Seeking and Following the Spirit-Part 4

Look at the bottom of this post for links to the previous three parts in this series. Once we learn to invite the spirit into our lives, and rely on it for survival, we have to be able to recognize it, and follow its promptings. If asked what the Spirit felt like, it would most likely be a different answer for every person. I love the talk by Elder Packer called the Candle of the Lord. This was a talk he gave to new mission presidents. Since we may not be able to perfectly describe what the Spirit is to … Continue reading

Seeking and Following the Spirit-Part III

For part one in this series, go here. For part two, go here. Once we seek the spirit, is it enough to move about our lives and only feel it when necessary? What if instead of thinking of the Holy Ghost as a companionship that we want, and would be beneficial, we thought of it in more critical terms. What if we had to rely on the spirit for survival? Missionaries definitely feel that. But, do we? We should feel like we cannot survive this mortal experience unless we have the Holy Ghost in our lives daily. When I was … Continue reading

Seeking and Following the Spirit-Part II

If you missed part I in this series, go here first. If we truly want to seek the spirit, first, we have to want the Holy Ghost in our lives. I’m sure all of us can think of a time in our lives where we were more spiritually minded. Maybe some of you are experiencing that time right now. But, maybe some of you can think of more spiritual times in your life than right now. One thing we need to do is to WANT the Holy Ghost in our lives daily. This is the first step in seeking it. … Continue reading

Seeking and Following the Spirit-Part I

When I think of times in my life where I have felt the Holy Ghost strongly, and knew that I was being guided, I cannot help but think of my mission. Before my mission, I had felt the Holy Ghost many times. Of course I had to have that confirmation from the Lord to even go on a mission. So, in some aspects, I knew what the Holy Ghost felt like. But, it wasn’t until I was a missionary that I really learned how to not only truly seek the Holy Ghost, but to recognize the promptings of it, and … Continue reading

Thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Today is Thanksgiving and while my family that is close is not celebrating until tomorrow I can’t help but sit down for a few minutes today and think about all the things I’m thankful for as it relates to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. First, and foremost, I am thankful that I have a loving Heavenly Father that sent his son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins. I don’t often reflect on that miracle, but I do try and be thankful for it everyday. But, when you think about it, it really is miraculous. To have Christ as my … Continue reading

The Lord is In the Details of our Lives

This past weekend, I had an experience that may seem small and insignificant to some, but it meant a lot to me. One of my children had the stomach flu. It is my least favorite thing as a parent. And, to put it simply, I have quite a bit of anxiety over it. I do not handle that type of sickness well at all, and it is very difficult for me every single time. Well, my child seemed to be getting better, and as usual, I felt myself relax and realize that all would be OK. A few days later, … Continue reading

Loving an Angry Man

I’ll never forget a conversation I had with my husband early in our relationship regarding his anger issues. I was trying to ascertain whether or not he understood the impact his volatile temper had on his personal and professional life. When I realized that he didn’t necessarily consider his anger a negative attribute, I asked him, “How do you figure your temper helps you?” His answer was swift and decisive: “People are afraid of me, so they usually do what I want.” He was a little slower in answering my next question: “And how does it hurt you?” Like most … Continue reading

General Conference From the Past: “Father, Come Home”

In the April 1993 General Conference, Elder James E. Faust of the Quorum of the Twelve delivered a talk on fatherhood entitled, ‘Father, Come Home.’ In it, he expounds upon the importance of fathers in the lives of their children, both temporally and spiritually. Elder Faust begins by affirming his belief of the sanctity of womanhood and the divine role of motherhood. As he speaks of fathers, it is apparent he does not wish anyone to misunderstand his feelings on their opposites. “The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation,” he states. But “it … Continue reading

RS/EQ: Doers of the Word

Now that we have finished pondering the quotes from President Kimball this week, you may have wondered what else there is to study in the lesson. If you turn to the back, you will see a list of ‘related scriptures’ to read and ponder. As usual, I wound up caught up in the first scripture and didn’t make it to the rest. I guess it’s a good thing I have an entire week to study! The first scripture referenced is James 1:22. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” This scripture fits … Continue reading

Why My Beliefs Matter

This is the second part based on a small-group series I’m working on called Values that Last. Last week’s blog was on Choosing My Standard, and this week I’ll be sharing on why our beliefs matter. How we view our world is so important because our lives are based around perception. If we believe what the Bible says to be truth, then likely (hopefully) we’ll conform to the teachings of the Word. Likewise, if we perceive life to be about feeling good, we will likely shape our ways around things that make us feel good. Views on life are critical … Continue reading