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Journey to the Veil
When John Pontius was given six months to live, he coped by following M. Russell Ballard’s counsel to use online media to spread the gospel and “start a blog in minutes and begin sharing what you know to be true.”This writing project, “UnBlog My Soul,” was John's thoughts and testament of what Heavenly Father had shared and taught him while on this earth. The blog gained thousands of followers as people read John's compelling story and beautiful message.This book is a compilation of some of the most inspiring entries of John's journey to the veil. Uplifting and insightful, this book will forever change your perspective on life and the eternities.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2013
169 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 7, 2014
This will get a very mixed review from me. I was under the impression that it was about near death experiences when I picked it up. It was not, not really. It was more about how one man got so close to the veil in his lifetime.
I like a lot of the doctrine he taught, and will never dispute gospel doctrine. He seemed sincere.
My problem was, as I read...and when I finished...I felt bad. How would I ever do the things he has done to become so righteous! Either it seemed very extreme to me...or I just don't understand how spiritual we can BECOME here on earth. I'm not totally sure what I think yet.
Some experiences and stories were good...and some were fairly self righteous sounding. I am not sure ...if it came from a place of utter humility, then I am most likely misjudging him big time.
In the end, if I don't feel GOOD or HAPPY reading a book, then it is not for me.
I think we need to be careful who we take instruction from. Prophets and apostles for me...I will stick with that.
I like a lot of the doctrine he taught, and will never dispute gospel doctrine. He seemed sincere.
My problem was, as I read...and when I finished...I felt bad. How would I ever do the things he has done to become so righteous! Either it seemed very extreme to me...or I just don't understand how spiritual we can BECOME here on earth. I'm not totally sure what I think yet.
Some experiences and stories were good...and some were fairly self righteous sounding. I am not sure ...if it came from a place of utter humility, then I am most likely misjudging him big time.
In the end, if I don't feel GOOD or HAPPY reading a book, then it is not for me.
I think we need to be careful who we take instruction from. Prophets and apostles for me...I will stick with that.
April 28, 2014
My brother suggested this book to me after reading, "Visions of Glory."
Brother Pontius felt prompted to started his blog after the LDS church encouraged members to be a positive influence online. Here is the church internet policy: https://www.lds.org/pages/social-medi....
This book is a compilation of blog posts from John Pontius' online blog titled, "Unblog My Soul: Building Zion in our Hearts and Homes." Found here: http://unblogmysoul.wordpress.com/ After Brother Pontius' death, his wife selected blog posts to be published as a book.
I think this book will be loved and appreciated by those who are ready to hear/understand his counsel and wisdom in striving for more spiritual growth and further gospel light to illuminate their lives. I found it fascinating and full of brilliant spiritual insight and advice.
There is a chapter addressing those who have lost their way spiritually and have doubt that God exists. He presents a very simple scenario that proves God is real and at work in everyone's lives.
He gives missionary advice about the three tests of Satan that new investigators/members will face and how to easily recognize and combat them. I read this advice to the Sisters missionaries in our Ward and it has already helped them with their investigators.
He helps you know where you are on the path back to God and how to become a person who will be able to live in Zion.
I loved this book and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone seeking further spiritual insight and knowledge. Especially if they feel/know they are spiritually regressing or they are stuck on a spiritual plateau. I am going to be re-reading it many times in the future.
Brother Pontius felt prompted to started his blog after the LDS church encouraged members to be a positive influence online. Here is the church internet policy: https://www.lds.org/pages/social-medi....
This book is a compilation of blog posts from John Pontius' online blog titled, "Unblog My Soul: Building Zion in our Hearts and Homes." Found here: http://unblogmysoul.wordpress.com/ After Brother Pontius' death, his wife selected blog posts to be published as a book.
I think this book will be loved and appreciated by those who are ready to hear/understand his counsel and wisdom in striving for more spiritual growth and further gospel light to illuminate their lives. I found it fascinating and full of brilliant spiritual insight and advice.
There is a chapter addressing those who have lost their way spiritually and have doubt that God exists. He presents a very simple scenario that proves God is real and at work in everyone's lives.
He gives missionary advice about the three tests of Satan that new investigators/members will face and how to easily recognize and combat them. I read this advice to the Sisters missionaries in our Ward and it has already helped them with their investigators.
He helps you know where you are on the path back to God and how to become a person who will be able to live in Zion.
I loved this book and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone seeking further spiritual insight and knowledge. Especially if they feel/know they are spiritually regressing or they are stuck on a spiritual plateau. I am going to be re-reading it many times in the future.
September 15, 2018
Need to buy myself a copy of this one for reference. I kept wanting to underline in the library copy.
February 1, 2014
Wonderful. Completely, spiritually, uplifting--- the entire book! Hard to put down once you start reading. He writes about profoundly spiritual things to HELP teach us how we bring ourselves to Christ's will. He has inspired me and my husband many times and is still leading us to Christ.
September 1, 2015
If you knew you were dying, what would you do with the time you had left? John Pontius has six months to live, so he begins a blog called Unblog my Soul, which was later compiled by his wife, Terri. In this deeply moving account, John shares his wisdom and the experiences of a lifetime with his children and friends, which ended up including thousands of readers. He tells of the things most dear to his soul and gives advice that if followed would increase their spirituality. I loved this book. It was an uplifting and joyful experience to read it.
May 28, 2015
It's a must to read this book slowly. So much goodness and truth to ponder and apply. I will be reading this book again!
June 5, 2015
Seeing with new eyes!
April 15, 2022
Great book
Awesome and inspiring book. I highly recommend it. This book increased my faith and gave me hope for things I wasn't aware of that I could hope for.
Awesome and inspiring book. I highly recommend it. This book increased my faith and gave me hope for things I wasn't aware of that I could hope for.
June 17, 2025
There were some beautiful and profound spiritual thoughts shared in this book. I learned and grew because of what I read. There were also some thoughts and experiences that I thought were possibly too personal to really be sharing publicly, one might think he's overstepping his place to receive revelation for others. Personally, I was mostly uplifted but some thing felt a little off so I probably won't read much more of his works.
Parts I enjoyed and will consider more:
Chapter 10- distinguishing the Holy Spirit from your own voice or Satan's in your head.
The Holy Spirit speaks concisely and confidently with direction and goodness. Your voice includes "I" statements and is indecisive. Satan lies and seeks to destroy/hurt.
Chapter 42- In order to mature we must continually have cycles of difficulty, ups and downs. Keep being righteous through them and you'll find added growth, trust the pattern.
Chap 60- Professor Minheart's testimony of translating The Book of Mormon into Africons. Although not a member of our church, he knew that the book had to be true scripture translated from Egyptian and Hebrew.
102- Grace to Grace- God grants us his divine grace as we seek to bestow our earthly grace on those around us.
Parts I enjoyed and will consider more:
Chapter 10- distinguishing the Holy Spirit from your own voice or Satan's in your head.
The Holy Spirit speaks concisely and confidently with direction and goodness. Your voice includes "I" statements and is indecisive. Satan lies and seeks to destroy/hurt.
Chapter 42- In order to mature we must continually have cycles of difficulty, ups and downs. Keep being righteous through them and you'll find added growth, trust the pattern.
Chap 60- Professor Minheart's testimony of translating The Book of Mormon into Africons. Although not a member of our church, he knew that the book had to be true scripture translated from Egyptian and Hebrew.
102- Grace to Grace- God grants us his divine grace as we seek to bestow our earthly grace on those around us.
April 15, 2018
Why did it take me so long to pick up this book and read it? I actually got it on audio. It was like Anatomy of Peace and Bonds That Make Us Free to me. Perfect inspiration to be a better person. Definitely a classic and one to be studied and reread over and over. I need to get out my hard copy and take notes, mark it up, ask myself questions and make goals. I need to step it up and this was just the book for that. I feel the same about Following the Light Of Christ into His Presence. He is indirectly, probably directly, responsible for Preach My Gospel. The short story is included.
November 22, 2019
This book is about a man who wrote a blog (or an unblog as he liked to call it) about his life experiences and his thoughts on the gospel. He wrote it while he was dying of cancer. It was a very good book and was enjoyable for the most part. It was kind of like reading the scriptures, lots to learn but not always that exciting. It was a good balance of life experiences and spiritual th
oughts. You can read it straight through, jump around, or just read bits and pieces now and again.
It is a very good book and there's a lot to learn from it, it doesn't always flow that well and sometimes it dragged on. But overall it was still good.
oughts. You can read it straight through, jump around, or just read bits and pieces now and again.
It is a very good book and there's a lot to learn from it, it doesn't always flow that well and sometimes it dragged on. But overall it was still good.
May 22, 2020
A treasure to read!
Loved this book! It was truly inspiring . I couldn’t put it down. There were so many entries from his blog in this book that taught me things I’ve wondered about for years. Questions answered and explained in a way that was sooo enlightening . So many times we are told to go do this or that, to study something, but I never knew how or why and was embarrassed to ask. This book made those questions turn into beautiful pieces of understanding. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting knowledge pertaining to our Heavenly Father, our Savior Jesus Christ and to feel the Holy Spirit working with your heart.
Loved this book! It was truly inspiring . I couldn’t put it down. There were so many entries from his blog in this book that taught me things I’ve wondered about for years. Questions answered and explained in a way that was sooo enlightening . So many times we are told to go do this or that, to study something, but I never knew how or why and was embarrassed to ask. This book made those questions turn into beautiful pieces of understanding. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting knowledge pertaining to our Heavenly Father, our Savior Jesus Christ and to feel the Holy Spirit working with your heart.
December 27, 2017
This is a book to read each small section every day in order to fully absorb the magnitude of what the author is sharing. John Pontius was an absolute spiritual giant, someone I would like to be like but he was so 'obedient' to the laws of God I don't think I can duplicate his spiritual greatness. I need to buy this book so I can underline the great thoughts.
April 16, 2018
This is a series of blog posts compiled into a book by the author's wife. He writes this blog at the end of his life through a terminal cancer diagnosis. There were some very inspiring essays and beautiful reflections on what in life is worth living and how we should treat one another. Other posts were less engaging for me, but it was an excellent book overall for an LDS perspective.
September 27, 2020
One of the best spiritual books I have ever read. There is so much to ponder that I could only read small sections at a time. I don't think I have ever been more inspired by a book. I would highly recommend this book to any who are seeking greater spiritual knowledge. I would also highly suggest buying it so that you can underline & mark up the pages.
February 2, 2019
This book is series of blog posts complied by his wife after the author's death. Very much from an LDS perspective. I got a lot out of this and loved his personal stories. Strengthened my testimony and made me want to do better.
February 10, 2019
This personal book of John's thoughts and testimony, his miraculous stories, and insights were so sweet to me. As a rule I don't reread books, but this one will be an exception! I highly recommend it. You'll be awed, touched, and brought to tears. Great choice for Sunday!
January 17, 2020
One of the most inspiring books I’ve read in years, scriptures aside. Would recommend this to everyone who is looking for an uplifting and motivating book.
This has made me want to be a better person, and made me rethink my relationship with my Savior.
This has made me want to be a better person, and made me rethink my relationship with my Savior.
May 11, 2020
Loved it
This provided powerful insight and great points for reflection. I would recommend it to anyone wishing to humble themselves and honestly seek. Several parts brought me to deep, reflective, happy, hopeful tears. God is good.
This provided powerful insight and great points for reflection. I would recommend it to anyone wishing to humble themselves and honestly seek. Several parts brought me to deep, reflective, happy, hopeful tears. God is good.
July 29, 2020
I would recommend this to everyone who would like a spiritual boost
It was an absolute pleasure to read and feel of the spirit that went into this compilation. So easily understood. The experiences and insight shared are of eternal value.
It was an absolute pleasure to read and feel of the spirit that went into this compilation. So easily understood. The experiences and insight shared are of eternal value.
October 13, 2020
I found this book very inspiring! I learned a lot about the importance of obedience and very personal insights about that and much more. I feel like the author is sincere and his personal stories are genuine.
November 25, 2022
Como medicina para mi alma
Leer a alguien que en estos momento ha recorrido el camino que, desde he tenido el deseo de seguir, ha sido grandemente inspirador, lo recomiendo a cada buscador de la verdad, a cada santo y a aquellos que deseamos serlo.
Leer a alguien que en estos momento ha recorrido el camino que, desde he tenido el deseo de seguir, ha sido grandemente inspirador, lo recomiendo a cada buscador de la verdad, a cada santo y a aquellos que deseamos serlo.
April 29, 2023
This book is so uplifting and insightful. I enjoyed it fully and gained so much knowledge and inspiration to truly engage in my own "journey to the veil". I loved it and I am looking forward to reading the second part of this special book.
September 15, 2023
changes lives!
No dislikes. Absolutely fantastic book. John puts into words difficult things to understand and makes them easy to comprehend. What a blessing this book will bring to so many. It has touched me in a way no other book has. Thank you John!
No dislikes. Absolutely fantastic book. John puts into words difficult things to understand and makes them easy to comprehend. What a blessing this book will bring to so many. It has touched me in a way no other book has. Thank you John!
February 11, 2018
I loved reading these journal entries. I learned life changing principles and am not the same after reading. I could definitely read it again right now and still learn just as much, I'm sure.
November 24, 2018
Although it was a different style of writing (entries from his unblog), I really gained a lot of insights, inspiration, and growth.
May 19, 2019
Another golden gem
This is yet another witness of John's powerful testimony. I continue to admire him and his simple sweet directions to making your calling and election sure.
This is yet another witness of John's powerful testimony. I continue to admire him and his simple sweet directions to making your calling and election sure.
December 30, 2019
A collection of deeply spiritual experiences. Loved it.
March 17, 2020
Very interesting and fascinating. Lots of different topics regarding death, spirit and more.
February 22, 2021
For your library
This is one I would like to add to my physical library when possible. He gives additional insight as to live how God and Christ would have you live.
This is one I would like to add to my physical library when possible. He gives additional insight as to live how God and Christ would have you live.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews