Finding Joy Through Service with Skip Weeks

In this week's episode of Why We Believe, we're joined by Skip Weeks, a 75-year-old author, photographer, and patriarch who has given over 400 patriarchal blessings. Skip's journey of faith has led him to write multiple books including "The Wealthy Heart," "Joy - What It Is And How To Experience It," and "The Doctrine of the Priesthood." His story powerfully illustrates how true joy often comes through life's deepest challenges and how focusing outward leads to unexpected spiritual abundance. 

From holding his daughter's hand in her final moments to experiencing miraculous healing through his skeptical father's priesthood blessing, Skip's experiences demonstrate how God works through both trials and triumph to shape our understanding of joy. Through his concept of "spiritual flow" and decades of service, Skip reveals how maintaining a constant connection with the Spirit transforms ordinary moments into sacred encounters with divine love.

The Doctrine of Joy 

One of Skip's most powerful testimonies of joy came from an unexpected source - being with his daughter Amy during her final moments. While most would expect only grief in such circumstances, Skip discovered a profound peace and joy in being present with loved ones during their challenges. This experience taught him that joy isn't the absence of sorrow, but rather the deep understanding that comes when we walk through trials with those we love.

Born into the faith but raised by parents with differing interpretations of the gospel, Skip's early understanding of joy came through personal study and seeking. His father, a postmaster with liberal leanings, and his mother, an opera singer who later embraced radical ideas, created an environment that pushed Skip to seek his own understanding of truth and happiness. Through studying world religions extensively, Skip discovered that while many faiths offered valuable insights, the doctrines of the restored gospel uniquely satisfied both his intellect and his spirit, bringing him a joy he describes as "delicious."

Living in Spiritual Flow 

Skip describes a concept he calls "spiritual flow" - maintaining constant communion with the Holy Ghost, like putting your arm through the arm of a cherished companion. He explains that our Heavenly Father is always broadcasting His love and guidance; our task is simply staying tuned to that divine channel. This state of spiritual connection has enabled Skip to serve as an instrument in providing patriarchal blessings and guidance to hundreds of individuals.

This concept isn't just theoretical for Skip - it's a practical approach to daily living that he's refined over decades of service. He compares it to a radio that's always receiving signals, emphasizing that God's transmission of love and guidance never ceases. The only variable is our willingness and ability to stay tuned to that divine frequency. Through this constant connection, Skip has learned to recognize and respond to spiritual promptings in both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.

The Power of Priesthood Service 

Through his service as a patriarch, Skip has witnessed countless confirmations of God's love for His children. Each blessing becomes an opportunity to see through heaven's eyes and communicate divine love. He shares how frequently parents or family members will later contact him, amazed at specific details revealed in blessings that could only have come through divine inspiration.

Skip's own experience with priesthood power came through a dramatic healing blessing from his father - a man he describes as "not incredibly faithful" and "not somebody that you would consider to be a spiritual giant." Suffering from severe abdominal pain that doctors couldn't diagnose, Skip received a priesthood blessing that brought immediate and complete healing. The experience taught him that God can work through anyone, regardless of their perceived spiritual stature, deepening his understanding of both priesthood power and God's willingness to work through imperfect vessels.

True Prosperity Through Service 

Skip's books and teachings emphasize that real wealth comes through focusing on others rather than ourselves. His book "The Wealthy Heart" challenges conventional notions of prosperity, suggesting that true abundance comes when we forget ourselves in the service of others. This isn't just philosophical theory for Skip - it's a truth he's proven through decades of service and observation.

Throughout his life, Skip has discovered that the most fulfilling moments come not through personal achievement or acquisition, but through serving others and witnessing their growth and healing. His experiences giving patriarchal blessings, writing books to help others find joy, and supporting loved ones through trials have consistently shown him that service brings greater rewards than self-focus. He emphasizes that this principle isn't just about formal church service but applies to all aspects of life - family relationships, professional work, and community involvement.

Discovering Joy Beyond Yourself

Skip's journey demonstrates that joy isn't found in avoiding life's challenges but in embracing them with faith and love for others. His experiences show us that true prosperity comes when we focus outward and maintain a constant connection with the Spirit. Whether we're serving in formal callings or simply walking alongside loved ones through their trials, each of us can discover the deep joy that comes from losing ourselves in service to others.

His testimony stands as a powerful witness of God's love and the reality of Jesus Christ. Through decades of service, study, and personal experience, Skip has developed an unshakeable faith that God lives and that His love is without bounds. His life demonstrates that when we align ourselves with God's purposes and focus on serving others, we discover a joy that transcends circumstances.

Take a moment to consider how service has brought joy to your own life. How has focusing on others helped you find unexpected blessings? Consider writing down your experiences and sharing them with someone who might need encouragement in their own journey of faith and service.