In the midst of the confusion and all the unknown connected with the Coronavirus turmoil, my soul is actively seeking elements of peace. My heart found great comfort yesterday listening to words of hope from the leaders of my faith during our worldwide general conference. More than their words, it was the feeling of peace and comfort I felt. As we enter this week between Palm Sunday and Easter, I am also drawn to the peace found in the Holy…
Analyze, if you would please, the leaf diagram pictured. What do you notice? Perhaps you are wondering, as I did, what tree each leaf comes from. Trees are generally classified (is the right scientific terms?) as either deciduous or coniferous. Or in the very rare case “deciduous conifers” that take “characteristics of both” (thanks Vanessa Richins Myers for the education!). The key thing I noticed is each leaf is uniquely different. Each leaf from each and every tree has unique…
Sometimes the very best we can do it simply breathe and soak up the beautiful moments… SOAK UP THE MOMENTS By Les Patterson Soak up the warmth Even if the day is cold Enjoy the energy of youth Even if you feel kinda old Soak up the culture Even if you’re in a camion Enjoy being one with them Even if you’re not Amsterdamian Soak up the weather Even if it’s fleeting Enjoy the soft rain Even…
The raging storms of life come in many ways, seemingly perfectly tailored specifically for the course we are navigating. Along our journey, we are often nurtured, served, and loved by others who make our journey just a little less difficult. In turn, we also often blessed with corresponding opportunities to love and serve others who are navigating their own journey the challenging waters of life. An additional blessing of striving to simply serve and love people just as they are,…
To those friends who have anchored my soul in the midst of the battering storms… I love you. BATTERING STORMS By Les Patterson I was lost Wandering aimlessly Broken body and soul Without hope Brightness was gone Chased away by darkness Then a friend Came wandering by Kindred souls connecting Then chose to stay Why I struggle to know Even through most rocky times Like an anchor Stabilizes a drifting ship Solid in place I began to feel The storm…
“Keep writing,” Clark Gentry said to me. “Keep inspiring.” The occasion was my birthday in 2018. He knew we both had an affection for great poetry and he shared one of his favorite poems as a way of encouraging me to “keep writing [and]… inspiring.” “Would You Scale the Highest Heaven,” by James Allen encourages us to focus the silent power of thought and to “Dwell… upon the Grandest.” Dwell in thought upon the Grandest, And the Grandest you shall…
Have you ever wondered if you are enough? I have asked myself this question many times over the years. At one point I didn’t know the answers, and while the journey of my discovery will be lifelong, I’m grateful for the answers I’ve found so far. I pose these questions to you: Who are you? Are you enough? Do you belong here? And most importantly… How Do You Know You Are Good Enough? While your answers may be as complicated…
I remember an extra hard day as a teenager when I discovered just how strong my mother was. Life at home growing up always seemed to be a struggle. Money was scarce, tension was high, and my self-confidence seemed always on a collision course with hidden icebergs. Yet through it all mom seemed to hold the peace, keep a smile on her face, and shower our home with love. She had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed softly singing while…
How do you use your words? When sharing words with others, please consider the impact they can have. May your words always be like a spigot of love gently distilling hope on a parched soul. Likewise, may you always intentionally receive the words from others with a measure of self-confidence stepping into the greatness you have. SPIGOT OF HOPE By Les Patterson Your words Like a spigot of love gently distilling hope Replenishing the parched souls With goodness And hope …
I recently had the opportunity to spend considerable time sitting at the feet of the Christus statue on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. As I contemplated the gift of raging storms and peaceful rainbows that fill our journey through life, I was filled with incredible hope, peace and comfort, knowing I can “Lean Into The Storm” with courage and strength because “The Master of ocean and earth and skies” is navigating the ship I steer. LEAN INTO THE…