My name is Jeremiah. I am an accounting professor
by career choice. I am a musician by hobby. I am a husband and a father
of four young wonderful children. I grew up as a member of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And like
so many others, I have chosen to be an active and faithful, or at least
trying to be faithful, member of the church. I have so chosen because
of faith developed slowly over many years.
So what is my faith? What things do I know?
I know that life is challenging and that we all
have struggles, weaknesses, heartache, uncertainty, worries, and other
types of problems. Because of this, I believe we need a fountain of
hope, love, peace, encouragement, faith, and joy.
I know that through being married and having
children I have seen more clearly my own shortcomings and have been
empowered to improve. I also know family life is not easy, but that the
love and joy found in it lift my heart and fill me
with love. Because of this, I believe we need to know how to be better
husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, and
children.
I know that when I read God’s word in the Bible,
Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, or the
words of modern prophets in the Ensign I feel a desire to be better,
more peace in my heart, and more faith to do what
is right. Because of this, I believe that these things are true, that
these prophets have been called of God, and that I need this to be an
active and consistent part of my life.
I know that when I do my best to keep the
commandments I feel happier, I feel strengthened in my ability and
resolve to be better, and I feel more love for my family and others.
Because of this, I believe that the commandments are God’s
will for me and that I should and can keep them to guide my life and
strengthen my faith.
I know that when I thoughtfully and sincerely pray I
have greater insights into what I should do or how I should be, I feel
more patient and loving, I feel more resolve to be good, I feel more
hope for my family, and I feel more content
with my life and the challenges I face. Because of this, I believe that
God loves me, that he hears and answers my prayers, and that I can find
access to his help in my life.
Because of this, I know God lives, that He loves
me, that Jesus Christ is the Savior, that there are prophets on earth
today that teach through revelation from God, that we can have faith,
repent, and become whole, and that we can find
peace and joy through access to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
