and setbacks. Armed with this knowledge, there is no voyage of mortality that can't be navigated. Without it every ship will sink, eventually coming off course amidst the the many certain storms that will beset us in life. Truly, if we can answer this one question for ourselves, and then remember that answer at all times and in all things and all places, we will one day come forth triumphant to return to live with him, receiving all that he hath, crowned with eternal glory. So how may we go about answering this most important question? I would like to share a few thoughts on how I have c...

There was an old man broken and torn. The look of his hand wrinkled and worn. He had such a look, he must have a tale. So I petitioned to see, what all had befell. Now I warn you, I've never heard a person so sad. Never, not once, since I’ve been but a lad. But I think its worth telling, this old poor man’s fate. I think its worth telling, that we may escape. It starts off quite happy, with a boy and his dad. They loved being together, every moment they had. They’d laugh and they laugh, both filled with love. They both fit together, like a hand in a glove. Now each day was a joy, but they didn’t have much. Just a one room apartment, with a bed and a hutch. And one more possession, a little small horse. With white and brown speckles, and hair kind of coarse. They loved that horse, though it wasn't much to see. They’d ride it together, with so, so much glee. They’d groom it and feed it, with such tender care. It was part of the famil...